RECYCLE FEVER

Morning ladies and gents. How are you doing this hot & humid June day? I am peachy… I have recycle fever today (and yesterday) and I am going to show you all about it! OK so I had started by making a list of some of the recycled crafts I wanted to do during the day, but oddly enough, I didn’t do any of them LMAO! Maybe I will get to them today LOL. However, the things I got done were (in my opinion) spiffy cool I think. Check them out!



This is a denim purse that I made out of an old pair of Alex’s jeans. The legs were too short to be door draft stoppers and I didn’t want to just get rid of them. They were too tattered and stained in places to take them to donation… so… what do I do. Then it hit me… make a purse! I cut the legs off right at the inseam top straight on both sides. I zigzag stitched the zipper area closed… the zipper had some broken teeth anyway. And it looked cute LOL! Then I sewed the bottom closed and then I sewed some webbing straps on. I finished it off with a blue checkered ribbon… feeding it through the belt loops and then fastening the ribbon with some stay stitching. Tied it in a cute bow in the front. I left the pockets open for things like keys and cell phones, etc. The last thing I did was to sew in a couple of velcro spots for closure. I think it turned out wonderful!



Then I finished up Alex’s Toy story bag that I made out of old stained and tattered bed sheets. Then I put all his Toy Story goodies inside. I only had a matching 22 inch zipper even though the craft actually calls for an 18 inch one. But I think it came out ok. I am not real happy with it because the bed sheets did not hold form real well. Next time I will try lining it with a stiff canvas or something. There is enough of the sheet to make another one actually, so I might try again.



Remember I told you the other day that I bought a couple of the new Friskies cat food bags because I liked the pictures? Well guess what… yep I recycled them into a purse too! I mean you could use it for a shopping tote or a purse or a regular tote or whatever you wanted. I just think it’s cute! I want to get all the other bags so I can make one out of those too! Maybe I can start a new fashion trend for pet lovers LMAO! Well… maybe just me cause I’m a little odd LOL! But who knows, right? I mean 10 years ago when I was making Capril Sun and Koolaid purse and bags and such from candy wrappers I never would have thought I would see them sold in WALMART of all places! So I have to keep it new and exciting LOL!



This is another recycled purse I started… playing cards! We have like 8 zillion decks of cards running around the house… I figured I could spare one LOL. But this would be a great project for all those decks that you have running around that maybe our precious little children lost a few of the cards LOL… It would be awesome for the poker enthusiast too! Right now the inside is lined with duct tape, but this is just a preliminary model… I am thinking I am going to line it with felt and make the outside vinyl… not quite sure yet. But won’t it be pretty flippin cool?!



I had to stop working on the recycled totes and such because I had to prep food… remember I told you we were grilling yesterday because my DB and his GF were coming over. I made some homemade potato salad and tons of kabobs and all kinds of flavors of meats! Chicken Legs, sausage, beef, sausage, and shrimp kabobs, Ribeye steaks, milkfish, and hot dogs. Be darned I forgot the scallops I had set out! Oh well, I can pan sear them today or tomorrow or something. Shoot, our neighbor came over and asked if we could throw some sausage on the grill for her, so we said sure and she ran inside and got her sausage cut up and we grilled it for her. Took all over 5-10 minutes… we didn’t mind LOL! She is a nice lady and we don’t mind doing things for her. We had a couple of glasses of wine and the guys had some beers (traditional when most Southern men get together and BBQ LOL!) but nobody got snot-slinging drunk ya know? Just a relaxing good time. After dinner and BBQitas LMAO, we sat and had a little fun singing karaoke on the Playstation… well they sang. I sat back and laughed at them! Even the kids got in on the music session!

OK so its time to get funky crafty! I got somewhat of a craft fever going this weekend, but they have to be recycled crafts… so I was searching for some new ideas and I saw the cutest thing for making soap dispensers out of a mason jar. CUTE! BUT then the creative juices got flowing and I was like OMG use CLEAR soap and put like colored gems or marbles or seashells or candy or all kinds of things in there to make it better! Then add ribbon around the metal lid ring and it would be so cute! OH THEN (LOL) depending on theme of your soap jar, make a gift basket around it! OMG wouldn’t that be the coolest? So here for your enjoyment today is a very versatile craft that recycling rocks! Thanks to blogspot member kelleygeorgette!



Craft Idea of the Day: Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

1. Just take a mason jar and drive a nail through the center of the top.
2. Remove the pump from a store bought soap dispenser
3. Widen the hole you made so that the pump fits snug inside.
4. Put some super glue on the edge of the bottom of the pumps base, so that it adheres to the jar top. let dry.
5. Now fill with soap… the more colorful the better.

Ok, so are you hungry? I mean REALLY hungry? Well I found some really cool FARMER FAVORITES that I thought you might like to try. Have you enjoyed the vegetarian week? I hope so… and I hope it has shown to you that no matter what budget or background you come from, good nutritious meals are easily obtainable! Not sure about doing another theme next week… what do you think? Any thoughts? Check these great recipes out that I have chosen to wrap up the FARMER FAVORITES week and then leave me a comment! Eat & Enjoy!



