Knits and that's

It's been awhile since I blogged and thought I would pop in and update everyone.  Not much to tell.  Still raining here most the time, so our garden isn't ready to put in yet.  Our oldest son now has two jobs, which is a good thing since his car blew it's transmission only a week after he started driving it.  He spent over a week patching and replacing the lines himself (we are calling this auto shop in school), but no dice, need a new tranny.  He is soooooooooooo frustrated.  Hubby and him are going Sat. to a junk yard to see if they can find one to rebuild.  Poor kid. 

Let's see . . . Hubby still needs to replace my ball joints and put a new tire on the RV.  Oldest dd and twins are mostly into school right now and a home school group me and few other church friends are trying to get off the ground.  As for me?  Well . . . I guess I have just been knitting my butt off in my free time (snort).  I am head to Cincinnati at the end of the month for the largest home school conference in the mid-west, guess I will take my knitting along for the ride too!  LOL  I have been making hats of late, and it seems everyone wants one (they are cool, like a hug for your head).  Lucky for me they only take about 8 hours to make, not that I have 8 straight hours to knit.  So more like spread over 3 days, er nights I mean, since I do most my knitting after the twins are in bed and waiting for hubby to come home from work.   I made Z's double fast because I felt so bad for him and wanted to cheer him up.

Here is Z's Harry Potter hat to match his scarf I made last fall.  You can also see the new dinning room color on the wall behind him, "Carmel sauce".

See, matches and everything ~ LOL  I am always so thrilled when things turn out the way they look in the book!

Here is the one I made for Bre, wish the pic was better as the colors are so much more bright than this.  The yarn is a soft baby boucle'.  Oh, and check out her $5000 smile.  Thank goodness at least the ortho is paid off!  LOL

And here I am in the hat that started it all.  I made this crazy eyelash yarn hat over a period of 4 Wed. nights. during bible study (shhh, don't tell ). 

Right now I am trying to finish B's HP scarf and my knit cargo pants.  I am also making a hat/scarf for an April b-day and a hat for a May b-day for friends.  Also, have about 5 more people requesting hats, 2 more scarf orders and a sock order.  Free time, snort.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Look at that bootie!

Another busy week has come to an end, and even though I was under the weather for a great deal of it, it was fabulous.  We didn't wash away in the rain, son got a job, hubby did a couple of car jobs, had tea with a friend, and the sun came out as so did my magnolia blossoms.  See, always half full.  I also finished those booties for my friend who is a new grandma, take a gander;

I love baby booties, they are soooooo cute.  It makes me want to knit a ton of baby stuff (bet you thought I was going to say, want another baby, no way Jose' - LOL).

This year we are doing a full Home Ec. course for B.  It will count for a full credit in her 9th grade curriculum.  Think traditional Home Ec., but with my kitchen and my sewing machine.  There is also the added bonus of time spent with my daughter as taught in the book of Titus.  We are half way done, finishing the food/nutrition/cooking portion and are onto sewing.  We took her to Hobby Lobby to pick out fabric for a quilt she is to make.  It is harder than she thought, but she is loving it.

Here is the crafty girl now.  I have no idea why fabric is so expensive and cost prohibitive, but this will help her learn how to re-purpose old cloths before donating them.  Tomorrow is fill a bag for $15 at the Bargain Center (resale shop) and I will take her and look for some cute fabric (I can get like 30 items in a bag), also son needs jeans for work.

Most likely it will just be me and the 3 youngest tomorrow as son is hoping to finish fixing his car tomorrow.  Poor kid had been driving it for only 3 days when it blew a transmission seal.  It has been a lesson in money, patience's and respect trying to get that thing fixed.  But now not only does he have a car, a reg. drivers license and a voters card, but he has a job and bills.  Good times, good times.  My little man grew up.  How did that happen?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Frugal and Fashion

Good Sat. morning all, hope your enjoying your week-end.  A beautiful day here.  I wanted to share a couple of things with you today.  First is a great buy I stumbled upon during my Friday shopping.  I had been making my own toothpaste, to avoid the fluoride (google fluoride health dangers), but the kids weren't that keen on it.  That's the background story.  Next, Rite-aide has a scan card now (all stores do) and I have received a couple good coupons, the last being a $5 off coupon.  I knew they carried the Tom brand of health care products (that is were we buy our aluminum free deodorant), so went in looking for fluoride free toothpaste.  Found it, at $5.47.  That's right, you know where this is going . . .

