6-25-10

I LOVE LOVE LOVE YARD SALES!
They save me TONS of money!
When possible I try to show you
a comparison if bought from a store
or even Ebay.

Went to yard sales from 8:30 to 1:00PM today.
Stopped in McDonalds for lunch.
Used 2 buy 1 get 1 free coupons
and got $6.50 off my order!

Here's some deals I found:

Nintendo DS offered $8.00 (was $10.00)
Good luck trying to find one
of these on Ebay for that price
that works and has the charging cord!!

Nintendo DS Guitar Hero
controller and game
Paid $1.50
Ebay wants about $15 to $20 for both!!



Bought 2 Xbox 360 games for $1.50 each.
Told ya Tony found the system.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
average cost on Ebay $10 to $15.
Lego Star Wars II
average cost on Ebay $7 to $15.


Tony's been wanting a table that adjusts
to put his computer on. Kind of like
an adjustable bedside table.
He's been wanting the one Big Lots
has for either $25 or $35 and I couldn't
bring myself to spend that much for a simple
table that was plastic and metal.

I found an all wood one at a yard sale
today for $3.00, more my speed!
I don't think they ever used it because
it still had a thrift store price of
$10 on it!!



A package of Green Bags, kind of like
Debbie Meyers Green Bags. Wasn't sure
how these would work and never bought
them in the past due to price.
On her web site they want $17
including shipping for a similar product!
For .25 cents I can now give them a try :0)



A roll of copper tubing .50 cents.
Plan to scrap this. Copper is about $2 to $2.30 a pound
so I will get a return on this investment.
Spend .50 cents get back $4.00 to $5.00!!

update: showed Tony the copper tubing and he
said he could use it to install an automatic
ice maker in the freezer. Boy that would
be nice to have considering I am the one
filling the ice trays all the time!



Gallon of Behr Glaze $1.00
This goes for $26.00 at Home Depot!!
Shhh, don't tell Tony but I had thought
about glazing over the yellow walls in the
living and dining room because I think
it's a brighter color than anticipated.



And lastly I found a bunch of canning lids
and rings, new in boxes. .10 cents a box!!
Total paid was $2.20 for 22 boxes!!
Would have cost $51.00 in a store!!!!!!!!

I priced lids for a 12 pack and they are
$2.00/12 for regular mouth.
$3.00/12 for wide mouth.
Metal rings:
$4.00/12 for bands.



___________________________________________________

If you like Mentos on Facebook
you can get a printable coupon for
buy 1 get 1 free Mentos.
TODAY ONLY!

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Got some banana & hungarian wax peppers growing :0)

Here's a recipe for sweet Pickled Banana Peppers

2 1/2 pint jars

Ingredients

* 1/2 lb banana pepper, seeded and sliced across, so you have rings

Pickling Juice

* 2 cups white vinegar
* 2/3 cup white sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Directions


1
Sterilize 2- 1/2 pint jars.

2
Bring the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed and celery seed to a rolling boil.

3
Place peppers in the 1/2 pint jars.

4
Pour on the pickling juice.

5
Bring brine to within 1/2" of the top.

6
Be sure the edge of the jar has no juice on it.

7
Seal jar and leave for 2 weeks.

---------------------------------------------------

Pickled Hungarian Wax Peppers

1 pint

1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon pickling salt
2 cups hot peppers, seeded and cut into strips

In a non aluminum saucepan, heat 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup water for each pint of peppers. Into each hot, sterilized pint jar, place 1 garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon pickling salt, and 2 cups hot pepper strips, leaving about 1/2 inch head space. Fill with the hot brine, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Be sure to remove any air bubbles that are trapped inside the jar. Seal. Process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes. Adjust seals if necessary. Let cool undisturbed for 12 hours. Store in a cool, dry place.

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MY RANTS AND RAVES FOR TODAY

Some people are sooo gullible. You know those
people who have to be perfect, do everything by
the book and don't think outside the box.

Here is an example.

People are taken every day at auto repair shops.
They replace things that aren't broken, break things
that weren't broke, tell you things that need repaired
even if it has half a life left. It's all about the
money, WAKE UP PEOPLE! Don't fall into their trap!
USE COMMON SENSE!

I've seen the local news channel go in with
hidden cameras to a basic oil change place.
They caught them on camera breaking things under
the hood then telling the customer, that was none
the wiser, that these repairs needed done.

Someone recently, no names mentioned, just went
in for an oil change. They told them they had
a power steering leak. They believed them
and had $200 in repairs to have someone fix it.
HELLOOO, even I know what signs to look for
IF there was a power steering leak and none
of these signs were visible to state otherwise.
First of all there was NO puddles under the vehicle
to show of a leak, there was NO squeeling or grabbing when
steering the vehicle and the power steering fluid
WAS STILL FULL. So you tell me where they got off
telling this person there was a power steering
leak. The bad part was they fell for it.
Ok even if it was a tiny tiny drip of a leak,
it is nothing major to worry about!!!
I just get sick to my stomach learning that
people waste soooo much money on these money
hungry corporations out there.
DO YOUR OWN THING AND QUIT DOING WHAT OTHERS
TELL YOU TO DO!!
I have seen someone get a hose replaced on their
vehicle that was told it was dry rotted and
cracked. I inspected the "old" hose and it
looked perfect!