Tofu Parmigiana

By: Jill B. Mittelstadt
"Breaded tofu a la parmigiana. You'll just about swear this is eggplant or veal! One of my husband's favorites, and he doesn't even suspect! Serve with a simple crisp green salad, angel hair pasta and garlic bread."

Ingredients

1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 (12 ounce) package extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 clove garlic, minced
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs whisked

Directions

In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Slice tofu into 1/4 inch thick slices, and pat dry. Bake the tofu slices at 350 for just a few minutes on each side until it is golden brown.

Then, one at a time, dip tofu in egg, then press tofu slices into crumb mixture, turning to coat all sides. (If crumbs do not stick, you could try to coat with cooking spray.)

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook tofu slices until crisp on one side. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, turn, and brown on the other side.

Combine tomato sauce, basil, garlic, and remaining oregano. Place a thin layer of sauce in an 8 inch square baking pan. Arrange tofu slices in the pan. Spoon remaining sauce over tofu. Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan.

Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 20 minutes.



Risotto with Tomato, Corn and Basil

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups water
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup uncooked Arborio rice
3 tablespoons white wine
1 medium tomato - peeled, seeded and chopped
1 1/3 cups fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine the water and milk in a medium size pot or saucepan, heat the water and milk to a simmer. Keep the pan over low heat.

Melt the butter in a large casserole or skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and the rice, stir constantly for 1 minute. Add the white wine and stir until completely absorbed.

Begin to add the heated milk-water mixture 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is almost completely absorbed before adding the next. When the rice has cooked for 15 minutes and most of the liquid has been incorporated, add the corn kernels and tomatoes along with the end of the milk-water mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.

The risotto should take 18 to 20 minutes of cooking all together. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, most of the basil, and the salt and pepper. Spoon the risotto immediately onto plates, top with the remaining basil strands, and serve.

Well boys and girls, I am afraid that is all that I have for you today. Its time for me to wash some serious dishes and such and get back to recycled crafting! Thanks for dropping in today… I’ve had a great time chatting with you! Join me again tomorrow for more crafts, food, and fun! Until then… HUGS!

FISH MARKET FUN

Good morning kids! How are you doing today? I am good. I had a very interesting but fun day yesterday that I am just dying to tell you about. There are lots of pictures to share today, so grab your java and let the journey begin!

I had to take care of some personal business in Galveston. I offered the kids to go to the beach, but they politely declined. DD said it would be too crowded and she just wasn’t in the mood. OK so we find something else to do! I cashed in a winning scratch off on the way home and guess what? I won a little money! $30… not much but better than a poke in the eye! SO, I got 5 more $1 tickets (cause that is what I spent LOL) and $25 cash back. Free money is good! Sadly, from those 5 I only won $1... oh well LOL.



First a few things I have to share with you in my garden… I am so happy and proud! Look at my pretty strawberries! OMG they almost made me cry this morning when I went out there to water my babies and I saw these red beacons of hope shining back at me! The plants are thriving, sprouting runners, and blooms and berries YAY!



This is a soon to be eggplant! Throughout the thriving 9 plants I have, I have been able to spot 5-6 blooms already! YAY! My DH has never had the opportunity to see many fruits and veggies grown from plants (yes he lived in a cave a as kid LOL) so he is always amazed at my gardening LOL. He has never seen an eggplant and was tickled over this flower (just wait dear… just wait! We were in for a surprise later!)



Here is my cucumber vines! I have 5 flowers that will turn into cute little cucumbers! I have to get some trellis for them to grow big and strong! There is a lot of other great improvements that make me so happy each time I go out there! I will keep you updated!



Ok, so I saw a commercial for a shrimp dinner and I started having a craving… YUMMMM shrimp! I know, you would think I had enough seafood after last weekend… and honestly, so did I. UNTIL this commercial! I had been looking at some of the things to do and nothing was striking my fancy to take the family to do. Well the DH tells me my DB might be coming over tomorrow… and then of course his GF might be with, and who knows who else, so guess what… we decided we are gonna grill! AND so we decided we wanted to go to the fish market today as a family outing! The DD and DH suggested we just go walk around Kemah. I thought it was a good idea, but I had something better! I told them let’s go buy some shrimp! I mean after all, I DID get that free money off that ticket and I wanted shrimp! So we put a small ice chest in the trunk and were off! Here they are looking all cute in front of the first fish house we went to!



So we parked in one of the lots and decided to Then while we were walking down the road, I noticed these plants with pretty purple flowers… hey those flowers look familiar!! OMG I walked closer and noticed all the tons of eggplant plants everywhere in the vacant destroyed area! Someone planted tons of veggie plants in a rubble filled lot still wrecked from Hurricane IKE! They were covered in baby eggplants and blooms!



There was this plant too… not sure if it’s a squash, a pumpkin, or what but I see these golden blossoms that look like pumpkin… who knows. But they had a small fencing piece up holding u p vines and holding in the plants. I might have to continue visiting in order to monitor and admire the progress!



That’s Madison’s hands holding a String bean that had to be about 2 foot long! They are all along this gate and they are huge!