After the coupon in was .47 cents, plus tax.  So .97 cents total, the same amount I would pay at the dollar store for reg. fluoride toothpaste.  So that didn't hurt at all to compromise for the kids.  Hubby and I are still using the home made, so maybe it will string it out and make it last longer.

Sorry this is so grainy, but you can see were the total is and that I gave them $1 to pay.  So, if you have a Rite -aide near you it is worth it to sigh up for just one more card : )

Next on the agenda, I have finished two projects this week!   Man it feels sooooooooo good to finish stuff.  I usually have 4 or 5 things going, so it seems to take awhile for all of it.  Not to mention I also seem to always stop and make gifts for people.  But I love it : )  This week I finished my first pair of socks ever (excellent for sleeping in and keeping my toes super cozy) and last night I finished my knit funky hat.

It is simple but the eyelash yarn makes it look so . . .  ooh - la - la - LOL  I worked on this predominantly in Wed. night bible study (shh. don't tell anybody), so took me about 4 weeks of 45 minutes each.  I love it and will wear it everywhere!  I wore it to the library today and the librarian asked if he could touch it.  Of course he could!  : )

I still have a H. P. scarf for B and a pair of pants for me on the stix's, but first I have been asked by a friend to make some baby booties for her new grandson.  How can I say no to that?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Painting ~

After 9 years of living in our home, we are painting the downstairs!  To be fair, it is the last on our list of home fix uppers.  Since her purchase in July of '02 we have resided the house, put in all new windows, added a carport and an RV port.  We also added a screened in back deck, pool and deck.  Only a year after our arrival we were notified of the impeding arrival of twins, so the upstairs had to be redone, good-bye home office.  We also have painted Z's room, the bath room and the kitchen.   Bre's room will be next, but that's for her b-day, so maybe we shouldn't discusses that.  I love, love, love this house.  When we bought it the downstairs looked like it was permanently stuck in the early 80's (think sky blue, light mauve and white country geese) and the upstairs was left in the 50's  (think bad, peeling wallpaper with green leafs and vines)  I am proud to say we have given the old girl (1949) a face lift, two new doors, the yard fenced in and some outside wiring helped too.   So to help document this, here are some pic's of living room being painted:

Here is our handyman, Z, hard at work.

We are equal opportunity employers, so here are the girls working too.

The twins seem to be having a bit . . . to much fun : )

Here is E doing a self portrait.

Here is our newest cat, Chester Pester, wondering if he can help.  Right after this, he DID get into the paint and coated the top third of his tail.  Before we could catch him, he zipped into the bathroom and decorated the toilet seat.  Now you know why he has his name.

Z is still at it he knows there is a paycheck in his future when he finishes.

Here is the boss surveying the job, and he looks pleased, whooh - LOL

I am sooooo thrilled.  I look around and feel like I have a real adult home now, not like I am still living in Holly Hobbies house.  Come visit real soon and see for yourself.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Eat cake

Most families have a bunch of silly little traditions, mostly associated with holidays; ours is no different.  Every year for Valentines day I bake a hart shaped cake, and how can you not love that?!  Here is the easy peasy recipe:

Start with your favorite cake mix, we always choose Pillsbury valentine fun-fetti w/matching frosting, but and flavor will do.  Next, follow directions on box for mixing and pour half of batter into a 9" round and half into a 9" square cake pan.  Make sure to grease and flour well, since cakes must come out of pan.

Follow box for baking directions.  Let cool, then refrigerate for a couple of hours before frosting.

Next, empty cakes from pans onto a serving tray and slice round cake in half.

Turn square cake sideways, as to make a diamond.  Then place one half of round cake on either side, to look like a hart.

Now you may begin to frost with your choice of frosting.

You can fill in any cracks or unevenness with the frosting; no one will mind a little extra!

