The Adventures of a Working Mom

My Car Is As Neurotic As I Am

2011-09-20T18:42:00.003-04:00

Yes you read that title correctly, my car is neurotic. My fancy (not so schmancy) car has the neat little feature that tells me the tire pressure in each tire. When you have your spare on the car (as I do right now), the spare does not have the sensor on it. This small detail wreaks havoc on my car's little mind. It goes something like this: turn on car, car tells me "check TMP system"--and has exclamation point (my car does not realize it does not need to yell), the system tells me all the pressures in the tires, except for the spare, which tells me is --. I ignore the warning because I know what's going on. The exclamation point begins to flash because at this point my neurotic car apparently thinks I am driving down the car without a tire on. It's probably saying "hello lady, you're driving with no tire on, this is EXTREMELY dangerous. Please stop and place said tire on me." So I keep driving because contrary to my car's belief, there is a tire on the car and all is ok. About 5 minutes later the exclamation point goes away. I figure at this point my car is saying "fine, you don't want to listen to me? Drive me completely ignoring any safety concerns. Whatever is about to happen is not my fault and I completely wash my hands of this situation. You're on your own. P.S. Oh if we somehow survive this no-tire apocalypse, please clean me." I figure I have completely pissed my car off and it will probably find some way of retaliating against me.

Wedding Planning

2011-09-15T10:17:00.002-04:00

AAAHHHHGGGG!!!! Sorry, I needed to get thought out before someone commits me. The closer it gets to the wedding, the more I think wedding planning is something the devil himself came up with. I guess this is what I get for not being that girl who had her wedding planned out since being a teenager.

Walgreens 5/10/11

2011-05-10T14:38:00.002-04:00

Today I made my Walgreens trip and made 2 purchases. I have to admit, I am starting to feel more comfortable doing more than one purchase and using my register rewards, coupons, etc.

My first purchase:

Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner--sale price 2/$7 with $1 RR and I had a $3 coupon.
Colgate Toothpaste--sale price 2/$6 with $4RR and I had a $1 coupon.
Reach Floss--sale price .99 and I had a $1 coupon.
TRESemme Hair Care--sale price 4/$15 with $5 RR.
End cap sale Walgreen Early Result Pregnancy Test (3 pack)--$3.99
End cap sale Accuclear Pregnancy Test (2 pack)--$2.99

My total came to $33.49. My total savings was $33.22 and got $10 RR to use on my next purchase.

My second purchase:

Rimmel Trio Eye Shadow--50% off with $1 coupon.
Rimmel Mascara--50% off with $2 coupon.
Rimmel Foundation--50% off with $3 coupon.
Sunburnt Gel--sale price $3.99, with $3.99 mail in rebate, which makes it FREE!
2-2 liter bottles of 7-up--on sale for $1 each.
2-2 liter bottles of Canada Dry Ginger Ale--on sale for $1 each.

My total came to $4.13, this total included the $10 RR I received from my other purchase. My total savings came to $32.16 and will get the $3.99 back after I send the rebate in.

Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine Subscription Deal

2011-04-25T16:13:00.002-04:00

Head over to Tanga and take advantage of this great deal for a magazine subscription. You can get this subscription for $9.99 plus free shipping for 9 issues. Hurry to grab this deal within the next 5 hours! Click here for the information.

Parent & Child is the parent’s resource for raising an intelligent, well-adjusted and happy child. Published by Scholastic, Parent & Child enhances the learning link between home and school and helps parents understand their children’s emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Written in everyday language that parents can understand, Parent & Child addresses the needs of busy parents and their desire to play an active role in the development of their children. Parent & Child puts the professional knowledge and advice of experts in child development and education in the hands of everyday parents.

This magazine has 9 issues per subscriptions and you can buy up to a 4 year subscription.

Couponing

2011-04-25T15:04:00.002-04:00

So I decided to get back into couponing. I realize I will never be one of those whose purchase would be thousands of dollars and walks out of the store paying maybe $50. Don't get me wrong, I am very impressed by people who can do that; however, I don't ever see that being me. I probably won't go and buy numerous copies of the Sunday paper for the coupon inserts and I won't be paying out money to a coupon clipping service to send me coupons that I would like to use. I'm a simple couponer lol.

So today I did my visit to Walgreens, here are the results:

My first purchase:

2 Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen--on sale for $8.99 and I had a $2 coupon. When you buy $15 worth you got $5 RR.

I had $5 RR from a previous purchase so my total came out to $12.24. My total savings was $11.00.

My second purchase:

St. Ives Body Wash on sale for $1.99
Sinful Nail Polish (2 for .99 each) $1.98
Rimmel Trio Eyeshadow $4.99--$2 coupon
Rimmel Mascara $7.49--$2 coupon
Clorox Wipes (2 for $5)--Walgreen's coupon $2

I used my $5 RR from my first purchase on this purchase and had a $4 RR from a previous purchase,my total came out to $8.95. My total savings was $18.98.

Not bad for a "newbie" at the whole couponing thing. I've been trying to steer away from buying things if I don't have a coupon for or if it isn't on sale, even if I don't need it at the moment (i.e. the body wash, Clorox wipes, nail polish). I am trying to get a supply built up of things we typically use so that if things are tight at one time I don't have to worry about buying them and/or running out if I don't have it in the house lol.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-09-13T11:09:00.003-04:00

Monday--Lima Bean Pasta from Meatless Monday
Tuesday--Grilled burgers and fries.
Wednesday--Tilapia with Mango Salsa and Couscous.
Thursday--Corned Beef and Cabbage in the crock pot.
Friday--Vegetable Lasagna.
Saturday--Grill something ;)
Sunday--Philly Cheese Steaks

Review of Tummy Zyme

2010-09-08T10:00:00.004-04:00

My daughter has been complaining about her stomach hurting for so long I've lost track. I've tried Mylicon drops, pepto for kids, and just about anything else over the counter that I could give her for her age or that her pedi recommend I try. I got tired of hearing my poor child crying because her stomach hurt so bad with gas to the point where when I would rub it, I would feel the gas bubbles. On an off chance I went to the health food store to see what they would have that is natural and would ease her tummy woes. I decided to try the Tummy Zyme chewables. She began taking them on Friday (and that was only one pill since we were traveling) and then began taking the suggested 3 a day, one with each meal. I have been able to tell a huge difference. No more waking up in the middle of the night with a tummy that was hurting. Sometimes she does really good about taking her "vitamin" as I tell her, other times I have to coax her a little bit but she still takes them. These are great and I would suggest them to anyone trying to comfort their little one's tummy. The suggested age for these is 4-12.

Nature's Plus Animal Parade Tummy Zyme™ Description

Animal Parade Children's Chewable Tummy Zyme™
With Active Enzymes, Whole Foods and Probiotics
Digestive Aid Dietary Supplement
Vegetarian - Gluten Free
Natural Tropical Fruit Flavor
90 Animals

Animal Parade® Tummy Zyme™ Children’s Chewable is the complete natural digestive enzyme supplement kids love. With a delightful tropical fruit flavor, each fun, animal-shaped chewable tablet contains highly active food enzymes that help digest and liberate proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Powerful, yet gentle to the stomach, these digestive enzymes help to ensure that the wholesome nutrients in foods reach children’s growing tissues, improving health and digestive comfort.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-30T09:57:00.003-04:00

Monday--Great Northern White Chili from Meatless Monday

Tuesday--leftovers

Wednesday--Tacos

Thursday--leftovers

Friday-Sunday--will be out of town for my birthday!