This is a patch that’s closer to the destroyed buildings and the Bay. I think these are peppers and some more eggplant in the center… not sure as nothing had fruits or flowers on it to be able to tell. But the leaves looked familiar. Either way, it’s a wonderful view amidst the destruction.



Here is another large group of eggplant plants in the rubble ridden lot. Whoever planted them here was rather smart, as they used old pipes and rods that were sticking up in the dirt for props for the plants I guess they knew would become rather large. The saddest thing is that for the life of me, I cannot remember what these crumbling buildings used to be... and for some reason that upsets me!



Here is a cucumber plant growing up the side of the fence. This cucumber looks a wee bit dehydrated LOL but at least it grew!



This is a close up of the tiny little eggplants on some of the plants. Aren’t they the cutest little things?! Remember I told you the DH had never seen eggplants actually grow before? You should have seen his little eyes when he saw these! LOL it was like a kid in a candy store!

We made sure not to disturb anything we looked at. The only thing we took was pictures! We don’t know if these plants belong to anyone or if someone just did a RAOK (Random Act Of Kindness) and planted them here to give the community hope after the storm. Either way, I made sure the gang did not touch or take anything. It was so cool to see this in a storm ravaged area. Very hopeful and very refreshing! Ok back to shopping for our dinner LOL!



Now I wanted fresh shrimp… but I am not sure I wanted them THIS fresh LOL! Isn’t that so creepy how their eyes glow gold when you take pictures of them in the tank?! Although DS14 thought this was the coolest thing! He got SUPER excited when he saw these little fellas!



We came home with 1 pound of jumbo shrimp and 3 pounds of colossal shrimp and a very decent sized milkfish. Here you see me playing around and joking to kiss the cute little thing goodbye LOL! Milkfish is a very tender fish whose meat turns white “like milk” when cooked. It is a very popular fish in Japan. It was a good buy so we decided to bring one home. LOL now I know my mom said, and I have told my kids, not to play with your food… but I was just about to have too much fun with this LOL!



The first “victim” to When Fish Attack was the DS! LOL I snuck up behind him and tapped his shoulder. He turned around and kinda jumped like WHOA WTH! LMAO OMG I almost dropped the fish and fell on the floor I was laughing so hard!



Here is the DD who was not as fun as the others. She wanted to make out with the fish LOL! So we got her kissing him goodbye too! Then we started singing the McDonalds filet o fish song LOL which then turned into Joy to the World song where we “swim with the fishes in the deep blue sea” LMAO!



Now this is one of my cats… Rebel. He wanted to smell it, but surprisingly wanted nothing to do with it! I have good cats. I have raised them not to beg or go for human food and not to mention, I think it kinda bothered him. Oh he smelled it, but then backed away. Same with Pitts and Princess… they wanted nothing to do with this fish or the shrimp! I have good kitties!



As for what’s for dinner? I used the 1 pound of jumbo shrimp for some Shrimp Alfredo and a nice fresh salad! Isn’t that so pretty? The tiny tomatoes and the fresh parsley are from my garden! Now, here’s a cost breakdown of last nights dinner:

Lettuce for salad: $0.35
Tomatoes: FREE
Red Onion: $0.05
Sunflower seeds: $0.05
Dressing: $0.05
Pasta: $0.25 after coupon
Sauce: $0.75 after coupon
Fresh Parsley: FREE
Shrimp: $3.69

TOTAL FOR DINNER: $5.19

Not bad for a family of 4 huh? I am going to try to stay away from the grocery store if at all possible the rest of the month. The one exception will be for milk and eggs but no more groceries… I know I keep saying that, but I HAVE to find the willpower to actually do it LOL! Maybe I need food shopper’s anonymous LMAO!

There was one incident with a drunken man in the middle of the HEB parking lot that wasn't so great yesterday. I'm not gonna dwell on it cause he will pay for what he's done, but my DD's reaction was so funny and it just proves that she is my child without a doubt. After the altercation, she yells out in front of everyone, "Geez, some people are just not happy without their daily fix, huh?" (Referring to the strong smell of alcohol on the man and the fact he pulled into the liquor store after the incident) LOL! Ain't she a hoot?

Once dinner was over, the rest of the night was designated relaxation time… especially since we might have a busy grill day tomorrow. We put away the leftover pasta and salad and then DH did the dishes while I tended to downloading pictures and prepping the kids for showers and bed. Now I am hoping to get some crafting done in the morning hours today, but we shall see. As of right now, I’m just not feeling it! But just because I’m not, doesn’t mean I am going to leave you hanging without a cool idea. I am really liking that Craft Gossip site. They have some of the coolest ideas on there! Like I found a link for 22 Ways to Recycle old CD’s and some of them are super cool! You have to check them out! Like this cool Idea for making a dumbbell weight!



Craft Idea of the Day: CD Dumbbell and other CD crafts

150 CDs, about 75 on each side, on a threaded rod from the hardware store and then (8) bolts to hold it all together. No tools needed. Just thread it all and bolt it tight.

Is that not incredibly awesome? They have things like phone docks, wall paper, lamps and shades, sculptures, disco balls, curtains, clocks, frames, weather vanes, and even a chair! Make sure you go check them out.