Now you have a frosted hart to share with your Valentine : )

You can use this as a clean slate to decorate any way you choose, sprinkles, candy or even write a message with gel frosting.

Our frosting came with candy sprinkles for the holiday.

This yummy treat was a special dessert for 8 people with leftovers.

I bought the mix and frosting at our Dollar General Market for $3.  When is the last time you did that?  Stay tuned:  this Sat. is another $5 coupon day at the $GM!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Monday's

Greetings and Happy Valentines day all.  Hubby and I celebrated last night.  Dinner out, money from a different account than groceries.  This morning I put one of those little heart shaped boxes of chocolate next to each childes bowl of oatmeal, with a box of conversation hearts (money from grocery account).  That's it, the big hurrah, oh; except for a hart shaped cake I baked this morning, for dessert tonight : )

I wanted to post a new menu for this week and update the great grocery receipt challenge.  To recap, $125 a week and that includes pretty much everything but our utilities.  Last month I went a hundred over, but the difference came from oldest son who helps pay the animal food bill (he has an animal ministry).  We ate out 3 times, two were covered by husbands car jobs, one was a birthday dinner/gift.  This month I have was over by $50 the first week and $25 the second week.  This past week I was right on target and made up the difference when ds paid me some money he owed me : )  A friend from church gifted us some 'gourment' items that she said she would never use, so that will help finish out the month.  It included such items as a beef brisket, lamb tips, holendaise sauce and whole grain pizza dough - 12/1lb. balls.  I am planning on making some calzones with the pizza dough and the holendaise sauce will be great in home made Alfredo sauce! 

Here is a look at our menu this week:

Monday ~  Shepherds pie w/green beans

Tuesday ~  Chicken Verde and Spanish rice w/ broccoli

Wednesday ~  church pot luck/Beef minestrone soup

Thursday ~  Taco's with home made guacamole' and chips

Friday ~  Tortellini in Alfredo sauce w/ tossed salad

Saturday ~  Fish stew over salt and vinegar mashed potatoes w/veggie sticks

Sunday ~  Pimiento mac & cheese w/ grilled chicken and green beans

Other cooking around the house: Heart shaped cake for Valentines day, home made chicken broth made from leftover bones in my slow cooker and home made croutons made from the left over bread from last Wed. when I made crust less round cheese sandwiches for church.  I am sure other things will pop up and I will keep you posted with new ideas and recipes. 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Happy President's Day!

I know I am a bit early with my glad tidings, but our home school group decided to tackle this early.  I am proud to say that after much prayer and effort that our county is just now in the processes of uniting a new group of home school families and this was our first function.  It was a huge success!   There was plenty of food, friends, fellowship and kids!  LOL I am proud to say our church sponsored this worthy group and we were blesses with an absolutely gorgeous day! (all the better to send the kids out to play in)

Z didn't do a presentation, but he was in charge of video and sound, something he does for the church on Sundays already.  B did do a pres. and she picked Teddy Roosevelt.  Dig her board and the use of all my metallic blue paint on her flag!  Guess it add panach'.

She was a bit nervous getting up in front of a large, mostly unknown group, but I told her we had paid $5K for her smile . . . so . . .  Once she was up there it was fine and she did a great job on her research.  Also good experience for public speaking.

Twin son E didn't get the whole big deal, and twin daughter E just wanted to make a pretty flag like her big sister : )   Oh to be six again with no pressure to be in the know politically.

Here is the flag I helped E make, she picked the stick out herself.  When she saw people were going up front to give little presentations she wasn't sure she was in to that, but when the mic came out . . . LOL  Anyone who knows E, knows that she has never met a mic she didn't like!  Matter of fact, she received a stage mic complete with flashing strobe light and clapping sound for Christmas and a matching guitar.  She was also a smash the Sunday before, at the super bowl party.  The kids did some karaoke, and once E got a hold of the mic that was it. 

There was lots of good eats as well.  Most brought cookies and desserts.  I didn't want to go that route and wanted something more high protein, lo-carb/healthy.  I came up with these tasty little kabobs.

These are pepperoni, string cheese and bologna.

Then I mad a dessert kabob:

These are seedless green grapes, mini marshmallows and cantaloupe.

