Hot soup on a cold evening

TACO SOUP
Add the following to the crock pot:

1 lb. Lean ground meat, browned and drained
28oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can of whole corn, undrained
15 oz can of black beans, undrained
15 oz can of red kidney beans, undrained
1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1 envelope dry taco seasoning mix
1 small onion chopped

Cook on Low 4-6 hours

Garnish individual serving bowls with:

Crushed corn chips or tortilla chips
shredded cheese
Sour cream

This freezes really well

Visit others warm recipes here

TA-DA!

BEFORE:

You can't tell from the photo, but the front door was in bad shape and needed to be replaced. Instead of replacing the door, the two side panels and the window above the door, (read.... alot of money....) we got a new door and painted everything to match.... including the shutters and the light fixtures.... and this is the finished project, what I have been standing in the driveway staring at each evening:
AFTER:

Lets talk a little bit about the stock market....

When the stock market rises, it is because you are investing money in the stock of an American company- lets say you are investing in Joe the Plumbers' business, you are making a vote of confidence in Joe...... you are basically saying... hey Joe.... I think you make a great product or offer a great service, I believe in the productivity of your employees, and you make that product or perform that service so well that I think a lot of people will call you for your services, so I can tell that you will see a profit in your business.... so I am going to buy stock to show you how much I believe in your business..... and when Joe makes money, you, as an investor, will make money too.


When the stock market falls, exactly the opposite is happening.... you are selling the stock you already own in Joe's business. You changed your mind about the product that he sell, suddenly his service is not as good as you thought it was, or maybe other people aren't calling Joe anymore, and suddenly Joe's business is not making a profit..... and when the business does not make a profit, you, as an investor, do not make a profit either.

The rise and fall of stocks are a barometer of what the future holds for American business.

Did you notice the stock market made a huge gain yesterday of about 900 points? Did you notice when it started turning around? It was about 4:00 p.m.

What happened about 4:00 p.m. yesterday to make the stock market suddenly skyrocket 900 points (the second largest gain in history)?

I Certainly don't know everything that happened about 4:00 p.m. yesterday.... but I do know one thing that happened....

At 4:00 p.m., a new poll was released showing that Obama was losing his lead over John McCain and was now only ahead by two very small points....and suddenly the stock market shot up like a rocket.


Remember... the stock market only rises when you think that Joe (American business in general) will be have productive employees and be able to sell their products to others to make a profit, and the stock market falls when you think that the company will be unable to make a profit.

The stock market going through the roof after news that John McCain is pulling up from behind to become President....

Which Presidential Candidate will be better for the economy?

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

It was the worst of times..... It was the best of times.....It was my weekend

The worst thing that happened this weekend: discovering a leak in the master bathroom shower, mildew/mold, and yet another big project added to the list.

The best thing that happened this weekend: The next door neighbor calling me to tell me to meet her at the back fence, where she gave me a big plate of warm brownies!

Menu Planning Monday- Freezer edition part II

Its freezer edition part II at my house.

Lets see what I can whip up this week with:

Cooked ground meat (will use this week for Spaghetti)

Frozen crawfish

2 packages of frozen chicken breast uncooked

2 packages contain 1/2 of baked chicken each (will use this week for chicken salad)

Ribs (will put in crockpot this week with cream of mushroom soup and beef broth and serve over rice)

Boneless pork chops

Pound of ground meat uncooked

Two packages of Mexican Casserole

One Shepard pie- already assembled, ready to bake (maybe this week?)

One package of taco soup (this will probaby be going to work with me)

Two links of sausage (for Red Beans and Rice in crockpot this week?)

Frozen lasanga

One box of breakfast sausage

Can you whip up dinner again this week from only your freezer?

You can see more weekly menus here.

Best advice I have ever heard...

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good
'Thank you, Lord.'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

Another sneak peek at my front door.....

Its the talk of the whole neighborhood.... Have you seen that crazy lady down the street with that half completed front door just standing outside staring at it?

I cant help myself.... I am in serious love with my new front door mat.


I know! Its fabulous!

Fall decorating at my house

There is not much Fall decorating going on at my house..... but what little there is.... is awful darn cute.


YES!! That is candy corn!! In the candle holder!! Sitting in the middle of last year's Fall wreath that was on clearance at JC Penny for $3!! I just out do myself sometimes!

Menu Planning Monday with a challange

You can see more weekly menus here.