In Love With A.....

2010-08-26T11:29:00.002-04:00

Vacuum?! Yes, it has happened again. I guess I have some sort of vacuum fetish (hey, don't get any ideas, this isn't that type of blog lol).

My first love was the Dyson Animal. Oh the times we had together. From leaving the awesome vacuum lines in the carpet at one house, to being able to go between area rugs and hardwood floors in the house now in a blink of an eye. All the while never getting clogged up and picking up the dog hair marvelously. Well after about 5 or 6 years, my beloved Dyson is beginning to fade. The motor is giving out for the carpets and personally, I'm not going to use 2 vacuums to vacuum the house, it cheapens the chore altogether. Since I'm a little tight on money or *cough* broke, buying a new vacuum is not an option. So, I ask my mom if she still has her old Rainbow vacuum. The Rainbow is a canister vs. the Dyson being an upright. So I pick up my mom's Rainbow yesterday and despite the dust it had on it (from sitting out in the work garage), it still worked great. I remember my mom using this vacuum the whole time while I was growing up. When I used it yesterday I thought I had figured out why my mom only vacuumed once a week back then. The little Rainbow is a heavy bugger. I was out of breath and could feel my arms burning a little, odd since I vacuum on a daily basis. So I call my mom and tell her my epiphany about her vacuuming habits from back-in-the-day. Her response? "No, I only vacuumed once a week because I wanted too." Oh, so much for that theory. I was in awe at how much stuff the Rainbow vacuumed up. There's something fulfilling when you empty the canister and see what it no longer in your carpets or on your floor anymore. So while I won't be able to afford to buy a new Rainbow, I can have my little tryst with it while it's in my possession.

Friends

2010-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

I saw this on Open Seven Days a Week. Closed Sundays blog and thought I would share it because it is very true.

We should thank the friends that:

made promises that they didn't keep
broke our plans or stood us up because something better came along
abandoned us every time she got a new boyfriend
excluded us when planning a girl's spa weekend, or a ladies' night out, or choosing her bridesmaids
smiled in our face, then stabbed us in the back
sneaked around behind our back to date our ex
provided plenty of backhanded compliments, and loved to tell us all the nasty things other people said about us
continually hijacked the conversation to talk about her life and her problems, but changed the subject when we needed to vent
told us they'd be there for us, but made themselves scarce just when we needed them most
conveniently forgot when she owed us money, or when it was her turn to pay

Because without them, we wouldn't have learned to appreciate the friends who:

went out of their way to be helpful in times of need
looked out for us when we couldn't look out for ourselves
always treated us the same, in happy and unhappy times
always pointed out what was best for us
were always sympathetic when the chips were down
were the first to rejoice at our good fortune
stood up for us and stopped others who spoke against us
always gave more than they needed to

And without them, we wouldn't have learned that:

a good friend is worth more than all the world's purest gold, platinum and rhodium combined
in order to have a good friend, you need to first be a good friend

"Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget." - unknown

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-23T10:05:00.002-04:00

I am getting back into the swing of things by Menu Planning, it feels good to be back :)

Monday--grilled New York Strip and roasted potatoes. (The steaks are generally out of my budget. However, after I dragged my sweetie to The Fresh Market, he couldn't resist buying them.)

Tuesday--leftovers since my sweetie won't be getting home til 11:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Wednesday--white bean chili.

Thursday--leftovers

Friday--going out to eat.

Saturday--Mexican night (tacos and margaritas)

Sunday--grilled subs.

Stella and Blue

2010-08-23T09:40:00.003-04:00

On Friday I was thinking this weekend would be like any other. Do some chores around the house, run some errands, spend time with mini-me and my sweetie. My mother went to the beach this weekend, so that meant on top of running after my brood of 6 dogs, I also had to go by her house to feed and check on her 3 dogs. Really no biggie. Saturday morning the 3 of us head over so I could check on them and give them a cookie (ever loved Milk-Bone). To my surprise, my mother's electric gate was wide open. I start worrying already and see no dogs anywhere. We pull up to the garage and out comes Speedy, 1 dog, check. Then Dawn comes running, 2 dogs, check. Hmm where is Stella? I yell and yell, walk all around the house and backyard in the awesome Georgia heat and humidity to no avail. Stella is MIA. So I tell my sweetie let's go drive down the road and see if we see her (and hoping we see her running down the road, not the other way to find her on the road). We do this and still, no sight of Stella. So I call the pound to see if they happen to have her, and thank goodness they do. I go bail Stella out of doggie jail and we take her back to our house so Blue (our lab/shepherd mix) can have a play date. Stella is 14 months old and Blue is right at a year so they would be perfect for each other. My sweetie fills up Blue's kiddie pool, yes Blue loves her pool and before we know it (with a little coaxing) Stella is laying in the pool with Blue. I think all they were missing was a nice margarita or a drink with a little umbrella in it :)

Is That A Post? Why Yes It Is :)

2010-07-12T13:03:00.002-04:00

I apologize for being gone for SO long. My life was turned upside down for a little while and now I feel as though I have more of a steady grip on things.

I am now a divorced, working mother. I found out my now ex-husband had been cheating on me and when confronted with this, he did not want to work on things. He now lives in Oregon with his new girlfriend. He just came last week to see Sophie, which he had not seen since September.

This would be the other part that has been difficult to deal with. Sophie hurts and misses him and I can understand that. She gets upset and acts out because he's not here and has no contact with her. It got to a point in school where other kids would ask her if she had a daddy and she would say no, which myself and her teacher would quickly reframe for her. As much as she has frustrated me this past year and a half and tried my patience, I am amazed by her every single day. Sophie is such an awesome and wonderful child that I cannot thank God enough for.

I have missed blogging and will be back here much more often now. I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to catching up :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am definitely lucky

2009-02-09T21:11:00.005-05:00

Why do you ask? Because I do not have a picky eater for a child. My DD has never been a picky eater and each time I hear another parent talk about how their child won't eat this or that, I thank my lucky stars. The deal I have with DD is, take one bite, if you don't like it, you don't have to eat any more of it. Guess what my 3 year old ate tonight. Lobster and shrimp (unfortunately she does have expensive taste lol). The waiter at Red Lobster looked at me like I was nuts, until he saw her eat it. This was the first time DD had lobster and will probably be the last for awhile (it was my grandfather's birthday, so dinner was his treat. Lobster usually does not make it on our shopping lists).

There is one thing about picky eating kids that does get me. It's not so much the kids, and I know not all picky eaters come from parents who say this, but it grates my last nerve when I hear a mom (or dad for that matter) say "No, you won't like it, but here try it". Yum serve me up some of that. Who in their right mind would eat something after hearing that? Like I said, I know not all kids who are picky eaters come from parents with this mindset. For some kids it's a texture or a taste thing and let's face it, as adults we all don't like everything out there so why should our kids, right?

Oops, sorry I got off on a tangent. Anyways, I'm very glad and lucky my DD will try almost anything, at least once.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T08:43:00.001-05:00

How I'm feeling today.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-01T21:43:00.003-05:00

I'm trying my hand at getting back into monthly menu planning, so doing the menu plan on Monday's will become even easier :)

So for this week:

Monday--fried rice.

