We have a saying in the South- "a month of Sundays". It refers to a long time- such as "I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays", or "I haven't done that in a month of Sundays". It's similar to "in a coon's age", though I'm going to be 100% honest with you... I don't know what coon's age refers to. I'm not sure if it refers to the lifespan of a racoon (1 1/2-3 years, in the wild...if you were wondering) or if it's a racial thing. Since I'm not sure, I try to avoid it...so my preferred saying is "month of Sundays".
Yeah, how's that for a ramble?
Anyway, if you want to do the math on a month of Sundays, you'll quickly realize it refers to quite a while- the average month being 30 days only 4 Sundays to a month (generally. Yes, sometimes you get 5 Sundays in a month. I don't like Math. Just go with it).
So. It feels like it's been a month of Sundays since I've posted here, though I see by the date that it's really only barely a realtime month. Hm.
I've been doing a lot of reading (and playing on Facebook, but reading sounds better). I've enjoyed crocheting some new projects, though my current one is a fun pain in the butt. I'll be sure to post pictures once it's finally done. God willing and the creek don't rise, that will be soon. (You're welcome for that fun, bonus southern expression).
I've goofed off enough, time to go play on Facebook- I mean.... get back to my crochet.
-Kristen
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
A Dinner of Leftovers
So I enjoy leftovers, but sometimes we end up with something that is kind of hard to use. For instance- we had exactly eight small meatballs left over from our spaghetti and meatballs (the meat was leftover from hamburgers- the deer meat is packaged in two pound packages).
So, what to do, what to do?
Why not meatball subs?
However, we have eight tiny meatballs and no sub rolls. Bah.
So this is what we did! I took out a package of hot dog buns and popped two in the toaster oven, (split open) with a slice of provolone cheese in the middle.
I made up some spaghetti sauce and reheated the meatballs, then we simply spooned the meatballs and sauce over our buns and laid a piece of provolone on the top. Voila!
Then, because each "sub" was tiny, we repeated it- with ham. I took some sandwich ham, cut it up and put it on the sauce covered hot dog buns, then threw a slice of provolone on them and heated them up.
Talk about a leftovers meal! The only thing purchased FOR this meal with the 1/4lb of provolone, of which we have some leftover.
It pays to think outside the box! Now we have plenty of hot dog buns left for our hot dog meal later in the week, we're both full, and the meatballs didn't go to waste! I call that a successful dinner. :)
-Kristen
So, what to do, what to do?
Why not meatball subs?
However, we have eight tiny meatballs and no sub rolls. Bah.
So this is what we did! I took out a package of hot dog buns and popped two in the toaster oven, (split open) with a slice of provolone cheese in the middle.
I made up some spaghetti sauce and reheated the meatballs, then we simply spooned the meatballs and sauce over our buns and laid a piece of provolone on the top. Voila!
Then, because each "sub" was tiny, we repeated it- with ham. I took some sandwich ham, cut it up and put it on the sauce covered hot dog buns, then threw a slice of provolone on them and heated them up.
Talk about a leftovers meal! The only thing purchased FOR this meal with the 1/4lb of provolone, of which we have some leftover.
It pays to think outside the box! Now we have plenty of hot dog buns left for our hot dog meal later in the week, we're both full, and the meatballs didn't go to waste! I call that a successful dinner. :)
-Kristen
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Windowsill Garden
It's cold outside- I'm sure you've noticed. Even Florida has noticed. You got snow, Florida. Don't deny it.
I'm working on a windowsill garden. It's not much- a few scallions I saved before the bag I purchased went bad are happily growing in a small half pint mason jar. Fun story- scallions regrow themselves very easily. Even if you start with just the white bulb, a tiny bit of root and about an inch of stem, stick it in a jar with a little water, let it get some sun, and boom- new stems to be harvested and enjoyed!
In another half pint mason jar is a few stems of Cilantro. I'm trying to root it, because it supposedly can be done. I'm running in to problems, and have no idea why. So far the first few stems eventually turned yellow and died, all without producing a root. Hopefully this set will do better- I use cilantro rarely, so it kills me to buy a bundle and have most of it go to waste, even if it is only a dollar or so.
I have a few inner pieces of Romaine lettuce left in the fridge from a head we purchased last week. I plan on cutting the stem down to just a few inches and placing it in water. From what I've seen, in just a few weeks the head of Romaine will regrow itself!
What a great way to have a small garden in the winter and stretch your dollar even farther!
-Kristen
I'm working on a windowsill garden. It's not much- a few scallions I saved before the bag I purchased went bad are happily growing in a small half pint mason jar. Fun story- scallions regrow themselves very easily. Even if you start with just the white bulb, a tiny bit of root and about an inch of stem, stick it in a jar with a little water, let it get some sun, and boom- new stems to be harvested and enjoyed!
In another half pint mason jar is a few stems of Cilantro. I'm trying to root it, because it supposedly can be done. I'm running in to problems, and have no idea why. So far the first few stems eventually turned yellow and died, all without producing a root. Hopefully this set will do better- I use cilantro rarely, so it kills me to buy a bundle and have most of it go to waste, even if it is only a dollar or so.
I have a few inner pieces of Romaine lettuce left in the fridge from a head we purchased last week. I plan on cutting the stem down to just a few inches and placing it in water. From what I've seen, in just a few weeks the head of Romaine will regrow itself!