Ok everybody, its time for today’s Farmer Favorites, which have a bit of spice. I have selected some curried favorites to make your mouth water. Curry dishes are hugely popular in the Indian cuisine. Long been a popular range of dishes, curries are now fast becoming some of the most often made meals in the world. The contrast of spicyness and taste makes a curry welcome by almost everyone. Here are a couple to start you off, and there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, more recipes out there using curry if you find that you like the flavor! Eat and Enjoy!



Aloo Gobi

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can coconut milk
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained

Directions

Heat oil in a large pot on medium-high heat and add onion. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in garlic and cumin. Continue to cook until onion begins to brown.

Stir in tomatoes and coconut and the coriander, salt, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Stir until mixture begins to boil, then put in the potatoes, cauliflower, and garbanzo beans.

Blend well. Reduce heat to low and cover.

Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 45 minutes to an hour (this will depend on the size of the potato chunks).



Coconut Curry Tofu

Ingredients

2 bunches green onions
1 (14 ounce) can light coconut milk
1/4 cup soy sauce, divided
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons chile paste
1 pound firm tofu, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
4 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
4 cups chopped bok choy
salt to taste

Directions

Remove white parts of green onions, and finely chop. Chop greens into 1 inch pieces.

In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, mix coconut milk, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, ginger, and chile paste. Bring to a boil.

Stir tofu, tomatoes, yellow pepper, mushrooms, and finely chopped green onions into the skillet. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in basil and bok choy. Season with salt and remaining soy sauce.

Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but crisp. Garnish with remaining green onion.

(NOTE**) When serving over rice, you might want to double the recipe for the sauce!

Ok kids, that concludes today’s spicy adventures in Frugalville LOL! Join me again tomorrow for lots more fun, crafts, and craziness as we wrap up another crazy week in the life of the Frugal Mom! Until tomorrow… HUGS!

SUPER SQUASH

Well good morning all my little chickadees! How are you doing this humid TGIF? I am so incredibly exhausted its not funny LOL. BUT despite the tired feeling, once I get up and get the blood flowing, it should be better. Right now, its shake out the cobwebs time! So what do you have planned for this exciting end of the week? I have to run down to Galveston, so I am thinking that if the forecast will be kind to us, taking the kids to the beach today. If that doesn’t pan out, it will be another day of cleaning and such… trying to get it done.

Well on the quest to make the world a more Frugal Friendly place, I have found another article with some interesting ideas to save you money. Now a few of these are super iffy in my book (like home haircuts LMAO… PLEASE take caution in things like this… can we handle a society full of chili bowls? LMAO! Kidding) But in a nutshell some of these ideas are pretty good… especially for the “first time frugaler” LOL!

10 Inventive Ways to Save
By Katy Marquardt

1. Clothing swap- Friends have been meeting, mingling, and exchanging their unwanted duds for decades, but many of today’s clothing swaps are more sophisticated meetups organized by self-professed “swapaholics.” Sites that organize local swaps include swaporamarama.com and clothingswap.com.

2. Lunch Clubs- You’re already forgoing restaurant takeout and brown-bagging it. Here’s another idea that’s been popping up in some offices: Team up with coworkers and take turns providing lunch for the group once a week. Make an extra casserole on Sunday, bring it to share on Monday, and voilà—a week of lunches for around $10.

3. Freeganism non-extremists- You don’t have to climb into a garbage bin. You don’t even have to get your hands dirty. Instead of buying clay pots for your container garden, ask your local nursery for its unwanted plastic ones. Day trip to the woods—or park—to forage for fresh herbs, or check sites like VeggieTrader.com, where gardeners offer up their surplus.

4. Get hitched on the cheap- Consider tying the knot in a national park: A permit for a hillside amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park, for instance, costs between $50 and $200, depending on the size of the party. Follow the ceremony with a picnic, and recruit a friend with a good camera—and a good eye—to take wedding photos.

5. Home haircuts and other DIY ideas- It’s back to basics for many creative savers, who are making everything from their own cleaning products and condiments to food for Fido. For some, even a trip to the barber is no longer a necessity. Others are performing basic fix-its around the house, such as plumbing work. Sites like Instructables.com can teach you how.

6. Make your own beer or wine- The basic supplies and ingredients will cost you, but making several gallons of beer or wine—which can be done in an afternoon—can be quite economical, says blogger Trent Hamm of thesimpledollar.com. He recommends turning it into a social event in which you and your friends split the costs—and the bounty.

7. Crowd buying- The concept: Local businesses offer their products or services at a huge discount—think $25 for $50 worth of salon services—but the deal is only good if enough people snap it up. The most well-known of the sites is Groupon.com, which lists daily deals in more than 40 metro markets.

8. Bartering for Beginners- Want to wade into the world of bartering? Start by reaching out via social networks like Facebook or Twitter, recommends Melissa Massello, founder of online magazine Shoestring. “If you’re a writer, ask if anyone needs résumé help, and what they can offer in return,” she says. Are you a yoga aficionado? A techie? Think about your skills to determine what you can offer.