Tuesday--Rouladen and spaetzle.

Wednesday--Hamburger Steak, fries and a veggie.

Thursday--Bird's Eye Viola Frozen Meal (they were BOGO this week)

Friday--Roast chicken and German potato salad.

Saturday--Pizza.

Sunday--Leftovers.

View more menu plans at Organizing Junkie.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-26T10:55:00.003-05:00

Monday--Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas.

Tuesday--Gries Suppe

Wednesday--Hamburger Helper.

Thursday--Rouladen, noodles, potato salad.

Friday--Pizza.

Saturday--Grilled cheese, tomato soup.

Sunday--Leftovers.

My daughter will never lack personality or a sense of humor

2009-01-24T21:42:00.002-05:00

Tonight while I was putting her to bed, she told me she needed a new pullup. After that, this is how our conversation went:

Me: Finish your nutrigrain bar.

DD: What did you say?

Me: Mommy said to finish eating your nutrigrain bar.

DD: Did you call me grandma?

Me: No (trying to hold back laughing), I said eat your nutrigrain bar.

DD: grandma?

LOL, such is life.

The negative about having 6 dogs....

2009-01-22T11:19:00.001-05:00

I wrote the other day about the positives of having too many dogs, like cleaning up spilled powder strawberry nesquick. Here is a negative, your 2 boston terriers decide they want to start taking vitamins too, when you're not home. I came home yesterday to find my small bottle of B12 missing all of its pills, well I'll give the little buggers credit, they left one for me (how generous huh?) I looked it up online and found that a side effect could be an increase in appetite, just what they need, maybe that was going on when they were trying to eat dirt outside lol. They seem to be doing fine, I just have to buy more B12. Who knew dogs made New Years Resolutions too? LOL.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T09:04:00.000-05:00

Beef Stroganoff Using Leftover Pot Roast

2009-01-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

I can't remember where I found this recipe, so in case this was yours, please let me know! :)

You'll need:

Leftover pot roast meat

about 1/3 cup of sour cream

Leftover gravy from pot roast

Egg Noodles

Bring water to a boil for your egg noodles, cook noodles according to package instructions. Cut the pot roast meat into bit size pieces, add meat and gravy to a pan. Stir in sour cream and bring to a simmer. Done! How fast and easy is that?!

Gebrannte Gries Suppe

2009-01-19T08:32:00.002-05:00

This is such an easy and delicious soup, perfect for the winter months.

You'll need:

3 tablespoons butter

3 cups of Cream of Wheat

Approximately 7 cups of water or beef broth

2-3 beef bouillon cubes (you don't need these if you use the beef broth)

Salt to taste

2-3 eggs

Melt butter in a soup pot. Add cream of wheat and stir until it becomes golden brown (toasted). When it is browned, add your beef bouillon cubes (I usually smush these up so they dissolve easier). Add your water. When it comes up to a boil, lower it to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. If it becomes too thick like a porridge, add more water. It's very easy to adjust and a forgiving soup. You do want this soup to be semi thick, but not enough where your spoon could stand on it's own in it lol. Taste and add salt if needed. Then scramble 2-3 eggs in a separate bowl and stir into the soup. You want little wisps of egg going throughout. Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-19T07:47:00.001-05:00

My DH is traveling again, so Menu Planning becomes a little more difficult when it's just DD and I. So, I thought I would do something different this week for you guys. Instead of posting my menu plan, I'm going to post a different recipe for you each day during the week. Please check back for new recipes :)

The Perfect Breakfast On A Cold Day

2009-01-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

In Georgia, we're not used to waking up to a frigid 20 degrees in the morning. I was trying to think of something for breakfast that would be filling and warm, so I decided on a favorite of mine and DD's, milch rice. Milch rice is sort of like oatmeal or rice pudding, except it's eaten warm. I've been lucky to use a mix for it and I've been trying to find an old family recipe for it. The mix I use can be found at The German Deli. When using this mix, all you need is 2 cups of milk. You bring it to a boil, stir in the mix, stir for about 1 minute. Then turn off your burner and let it sit for 10 minutes. After that you're done and you have a warm and filling breakfast waiting for you. I hope you guys will try to make this sometime for breakfast for your family.

One positive of having 6 dogs...

2009-01-15T21:12:00.003-05:00

They can help clean up when your 3 year old spills the powdered Strawberry Nesquik. They do more than just drive me crazy on a daily basis :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T09:48:00.001-05:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-12T08:48:00.003-05:00

Monday--Grilled cheese, tomato soup.

Tuesday--Roast Chicken, rice, cauliflower.

Wednesday--Lasagna (didn't make it from last week)

Thursday--Goulash, egg noodles.

Friday--Ranch chicken, butter noodles, peas.

Saturday--Roasted noodles.

Sunday--Leftovers.

Can I blame the mess in my house on a tornado?

2009-01-10T10:51:00.003-05:00

I guess only if the tornado is my lovely 3 year old DD and her accomplices, the dogs. I'm always proud of myself when the house is really clean but it only seems to last for, uh maybe a day or two? When I was pregnant with DD I had a system of what got cleaned on what day. This really helped me keep up on housework but things seemed so much easier then lol. I tried to go back to this old system; however, it doesn't seem to work for me like it did before. I don't know, I think I'm in a cleaning funk. During the week when I work, I feel so tired by the time I get home and I just want to spend time with DD and make dinner, etc. that I don't have the time or the want to clean the house after a long day. I try to do my housework on the weekends but then it gets ruined during the week and we're back to square one. I guess I just have to experiment with different techniques and strategies and see if I find something that works. Anyone have a plan that works for them?

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-05T08:38:00.003-05:00

Monday--Sloppy Joe's with fries.

Tuesday--Pork chops with bananas, rice, and cauliflower.

Wednesday--Lasagna.

Thursday--Crockpot Pot Roast, mashed potatoes, peas.

Friday--Beef Stroganoff using leftover pot roast meat.

Saturday--Spaghetti.

Sunday--Leftovers.

Visit more menu plans at I'm An Organizing Junkie

Well I Have Succumb To Twilight

2009-01-04T13:00:00.004-05:00

This feels strange to me for some reason. I guess it's because I didn't get into the whole Harry Potter thing, never read the books or watched the movies. Not really my thing. Then when everyone started making a big deal about Twilight and Edward I just shrugged it off, thinking I wasn't missing anything if I never read the books or saw the movie. Well on Wednesday DH and I went to see the movie. He was not impressed, but I was enthralled. I had to read the books. It didn't help any that my best friend is in love with the series so she pushed away any doubt I had about reading the books. Twilight I finished in oh, about a day and a half. Then on Friday, my friend and a few others went and saw the movie, again. For me to see any movie more than once means something, I was hooked. My friend let me borrow New Moon and I finished that one in a day. It's like I couldn't find a place to stop at and put the book down. This afternoon I will be buying the other two books so I can finish and know what finally happens. As much as I tried to stay away from this series, the more it seemed to suck me in. Oh well, obsessions are wonderful sometimes.

You Should Always Wear A Tiara While Cleaning

2009-01-01T09:47:00.004-05:00

How awesome is it that my 100th post happens to fall on New Years Day. I guess that's a good way to start 2009 off.