What a great way to have a small garden in the winter and stretch your dollar even farther!
-Kristen
Saturday, February 1, 2014
I'm stuck
Lately I've been working at a good clip on my book- I'm down to the last chapter or two, which is incredibly exciting for me.
Unfortunately- I'm a little stuck. I know what has to happen, I am just drawing a blank how to get my characters where they need to go.
When it comes to times like these, I don't try to force it. I'll spend sometime (not tomorrow, tomorrow is the SUPER BOWL!) sketching and outline of this next series of events. I'll even rework the previous chapter to see if I can take everyone down a new path which will open up things for me.
It is a very intense thing, writing a novel. I almost wonder if I haven't put this wall in my own mind because I'm a little scared to finish the story.
Anyway, it's almost DONE. I anticipate having it finished in the next two weeks. Then I'll go back, work my rewrites and get my readers lined up.
I'm really, really excited- writing is a passion of mine and I can't wait to submit an actual work. I pray I can get it published, but even if I can't pick up an agent, there are so many options out there now- quite a few writers self-publish and when they show they can attract readers, are offered publishing contracts for subsequent books.
Wish me luck!
-Kristen
Unfortunately- I'm a little stuck. I know what has to happen, I am just drawing a blank how to get my characters where they need to go.
When it comes to times like these, I don't try to force it. I'll spend sometime (not tomorrow, tomorrow is the SUPER BOWL!) sketching and outline of this next series of events. I'll even rework the previous chapter to see if I can take everyone down a new path which will open up things for me.
It is a very intense thing, writing a novel. I almost wonder if I haven't put this wall in my own mind because I'm a little scared to finish the story.
Anyway, it's almost DONE. I anticipate having it finished in the next two weeks. Then I'll go back, work my rewrites and get my readers lined up.
I'm really, really excited- writing is a passion of mine and I can't wait to submit an actual work. I pray I can get it published, but even if I can't pick up an agent, there are so many options out there now- quite a few writers self-publish and when they show they can attract readers, are offered publishing contracts for subsequent books.
Wish me luck!
-Kristen
Friday, January 31, 2014
Warmth at the end of the tunnel
It has been freezing cold here in the South lately- and by freezing, I should clarify. Freezing would have been glorious. We got down to single digits on night- and if I wanted to deal with those kinds of temperatures, I'd move up North.
It has been hard to take care of the animals. They are cold, our hands are freezing as we try to open cages- let's just say the poor rabbits haven't gotten a lot of attention lately.
What has gotten attention? Their frozen water bottles. We have to collect the bottles, then soak them in hot water to unfreeze the bottles, then fill them up with fresh, unfrozen water. We head out and give the bottles back to the thirsty rabbits. Rinse, Repeat.
I have high hopes that the bottles will remain unfrozen for the next few days. Both the rabbits and we would appreciate the break!
It's looking like we'll have some days of very warm weather (mid-50s to high 60s), followed by some days where we hover around freezing. Then back to warm, back to cold.
It's ten wonders we all aren't super sick. The poor animals are never going to figure out if they should molt their coats or hold on to them!
-Kristen
It has been hard to take care of the animals. They are cold, our hands are freezing as we try to open cages- let's just say the poor rabbits haven't gotten a lot of attention lately.
What has gotten attention? Their frozen water bottles. We have to collect the bottles, then soak them in hot water to unfreeze the bottles, then fill them up with fresh, unfrozen water. We head out and give the bottles back to the thirsty rabbits. Rinse, Repeat.
I have high hopes that the bottles will remain unfrozen for the next few days. Both the rabbits and we would appreciate the break!
It's looking like we'll have some days of very warm weather (mid-50s to high 60s), followed by some days where we hover around freezing. Then back to warm, back to cold.
It's ten wonders we all aren't super sick. The poor animals are never going to figure out if they should molt their coats or hold on to them!
-Kristen
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Stamps are going up!
Quick heads up- stamps jump to 49cents each on January 26th. It is a good time to grab some Forever stamps.
This is why I do my best to pay our bills online! Geez!
-Kristen
This is why I do my best to pay our bills online! Geez!
-Kristen
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Too many buns!
We have a small household- there are just the two of us, so things like Hot Dog buns and Hamburger buns kill me. We have to buy them in packs of 8, but we don't eat Hot Dogs or Hamburgers often enough that I can use a whole pack of buns before they go bad!
At least I can buy the weenies in packs that allow me to split them up and we make our own hamburger patties, so I combine the meat- one day we may have spaghetti and meatballs, then two days later, we'll have burgers. That's the easy part to divvy up.
So what are some ways to use those excess buns?
Garlic toast: I throw a little butter on the buns, sprinkle a little garlic salt (or sometimes, cheese) and pop it in the toaster oven as a compliment to other meals.
Breadcrumbs: Yes, even buns work well to make your own breadcrumbs. The easiest way is to tear the buns in chunks and toss them in your food processor. A few spins later, breadcrumbs!
Sandwiches: Yep, I've been known to make myself a sandwich using a hot dog bun. Better than letting it go to waste! It's kind of like a small sub.
Hot Dogs on Hamburger buns: I hate Hot Dogs on sandwich bread. Don't ask me why, I always have. So imagine my dismay recently to open up a leftover pack of buns and find mold on them! Ugh, and here I thought I was doing so well!
