Homemaking Haven

$50 Pampered Chef Giveaway!

2012-01-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

I recently went to a pampered chef party and was so blown away at all of their awesome products. To be honest, I was a little overwhelmed and slightly embarrassed at my lack of kitchen gadgets. All of the ladies ranted and RAVED about the quality of Pampered Chef and were buying so many new products. I wish I could...but our budget doesnt really allow for kitchen gadget splurging...all though there are a few items I am definitely saving my pennies for---love love love the garlic press and the can opener!
Ive been on the hunt for Pampered Chef giveaways---and found one! Enter at Organizing Home Life for $50 towards pampered chef products!!
http://www.organizinghomelife.com/archives/1793#

Baby Bullet Giveaway!

2012-01-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

Now that Henry is 4 1/2 months---I've had my eye on different baby food making systems. I made homemade baby food with Briggy, mostly jars with Ollie, and will probably do a combination of the 2 with Henry. The Baby Bullet is AWESOME and sooooo cute!! Thanks, Mail Carrier is hosting a giveaway! Enter here!
http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com/2012/01/new-years-resolutions-for-kids-baby.html

Dino Dan DVD giveaway!

2012-01-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

My boys are CRAZY about Dinosaurs! For Oliver's 3rd birthday this year I plan on throwing him a super fun dino party with a dino-dig! I know he'd love the new Dino Dan movie as a gift! Enter here for a chance to win one from NCircle Entertainment!
http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/2012/01/ncircle-entertainment-dino-dan-dino.html

Ipad 2 giveaway

2012-01-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Dallas Single Mom {along with a bunch of other great bloggers} are giving away an Ipad 2, an apple giftcard and a super cute ipad cover from macmommy---check out the details and enter via rafflecopter. contest runs through january!
http://dallassinglemom.com/2011/12/29/nyo-giveaway/

Richard Scarry Deluxe Playset Giveaway!

2011-12-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

I love anything Richard Scarry! I still have books from when I was young that I read to my children! The characters are so adorable! These new playsets look so fun, I know my boys would love them!
Bragging Mommy is hosting a giveaway! Enter!!
http://www.thebraggingmommy.com/2011/12/19/brag-worthy-christmas-richard-scarrys-busytown-town-hall-deluxe-playset-with-dvd-review-and-giveaway

Vtech 2-in-1 Discovery Table Giveaway!

2011-12-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

Two Boys One Girl and A Crazy Mom is hosting a Vtech giveaway! These tables are so much fun for the little ones. Even though Henry is only 4 months, with TIME ZOOMING BY as fast as it has been, he'll be ready to play with this before you know it!
Enter here for your chance to win!
http://twoboysonegirlandacrazymom.com/vtech-2-in-1-discovery-learning-table-toy-review-giveaway/

Step2 Cozy Kitchen Giveaway!

2011-12-05T15:10:00.001-08:00

I know this is on the Christmas wishlists of many little ones this year. Try your luck and enter at Faith Family and Fun!

Good Luck!
*kelly

Mikarose Giveaway

2011-11-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

Modest fashion is very important to me. As a latter-day saint {Mormon} there are certain guidelines when it comes to clothing and how much skin we show. With the fashion now-a-days that can sometimes pose a problem. Luckily there are a few companies that appreciate beauty and modesty---at MikaRose you can find so many beautifully modest dresses and clothing. I own a few dresses that I absolutely love. There is a $50 giftcard giveaway going on now at http://www.thebraggingmommy.com/2011/11/23/brag-worthy-christmas-mikarose-modest-womens-dresses-review-and-50-gc-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-276440Good Luck!

Covillow Giveaway!

2011-10-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

A Nursing Cover and Pillow in one--a Covillow!
The Tranquil Tangerine is my favorite pattern! Check out the giveaway all the pattern selections at:
http://www.mommykatie.com/2011/10/covillow-nursing-cover-w-pillow.html

Good Luck!

Baby Bullet Giveaway!

2011-10-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have seen the commercials for the Baby Bullet over the past few months and really had my eye on it. I've tried winning it a few times, maybe this time I'll get lucky! At any rate...I'll probably just go and buy it for Henry's "Christmas Present" since he'll be starting solids in February. I need to get my supplies ready! Its always such an exciting time when babies start eating solids and stop nursing EVERY TWO HOURS {can you tell im a zombie mama right now?} Its getting better now. Henry is 6 weeks and we've had some 3-5 hour stretches here and there!
Here is where to enter:
http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com/2011/10/original-baby-bullet-baby-care-system.html
Lots of great giveaways on her site:
Thanks, Mail Carrier!

$50 Educational Insights Giftcard Giveaway!

2011-10-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Bragging Mommy is hosting a $50 Educational Insights gift card giveaway! I love Educational Insights! I have been using many of their products with my boys, its great for preschool time! If I win, im hoping to get a fun game--the sneaky snacky squirrel game! its so cute! But I definitely recommend Hot Dots Jr. for anyone looking for EI products. We have lots of sets of them and we use them EVERYDAY! So helpful with learning and re-inforcing pre-k skills!
Check out The Bragging Mommy's review and enter her giveaway!!
http://www.thebraggingmommy.com/2011/10/17/educational-insights-50-gc-giveaway/

Peek-a-boo Color Muffins giveaway!

2011-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

I love Learning Resources! I have purchased so many fun and educational products from them for the boys to fill our preschool room with lots of learning and fun!
New Age Mama is hosting a giveaway of one of their cutest color learning games! The Peek-a-Boo muffin set is adorable! Hope it win it for Mr. Oliver, but if I can't win I hope someone reading my blog will!
Good luck!

To check out more awesome products at Learning Resources at www.learningresources.com {Think Christmas!} and Here's the link to the giveaway at New Age Mama: http://newagemama.blogspot.com/2011/10/holiday-gift-guide-learning-resources.html

Awesomeeeeeee Giveaway!

2011-09-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Lifeandmyfinances.com is celebrating an anniversary and having an awesome giveaway! Today I was visiting with friends and I was checking out their Ipad. Im sort of behind when it comes to technology---and would never pay for such "luxuries" but after playing around with the Ipad today, im hooked! I really want one! fortunately this site is giving one away {along with lots of other neat prizes!} so hopefully I'll get realllly lucky and have an awesome early christmas present...or maybe you'll be the lucky one?!

Here's the link!
http://lifeandmyfinances.com/2011/08/win-a-free-ipad-2-giveaway

Good Luck!

My BreastFriend Giveaway!

2011-09-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

With my first 2 babies I used a Boppy---it did the job, but I found that it was little too floppy of a pillow, where I would have preferred it to be more firm. A few of my friends SWEAR by My BreastFriend, so now that I have a brandnew baby, *Henry Shoutout!* I am really wanting to try this out. takeitfrom-me.com is hosting a giveaway for one! hopefully I {our you!} will get lucky and we can win this great product! Check it out!
http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-brest-friend-review-giveaway.html

Pirates and Princesses Book Giveaway!

2011-08-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

This book looks so adorable! I know Briggy and Oliver would love it. They love to read read read! The giveaway ends on 8/31...check it out! {thanks http://togetherwesave.blogspot.com}

Enter Here!

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Deep Fryer Giveaway!!!

2011-06-13T08:00:00.001-07:00

If you know me, you know Paula Deen is my homegirl. And now that im a "southerner" my kitchen is in dire need of a deep fryer! Luckily, The Shopping Mom is hosting an awesome TFAL fryer giveaway! You can read her review and enter until July 10th! head on over!!
http://www.theshoppingmom.com/t-fal-ultimate-ez-clean-deep-fryer-giveaway/

Good Luck!

Cricut Expession 2 GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-04-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

FaveCrafts and Provo Craft have teamed up and are giving away the newest Cricut machine, which is being released in celebration of the 5th anniversary of the first Cricut machine. The Anniversary edition is compatible with previous models’ cartridges, and it comes with four additional cartridges. It also features an LCD touch screen, a cutting area light, a longer power cord, and several upgrades for the advanced Cricut user.

1 winner a chance to explore all of the cutting possibilities provided by this Cricut Expression 2: Anniversary Edition machine. Will it be {Me--please} or you {yea!}
I am obsessed with all things Provocraft! Good Luck!

http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/Cricut-Expression-2-Anniversary-Edition-Giveaway

Hot Dots Giveaway!

2011-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

This awesome learning tool is on my wishlist for Briggy's K4 homeschooling curriculum. I know he'll love it.
Happenings of the Harper Household and Educational Insights are generously reviewing and giving away this Hot Dots set. Check it out!
http://happeningsoftheharperhousehold.blogspot.com/2011/04/educational-insights-hot-dots-jr-review.html

Good Luck!
{Giveaway ends May 1st}

Wow Wow Wubbzy!

2011-04-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

I dont know about your kids, but my boys LOVE Wubbzy! Ollie loves say "wow wow!" over and over again!
When I saw they had an Easter DVD, I knew that I wanted to give that to the boys in their easter baskets.
Here is a chance to win one! Good luck to you {and me!}
http://www.mamabee.net/2011/04/wow-wow-wubbzy-original-piece-of-wubbzy-artwork-sweeps-wubbzys-egg-celent-easter-dvd-giveaway-ends-411/

Want a new Serta mattress?

2011-03-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

We do! I never had comfortable mattresses growing up. When I got married to Tom, his parents had bought him a really comfortable bed that we were able to take with us in our new home---its great, but....I think its nearing 7 or 8 years old now, and well---i think its about time for an upgrade!

Born to Impress is having a super generous giveaway---a brand new {$1500} Serta mattress giveaway! check it out and good luck to a more comfortable night's sleep!

http://kidzborn2impress.blogspot.com/2011/03/born-2-impress-pampered-mom-event-serta.html

Wow! Win an HP Touchsmart 310

2011-02-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have never owned a laptop---so this would be amazing. Ahh, just imagine, all curled up in bed, Tom could be watching sports and I could be blogging or facebooking and we'd be in the same room! how nice!!! Im excited I found the blog Dear Crissy. She seems like an interesting lady.

Dear Crissy is giving away an HP TouchSmart 310

GOOD LUCK!

Kara's Party Ideas--Carnival Giveaway!

2011-02-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped by karas party ideas? Its one of my favorite party inspiration sites. Seriously, if you are planning a party check it out, she has links to TONS of great parties--pretty much any genre you can think of!
She is hosting an AWESOME giveaway right now. A Carnival Party gift pack with tons of stuff retailing about $150. check it out!!! I would love to have a carnival party for mr. oliver!!!
http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2011/02/giveaway-carnivalcircus-party-pack-150.html

Huge Party Planning Giveaway!

2011-02-21T06:35:00.001-08:00

If you are anything like me, planning a party is the most fun EVER! I love all the little details with planning a sweet soiree. Glorious Treats is offering a great giveaway on their blog. {Over $300 worth of goodies} that would make your party perfect--from invites, decor, to sweets and accessories. Check it out! The giveaway ends 2/26!
http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2011/02/host-party-of-year-giveaway.html
Good Luck!!

Roberts Crafts Giveaway!

2011-02-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

Roberts crafts is hosting a really fun giveaway right now on their blog. They will have more giveaways when they reach their goal of 7000 facebook followers! Check it out on their blog!
http://blog.robertscrafts.com/2011/02/too-much-fun.html

Good Luck! I love Roberts! Wish they had them in Texas....I have to go to Utah to get all my good crafting supplies!!!

Valentines Etsy Extravaganza!

2011-02-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is an awesome giveaway, especially for all you etsy lovers like myself!
head on over here and enter to win $315 worth of etsy products. you can check out all she is offering by clicking this link, or the button to the left. HURRY! giveaway ends tonight {2/7 at midnight!}
http://etsyfix.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-2011-valentines-day-gift.html

Huge CSN giveaway!!!

2011-01-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

I love shopping at CSN because they sell EVERYTHING!!! I came across this blog today and she is so sweet...she is offering an $85 CSN gift card!! Try your luck and scope out her blog, you wont be sorry!

http://livinnlovinn.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway.html

Good Luck!

scrapbooked board books giveaway!

2011-01-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

one thing i love for the kids {especially ollie} is board books. those are the only books that arent ripped or totally destroyed in our home!
i love this idea of being able to make your own board book to keep memories and let the little ones enjoy looking at them without the worry of them ruining them!
i found this great giveaway on the giveaway queens website--check it out!!!

http://thegiveawayqueen.blogspot.com/2011/01/board-book-albumsreview-and-giveaway.html

couponing, mothering giveaways.....awesome!

2011-01-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

ive really been coming across some awesome websites that help out with couponing, deals, mom advice and giveaways. heres another great giveaway!!!
http://twoboysonegirlandacrazymom.com/?p=7628

Good Luck!!!!

new couponing blog and giveaway!

2011-01-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

i love when i stumble on new blogs that post great deals and giveaways! heres my newest find!!
Crazy Coupon Mommy!
here is a direct link to her newest and awesome giveaway--a huge bounce house for the kids! briggy and ollie would go NUTS!!
http://www.deals4dummies.com/2010/12/bouncehouse/

or a realllllly nice new baby bjorn synergy carrier!!!
http://www.deals4dummies.com/2010/12/dearsanta-babybjorn/

Good Luck!!!

Silhouette Giveaway!

2010-12-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite craft blogs Brown Paper Packages, is hosting an AMAZING giveaway! A silhouette cutting machine with all the goodies. Check out her blog--she has so many cute ideas and sign up for the giveaway!!! Here is the direct link!

Sillouhette Giveaway at BrownPaperPackages!

New cute homemaking site!

2010-08-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

Well, new to me! I just barely stumbled upon it today and I am super excited to check it out later tonight once the boys are snoozing away. {am i the only one who blog stalks like that? i could do it for hourrrrrrrrrrs!} anyway, she is actually having a flirty apron giveaway on her site right now! they are the cutest sweetest aprons you ever did see. go check it out! the giveaway ends next week!

http://happilydomestic.blogspot.com/2010/08/joys-of-homemaking-flirty-aprons-review.html

Silhouette Giveaway!

2010-08-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

Have you been to sugardoodle.net recently? they've got a silhouette giveaway right now that ends later this week! check out her site and see all the amazing things you can make with the silhouette. i want to win! im obsessed with crafty gadgets--and this is all the rage!!

link:

SUGARDOODLE SILHOUETTE GIVEAWAY!

More Rhubarb Recipes!

2010-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last summer I came across some new yummy rhubarb recipes, and this year as I was flipping through the May issue of Martha Stewart Living [one of my favorite magazine freebies I am lovvvvvvvvvving!] She had quite a few rhubarb recipes that I CANT WAIT to try!! I think I might make the Rhubarb upside down cake when I am out in CT for my mothers {50 and FABULOUS} birthday! Here is the main link to access all 33 of Martha's rhubarb recipes, and the newest upside cake is the last link!

http://marthastewartliving.com/photogallery/rhubarb-recipes

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/rhubarb-upside-down-cake

Teacher Appreciation Gifts!