They were a huge hit and not one was left, much to my husbands disappointment.  I think I only ate one of each, for a taste test : )

Next month we are having an ice cream social and there will be more photo's.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Just checking in ~

So, it's been a bit since I blogged.  Wish I could say it was because nothing is going on, but it's been C - R -A - Z - Y here!  The weather is insane  ( worse anyone has seen in 100 years), trying to get a home school group started with some friends and church members, and re-painting the down stairs.    I have been wanting to do the downstairs for like . . . I don't know, since we bought the joint, but other things (marriage, twins, life) happened.  We did get the upstairs done when i was expecting the twins.  The twins will be 7 in May, and the upstairs needs an over haul again - LOL  Such is life!  So, just thought I would pop in and let everyone know we are not dead or hibernating (like snakes Eli would say).  Ah contrare, we are busier than ever.  We spent all of last week helping a friend move from the country into town, only 6 houses from us (lucky them).  Tomorrow the kids have a home school group meeting for Presidents Day, food and presentations a plenty!  So the train just keeps on rolling.    In the mean time I still have four knitting projects on the sticks, finished one for a gift, and two I need to start and finish ASAP : s

For some comic relief I thought I would share some new random pet pics.  Can you identify this?

Good guess!

Man does she have some junk in her trunk or what?

Yes!  It's Tina, B's cat : )

Catch ya all latter, maybe when I have some free time?  LOL

Blessings, Beth Ann

Whats new . . .

Not much is new here, praise the Lord!  We have made it past the holidays and moved past all the January birthdays as well, man there were a ton of those!  Now we are settling into a nice winter pattern, with glimpse of spring ahead; such as seed catalogs and making camping reservations.  Our oldest son received a car for his birthday and it looks like we will pay for his tags, but haven't found a good price on insurance yet.  One more year and our middle daughter will be on the road, heavy sigh.  Hubby is already on the look out for a Mustang for her, not the fox body and not a convertible, that is what she told us anyway.  In the mean time hubby keeps looking at pick up trucks since he gave Z his Camero.  Me?  I just keep driving the Durango - LOL

What else . . . ?   Well we had our taxes done on the first day the Gov. allowed, so hoping to be getting a washing machine in the next few weeks!  I never thought I would make it six months with a hand wring system.  Don't want to do that again soon!  Speaking of taxes, we are also passing on almost all our camping/vacation trips this year, including our annual trip to South Carolina, in an attempt to finish paying up the medical bills from our oldest son.  We almost lost him two years ago, and the bills are bad.  We just want them gone and we are going to use our tax money to try and get most of them paid off.  Each time he had an MRI it was $8000, wow and he had 3.  But we are grateful we have him still with us and hubby had a job with insurance and a way to pay our bills, eventually : )

Lets see, as of today I am 3 weeks soda pop free and am now on decaf ice tea.  Still doing the half calf w/ coffee however.  Did the $GM thing again today, another $5 off coupon.  I had two, so made hubby get a cart and we split it.    It was a good day for shopping as the snow and cold seem to have dissipated and the sun was out.  Ran into an 'ol timer, he has lived here for 91 years and said this was the worst winter ever.  Great, we moved here to get away from that - LOL

Still have the knitting bug and I am doing great if I do say so myself!  I currently have 5 items started on the sticks and two are for me!  LOL  I taught B, and she is left handed, and she is now doing good.  I wish I could talk her into helping me with commission type items.  She still has trouble with knitting in the round and on double point needles though.  Practice should take care of that. 

The twins are learning to read in school, we are working on the difference between short and long vowel sounds.  It is so neat to see your kids learn.   I turned in Z's grades for last semester and discovered he already had 33 credits!  He needed 21 to graduate, but he still needs his Gov/Ec. credit, so no dice yet.  But he will be ready in May.  I can't believe it, 4 months and he is done, wow.  B is in the middle of her first year of high school and seems to be doing well, slightly better than previous years.   Wonder if that is because she and Z are separated and he isn't distracting her?  Hmmmmmmm, not saying he's a drama king . . .   Anyway, trying to start a local co-op so as not to have to drive to far, with a couple of church friends.  Looks promising and we will have a President Day party and presentation.  Looking forward to the fellowship and lots of yummy food!