Hamburgers are on the menu later this week, so we hit on an idea-
After cooking the hot dogs, Tim sliced them lengthwise down the center (then he threw them back in the pan because he loves them a bit charred lol). Then, we cut the hot dogs in half width-wise. We put four pieces to a bun, topped it like normal and enjoyed our lunch. Yes, it was a little more bun than we usually have with the dogs, but hey.... it killed two birds with one stone, since now I don't have to worry about what to do with the leftover hamburger buns we'll end up having!
-Kristen
At least I can buy the weenies in packs that allow me to split them up and we make our own hamburger patties, so I combine the meat- one day we may have spaghetti and meatballs, then two days later, we'll have burgers. That's the easy part to divvy up.
So what are some ways to use those excess buns?
Garlic toast: I throw a little butter on the buns, sprinkle a little garlic salt (or sometimes, cheese) and pop it in the toaster oven as a compliment to other meals.
Breadcrumbs: Yes, even buns work well to make your own breadcrumbs. The easiest way is to tear the buns in chunks and toss them in your food processor. A few spins later, breadcrumbs!
Sandwiches: Yep, I've been known to make myself a sandwich using a hot dog bun. Better than letting it go to waste! It's kind of like a small sub.
Hot Dogs on Hamburger buns: I hate Hot Dogs on sandwich bread. Don't ask me why, I always have. So imagine my dismay recently to open up a leftover pack of buns and find mold on them! Ugh, and here I thought I was doing so well!
Hamburgers are on the menu later this week, so we hit on an idea-
After cooking the hot dogs, Tim sliced them lengthwise down the center (then he threw them back in the pan because he loves them a bit charred lol). Then, we cut the hot dogs in half width-wise. We put four pieces to a bun, topped it like normal and enjoyed our lunch. Yes, it was a little more bun than we usually have with the dogs, but hey.... it killed two birds with one stone, since now I don't have to worry about what to do with the leftover hamburger buns we'll end up having!
-Kristen
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Tacos
You'll need:
Soft tortillas (taco size)
chicken tenders (I use fried, frozen tenders, but feel free to fry up your own)
Homemade Pico de gallo
Shredded lettuce
Buffalo Sauce
Shredded Cheese
Cook your chicken up, either by hand or by popping the frozen tenders in the oven.
While that is cooking, I like to make my fresh pico de gallo. Yes, you can use salsa. Yes, you can use store bought pico- but I really enjoy the homemade stuff.
Get your shredded lettuce ready- I like to use a head of romaine and pull off a leaf at a time, washing it, patting it dry, then using a knife to cut thin slices. Use whatever kind of lettuce you prefer, or buy it shredded already. This is a laid back recipe.
When you chicken is done, cut it in to small chunks, then put in a small container with a top on it. Pour in your buffalo sauce, put the top on the container and shake shake shake....shake shake shake...shake your boootayyy. When the chicken is well covered, you're ready!
Spread out your tortillas and spoon a generous amount of chicken down the center of your tortilla. Spoon pico de gallo to taste, add lettuce and shredded cheese to taste.
Enjoy!
-Kristen
Soft tortillas (taco size)
chicken tenders (I use fried, frozen tenders, but feel free to fry up your own)
Homemade Pico de gallo
Shredded lettuce
Buffalo Sauce
Shredded Cheese
Cook your chicken up, either by hand or by popping the frozen tenders in the oven.
While that is cooking, I like to make my fresh pico de gallo. Yes, you can use salsa. Yes, you can use store bought pico- but I really enjoy the homemade stuff.
Get your shredded lettuce ready- I like to use a head of romaine and pull off a leaf at a time, washing it, patting it dry, then using a knife to cut thin slices. Use whatever kind of lettuce you prefer, or buy it shredded already. This is a laid back recipe.
When you chicken is done, cut it in to small chunks, then put in a small container with a top on it. Pour in your buffalo sauce, put the top on the container and shake shake shake....shake shake shake...shake your boootayyy. When the chicken is well covered, you're ready!
Spread out your tortillas and spoon a generous amount of chicken down the center of your tortilla. Spoon pico de gallo to taste, add lettuce and shredded cheese to taste.
Enjoy!
-Kristen
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Save money on Papa John's Pizza
Know a simple way to save money on pizza? No?
Well here you go.
When ordering from Papa John's, try to schedule your pizza order Monday-Wednesday, when you can get a large pizza for $10. If you wait until Thursday- Weekend, you'll pay $12 for the same pizza.
Also, consider how many toppings you want. I can get a better deal ordering "The Works" pizza and removing the olives and mushrooms, then adding anything special I want, like Jalapenos, than I do trying to simply add all my toppings to a regular pizza. Most deals are "Up to 5 toppings, or any specialty".
So let's see- I can get Canadian Bacon, Onions, Sausage, Green Peppers, Pepperoni, remove the mushrooms and olives, then sub in Jalapenos and extra cheese, for $10 (Mon.-Wed.)
Or, I can order a pizza with those toppings on it and pay: $23.50. Ouch. Definitely play around with this feature a little and see which pizza it's best for you to modify, if you like a lot of toppings! Keep in mind you can't remove more than two toppings and you can't add more toppings than the original number on pizza and keep the special pricing.