2010-04-29T13:06:00.001-07:00

Since I only have small babies, I don't have teacher appreciation gifts to make normally....but....this year I got to help make one! Our wards Relief Society President happens to be her son's "Classroom Mom" in charge of the gift! She had an idea in mind [to make a sign for her classroom door] and asked me if I could come up with something cute that was blue and brown [her favorite color combination] So I whipped up a set of coordinating teacher gifts--File folders, bookmarks [both from Hobby Lobby] Decorated Clipboard, Front door frame, pencil holder and desk drawer organization box! [that idea came from: http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/04/box-of-teacher-goodies.html] and put it all in a cute chocolate brown tote box [from walmarts new office line]
I was going to decorate the outside of the box, but im thinking the teacher may just want to use that in her home and not want "mrs ranes" on it...so I think they'll probably just temporarily tape the card on the front of the chocolate colored box.

Take a look!

Caddy Crazy!

2010-04-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

I love these plastic car caddy's at Walmart! They are $1.50 and come in [at least at my local store] orange, yellow, blue and lime green. I wish they had red so I could put some in my craft room---I might just do yellow up there. Anyway, I bought a ton to organize my overflow of personal care items that I've been getting so much of lately from Walgreens/CVS deals. I have 2 little parties tomorrow--a baby shower and a housewarming party. The shower is for a mother that just had her 3rd baby and requested diapers and wipes as gifts. I didnt want to just wrap up a sack of diapers and wipes, so I tried to think of something cute that wasnt a diaper cake [someone was already making one] this is what I came up with--its perfect for a portable changing station.

I wanted to decorate the wipes container too!

Then I thought I'd snag another caddy for the housewarming gift and fill it with cleaning goodies to store in a cabinet and keep organized!

I hope they like their gifts! I was a little hesitant on the "coopers pooper caddy" i thought it was cute and silly, but some people dont have my goofy humor and was nervous it might be in "bad taste" or offensive to the mother--I asked a few people and they thought it was cute...so hopefully she'll think its fun too.

Family Mission Statement

2010-04-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw that the Gosselins (back in the day many seasons ago when they were a happy family) Had a mission statement made up as a family, I knew I wanted to do one for our little family. Time passed, and I sort of forgot about it---but I've been seeing 'Family Rules' signs a lot of fun crafty blogs. This one in particular inspired me to make one of my own!

http://brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com/2010/03/family-values-canvas.html

I wanted to use my cricut letters as stencils, and paint the the letters on, and I probably should have. I was too lazy and wanted something up fast (to cover up two big holes my husband accidentally put in the wall! eek!) so I just used cut out letters on paper squares. To be honest, I'm not 100% in love with it because its not what I had originally invisioned, so maybe ill redo it someday when I dont have another million projects swirling in my head (yeah right!) but for now, its a somewhat cute-hole cover-er.
I am making a "Backyard Rules" sign to nail up outside with cute rules like "swing super high" and "eat picnic lunches" stuff like that---I think im just going to modge podge paper letters on that one too.....we'll see.

We're almost done tidying up our front yard, so I put out a little bit of decor on the covered part of our porch. I covered ratty old pillow with burlap and stenciled on our initial and home address. Painted the wood "loveseat" and barn star....I sanded it in spots, but my "sanding sponge" kind of sucks. I need a better way to shabby-ify things up.

A few more projects that I can hopefully post pictures of soon are sillouettes of briggy and oliver on plaques in our dining room, and THIS AMAZING SANDBOX!

http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2010/04/plans-easy-to-build-sandbox-or-snowbox.html
I had begged the author of knockoffwood.blogspot.com to post plans for a pottery barn kids sandbox knockoff---and she just posted one on her blog. It seems relatively easy--Im just hoping I can find someone to aid me in my first building project!

Besides a few fun around the house projects like I mentioned above, Im starting to work on my best friends bridal shower that is red/black lingere "sexy and sweet soiree" as I make things I'll be posting them!

Win a Pillow Pet!

2010-04-03T18:21:00.001-07:00

These things are just the cutest! I love the idea of it being so cute and fun, but also be practical and comfy! I love this blog [take it from me]---she gives reviews and giveaways of all neat stuff!!! I have her blog button on the side, in case you wanna head on over--but here is the direct link to win a pillow pet!!! I picked the bumble bee...but there are a few I really want for the boys. I love the turtle too!!!
http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/2010/04/pillow-pets-review-giveaway.html

Baby shower gift

2010-03-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Im pretty sure my sister-in-law Amy wont be checking out my homemaking blog while she's on an anniversary vacation with her hub...so its safe for me to post this so my mother-in-law can see it! It came out pretty nice--the blue base is a little brighter than what I wanted, but for the most part I like it--I hope amy does too!

Recycle Crafts

2010-02-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

I love to recycle "garbage" and turn it into a craft project. I let Briggy play and build with cardboard canisters and tp rolls...but one thing I have been accumulating lately are baby food jars. Mr. Oliver goes through 6 a day! Here are some fun tutorials I found recently! Fun Fun Fun!

Baby Food container Tutorial

Pincushion Tutorial

Even though I have nursed both Brigham and Oliver, I do have some empty formula cans and nut-cans that I can use to make this other fun project!

Twine Covered Can Tutorial

Awesome Walgreens savings for 2/21-2/27

2010-02-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

My 2 favorite deals for this week are AWESOME! Mainly, because last week Tom asked me to pick up deoderant because his 'stash' was running low. (If you saw all of my bathroom "stashes" you would think im crazy...I honestly have at least 6 of everything you could need for personal care...thanks to walgreens!)

Here is the deal scenario to get you quite a bit of goodies!

Excedrin Menstrual Complete Express Gels 20 ct get $2 RR (this deal ends 2/27)
This week they are on sale for $2.50 each. They are NOT advertised at this price, but should ring up that price...(have them scan it before you pay just to make sure)

There are 2 separate sites you can print out $2 off coupons. You are allowed to print copies of each coupon TWICE on each computer, so after you are done printing, make sure to click back and refresh the screen. (I know lots of people have multiple coupons, so this is where you can get a crazy stockpile of coupons--I only have one computer and do just fine...but it would be nice to have more!)

1) http://www.excedrin.com/offer.shtml

answer the survey question "excedrin" and you'll be able to print off the coupon

2)www.coupons.com has $2 off coupons--look under the "healthcare" button on the left side.

That will give you a total of 4 coupons.
Grab 4 boxes of excedrin, and ring each box in separate transactions. You will pay 50 cents for each one, then you will recieve a $2 register reward (Do this four times, dont pay with the register rewards)
Total out of pocket cost is $2...but you will have $8 worth of register rewards!!!

Now you have $8 "Walgreens Money" to use towards a transaction of Right Guard Deoderant!

They are on sale BUY ONE GET ONE FREE this week. Their cheapest price is the Right Guard sport in Solid or Gel for $2.99
Here are the following coupons for RightGuard:

1) www.coupons.com has $2 off 2 RightGuard product (print twice!)
2) www.smartsource.com has $2 off 2 RightGuard product (print twice)
3) http://www.rightguard.com/allstar/ (fill out the quick info and you'll be able to print off 2 $1.50 off coupons--make sure to print twice!)

When you use 2 of the $1.50 coupons you will be getting both RightGuards for free Because 2 RightGuards=$3
When you use the $2 off 2 coupon you'll be getting 2 RightGuards for 50 cents each.

Thats 6 sticks of deoderant for $2....use one of your $2 RR from the excedrin deal (plus very cheap filler items--because you'll have more coupons than product...I would buy the Royal Pudding thats on sale for 25 cents with the in-ad coupon) and that transaction will be free--or a few cents, depending on what filler item you use!

Remember, you have a total of $8 RR, so you'll be able to do buy more deoderant depending on how many coupons you have printed off!

I know im not the best at explaining all of this--it makes a lot more sense in my head than putting it into words on here, but if you have any questions you can always comment or message me and ill try to walk you through any problems...or of course check out all my fav coupon sites:

www.hip2save.com www.dealseekingmom.com www.thekrazycouponlady.com

I will be free of menstral related headaches and my husband will be smelling nice for quite awhile thanks to Walgreens :)
Good luck!!

Awesome Giveaway

2010-01-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite blogs always have such great info, but they also host awesome giveaways! This one lady in particular is very sweet and has meaningful posts and projects:
Beneath My Heart
She is giving away artwork from Red Letter Words (faith inspired art)
Check it out!!! it ends tonight at midnight...I would have posted it sooner, but I havent been blog stalking as much as normal this week!! :)

Coupon Organization

2010-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

I've only been couponing since May 2009...so I know I have a lot to learn, but one lesson I learned early on is that organization is essential for savings. I would clip my coupons toss them in a basket, rifle through some and put them in envelopes and head to the grocery store. I still saved money using coupons, but as a couple months passed and my coupon stash grew it became harder to have them in envelopes and very VERY frustrating searching through them at the grocery store. I decided to make a coupon binder, separated by category, so I could open up a section in an aisle and have access to every coupon.
I purchased the largest size heavy duty binder at walmart...it was around $7
I purchased 2 sets of clear baseball card holders (around $5 each)
I had dividers already, but they are around $2 at walmart
Thats all you need! I added a pencil pouch in the front. I use it for walgreens trips, or a grocery trip based on the flier deals, so I pull the coupons I know ill need ahead of time for the one store Im visiting.
Inserting the coupons in the clear dividers makes it so easy to see what product you have a coupon for and the expiration date! Here are a couple pics I just took of mine so you can get an idea:

Relief Society Bulletin Board

2010-01-10T14:08:00.001-08:00

I was itching to do a project with my new Cricut Expression (yea!) so I volunteered to do the RS bulletin board for the new year! The serenade cartridge that was a bonus with my cricut--it has some really fun girly elements, I especially like the trees, birds and scrolls. I was looking online for other pictures of RS bulletin boards to get some inspiration....because I know there has to be some crazy cute ones out there with all the crafty mormon talent goin' on :) But I couldn't find anything! I had planned on having a magnet board (the center piece, so fliers, reminders and birthdays could be easily changed) and also all the ribbon decor on top of it are magnets so teachers could use them in there lesson on the chalkboard if nessecery. One thing that I wanted to do was have really taut twine running horizontally (a few rows) in between the two squares, that you could hang pictures or additional little fliers with closepins (I had scrapbooked about 16 with coordinating paper) but after getting everything up on the board there just wasnt enough room without it looking too cluttered. I just used craft paper that you can find in the mailing section of any store...I love brown, tan...and it goes with all colors. I bought different colored ribbon so I could change the borders with each season (march--green, april--green and pink, may-july=red and blue, august (not sure yet), sept-nov brown and orange, december-red and green) and our ward lettering will change to match. That way you dont have to change too much up, but it stays current and festive!
Oh, and of course I had to make one of my signature clip boards to match for any handouts or sign up sheets that need to go around :)

Santa-approved Cookie list!

2009-12-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here are a few holiday cookie recipes that I made this week!

Buckeyes

2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 t. vanilla extract
1 lb. powdered sugar
3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large mixing bowl, mix pb, butter and vanilla together. Add powdered sugar a little at a time. Continue to add sugar until the mixture can be rolled into 1 inch balls that stay together. Melt chocolate in double boiler. Placing a ball on a fork, dip 3/4 of the ball in the chocolate. Place balls onto wax paper-lined cookie sheets. Place in a cool area or refridgerator to set. Makes 4 dozen.

**Real buckeyes are nuts that grow on trees and are related to the horse chestnut!**

Devils Food sandwich cookies

18 1/4 oz pkg devils food cake mix
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 t. almond extract
16 oz pkg powdered sugar

Combine cakemix, shortening and eggs. Form into small balls and flatten slightly on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. In a med. bowl blend cheese,butter and extract. Gradually blend in powdered sugar until desired consistency. Beat with a spoon 'til smooth. Refridgerate. When cookies are cool, spread filling between 2 cookies; repeat. Keep refridgerated. Makes 2 dozen.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 cups all purpose white flour
1 1/4 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound (1 cups) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups raisins
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or spraying with vegetable shortening.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
Using a beater attachment and a stand mixer, beat butter on medium speed until creamy.
Add sugars and beat until fluffy. Scrape bowl.
Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and beat again. Scrape.
Turn mixer to low speed and add the flour and oats mixture a few cups at a time.
Add raisins and give it one final mix. Scrape the bowl good to make sure everything is blended well.
Using a cookie scoop or Tablespoon, measure out cookie dough and place on prepared sheets leaving some room between them to spread.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until slightly firm around the edges. Cookies will continue to bake even after you take them out of the oven.
Remove to cooling racks and cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.
Makes 25-30 warm, chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
Variations:
Oatmeal Scotchies Cookies: Substitute butterscotch chips for raisins.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute chocolate chips for raisins.
Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute chocolate chips for raisins and add 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
Oatmeal Craisin Nut Cookies: Substitute craisins for raisins and add 1 cup chopped nuts, your choice.

I made gingersnaps this year from the better crocker cookie mix! I know *gasp* not homemade!! they actually turned out super yummy--Briggy helped me out with this recipe and he had such a blast! My hands were coated in so much cookie mess I didnt take any pics :/
This recipe is from a friend, she said its awesome!

Sparkling Ginger Chip Cookies

[If you can't locate whole wheat pastry flour, you can substitute spelt flour. Or feel free to use all-purpose flour if that is what you have on hand. As far as the unsulphured molasses goes, I use Wholesome Sweeteners or Plantation Organic Blackstrap Molasses. I used a Scharffen Berger Bittersweet 70% here. You can use light brown sugar, or light muscavado sugar in place of the natural cane sugar.]

1/2 cup / 3.5 oz / 90 g turbinado sugar
6 ounces / 170 g bittersweet chocolate
2 cups / 8.5 oz / 245 g whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/2 cup / 4 oz / 113 g unsalted butter
1/4 cup / 2 oz / 60 ml unsulphured molasses
2/3 cup / 3.75 oz / 100 g fine grain natural cane sugar, sifted
1 1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, peeled
1 large egg, well beaten
Preheat the oven to 350F / 180C degrees - racks in the top and bottom third of the oven. Line a couple baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper or a Silpat mat, and place the large-grain sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Finely chop the chocolate bar into 1/8-inch pieces, more like (mostly) shavings really.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and salt.
Heat the butter in a saucepan until it is just barely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the molasses, sugar, and fresh ginger. The mixture should be warm, but not hot at this point, if it is hot to the touch let it cool a bit. Whisk in the egg. Now pour this over the flour mixture, and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate.
I like these cookies tiny, barely bite-sized, so I scoop out the dough in exact, level tablespoons. I then tear those pieces of dough in two before rolling each 1/2 tablespoon of dough into a ball shape. From there, grab a small handful of the big sugar you set aside earlier and roll each ball between your palms to heavily coat the outside of each dough ball. Place dough a few inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until cookies puff up, darken a bit, and get quite fragrant.
Makes roughly 4 dozen.
(http://www.101cookbooks.com)

Festive Candy Cane Kiss Centered Brownie Bites

1 brownie mix 9×13 inch size

18 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

1/2 Cup chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons heavy cream

3 original candy canes, crushed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and scoop into a mini cheesecake pan or mini muffin tin pan that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray, about 3/4 way full. Press kisses into center of brownie batter, do not push all the way to bottom, some of the tip should stick out the top. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until brownies are cooked through. Let cool completely.

