DDE is having an extreme 2 day sale on several digital scrapbooking kits. February 27th and 28th only. They are only $1!! Her designs are amazing! Check it out.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Cheap Digital Scrapbooking Sale
Thanks Heather for alerting me to this deal!
DDE is having an extreme 2 day sale on several digital scrapbooking kits. February 27th and 28th only. They are only $1!! Her designs are amazing! Check it out.
DDE is having an extreme 2 day sale on several digital scrapbooking kits. February 27th and 28th only. They are only $1!! Her designs are amazing! Check it out.
Making your own salad dressing
I must admit I have not delved into making my own salad dressing yet. As close as I have come to this is using ranch packets from the store. But after reading the Lazy Organizer's post on this, it made me want to try making it. So much healthier too! Here are the recipes off her blog:
Sweet Vinaigrette or Poppy Seed Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise or olive oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
Mix in a blender. Refrigerate at least an hour. Using mayonnaise makes the dressing opaque and keeps it from separating.This is the recipe my Mother gave me. It's a little fancier but they taste pretty much the same.
Grandma's Poppy Seed Dressing
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup apple cider or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons red onion (the red onion turns it pink!)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Mix in a blender. Refrigerate at least an hour.
If anyone tries these, let us know how they turned out!
Sweet Vinaigrette or Poppy Seed Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise or olive oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
Mix in a blender. Refrigerate at least an hour. Using mayonnaise makes the dressing opaque and keeps it from separating.This is the recipe my Mother gave me. It's a little fancier but they taste pretty much the same.
Grandma's Poppy Seed Dressing
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup apple cider or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons red onion (the red onion turns it pink!)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Mix in a blender. Refrigerate at least an hour.
If anyone tries these, let us know how they turned out!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
72 Hour Kit list
Saving money by meal planning
Setting up a meal plan does take time but you will find it is worth it in the long run. Cooking from scratch is not only healthier for the body but also healthier for the budget! Some benefits I have found to meal planning are:
1. No more wondering what is for dinner at the last minute. I always have at least 2 weeks worth planned out & I can adjust as needed.
2. It saves money! Last month I saved 79% on my grocery budget by sticking to a strict meal plan that also included much use from my food storage.
3. My children can have a say in what is for dinner. Being as I have had a difficult time with their eating issues for several years, this has been a huge plus for me. They like to help cook and plan with me. My boys have been trying more new foods this month than ever before.
4. I have more peace of mind.
5. I have found myself wanting to be more creative in picking meals, and trying new recipes.
6. My family loves the continuity...and so do I!
Over a few weeks I have jotted down in my planner all the dishes that we like to eat. Then I just rotate through the list. I periodically add new recipes that I have found we like. Here is a list of dinners that work for us. Maybe some will work for you too! Many of these are fall/winterish type meals. I need to start thinking of lighter foods!
Chicken Enchiladas
Tater Tot Casserole
Cheese Soup
Chicken Santa Fe
French Dip Sandwiches
Chili and Rice Wraps
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Taco Bake
Hawaiian Haystacks
Quesadillas
Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
Taco Salad
Chunky Potato Soup
Crockpot Chicken Marinara
Pork Chops and rice
Stroganoff
Lasagna
Mexican Manicotti
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Homemade Pizza
Mexican Enchiladas
Tacos (soft and hard shells)
Sloppy Joes
Chili & Cornbread
Beef Skillet
Fagioli Soup
Baked Ziti
Spaghetti & breadsticks
Meatballs & rice
Spinach Lasagna
Pasta w/variety of sauces
Pork Roast w/all the fixin's
Taco Soup
Maui Burgers & homemade fries
Shepherd's Pie
Four Pasta Beef Bake
Frito Dinner
Chicken Rolls
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Mexican Chicken and Rice
Garden Patch Chowder
Tomato soup & grilled cheese sandwiches
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Potato Bar
Noodles w/grilled veggies & cheese
10 minute Szechuan Chicken
Breakfast for dinner (my kids love this)
Scalloped Potatoes & veggies
I am starting to get our family eating less processed food and more fresh. It is a process, something that we are not doing all at once. Eating lots of fruits and veggies is not easy on the budget, but I feel it is worth it for our health. Even though I am buying more healthy foods, by budgeting our meals I am still finding some savings in the budget.