So there you go- a way to get a little more bang for your buck when you eat out. Don't forget to check retailmenot.com for any special codes, sometimes I find a 50% off deal that makes my pizza come in under $10!
-Kristen
Well here you go.
When ordering from Papa John's, try to schedule your pizza order Monday-Wednesday, when you can get a large pizza for $10. If you wait until Thursday- Weekend, you'll pay $12 for the same pizza.
Also, consider how many toppings you want. I can get a better deal ordering "The Works" pizza and removing the olives and mushrooms, then adding anything special I want, like Jalapenos, than I do trying to simply add all my toppings to a regular pizza. Most deals are "Up to 5 toppings, or any specialty".
So let's see- I can get Canadian Bacon, Onions, Sausage, Green Peppers, Pepperoni, remove the mushrooms and olives, then sub in Jalapenos and extra cheese, for $10 (Mon.-Wed.)
Or, I can order a pizza with those toppings on it and pay: $23.50. Ouch. Definitely play around with this feature a little and see which pizza it's best for you to modify, if you like a lot of toppings! Keep in mind you can't remove more than two toppings and you can't add more toppings than the original number on pizza and keep the special pricing.
So there you go- a way to get a little more bang for your buck when you eat out. Don't forget to check retailmenot.com for any special codes, sometimes I find a 50% off deal that makes my pizza come in under $10!
-Kristen
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Homemade Pico De Gallo
This recipe is for my Chicken Tacos recipe which will be coming soon. It serves approximately two people (four generous tacos) with a tad left over, so be sure to adjust it accordingly.
This is a SUPER laid back recipe. I will tell you how I do it, but it's very much to your taste.
You'll Need:
1 large Roma Tomato
Lemon Juice
Cilantro (optional)
Green onions (scallions)
Black Pepper
Salt
Wash your Roma, then dry it off. Cut the tomato in to uniform slices. I like mine to be less than 1/4" thick, but just go with it.
I remove the pale core and seeds, then stack a few slices on top of each other and cut them at a 90 degree angle from the original slices, making the tomato chunks very small. Again- just go with it. It depends on how chunky you want your pico. I don't like large chunks :).
Put your tomato in to a very small bowl or container. I put a spoonful of lemon juice over top of the tomato pieces, then stir it slightly.
Get out your scallions. Slice off the roots and a few inches of the top of the greens, then make small, even slices to the white bulb, continuing up the stalk until you finish it. I like a lot of scallions, so I tend to use at least four stalks, though I only use about halfway up the green stalk. I recommend cutting them one at a time, then dump the scallions in your pico, stirring it, and making the decision whether you'd like to add more or not.
Cilantro! Love it or leave. I love it, so for this recipe I pulled out four stalks of cilantro, washed them, then patted them dry. Fine chop them from top to bottom, then fine chop the leafy parts again. Dump it in your pico bowl and stir!
I pour a little regular table salt in to my hands, then take a pinch and sprinkle it on the top of the mixture. Stir, then take another pinch and spread over the top- then stir again.
Shake a bit of black pepper over the top, stir one last time and voila! Your homemade pico de gallo is done!
This is such an excellent recipe that is highly customizable. It's all about what you want and how much you want it!
-Kristen
This is a SUPER laid back recipe. I will tell you how I do it, but it's very much to your taste.
You'll Need:
1 large Roma Tomato
Lemon Juice
Cilantro (optional)
Green onions (scallions)
Black Pepper
Salt
Wash your Roma, then dry it off. Cut the tomato in to uniform slices. I like mine to be less than 1/4" thick, but just go with it.
I remove the pale core and seeds, then stack a few slices on top of each other and cut them at a 90 degree angle from the original slices, making the tomato chunks very small. Again- just go with it. It depends on how chunky you want your pico. I don't like large chunks :).
Put your tomato in to a very small bowl or container. I put a spoonful of lemon juice over top of the tomato pieces, then stir it slightly.
Get out your scallions. Slice off the roots and a few inches of the top of the greens, then make small, even slices to the white bulb, continuing up the stalk until you finish it. I like a lot of scallions, so I tend to use at least four stalks, though I only use about halfway up the green stalk. I recommend cutting them one at a time, then dump the scallions in your pico, stirring it, and making the decision whether you'd like to add more or not.
Cilantro! Love it or leave. I love it, so for this recipe I pulled out four stalks of cilantro, washed them, then patted them dry. Fine chop them from top to bottom, then fine chop the leafy parts again. Dump it in your pico bowl and stir!
I pour a little regular table salt in to my hands, then take a pinch and sprinkle it on the top of the mixture. Stir, then take another pinch and spread over the top- then stir again.
Shake a bit of black pepper over the top, stir one last time and voila! Your homemade pico de gallo is done!
This is such an excellent recipe that is highly customizable. It's all about what you want and how much you want it!
-Kristen
Friday, January 10, 2014
A quick, easy meal- and unpaid review
So, you guys know I'm all about quick, cheap meals-(I love to cook, but sometimes you just wanna throw something together and EAT.) I picked up a box of Chicken Helper for a buck at Food Lion and thought- let's give this a shot.