2. Melt chocolate chips in microwave, 30 second intervals until smooth and melted. Stir in cream until silky smooth. You can place back in microwave for 10 seconds to smooth more if needed. Dip tops of brownies into melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Serve with a tall glass of milk.

*It took all the will power NOT to make these cookies, because there is no way I could show self-control with these..... (from pickypalate.com)

The Mother Load Layered Cookie Bars

Layer 1: Sugar Cookie

1 Roll of Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Press sugar cookie dough into bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish that’s been lined foil and sprayed with cooking spray.

Layer 2: Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

(the recipe below makes double what you’ll need for the bars, use extra for cookies)

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder)
2 tsps. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Slowly add eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Slowly add to wet ingredients then stir in chips. Layer 1/2 the recipe over sugar cookie layer, pressing gently.

Layer 3: Peanut Butter Cookie

1 Cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 Cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix until combined. Press over chocolate cookie dough.

Layer 4: Chocolate Chip Cookie

(the recipe below makes double what you’ll need for the bars, use extra for cookies)

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 Cup granulated sugar

3/4 Cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla

2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 bag chocolate chips

1. Make sure oven is preheated to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer cream the butter and sugars until well combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Place flour, baking soda and salt into a large bolw; mix to combine. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips. Spoon 1/2 of the dough evenly over peanut butter cookie dough but don’t press, just leave uneven. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until center of dough is cooked mostly through. Edges will be brown. I covered pan with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

2. Let cookies cool completely. Lift out of pan with edges of foil. I cut off 1/2 inch edges and just used softer centers, but do as you wish. Edges are crispier. Drizzle top with 1/2 Cup melted chocolate chips if desired.

*Note: You can layer dough and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is what I did and it worked very nicely.

8 large bars (if you cut off edges), 12 bars (if you keep edges)

Thanksgiving Menu

2009-11-24T10:23:00.001-08:00

GOBBLE GOBBLE!

I just finished planning out our Thanksgiving menu and wrote up my grocery list of last minute items! I'm a little nervous making the meal this year, since Its our first alone (and I've never cooked a turkey by myself!) but I'm sure it will all come out somewhat edible. I'm also a little nervous about baking everything that needs to go in the oven....we dont have double ovens (someday..I can dream!) So hopefully I can work everything out.
I don't like pumpkin pie, but Tom does..so I'm giving in and making it!

Sage butter-Turkey

kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil, to coat

2 Sticks SAGE BUTTER
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup chopped sage
salt and pepper
Directions

1--Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and remove the top rack of the oven.
2--Rinse the bird thoroughly inside and out with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the cavity and skin liberally with salt and pepper.
3--Stuff the cavity with stuffing and, if required, truss the legs. Cover the turkey with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Push the sage butter under the skin of the turkey, being careful not to puncture the skin. (Im not going to stuff the turkey, I saw somewhere that some people just fill it was ribs of celery, onion, lemon, etc just to get some flavor....)
4--Put the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan, and into the oven. Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meaty part of the thigh registers 170 degrees F. The thigh juices will run clear when pricked with a knife, about 3 hours total (15 minutes per pound). If the legs or breast brown too quickly during roasting, cover them with foil.

Sausage-Cran Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, small dice
3 ribs celery, small dice
Kosher salt
1 pound spicy sausage, casing removed, broken into bite-size chunks
3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely diced
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
10 sage leaves, finely chopped
3 sprigs rosemary, leaves finely chopped
10 cups stale cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups dried cranberries
3 to 4 cups chicken stock
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, add the onions and celery and saute over to medium heat. Season with salt and cook until the vegetables start to become soft and are very aromatic. Add the sausage and cook until the sausage begins to brown. Stir in the garlic and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the walnuts, sage and rosemary and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix together the cornbread, cranberries, and the sausage mixture. Add chicken stock and knead with your hands until the bread is very moist, actually wet. Taste to check for seasoning and season with salt, if needed and transfer to an ovenproof dish.

Bake the stuffing until it is hot all the way through and is crusty on top, about 30 to 35 minutes. MMMMM...stuffing!

Sausage stuffed stuffing balls

I know this is overkill because we are going to have sasauge cornbread stuffing, but Tom saw this on the foodnetwork last week when we were skimming through the channels and he said this was a MUST! so I guess they will be appetizers...

8-ounce pack spicy sausage (recommended: Bob Evans)
2 cups canola oil, plus 1/4 cup
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups chicken stock
1 (6-ounce) box chicken flavored bread stuffing mix (made according to package instructions)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drop dime-sized dollops of sausage into the pan. Cook until golden brown, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the pan to a plate and set aside.

After removing sausage add a 1/4 cup of canola oil to the pan and stir in 1/2 cup of flour. Stir to create a roux, and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Slowly add the chicken stock, stirring while you pour and let simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

In a separate saucepan heat 2 cups of canola oil on medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl combine the stuffing, parsley, thyme, and scallions and mix together. Take quarter-sized or 1 tablespoon of stuffing mix and wrap it around the individual sausage balls. Cover the sausage completely and set aside

Once all of the sausage balls have been coated in stuffing, dredge them in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. When all the balls are lightly coated in flour, carefully drop them into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the oil, to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Once all of the balls have been fried and drained turn off the heat to the gravy and add the fried sausage stuffing balls. Stir gently to coat the balls with the gravy and transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Im hoping to find a can of "Silver Corn" I've never really looked for it, but I was remembering all the thanksgivings at my nana's growing up and she always had this. I hope I can find it at the store tonight!

Normally I would make my sis-in-law Amy's awesome Spicy Greenbean casserole recipe, but I think since I make that all the time, I'll make the traditional casserole (okay, maybe I'll throw in some bacon...)

Mashed potatoes--I'm not really following a recipe, just wing it as I go like I normally do...all the good stuff, butter, milk, sourcream, maybe some ranch seasoning, I've even thrown in some creamcheese before....whatever!

I have never had the icky canned cranberry sauce in my life...and I dont plan on it, but I feel like we need some cranberry dish, so when I saw this recipe I thought it seemed like a nice dish

Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients
2 cups cranberry juice
1 (6-ounce) bag sweetened dried cranberries
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
1 cup sugar
2 Gala apples, peeled, cored and diced
2 teaspoons corn starch
Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the cranberry juice, cranberries, cinnamon and sugar. Bring to a boil and let cook for 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have softened and apples are tender, about 5 minutes.

Remove 8 ounces of the liquid to a small bowl and whisk in the cornstarch. Slowly add the cornstarch-juice mixture (slurry) to the cranberry mixture, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl. Refrigerate until thickened, about 30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and serve.

Paula's Pumpkin Pie

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups canned pumpkin, mashed
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
1 piece pre-made pie dough
Whipped cream, for topping
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place 1 piece of pre-made pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan and press down along the bottom and all sides. Pinch and crimp the edges together to make a pretty pattern. Put the pie shell back into the freezer for 1 hour to firm up. Fit a piece of aluminum foil to cover the inside of the shell completely. Fill the shell up to the edges with pie weights or dried beans (about 2 pounds) and place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is dried out and beginning to color.

For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the sugar and salt, and beat until combined. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, half-and-half, and melted butter, and beat until combined. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous amount of whipped cream.

(I plan on making a cinnamon graham cracker crust instead of the usual pie dough)

We are going to have food for an entire week and then some! I'm a little depressed that its just us this Thanksgiving and no other family members, It's just going to take some getting used to. Having family members in all different states really STINKS! But I am truly thankful to have such a wonderful family no matter how scattered we all are!

Wednesday at Walgreens

2009-11-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

(and Target too)

I know it seems like all I've been posting lately is coupon info, Ive just become so passionate about the savings just a little time and effort can make. We really had to cut back expenses, and one of the things to get slashed was groceries/misc...so I made an effort to learn about couponing and try my best at it. I was so overwhelmed at first when I would read blogs about these ladies getting things for pennies and thought there is no way in heck I could figure that all out....but let me tell you something--its not that hard....a few times practicing it out, staying organized (I've got a coupon binder that I want to show in another post) and strategizing really really really pays off. It is crazy how much I am saving on things that I either would never buy because it was too much and was a "selfish" purchase (ie $8 almay mascara) or things that you REALLY REALLY need but hate spending the money on (DIAPPPPPERRRS!)

I probably spend about an hour a day on couponing. By that I mean, I go to my helpful websites, print out coupons, organize coupons, clip coupons, look up flyers and deals online) Sometimes I spend more time (in the wee hours of the morning when I can't sleep!) but really, I don't dedicate a crazy amount of time like I thought someone would have to in order to get all these deals.

I didnt know this until I began my new "hobby" but a lot of grocery stores double and triple coupons up to 50 cents...and a lot of times they will have specials where they will double up to a $1 (Kroger, Albertsons...etc)
As much as I dont like giving all my money to walmart, you can get some great deals when you combine their rollback items with coupons...like the Oreida fries I bought today. They are 92 cents, I had (2) $1.50/2 coupons. So I bought 4 packages for $3.68-$3 in coupons=17 cents per package.
Stores like Target, Walgreens and CVS not only accept manufacturer coupons like Walmart, but they also have their own store coupons that you are able to "stack" with the manufacturer. A good example is the lubriderm I bought today at walgreens. They are $3.79 each. I printed off $2 coupons for them, making them $1.79---but then there is a $1 off walgreens coupon (its in the Diabetes coupon booklet you can get from the pharmacy)so then it made each lotion 79 cents, which makes them a money maker because there is a promotion going on where you get $8 in register rewards
so I did spend $2.37 out of pocket, but if you figure in the $8 they give back they pretty much PAID ME $6.63 to buy the lotions! Yea!

This is what I got at walgreens this week for FRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

--6 Suave shampoos
(I used them as fillers because I had negative balances, they are a special item this week that helps out the cashier--she gets money added into her paycheck if she sells them--my girls at walgreens are AWESOME! So I usually buy whatever the product is to help them out)
4 clearanced nailposhes
(I had coupons making them a few cents or free)
--3 fragrance free lubriderm lotions
(perfect for the hub--no girly scent!) (generating $8 reward when you buy 3)
20 Almay one-coat mascaras!
I was able to get 12 of the $6.99 and 8 of the $7.99 that come with a 15count container of Almay eye make up remover wipes!
I know, youre thinking what on earth is she going to do with 20 mascaras...but I go through one every couple months, and I can always throw them in gifts for friends and visiting teaching gals...they'll get use out of them! Normally I am so NOT the crazy lady that takes EVERYTHING in the store, but all the other almay I wanted was taken (we have a pesky lady in my town that seems to take everything bright and early sunday morn!) so I was feeling a little fiesty and thought I'd beat her to the chase!
12 8oz hunts tomato sauce
A great staple, not to mention great food storage item! (on sale 3/$1 and there is a $1 off 3 hunts coupon online! match made in heaven!) these would also make good "filler items" if you have too many coupons per transaction or have a negative balance and need to up it a little!
Im hoping to get 12 more when they get their delivery truck in on friday!
2 Almay pure blends lip gloss (generating $5 reward)
2 Herbal Essences shampoo/conditioners

And I still have a $5 register reward to use towards my next deal!!
I get a lot of my ideas from iheartwags.com...she has everything laid out, and actually has flyers months ahead of time, so you can plan out coupons for the upcoming sales! shes awesome!

Im not the best at explaining thats why I am supplying you with my list of the sites I check out daily. They provide coupons, deal scenerios, advice...these are awesome ladies who spend a lot of time helping us out!

http://www.thekrazycouponlady.com
http://www.hip2save.com
http://www.nwadeals.net
http://afrugalfriend.blogspot.com
http://iheartwags.com
http://dealfindingchik.blogspot.com
http://thefreebieblogger.com

you can click links from there blogs to print coupons, but you can always go to
www.coupons.com
www.smartsource.com
www.redplum.com
to print out free coupons. you can print off 2 of the same coupon from each printer. you just have to click back and refresh/retry.

Lastly, I want to add the there are so many great TOY DEALS right now for christmas shopping. Today at target I purchased $135.04 worth of goodies for $42.06!
If my math is right, I think thats around 70-75% off. Crazy! To get the best deals at target, price match with other flyers...for example I bought the Hasbro games Scatterpiller Scramble and Giraffalaff Limbo--target's price was $20 and $28! Toys R Us has them in their Christmas "Big Book" for $14.99. I had $4 off coupons that I printed awhile back (they are no longer available for print) that I "stacked" with the target coupons that were $5 off (they are online or in the holiday coupon booklet in their store (it was in the toy section)
that made these games only $6. Seriously, that is awesome! I did the same thing with the Tag Junior reading system. Was $28.99 but after coupons I knocked it down to $8.99!!!
I guess my point is, couponing is not for crazy old ladies who have nothing better to do (okay, so thats kind of what I used to think about people who did this) but these ladies that have these helpful websites are all young moms! no matter if you are rich, poor, whatever--it never hurts to save a buck!
Thats my schpeal. If you have questions I'll try my best to answer, but if you go to these sites these ladies do an EXCELLENT job at explaining everything!!

Merry Savings! I can't wait for Christmas this year with my two little elves :)

Degree Fine Fragrance deal at Target

2009-10-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love getting super cheap/free deodorant! I can't believe I used to pay over $4 a stick before!!!
Here's the deal:
Print off $1.50 off manufacturer coupons from here: (make sure to print twice!)
and print off $3 off target coupon here (when you buy a stick and fragrance)

Buy Degree Fine Fragrance deodorant $3.29
Buy Degree Fine Fragrance body mist $3.29
Total=$6.58
Use 2 $1.50/1 manufacturer coupons plus the one $3 target coupon and pay
58 CENTS!!!

Great deal on Kid Essentials

2009-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Briggy hasn't been eating as many vegetables as I would like these days so I've been wanting to get him drinking a supplement that would help take care of any vitamin deficincies...but even if your kid is eating plenty of veggies...this is a great product that offers great nutrition.

Here are two great coupons that make them super cheap!