Quit doing nonsense stuff!
Some people live by what they are told,
they believe everything they hear.
And we wonder why our senior citizens
are seen on the news taken out of
thousands of dollars for some scam out there.
They see stuff on tv, in the newspapers,
magazines, online, you name it and think
it has to be that way.

Be old fashioned. Let something wear out
before it has to be replaced unless it's something
of importance like your tires. You get my drift.
People years ago hung onto items because of
money problems. Now a days, for example,
people are getting new cell phones as newer
more fancier models hit the market.
Buying new cars just because it's fancy
with all the options that we have lived
without for how many years now?
How much of a mark up does that dealership
have on that new car and profiting from?
And how much value is lost once you
drive it off their lot? LOTS!
IT'S WASTEFUL! Tony and I have had the same
cell phones for the past 2-3 years.
And up until recently they finally died
before looking for a USED, not top of the line,
new one.
And here is another one.
Who the Hell
sets the trend for clothing that comes
out every year that everyone has to have
to fit in??? IT'S ALL A MARKETING SCAM
to make money!
Wear what you like and are
comfortable in. Shop thrift stores.
No one knows where you got the clothes
at unless you tell them.

Another marketing scam, holidays!
How many holidays did we have back
when we were kids? Just the basic ones.
Now we have grandparents day, Earth day,
sweetest day, bosses day and so on.
WHY?! IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEY.
Why do we have a sweetest day anyway
when we already celebrate Valentine's Day.
These companies want you to have a reason
to keep on spending those hard earned
dollars on nonsense things.

It just irritates me people are so
irresponsible and can't think for themselves.
Before you know it people will be wired
with computer chips in their brains to
do all the thinking for them.

____________________________________________________

8:00PM

Tonight I decided to pull up a few onions.
This is only a fraction of what's in the garden.
I'll leave the other ones alone for now
and let them grow a little while longer.




___________________________________________________

Channel 4 News

I am adding this as it is somewhat related
to what I talked about earlier and how others are being
taken for their money. This is from
today's news.

Cordray Warns Homeowners Of Summer Travelers Scheme

COLUMBUS, Ohio --

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for traveling scam artists this summer who are selling roof repairs and driveway paving and sealing.

They're known as travelers and they often offer to do a job at a discount price, but homeowners may pay an even greater price when the completed work is shoddy and the travelers have moved on and cannot be located.

Seniors are often targeted in the scheme and since June 2009, the attorney general's office has received 282 complains about asphalt-paving companies.

"It's successful because people want to believe they can get something for nothing or something for very little and if it seems convenient, people are pretty trusting out there and they need to be on their guard a bit," Cordray said.

Signs that a traveler is working include door-to-door sales, the promise of starting immediately and finishing within an hour and a push for a cash or check payment only.

Homeowners can check a company's history before paying with the Attorney General's office or the Better Business Bureau.

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Consumer Recalls: Select Kellogg’s Cereal, Scope Mouthwash
& Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant, and America's Choice Fresh Spinach

Kellogg’s Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks Cereals

Kellogg's has recalled select packages of Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals because of a strange smell coming from the liner and package. The recall includes products with Better If Used Before Dates between March 22, 2011 and June 26, 2011 with the letters "KN" following the date. For replacement packages, call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-801-4163.
Scope Original Mint Mouthwash

Scope® Original Mint Mouthwash (1 L) bottles are being recalled because they contain ethyl alcohol (which is toxic and can cause serious injury or death if ingested by children) but are not fitted with child-resistant caps. Affected bottles have a number 4 on the bottom of the bottle, and their tops twist off easily without squeezing the side tabs. Consumers who purchased the product with the expectation that it would be in child-resistant packaging can contact Procter & Gamble for a full refund or a replacement coupon at 877- 340-8825.
Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant, and America's Choice Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach sold under the brands Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant and America's Choice in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia and with Best Enjoyed By dates of 19 June 10 through 27 Jun 10 are being recalled because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. If you have an affected package, you throw away the spinach but save the package, and contact Lancaster Foods at 800-247-8125.

___________________________________________________

This evening I stopped in Kroger to get some
pop. As I round the corner to the snack isle
there is a lady and a man and A DOG. No, not
a seeing eye dog and these people in no way
looked handicapped. No harness on the dog
as it had a basic pink collar and nylon leash.
This is starting to piss me off when stores
are allowing ordinary pets to walk through
the front door. This is the 3rd time in
the past couple of weeks I have seen this.
Once in Meijers, once in Kroger and once in
Kenny Rd. Market! Don't get me started on
Kenny Rd. Market who when the boys were about
age 3 threatened and told me I could not
bring my kids in the store without shoes
on! Now I see a freakin dog in there!!

6-24-10

6:30AM comes too early! Tony got
ready for work then I helped him load up
the stuff I brought up outta the basement
that I had sitting outside. Did pretty good
yesterday. Got rid of 2 large boxes of stuff
along with a bunch of odds and ends that were
too big for boxes. I managed to fill up the
backseat of his Suburban with stuff.
That's about when I heard a semi truck coming
down the street. It was the neighbor coming
home from either Tennessee or Georgia
or wherever it is he goes. I'm thinking RUN!
I don't want to babysit! All was clear and I
made it back in the house without him talking
to me, whew! Mom had a good but funny idea.
She said next time I should put a note ahead
of time on our truck saying, can't babysit,
before he posts another one of his notes!
This guy keeps saying he'll pay me good.
Well if that's the case, where's the payment
from when I watched them last week???
Then when he asked me, "what, if anything,
do I owe you for babysitting," that worried me.
Who words things like that? The "if anything"
part had me shaking my head.