I discovered this morning that wearing a tiara makes cleaning more bearable. DD while playing dress up princess so kindly brought me a tiara to wear. I guess I was looking a little too Cinderella (pre-fairy godmother) to her. The first thing wearing the tiara did was make me laugh because I could only imagine how ridiculous I looked wearing. Thankfully DH is still asleep so really the only ones awake to giggle at me were DD and the 6 dogs (and if the dogs are smart, they'll keep their laughs to themselves). *side note: DD just informed me that my crown fell down, yes I'm wearing the tiara while typing this post* Anyways, back to what wearing a tiara does for you while cleaning. It makes you feel "finished" and personally I believe every girl/woman/mom needs and deserves a tiara. So girls, go grab your DD's tiaras and wear it for a few minutes. If you have to lock yourself in the bathroom to do it, then go for it! Make wearing a tiara for a few minutes a day one of your 2009 New Years resolutions. You deserve it!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-31T10:24:00.002-05:00

When Your Child Has To Get A Shat...

2008-12-29T20:22:00.002-05:00

No, that's not a typo. The nurse spelled out S-H-A-T-S when discussing if DD was up to date on all her shots. I thought the shats is what happened to you when you drank the water in Mexico. Well I didn't think DD needed any shots but I guess I forgot about one of the HEP vaccines that she needed. I felt bad because I felt like I lied to DD that the Dr. was just going to check how big she was getting (by the way she's 39 inches and 34 pounds at 3 years old). Your child getting shots as an older kid is much harder I discovered today. When they're an infant you know the shot hurts and you have to handle them crying. But when your 3 year old gets a shot, you suddenly hear crying, along with "that hurts me!". Totally didn't see that one coming. DD was a champ and was all better after a sucker and watching the train in the lobby.

Here is a dirty secret of mine though, I recall when DD was a baby that after the shots was a great time because she would actually take longer than a 30 minute nap. I know, I know, I'm horrible, but it was a mini vacation for me during the time of getting up 15 times a night.

Guess a train and a sucker will cure a case of the shats every time, DH needs to keep that in mind next time he's in the Philippines.

Menu Plan Monday--New Year's Tradition

2008-12-28T20:46:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's almost 2009. Where have the years gone? I hope each of you have a wonderful beginning to the New Year.

Monday--Ham Bone Soup.

Tuesday--Pork Chops, rice, peas.

Wednesday--Fondu.

Thursday--Black Eye Peas, Collards, Corn Bread.

Friday--Lasagna.

Saturday--Take out.

Sunday--Breakfast for dinner.

I thought I would also share why Southerners eat the chosen foods on New Years day. Black Eye Peas are meant to signify luck, Collards are meant to signify wealth/money, and Corn Bread is meant to signify good fortune. Granted these foods are always delicious, but it helps to have another reason to eat them :)

Visit more Menu Plans at Organizing Junkie.

Home Improvements Should Come with a Marriage Counselor

2008-12-27T21:15:00.003-05:00

Why is it that any form of home improvement activity is a way to insight an argument in a couple? From painting a bedroom to adding onto a house, some marital conflict seems to follow. For example, tonight my DH and I were painting our DD's bedroom. From the onset of this simple task, I felt myself getting annoyed at his presence even when taping off the baseboards lol. Home Depot and Lowe's should have a marriage counselor for contract waiting at the checkout line when you leave with your various materials. The counselor could serve as a mediator or a voice of reason when you're thinking about shoving the paint brush where the sun doesn't shine or using the blue painters tape in ways it was not meant to be used. Nonetheless it amazes me how emotions run high as soon as the couple has the receipt in hand from your local home improvment store.

My DH and I managed to not paint each other and are not drawing up divorce papers so I guess this round of home improvement has come and gone successfully. Just keep this in mind the next time you think "Hey honey, wanna make a run to Home Depot?"

Tell Me Something Good Tuesday

2008-12-23T10:36:00.002-05:00

My DH got home yesterday. I'm so happy he's home for Christmas!

Now tell me something good and please sign Mr. Linky :)

Menu Plan Monday--Christmas Edition

2008-12-22T08:53:00.003-05:00

Monday--Ribeyes, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, broccoli (DH is coming home today and requested this meal)

Tuesday--forage for something in the freezer.

Wednesday--Christmas Eve dinner: venison tenderloin, spaetzle, German potato salad, gravy with chanterelle mushrooms.

Thursday--Christmas dinner: goose, boiled potatoes, red cabbage, gravy.

Friday--Maybe date night, I have 2 free movie tickets that need to get used up and a gift card to Outback.

Saturday--Pizza, UFC fight night.

Sunday--leftovers.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with their families!

A German Christmas

2008-12-20T09:18:00.006-05:00

Frohe Weihnachten!

Germany is rich in tradition and culture when it comes to Christmas. I come from a German family and when my parents moved to the U.S. when I was younger, thankfully they continued to keep the German culture alive in our house.

St. Nikolaus Day

One such tradition is St. Nikolaus Day. This is celebrated on December 6^th. On this day children place their boots outside their home and hope that St. Nikolaus will fill them with apples, oranges/tangerines, lebkuchen, cookies, or fruit bread. Traditionally these items were reserved for special occasions and children did not get such sweets on a regular basis. If the children had been good and polite during the year, they received treats; if they were not good, they had a switch placed in their boot.

Christmas Eve

The German Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve. Parents decorate the Christmas tree and place the presents underneath without the children around. The Christmas tree also serves as a present since no one has seen it until the Christkindl brings the presents. The Christkindl means “Christ Child.” In Germany the Christkindl is the bringer of gifts for children. A young girl with a golden crown and wings usually portrays the Christkindl. On Christmas Eve, traditional food is goose, fish, or deer. In my family, we always have deer on Christmas Eve and have goose on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day

December 25 is known as the “1^st Christmas Day”. On this day, families visit the other set of grandparents (usually the father’s parents). There is no traditional food eaten on this day, it is more like a traditional Sunday dinner in the U.S.

December 26 is known as the “2^nd Christmas Day”. On this day, families visit relatives who live out of town. Again, the traditional food is more of a Sunday dinner.

Germany has many rich traditions during the Christmas season, from celebrations to foods. I am fortunate to have been raised in these deep cultural traditions during my childhood and now have the opportunity to pass these traditions to my daughter while also teaching my husband about my cultural traditions.

Recipe Roundup: Easy Recipes

2008-12-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

Old-World Manicotti

12 large manicotti shells

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 (26 oz) jar of spaghetti sauce

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350'. Spray 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water. Let pasta dry on paper towels.

For filling, stir together 3 cups of mozzarella with the ricotta. Using a teaspoon, carefully stuff pasta shells with prepared cheese mixture.

Spoon 2 cups of spaghetti sauce into prepared baking dish. Arrange shells over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake manicotti for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 10 minutes longer.

*************************************************************************************

Pork Chop Casserole

4-6 pork chops

vegetable oil

seasoning salt

1 can cream of celery soup

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 teaspoon pepper

24 oz. bag of frozen hash browns (thawed)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 8 oz. cans of french fried onions

Preheat oven to 350'. Brown pork chops and sprinkle with seasoning salt, set aside. Combine soup, milk, sour cream, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in hash browns, 1/2 cup cheese, and 1/2 cup french fried onions. Spoon mixture into 13x9 baking dish. Arrange pork chops over mixture. Bake covered at 350' for 40 minutes to 1 hour. Top with remaining cheese and french fried onions. Bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-17T06:38:00.002-05:00

Tell Me Something Good Tuesday

2008-12-16T14:35:00.002-05:00

I thought I would start a new meme where we share something good that has happened to us during the past week.