This week, I am going to be thrifty and don't have a regular menu planned. Instead what I will be doing, and challenging you to be doing too, is to make dinner from all food currently in your freezer and pantry.

I'm pretty sure PB & J sandwiches will be served one night, with a big glass of milk. Mmmmmm......

Tell me how you do with the challenge.

Why we should care if Joe the Plumbers taxes go up. . . .

Lets talk about Joe the plumber, or Joe the lawyer, or Joe the doctor, or Joe the man who owns the alarm company, the hardware store, or the diner down the road.... Why should you care if Joe pays a lot more taxes under Obama's proposed tax plan?

Joe who owns his own business makes more than $250K a year and he has to pay more taxes under Obama's tax plan, a lot more taxes.

This is going to make him look around at ways he can save a little money. The first thing he might do is to decide he can survive without as many employees.... so he has to let one plumber go, thus saving not only the employee's salary but he will also enjoy paying less payroll taxes to the state and federal government.... and one family just lost their only income.

Because he pays more to the government, Joe cant spend as much discretionary as before- so he starts taking his lunch to work and no longer goes to the diner down the street for lunch each day. The diner owner has lost business revenue so he raises prices, eventually gets rid of one waitress and also pays less in payroll taxes.... and that waitress' family has lost her income.

Since money is tight, Joe's wife cant spend as much at Winn-Dixie or JC Pennys. Because both of these businesses have lost revenue, they raise their prices, and decide they don't need as many cashiers... so another person has lost a job.

Joe was tithing 10% of his income to his local church, but has now decreased that amount to only 5%. Because the church has lost that money, they cant afford to help the family who comes into their food pantry and asks for monthly groceries. That family has no choice but to look to the government for assistance.... thus increasing the money needed for the federal budget, thus increasing the money the government needs to collect from us through taxes.

Still think that Joe the plumber's tax rate is not your concern?

What about when you need a plumber... or a doctor... or a lawyer... or to shop at Winn-Dixie.... You'll now enjoy paying higher prices... all because Obama thinks that spreading Joe's wealth around is "good for the economy".

Instead of increasing taxes on Joe..... Lets look at McCain's proposed plan to decrease the taxes on Joe which would have the absolute opposite effect of Joe hiring more employees, paying more in payroll taxes, spending more to eat out and at the mall, allowing these business' to increase their employees and their payroll taxes and increase tithing to the local church so they are able to take better care of those needing assistance, taking some of the burden off the federal government and decreasing the amount of money the government needs to run on, thus decreasing your taxes.

That, in a nut shell, is why we should care if Joe the plumber pays more taxes.

How I stretch a dollar at my house

I am the first to admit..... I am not much of a saver.... I am much more of a shopper.... and I am not really good at stretching a dollar... I am far more inclined to just spend that dollar fast.

But I want to do better....So I will be picking up tips from others here

I am proud of my small progress...

1. I use coupons, rebates, sales and some generic brands (One Frugal Lady helps me with coupons)

2. I use leftovers to make a new meal ... like baked chicken one night and chicken pot pie the next

3. I freeze left overs for later, which saves a lot of time cooking weekday dinner too

4. I bring my lunch to work at least 3 times a week

5. I bring my coffee from home, too and almost never stop at Starbucks

6. I buy almost all my books used from Amazon

Its just little steps in the saving direction.

A sneak peak

Getting the plywood off the front door is an accomplishment. Seriously.... projects take a long time at our house.

Menu Palnning Monday

You can see more weekly menus here.

Sunday: make two chickens. Bake one and fry one (oven fried at my house). Baked potatoes and veggies

Monday: Chicken Pillows: Heat oven to 350. Mix some left over chicken with 1/2 package of cream cheese, 1/2 chopped onion, 2 stalks of chopped celery, 2 tablespoon butter and tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix. Mix well. Press crescent rolls at seams to make larger pieces. Put one roll on bottom, add mixture, place another roll on top and pinch together to seal. Bake 15 minutes or until brown.

Tuesday: Chili in crockpot. Brown one pound of ground meat. drain and add to crockpot with 1 can of black beans, one can of kidney beans, one large can of chopped tomatoes, one can of water and chili seasoning. Let cook on low all day. Freeze some for later.

Wednesday: Chicken Salad Sandwich: Mix left over chicken with 2 heaping tablespoons of mayo, chopped grapes, 1/2 chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper. Put on bread or serve with crackers and fruit.

Thursday: Steak on grill.

Friday: Leftovers

LOOK! My second attempt at Kids' lunch....