First go to their website and print off the $5 coupon (remember, after it prints you can click the back button/retry and it will print for a second time)
http://www.kidessentials.com/Pages/register_email_validation.aspx

Then go here to print off the Buy One Get One coupon (remember to print twice!)
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qiipbuz18096541&bt=vg&o=58795&c=NB&p=zXbjRWSM

At my local walmart (the only place that carried it around town....) it was $8.97 (but my walmart is more expensive than others....) they should carry it at cvs/walgreens/target...but I didn't have any luck this past week finding it anywhere else...so hopefully you can find an even better price on it...
I bought 4 packs @ $8.97 gave 2 of my $5 off coupons plus 2 of my B1G1 coupons and paid $8 for 4 packs...$2 a pack, not too shabby! Plus, briggy loves them! Inside each pack there is additional coupons for $5 off 2 packs that expire at the end of the year...hopefully I'll come across a good sale so I can get more soon!

Yankee Candle Coupons

2009-09-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

I don't really buy candles anymore since my love affair started with Scentsy...and the recent Glade and Airwick spray machines came out-- were clearanced and had crazy coupons in the past few newspapers....(I have about 15 that I either got for free or a dollar each...) so I'm pretty much scented-out right now, but I know many of you (especially my mother in law) are crazy about yankee--so here ya go!

$10 off $25 candle coupon:
http://www.yankeecandle.com/yc/html/retail/Email_HTML/registerForCouponsWebNEWCoupon.html

Pay $1 for yankee votives and tarts with this coupon:
http://www.yankeecandle.com/yc/html/retail/Email_HTML/webCoupon_TS910A1.html

Walgreens trip--Round two

2009-09-11T11:53:00.001-07:00

I went to Walgreens on Monday to get a few things, but only a couple of the RR deals were stocked in my store (there are some pesky ladies in my town that shop 8am Sunday morning and take EVERYTHING...so for those of us who dont shop on the Sabbath day are left with nothing until they *hopefully* get a new shipment on Fridays)
Anyway, I am going back for round two tonight and thought I'd share my transaction scenario's with you in case you too are catching the Walgreens bug!

(My scenerio includes a more pricey OOP than normal...we are in desperate need of a Brita filter system because our water here is TERRIBLE and we're spending about $20 a month in gallon-jugs of purified water--the transactions are easily modified, just take out the Brita order if thats not something you need)

Transaction #1
Crest Whitening Plus Scope 6oz toothpaste
2/$7
(2) 75 cents off coupons from 8/30 paper (I've read that some people have $1 coupons from that paper, but mine didn't have that....)
00P=$5.50
Earn $5 RR

Transaction #2
Brita Filter
$14.99
$5 off coupon (sign up here to recieve printable coupon)
Use $5 RR from Transaction #1
OOP= $5
Earn $3 RR

Transaction #3
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner
$9.99
$5 off coupon (print it from here)
Use $3 RR from Transaction #2
OOP= $2
Earn $3 RR

Transaction #4
Carefree 16 count pads (this is a monthly RR) I've used up all my carefree $ 1 off coupons but you can get them online or from your 8/30 newspaper
$1.99
OOP=$1.99
Earn $2 RR

Transaction #5
Crest with Scope toothpaste
2/$7
(2) 50 cents off coupons from 8/30 paper
Use $3 RR from transaction #3 and $2 RR from Transaction #4
OOP=$1
Earn $5 RR

Transaction #6
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner
$10
$5 off coupon (you can print it twice from the link posted above)
Use $5 RR from transaction #5
OOP=Free!
Earn $3 RR

(you could always save the RR to use it to start off next's week's deals...or do what I'm doing and build up your water supply for foodstorage)
Use $3 RR
OOP=Free!

Walgreens 24 pk bottled water is on sale for $2.99 with in-ad coupon!

My total OOP this week is higher (as I mentioned before) but it's $15.50 (without the cost of the few filler items i'll need for a few transactions) but thats the cost of the Brita system without coupons or register deals....so I'm looking at it as getting everything else for Free!

Earlier in the week I purchased the Windex Outdoor All-in-one cleaning kit ($9.99 get back $3 RR) and used this $3 off coupon...just in case you need one!
(Print it from RedPlum here)

PS--This weeks newspaper is going to have 5 coupon inserts!!!! Make sure to pick up a Sunday paper saturday night!! :)

Huggies Rewards Points Codes

2009-09-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Trying to gather up all the Huggies rewards codes I've used the past couple months..they're may be some repeats in here...sorry...it takes a while to cut and paste them into the code box, but if you have a little time on your hands during kids naps or nighttime, its worth it--ive won 2 jumbo packs of diapers!
(newer huggies products will have codes in them--they can only be used by you and not shared, but these are online-shareable codes!)

www.enjoytheriderewards.com

BBCZD ZXLMN QDPGB
BBGMP BFWFB FZPGB
BBMKJ-CWQWD-GZPGB
BBRJH WHDPT JZPGB
BBWBH SDHFQ CJPGB
BBWSJ-TDHDT-PTPGB
BBWTN-CMZRL-PPPGB
BBWXT-CCRXZ-TQPGB
BBWZZ-RTRRH-SKPGB
BCPJC JBXGD PCPGB
BCPLN XKNKB XBPGB
BCRLQ TQFXS KCPGB
BCRQB-RMLXS-BJPGB
BCXMX GGJWZ WFPGB
BCXWH-SFFSF-ZSPGB
BGNPP KQFXZ BLPGB
BGSTD HNGXC WZPGB
BGZQZ JCXFC HZPGB
DDCHK-GCBLZ-DSPGB
DRRLN QJSRH KWPGB
FFQLB PSQMP ZCPGB
GMHPR XCQWL FRPGB
GRKLD NQFLH MKPGB
GWMGG-PJXKF-LLPGB
HKNZJ ZGMDN KBPGB
HNCXQ JJMCJ FCPGB
HPDTG XHMGX BWPGB
KCPBH-XMNRB-TDPGB
KCWGQ FPPWB LBPGB
KDPPZ-RMXXS-HCXKP
JFBLF MCMCZ GCPGB
JXBQX LWHPP HPPGB
LNXBX DXTSH BSPGB
MLXRC-CNRWK-KWPGB
MSSNC RKZWL LXPGB
NBDKD-QZGDT-FJPGB
NJCZB NPQCX RXPGB
PXGDB WGHLZ FGPGB
PWZLK–XCQNS–QSPGB
QKKZJ-MTZRZ-HPPGB
QRNXW-HLQGC-PPPGB
QSHCR CHRND ZJPGB
QSMFD THTNG JDPGB
RNRHF HTTQC HFPGB
RPLSZ BRLDD RTPGB
RRPXJ PSDRZ PGPGB
RSLGW DTSTP BXPGB
RSZNG TJNPH DHPGB
RZMRR-QFZNP-WGPGB
SQJTJ NJBXK CMPGB
SRTTD QPHMP RRPGB
STLPM MBQPZ RLPGB
TKHNF-RLPLS-TRPGB
TXZKZ JNRJQ DDPGB
WPBXZ-RDDNS-PPPGB
XGQTZ JNLGX SLPGB
XXDZB QBPHH GLPGB
XZRSS-FHSQG-FLTMN
ZKZTH XSJJN MHPGB
ZQQGS FLRLM XBPGB
ZXLRK-BTBBM-NNPGB

Codes Worth 1 Point Each

BBMKJ-CWQWD-GZPGB
BBWSJ-TDHDT-PTPGB
BBWTN-CMZRL-PPPGB
BBWXT-CCRXZ-TQPGB
BBWZZ-RTRRH-SKPGB
BCXWH-SFFSF-ZSPGB

Codes Worth 2 Points Each

BGSTD-HNGXC-WZPGB

Codes Worth 3 Points Each

KDPPZ-RMXXS-HCXKP

Codes Worth 5 Points Each

BCRLQ-TQFXS- KCPGB
BCRQB-RMLXS-BJPGB
DDCHK-GCBLZ-DSPGB
GWMGG-PJXKF-LLPGB
HKNZJ ZGMDN KBPGB
JXBQX-LWHPP-HPPGB
KCPBH-XMNRB-TDPGB
LNXBX-DXTSH-BSPGB
MLXRC-CNRWK-KWPGB
NBDKD-QZGDT-FJPGB
PWZLK–XCQNS–QSPGB
QRNXW-HLQGC-PPPGB
XZRSS-FHSQG-FLTMN
ZXLRK-BTBBM-NNPGB

Brigham's 18 month celebration!

2009-08-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

I planned on waiting until Briggy turned 18 months to give him chocolate and nuts. A couple weeks prior to his 18 month mark I gave him a little chocolate mixed with his milk to see if he 1) liked it and 2) had any signs of allergy to it.
He seemed to like it and didn't get a rash so I went for a celebration cake on the
15th!
He's going to be 2 before I can catch my breath--he's growing so fast! He liked the cake, but he really prefers fruit over anything else.

This recipe for chocolate cake is special because it has pureed veggies in--beets!
(this is from jessica seinfelds deceptively delicious cookbook)

Batter:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
3 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup beet puree (I personally think you could add up to 3/4 cup...I didnt taste anything funky)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting:
1 8oz package of cream cheese
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

(I didn't have cream cheese on hand so I just made a buttercream)

1-Preheat oven to 350. Coat 9 inch pan with spray
2-In a large bowl, beat brown sugar with oil until creamy. Add the whole egg and whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the melted chocolate, beet puree, buttermilk and vanilla
3-Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat until smooth
4-Pour the batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. (35-40 minutes) Let the cake cool for 5 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a rack to cool completely.
5-Meanwhile, make the frosting. Beat the cream cheese with the confectioners sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth. Slice the cake in half horizontally. Spread the frosting over the top and between the layers of the cooled cake.

Beautiful Gift

2009-08-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

My aunt was able to visit up from the San Antonio area for Oliver's blessing day. She suprized us with wonderful gifts (tons of diapers and wipes--you know your a mom when that makes you very, very happy!) and this AWESOME BEAUTIFUL GIFT!

She took the picture of Brigham that I took from Mother's day (where hes picking at a big flower) and printed it on transparency paper...glued it to this glass block...and then on the back printed "He loves me--John 3:16" on the back part of the block... so through the light you see the scripture through the photo.

Get it? He loves me...He loves me not....with the picking of the petals and of course John 3:16
--For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life--

How SUPER CUTE is that?! I still can't get over how great it is...and she assured its a very simple affordable craft project.
I have a feeling I'll be making a lot of these!

2009-07-31T10:16:00.001-07:00

Birth Announcements by WiddlyTinks.com

Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Banana Bread for the Brigster!

2009-07-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my little Brigham's 17 month birthday!! I can't believe how time is flying and how much of a little boy he is looking like instead of a mushy little baby! I do miss that baby munchkin phase...but it should only be a *couple* more days until we have a new mushy baby to hold!
Yesterday I wasn't feeling so hot, so I didn't end up doing anything to special for Brigs. He's sort of had a boring couple weeks with me mostly laying in bed not doing much of anything...we did make Ollie a birthday card..but no special treats :(
So today I'm feeling better and thought I'd redeem myself by making my little monkey one of his favorites: Banana bread! This is a new recipe to me...sounds good...I haven't given Brig's nuts yet so I won't be adding the walnuts...can't wait to suprize my little man when he wakes up from his nap!

Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Banana Bread

1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oatmeal
3 small eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
4 ripe bananas mashed
2 cups all purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
(1/2 cup chopped walnuts)

Preheat oven to 350--lightly grease 9x5 loaf pan
1- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
2-Stir in eggs, one at a time
3-Add vanilla and banana
4-In a separate bowl sift flour, powder, salt and oatmeal together
5-Combine wet and dry ingredients
6-Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven

I saved a TONNNNNNNN!

2009-07-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

I am excited to report that my target couponing excursion was a success. They didn't have a few of the travel size items that I would have gotten for free, but I'm headed to Walmart tomorrow evening to see if I can stock up (renu contact solution and nexcare bandages) As well as $2 20-water bottle packs of Nestle Pure Life (I don't have any water stored in my food storage closet, so I thought this might be a good way to start it)

But.....my $23.72 Kashi bill was slashed to $4.60!!!!
And I did some "frozen food" shopping so we would at least have some go-to items when I have Oliver and am not up to cooking....and saved $20.66 from my $45 grocery bill (I did buy things without coupons)

The best deal from the frozen food bill was the Eggo Bake Shop items. They are normally $2.79 (marked down this week to $1.50 at target) (however, it wasn't marked at the price, so I checked with a salesperson)
and there are $1 off manufacturer coupons for them at coupons.com
so I bought 3 boxes of the twists, muffin tops and pastries for the SALE price of ONE! :) They come in handy for Tom's quick breakfast out the door.

I did buy some fancy new Degree deoderant with coupons....I got 2 regular size sticks for a little over a dollar a piece. They would have been nearly free If I had a coupon from a few weeks back..oh well...still way better than the $4.50 I normally pay for one!!!

There are SOOOOOOO many free sample sites that I feel are worth the minute or two to sign up...because when stock piled they can be put in 72 hour kits (most of the samples are healthcare products)

Yes, it does take a little time to search out the coupons (but not really with those sites I listed on the previous post--they do all the work for you!) but clipping the coupons and planning meals around what you can buy for pennies....makes me feel like I am contributing more to our families financial situation (in a positive way) since I am no longer working outside of the home.
Its worth it!! I would urge all of you to try it out!!!

*PS- I was so scared I was going to get a grump that wouldn't be nice about all the coupons, but the lady that rang me out was super nice and helpful. She even told me "you can always go to kroger.com to print out extra manufacturer coupons" in her sweet texan accent... :)
They actually didn't have the 10 oz boxes of Kashi Heart to Heart cereal that the target coupon posted as free....so I was able to get the next size up :) *

Coupon Queen

2009-07-06T18:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am SO not...I am a wannabe couponing queen desperately trying to figure out the system. There are SOOO many of you ladies out there that have got it going onnn!!! seriously, I am in awe. Lately I have not been able to sleep AT ALL at night. (Up until 4 am awake at 7 am....) So I have been searching and reading up on coupons, freebies, rebates, etc etc.
I am starting to get the hang of some of it....except the CVS and Walgreens rewards points...that is just way over my head. Hopefully I'll get there someday.

There are these AWESOME blogs and websites that pretty much make couponing easy. They list the links of the printable coupons, tell you about the other inserts, put scenarios together (tell you how much to buy and what coupons to use per transaction) to save big. I have been adding their blog buttons on my side bar....check them out when you have time!!!