My good thing is that I'm done Christmas shopping!

When you've answered your good thing, please sign Mr. Linky.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-15T15:01:00.004-05:00

I'm sure many of you notice I don't post a lot of recipes for my menu planning. The reason is many of them I have made so many times I don't measure the ingredients, so it's difficult to explain to others how to make it. This week I will post some recipes I do have the exact measurements for that my family loves.

Monday--Spaghetti.

Tuesday--Dinner out.

Wednesday--Stuffed chicken breasts, rice, broccoli.

Thursday--Crock pot roast, with veggies and mashed potatoes.

Friday--Pizza.

Saturday--Grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Sunday--Chicken Parmesan with angel hair pasta.

The Unmentioned Circle of Hell

2008-12-12T20:57:00.004-05:00

Dante did an exceptional job when he wrote the Divine Comedy and described the 9 circles of hell, but he forgot one. It's called "the three year old". This circle is characterized by a 3-4 foot person parading around throwing temper tantrums if one of the dogs looks at her funny and has fallen completely helpless when it comes to finding sippy cups.

Someone please tell me that this whole "I'm three now, so I think I'm an adult" thing is only a phase and it will dissipate soon. Please. It's ok, lie to me, make me feel better. If this lasts until she's 4, this will be a long and heavily medicated year for me (just kidding about the heavily medicated, ok maybe only half kidding).

Seriously though, it's like my nice, well mostly nice, previous 2 year old became possessed by the 3 year old demon. Everyday is a power struggle, or a full fledged war over the most minuscule things imaginable. "Lay down"; "No, I can't". What?! You can't lay down? Ok, ok, I naively thought this was a one night thing. Yeah we're going on about a week now. The "I can't" thing doesn't stop there, but the other stuff I kind of see coming. "I can't pick up my toys, etc".

Rationally, I understand this is just where she is developmentally and I know it's hard on her without DH being around. But still, I get sucked into the power struggle and before I know it I can't remember how I got in it and I am completely clueless on how to get out.

Welcome to the 10th circle of hell.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-10T09:23:00.002-05:00

Christmas in Stuttgart, Germany.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-07T21:10:00.004-05:00

Monday--Pork Chops, German Potato Salad, Broccoli.

Tuesday--Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing.

Wednesday--Birds Eye Steamfresh Meals for Two: Asian Style Chicken Vegetable Medley with Rice.

Thursday--Leftovers.

Friday--Pfannenkuchen

Saturday--Flaedle Suppe (Soup made with leftover pfannenkuchen)

Sunday--Pizza.

Winners of the Pillsbury Giveaway!

2008-12-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
6
4
Timestamp: 2008-12-03 15:02:16 UTC

#6 is Miss Blondie and #4 is Rahime.

Congrats!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ruby Tuesday

2008-12-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-30T21:21:00.004-05:00

Monday--(DD's 3rd Birthday) Fleisch Kuechle, pasta roni, corn.

Tuesday--Easy Crock pot roast, mashed potatoes, peas.

Wednesday--Chicken parmesan, angel hair pasta.

Thursday--Leftover roast.

Friday--Roast chicken, rice, mixed winter veggies.

Saturday--(DD's birthday party) hot dogs, chips.

Sunday--Chicken soup.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-26T14:17:00.001-05:00

Pillsbury Home is Calling Giveaway

2008-11-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Pillsbury Home is Calling campaign wants to bring families together and is helping by delivering more than 1 pound of groceries to food banks each time someone forwards their commercial to a friend.

The giveaway:

Pillsbury has offered 2 lucky readers a chance win a Pillsbury Home is Calling gift basket. Each basket contains:
a coupon for free Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls
a magnetic coupon holder
a house-shaped mouse pad
a pot holder
an Oneida cookie sheet
a bread basket
a Pillsbury Doughboy figurine

Who can enter:

This is open to anyone with a US shipping address. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. Please be sure to leave an e-mail address if it is not in your profile, or if you are not a blogger. I must have a way to contact you!

First, leave a comment telling us your favorite Pillsbury product. You must do this to qualify for extra entries.

To gain additional entries, you may leave an unlimited number of comments, as long as you share your favorite part of the family meal in each one.This contest will end on Monday December 1, 2008 at 11 PM EST. The winners will be selected via a random.org.

Winners will be e-mailed and announced here and will have 48 hours to respond, or a another winner will be drawn.

Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Menu

2008-11-25T13:51:00.004-05:00

This year I am more on a budget than ever before for Thanksgiving and I wanted to share my menu with you.

Turkey and gravy (done by my mom. Thanks! :))

Mashed potatoes--$1.75
1 5 lb bag of potatoes--$1 (I got a 10 lb bag on sale for $1.99)
2 cups of milk--.50
1/2 stick margarine--.25
salt to taste

Corn Souffle--$1.77
2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix--$1.00
1 egg--.15
1/2 cup of milk--.12
1 can of cream corn--.50

Mix ingredients together and place in a baking dish. Bake at 350 for approximately 30 mins.

Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes--3.35
2 large sweet potatoes--$2.00
1/2 cup sugar--.08
2 tablespoon margarine--pennies
1/2 cup milk--.12
1 egg--.15
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 bag of marshmallows--$1.00

Brussel Sprouts with bacon--$6.00
2 1 lb bags of frozen brussel sprouts (thawed)--$4.00
1/2 lb of bacon--already had on hand
2 cans of chicken stock--$2.00
1/2 an onion--already had on hand

Brown the bacon and set aside (leave bacon grease in the pan ;) ). Saute the onions until translucent, remove. Place thawed brussel sprouts into pan and brown. Add chicken stock to brussel sprouts. Once the brussel sprouts have become tender, add onions and mix together. Remove to serving dish and sprinkle pieces of bacon on top.

Stuffin Muffins--$4.00
Cornbread bought from store--$2.00
1/2 cup of dried cranberries--already had on hand
1 granny smith apple--$1
1 can of chicken stock--$1
1/2 onion and 2 stalks celery--have on hand
salt and pepper to taste

Cut cornbread into 1 inch cubes. Cut apple into 1/2 inch pieces. Dice onions and celery. Mix ingredients together and add cranberries. Add chicken stock until mixture is moist. Fill muffin tins with stuffing and place into 350 degree oven for approximately 15 mins or until brown.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-23T21:11:00.002-05:00

Monday--Chicken Noodle Soup.

Tuesday--Grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Wednesday--Pizza.

Thursday--Happy Turkey Day!

Friday--Leftovers.

Saturday--Probably more leftovers lol.

Sunday--Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas.

What's on your Thanksgiving menu this year?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T16:33:00.003-05:00

No Menu Plan Monday this week

2008-11-17T12:30:00.002-05:00

Again lol. DH just left this morning for Alaska and then he'll be going to Trinidad. I wish he could find a job here :(

Fun With Fall

2008-11-16T11:32:00.004-05:00

Need ideas to keep an almost 3 year old busy on a cool fall day?

Try gathering fallen leaves and gluing them. We tried to make a "turkey" then it just turned into DD having fun with glue and leaves.