Monday: Cold fried chicken and potato salad from grocery store deli.

Tuesday: Broccoli salad with chicken. Cut broccoli into small pieces, add crumbled bacon, 1/2 chopped onion, leftover chopped chicken, and chopped almonds (in bag in baking aisle). Mix with dressing of equal parts mayo and apple cedar vinegar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar to taste. Stir into salad and refridgerate overnight. Mix well before serving. Fruit on side.

Wednesday: Ants on a log: Spread cream cheese onto celery sticks and add raisins on top. Put ham cubes and cheese cubes on side. Serve with crackers.

Thursday: Ham or turkey sandwich made on bagel with side of potato chips.

Friday: Spread soften cream cheese on a flour tortilla. Add sprinkle of Greek seasoning (find in spice aisle), add ham and cheese slices- roll tortilla and then cut into little circles. Dip circles in salsa.

Why is my grocery bill so darn high?

Gas: $3.25 at station closest to my house

One gallon of 2% milk: $4.40 at Walgreens, Yes, Walgreens the drug store.... It has BY FAR the cheapest milk. It is $5.00 at the gas station and $5.50 at grocery store

I should note that I make very few trips to Wal-Mart where, I admit, the prices are cheaper- I just can't fight the crowds.... and my sanity in the grocery store is worth paying just a little bit more.... and Winn-Dixie has much better meat

5 pounds of Potatoes: $2.99 on sale at Winn-Dixie

3 pounds of onion: $2.00

Apples: $1.49 pound

Grapes: $ 2.29 pound

Banana: $.69 a pound

Lettuce: Head of Iceberg is $.99 on sale and Romaine is $1.50 on sale

Celery: $1.50

Split chicken breast: $2.99 pound- $10 for the package I bought-but it is buy one package- get one free- which I split up and get 3-4 meals from.

Whole chicken: $.99 pound

Ground Meat: ground sirloin 10% fat $5.49 a pound

Coffee: One pound of Community Coffee Dark Roast $4.50- on sale- but usually $5.50

Toilet Paper: I just bought the 24 package of double rolls and it was over $13 (!!).

Yogurt: $.60 each ($.50 with coupon)

Dried beans $ 1.50 a pound

Pillsbury Pie Crusts: $2.50 each ($2.00 with coupon)

velvetta Shells and cheese: $2.00 a box ($1.50 with coupon)

Winn-dixie brand can veggies: $.50 each

Green Giant frozen box veggies: $1.67 each ($1.17 with coupon)- sometimes on sale for $1 each.... I need a bigger freezer so I can stock up....

Pillsbury Crescent rolls: $1.67 each ($1.32 each with coupon)

Frozen lasagna: $8.99

Loaf of white/wheat bread: $2.33

Good Housekeeping magazine $2.50

Dog treats: $3.49 ($2.49 with coupon)

Want to see other's prices in their area? Look here

A Little Progress..... and I do mean a little.....

A couple of neighbors have asked....

I am pretty sure the Home Owner's Association is calling an emergency meeting to discuss it....

A friend asked if I was decorating for Halloween.....

But this is what my front door is (still) looking like these days....

But notice the painter's tape and the white primer.... a little progress can be seen ....

More adventures with paint

Guess who went to Home Depot? (the more appropriate question would be... guess how many times I went to Home Depot....)

And guess who dropped an entire can of black oil paint not only all over the floor of Home Depot but also, all over her feet?

And then walked all over the store leaving black shoe prints behind?

The manager was just about to throw my little hinney out the door and ban me from the paint aisle forever.... when he suddenly remembered that doing so would singlehandedly affect the entire company's fourth quarter profits....

By the time I got home, my pair of good flip-flops were super glued to my foot.

Which is kind of a sad statement of my fashion wardrobe in that I actually have a pair of "good" flip flops...

Do you know what else Avon's Skin So Soft bath oil is good for?

Yes, in case you ever need to take black paint off your feet..... it works.

Upstairs floors

Instead of staining the upstairs floors.... I was too tired and too anxious to wait through another step....we just sealed the bare wood instead.

Now, they must set and "cure" for a week, then we'll put the toe kick on the baseboard.... then paint the baseboards white..... then maybe.... MAYBE.... after nine months of living in this house... I'll be able to move the upstairs furniture out of the garage.

Until then, I just walk up the stairs and stare at my new wood floors.

I think I found the best yard sale of my entire yard sale visiting career.