What are some of your favorite meals? Have you had success with meal planning?
1. No more wondering what is for dinner at the last minute. I always have at least 2 weeks worth planned out & I can adjust as needed.
2. It saves money! Last month I saved 79% on my grocery budget by sticking to a strict meal plan that also included much use from my food storage.
3. My children can have a say in what is for dinner. Being as I have had a difficult time with their eating issues for several years, this has been a huge plus for me. They like to help cook and plan with me. My boys have been trying more new foods this month than ever before.
4. I have more peace of mind.
5. I have found myself wanting to be more creative in picking meals, and trying new recipes.
6. My family loves the continuity...and so do I!
Over a few weeks I have jotted down in my planner all the dishes that we like to eat. Then I just rotate through the list. I periodically add new recipes that I have found we like. Here is a list of dinners that work for us. Maybe some will work for you too! Many of these are fall/winterish type meals. I need to start thinking of lighter foods!
Chicken Enchiladas
Tater Tot Casserole
Cheese Soup
Chicken Santa Fe
French Dip Sandwiches
Chili and Rice Wraps
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Taco Bake
Hawaiian Haystacks
Quesadillas
Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
Taco Salad
Chunky Potato Soup
Crockpot Chicken Marinara
Pork Chops and rice
Stroganoff
Lasagna
Mexican Manicotti
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Homemade Pizza
Mexican Enchiladas
Tacos (soft and hard shells)
Sloppy Joes
Chili & Cornbread
Beef Skillet
Fagioli Soup
Baked Ziti
Spaghetti & breadsticks
Meatballs & rice
Spinach Lasagna
Pasta w/variety of sauces
Pork Roast w/all the fixin's
Taco Soup
Maui Burgers & homemade fries
Shepherd's Pie
Four Pasta Beef Bake
Frito Dinner
Chicken Rolls
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Mexican Chicken and Rice
Garden Patch Chowder
Tomato soup & grilled cheese sandwiches
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Potato Bar
Noodles w/grilled veggies & cheese
10 minute Szechuan Chicken
Breakfast for dinner (my kids love this)
Scalloped Potatoes & veggies
I am starting to get our family eating less processed food and more fresh. It is a process, something that we are not doing all at once. Eating lots of fruits and veggies is not easy on the budget, but I feel it is worth it for our health. Even though I am buying more healthy foods, by budgeting our meals I am still finding some savings in the budget.
What are some of your favorite meals? Have you had success with meal planning?
Shabby Princess...
has their free desktop up for the month of March. Isn't it lovely? They also had ones for Jan and Feb too. Just download, add your own pics, and you have a fabulous desktop to enjoy! I love it!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Suze Orman freebie
(Thanks Tiffani for alerting me to this!)
Suze Orman was on Oprah today. If you haven't heard of Suze Orman, you are missing out. She is a famous financial guru who helps many people, mainly women, with finan
cial success. I wasn't able to watch the show, but if you go to Oprah.com you will see where it talks about today's show. Here is the freebie: Today and tomorrow ONLY (see time frame below), Suze Orman is offering a free copy of her new book, Women & Money, downloadable in pdf form! Awesome!
Here you go! What an awesome resource!
Here is the fine print:
Download your free copy of Suze Orman's book in English before 8/7c the evening of February 14. This book is copyrighted. You may view and download the file, but you may not copy the file or share or forward it to any other person.
Suze Orman was on Oprah today. If you haven't heard of Suze Orman, you are missing out. She is a famous financial guru who helps many people, mainly women, with finan
cial success. I wasn't able to watch the show, but if you go to Oprah.com you will see where it talks about today's show. Here is the freebie: Today and tomorrow ONLY (see time frame below), Suze Orman is offering a free copy of her new book, Women & Money, downloadable in pdf form! Awesome! Here you go! What an awesome resource!