Forgot to share my good news

2008-11-14T20:41:00.000-05:00

I passed my portfolio and exit exam. Guess what this means? I graduate on December 13, 2008 with my Master's in Community Counseling!!!

Wordless Wednesday--what my DH keeps bugging me about ;)

2008-11-12T15:11:00.003-05:00

Winner of the giveaway!

2008-11-10T08:53:00.003-05:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2008-11-10 13:50:03 UTC

Comment number 13 was from Melissa at Twincredible Twosome

Congrats!!!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-09T20:57:00.004-05:00

My DH is home so menu planning will become somewhat easier again. I hope you all have a wonderful and delicious week :)

Monday--Chicken Cordon Bleu, noodles, and peas.

Tuesday--Salsa Chicken with rice and veggies.

Wednesday--Phannenkuchen

Thursday--Gulash Soup.

Friday--Pizza.

Saturday--Grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Sunday--Leftovers.

I've been tagged!

2008-11-09T07:41:00.003-05:00

Lisa from A Stitch of Faith and Melissa from Twincredible Twosome have tagged me.

Here are the rules:

Link back to the person who tagged you and share the rules on your blog.
Share seven facts about yourself.
Tag seven people and list their links in your post.
Tell those seven people they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have a strange obsession with "good" pens and other "cool" office supplies (i.e. post it notes, etc.)

2. We got pregnant with my DD through in-vitro.

3. I *love* the fall because my favorite "holiday's" happen: Halloween, Thanksgiving and I'll throw Christmas in here even though that's technically "winter" lol.

4. My entire family is German. My parents moved to the states when I was 3 months old.

5. I used to competitively show quarter horses in my younger days.

6. I despise doing laundry, well technically getting the stuff out of the dryer and putting it away.

7. I have no middle name, seriously.

Tag! You're it!

1. Frogs in my formula

2. Mommy's Kitchen

3. Southern Plate

4. Ravings of a mad housewife

5. Fun Foods on a budget

6. Prima crafty momma

7. $5 dinners

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T08:53:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to vote today!

2008-11-04T08:34:00.002-05:00

It doesn't matter who you're voting for, but go out and vote today!

As an incentive, there are companies who are giving away freebies if you vote.

Krispy Kreme is giving away a free donut if you come in with your "I voted" sticker.

Starbucks is giving away a free cup of coffee.

Ben and Jerry's is giving away a free scoop of ice cream.

This is a historical election. Please use your privilage to vote!

Review and Giveaway

2008-11-03T09:29:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to tell you about this wonderful company, True Soaps, and products. I was first introduced to Debbie's soaps 5 years ago at my first trip to Christmas Made in the South. My first purchase was a magnolia melba lotion and a salt scrub. Since the first time I purchased from her, I have bought other lotion scents and of course her soaps.

Debbie's lotions are wonderful! My favorite scent is Spun Sugar. If you ever wanted the smell of cotton candy in a lotion, this is it. Another great thing about the lotions is that they continue to leave their scent hours after you put it on. I hate putting a lotion on and it not having a smell anymore after a few minutes. Debbie describes Spun Sugar as "Yummy sweet smell reminiscent of Cotton Candy, but *all* grown up! A light, luscious lotion that liquefies on contact with your skin. Slips into your skin quickly and leaves you feeling cool, smooth, and smelling incredible. No sticky residue or oily feeling."

Now the soaps. Where can I start? The soaps smell wonderful and leave your hands soft and very clean feeling. Another great thing with the soaps is they last a long time. I use mine everyday and it has lasted me about 4 months at a time. My favorite scent is spearmint and lavender. It's minty and very refreshing. The bars are approximately 3 ounces and come hand wrapped in beautiful papers.

THE GIVEAWAY

Thank you Debbie for being The Adventures of a Working Mom's first giveaway!

Debbie has generously donated a $25 electronic gift certificate for the winner of the giveaway.

This giveaway is open to non-bloggers and bloggers; however, it is open to U.S. residents only. The contest is open until November 9th at 10 pm EST. The winner will be pulled by random.org on November 10th and will be announced at that time. The winner has 48 hours to contact me after being announced. If no contact has been made, a new winner will be pulled.

To enter:

Head over to Debbie's site TrueSoaps and tell me how you would spend the $25 gift certificate if you won, this will give you 1 entry.

To earn extra entries:

Blog about this contest--1 entry.

Carry my button in your sidebar--1 entry.

Add this to your technorati favorites--1 entry.

Good luck everyone!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-03T09:19:00.002-05:00

Monday--Lentils.

Tuesday--Leftovers.

Wednesday--Spaghetti.

Thursday--Goulash Soup.

Friday--Pork chop casserole.

Saturday--Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice, veggies.

Sunday--Leftovers.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T08:45:00.002-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2008-10-27T09:03:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone. I have the flu, so I'm not planning out my week this time around. I do have exciting news though! Look next week for my first giveaway. I'll post a review of the place at the end of this week, I've been buying from her for about 3 years now. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Bloggers Anonymous

2008-10-26T09:13:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Trisha at MomDot, I think I may need a 12-step program for blogging lol.

You may need Bloggers Anonymous if you (by trisha)

1) You start referring to your blogging buddies in conversations with your RL friends and assume they know who you are talking about “Oh, let me tell you what Tena said today” “kim did the funniest thing”

2) You tweet, kirtsy, stumble upon, digg, plurk, myspace, ning, and facebook all day long….and still have time to set your posts

3) You stalk your stats more then once a day

4) You get excited when 2 people comment on a post and if more then 5 do, you start to hyperventilate

5) You play more then one MEME a week

6) You have more then 3 blogs…one for reviews, one for family, and one to talk about your family (and they dont know about it)

7) your a closet blog hater with the “big” bloggers

8 ) You have ever talked to a blogger on the phone-that you have never met

9) You are already planning your vacation to BlogHer 09

10) You are secretly happy when something dramatic happens during the day so you can blog it

11) You know where all the major graphic sites are online (istockphoto)

12) You have figured out enough HTML to add a blog banner to your page and damn, are you proud

13) You have given advice to ANOTHER blogger on how to blog

14) You think statements like “Blog You” are funny

15) You break out in hives if you have to change hosters and a template change is a SERIOUS decision

16) When one of your kids has broken into your makeup/fridge/cabinet/underwear drawer, instead of removing them from the situation, you grab the camera to document it for your blog

17) You get excited when someone links your blog on their blogroll

18) You think your cool if your entrecard costs more then 125 points

19) You get more then 2 packages a week in the mail and your child is starting to think the post man is Santa Claus

20) Instead of buying a new product, you ask for a “review” from the company

If you qualify for more then 10 of these, you can take our Bloggers Anonymous award. Feel free to grab our post and use it on your page, as long as you give us credit back. We also encourage you to pick 5 bloggers and award them…you know who your addicted buddies are! Lets make the BA Group huge.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-21T20:42:00.002-04:00

Easy Pumpkin Spice Cookie

2008-10-21T09:28:00.004-04:00

Now that fall is upon us, you see cans of pumpkin going on sale all over. If you're like me, you eye these cans each year wanting a new (or even a recipe period) so you can do something with pumpkin.

Last year, one of my coworkers made these cookies and they were delicious. When I asked her for the recipe, I couldn't believe how easy it was to make.