So today, I finally decided to use it. I had a chicken breast in the fridge from the package we bought the other day. I fired up the stove and started making the mac and cheese side dish that is included, while Tim cut a chicken breast in to four "tenders". It took less than 20 minutes for us to make the meal.
I have to say- I was reasonably impressed. There was enough Mac & Cheese for three people to have good sized helpings. There was more than enough bread crumbs to have coated three sets of chicken tenders- so hey, I am going to go on and say "this is a good size for three folks".
The chicken was a little bland- you could catch hints of the bacon flavor occasionally, but mostly it just tasted like friend chicken. Hey, I like fried chicken, so that's not necessarily a bad thing.
The Mac & Cheese was actually pretty good. I love Kraft Mac & Cheese- the cheap stuff. The powdered deliciousness. This was actually pretty close- and believe me, I can tell the difference.
Overall, I'd say these are a great, cheap "emergency meal" kit to keep on hand. A box of Mac & Cheese will cost you a dollar these days, after all.
Something to keep in mind for your pantry! :)- Plus, it's way cheaper than eating out :D.
-Kristen
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Back in the Saddle-
It's a New Year and I'm back in the saddle again. What saddle, you ask? The saving money saddle.
Ok, so this blog post is born from procrastinating on doing my Menu Planning- I can be honest and say that.
So, the biggest way I am planning on saving money this year is to drastically reduce how much money we spend on eating out. This is a common theme in the blog, but I tend to get lazy and if *I* don't plan meals, they don't get planned.
Tonight we had a delicious Bear Creek Soup- Potato (Spoiler alert, the regular potato is the ONLY good soup I have found. My mother-in-law concurs). The cost was $3.33 (without tax) for the soup. I couponed a free ham steak, which I chopped up and added to the soup, and approximately half a bag of shredded cheddar cheese between Tim & myself. I paid around $1.00 for the cheese, again, thanks to couponing. So for under $4.50, we had a delicious, filling meal, with leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Much better and healthier than that $10 pizza we were seriously considering going to pick up. We were able to eat the soup because I happen to keep a few bags of it on hand, for "emergency" (Oh-crap-I-didn't-plan) meals.
So- my goal today is to plan out this next week's meals and get my grocery list created.
I am hoping that saving on eating out will help us grow our savings account. We would dearly love to take an amazing vacation in 2016 for our 10th wedding anniversary and I would rather count pennies now, to do exactly what I'd like to then!
-Kristen
Ok, so this blog post is born from procrastinating on doing my Menu Planning- I can be honest and say that.
So, the biggest way I am planning on saving money this year is to drastically reduce how much money we spend on eating out. This is a common theme in the blog, but I tend to get lazy and if *I* don't plan meals, they don't get planned.
Tonight we had a delicious Bear Creek Soup- Potato (Spoiler alert, the regular potato is the ONLY good soup I have found. My mother-in-law concurs). The cost was $3.33 (without tax) for the soup. I couponed a free ham steak, which I chopped up and added to the soup, and approximately half a bag of shredded cheddar cheese between Tim & myself. I paid around $1.00 for the cheese, again, thanks to couponing. So for under $4.50, we had a delicious, filling meal, with leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Much better and healthier than that $10 pizza we were seriously considering going to pick up. We were able to eat the soup because I happen to keep a few bags of it on hand, for "emergency" (Oh-crap-I-didn't-plan) meals.
So- my goal today is to plan out this next week's meals and get my grocery list created.
I am hoping that saving on eating out will help us grow our savings account. We would dearly love to take an amazing vacation in 2016 for our 10th wedding anniversary and I would rather count pennies now, to do exactly what I'd like to then!
-Kristen
Thursday, January 2, 2014
It's all over but the crying...
Is that a southern saying, or do other areas use it too? "All over but the crying..."
I have decided that after many years, I'm giving up one of my hobbies. I plan to sell out my herd of rabbits. I have debated it quite a bit and I won't lie- there have been plenty of tears as I think of letting my beautiful babies and hard work leave me forever.
There are a lot of reasons, but this isn't the place to discuss them. Instead, I want to focus on the New Year.
2014 is the year:
I will finish my book. Yes, it's going to happen THIS YEAR. I've told myself you either finish it, or delete it. No excuses.
I will work on my Thirty One business. Things have been going really well, but I won't lie, I've also been lazy. I'm going to ROCK this year and have more payouts like November- when I equaled what I would have made at my last job.
I will finally use my stash of yarn before I go off and buy more. It's gotten a little ridiculous. I am going to finish up some custom pieces, then build up a stockpile to sell in Greensboro, one of the last rabbit shows I have.
What are your goals for 2014?
-Kristen
I have decided that after many years, I'm giving up one of my hobbies. I plan to sell out my herd of rabbits. I have debated it quite a bit and I won't lie- there have been plenty of tears as I think of letting my beautiful babies and hard work leave me forever.
There are a lot of reasons, but this isn't the place to discuss them. Instead, I want to focus on the New Year.
2014 is the year:
I will finish my book. Yes, it's going to happen THIS YEAR. I've told myself you either finish it, or delete it. No excuses.
I will work on my Thirty One business. Things have been going really well, but I won't lie, I've also been lazy. I'm going to ROCK this year and have more payouts like November- when I equaled what I would have made at my last job.