9. Eat Lentils- Well, not just lentils, but they cost little and have tons of nutritional value. Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Roadmap to True Riches, recommends “eating lower on the food chain,” which means focusing on grains, legumes, and fresh produce, and spending no more than a dollar a pound.

10. Extreme Measures- Chew a half stick of gum at a time. Time your showers with a stopwatch. Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste. “My take is that if it bugs your family and friends to the point that they tease you, it’s probably too extreme. But if not and it makes you happy, go for it,” says Massello.

Ok now let me ask you something. Are you going to be doing any inside crafting soon? Well if so, I have another cute recycled craft for you to try! If you are like me, you are always scrambling for a small piece of paper to jot a quick note down on… like something you need from the store, a phone number, etc. Well I have found some interesting notebook ideas to fit your dilemma.

Craft Idea of the Day: Handmade Notebooks or Scratchpads



Floppy Disk Notebook

1. Find the two squares that are in your floppy disks, on the opposite end from the silver slidy thing
(haha, you can tell that I was born in the age of DVD's and flash drives) Stick the keychain rings through these holes. Yay, you're halfway done!

2. Get three brads (from the scrapbooking section of a craft store) Glue them down to the inside of one of the floppy disks.

3. Cut paper to fit inside. Punch three holes along the top that will fit the brads you just glued down.

4. Stick the paper onto the brads, and fold the legs down. You're done!



Game Piece Notebook (a fellow blogspot posting from a talented young lady! Thanks for sharing!)

1. Start off by making a small notebook out of paper (take your pieces of paper, fold them in half, staple in the middle) and glue your game pieces to the front & back.

2. Next, take either a strip of sticky paper or a (scrapbooking) border sticker. Stick half of it down on the front side flip it over & stick the rest down on the back Trim off the excess paper/sticker.



Vinyl LP notebook

1. First you need to cut the record. This can be done with a saw or a sharp razor blade. Cut it so that it's a little bigger than A5 (aprox 1/2" at each side). You may need to saw the sides to get rid of any sharp bits.

2. Now you need to drill 3 holes. Two on the left side of the record for the ring binder hoops and one on the right in the center.

3. You don't have to but it's usually best to mount your record on a thick peice of card or plastic.

4. You now need to make a back for your notebook. If the record came with a cool sleeve then cut it up and use that for your back otherwise posters or anything else will do. Cut this to the same size as the record and then put the same 3 holes in again.

5. To make sure that nothing can fall out of your notebook thread the third hole (on the record and the back cover) with ribbon. This makes a nice little tie. Now all you have to do is decorate it.



Playing Card Notebook

1. Starting with the card, this will be our back sheet, mark where you want the hole studs to go.

2. Punch in the hole studs.

3. Do the same for the playing card.

4. Punch holes in to the sheets of paper in the correct places.

5. You will now have your three piles. Open up the jump rings using needle nose pliers.

6. Slip the jump rings through the piles and then close them up.

Aren’t those pretty cool? This just shows you that you can make notebooks out of just about anything! I have seen them from the pictures/insides of old cassette cases, photographs, and tons more as well as what I showed you today. They also make for good little giveaway gifts… like homemade stationary kits, office gifts, stocking stuffers, etc.

Ok now on to your most favorite part of the blog…. Ok, ok maybe it’s one of MY most favorite parts LOL… FOOD! Today I want to bring you a FARMER FAVORITE that is easily accessible just about anywhere you go… SQUASH! There are at least 15 or 16 different kinds of squash that I know of… but by no means am I a food “genius” like my kids seem to think LOL! So try a new kind of squash… you might like it! Here are a couple of more “popular” squashes to work with today!



Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons sliced black olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven, and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook only until tomatoes are warm.

Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash, and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the sauteed vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and basil. Serve warm.



Butternut Squash & Rosemary Pizza

Ingredients

1 cup thinly sliced onion
1/2 butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
salt and black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated pizza crust dough
1 tablespoon cornmeal
2 tablespoons grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Place sliced onion and squash in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; toss to coat.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until onions are lightly browned and squash is tender; set aside.

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into an 8 inch round. Place the rounds on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal (you may need 2 baking sheets depending on their size). Distribute squash mixture over the two rounds and continue baking for 10 minutes, checking occasionally, or until the crust is firm.

Sprinkle with cheese and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cut into quarters, and serve.

Well folks, that’s all she wrote for me today. I have had a heaping helping of happy fun with you all during our early morning chat today. I hope you found my entry fun and entertaining and informative. I also hope that you will return tomorrow for more of the same enjoyment. Remember to be safe in your journeys today and this weekend in whatever you find yourself doing! Until tomorrow… HUGS!

LATE SPRING CLEANING

Morning boys and girls! How are you doing today? I am well surprisingly, after a day of intense cleaning! A wee bit sore, but otherwise feeling good both inside and out! Decluttering makes me feel so liberated!

I started off the day actually thinking of my plants. I am diligently working to nurse them back to good health and I don’t want anyone ruining that! I can’t stop things like raccoons or cats or opossums, but I CAN stop HUMANS! So the first thing I did, which also got something off my desk (that counts as cleaning right? LOL), was posted my “NO TRESPASSING” sign in the back yard. I also took a picture that way I have some sort of proof that I had it posted “in the event” ya know? (Remind me that I need to pick one up for the FRONT yard too)! After that I watered all my plants real good.