I hope you try these cookies and they become a fall favorite in your home too. Oh and in the near future I'm going to try and make these cookies with pecans or white chocolate chips and will let you know how they turn out.

For this recipe, you'll need:

1 box of spice cake mix

1 15 oz can of pumpkin

1/2 bag of chocolate chips (or you can leave them out)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Pour the cake mix into a bowl, add pumpkin and mix together. At first you'll be asking yourself if you missed part of the ingrediants because it looks like there is too much cake mix for the pumpkin, but trust me, it all comes together. Grease a cookie sheet and portion out the cookie mix onto your cookie sheet. I use a 1 inch scoop. Bake for 13-15 mins and enjoy!

Makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-10-19T21:55:00.003-04:00

Since Tuesdays and Thursdays are my late nights at work and the dinners I make the day before make a lot of food, I have leftovers a couple times this week.

Monday--Pinto Beans and Cornbread

Tuesday--Leftovers

Wednesday--Spaghetti

Thursday--Leftovers

Friday--Hamburger Helper

Saturday--Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice, Peas.

Sunday--Breakfast for dinner :)

Shameless Post

2008-10-18T21:08:00.004-04:00

If you're looking for girls clothing size 18 months, 24 months, 2T or 3T for the fall/winter, please check out my ebay listing :)

Night Terrors

2008-10-18T14:38:00.003-04:00

Has anyone's DC had them?

I think my DD had her first one last night and it scared me and her. Any advice on what I can do for her during it? Please tell me this is just a phase lol.

Tried a new method of cooking ground beef

2008-10-17T17:24:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Christy over at The Southern Plate, I found this interesting method of cooking ground beef ahead of time.

It doesn't look very appetizing while in the process of cooking, but the convience of it is well worth it. From now on I'll be treating my ground beef like this.

Thanks Christy!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-10-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

Thirteen Things That Make Me Happy:

1. My husband and I are closer right now than we have been in awhile.

2. DD is being awfully cute and affectionate lately.

3. Work is going well.

4. I bought an awesome pair of brown shoes yesterday.

5. I'm buying a pair of black shoes Friday lol.

6. I'm getting my hair done on Friday (it needs it badly).

7. I got paid yesterday.

8. DH got paid today.

9. Fall weather is here.

10. Halloween is almost here (Yay!)

11. I'm getting closer to graduation (Dec. 13 baby!)

12. I take the NCE on Saturday and don't have to stress about it anymore.

13. I'm purely happy.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-15T14:21:00.000-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2008-10-13T09:08:00.004-04:00

Monday-Chicken and brocolli alfredo.

Tuesday-Stuffed chicken breasts, rice, creamed spinach.

Wednesday-Semi-Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Thursday-Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs.

Friday-Spaghetti.

Saturday-Weiner Schnitzel, German Potato Salad.

Sunday-Leftovers.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-08T13:20:00.002-04:00

Leaving Is Hard To Do

2008-10-07T11:50:00.000-04:00

This blog is to girls who have become a type of family on a forum.

You guys have been my support and have been there when I needed you. My life is changing and growing and so is yours. Growth and change hurts. You can't live by holding onto the past, wanting something that isn't there. You girls mean more to me than you will ever know and I appreciate and treasure the friendships I have built through the years. It deeply saddens me that I will have to say goodbye. I cannot move on with you. My life is taking new turns and reconnecting me with people that I need to nuture friendships with. I hope you will read my blog and email me to keep in contact. This is possibly the most difficult post I've had to make. It comes from a good place though, I'm not mad or upset at any of you. I will still be on the blogging forum so I will still "see" some of you.

I love you girls.

Thank you for being there.

Menu Planning Monday

2008-10-05T20:41:00.004-04:00

Monday--Hamburger Helper

Tuesday--Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach

Wednesday--Chicken Planks, Tator Tots

Thursday--Leftovers

Friday--Spaghetti

Saturday--Pfannenkuchen

Sunday--Roast Beef Sandwiches, Soup

Another Award

2008-10-05T15:15:00.005-04:00

I will admit, Jamey from Walking by Faith gave me this award last week and since I totally suck, it took me awhile to post it.

Thank you so much Jamey and I really appreciate this award :)

This is a very cool Portuguese Award and it means this blog invests in and believes that blogging makes us close. Proximidade translated to English means vicinity, or neighbourhood.
Here is the statement I am supposed to post...

"They all are charmed with the blogs, where in the majority of its aims are to show the marvels and to do friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut or that they propagate? Then let’s try to give more attention to them! So with this prize we must deliver it to 8 blogger's that in turn must make the same thing and put this text."

I pass this award onto:

The Peacock's Nesting Place

This Is Me

Prima Crafty Momma

Aloha Friday

2008-10-04T19:40:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Aloha Friday's! All you have to do is post an answer to my question. If you would like to join in the fun, post your own question on your blog (nothing requiring a lengthy answer) and sign the Mr. Linky at An Island Life.

This week's question:

Do you believe in ghosts?

My apologies

2008-10-04T18:43:00.002-04:00

I apologize to you guys for not having put up a blog in a couple days. I love having the readers I have and hope I do not lose any. Right now I'm having to work on my portfolio for graduation. My goal is to turn it in on Monday, so until then I'll be a little checked out. I will still try to visit your blogs and leave comments. Just wanted to let you guys know why it's been a little slow over here :)

New Button

2008-10-01T22:03:00.002-04:00

In the spirit of fall (my favorite season by the way), I thought I would update my blog and thereby update my button. If you have my button listed on your site, please change it to the current one :)

Thanks!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

Win A Free Handbag

2008-09-30T21:19:00.001-04:00

Visit Handbag Planet and register. It's VERY easy. All you need is an email address. Blog about it and get more entries. You even get to choose the bag you like best.

Roasted Noodles

2008-09-29T11:26:00.004-04:00

This is a simple and very inexpensive dinner to make. It was one of the things I grew up eating. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover noodles or pasta from a previous dinner.

You'll need:

Pasta or noodles (I usually make the whole bag or box, 1 lb)

3-4 large eggs

Ham (my mom used the canned ham, and is completely optional)

Directions:

Place a tablespoon of oil in a skillet, add your noodles. Let them get a little golden. Once they become golden, beat your 3-4 eggs and add them to the skillet. Gently stir until everything is coated in egg. Once the egg is cooked, you're done! If you decide to use ham in the recipe, add the ham in the beginning when you add the noodles. When I was younger, my mom would also serve this with a little strawberry or grape jelly on the side. It's the sweet salty thing, yum!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-09-28T20:39:00.005-04:00

Another week, another menu plan :)

Monday--roasted noodles

Tuesday--Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas.

Wednesday--chicken Parmesan, angel hair pasta.

Thursday--Pot Roast, scalloped potatoes, cauliflower.

Friday--Pizza.

Saturday--leftovers.

Sunday--Laberkaese, german potato salad.

Bathtime Rodeo

2008-09-28T14:43:00.002-04:00

I just gave all 6 dogs a bath, separately of course. Good Lord, some of them bucked like wild horses LOL. The largest and the smallest were great it was 2 somewhere in between that gave me a bit of a hard time. Oh well, at least they smell good and I didn't get too wet.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-09-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week's Thursday Thirteen will focus on my 13 current favorite TV shows (in no particular order):

1. How I Met Your Mother

2. Big Bang Theory

3. House

4. Bones

5. Lipstick Jungle

6. Ghost Hunters

7. Paranormal State.

8. Family Guy

9. No Reservations

10. Bizarre Foods

11. Deadliest Catch

12. South Park

13. Robot Chicken

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Another award :)

2008-09-23T09:30:00.002-04:00

Thank you Savysuzie at the Recipe Mission for my newest blog award.