Blessings, Beth Ann

The kitten formerly know as "Nala"

Just wanted to share some random pet pic's with you today and thought I would update our rescue kitten Nala.  We found her last fall, half dead under the Camero.  She was about six weeks old and we took her to the vet and got her all fixed up.  Well about a month or so ago our ds Z is poking at her (it's what he does) and exclaims, "hey, he's a boy".  Z claims it's easy to make this mistake with kittens since sometimes their . . . stuff hasn't fully dropped.  What ever.  Anyway, he declares we have to rename this cat.  No one else felt that way, but Z is very melodramatic to say the least.  So we just let him do it, it's not that big a deal.  Now Nala is Chester!  Z loves that name and found it in a series of books he read 4 years ago.  I can't remember the name of the series, but the first book was called 'Bunnicula'.  Now Chester is starting to do unmentionable things to B's stuffed animal's and he is going to get fixed in two weeks, before the spraying starts.  Looks like Z was right, a boy cat.

Here is Chester curled up on B's pillow while she is sleeping.

Back when he was still Nala, sleeping on the laundry basket.

Here is Chester helping K read the bible, while twin dd sneaks in a pet.

What ever his name is or isn't , he is turning out to be a good cat and the only one who could catch a mouse when we had them in our pantry.  What more can you ask for?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu's, Monday and More

Hey all, trying to get in the grove here after a major blow=out party yesterday celebrating hubby and son's b-day's.  We were blessed with a sunny  semi-warm day and were able to sit out on the deck sipping wine while hubby grilled and even deep fried some onion blossoms' for us.  The party lasted into the night and I was left feeling amazed at our blessings of friends.  Moving on - LOL

Speaking of the party, most of the food came from a separate budget and not my reg. grocery budget.  K did a couple car jobs and we used that money.  So my total for week three spending in Jan. 2011 on grocery type items was$121.  So right on track.  Hubby and I had decided on enveloping $125 a week for food/paper/pet and house hold items.  I did spend an additional $60 in pet items but was reimbursed by son when he was paid.  That money was put into the gas tank and tithing plate.  I think I mentioned before that our Dollar General Market does a 1cent item each week, with a $10 purchase.  This past week was their brand t.p.  Not the best quality but for 1cent . . . So I made a couple different trips during the week (yes I added them to my total) and scored 3-six packs of cheap quality t.p.  This should get us through to Friday, which is a pay day this week.

I haven't posted a menu in a while, but if your my FB friend you still get to hear about what we're eating! LOL  Here is a look at this week:
Monday ~ Ground turkey Shepard's pie w/ fauxtato topping
Tuesday ~ Beef & Broccoli stir-fry w/pecan rice
Wednesday ~ Cheesy Chipotle Soup (taken to church pot-luck)
Thursday ~Chicken risotto w/broccoli
Friday ~ Turkey loaf w/baked pot and mixed veg.
Saturday~ Crock pot Jambalaya
Sunday ~ Cream of Cauliflower soup and salad

Breakfast usually are eggs cooked in a variety of ways, our favorite is eggs in a hole, oatmeal, and some home made spelt muffins.

Lunch this week looks like this; left overs from party, sandwiches, hot and sour soup, chicken salad and a meatza.

Most of these meals are lo-carb and high protein as we try to get back on track from all our holiday and post holiday/b-day celebrating.  Remember, no white bread, white sugar and mostly dark green veggies.  Oh, we are day 9 with no soda and half/calf coffee.   Well everyone except Z.  He asked everyone he knew for Mt. Dew for his b-day.  Kids.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Snow day pic's

It was another snow day here in middle TN. and you know what that means . . . snow pictures!  LOL  Yep, we got about 2" here and it was the good packy snow, so in between  school work we took a snow break : )

All four kids worked together and came up with these 'snow aliens'.  B felt the classic snowman had been done to death I guess.  The twins were thrilled as we had just finished reading a book called 'What snowmen do at night' a couple nights ago.  Love that book, it was an old RIF book of B's

This is the baby alien with E's scarf.