Krazy Coupon Lady
NWA Deals
Deal Seeking Mom
A Frugal Friend

This post is mainly about my *upcoming* target grocery trip I have planned for wednesday (unless Oliver decides to pop out sooner)

I love Kashi products, but haven't bought them recently because they tend to be on the expensive side. They taste great and are so much healthier for you than the average snack food.
Check out this scenerio (from Krazy Coupon Lady)

Krazy Kashi Scenario:

No newspaper necessary! All you need is ONE computer for printing!
8 products, 6 manufacturer coupons, 6 Target Coupons

Buy These Items:
(2)Kashi 10 oz. Heart to Heart Cereal: $5.32
(2) Kashi crackers $5.00
(2) Kashi TLC bars $5.00
(2) Kashi Go-Lean Waffles unconfirmed price $5.32
pre-coupon total: $20.64

Use these coupons:
(2)$1.50/1 Kashi Cereal Coupons
(1) $0.50/1 Kashi Cereal Target Coupon
(1)FREE Select Kashi cereal with purchase of any Kashi cereal Target Coupon(Heart to heart, Heart to Heart warm cinnamon, or Go0Lean Crunch Honey Almond Flax)
(1) $1.00/2 Kashi Crackers Target Coupon
(2) $1.50/1 Kashi soft-baked cereal bars
(1) $1.00/2 Kashi Granola or Cereal bars Target Coupon
(2) $1.50/1 Kashi Waffles
(2) $0.25/ Kashi Waffles Target Coupon

Final Price: $3.98 for 8 Kashi Products
(if you take out the Kashi crackers, this deal will still be a moneymaker of $0.02!!)

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO HER SITE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PRINT AND BE DIRECTED TO THE INDIVIDUAL COUPONS

I've been reading that Target isn't the most "cooperative" when it comes to couponing. I am sure this varies region to region, and I am hoping for a friendly cashier....but they do recomment carrying a copy of the coupon policy as sort of "proof" that what you are doing is in fact okay with their corporate policy.
here is the email target sent out explaining their coupon rules:

Thanks for asking us about using coupons at Target. Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it’s easy to use them at our stores. Because of the variety of coupons available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be redeemed at Target.

When accepting coupons, we use the following guidelines:

We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued and manufacturer-issued.
We’ll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
We can’t give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in this case, we’re able to adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
We can’t accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier while you’re checking out.
For questions about using a specific coupon, we encourage you to stop by Guest Service and ask to speak with the Guest Service Team Leader. They’ll do their best to help while you’re in the store. If you still have questions after speaking with them, please call our Guest Relations team at (800) 440-0680. Either way, we’re here to help!

I'll let you know how my wednesday excursion works out!!

Visiting Teaching Project

2009-06-23T17:50:00.001-07:00

Now that I am settled in our new ward (Kaufman) I have been assigned a VT companion and a few lovely ladies to visit teach.
I was trying to think of a useful gift to give but also something that would start off our friendship together....so I put together magnet boards for each sister that had magnets with each of our info and a magnet with a quotation on prayer from June's message.
I was going to apply spray adhesive to the board and paper, but I decided against it in case they don't like the paper I picked out...its just attached with glue dots on each corner. I think its a neat little gift and I hope they find them to be useful and fun!

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same."

The cutest scrapbook line EVER!

2009-06-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

My sister Jessie sent me a link to this scrapbooking line a couple months back...but they just shipped out to stores at the end of april. I just remembered about it, so I went online to get the numbers of all the scrapbook stores around here that sell cosmo cricket supplies. Both the Hobby Lobby's around here DONT HAVE IT! ERGH!!! I tried finding some of the items for sale online, and there were a few sites that had some pieces, and then another site would have only item...not one site that had all the papers, stickers and chipboard.
I am so angry!!!! I wanted to buy a whole bunch and decorate a memo board, magnet board and magents all with these prints for my craft room and some for my kitchen. I tell ya, if there ever was a scrapbook line that totally encompassed my personality its cosmo cricket--theyre stuff is just insanely cute and fun.

(He's my favorite. What a cute happy little toaster)

I really love the Happy Camper line too because of all the *cute camping* decor I am getting for Briggy's room.
I love the chocolate and marshmallow---"I love you S'more!"

Speaking of Smores...When I first moved out to Texas I was introduced to this yummy recipe that is so fun and cute. I'm pretty sure it originated from the back of a Golden Graham cereal box...
I think they are fun summer snack...or great for rainy days when youre stuck inside, build a tent/fort in your living room and eat snacks and and tell stories with the kiddos....

Indoor S'mores

8 cups Golden Grahams® cereal
5 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup light corn syrup
5 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup miniature marshmallows, if desired

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal. Butter 13x9-inch pan. In large microwavable bowl, microwave 5 cups marshmallows, the chocolate chips, corn syrup and butter uncovered on High 2 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds, stirring after every minute, until melted and smooth when stirred. Stir in vanilla.
2. Pour over cereal; quickly toss until completely coated. Stir in 1 cup marshmallows.
3. Press mixture evenly in pan, using buttered back of spoon. Let stand uncovered at least 1 hour, or refrigerate if you prefer a firmer bar. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store loosely covered at room temperature up to 2 days.

another walgreens coupon code...

2009-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

4DAD saves you 33% on all photo items. I think I'm going to print a poster of Briggy for my craft room...just thought I'd share the code....Its good until June 13th!!

Walgreens Father's Day coupon code

2009-06-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

Walgreens:

25% photo gifts for Dad using the code: DAD25
Get 25 4x6 prints free when you purchase 25 using code: 2XSMILE
(This deal runs through the 6th of June)

I think I might make my dad a Briggy deck of cards....

And the winner is...............

2009-05-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hannah Robinson!!
Here is a cute picture with her and her babies. I hope you like what will be coming your way!! (Hopefully I can make the package cute and take a pic before I send it off)

Hannah is a super creative, friendly and spirtual homemaker. I dream of having her sewing abilities someday!! Check out all her cool creations on her etsy site:

ahandmadechildhood.etsy.com

Thanks to everyone who participated in my little contest. I like making up little gift packages...so maybe I'll have them more often (I havent been assigned VT's yet...so I am missing out on my little packages and projects!!!)

Special Summertime Surprise!

2009-05-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

In celebration of my 100th post (today is #99) I wanted to do something cute and special. I have so much fun with my blog, finding interesting sites, recipes and tidbits to share...I wanted to do something special for my friends and followers. (I know there are only a handful of you, but I am grateful you stop in and check up on me every once in a while!)
Anyway, I put together a cute Summertime Homemaking Package as a gift for the lucky winner....

How do you win this fabulous secret summertime surprise?

Leave me a friendly comment on this post-- that puts your name in the drawing. If you comment a quick homemaking tip or email me a great summer recipe your name will be entered multiple times. (If you win I'll need your address information, so leave me your email address that way we can get the details when the time comes!)

I'll be leaving the posting open for 48 hours! You can click the "email me" button on the left for easy email delivery, or jot down my email info:
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com

I'm hoping to get some fun facts and recipes from you ladies to post, so don't be shy!

Here's a yummy summer citrus recipe to get the contest going....this is from one of my new favorite blogs:

Check out her website and blog--full of great recipes!!

Mrs. Borden’s Creamy Lemon Pie

3 egg yolks
(1) 14 ounce can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated milk)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Blend with a mixer until creamy. Pour into prepared graham cracker crust. Bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes. Cool, then chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Just before serving add the fresh whipped cream. Garnish with sliced lemon.

I think it’s best to prepare this pie the day before to make sure it’s good and cold…but make the whipped cream just before serving.

Great Visiting Teaching Website!

2009-05-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled on a new visting teaching website:

www.visitingteaching.net

The website is so cute and has so many ideas to magnify our calling as sisters in the Gospel!

Anniversary Picnic in the Park

2009-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tom and I will be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary on Monday, the 25th...which also happens to be Memorial Day. We decided on a very low key date that will probably include Briggy swimming in the neighborhood pool (the grand opening is tomorrow and the kiddie pool looks so nice!) We know he'll get a kick out of that. Then we thought just a quite picnic at the park with our little Briggy would be a sweet celebration.
I have been debating on the picnic menu, because I wanted to do something not "memorial dayish" and certainly not too fancy.
I thought an italian twist on the meal would be nice, since Tom and Italian go hand in hand.
Any suggestions for side dishes that would compliment what I have so far?
Let me know!

Muffaletta

1 Round Italian loaf, slightly hollowed out
2/3 c. Olive Tapenade* (see below)
2 c. Shredded Lettuce
4 oz. Sliced Mortadella
4 oz. Sliced Ham
4 oz. Provolone
1 Tomato, coarsley chopped

Directions

Slice loaf in half horizontally, then pull out some of the breading to create a hollowed interior.
Spread half the tapenade over the bottom half.
Layer the lettuce, mortadella, ham, and provolone.
Top with chopped tomato.
Spread the remaining tapenade into the hollowed top half of the bread.
Place the top over the bottom, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30min to 6 hours.
Cut into 6 pieces (like a pizza) and serve.
Makes 6 servings.

(Tapenade recipe)
1 cup pitted kalamata olive
1 cup pine nuts
3 garlic cloves
1-2 cup fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
1/4 cup olive oil
fresh ground black pepper
Optional
1 cup of pitted canned black olives (decreases saltiness)
Directions
Add garlic to food processor, blend until minced. Add remaining ingredients except olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil slowly while the blade is running.
Adjust ingredients to your liking - Additional pine nuts, parsley or pitted canned black olives will make it less salty and intense in flavor, while additional oil will increase the creaminess. You can also use other fresh herbs such as sage or basil.
Serve at room temperature.

Italian Picnic Salad

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 small red onion, chopped fine
3 scallions, both green and white, chopped fine
1 pint or 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half or quarters
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1 pound orzo, cooked and rinsed in cold water
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Directions:

We eat this almost all summer long in Italy. It's refreshing, light and goes with almost anything. Be sure to toast the pine nuts; I like to place mine in a 350 degree F oven in a rimmed pan for about 5-8 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.

1. In a large bowl, combine the onions, scallions, tomatoes, pine nuts, salt and pepper and the orzo pasta. Toss well.

2. In a small bowl, combine the fresh basil, vinegar, garlic and olive oil and mix well. Add to the orzo mixture and toss thoroughly.

And...not so Italian dessert....

Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes!

1 (18 1/2-ounce) package chewy fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)

1 (12-ounce) package peanut butter chips or 24 miniature peanut butter cups

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 regular muffin cups with paper cupcake liners.

Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions for cake-like brownies. Fill the cups half full with brownie batter. Place about 1 tablespoon peanut butter chips in the center of the batter, or press 1 peanut butter cup into the batter in each muffin cup until the batter meets the top edge of the peanut butter cup.

Briggy and Ollie's playroom....

2009-05-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

is ALMOST done. I need to buy bean bags for the reading center and in front of the TV. I wanted those reallllly cute fancy kid cozy chairs that have their names stiched on from PBK or Land of Nod...but those are 100 bucks each! :( Too rich for my blood...so I'll probably end up buying 4 bean bags for walmart for the price of one cute chair....as long as they arent the shiny vinyl kind, they should look cute. I am also waiting to drive up to IKEA to get the red table and chair set...other than that, I am pretty much done...I have a spot for an easel, but I think I'll wait until Briggy is a bit older to put that in.....oh...and I was trying to figure out what the heck I could store books in that WASNT a bookcase (lack of room and they make me nervous with a very climby Briggy) I found these chrome plated magazine racks that hang (I guess theyre meant for the bathroom) Anyway, I want to buy three and spray paint them red and hang them up vertically in the space between the canopy and the window...they'll hold plenty of childrens books and look cute (I can't wait to post pictures!) I want to hang a large bulletin board up for when Briggy actually starts making pictures so I can display them....but I haven't found any reasonably priced boards (I want a pretty big one...like four feet long) if any of you spot one, could you let me know?
Anyway, the main reason I am posting about the playroom today is the toy storage that I found last night at Walmart. I was planning on buying that (really cute) but really expensive toy drawer unit from ikea that I posted awhile back. It was reasonably priced ($300) compared to all the other storage units I had been looking at at other stores....but still a hefty sum. They had on display a "rollback" of these Sterlite "recycling center" drawer units. They only had four left (I kind of wanted six...so I might venture out to the next town to see if they have any more...) But they are cute because they are a bright blue and green, and the boxes are SUPER DEEP and BIG...so they can actually fit REAL toys...not those dinky little bins....they were only $14 for the 2 drawer unit....so $60 compared to the $300 makes mommy and daddy very happy! In the picture below you'll notice I have a cheap white laundry basket on top...I'm going to buy three more and spray paint them the bright cherry red to fit the longer bigger toys that wouldnt fit in the drawers...and give that wall the punch of red that it needs. I'll probably hang up the bright red clock I had in Briggy's old room up there too.
What do you think? maybe not QUITE as cute as the Ikea unit, but pretty good considering...and it will get the job done!

I found these at www.alwaysbrilliant.com for $10.99 a piece. Not to bad...they'll look cute bright red hanging on the yellow wall!

Vinyl Lettering Party

2009-05-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Last night was my first night out "on the town" without a husband or brigham attached to me. Normally, I prefer to be with them, and have rarely (I think maybe 3 or 4 times) left Brigham with Tom and *once* with a babysitter (while he was sleeping) I know, I'm a freak. I get so worried and the whole time I'm out all I am thinking of is horrible things that could possibly happen to my little guy. (I must also confess that I never even let Tom take Briggy anywhere without me) I know, I really need to loosen up! But actually, last night was the first time I didn't really fret or think too much about what was going on at home while I was out having a good time! Baby steps....
Anyway, I am in the market for some vinyl lettering to fill some space on my walls..so this was the perfect opportunity for me. The hostess was great, the company was fantastic and I even won a 12x12 ceramic tile with a beautiful quote that matches my kitchen wall color! Yippie!

The ladies that sell the vinyl are super sweet and have tons of options..not to mention they will customize anything for you. If you live in the Dallas area...I would definitely check out their blogs (and parties)

Distinctive Designs:
Carrie Folsom and Andrea Petttit
Vinyldistinctivedesigns.blogspot.com
Vinyldistinctivedesigns@gmail.com

Here is the beautiful tile that will really help me spruce up my kitchen!

PS--Gymboree's circle of friends 30% is going on until this sunday! Online code is GYMCIRCLE (purchases will go towards earning you gymbucks!)
PPS-this is my 95th post! I am planning a special giveaway for my 100th....stay tuned for details!!!!

another coupon....

2009-05-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

I am making a framed photo wall for my living room with *lovely* sepia tone versions of some of my favorite pics. I always thought Walmart was cheapest...but walgreens is actually really affordable. (2.99 for an 8x10) I missed the free walgreens 8x10 coupon for mothers day--my computer was NOT cooperating :(
anyway, I typed in walgreens coupon codes just to see if anything might pop up and
AFFSAVE33 saved me 33% of my order...so I ended up only paying $11 dollars for 6 big prints....pretty good.