Soooo much to do around here and I am only
one person. Think I'll start in the kitchen
and get my dishes done. Boy when kids are
out of school they can start piling up so
quickly. I try to encourage them to use
one cup each day instead of many to reduce
the amount of dishes.
Then after that I need to work on laundry.
I got it started yesterday and did about 3 loads
when weeding some things out of the basement.
It was nice and cool down there when compared
to 90 something outside. That is another reason
I want to get this basement done. It would
be a great hangout for the kids and their friends
on hot Summer days. Plus I wouldn't have to
worry about them destroying and messing up
the main part of the house. It's outta sight.

I showed Tony this morning what I was wanting
to do with the crown molding in the kitchen.
Hopefully he'll be able to bring home some
finishing nails and caulk from work so we
can get that up soon.

Here is me from yesterday showing what it
will look like if it were put up.
I look like I am conducting an orchestra, lol,
or maybe it's a move from Karate Kid.

If I had my way and the money, I would of loved
to of taken out the front of the soffit and
make open shelves above the cabinets.
Maybe one day, who knows.
Sure would give me a lot more storage
to put things that I don't use all the time.
I don't think there is ventilation or anything
behind it. The main frame could stay in tact
just cut out the drywall on the front and finish
the edges. The main reason for the soffit is
so the cabinets are lowered to reach them.
To me it's just wasted space I could be using!

Here's a couple photo ideas that I found
that are similar of what I'd like to do.








I try to think of all kinds of unique ideas for
doing things. I don't know if they are actually
unique, more like practical and cheap ways of doing
things. I like to be different.
And here is another idea I had for the one wall
in my kitchen where I currently have 3 shelves
hung up for storage. If I could find the top to
a small hutch I would love to put it up in that area,
sitting on the counter and going up the wall.
Of course it would be screwed into the studs.
But that's another day and another find.
You can't use regular cabinets in this area
considering there is a pass through window on
the adjoining wall.
I mean where else would you find a cabinet
that isn't very deep?
You can see here in these photos of where
some hutches are not very deep. Deep enough
for a tea cup and saucer or DVD's.
Now I will have to keep my eye out for a cheap
or free one. Who needs custom cabinets!!
Make your own!!

My space I have along with pics of some hutches.



Now imagine just the top part of the hutch
on my wall, painted to match rest of kitchen.






Well going to work on dishes then mom is going
to take us all out to lunch at Taco Bell today.

9:45AM

Got dishes loaded in the dishwasher.
Happened to look out kitchen window.
My backyard looks like a nature preserve today!
Got young squirrels running everywhere.
They are sooo funny to watch when they
play with one another. Then 2 rabbits showed
up. The squirrels and rabbits were actually
playing and chasing each other.
Then comes the sparrows and cardinal.
I guess all it takes is a half bag of
stale cheese puffs in the bird feeder
to bring them altogether, LOL!
Pics aren't so good as I had zoom to the fullest.
And when it goes that far you have to have
a very stable hand or it blurs.




Here's a video of squirrleys playing.
Nevermind the noise from the camera.
It's the zoom trying to focus in.



___________________________________________________

12:20PM

Just got back.
Mom wanted to go to the thrift store.

Here is my saying and doing.
If there's something you want and don't
absolutely, positively need it RIGHT NOW,
then I wait it out and end up finding
whatever I needed at a fraction of the cost
or even free.

I've been wanting metal ice cube trays since
last year. I FINALLY found some at the thrift
store .90 cents. I'm not using it for an ice
cube tray though as I had an idea I wanted to
try out.
You've heard of the Perfect Brownie Pan
that makes pre sliced brownie on TV.
They cost $25!!

I'm wanting to make some brownie bites
but use my .90 cent metal ice cube trays!





The boys got a Lego table for .90 cents!




I got a container to put cereal in .90 cents.
When I can't find cheap boxes of cereal
on sale I usually buy the 2 pound bags.
This will come in handy to store the
cereal in.



Found one of those sets of storage containers
that store and swivel around on a base.

These are still selling on Amazon for $20!!

I paid $1.91!!

The cashier was even jealous that I found these
for such a good deal!



Got a baggie full of these items for .90 cents!
Everything's still full and new!

Nutra Nail 5 to 7 day growth
retails for $5.00

Nutra Nail 30 second cuticle remover
retails for $3.00

Reconstrux rebuild and renew nails in 30 days.
retails for $6.50



Found me another large purse for $1.91.
Anyone price purses? They can be expensive!!
This one is done in a chocolate brown suede.




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Mom took us over to Taco Bell for lunch.
You can't beat their $2.00 meal menu.

It included one of the following:
beefy 5 layer burrito,
gordita supreme,
grilled chicken burrito,
or
double decker taco

with a medium sized drink
and a bag of Doritos!!