Here is the adult alien with B's scarf.  Both feature carrot noses (don't tell the rabbit) and leftover holiday hard shell nuts for eyes and buttons.  I believe pecan eyes and almond buttons.

Isn't it beautiful?  Snow makes even the mundane look elegant.

Our road early this morning, looking towards Davenport's.

We were also visited by snow angles.  We are so blessed.

Everyone was chilly, so I served hot tea with pineapple corn muffins for a snack.  Please ignore the large sleeping white cat that should not be on my table runner.  Grrrrr.

So there you have it, a snow day here in the 'bury.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Saturday Shopping

I prefer to do my shopping on Friday mornings, it's the best time for mark down food at the local market (and I did get some), but today was the only day for the $5 coupon at the $GM.  On top of that the store was packed as there was mention of possible snow flurries tonight (oh my).  So braved the hordes and loaded up a cart for me and a cart for hubby (don't tell).  We were able to use two of the $5 coupons and I also had two 1cent egg coupons to redeem : )    I prefer farm eggs but these are good for making hard boiled eggs (farm eggs are not).

First week total for Jan. ended up being $78 as of last Thursday the 6th.  Second weeks total started Friday the 7th and is currently at $145.  I would like to do better than this, but it does include pet food.  I am also proud to say that all food choices and purchases were with high protein/low carb in mind and was successful.  I almost caved yesterday as I had been battling a flu bug and didn't feel like cooking but decided the cost of prepared food/frozen for all of us was not much cheaper than a nice piece of corn beef I found and plopped into my slow cooker with a bunch of veggies.  Much more satisfying and tasted delish!  Today sees a nice roast with low starch veggies in my crock pot and a wonderful smell in my kitchen.  I also whipped up a batch of bread machine hot dog buns made with spelt flour (have you seen what is in the commercial pack). 

I do have a couple of recipes to share but want to point out that sometimes there are other benefits besides financial.  I will share a recipe for toothpaste and deodorant.  Besides being cost effective they are extremely earth and health friendly.  There is no fluoride, and you don't need it, in the toothpaste and  no aluminum (why do they put it in there) in the deodorant.    Just trying to be the best me I can be.  If you would like the book info on where I get my information just drop me a line.

Toothpaste:
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon salt.

Mix and store in an air tight container.  You may also add a couple drops of any natural oil you prefer for taste.



Deodorant:
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch

Mix it up.  Store in air tight container.  Use powder puff to apply.



Whats next for us?  Well I am officially giving up soda.  Eventually coffee too I hope, but baby steps for now.  I will drink ice tea and half/calf Folgers.  When my tea bags run out I will then switch to decaf. green tea.  I am also only buying brown sugar and using local honey to sweeten.  Eventually only the honey .  Just some small steps for us to look forward to : )  Will keep you posted as the month progresses and so does our money spent on groceries.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Ferret Fun

Decided today was a good day for a quick ferret update.  We adopted 3 ferrets about a month ago now.  None are siblings but all are neutered and de-sented.  We are there second rescue home, first one could no longer afford them as she had other animals and was attending school.  Ferrets require a huge amount of time and unfortunately money.  Seems like Z's entire paycheck goes to vet bills and animal food, that's with us chipping in too.  Anyway, they all had mange, flea's and ear mites.  Actually the worse case of mites the vet had ever seen.  One, the oldest - Bob, had a tumor on the tip of his tail the size of a nickle.  We had that removed about two weeks ago and since then he keeps breaking the stitches.  Good thing son has the patients of Job with animals (funny enough not with people however).