The coupon expires 5/22/09 and it works if you have a photo order of $15 or more.

Jessie made these cooler for me: (they'll be 8 total...but the 3 that are going to be oliver...have to wait a few months! :)

Oriental Trading Company Coupon

2009-05-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

I recently recieved the "reading corner" canopy for the playroom, and inside the box was a coupon for 10% off any order of $65 or more. There are a ton of crafts and games and learning tools for sale (which are great for bored summer syndrome and sunday school activities...) anyway, I thought Id share!

This offer expires May 31st:
APRBB09
(thats the keycode you would type in when checking out online)

PS--Briggy loves the canopy!! I can't wait to get that room all done!!

Cherry Rhubarb Crisp

2009-05-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

In honor of my new blog background, I dug up a recipe I saved from last summer as a *must make* for a summer barbeque party. I am excited to make this, because Tom has never had rhubarb before! I told him how when I was growing up I would break off the rhubarb stems at my nana's house and she would let me dip them in sugar between swimming breaks....those were the days....

Cherry and Rhubarb Crisp

Fruit Filling
3cups Sweet WA Cherries; washed and pitted
3 cups Rhubarb; washed and chopped
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1 Tbl. Cornstarch
2 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

Topping
3/4 cup All-purpose Flour
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
1/2 cup Walnuts; coarsely chopped
1/3 cup Butter; melted

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Lightly butter a 2 quart casserole dish.
3. Place cherries and rhubarb in a medium sized mixing bowl.
4. Combine the sugar and cornstarch and sprinkle over fruit mixture.
5. Add the lemon juice and toss gently. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
6. Sift together the flour, sugars, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the walnuts. Pour in the butter and toss with a fork to form large crumbs.
7. Sprinkle topping over filling.
8. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until crumbs begin to brown and filling juices are bubbling. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Craft room curtain fabric

2009-05-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

My walls are pretty much the same blue color and the furniture in the room will be red and white. I just think it is so adorable! I either bought this at a flea market yearsssss ago or its from my sister jess--I can't remember for the life of me when or where or whom I got it from....I'm just so glad I found it!

Sewing/Curtain dilemma

2009-04-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I haven't a clue how to sew. But I did want really cute homemade curtains/valance (whatever) in my craft room. I was digging through some boxes and VOILE! an adorable piece of retro fabric appeared! It just so happened to match my color scheme perfectly--totally meant to be...so now I know this IS the fabric for my room...the only problem is I dont know what to do. I will probably find someone who can sew to either help me or do it for me...but the size of the fabric piece might be a problem. Basically, I am writing this to anyone who knows anything about sewing to suggest ideas on what to do....

The piece is a long strip (about 10 feet long) and 3 feet wide. The print is horizontal specific (does that make sense?...I hope) I have 2 windows that are 3 feet wide and 5 1/2 feet long.
I would like those retro looking red pom-pom trim incorporated in the design.

So.....what should I do?? Can anything cute be done with those dimensions?

Thanks for the help!!!!!

The Ultimate Enchilada

2009-04-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am a food network junkie--with so many favorite shows, but my favorite guy is Tyler Florence. He's so cute and his recipes are always delish. A couple weeks ago I saw the episode for his "Ultimate Enchiladas" and have been craving them ever since. Finally I gathered up the ingredients and made this for dinner last night--a total hit with the hubber! He said it was the best enchilada he's EVER HAD! I have to admit they were super super good. My casserole dish was only big enough for 5 plump enchiladas--his recipe calls for ten...so I have a ton of the filling left...I'm thinking of mixing it with elbow macaroni and baking it off with cheese--for dinner tonight or tomorrow...I'm not sure what else to do with it, other than make more enchiladas. Anyway, here is the recipe!

Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa:

1 pound tomatillos, husked
1 white onion, peeled, sliced, quartered or whole
4 garlic cloves
2 jalapenos
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 lime, juiced

Enchiladas:

Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock, storebought
Chopped cilantro leaves
1 deli roasted chicken (about 3 pounds), boned, meat shredded
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
10 large flour tortillas
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups sour cream (It doesnt mention what to do with the cream except to garnish--so im not sure if this was an error on the web, I mixed a cup with the chicken mixture and garnished with the rest)
Chopped tomatoes and cilantro leaves, for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For the salsa:
On a baking tray, roast tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapenos for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices on the bottom of the tray to a food processor. Add the cumin, salt, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse mixture until well combined but still chunky.

Enchiladas:
Meanwhile heat a 2 count of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and caramelized - this should take 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin then cook for a further minute. Sprinkle on the flour and stir to ensure the flour doesn't burn then gradually add the chicken stock to make a veloute. Continue stirring over a low simmer until the flour cooks and the liquid thickens. Turn off the heat, add half of the roasted tomatillo chile salsa, some additional fresh chopped cilantro and fold in the shredded chicken meat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Change the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F and begin assembling the dish. Take a large baking dish and smear the bottom with some of the reserved tomatillo salsa. Now take the flour tortillas and briefly flash them over the stove-top flame (or put them briefly under the broiler if using an electric stove). Using a shallow bowl, coat each tortilla lightly with the reserved salsa mix. Put a scoop of the shredded chicken-enchilada mix on top of the tortilla followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll like a cigar to enclose it. Using a spatula place the tortillas in the baking dish and continue to do the same with all the tortillas. Finally pour over some more of the salsa and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 until bubbly and cracked on top. Garnish, cilantro and tomato.

I really prefer this salsa verde over the usual red enchilada sauce. Soooo good!!!

Decorating 101

2009-03-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

For the past couple weeks I have been submerging myself in home decorating blogs, flipping through magazines and trying to compile a list of all the new furniture we need to fill up our new home! Its been a little overwhelming because in the past (even at our little apartment since marriage) We never invested in nice pieces of furniture...and we werent allowed to paint and hang up too much stuff....so there is a whole world of things we need to buy and explore!

I thought Id share some of my findings....partly so I can actually visualize the stuff in one spot, instead of going to each website and looking everyday.

Heres what I've been thinking so far....

When you first walk in the dining room is on your left. I found this VERY AFFORDABLE dining set at Walmart (BHAG Brand) It has been unavailable for the past couple months, and today when I went to add the picture, its back for sale--yea!!!

The guest bathroom is also a little ways down the hall on your left. Im not 100% on this, but its nice...so its a contender. I also found this at walmart.

The guest bathroom is also on the left, we are thinking of making it more masculine: Black, White and Charcoal grey. I want to frame up some vintage black and white baseball pics in there too. We'll have the computer in there along with a small sofabed....havent found one I exactly like for a good price.

The living room will have our olive green couches and this mahogany media center that is a little more than I wanted to spend, but not in the thousands like the Pottery Barn version. (This is also from Walmart--Canopy Brand)

The kitchen will be a rustic red/barn-country red color. Know what I mean? I have been having the DARNDEST time finding curtains/chair covers that I like to match. If any of you come across anything cute let me know. Im thinking of brown/cream/and the same red. I like gingham and plaid but I'm not sure thats the right route I should take....suggestions are more than welcomed!

My craft room. *sigh* I feel so grateful that I have such a sweet husband that is letting me use that space for all my crazy craft projects that never used to seem to get done at our apartment. Since I now have a great designated space, I will be sure to do more and I really really really want to learn how to sew, so thats on my to-do list too.
I love the turquoise/red/white combo...and recently while searching ideas with those combos I realized its pretty popular. I found this girls craft room which is very similar to something I would like to do. Turns out its the girl that has a blog I check out pretty frequently and didn't realize this is what her craft studio was like. Her blog is http://allsorts.typepad.com and she ALWAYS has the cutest stuff posted.

Here is some furniture I found that I think I want in the room. (Most of the stuff is Ikea)

The kids bathroom is upstairs next to the kids bedrooms and playroom. I want to do the aqua and green color combo, with the addtion to some frog decor.

The kids playroom will be a sunny/marigold yellow wall with accents of green, brown, red and blue.
I bought these Dwell Baby curtains on clearance at Target and love them.
The play table and chairs will be in red from Ikea, and the storage unit on the far wall is also from ikea. In the corner will be the "reading corner" where I'll have this neat canopy and there will be bean bags in coordinating colors. (From oriental trading company)

Getting ready for St. Patricks Day....

2009-03-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

I know its a week away, but I thought I'd get some ideas and recipes going for St. Patricks day. The family we are staying with has a 4 year old son, a 3 year old daughter and another son who is Briggy's age (actually his birthday is March 12th--Briggy's original due date!) So I wanted to find some fun crafts to make with the kids, since they are at the fun age of enjoying that sort of thing. Here are some of my favorite finds:

Luck of the Irish Leprachaun Hats:

Go to: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10040 for detailed instructions!

Clover snacks:
Green pepper
English muffin
Cheddar cheese
1. To make one, slice a green pepper crosswise near the pointed end to get a small, three-lobed shamrock shape. (If your pepper has four lobes, you've got a lucky clover instead.) Cut a small slice for a stem.

2. Toast half an English muffin, then top it with a slice of Cheddar and the pepper shamrock. Place the muffin on a tray, then broil it in a toaster oven until the cheese is melted.

Homeade Irish Soda Bread:
2 cups white flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. butter, chilled
1 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups buttermilk or plain yogurt

Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
Cut in the butter until it is pea-sized. Stir in the raisins and buttermilk or yogurt. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead 1 minute, and shape into a disk.
Cut an "X" in the top and bake on a greased baking sheet for 45 to 50 minutes.
Makes one 8-inch-wide loaf.

Slow cooker cornedbeef and cabbage:
The slow cooker is the perfect way to go for this traditional dish, since it must bubble away untended for hours, in any event. Be sure to serve with crusty bread, and Dijon mustard and horseradish on the side.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
4 cups hot water
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 large or 2 medium onions, cut into wedges
1 3-lb. corned beef round or brisket, packaged with spices
8 small white or yellow potatoes, scrubbed and cut into quarters
1 head of green cabbage (about 1 1/2 lbs.), cored and cut into 10 wedges

1. In a 6-quart electric slow cooker, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, pepper and onions, mixing well. Place the corned beef in the mixture. Scatter the potatoes over the top and along the sides.
2. Cover and cook on the High heat setting 4 hours. Remove the lid and scatter the cabbage wedges over the top. Cover and continue cooking on High 3 to 4 hours longer, or until the beef is tender. To serve, carve the beef into slices and serve with the cabbage and potatoes, with some of the cooking liquid spooned on top of the beef to keep it moist. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Felt Food Frenzy!!!

2009-02-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have been eyeing felt food for awhile--I spot it occassionally on the blogs I scope out ideas from. It is currently my newest obsession. Its just a shame that I am a molly-mormon wannabe that CAN'T SEW! Its holding me back from making the cutest projects. I hope some little lady in our new Texas ward sews and would be willing to teach me...because taking classes out of the home with Wild-man Brigham and new-baby-to-be will be unlikely. Oh....I can dream, can't I?
Anyway, Martha Stewart had the cutest craft segment yesterday where she showcased a woman who sells INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS felt food. You can check out her awesome shop at: http://www.lillybeanmarket.com

I need all of her playfood for my someday daughter. Look how cute!!!

Don't you want to have a play picnic or tea party now?

Briggy's birthday cake recipe

2009-02-10T13:09:00.001-08:00

Initially I planned a grand soiree for Briggy's first birthday. I wanted to do a whole monkey theme with brown and yellow galore. I wanted to serve banana cake and cupcakes, chocolate dipped bananas (my monkey fingers), banana yogurt smoothies...all sorts of monkey delights. Well, all of my plans changed when Tom took the job in Texas. I just don't have the heart to throw such a fun party without Daddy around. But, I want Briggy to have fun...so I decided to just have family over for a small lunch/cake. I still plan on making a "low-sugar" banana cake for Brigster to attack, and I bought some cheapy Sesame Street plates and streamers to liven up the kitchen. Cross your fingers that I can get my camera fixed in time!
I can't believe my little chicken nugget is almost ONE YEAR OLD. I keep having day dreams of when Briggy was just brand-new and how I could NOT LET HIM GO! I held him all day long. The only time I set him down was to use the bathroom! I just held him and rocked him and kissed him....now, I only get to do that right before nap/nightime or when he gets a boo-boo...and that only lasts about a minute or so. He is always on the go, my little Brigs!
Anyway, here is the recipe I plan on making for his birthday. The frosting seems like it still has a lot of sugar in it, any of you have any healthier recipes for frosting?

BANANA CAKE

2/3 c. banana, mashed
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 lg. eggs
3/4 c. water
2 c. unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
Optional: 1 c. chopped walnuts OR 1/2 c. chopped walnuts & 1/2 c. raisins

Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan. Beat together mashed banana and soft butter until creamy. Beat in water. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until very foamy. Beat into mixture. Blend in flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Beat until smooth. Stir in walnuts or walnuts and raisins, if desired. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool. Serves 8-10.

Cream Cheese Frosting
2 8 Oz packages cream cheese
2 4 Oz stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
6 Cup(s) sifted powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 Tsp almond extract
1/2 Teaspoon lemon juice
Steps
In a stand alone mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. *Tip: Be careful not to over mix the two. Cream Cheese has more water content, and become runny if over mixed.
Add vanilla extract and lemon juice
Sift powder sugar, and slowly add to cream cheese butter mixture on low speed in thirds. Use more or less powder sugar depending on how thick you want your frosting.

(I think I'm gonna skip the almond extract, because I haven't introduced nuts yet..and I don't think it really affects the flavor of the frosting that much...)

Valentines Day Treat from Michaels

2009-02-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

Here's another coupon from Michaels!

So cute--so cheap!

2009-01-31T16:06:00.000-08:00

Isn't this so cute? I've always LOVVVVVVVVED valentines day ever since...I can remember. Making those valentine mailboxes, sweet treats, cards...candy...its so much fun. I'm gathering all my valentine gifts and thoughts together, so after we get back from super-bowl sunday with grandma and grand-dad, Briggy and I can package up all of our love fun.
I am tempted to buy this, but I am trying to pack and downsize seeing as I'm moving in a month...but I thought I'd share this sweet suprize.

Peanut butter and Strawberry fluff, anyone? yummmm.

Here's the link if you want to buy it, its from one of my all-time favorite companies. They're the BEST!

Gooseberry Patch Valentine Link

A new Michael's Coupon

2009-01-26T06:35:00.001-08:00

Just click on the picture and print it out :)

Any ideas on what fabulous crafting supply I should buy?

Valentines Gift for...ME!