From there, it was back inside… I checked the forecast, which said thunderstorms again, so I made up my mind to work inside all day. (So much for having just watered huh? Maybe I should have checked the forecast FIRST LOL!) I started piddling in the living room first… picking up trash, dirty socks (apparently I have a centipede living in my house who doesn’t know where the hamper is!), and then some mild cleaning. I threw out an old tower (for DVD’s) that was empty and falling apart that was just taking up space. I sat and thought for a long time how and if I could repurpose it, but I couldn’t (particle board things are hard to repurpose when they are crumbing LOL) so I threw it away.

I started getting frustrated in the living room, as it looks so overwhelming, so I moved into the kitchen. I washed the dishes (the few there were), took out the trash, swept and mopped, wiped down all the counters and cabinets and such, and just did general maintenance. I got the bottom cabinet doors scrubbed but didn’t get them taped and painted! That would have been one step closer to finishing that project! All I really have to do besides painting the bottom cabinet doors is to rip the old wallpaper border down (it was here when we moved it) and paint the rest of the wall tops. Then I can sponge paint some lemons across the top and that will be pretty much it. Of course, I might just adhere the cutout lemons instead, like I did the cabinets… so that it all matches. Not sure yet… but once that’s all done, the project will be complete except for just adding trinkets here and there like canisters, etc.

Now Tuesday night I was working on my desk area (until HK came on at least LOL). I eliminated a tall kitchen bag full of old grocery ads, junk mail, etc. now it was time to find a home for all that was left. This all started (the whole cleaning spark) because I am looking for an envelope full of spare pictures that I cannot find! I need it badly because it has extras of some pictures of Madison that I need for making the centerpieces, which have taken root on my dining room table. I figured to get LESS frustrated, I would use a plastic box and each time I fill it with things I know have a home, I would stop and put everything in the box away. Then I would continue sorting. This method works well for me, especially having ADHD, as I get either overwhelmed or bored and sometimes never seem to finish it. Once I get it under control, it’s not so hard to maintain! I even flipped the couch over and nailed some boards back in place so the one side wouldn’t eat you when you sat down… it helped, but didn’t solve the problem. Its ok, when I have better supplies, I will just flip it back over and pick up where I left off (I know… you’re thinking Yea right, aren’t ya? LOL).

I bounced like this from room to room all day. In the end, the kitchen is spotless, the living room is about 85% clutter free, the couch eats your butt just a little now instead of devouring it LMAO. I found my glasses, the bathrooms sparkle, shine and smell lemony fresh, and the clothes are 60% hung up and put away. I have a bedroom floor again! I have about 5 or 6 storage boxes that I can take to my mom’s house and put in the attic too! The house is fabric refreshed and vacuumed, and it’s much less likely to make me scream when I look at it now than at the start of yesterday! I sweat like a hog and my feet are killing me, but I feel so much better about my home! I won’t be NEARLY as embarrassed now if someone was to drop in unannounced! And on top of that, I was constantly thinking about that project my neighbor wants me to do while I am doing similar in my own home! I got a few ideas started LOL. I just know the trash man is gonna be rolling his eyes again when he comes tomorrow as there is TONS of garbage LOL! But I don’t care. I am trying to become as clutter free as I can! I feel really good and the hard work I did shows! And I like that!!

So, now that I have probably made you very dizzy LOL with all my running around, let me ask you a question…are you ready for some interesting tips of frugality? Well on the hunt for Frugal tips to earn my name, I found this article about things Americans are learning to do “without” and it makes me think… what can I really do without? How about you? Check out this list and find out. I would love to hear what you have “given up” in order to obtain a bit more frugality in your life!

21 Things we are learning to live without
by Rick Newman

1. Monthly Payments- Before the recession, consumers worried less about taking on debt, as long as their income could cover the monthly payments. No more.



2. Window Shopping- Browsing used to be an acceptable pastime. But consumers have discovered that window shopping encourages them to buy lots of things they don't need.

3. Bells & Whistles- The technology arms race is slowing, with consumers gravitating to simpler gizmos like Netbooks, prepaid cell phones, and older used electronics.



4. Clutter- As Americans downsize, do more of their own cleaning, and look for stuff they can sell online, they’re discovering tons of things around the house they can get rid of without even noticing.



5. Cable TV- Many people are cutting back on pay-TV services or canceling them altogether, which saves $50 to $100 a month. Alternatives: Watching free programs on Hulu or YouTube, or simply turning off the TV.



6. A Home Phone line- How many phones do you need, anyway? With cell phones ubiquitous and online voice service cheap, the home phone is becoming redundant.

7. Privacy- Got room on the couch? To save on rent or mortgage payments, roommates are doubling up and grown kids are moving back in with their parents.



8. Prepared Foods- More people are cooking at home, and they're doing it with fewer pre-made sauces, marinades, dressings and other ingredients. Fresh foods turn out to be healthier, and sometimes cheaper.