I will finally use my stash of yarn before I go off and buy more. It's gotten a little ridiculous. I am going to finish up some custom pieces, then build up a stockpile to sell in Greensboro, one of the last rabbit shows I have.
What are your goals for 2014?
-Kristen
Monday, December 23, 2013
It's What?
Christmas Eve..Eve?
I can't believe it. It's not just because it's been in the 70s here the past few days- it just seems that December has flown by. The gifts are packed to go to my Dad's house tomorrow. Tomorrow.
Hopefully, no one will be out and about desperately hunting that last perfect gift. I have to pick up a few holiday lottery tickets, for reasons I will not go in to. Suffice it to say, my Christmas Day plans were up in the air until mid-afternoon today.
I'm wishing you all a very wonderful Christmas, full of good times, good food and very, very little stress!
-Kristen
I can't believe it. It's not just because it's been in the 70s here the past few days- it just seems that December has flown by. The gifts are packed to go to my Dad's house tomorrow. Tomorrow.
Hopefully, no one will be out and about desperately hunting that last perfect gift. I have to pick up a few holiday lottery tickets, for reasons I will not go in to. Suffice it to say, my Christmas Day plans were up in the air until mid-afternoon today.
I'm wishing you all a very wonderful Christmas, full of good times, good food and very, very little stress!
-Kristen
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Crocheting my brains out
It has been an interesting few weeks around my house. To begin with, Tim & I temporarily switched laptops. He had to work on ordination papers and his "B" and "N" keys randomly stop working- not really helpful for writing papers. Now that I am back on my personal laptop (which is much larger than Tim's), it's like the height of luxury. I'm also having trouble with my fingers hitting incorrect keys on the keyboard. Ha, it's an adjustment.
I have been crocheting like crazy lately. I had several orders to meet before Christmas. Thankfully, the last one of those went out in the mail yesterday. Now I just have one more item to finish up, hopefully by Christmas Eve, but definitely by Christmas Day. Tim says I am going crazy. I counter that years with him has already put me there.
I have done well this holiday season- I've managed to fight the urge to spend a lot of money on little dinky things that no one needs- even though it pained me to pass up some of the deals.
I better get back to the crocheting- Christmas is coming up SOON!
-Kristen
I have been crocheting like crazy lately. I had several orders to meet before Christmas. Thankfully, the last one of those went out in the mail yesterday. Now I just have one more item to finish up, hopefully by Christmas Eve, but definitely by Christmas Day. Tim says I am going crazy. I counter that years with him has already put me there.
I have done well this holiday season- I've managed to fight the urge to spend a lot of money on little dinky things that no one needs- even though it pained me to pass up some of the deals.
I better get back to the crocheting- Christmas is coming up SOON!
-Kristen
Sunday, December 8, 2013
All Quiet-
I've been pretty quiet for a while now and I wanted to give you some idea of what has been going on lately!
In addition to the rabbit shows, which take up my entire day, sometimes two, Thirty One business has been booming! October and November saw a lot of parties and orders, which I am so thankful for. I actually made in November what I would have made in a month working my old job. So nice!
I've also been crocheting up a storm. I have several orders to finish and want to have them delivered by Christmas- while it is a lot of fun, there is also a lot of work that goes in to each item, and the time commitment can be pretty large, even for small pieces. Thankfully, I'm down to just one large piece to finish and two smaller pieces. I think I might take a break for a little while after that, it's been go go go!
I am thankfully done with my Christmas shopping- I just have a few little things to finish up in regards to stocking stuffers for Tim. It's so nice not to have to worry about all of that! I hope you enjoyed the 12 Months of Christmas posts. I very much enjoyed writing them.
Our house is decorated for Christmas this year! It's a major accomplishment, considering last year we pretty much did nothing. The dogs already have their stocking stuffed, although somehow I bought more toys and treats that will go in the standard Santa-issued stocking. I guess they get a gift under the tree too.
Right now I am laying in bed under a very warm faux-down blanket I bought on deep discount at Kohls, dreading the thought of having to get up and get ready to leave the house. It's 30 degrees outside and there is freezing rain. Oh joy of joys!
-Kristen
In addition to the rabbit shows, which take up my entire day, sometimes two, Thirty One business has been booming! October and November saw a lot of parties and orders, which I am so thankful for. I actually made in November what I would have made in a month working my old job. So nice!
I've also been crocheting up a storm. I have several orders to finish and want to have them delivered by Christmas- while it is a lot of fun, there is also a lot of work that goes in to each item, and the time commitment can be pretty large, even for small pieces. Thankfully, I'm down to just one large piece to finish and two smaller pieces. I think I might take a break for a little while after that, it's been go go go!
I am thankfully done with my Christmas shopping- I just have a few little things to finish up in regards to stocking stuffers for Tim. It's so nice not to have to worry about all of that! I hope you enjoyed the 12 Months of Christmas posts. I very much enjoyed writing them.
Our house is decorated for Christmas this year! It's a major accomplishment, considering last year we pretty much did nothing. The dogs already have their stocking stuffed, although somehow I bought more toys and treats that will go in the standard Santa-issued stocking. I guess they get a gift under the tree too.
Right now I am laying in bed under a very warm faux-down blanket I bought on deep discount at Kohls, dreading the thought of having to get up and get ready to leave the house. It's 30 degrees outside and there is freezing rain. Oh joy of joys!