2009-01-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

I am just about out of my basic makeup, so I decided to order some more from my favorite online makeup company, ELF. I blogged about them ages ago, but if you don't remember...they sell all their makeup (eyeshadow, lipstick, eyeliner, bronzer, coverup...) for ONE DOLLAR. Having worked for clinque and been involved with makeup for many many years....I can let you in on a little secret. Its all the same dang thing. It's not going to make you break out because its "cheap" Wash youre face at the end of the day, and youre all set....I used to be a makeup snob and only wear Clinique--and don't get me wrong, I love their colors...but it wears just as good as ELF, lasts just as long...and I'm not spending $30 on my coverup anymore.
Anyway, thats my story and I'm stickin' to it!

I used to coupon code MUMMY for 50% an order up to $15.

www.eyeslipsface.com

Family Home Evening Site

2009-01-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

I can't remember if I ever mentioned this site, but I wanted to recognize the lady that runs this blog, that she is WONDERFUL.
I have debated on when I would start Briggy on FHE and Im still not so sure...I'm thinking 2 years old...
When do you all think is an appropriate age?

I know they have a lot of books you can buy with week to week ideas, but it seems like most of them are for school-age children. I came across this blog awhile back, and love all her ideas...she just lays it all out for you...so helpful.

http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com

its geared for children 0-5 years of age.

just thought id share before I forgot to post about it again.....
my memory is so shot. preggo-brain is the WORST!

Baby Girl on the Brain

2009-01-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

Since day 1 Tom has assured me that we are having a little girl. I was hesitant to think so--mainly because I want another cute fun little boy like Briggy---and a girl is a whole new territory that I'm not sure I'm ready to explore. But the past week or two, I keep thinking and referring to the baby as a girl.
I was right about Briggy, but the feeling was immediate. This time I feel so wishy-washy and I just want to know now!!!!
We have our ultra-sound appointment on Feb. 26th to find out the sex....and thankfully Tom will be there. (He's flying in the night before!)

I still can't stop thinking about girly things. Looking at girly clothes, how I will decorate her girly room....

Here are a few ideas for her room:

One of my favorite Heather Bailey fabrics:

I want the room to be bright/cheery and frisky. I'm not really into the baby pinks and pastels.
I want hot pink, orange, teal blue, yellow....
I think this fabric would make a great crib sheet/blankets.
The only thing I'm wondering about is if it would be practical as far as washing goes.

I like tutu tulle in those bright colors and would want them represented in some fashion throughout the room...either as a window valance, crib skirt, or table top...like this: (but in my much cooler colors :)

Not to mention ALL THE GORGEOUS girl outfits out for spring--I love all of Carters new little girl dresses. Bright colors, polka dots, flowers...matching cardigans. Who could ask for more?

The anticipation is driving me nutso! I want to shoppppp! helpppppp!

Rockin Rocky Road Brownies

2009-01-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

First, I want to start off with a brag-session on my husband. He is so sweet and smoochable. He taught the 15-17 year old sunday school class for the past few months, and last sunday was his last at church--however, the snow storm prevented him from seeing the kids--so tomorrow morning, bright and early, Tom is heading out to the two locations where seminary meets and delivering a gift and treat to his students. He had me make bookmarks for each kid. He picked out an individual scripture for each student, and also a personal message from him to them. He is so sincere in his love for these young adults...it just makes me want to squeeze and smooch him forever. He is such a good mand and role model for me and for our family. The cute thing about it is, he had it all planned out and then asked me if I could help him assemble the bookmarks (and of course, make yummy treats)

So I decided to make my rockin rocky road brownies I planned on making over Christmas, but didn't get the chance to...and let me tell you, these fudgy brownies are ROCKIN...
I've never made a homemade brownie before that tasted this good---way moister and fudgier than any box....super super yum-o

Rockin Rocky Road Brownies

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/3 all purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup hot fudge

Topping
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butterscoth chips
2 cups mini marshmallows

Combine first three ingredients in a small saucepan; heat until melted and smooth, stirring often. Remove from heat; set aside. Blend eggs in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy; mix in cocoa mixture and next three ingredients. Spread in a greased 13x9 baking pan; bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.
Sprinkle topping evenly on top and drizzle with hot fudge sauce. Continue baking 5 minutes; cool. Cut into bars to serve. Makes 15-20 bars.

Lots o' Meat Lasagna

2009-01-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lasagna is a tricky thing for this family--reason being I have a SPOILED husband who served his mission in Italy and feasted upon pasta perfection.
He says he has never had a lasagna in America that compared to those in Italy.
The problem with me and lasagna is that I reallllly realllly don't like ricotta. I never liked lasagna growing up because of that lumpy icky cheese. I know some families use cottage cheese (even grosser for me...)
So I usually steer clear from lasagna-making. Did I mention that Tom doesn't like ricotta either?
Anyway, I had a major craving for a huge slice of lasagna. I remember seeing a Paula Deen episode a while back when she made a huge lasagna and a huge piece of garlic bread, slapped the slice on the bread and made a lasagna sandwich. As soon as that image fluttered in my mind I knew I need lasagna for dinner.

So I came up with a solution for the icky ricotta...and came up with this combo. Growing up in an Italian household, my sister thinks this recipe is sacrilege, but I think it was pretty darn tasty--and Tom loved it.

For my fake ricotta sauce I used:
4-6 oz of cream cheese
8 oz of sour cream
1 cup of grated parmesean
(I also sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms and once they cooled, added them to my cream mixture)

My red sauce was a jar of prego mixed with a can of crushed tomatoes, a ton of garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
I added this to 1 lb of browned hamburger meat
and 1 lb of browned crumbled italian sausage.
I let it simmer away for about 30 minutes.

After the noodles were cooked a littler harder than al dente, I began to layer my lasagna.
A little red sauce, noodles, cream sauce, mozzarella, layer of pepperoni (hence the name lots of meat lasagna) , red sauce...and so on and so forth.
Top with a ton of mozzarella, and bake at 350 for about 35-40 minutes...when the mozzarella looks golden brown.

I know its not a "traditional" Italian lasagna, but it was like a Supreme Meat Lovers pizza layered in lasagna style....and anything with a ton of meat is always a winner with my hub!

Resolution continued...

2009-01-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Facet #7
An ideal homemaker plans a program or a schedule for each day so that she is the master, rather than the victim of her work.

Facet #8
An ideal homemaker is prepared to perpetuate the good things she learned in her own home and is ever alert to new ideas and hints which will make her work more effective and help her to be an increasingly better homemaker.

Facet #9
An ideal homemaker is consistent in applying the best skills and methods she knows. She has a built in self starter.

Facet #10
An ideal homemaker's activities are well balanced. Though she may be noted for a specialty and devote a major part of her time to one particular phase, she doesnt spend all of her time cooking, nor does she concentrate just on sewing, or on cleaning or on reading, or on outside interests. She reaches out to include in her life stimulating projects which serve as an incentive to her.

Facet #11
An ideal homemaker is able to transform four walls into a home by creating both spiritual and physical beauty therein.

Facet #12
She will be ideal in her role as homemaker, not only because of the countless current values, but because her example and teachings will live at least another generation through her children.

Facet #13
An ideal homemaker will encourage family traditions to add color and depth to the great picture she is painting. Instead of her home being just a "short order house" it will be a hallowed place where children learn lifes great lessons, gain proper values, and build memories which will enrich their lives and help determine their destinies.

Facet #14
An ideal homemaker exercises patience, understanding and imperturbability* unless controlled anger and reasonable discipline are justified. She will do her best to take those occasional "bad days" when everything seems to go wrong in her stride, realizing that she needs some valleys in order to appreciate the mountains.
*adjective incapable of being upset or agitated; not easily excited; calm: imperturbable composure. (had to look that one up!)

Facet #15
An ideal homemaker is the type of companion and wife who merits the appreciation and cooperation of her husband and helps him want to do his part well as a husband, father and provider.

The Art of Homemaking

2009-01-07T19:15:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, Sister Daryl Hooles homemaking books are only second to my scriptures. I cherish every word this wonderful woman has ever written! I have had selections of her books in blog entries last year, but this year I thought I'd share with you the 20 facets of an ideal homemaker. All 20 are my new years resolution.
Oh, I forgot to mention that even though I've read this book (and later variations) several times, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it more than anything...and my very kind and generous sister jessie sent me a PERFECT CONDITION FIRST EDITION of the book (1962) SIGNED!!! by Sister Hoole. THANNNNK YOU JESSSSSSSSSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daryl Hoole has written and lectured extensively on home management and family living. She authored six books, including the long-term, best-selling The Art of Homemaking. Recently her new book The Ultimate Career — The Art of Homemaking for Today was published and is being enthusiastically received. She has been in demand as a speaker for women’s groups throughout the United States and Canada and has spoken at Education Weeks for over twenty-five years. She has served in all the Church auxiliaries and was a member of the Primary General Board. She fulfilled two missions to The Netherlands, once when her father was mission president and later when her husband presided over that mission. In addition, she and her husband recently served a third mission in Asia as area welfare-humanitarian administrators, based in Hong Kong. Daryl and her husband, Hendricus (Hank), are the parents of eight living children and the grandparents of thirty-six. She currently serves with her husband as a member of the Young Single Adult Coordinating Council of the Bonneville Region in the Salt Lake City area.

Here are the first FIVE facets along with a little explanation:

"I like to think of an ideal homemaker as a diamond, perfectly cut so as to bring out contless beautiful highlights. Just as each diamond is cut a little differently in order to make many facets, so is each homemaker a distinct individual with her own special traits and talents. But in both diamonds and homemakers, certain qualities must be present if each is to sparkle brilliantly and thereby be valued and cherished."

Facet #1
An ideal homemaker is lovely to look at and lovely to be around. She has a wholesome attitude and a pleasing appearance. She has the courage to be happy and strives to live above the grievous faults of moodiness, sulkiness and complaining. She is gracious and thoughtful and is consequently adored by her family and admired by all who know her.

Facet #2
An ideal homemaker is ambitious and enthusiastic through application of the law that how one feels emotionally greatly determines how she feels physically.

Facet #3
An ideal homemaker is devoted to the great career in which she is engaged. She is a professional in her field by being a homemaker everyday and lettiner her devotion and sense of duty, rather than her moods, dominate her.

Facet #4
An ideal homemaker is skilled in tasks required to manage a home. She keeps her house neat and attractive; she prepares tasty meals and serves them on time; she is able to turn out a gleaming white wash; and she keeps family members clothes well mended and pressed.

Facet #5
An ideal homemaker makes the best use of her time and energy by being efficient so that she is able not only to keep up with her housework, but sheis able to be a companion to her husband and a friend and teacher to her children. She is also able to pursue some personal interests which further contribute to her happiness and development

and I know I only said the first 5, but Facet 6 is one of my favorites....

Facet #6
An ideal homemaker realizes that many of life's choicest blessings are gained only through hard work and there accepts work as a challenge and an opportunity rather than a burden.

Stay tuned for more facets/resolutions for 2009 :)

*you can also check out sister hoole's website*
http://www.theartofhomemaking.com

Some of my homemade gifts this year.....

2008-12-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

(The best gift I ever made--Briggy!)

I made quite a few homemade gifts the year. I am posting this hoping that my mother-in-law and sister-in-law amy wont be checking the blog, since we should be arriving there around 4 pm. So if you are looking....Don't scroll down, or you'll ruin your Christmas gift surprises!

Jocelyn showed me how to make tutu's, so I made a green and pink fairy princess tutu for my little niece addy. I wrapped it up before I took a picture...but its very cute! (thanks jocelyn!)

Another Addy gift was a ribbon holder. I am sure she will be wearing lots of pretties in her hair, and this is a cute way to organize them.

For my mother-in-law I wanted to do something with Briggy photos, because we have never got professional photos done, so I havent had any nice ones to give her. I got this idea from my friend liza (twigsandtwinedesigns.blogspot.com) she was kind enough to send me these nesting boxes--I couldn't find any ANYWHERE out here! What I like most about this little project, is that the pictures are on scrapbook paper that are hung on hooks. So every few months, I can send Tina updated picture/scrapbook cut outs, and she can hang the new ones up....so it grows with him!
I painted it a chocolate brown and distressed the HECK out of it! I would have liked to have sewn the pictures on like Liza did, but I don't have the machine or the skills! maybe my next set of pictures for tina will be sewn! Anyway, I think it turned out pretty good...and I think she will really like it.

Then for my mother and Tina I made some quick little brag books (filled with adorable pictures of my little guy--of course!!)

When Briggy was born, my aunt sent the coolest gift. Matching polo shirts for Tom and Briggy. Briggy's said "Chip" and Tom's said "Block"
So I painted a frame Navy blue and had white chipboard letters saying "Chip off the Old Block" its another one I didn't take a picture of yet, but here is the picture that's going in the frame!

Cookie # 1

2008-12-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I planned on having a cookie making extravaganza on friday with my lil' sis and my mom. I planned all these yummy snacks, music, briggy's outfit, aprons, and of course a menu of cookies we would make. Then we had our BLIZZARD of snow, which spoiled everything :(

So, yesterday, since I DIDNT GET TO GO TO THE WARD CHRISTMAS PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :*(
I tried to cheer myself up, and made my first batch of cookies for christmas. Tom loves Oatmeal raisin cookies. I really don't like raisins in my cookies....so I compromised. We both like toffee and oatmeal, so I found this great recipe (on the back of the hershey's toffee bag)
They are reallllly really good. I added the optional coconut. If you are extra homemakey you could make your own toffee bits and use them.....or buy them on sale at price rite for $1.69...up to you :)

Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/3 cups (8 oz. pkg.) toffee bits
1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes(optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Beat butter, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla until well blended. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; beat until blended.

2. Stir in oats, toffee bits and coconut, if desired, with spoon. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart onto prepared sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove to wire rack. About 4 dozen cookies

Vegetable Dish

2008-12-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

I signed us up to bring a "vegetable dish" to our ward's Christmas party tomorrow. I knew RIGHT away exactly what recipe I'd make. My sister-in-law, Amy gave me this great recipe book when Tom and I were engaged that had a lot of family favorites, as well as some of Amy's yummy finds. Ever since I made this recipe, I had been a staple in our home!

Spicy Green Bean Casserole

2 cans of french style green beans
2 cloves of garlic
Bacon (I usually fry about 6-8 slices) chopped up
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 t. paprika
1 t. chili powder
2 cups cracker crumbs
butter

Boil greens (in their liquid), 2 cloves of garlic, 2 T bacon drippings for 10 minutes.
Drain, but retain bean stock. Put beans and bacon mix in casserole dish. Heat soup and dilute with 3/4 cup bean stock (discard the rest)
Melt 3/4 cheddar cheese in soup mixture. Add paprika and chili powder.
Pour mixture over beans and stir well.
Sprinkle with cracker crumbs (or fried onions) and dot with butter.
Bake at 325 for 40-60 minutes

This serves 6-8
I normally put it a smaller casserole dish...I think its a 8x8...but for the party I think I'll have to double it and pile it into a 9x13.