9. Tupperware parties- Sales of Tupperware and other storage products are up, but some consumers are skeptical of “home parties” where the host sells goods in exchange for free merchandise.



10. Packaged Cigarettes- The average price of cigarettes is about $5 a pack or $45 a carton, which mounts quickly for regular puffers. Some smokers save money by buying small machines that let them roll their own.



11. Lattes- The $5 daily coffee is always one of the first small luxuries to go. But more people are brewing at home. Sales of single-serving home brewing machines, for example, have soared.

12. Guilt- Keeping up with all the latest trends and technology takes an emotional toll. One woman who has stopped trying says, “I feel like I'm in charge of my life instead of multinational corporations telling me what to consume.”

13. Extra Calories- Some people are drinking more water or doing other things to to suppress their appetite. Restaurant diners are splitting entrees and finding other ways to trim the check.



14. Newspapers and Magazines- Millions have canceled subscriptions to print periodicals and started getting free news and information online.

15. Healthcare- A forced reduction in healthcare coverage is probably one of the most crushing effects of a weak economy, as the unemployed and others without insurance make drastic tradeoffs to cut costs and get by.

16. New Gifts- Consumers are devising new strategies for regifting—to make sure they don’t get caught—or “shopping” for presents in their closet or basement.

17. It’s no secret that new-car sales have plunged, but many buyers who have traded down to a used model are surprised at the quality of the merchandise.

18. Comfort- Thermostats all across America are going lower in winter, higher in summer. Shorter showers can save big bucks. And you don’t need to run the water the whole time you’re brushing your teeth.

19. A daily commute- If you’re unemployed, obviously there’s no job to drive to, one reason the amount of vehicle miles driven has dipped to 2004 levels (and traffic on some of the most congested highways has eased).

20. Fancy Dates- Courtship is a bit of a comedown these days, with discount-dating advisers suggesting home-made meals, free performances, and even yard sales as alternative to costly dates.



21. Debt- Total credit-card debt is about 7 percent lower than it was a year ago, with Americans paying down more than $100 billion in credit-card loans since October 2008. And household "deleveraging" seems to be intensifying, not slowing down.

Let’s see… for me, numbers… well MOST all of them really. I have gotten myself down to 6 monthly bills that I cannot really get rid of and that’s it. I don’t really “window” shop unless we have GC’s and coupons and even then it’s a few and far between day. I have no credit cards. Privacy, comfort, etc… well you give some of that up instantly when you have kids LOL! Never been one for fancy dates (the DH and I don’t get to go out at all actually so this is not even a factor). My car is 12 years old LOL. I don’t really care for the “latest technology” or coffee and I don’t have a home phone line LOL. I quit smoking a little over a year ago and I don’t drink very often. AND I cook (mostly) from scratch AND I got rid of my storage unit in order to and am in the process of decluttering my house. I’m pretty dull don’tcha think? But I am definitely ahead of the game I think LOL! Now, how many things can YOU go without and still say you have a good life? Sadly, many people put too much stock in mere possessions (at least I think so) nowadays.

Ok folks, I am in the mood for some funky crafting. I, as normal, love the crafts that recycle and make unique things! I am proud to display them in my home! Now last night after checking my emails but before going to bed, I was searching for some new recycled crafts and I came across an awesome website called Craft Gossip. I was browsing through all the wonderful recycled crafts and this one just seemed to fit today’s theme… as we all tend to get paper bills and junk mail containing those totally usable envies in them! Why waste!? Recycle into this neat project!



Craft Idea of the Day: Envelope Accordion Book

Materials:

Chartreuse A2 Envelopes
Glue Stick
Bone folder
Labels
Gel Pens

Directions:

This easy to make accordion book is a personalized way to organize all of your small odds and ends. Each envelope page can hold something different such as- "to do" lists, stamps, tickets, coupons, and business cards. Also a fun craft idea for a gift - fill with photos, tickets, and other keepsakes and share with a special friend.

Step one: Choose your envelopes. You will need an odd number, anywhere from five to nine. We have used A2 envelopes here but, almost any size side-opening envelope will work.

Step two: Using a glue stick, adhere the envelopes together by placing adhesive on the inside of the flap of one envelope and using a bone folder, burnish it to the front of the next envelope.

Step three: Fold the pages accordion style, making the pointed flap of the first envelope the cover of your book.

Step four: Add a ribbon closure. Cut a small opening the width of the ribbon on both sides of the last envelope and run the ribbon through.

Step five: Using labels and colored gel pens indicate the contents of each envelope "page". Fill with all your odds and ends, fold up, and tie the ribbon closure to keep everything safely tucked inside.

Oh now its time for my favorite part… FOOD! Today’s inspiration? The color green LOL… the main veggies of today’s choices are green… like a fresh cut lawn (but they taste much better LMAO). They taste great and are rich in vitamins A, C, Niacin, Calcium, and Iron! My gang loves these tasty tidbits and I hope you will too!



Spinach Quiche

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 (6 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Saute garlic and onion in butter until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, feta and 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into pie crust.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into the pastry shell, allowing egg mixture to thoroughly combine with spinach mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle top with remaining Cheddar cheese, and bake an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until set in center. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.