Here are the rules to follow:
When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back.
Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in their content or design.
Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing they were prized with ‘Brilliant Weblog’.
Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional).

My choice of blogs to award this to:

Savysuzie at her other blog The $200 Mission

Jenn P. at The Peacock's Nesting Place

Frogs In My Formula

The Stiletto Mom

Tina at Mummy Diaries

Jamey at Walking by Faith

I love reading all your blogs and thank you for the support of my blog!

Rouladen

2008-09-23T09:17:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, I said I was going to post this recipe yesterday. I'm sorry! The posted recipe makes 12 rouladen. When I make them I make a lot because the rouladen themselves and the gravy freeze very well.

You'll need:

12 thin slices of top round (at my grocery store they are already cut like this and come in a pack of 3, if you can't find them, ask the butcher to cut them for you)

Regular yellow mustard

Hamburger dill pickles

Turkey Bacon (you can use regular bacon, I prefer the turkey)

Ketchup

Beef Base

Water

Toothpicks

Cornstarch

Directions:

Assemble your slices of top round side by side along your counter (make a little assembly line). On each piece of meat place a line of yellow mustard, 1-2 slices of bacon (depending on how wide your slice of top round is), and 3-4 pickles. Do this on each piece until they are all at this point. Then fold in each long side of the top round to where the sides meet in the middle. Once it's folded in, roll the beef up and secure at the top with a toothpick. Once you have done this with all of the meat, get a roasting pan nice and hot on the stove. Also, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Place each rouladen in the roasting pan and brown on each side. On the stove top, all you're wanting to do is brown the pieces. Once they are all browned, remove the rouladen to a dish or paper place temporarily. Fill your roasting pan half way with water. Add about a cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of mustard, and 4 tablespoons of beef base. Whisk this all together and make sure you get all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. The gravy should taste a little beefy and tangy, so you can adjust the amounts needed to your taste buds.

Place the rouladen back into the roasting pan and place the lid on it. Slide the roasting pan into the oven and leave it for 45 mins. At this point, you want to remove the rouladen again, temporarily, and add enough cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Once it's thick, place the rouladen back into the gravy and serve. I serve this with German potato salad and homemade spaetzle (those recipes will be another day) lol.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I'll be more than happy to elaborate :)

Menu Plan Monday

2008-09-21T20:42:00.004-04:00

If you think you've clicked on the wrong link because this week looks awfully familiar, you haven't. I haven't had much of an appetite at dinner time so I've just been cooking something for DD and going to bed with a glass of milk. The meal I have starred as a family favorite will have the recipe posted tomorrow. It's difficult for me to write out a lot of the recipes that have been handed down as most, if not all, don't really have specific measurements for things. You just kind of figure it out as you make and tweak it a little each time.

Monday--leftovers.

Tuesday--Grilled cheese.

Wednesday--Creamy crock pot chicken thighs, rice and broccoli.

Thursday--Breakfast for dinner.

Friday-Roast chicken, German potato salad.

Saturday--**Family Favorite** Rouladen, with noodles.

Sunday--leftovers.

Things That Make You Smile

2008-09-21T13:47:00.002-04:00

I was getting my DD ready to go down for a nap. While she was jumping on the bed (a whole other post lol), she started singing "ring around the rosey".

Here is her rendition:

Ring around the rosey

Asses, asses,

we all fall down!

Now I know she was trying to say ashes, but apparently the "h" was a little silent. I just had to chuckle to myself a little.

100 Foods to Eat or Not Eat Meme

2008-09-18T20:48:00.002-04:00

I found this fun easy meme over at my HBFF Tammy's place and i wanted to play too.
Here are the Rules:a) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructionsb) Change color all the items you’ve eaten.c) Cross out, bold or italicize any items that you would never consider eatingd) Leave them regular if you aren't sure what they are or just haven't had them before.
So red i have have eaten, pink i would like to try, and blue there is no way i would try it!
1. Venison

2. Nettle tea

3. Huevos rancheros

4. Steak tartare

5. Crocodile/alligator

6. Black pudding

7. Cheese fondue

8. Carp

9. Borscht

10. baba ghanous
11. Calamari
12. pho

13. PB&J sandwich

14. Aloo gobi

15. hot dog from a street cart

16. Epoisses

17. Black truffle

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes

19. Steamed pork buns

20. Pistachio ice cream

21. Heirloom tomatoes

22. Fresh wild berries

23. Foie gras

24. Rice and beans

25. Brawn, or head cheese

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper

27. Dulce de leche

28. Oysters

29. Baklava

30. Bagna cauda

31. Wasabi peas

32. Clam chowder

33. Salted lassi

34. Sauerkraut

35. Root beer float

36. Cognac with a fat cigar

37. Clotted Cream Tea

38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O

39. Gumbo

40. Oxtail

41. Curried goat

42. Whole insect

43. Phaal

44. Goat’s milk

45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/€80/$120 or more

46. Fugu Fugu to eating blowfish!

47. Chicken tikka masala

48. Eel

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut

50. Sea urchin

51. Prickly pear

52. Umeboshi

53. Abalone

54. Paneer

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal

56. Spaetzle

57. Dirty gin martini

58. Beer

59. Poutine

60. Carob chips

61. S’mores

62. Sweetbread

63. Kaolin

64. Currywurst

65. Durian

66. Frogs’ legs

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears, and funnel cake

68. Haggis

69. Fried plantain

70. Chitterlings, or andouillette

71. Gazpacho

72. Caviar and blini

73. Louche absinthe

74. Gjetost, or brunost

75. Roadkill

76. Baijiu

77. Hostess Fruit Pie

78. Snail

79. Lapsang souchong

80. Bellini

81. Tom yum

82. Eggs Benedict

83. Pocky

84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant

85. Kobe beef

86. Hare

87. Goulash

88. Flowers

89. Horse

90. Criollo chocolate

91. Spam

92. Soft shell crab

93. Rose harissa

94. Catfish

95. Mole poblano

96. Bagel and lox

97. Lobster Thermidor

98. Polenta

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee

100. Snake

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

2008-09-14T18:49:00.002-04:00

This is a very simple and easy recipe. It might not look like a lot, but it's very yummy and kid friendly.

You'll need:

2 lbs. chicken thighs
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
seasoning salt
water

In your crock pot, add the chicken thighs, both cans of soup, then 2 cans worth of water to the crock pot. Add the seasoning salt (I don't measure this, but if I had to guess maybe 1 teaspoon, add to your taste). Give it a little stir. Cover and turn it on low. Let it cook until the chicken thighs are falling apart. Serve over rice.

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Random Integer GeneratorHere are your random numbers:13 Timestamp: 2008-11-10 13:50:03 UTCComment number 13 was from Melissa at Twincredible TwosomeCongrats!!!

Random Integer Generator

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Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
13
Timestamp: 2008-11-10 13:50:03 UTC
Comment number 13 was from Melissa at Twincredible Twosome
Congrats!!!