I know its a "vegetable dish" and it contains meat...so hopefully any vegetarians in our ward won't be too upset with me....but MAN OH MAN this is GOOOOOOOD.

Pretty Paper Bows

2008-12-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

I thought this tutorial was pretty neat....especially if you have loads of cute scrapbook paper that would make much prettier bows than the cheap dollar store ones I usually buy....guilty as charged! I don't think I'll get around to making these this year, but its definitely going into my favorite file!

Here's the link:

http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/2008/12/paper-bow-tutorial.html

Enrichment Night

2008-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

This evening we had a really lovely enrichment night. We read a very sweet and moving childrens book...I believe it was called "The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado. We had tons and tons of yummy treats and a white elephant gift swap! I recieved a red-holiday tablecloth...so hopefully I'll be able to use that next year when we have a home and a dining room table!! *cross your fingers*
I was asked to share a little holiday story or memory, and after talking with my sister Jessie, I decided on the candy cane story. We both recall learning about the significance behind the tasty treat in CCD many years ago. I remembered how it symbolized the shepards crook, the J for Jesus, and that the red represented Christs blood shed for us...but Jessie came across this sweet poem that I printed out on cardstock and added a candy cane. This would be a nice thoughtful "gift" for a woman you visit teach or a neighbor.....

Jesus, Gentle Shepherd,
this cane of red and white
proclaims the sweet love story
born on Christmas night
This cane, you see, when turned around
begins your name of Love
and now becomes a symbol
of peace proclaimed above

The lively peppermint flavor
is the regal gift of spice
The white is your purity
and the red your sacrifice

And so this cane reminds us
of just how much you care
and like your Christmas Gift to us
it's meant for all to share

Isn't that sweet? It's so nice to think about all Christ has done for us and the true meaning of His birth through beautiful (and tasty) holiday candy that you may have only thought was a "commerical" christmas accessory....I'm glad to know its so much more!

A frugal Christmas

2008-12-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

This year, Tom and I decided that we our going to "re-gift" our "vows" we made as a new couple last year (during a FHE we wrote lists of ways we could be better people and better spouses to one another) And work on them extra hard this year....this is in replace of typical Christmas gifts. I have also been buying and sanitizing second-hand Briggy gifts the past few months, so his toys will be shiny and brand-new....to him. There are a few sale items I'll pick up, but most everything is second hand or homemade. I thought I would be really depressed about this, but I'm actually feeling really good about not over-spending this holiday season. I have a tendency to go a little bonkers buying LOTS AND LOTS....a bad habit I am trying to break. But one of my most favorite things to do as a little girl was to make elaborate "what i want for christmas" lists to santa claus. I would cut and paste pictures of the toys I wanted on contstruction paper and send it to the north pole. So this year, I am going to blog all the wildly extravagant gifts I want, just for fun.

The Cricut Expression and a bazillion cartridges:

The Willow Tree Nativity:

Amazing Temple Picture:

Of course we would want the Boston Temple, but Tom's parent's (and Devon and Eric) were sealed in the Oakland Temple....I want to buy this for them someday soon!

A bazillion scentsys:

Furniture:<

A Grecian Getaway:

China:

A HOUSE!

See why I have to contain myself? No, this isn't a sneaky attempt for my husband to check my blog and see what a really want, and break the deal and buy me goodies. No, no, no---if you do, Tom, I'll be really upset! We've got to stick to our plan!!! :)
Just thought I'd make my greedy little wish list!

Ahhhh I forgot to post!

2008-12-01T16:39:00.001-08:00

I TOTALLLLLY FORGOT to post a $10 off coupon code for an order of $50 purchase at DESERET BOOK. It ends tonight at midnight. I just placed an order and remembered I had that code. Anyway, if you happen to catch this today, you can score a few dollars off....best get your goodies now, otherwise shipping might be backed up!

8CCDIR is for $10 off a $50 purchase
and if you make an online purchase you can enter PAULO8 for a free cd.

8CCRET is for $5 off a $25 purchase

I am SOOOO sorry I didn't post these sooner :(

The Land of Nod

2008-11-26T12:18:00.001-08:00

Have you all heard of this store, or am I the only one living under a rock? Its really cute, over-priced stuff (think potterybarn) It's Crate and Barrel's kids branch off. I discovered it last week and was trying to scope out some idea's for Briggy and future babies play room. The only thing I don't understand is why places like this have to be so ridiculously cute and so ridiculously overpriced? I mean, they're manufactured in the same factories as KMART furniture. (I don't know if thats really true, but I wouldn't doubt it) Ergh. Well, if anyone's in the mood to splurge on some CUUUUUTTTE stuff, there is free shipping until 12/1 (on your entire order) if you enter in the code: REINDEER Ive also seen the promo code: WINTER

I am thankful for...ooey gooey goodness!

2008-11-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

Don't these cinnamon rolls look HEAVENLY? Jessie introduced me to the recipe, and I'm planning on making them Thanksgiving morning for my wonderful family! (That is, if I can get my hands on some dry active yeast before we leave) Apparently these rolls are so good---the best ever. Jessie had great luck with them, so hopefully I won't mess up the recipe.

Here is the RECIPE

November Visiting Teaching

2008-11-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

For this month I focused on gratitude, seeing as Thanksgiving is just around the corner. One of my favorite talks given at conference (which is posted below) was Elder Uctdorf's. I didn't hear his words or see him deliver this talk over the pulpit, but his words just jumped out of the page for me....like he was talking to me! He really is an amazing man, I am truly grateful for his leadership and love. In my little packet, I included a recipe for THE BEST EVER APPLE PIE! and a grateful book. It could be a scrapbook filled with pictures, or a journal to write down anything you are grateful for, that you may need to be reminded of sometimes.

I came across this quotation when I was researching gratefulness, and I liked it. I didn't include it in the packet, but I thought I'd share it here:

If you haven't got all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don't have, that you dont want.

kind of a tongue twister. but its very true, and very applicable to me. I have an amazingly NASTY ability to play the "woe is me" card, thinking about all the things I don't have that others do. It takes a good man like, Tom, or a quotation like this to put me in my place. I am really blessed with very much. Maybe not materially, maybe not financially, but in many ways. My family is healthy and happy and growing. Those are the blessings that mean the most. There are so many people that have a much harder life, and I (unfortuantely) have to remind myself, that I don't have it so bad...and I should be putting more effort into helping those people instead of complaining. Many of you are better about this than I, but I think we all catch our self in that "woe is me" mode every once in awhile. We can all be a little better about this, and hopefully my ladies will enjoy their little grateful journal to help them in this!
I want to make this pie for one of the holidays......
RECIPE AT THIS LINK (from Pioneer Woman Cooks!)

Happiness, Your Heritage
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness.

My dear sisters, I am grateful for this, my first opportunity to speak to the women of the Church gathered together in all parts of the world. We are especially honored today with the presence of President Monson and President Eyring. The choir has touched our hearts. We have been inspired by the messages of Sister Thompson, Sister Allred, and Sister Beck.

Since learning that I would be with you today, I have thought about the many women who have shaped my life: my wonderful wife, Harriet; my mother; my mother-in-law; my sister; my daughter; my daughter-in-law; and many friends. All my life I have been surrounded by women who inspired, taught, and encouraged me. I am who I am today in large part because of these singular women. Each time I meet with the sisters of the Church, I sense that I am in the midst of similar remarkable souls. I am grateful to be here, grateful for your talents, compassion, and service. Most of all, I am grateful for who you are: treasured daughters of our Heavenly Father with infinite worth.

I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but the differences between men and women can often be quite striking—physically and mentally, as well as emotionally. One of the best ways I can think of to illustrate this is in the way my wife and I cook a meal.

When Harriet prepares a meal, it’s a masterpiece. Her cuisine is as wide-ranging as the world, and she frequently prepares dishes from countries we have visited. The presentation of the food is awe inspiring. In fact, it often looks so beautiful that it seems a crime to eat it. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the sense of taste.

But sure enough, no matter how perfect everything is, looks, and tastes, Harriet will apologize for something she thinks is imperfect. “I’m afraid I used a touch too much ginger,” she will say, or, “Next time, I think it would be better if I used a little more curry and one additional bay leaf.”

Let me contrast that with the way I cook. For the purpose of this talk, I asked Harriet to tell me what I cook best.

Her answer: fried eggs.

Sunny-side up.

But that isn’t all. I have a specialty dish called Knusperchen. The name may sound like a delicacy you might find at an exclusive restaurant. Let me share with you how to make it. You cut French bread into small slices and toast them twice.

That is the recipe!

So, between fried eggs, even when they are greasy, and Knusperchen, even when they are burned, when I cook, I feel pretty heroic.

Perhaps this contrast between my wife and me is a slight exaggeration, but it illustrates something that may extend beyond preparing meals.

To me it appears that our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities—they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are.

Perhaps you recognize this trait in someone you know really well.

The good news is that this also points to an admirable quality: the innate desire to please the Lord to the best of your ability. Unfortunately, it can also lead to frustration, exhaustion, and unhappiness.

To All Who Are Weary

Today I would like to speak to those who have ever felt inadequate, discouraged, or weary—in short, I would like to speak to all of us.

I also pray that the Holy Ghost will amplify my words and bestow upon them additional meaning, insight, and inspiration.

We know that sometimes it can be difficult to keep our heads above water. In fact, in our world of change, challenges, and checklists, sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to avoid feeling overwhelmed by emotions of suffering and sorrow.

I am not suggesting that we can simply flip a switch and stop the negative feelings that distress us. This isn’t a pep talk or an attempt to encourage those sinking in quicksand to imagine instead they are relaxing on a beach. I recognize that in all of our lives there are real concerns. I know there are hearts here today that harbor deep sorrows. Others wrestle with fears that trouble the soul. For some, loneliness is their secret trial.

These things are not insignificant.

However, I would like to speak about two principles that may help you find a path to peace, hope, and joy—even during times of trial and distress. I want to speak about God’s happiness and how each one of us can taste of it in spite of the burdens that beset us.

God’s Happiness
Let me first pose a question: What do you suppose is the greatest kind of happiness possible? For me, the answer to this question is, God’s happiness.

This leads to another question: What is our Heavenly Father’s happiness?

This may be impossible to answer because His ways are not our ways. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [God’s] ways higher than [our] ways, and [His] thoughts [higher] than [our] thoughts.”1

Though we cannot understand “the meaning of all things,” we do “know that [God] loveth his children”2 because He has said, “Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”3

Heavenly Father is able to accomplish these two great goals—the immortality and eternal life of man—because He is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate.

The Work of Creation

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—and I am not talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children.

You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.”

If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.

But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy.4 Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.

If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us.5 The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.

What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.

If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.

Nearly a century and a half ago, President Brigham Young spoke to the Saints of his day. “There is a great work for the Saints to do,” he said. “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.”6

The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.

Being Compassionate

Being compassionate is another great work of our Heavenly Father and a fundamental characteristic of who we are as a people. We are commanded to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”7 Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. Those who follow the Savior “mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”

When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children.

As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one woman who had recently lost her husband, “Work will cure your grief. Serve others.”

These are profound words. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.

President Lorenzo Snow expressed a similar thought: “When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”10

In today’s world of pop psychology, junk TV, and feel-good self-help manuals, this advice may seem counterintuitive. We are sometimes told that the answer to our ills is to look inward, to indulge ourselves, to spend first and pay later, and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness.

An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord

I believe that the women of the Church, regardless of age or family status, understand and apply best the words of James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan: “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”11 Often I have witnessed quiet acts of kindness and compassion by noble women who extended themselves in unselfish charity. My heart swells when I hear stories of the sisters of the Church and how they rush to the aid of those in need.

There are those in the Church—both men and women—who wonder how they can contribute to the kingdom. Sometimes women who are single, divorced, or widowed wonder if there is a place for them. Every sister in the Church is of critical importance—not only to our Heavenly Father but also to the building of the kingdom of God as well. There is a great work to do.

One year ago in this meeting, President Monson taught that “you are . . . surrounded by opportunities for service. . . . Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another.”12 Look around you. There at sacrament meeting is a young mother with several children—offer to sit with her and help. There in your neighborhood is a young man who seems discouraged—tell him you enjoy being in his presence, that you feel his goodness. True words of encouragement require only a loving and caring heart but may have an eternal impact on the life of those around you.

You wonderful sisters render compassionate service to others for reasons that supersede desires for personal benefits. In this you emulate the Savior, who, though a king, did not seek position, nor was He concerned about whether others noticed Him. He did not bother to compete with others. His thoughts were always tuned to help others. He taught, healed, conversed, and listened to others. He knew that greatness had little to do with outward signs of prosperity or position. He taught and lived by this doctrine: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”13

In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers.

Conclusion

My dear sisters, I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good.14 I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love.15 Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment.

As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage.

You are choice daughters of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you. We love and admire you.

Of this I testify, and leave you my blessing as an Apostle of the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Coupons for Christmas Shopping....

2008-11-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

I always search online for coupons, and I even have that "freebie blogger" link to the left, but I found another one with some useful information.
They list stores alphabetically, so you can click on the store you want--and then if there are any available coupons, you are able to see them and print them.
Target has a pretty good one now until 11/26....off toys. $5-20 off select toys.

http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com

Hope it helps! You know me, always in search of a deal!

Home Management Notebook

2008-11-13T13:17:00.001-08:00

I don't think I have ever blogged about my Home Management Notebook, but I made before our wedding day, so I would have it as a new wife. It has various sections: Correspondence, Monthly Calendar, Food (Weekly Menus, Grocery Lists, Food Storage Inventory/Info, Take out Menus, Quick Fix Recipes), Finances (Budget, Bills, Coupons), Inspiration (Scriptures, quotes, thoughts)...anyway, I made mine when I was living in-between homes, so I didn't have my scrapbooking supplies or access to a computer/printer...so mine is very basic, and I recently decided to revamp it. Then I realized I have 3 wedding gifts to give in the matter of a month...I thought, why not give each new couple a notebook? I know its not extravagant and costly, but its homemade and useful. Hopefully they'll like it. Anyway, the first one I made was for The Wightmans. I just took a quick pic so you could visualize what I'm talking about.

I had my wisdom teeth pulled out today, and wooooweee, the novacaine started wearing off a couple hours ago and I am in a mess of pain!!!!!!!!! Stupid teeth. Why do we have them anyway?

Calling all Crafters....

2008-11-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Local crafters, that is...that actually look at this blog....
I was hoping to ask a favor.
Do any of you have a scallop puncher thingy? I was hoping to make a little project that I would need it for, but I am a cheapskate right now, and don't want to shell out the $20 bucks (WHY are they so MUCH?) Anyway, just thought I'd ask.
Thanks, everybody.