I didn't eat breakfast before
going out and the gordita meal
filled me up. I didn't even finish
my bag of Doritos.

I think Friday or this weekend I'll
take the family out for supper.
Can't beat the cost of $8.00
for a family of 4 to eat out!!

___________________________________________________

3:00PM

Got more laundry done then decided to
clean out some cupboards. Need to haul some
kitchen items to the basement. Due to space issues
I have bookshelves in the basement where I can
store pots, pans and what not that I don't use
every week.

Sat down to take a quick break and do an online
survey.
WOO HOO I finally made it to the $75 mark!
That means I can get three $25 gift cards.
I've accomplished this in 6 months so am
hoping to make the $100 to $125 by Christmas time.
Boy that would sure come in handy at GameStop.
I was gonna use these gift cards towards
another game system for the boys but because
Tony found an XBox 360 the other day I can
now use it for controllers, memory cards and games.

Well break time is over. Need to start hauling
kitchen stuff to the basement, change the laundry
over, and haul up a box and a few other items
to be gotten rid of.

Never a moments rest!!

___________________________________________________

Saw this video and thought the squirrel was hilarious!
Check it out, LMAO! If they start doing that in my yard
I'm running!



___________________________________________________

Tonight's Supper- Chinese

Little of this and a little of that
to use up some leftovers.

Boiling up the last of my rice with water and
teriyaki sauce mixed in. I bought a huge bag
of rice about 2 years ago and this is the last of it.

Found some leftover cooked turkey in the freezer.
Microwaved to thaw.
Threw in a skillet with a little butter,
onion, leftover red bell pepper, leftover onion salt
and some chopped broccoli I had in freezer bags.
Added in banana pepper juice and pineapple juice*.
Going to mix this with the rice when done.

Then in the oven I have a couple leftover
talapia fillets breaded in crumbs with
parmesan cheese and onion salt.

And I also have 4 eggs rolls in there also.

*When using canned fruit or even jars of banana
peppers I save the juice in ice cube trays and then
freeze into cubes. Once frozen I remove from
trays and put in zip bags.
___________________________________________________


Ok just making notes to self about maybe some
yard sales tomorrow morning.
I can't seem to find my notebook.
Bet ya it is in Tony's truck :0)
He tends to use my notebooks to scribble
on when he's on call. Once he scribbled
on the back of the water bill that had
yet to be paid and didn't realize it.
I didn't realize it till I got a notice
in the mail from the water company
about an unpaid bill. He doesn't do
that anymore!

Huber Ridge community yard sales Fri & Sat.

495 MORSE RD

32 West Lakeview Ave, Columbus

westerville 200 HILLCREST DR

8176 Rosaberry Run, Westerville, OH 43081

Some homes open both days, some only on Saturday. Near intersection of County Line and Spring Road.
696 Big Rock Drive

258 Caro Place Gahanna.

5660 Hazelwood Road - Columbus, Ohio 43229 (Forest Park West) (Karl Road & Rt. 161)

CHATHAM RIDGE in Westerville. Chatham Ridge is north of Central College and off of Sunbury Rd. Watch for signs and balloons!

1255 Flagstone Sq. Westerville Near Hoover resevoir Sunbury and Walnut

HUGE!!! Multi-Family Community Sale in the Northland Area of Columbus. 20 Homes, Rain or Shine.
Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th
9am- 4pm
Right off of I-71, South of Morse Road and west of Maize!

westerville 100 Hillcrest- corner of Walnut St and Hillcrest heading towards Uptown

____________________________________________________

10:00PM

Sitting here and chilling for the evening.
Just got back home about 9:15pm from going
on 2 calls at Tony's work.

Kids are in bed and I am hoping we have a good
morning of yard saling tomorrow!

Check out this site I just found called
PRINTABLE COUPONS AND DEALS

Was reading the SNP. Do you know they are
considering putting a mini Walmart in Westerville
Square by Shrock and Westerville Rd. If they do
it will be the first of it's kind.
They have wanted for years to bring a Walmart
to Westerville near Maxtown Rd and the city
turned it down.

West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in
Hillard. The township just sprayed our neighborhood
a couple days ago. Not sure how that spray in the
air gets to all mosquitoes especially if it was
a windy day.

Ok well enough of watching the news. Time
to jump in the shower then into bed.

Nighty night.

6-23-10

6:30 to 7:00 AM

My morning was not off to a good start.
Tony went out to his truck to get his coffee
pot and found a note on his truck.
Our neighbor left a note on the windshield
wanting me to babysit today! Come on now this
is getting ridiculous! First it was 10:30
and 11:30PM he was asking me now this!
And do you know he came over yesterday
evening to borrow a ladder, he was home
all day yesterday and not a word was said.
I finally called him at 7AM and said I was
busy with mom this morning. I've been
wanting to start weeding out this house
and I can't do it with 5 kids running around!!
When the neighbor stopped by yesterday he
clearly saw me up on a stool and countertops
trying to do my kitchen, which is wiped out
and needs put back together. It takes a lot
of nerve. This guy, recently divorced and
got custody of three kids, needs to get
his act together. He told me on the phone
he was even considering asking our 90 year
old neighbor to watch his kids!! Then he said
he'd just ask his mom again and have to listen
to her bitch at him. I said, you are her kid
and always will be, mom's will always give
you lectures no matter what your age, you're
just gonna have to deal with it. And let
me back up a few to say that he is around
my age.