I got this little footstool for $1.00. Its worn and dirty- I will have to make a new cover for it- but its sturdy and solid with real wood legs. Maybe my (real-life) sister Gin and her expert sewing skills can help me with my limited ones?

LSU wreath for $5.00.

Cake plate for $2.00

Two dolls for $.25 each. The clothes are definitely handmade- the boots are crochet. I think the whole doll is handmade. The legs and arms just look like material wrapped around itself.

An end table $7. Its real wood. It looks antique.

A tray and picture for $.50 each.

I instantly fell in love with this tray and will now spend all my free time searching thrift stores and yard sales for black trays with painted flowers. I have high hopes of hanging a collection in my kitchen.

I was originally planning on painting the frame of the picture black to match the tray- but I reconsidered. I think it looks better this way.... old and beat up.


I got 11 different plates for $.25 to $1.00 each. I see others with groups of plates hanging in their kitchen and they look so good. I want to do the same.... right now.... I am just lost about it....

AND.....
One picture for the dining room for $5.00:

Menu Planning Monday... with a BONUS!

Monday: Stouffers' Lasagna. The kind that you buy in the freezer section. Add a green salad.

Tuesday: Pork chops with potatoes and veggies

Wednesday: Red Beans with sausage in crockpot- served over Rice.

Thursday: BBQ chicken sandwich from crockpot. Put boneless, skinless chicken breast in crockpot with half of bottle of BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred and put on bun.

Friday: Left overs

As a special request....

Menu Planning Monday includes LUNCH!! (but I feel I must write a little disclaimer.... I do not have children and, therefore, do not pack a lunch for children, so I am really not the one to be asking what to pack in a kid's lunch... but I am all about helping a sister out.... so this is what I would pack..... and a couple of Hershey Kisses might find their way in each day too.....)

Lunch:

I would make all of this the night before and put in fridge.

Monday: Egg Salad sandwiches and Sweet Potato french fries: Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips- no need to peel- toss with a little oil and salt and pepper. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, turning once, until brown. (These are great even cold.)

Tuesday: Club sandwich: toast 3 slices of bread- stack bread, bacon, ham, turkey, bread, cheese, tomato and lettuce, and bread. Cut into 4 sections. Two sections per child. (I can only eat two sections myself so I am sure this will be enough) On side: Carrots and cucumber slices with dip made from 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of dry ranch dressing mix.

Wednesday: Uncrustables. You find these in the frozen food section. They are PB&J sandwiches that are pre-made without a crust. They are so darn tasty! It takes about 1 hour for them to thaw out. Throw in lunch box frozen and they will be ready to eat at lunch. Add Milk and Apple.

Thursday: Tuna salad with crackers and cheese. Don't buy the little pre-assembled kit- make your own. Add fruit or granola bar on side

Friday: Cook crumbled sausage with scrambles eggs. Put on flour tortilla. Add salsa and cheese. Roll up and wrap in saran wrap. Add cut honeydew, watermelon and cantaloupe on side.
You can see more weekly menus here.

In the middle of a project at my house....

Is that plywood? Where your front door should be?

See how glamorous it is at my house? I do the neighbors proud.

mornings have been slow at my house...

Well, truth be told... the evenings arn't a whirl of activity either....

I love Fall.... I hate Fall....

The beautiful weather! The beautiful blue sky! The pain in my head! The ringing in my ears!

The change of weather brings my favorite season and much anticipated cooler weather, but it also brings hay fever/alergies/sinus problems, which leaves me feeling fuzzy headed, achy all over, a little dizzy and just unable to crawl out of bed each morning.

When Fall rolls around, I am secretly an 80 year old, I am just trapped in this 39 year old's body.... OK... not so secretly trapped.

Where I use to jump out of bed at 5:30 to make my husband breafast, and tackle some laundry or dishs before work, now I barely crawl out of bed at 6:30 to watch him carry a granola bar with his usual cup of coffee out the door.

The poor dog has been following me around the house with the most pitiful look on his little face. He wants to go walking. I want to go back to bed.

This does not help... but I cant control myself. I see the pretty flowers blooming in my yard and have an overwhelming desire to bring them inside to look at all the time (and an unfortunate side effect: smell all the time).



There are grocery stores I need to visit, Apple crisps I want to make, Laundry I want to fold, books to read, calls to make, bible studies to plan....But it gets dark by 7:00p each night, my cue to get a bath and get in bed.

Its difficult to get much done when 7:00p is your bedtime.