Here is the fine print:
Download your free copy of Suze Orman's book in English before 8/7c the evening of February 14. This book is copyrighted. You may view and download the file, but you may not copy the file or share or forward it to any other person.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
One month off: Results
Remember how last month I made this post about us taking one month off from extra spending? As of yesterday, the one month mark was over. I must say that it was a long month, mostly at the beginning. The first week was really hard for me. Really hard. I even got emotional a few times about not being able to go shopping. Yeah, silly. But it was hard! I don't consider ourselves big spenders,we try to penny pinch and we are big savers. So I figured that taking one month off really wouldn't be too bad. I just happened to pick the month when tons of stuff is on clearance. I think I was going through clearance shopping anxiety withdrawals.
I learned a lot about myself this past month. I pushed my self-discipline to a higher level. I didn't completely just give up on our goal, even though it was very difficult. I was able to get TONS done around the house this past month, since I wasn't out shopping or running errands all the time. I was able to remember that I don't need all that stuff, even though it might be a good deal. I loved not having clutter around. When I was at my sister-in-law's house and saw all her Old Navy bags from their clearance sale, I didn't feel bad that I didn't go, I felt relief. Relief from saving money I didn't need to spend, and relief that I didn't add to my small space storage issues. As the month went on, not spending got easier and easier. It takes 21 days to form a habit, right? Well, we saw that happening.
Now that the month is over I want to still continue. I did go out shopping yesterday to get some things I have been waiting to get (a small bookcase for my daughter's room, valentine fun stuff, new cross trainer shoes for me, a new water bottle) and while I was in the various stores, I didn't feel like I wanted to be there. I really didn't even want to look at things I wasn't buying.
Do you want to know how much we came ahead during this little experiment? Here are a few figures.
Groceries: $286.96
Previous month we spent $514.15 on groceries. That is a 79% savings on food! And we still ate very well. Lots of fruits and veggies. (Remember, I did really well on my menu planning. We did not eat out at all and I am using more of our food storage in meals.)
Auto Fuel: $263.44
Previous month we spent $326.85. We saved 24% on fuel costs by not shopping and spending money. Awesome! Plus, that 24% savings includes two family trips to Eastern Idaho. If those didn't happen the savings would be more!
We were also able to save 50% more than last month!
We saved money in every category that is under our control. I do admit that we were not perfect. While gone to visit family I did spend $9 at a really quaint craft store. And I spent $12 at a thrift store. There were a couple more times, but we can count them on one hand. Chad was very good at this, believe it or not. He had his moments like me, but overall he was very positive.It FEELS SO GOOD to not spend money. Even though it was difficult, it was worth it! All those things I was bummed about not buying a month ago I haven't thought twice about.
Now when I even think about buying something, I make sure that:
1. Do I have space for it? (I seriously gave lots of stuff to D.I. this past month while cleaning.)
2. Do I really need it?
3. What can I do to get by or use instead of buying that item?
We are going to continue to be tight on our spending. Not saying we won't eat out now (we went out to eat and to a movie Thurs night, spent $27 + babysitting) but we have some things we want to save up for and this past month really got us motivated. You should try it!
I learned a lot about myself this past month. I pushed my self-discipline to a higher level. I didn't completely just give up on our goal, even though it was very difficult. I was able to get TONS done around the house this past month, since I wasn't out shopping or running errands all the time. I was able to remember that I don't need all that stuff, even though it might be a good deal. I loved not having clutter around. When I was at my sister-in-law's house and saw all her Old Navy bags from their clearance sale, I didn't feel bad that I didn't go, I felt relief. Relief from saving money I didn't need to spend, and relief that I didn't add to my small space storage issues. As the month went on, not spending got easier and easier. It takes 21 days to form a habit, right? Well, we saw that happening.
Now that the month is over I want to still continue. I did go out shopping yesterday to get some things I have been waiting to get (a small bookcase for my daughter's room, valentine fun stuff, new cross trainer shoes for me, a new water bottle) and while I was in the various stores, I didn't feel like I wanted to be there. I really didn't even want to look at things I wasn't buying.
Do you want to know how much we came ahead during this little experiment? Here are a few figures.