So anyway that is how my morning has went so far.
Me and the boys are gonna tag along with grandma
and grandpa this morning while on their errands
so the neighbor can see that we went somewhere.
Plus I want to find some boxes to start hauling
crap outta here. Not sure where to go as the last
time I went to get boxes out of a store dumpster
a security person driving around told us
we were stealing them!! GIVE ME A BREAK!!
What next? I just sit on edge anymore
and my back is hurting once again probably
from stress of this guy across the street.
And Tony has on call this week. Which we like
to tag along with him in the evenings if he
gets called out. That way I can be there to
help him if he should have to replace fridges
or what not. He already has back and hip problems
so I want to be there in case he needs an extra
hand. It's not like there are other maintenance
guys around in the evening like during the day.
So there is another reason I don't want to be
stuck watching someone's kids until 6-7PM.
I know I am rambling so early in the morning.
I feel like I have to go undercover to hide
from this guy who now wants me to watch his kids
everytime he has to work. I can't bring myself
to just come out and say, no I don't want to,
for fear that he will be mad at me and he is our
neighbor that we have to live with.

___________________________________________________

8:30AM

Made the kids a special breakfast this morning
before heading out with grandma and grandpa.

Used a Jiffy blueberry muffin mix
in a doughnut pan.
Topped with cream cheese frosting
and sprinkles.



___________________________________________________

I still have one more thing I wanted to do
to the kitchen. I bought crown molding from Habitat
last year and never got around to putting it up.
Don't know if I could get the contact paper to
stick to it since it's unfinished. But anyway
I wanted to add it to the soffit just above the
cabinets. Maybe I could just paint it off white
to go with the background of the cabinets.
I think wooden trim at Habitat is about .25 cents
a foot so it didn't cost a whole lot!
I think we paid about $30 for molding trim to
put up around our dining room living room
and hallway. Can't beat that!

___________________________________________________

Whew back from going out with grandparents.
The things I do to avoid babysitting by riding
with a 70+ year old man. AHHHH!
Almost collided head on with a car in
a parking lot, 35 in a 45 almost getting run over,
taking speed bumps too fast jolting everyone,
running a stop sign. need I say more in about
an hour's time!! Kissing the floor as I walk
in my house, lol.

___________________________________________________

10:50AM

Started painting, or I should say priming,
the kitchen molding, since it is sucking in the
paint and will need several coats.
To give you an idea of what I want to do
here I am holding up a piece of molding,
no it is not a gloss paint, it is still wet!!
I think it will soften the hard lines
between the cabinets and soffit.
I think I have about 12 feet of molding so
I'm figuring it cost about $3 for all of it!




Here are the details of the molding
since it's hard to see in other pics.
I would of loved to of had it all the
way around the kitchen but finding
that much molding at Habitat that matches
is hard. So instead, last year I found
wallpaper border to go around the top
of the kitchen. That was 3 rolls for $1.00
at Habitat.
So total for everything I have done to
decorate the kitchen is $16.25.
And some people spend $30,000 to $50,000
to remodel a kitchen. Who the heck
has that kind of money???



11:30AM

While painting, the kids tell me there's some
people at the front door. I got paint all
over my hands, 2 kids fighting, another kid
that came over to play and a cat that decided
to run out the front door.
It was Jahova Witnesses. They ask if they could
come back another day when I wasn't so busy.
I tell them, I am a mom, it's Summer time
and the kids are out of school. I don't have
a less busy day!! Then as I am ready to walk
back inside they ask if they could give me
a pamphlet. Then ask if I was stressed!
I looked at them and said sarcastically,
NOOOOAAHHH! Are they blind???
So they gave me a pamphlet on stress.
AHHHHHH!!! Go away!! Then they proceed to ask
if I think the world will be coming to an end
someday and that's about when the cat ran out the door.
After chasing it for a moment and capturing it with
the help of the Jahova Witnesses, I say, it
will be coming to an end for the cat very soon.
That's about when they got the hint and left!!

I like Jeff Foxworthy's idea of drawing an outline
of a body on the front sidewalk and throwing a bunch
of Jahova Witness pamphlets around it.

I've got so many things to do and this was
not one of them!


___________________________________________________

I'm thinking about this for Supper...

CHICKEN FAJITA MELTS



I will make my own version of it
with what I have on hand.

For starters I have leftover pork rib
that I will use instead of chicken.
No tomato juice so will use tomato soup.
No taco seasoning but have taco flavored
shredded cheese.
I don't have salsa so may just use
canned diced tomatoes.
And I don't have French bread. Will
use the sweet Italian bread I have in
the freezer.

* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 6 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup sliced onions
* 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
* 1/2 cup tomato juice
* 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
* 1 cup salsa
* 8 (1/2 inch thick) slices French bread
* 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, and cook and stir until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the sliced onions and red peppers, and cook and stir for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the tomato juice and taco seasoning, and mix well. Cook mixture until the juice has thickened and the chicken is well coated with sauce, about an additional 7 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
4. Spread 2 tablespoons of salsa over each slice of French bread. Evenly spoon the chicken mixture on top of the salsa topped bread. Sprinkle each sandwich with 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese.
5. Place sandwiches under the preheated broiler and cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

___________________________________________________

12:00PM

I'm also thinking I want to head on over to Aldi's
to get a few things. It's only about 5 minutes up
the road. I only have $20 to spend that I pulled out
ahead of time for garage sale money on Friday.
That's the bad part of Aldi's, you have to
bring cash with you.
So let's see what I can get for $20.
Going to round kids up and pick mom
up to with us.