-Kristen
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Last Christmas Mile- (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Welcome to December! If you have been following the tips in this blog this year, hopefully you are mostly done with your Christmas preparations- if not completely finished!
If you haven't been following along, it's time to PANIC!! Kidding...sort of. :)
Perhaps you still have a few people on your list, folks you just could not find the perfect gift for. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Look at the names left on your list. Are all of them a situation where a gift is necessary? Perhaps there are a few where a beautiful note written in a lovely card, hand chosen or hand made, for them may suffice. Write of a wonderful memory the two of you made during the year and tell them how much their friendship means to you. Perhaps attach a candy cane or two in a fun flavor, or tie it to the handle of a dollar store mug that you stuffed with hot chocolate packets.
Tim's Granny loves oreos, but she never buys them for herself, saying they are too expensive. Every Christmas you can bet she ends up with various kinds of oreos, lovingly wrapped by different family members. Perhaps your friend loves Godiva chocolate, gourmet cheese or a Hickory Farms summer sausage but can't bring themselves to splurge. You could get them a small item, under $5 and give them a beautiful card to go with it.
Tim never gets to have anchovies on his pizza because I think they are gross. It doesn't stop me from buying him a tin or two and putting them in his stocking, to be used when we made individual pizzas.
Have you considered a coupon book? Perhaps your friend has children but can't afford a babysitter, or can't find someone she trusts. Make her a booklet of coupons offering one free babysitting evening per month (or even just give her six coupons to be used when she wants). Talk about a huge value to her, but very inexpensive for you!
The sky is the limit with coupon books- dog washings, one house cleaning, one homemade meal, a garden weeding, a car wash- whatever you feel comfortable doing is a good idea to put on a coupon!
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
If you haven't been following along, it's time to PANIC!! Kidding...sort of. :)
Perhaps you still have a few people on your list, folks you just could not find the perfect gift for. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Look at the names left on your list. Are all of them a situation where a gift is necessary? Perhaps there are a few where a beautiful note written in a lovely card, hand chosen or hand made, for them may suffice. Write of a wonderful memory the two of you made during the year and tell them how much their friendship means to you. Perhaps attach a candy cane or two in a fun flavor, or tie it to the handle of a dollar store mug that you stuffed with hot chocolate packets.
Tim's Granny loves oreos, but she never buys them for herself, saying they are too expensive. Every Christmas you can bet she ends up with various kinds of oreos, lovingly wrapped by different family members. Perhaps your friend loves Godiva chocolate, gourmet cheese or a Hickory Farms summer sausage but can't bring themselves to splurge. You could get them a small item, under $5 and give them a beautiful card to go with it.
Tim never gets to have anchovies on his pizza because I think they are gross. It doesn't stop me from buying him a tin or two and putting them in his stocking, to be used when we made individual pizzas.
Have you considered a coupon book? Perhaps your friend has children but can't afford a babysitter, or can't find someone she trusts. Make her a booklet of coupons offering one free babysitting evening per month (or even just give her six coupons to be used when she wants). Talk about a huge value to her, but very inexpensive for you!
The sky is the limit with coupon books- dog washings, one house cleaning, one homemade meal, a garden weeding, a car wash- whatever you feel comfortable doing is a good idea to put on a coupon!
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Regifting- Revisited
The following post originally appeared on Keep Me Sane on November 21st, 2011.
As the holiday season approaches, we reach the sticky subject of Regifting.
Is it right, is it wrong? Let's see.
NEVER EVER EVER regift something that has been used or opened. I'm sorry, that's tacky. Would you give someone a cookie with a big bite taken out of it? No. Or if you would, please don't ever give me a gift lol.
Don't regift crappy gifts. Wait, I know, that's generally WHY we regift, but if YOU don't want that sweater with the sequined puppies on it, obviously no one else will either. Donate it to a charity or take it back to the store if you can't bring yourself to keep it.
If you DO regift, try to do it for a separate group of friends. If your usual group consists of you, Friend A and Friend B, don't take A's gift and give it to B. Chances are, A is gonna see it and recognize it- or else, you'll have to lie about it and that's never good.
What if someone gives me a coffee maker? I don't like coffee, I don't drink it and I never make it. As long as I don't open the box, this is a gift that could easily go to someone else- perhaps someone that DOES drink coffee. Of course, I could also just return it to the store (if I have a reasonable idea where it comes from).
So, in short, I'm ok with regifting, if done properly. Make sure it's a clean, unused item that actually fits the person or is something you genuinely think they'll enjoy. If you really hate the item, take it back to the store or give it to charity. There is always the yard sale option.
-Kristen
As the holiday season approaches, we reach the sticky subject of Regifting.
Is it right, is it wrong? Let's see.
NEVER EVER EVER regift something that has been used or opened. I'm sorry, that's tacky. Would you give someone a cookie with a big bite taken out of it? No. Or if you would, please don't ever give me a gift lol.
Don't regift crappy gifts. Wait, I know, that's generally WHY we regift, but if YOU don't want that sweater with the sequined puppies on it, obviously no one else will either. Donate it to a charity or take it back to the store if you can't bring yourself to keep it.
If you DO regift, try to do it for a separate group of friends. If your usual group consists of you, Friend A and Friend B, don't take A's gift and give it to B. Chances are, A is gonna see it and recognize it- or else, you'll have to lie about it and that's never good.