Groceries: $286.96
Previous month we spent $514.15 on groceries. That is a 79% savings on food! And we still ate very well. Lots of fruits and veggies. (Remember, I did really well on my menu planning. We did not eat out at all and I am using more of our food storage in meals.)
Auto Fuel: $263.44
Previous month we spent $326.85. We saved 24% on fuel costs by not shopping and spending money. Awesome! Plus, that 24% savings includes two family trips to Eastern Idaho. If those didn't happen the savings would be more!
We were also able to save 50% more than last month!
We saved money in every category that is under our control. I do admit that we were not perfect. While gone to visit family I did spend $9 at a really quaint craft store. And I spent $12 at a thrift store. There were a couple more times, but we can count them on one hand. Chad was very good at this, believe it or not. He had his moments like me, but overall he was very positive.It FEELS SO GOOD to not spend money. Even though it was difficult, it was worth it! All those things I was bummed about not buying a month ago I haven't thought twice about.
Now when I even think about buying something, I make sure that:
1. Do I have space for it? (I seriously gave lots of stuff to D.I. this past month while cleaning.)
2. Do I really need it?
3. What can I do to get by or use instead of buying that item?
We are going to continue to be tight on our spending. Not saying we won't eat out now (we went out to eat and to a movie Thurs night, spent $27 + babysitting) but we have some things we want to save up for and this past month really got us motivated. You should try it!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Free photos at Walgreens
Free Family Pack photo pack!
Includes 1-8x10, 2-5x7 & 4-4x6.
Use the code=VALENTINE - (Valid 2/7/08-2/9/08).
Upload a picture from your computer and select family pack.
NOTE: This only works for one picture not multiple pics.Choose in-store pick-up to avoid shipping costs.
http://photo.walgreens.com/
I just did this, and it worked. :)
Includes 1-8x10, 2-5x7 & 4-4x6.
Use the code=VALENTINE - (Valid 2/7/08-2/9/08).
Upload a picture from your computer and select family pack.
NOTE: This only works for one picture not multiple pics.Choose in-store pick-up to avoid shipping costs.
http://photo.walgreens.com/
I just did this, and it worked. :)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Guess what
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Redbox DVD rentals
For those of you that have not heard of Redbox, I will explain.
Redbox is just that...a large, red box in certain locations where you can rent dvds. It costs $1 per day, new releases included. You choose your movie from the box, and swipe your card to pay. Then you can return the dvd to any RedBox location, not just the one you rented it from. (Go here to find a location near you.) It is a very good deal, don't you think? $1 for a new release. What can beat that?
Redbox is just that...a large, red box in certain locations where you can rent dvds. It costs $1 per day, new releases included. You choose your movie from the box, and swipe your card to pay. Then you can return the dvd to any RedBox location, not just the one you rented it from. (Go here to find a location near you.) It is a very good deal, don't you think? $1 for a new release. What can beat that?
I'll tell you what can beat it. FREE dvd rentals from Redbox. That is right. FREE. It is possible that you will never have to pay for a dvd rental again. Ever. Seriously.
This website, InsideRedbox.com, will tell you hundreds of useable codes that you can use when you rent a dvd. The codes are for free rentals. So use a code each time you rent and your rental will be free!
The process is simple:
1. Find a code on InsideRedbox. You can search the main database or search by state. I recommend taking at least 3 codes with you to rent in case one doesn't work.
2. On the main page at the Redbox location, click on the button in the lower left corner that says "rent with a promo code."
3. Then type in the promo code and go from there. The rest is easy. Just follow the instructions.
4. Double check your receipt (sent to you via email).
Yes, this works. We have not paid for a rental in many many months. But, here is the catch. The free code gives you the rental for free THAT DAY. If you forget to return it to the Redbox location the next day, you will be charged $1 per day that you keep it. I'm sure there are many people who don't return it the next day, so that is how they make their money. Personally, I make sure we don't forget. I want my rental to be free.
Give it a try! Nothing is too good to be free!
Click HERE to find out how you can get free Redbox rental codes every Monday AND Wednesday!