____________________________________________________

1:00PM

Just back from Aldi's and I've gotta say
IT'S FREAKING HOT OUT THERE!!
It's 86 degrees and feels like 96 degrees
according to the Weather Channel!!

I've already told the kids they are staying
inside today. Don't need any dehydration
or heat stroke! If ever you don't think
your air condition feels cold enough to
you just step outside for a minute!
I have ours set at 76 degrees and it
feels great in here compared to outside!

PAID $18 and got this from Aldis:

10 pound bag potatoes

1 head of cabbage

5 peaches

1 pound of strawberries

1 package of cheese slices

1 can of mushrooms

1 can diced tomatoes

1 box pasta salad

1 box stuffing

1 package cream filled cookies

1 jar alfredo sauce

2 mac and cheese

1 box of egg rolls

And I have a gripe about Aldis. If they
sell individual fruits or veggies I think
they should offer plastic bags to
put the items in.
Today the cashier rung up my peaches
and just TOSSED them into the bottom
of my cart. I told her wait a sec while
I retrieved them so I could put them
up in the top of the cart. But she didn't
wait and just as I was about to grab the
last fragile peach, she threw a 10 pound
bag of potatoes on it!! People just don't
care!!

--------------------------

Some of these items I got today will be used for next week's
meal menu.

1. Goulash
2. Cabbage & sausage alfredo
3. I will turn the stuffing mix
into breading for some drumsticks.
4. Grilled Cheese
5. Strawberry Shortcake
6. Egg Rolls & Rice
7. Fried taters
8. Peaches I will make jam out of
9. Homemade coleslaw
10. Chicken pasta salad


Plus I have leftover sausage gravy
and potato soup in the freezer for
any lunches.

___________________________________________________

I was giving the kids a quiz in the car
about what each letter meant on the shifter.
"D" was for Drive, "R" is for Reverse.
But when I asked what "N" stood for
Christopher said NITROUS, LMAO!!
Nitrous in a Tracker?? I do need something
to make that little sucker go faster!!

And here's another thing that the kids have
said that made us laugh...

We were in the car going somewhere.
The kids always ask where we are going
and it usually is not a place they prefer
to go. So Tony will say, "someplace
to piss you off". The other day Jonathan
twerpt up and said "and it's working"
after Tony made the comment. I laughed
and laughed because of how he said it
being a smarty pants.

___________________________________________________

1:30 to 3:00PM

Got a bowl of soda ice cream in the
freezer. That will be a nice treat this
evening. I mixed together one can of
sweetened condensed milk and a 2 liter
bottle of fruit punch flavored pop.
I then put the bowl in the freezer.

I also got the third coat of paint
on the crown molding. Hoping it is the
last but will see after it dries.
Shouldn't take too long in this heat!

___________________________________________________

Ok I think I have figured out a way to clean
the basement. I have to take slow and easy steps
as this will be a BIG project to clean out.
If you don't set goals for yourself then chances
of getting things done in a timely manner
are slim to none. So my goal is to fill
at least 2 boxes of stuff from the basement
each day and have Tony take to the drop box
after work since it is nearby.
This is all providing I can find boxes.
I just so happened to get 2 of them today
from Aldis even though I only had a small
amount of groceries.
One box down and hopefully one more to go
today. The only problem I forsee is
getting rid of kids toys when they are
home during the Summer. Got to find a way
to carefully sneak them outta here. I have
enough toys to provide for the whole neighborhood!!

____________________________________________________

6:20PM

Check out these bad boys I made for supper!
I told Tony the guys were gonna be jealous
at work tomorrow when they see his lunch, lol.





Well gotta eat and run. Found a guy selling
a Firebird and Trans Am package deal on Craiglslist, not
far from here. Don't hurt to go check it out.
Can always run away if need be, lol.
Could you imagine 4 of these sitting in our
driveway??? Boy Trans Am people would be jealous!
I can look past ugly, but can't look past
major rust and other severe problems so will
see what the outcome of this is will be.

___________________________________________________

8:20PM

Had to go on call and over to Tony's work.
Tony called the guy and said we would be running
behind due to work calling.
Afterwards we went to check out the cars.
We were told there would be someone there
so we could see them. And guess what, no one
there and when trying to call them, no answer.
I hate playing games when it comes to stuff
like this!! I do know this, we don't want the
parts car which was sitting outside. The other
car must have been in the garage.
And I know my Trans Ams and Firebirds.
Just by looking at the photos and being
able to see the parts car, he's got the
names of the cars incorrect. The one
that is up and running is actually a 79 Trans Am
with a Firebird nose. The parts car is a
81 Firebird with a Trans Am nose. No one can pull
the wool over my eyes. I know how to run VIN
numbers to double check to see what kind of car
it is if I wanted to. But I had another clue about the parts
car to say it's not a Trans Am, it has a wood grain
dash panel. A Trans Am has the metal dash.
We once had what we thought was a 81 Trans Am.
Had the flares, vents and shaker on the hood.
What got me thinking that is wasn't a true
Trans Am was that is had a wood grain dash.
I did a VIN search on it and sure enough
it was a Trans Am clone.