Here is Z holding up Bob.  Isn't his tail bandage cute? : )

Here is the other male, Hobb, he is a cinnamon.  Z dressed him up in an elf outfit for Christmas.  Gotta love kids - LOL

The last ferret is a small white female named Squish, for obvious reasons when you see them all sleep.  I am happy to announce that all the mange is on the mend, and Squish has grown most of her hair back.  The flea's are on the run, but the mites . . . well we are still battling those.  Oh, and they have all gained a bit of weight as well.  So all is well that ends well, just look at Bob's tail if you don't believe me!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Sock it up

I did it!  I finished my first sock ~ ever!  This was my third attempt at it too.  First attempt, dog at it and my needle too.  Second attempt, small child pulled out all the needles (used 4, knitting in the round).   Soooo, you can see why I am so excited.  It even looked better than the other attempts as well : )  Now I am just praying I have enough yarn left for second sock (wouldn't that be irony).  It has been so long since I started this and with losing some yard to . . . lets just say acts of nature, well I don't have the saved yarn wrapper to tell me how much was in my skein so that I can compare it to the pattern.  I am just moving forward with the assumption I do, and yes I know what they say about assuming.

This was a tub sock knitted in a spiral round, funky huh?

Oh ye of little faith, it does fit and doesn't look to bad either : )

Sigh, just waiting for a mate, but sooo comfy.  They say once you wear a hand knitted sock there is no going back.  You will never want to wear a store sock again.  Oh and as I was trying this on, Z walks over and wants to know when he can get a pair.  I swear he will not make it to his birthday in 11 days!  Just something for me . . . once . . .

Blessings, Beth Ann

Getting Started

Today is the first day of a new year and a whole bunch of new possibility's!  I usually do my grocery shopping on Friday, but with the holiday decided to hold off a day.  Another motive was my $5 off coupon at $GM and starting with a clean shopping/budgeting slate for the new year.  Starting with today's trip, I will keep all grocery receipts for the year, in order to get a better grip on our spending habits, in hopes of it helping our budget bottom line.  I was real worried as hubby had just shared with me that food cost in 2011 would go up 3% and gas 6% (his pay only went up 2% - that's a major corp. for you).  Anyway, my goal was higher protein, low carb and more veggies (a-la-Leptin diet).  This being a tight after holiday week (real budget will start with first pay day in Jan., which is next week).  So with $40 (cash - always use cash) and my coupon to pay for tax, I went to the $GM.  I was so happy when I left and felt goals had been met!  I ended up spending$37.64

Here is what I found:

2 bags Romaine- marked half off - $1.50

2 bags 1lb. carrots-$.85 each (we share these and the romaine with bunny)

2lb. bag popcorn kernels - 1.85 (great snack in our air popper)

1lb. Mexican chorizo sausage- $2.25

2c. shred. cheese - $1.85

pkg. sliced provolone cheese - $2.00

4-1lb. ground turkey chubs- $5

green onions - $1

creamy peanut butter - $1

celery - $1

head of cauliflower - $2

3lb. bag sweet potato - $2.25

cinnamon broom marked half price - $2 (total splurge)

pantyliner - $1

pretzel sticks - $1

wheat bread - $1.05

15oz. tomato sauce - $.55

season salt - $1.65

4% cottage cheese/16oz. - $2

3lb. bag frozen chix tenders - $4

2 - pint size bottle 2% milk, marked half off - $.75 (will be used in morning coffee)

2 dozen eggs - $3

The chicken tenders were only $1 more than hot dogs for lunch and wayyyyyyyy more protein!  They will be great cooked on our table top grill with a little season salt.  Great price on those.  I probably should have skipped the broom, but I do enjoy the smell.  I try to get one every year and hang it on our pantry door.  Besides, it's right across from the ferret cage if you get my drift . . . LOL  Unfortunately I will have to pick up a few more items during the week, such as rabbit and dog food and maybe t.p. for us.  I will keep those receipts too.  Not sure how I will sub categorize them at the end of the year i.e. pets, paper products, food, ect.  But I feel this is a step in the right direction in reclaiming our pocket books and getting a handle on being a good steward of the blessings God brings us.

Here is twin dd E.  She went out with me today and wanted to spend some of her Christmas money.  She did well also, she got these two fairy dolls for only $2 each!

Not sure why I am tossing in this pic, but here is where a ton of our money goes!  Tina, the narcoleptic cat.  She has junk in her trunk, as the kids say : )  Here she is passed out next to our coffee cups on the hutch in the dinning room, on a pile of Christmas stockings awaiting to be put away.  Can we say precarious?

So here's to you and yours and hoping we all have a healthy and happy new year!

Blessings, Beth Ann