Digital Scrapbooking Links
Lately I have been liking digital scrapbooking. Now that I am finally learning how to do Photoshop, it is more fun than frustrating. I still have a long way to go, but so far what I have learned is basic so I can have fun. Here are some links I have been told of or come across that I have really liked. What I have loved most of all is that I have not needed to purchase an expensive book or take a class. It is all FREE online!
So far what I have learned is from following these super easy tutorials. Take it step by step. It just takes a little time, but is not at all difficult. It has been so fun to experiment with something new. To make a scrapbook page without having to worry about printing photos. If you have been thinking about delving into the world of digital, try it!
Tutorials
Jessica Sprague (Photoshop Friday segments)
Shabby Princess
Scrap Girls tutorials
2Peas tutorials
Cottage Arts
Help and Advice & Experts
Digiscrap
Artistic Musings (plus freebies every Friday)
Jessica Sprague
Digital Freebies for Download
Simply Clean Digi Scraps
More from Simply Clean Digi Scraps
DigiFree
2Peas Freebies
Shabby Princess
Shabby Princess free desktop calendar (I love this..I put it together & on my desktop last night!)
Peppermint Creative (a new freebie kit every month)
Digital Freebies (a new freebie every Friday)
Scrap Artist
Cottage Arts
Audra's Designs (one of my favorites! She has free LDS kits)
Younique Designs
Jessica Sprague (Echos of Asia kit)
Jessica Sprague (Love ya mini kit)
Jessica Sprague (Home Away from Home)
Jessica Sprague Flower Girl kit...(scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the link)
Jessica Sprague glamour elements
DigiScrapDepot
Scrap Orchard (these are so stinkin' cute...but you need to register first)
Yin's templates
Rak Scraps
Scrap Girls
Shutterfly Digi freebies
Digi Treats (tons & tons of freebies, listed almost daily, but they don't last long)
Rachel's Scraps
Rachel's Scraps Add on (this goes with the ABC kits from DigiTreats)
Toy Box Designs
3scrapateers
So far what I have learned is from following these super easy tutorials. Take it step by step. It just takes a little time, but is not at all difficult. It has been so fun to experiment with something new. To make a scrapbook page without having to worry about printing photos. If you have been thinking about delving into the world of digital, try it!
Tutorials
Jessica Sprague (Photoshop Friday segments)
Shabby Princess
Scrap Girls tutorials
2Peas tutorials
Cottage Arts
Help and Advice & Experts
Digiscrap
Artistic Musings (plus freebies every Friday)
Jessica Sprague
Digital Freebies for Download
Simply Clean Digi Scraps
More from Simply Clean Digi Scraps
DigiFree
2Peas Freebies
Shabby Princess
Shabby Princess free desktop calendar (I love this..I put it together & on my desktop last night!)
Peppermint Creative (a new freebie kit every month)
Digital Freebies (a new freebie every Friday)
Scrap Artist
Cottage Arts
Audra's Designs (one of my favorites! She has free LDS kits)
Younique Designs
Jessica Sprague (Echos of Asia kit)
Jessica Sprague (Love ya mini kit)
Jessica Sprague (Home Away from Home)
Jessica Sprague Flower Girl kit...(scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the link)
Jessica Sprague glamour elements
DigiScrapDepot
Scrap Orchard (these are so stinkin' cute...but you need to register first)
Yin's templates
Rak Scraps
Scrap Girls
Shutterfly Digi freebies
Digi Treats (tons & tons of freebies, listed almost daily, but they don't last long)
Rachel's Scraps
Rachel's Scraps Add on (this goes with the ABC kits from DigiTreats)
Toy Box Designs
3scrapateers
No Reimer Reason
House of Lime
Scrapbook Bytes (you need to register first)
Atomic Cupcake #1
Atomic Cupcake #2
Space Raven
Lots of freebies from Creating Keepsakes Magazine
Also, for all those free fonts you download, here is a free font organizer called The Font Thing.
A great and FREE way to organize your digital stuff is Picasa. It organizes them so well, and I can view everything easily. Try it!
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