___________________________________________________

This looks good to make tomorrow with
the strawberries I got today.
The shortcakes are made with bisquick,
which is something I always have in the pantry
since it is a multipurpose product.



1 quart (4 cups) strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup sugar (I will use Splenda)
2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar (I will use Splenda)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup whipping cream

I'm gonna omit the whipping cream as I have
a can of whipped cream in the fridge that needs
used up :0)


1. Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside.
2. In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and the butter until soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 spoonfuls.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
4. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream.

6-23-10

6-22-10

Went to Home Depot this morning to get
another roll of contact paper to do
my upper cabinets. Hoping to start
this today. It won't be as easy as the
bottom cupboards considering I have to
climb on counter tops to do it.

From there we went to Meijer.

BEFORE SALES AND COUPONS $23.59
I PAID $9.85
TOTAL SAVINGS $13.74

2 Miracle Whip
Reg. 2 for $5.96
PAID $2.50 for 2 or $1.25 each
SAVED $3.46

Bar S Bologna $1.00
Bar S Hot Dogs $1.18
Reg. $2.18 for both
PAID $1.18 for both
SAVED $1.00

2 Jello
reg. $1.10 for 2
PAID $0 FREE
SAVED $1.10

2 Kraft Salad Dressing
Reg. $4.00 for 2
PAID $1.18 for 2
SAVED $2.82

2 Mountain Dew 2 liters
Reg. $3.18 for 2
PAID $1.00 for 2
SAVED $2.18

2 Pepsi Max 2 liters
Reg. $3.18 for 2
PAID $1.00 for 2
SAVED $2.18

Meow Mix Cat Food
Reg. $3.99
Paid $2.99
SAVED $1.00

This is the first time using a bunch of
coupons again since about Easter.
Need to get the printer working again
so I can print off internet coupons!
When a printer sits too long it can
become stubborn with putting out ink!
GRRRR!!

__________________________________________________

Trying to get some cheap ideas for the bathroom.

-aqua wall paint, a lighter color, not bold.

-white washed wood paneling contact paper

-marble contact paper for possibly sink counter top.

Just ideas though as who knows what I will find.






___________________________________________________

11:20 to 11:45AM

Got all the upper cabinets washed down and knobs
removed. Took about 15 minutes to do the one
cupboard. You can't tell but it's actually 2 pieces
of contact paper as the paper wasn't wide enough
to cover the door in one sheet.
It's starting to give the kitchen a homey feeling
and warm it up some even though it is a light
pine color. I'm just so tired of looking at white.
White walls and cabinets remind me of apartment
living. But ya know if you do live in an apartment
you could do this easy fix on your cabinets
because it is easily removable and shouldn't
damage the cupboards.

This light pine color on the cabinets helps
tie in the backsplash tiles which are a creamy
color and a purplish gray. White cupboards
made it stick out like a sore thumb.
My counters are also the purplish gray color
so everything is coming together nicely.







12:30PM

Got the other cupboard door done.



Now you can see where the light pine
looks like it fits better than white
paint against the back splash.



1:15PM

Upper stove cabinets done.
Time for lunch and a break.



6:30PM

Got another cupboard door done while making supper.
Only 2 more to go, YEAH! The ones above the fridge.



I think I will end up with about a quarter
roll of paper left.
So total cost to makeover kitchen cabinets....
a whopping $12.25!!!

Oh and I didn't tell ya, when I went
to Home Depot to get the paper they
had ONE left!!! So I got very lucky.

8:45PM

WOO HOO I'm finally done with my cabinets!




Oh man, we just had supper not long ago
and it was sooo good.

FMV Kroger brand Tilapia fillets

Dip fillets in ranch dressing.

Combine the following:
bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
onion powder
montreal steak seasoning
salt

Dredge fillets through crumbs
then bake on greased sheet 350 for about 30 minutes.

___________________________________________________

Was reading the news online.
There's a news story about an apartment
complex that's part of where hubby works.
It's all owned by the same company.
We actually know the maintenance worker
out there and I know he wouldn't commit
burglary!! So that's a false accusation
that this resident is making!
They actually sent one of Governours
maintenance guys out there today to
lend a hand.
I see a lawsuit in the near future though
as I think the apartment complex did wrong
by evicting the resident without just cause.
Heritage Green is where we used to rent
a garage to store our car in and work on
it when building it and putting a motor in.

NEWS STORY

6-21-10

6:15 to 10AM

Got up this morning with a backache so
wasn't moving too swiftly for the first couple
of hours til my ibuprofen kicked in.

Hope it rains soon. I emptied the water barrels
this morning when watering the garden.
Everything is looking good. Got some tomato
plants that are about 4 foot tall now.

Tony's got the on call pager this week, YUCK!!

Well I think I'm gonna sit down and work
on my coupon binder and check the sales ads
for any good deals this week.
If I find any I'll be sure to post them.