What if someone gives me a coffee maker? I don't like coffee, I don't drink it and I never make it. As long as I don't open the box, this is a gift that could easily go to someone else- perhaps someone that DOES drink coffee. Of course, I could also just return it to the store (if I have a reasonable idea where it comes from).
So, in short, I'm ok with regifting, if done properly. Make sure it's a clean, unused item that actually fits the person or is something you genuinely think they'll enjoy. If you really hate the item, take it back to the store or give it to charity. There is always the yard sale option.
-Kristen
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Black Friday Shopping
The Black Friday Ads are out. I'm very disappointed to see that a ton of the stores are starting their sales during or even before Thanksgiving dinner.I could go on a long, long rant about how disrespectful I find it to start your sales during a time when people are supposed to be able to be with their families, but I'll stick to my point.
If you are thinking about going Black Friday shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1.) Compare prices. Usually BF prices are pretty comparable, so why go to three stores for three different items when you can get all three at the same place for a few dollars difference? Consider the cost of your time and gas when deciding if it's worth that $1.00 savings.
2.) Have a game plan. Know where you are going and what you are getting. Having everything written down helps you keep your cool when you get in to the shoving and pushing crowd- you won't criss cross the store or miss out on that waffle maker you forgot you were buying your aunt.
3.) Divide and Conquer. If you have other family members going out, see if they are willing to divide and conquer. Ask them to pick up X and Y for you at Store A, while you grab Z for them while you are shopping at Store B. Make sure you trust the person to pick up your items and pay you promptly for what you get for them.
4.) Don't sacrifice family for stuff. Like I said- the sales are starting earlier and earlier. All these deals will be available online and at various retailers. Amazon.com usually does a great job matching deals, you will just have to fight online to get them. Regardless, remember- it's Thanksgiving. Your family changes daily, someone here this year may not be around next year, as sad as it is to think about. Don't sacrifice your time with loved ones to rush out and fight for cheap junk.
-Kristen
If you are thinking about going Black Friday shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1.) Compare prices. Usually BF prices are pretty comparable, so why go to three stores for three different items when you can get all three at the same place for a few dollars difference? Consider the cost of your time and gas when deciding if it's worth that $1.00 savings.
2.) Have a game plan. Know where you are going and what you are getting. Having everything written down helps you keep your cool when you get in to the shoving and pushing crowd- you won't criss cross the store or miss out on that waffle maker you forgot you were buying your aunt.
3.) Divide and Conquer. If you have other family members going out, see if they are willing to divide and conquer. Ask them to pick up X and Y for you at Store A, while you grab Z for them while you are shopping at Store B. Make sure you trust the person to pick up your items and pay you promptly for what you get for them.
4.) Don't sacrifice family for stuff. Like I said- the sales are starting earlier and earlier. All these deals will be available online and at various retailers. Amazon.com usually does a great job matching deals, you will just have to fight online to get them. Regardless, remember- it's Thanksgiving. Your family changes daily, someone here this year may not be around next year, as sad as it is to think about. Don't sacrifice your time with loved ones to rush out and fight for cheap junk.
-Kristen
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Lost Food
Have you ever been digging through the freezer and found a lump of freezer burned meat that must be extremely old? What about getting home with a new pack of chicken, only to find half of the last pack still in the freezer?
What about cleaning out the pantry and finding expired food hidden behind good food- items you know you would have used, had they not been hidden under other things.
So frustrating- and expensive.
My goal is to do to the freezer and pantry what I have already done to my Spice cabinets. I plan to do a top to bottom inventory- what is in there, how much of it is there and where it is (top shelf, bottom shelf, etc). When I put something in, I make a tally mark beside the name, when I use it, I erase or cross off the item. It's a time consuming process to start with and of course, it has to be maintained every meal, but it is nice to know at a glance if I need more chicken, or where that can of beans is.
The hardest part of this plan is to get Tim on board with it. The Spice cabinets are pretty much solely my domain, but the fridge and pantry is communal property!
With this system, I'm hoping to minimize those lumps of unidentifiable freezer burned meat and tossing out tons of expired food. Ok, so it's not tons, but it is still throwing out money, not to mention the sheer waste of good food and the increased amount of garbage in the landfills.
Wish me luck on my new adventure!
What about cleaning out the pantry and finding expired food hidden behind good food- items you know you would have used, had they not been hidden under other things.
So frustrating- and expensive.
My goal is to do to the freezer and pantry what I have already done to my Spice cabinets. I plan to do a top to bottom inventory- what is in there, how much of it is there and where it is (top shelf, bottom shelf, etc). When I put something in, I make a tally mark beside the name, when I use it, I erase or cross off the item. It's a time consuming process to start with and of course, it has to be maintained every meal, but it is nice to know at a glance if I need more chicken, or where that can of beans is.
The hardest part of this plan is to get Tim on board with it. The Spice cabinets are pretty much solely my domain, but the fridge and pantry is communal property!
With this system, I'm hoping to minimize those lumps of unidentifiable freezer burned meat and tossing out tons of expired food. Ok, so it's not tons, but it is still throwing out money, not to mention the sheer waste of good food and the increased amount of garbage in the landfills.
Wish me luck on my new adventure!
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