___________________________________________________

10:45AM

WALGREENS

Jello 2 for $1.00 with Walgreens coupon
.50 cents off 2 manufacture coupon
makes it .50 cents for 2 or .25 cents each

Splenda 100 packets
sale price $2.99
$1.00 manufacture coupon
makes it $1.99

MEIJER

Stouffers Party Size Lasagna $9.99
$2.00 manufacture coupon
makes it $7.99 each

Captain Crunch Cereal $1.69
$1.00 manufacture coupon
makes it .69 cents each

Dominos Sugar $2.50 5 pound bag
$2.00 off Domino sugar when you
buy 10 Kool-Aid packets, manufacture coupon.

Pepsi 2 liters $1.00
$1.00 off 2 (Speedway hang tag coupon)
makes it .50 cents each

Miracle Whip or Kraft Mayo 2 for $5.00
$1.50 manufacture coupon
PLUS $1.00 off instantly at checkout
makes them $2.50 or $1.25 each

Jello 2 for $1.00
.50 cents off 2 manufacture coupon
makes it .50 cents for 2 or .25 cents each

THomas English Muffins
Buy 1 Get 1 free sale
$1.00 manufacture coupon

ALDIS

.29 cent nectarines

.29 cent peaches

.29 cent plums

.99 cents a pound strawberries

__________________________________________________

TERIYAKI MICROWAVED POTATOES

I might try this tonight for supper
with the premade pork ribs.

Will slice Idaho potatoes in half,
marinate in teryika sauce then microwave.
Top with some shredded pork &
cheddar cheese.

I sliced potatoes long ways then
put teriyaki sauce on a cookie sheet
and laid the potatoes cut side down on it.
I left it to sit for a couple of hours
giving it enough time to absorb the
flavors.


Ingredients

* 1 1/2 lbs red skinned new potatoes (tiny sized, about 10)
* 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, cut into pieces
* 1 tablespoon bottled teriyaki sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning, crushed
* 1 dash black pepper, to taste
* 1 dash cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
* 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (optional)
* sour cream, to garnish (optional)

Directions

1
Wash and scrub potatoes, then cut into quarters and place into a microwave safe 1 1/2 quart casserole.

2
Add all remaining ingredients except rosemary, tossing to combine.

3
Cover and cook on HIGH power for 12-16 minutes (time will vary based on the wattage of your microwave) or until potatoes are tender, stirring a few times during cooking.

4
If your microwave does not have a rotating base, every time you stir, you should also give the casserole a 1/4 turn so it cooks evenly.

5
Stir again before serving and add rosemary and serve with sour cream on the side, if desired.


--------------------------


Will use this sauce below to top the potatoes with.

CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

Ingredients:

* 3 tablespoons butter
* 3 tablespoons flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black or white pepper
* 1 cup milk
* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar or smoky flavor Cheddar cheese

I also added onion powder and about 1/4 cup
parmesan cheese.

Melt butter; remove from heat. Stir in flour and seasonings. Gradually add milk, stirring until well mixed. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth. Cook for 5 minutes longer; add cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended. Serve with pasta or vegetables.
Makes 2 cups.

----------------------------------------------------

CREAM CHEESE SAUCE

I might make this to use over broccoli,
cauliflower or potatoes.


Ingredients

* 8 ounces cream cheese
* 6 teaspoons butter
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic

Directions

1
Melt together cream cheese and butter in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and creamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in milk and garlic.

2
Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.

3
Serve over pasta or chicken.


___________________________________________________

PORCUPINE MEATBALLS

This is a good way to stretch meat
by adding rice to it!

Serve over white rice.

Don't want meatballs try doing
a meatloaf instead.


Ingredients

* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
* 1 cup uncooked instant rice
* 1 tablespoon minced onion
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 dash ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tomato soup and the water. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, instant rice, onion, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of the soup mixture. Mix thoroughly, and shape into 1 inch balls.
3. Place meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the remaining soup mixture and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until meatballs are thoroughly browned and rice is cooked.

___________________________________________________

Still looking for ways to do my bathroom for cheap.
Here is a cheap idea for walls.
Find sheets of scrapbook paper in a desired
design or color. Use modge podge to put
it on your wall and cover it. Check out this
person who used scrapbook paper as a backsplash
in their kitchen!
DIY Decoupage Backsplash

This backsplash is made of scrapbook paper sheets
and some fine line black tape!


___________________________________________________

7:00PM

I just got done mowing the grass.
Ya know what??? It's freakin' hot out there!!
I think I sweated off my supper.
I have boob sweat. I always thought
about inventing boob deodorant
just so women wouldn't get those
boob sweat spots on their shirts.
Hell why not? They have everything
else on the store shelves.
If you have bigger boobies try
a line of deodorant under them
to prevent this.

Sitting here now watching Spy Next Door.
Haven't seen it yet and the movies and games
are due back tonight. Like I said before
that will be our first and last rental
from Blockbuster as it's too expensive,
even with a coupon!

6-20-10

9 to 7:40PM

Went up to Indian Lake to visit Tony's parents.
It sure feels like the lake is getting farther
and farther away or I am just getting too old
for long car rides! Boy this heat sure will
make you tired that's for sure! I think I counted
about 21 people up there for the cookout.
the father-in-law smoked 4 chickens, yummy!