Zucchini 'Crab' Cakes

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups grated zucchini
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced onion
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning TM
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions

In a large bowl, combine zucchini, egg, and butter or margarine. Stir in seasoned crumbs, minced onion, and seasoning. Mix well.

Shape mixture into patties. Dredge in flour.

In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium high heat until hot. Fry patties in oil until golden brown on both sides.

Alright everyone, that concludes another days posting from the Frugal Mom! I hope you enjoyed today’s entry and will join me again tomorrow for more fun and excitement! I’m off to spend the day with my mom (taking her to therapy, dr. appts, etc.). DH has daddy duty and household chore duty LOL! So until tomorrow… HUGS!

GROWING OR GOING GREEN?

Good morning everyone. How is this bright and sunny June day treating you? Well, I hope. Today I am a little off… my stomach is not exactly happy today, but other than that I am good! I have big plans today for you and for me LOL. My plans you ask? CLEANING! LOL… yep I am gonna go through this house like a wild woman and clean things up, throwing stuff out, organizing, etc! Hopefully by the end of today I will find a floor in every room and everything will have a home. I figure if I do it now while I have the drive, it will free up my summer to actually have fun! So what are you going to do today?

Now you know me, and I am always browsing for articles about going green, recycling, saving money, etc. Well I found one today and I wanted to bring it to you… its about “Going Green” which seems to be becoming a new fad for some… some from necessity and some just because. So check this out and maybe it will hold some new ideas for you to try!

10 Ways to Save Money by Going Green

By Maura Judkis

The era of new American frugality ushered in by the recession has an added benefit. Many measures that families take to cut costs in tough times—turning down the heat or shopping secondhand, for example—are also good for the planet. "Our carbon footprint is directly tied to our consumption, whether that's consumption of energy or a consumer product," says Josh Dorfman, host of the Sundance Channel show The Lazy Environmentalist and author of the book and blog of the same name. Whether people realize it or not, cutting back has made them accidental environmentalists.

"Certainly, saving money is more important to most people than going green," says Dorfman. "For people to green their lifestyle, the solutions have to fit how they live. I think there are a lot of ways to make that possible." Below, you'll find 10—all of which will minimize not only your footprint but also your spending.

1. Get there, greener. You don't have to own a Prius to drive green. Any driver can increase fuel efficiency and thus save on gas by getting regular tuneups, keeping tires properly inflated, and avoiding idling. But considering that transportation accounted for nearly 30 percent of carbon emissions in America in 2006, the cheapest and best thing you can do for the environment is to drive less. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transit ridership is increasing and in 2009 reached its highest level in 52 years. Or you can join the growing renaissance of fuel-free and fit bicycle commuting.



2. Enjoy home-cooked meals. Prepared foods may be convenient, but they cost more than the ingredients for a home-cooked meal—and come loaded with salt and preservatives. Chef Laura Stec, author of the environmental cookbook Cool Cuisine, says that preparing meals at home is cheaper, more healthful, and not as hard as we think. "We can't save money and benefit from the results of eating higher-quality whole foods if people don't know how to use them," says Stec. "It's not about recipes; it's about technique." Stec says fresh, nutritious food paired with simple seasonings can help novice cooks learn to prepare delicious meals. Packing a lunch of leftovers can save you more than $100 each month.



3. Eat your veggies. According to the Department of Agriculture, the average American eats nearly 200 pounds of meat each year—an amount that has not been good for our nation's waistlines. But the production of meat uses vastly more resources than produce, which is why climate scientists and green chefs like Stec recommend a diet that is mostly plant based. "Not only is the overconsumption of meat and processed foods and corn syrup contributing to problems with our own diets, but [it's harmful] to the health of the planet as well," says Stec. She recommends using meat as an accent for cheap and hearty grain-based dishes.

4. Flip the switch. The sight of a monthly utility bill can make you shiver—or sweat. But there are simple ways to keep cool in the summer, stay toasty in the winter, and still cut your bill drastically. Catherine Potter, manager for consumer content at smart grid software company. OPOWER, recommends this fundamental step: When you're not going to be at home, turn your thermostat up a few degrees in warm months and down a few degrees in cold months. "That will really give you the biggest bang for your buck because it's free to do, and heating and cooling comprise over half of the typical home's energy use," says Potter.

5. Work from home. "There was a time when people might have looked askance at home-based businesses," says Christine Esposito, president of Terracom PR. "But now it's one way to walk your green talk." Esposito moved her green business into her home to save money and stay true to its brand. Employees at traditional workplaces can talk to their managers about working from home just a day or two a week to save on transportation.

6. Buy none, get one free. The best way to save money, of course, is to pay nothing at all—and for free goods, one should look no further than the computer screen. "The trend is towards this community online where people can share or trade what they have and save money," says Dorfman. Freecycle, the pioneer of the bunch, is an online community where people can post items they want to give away or items they want, finding a new home for old stuff. Based on that model, there's Zwaggle, a community for new parents, and Goozex, where video gamers can swap their old games. Those on SwapStyle trade fashionable clothing, while NeighborGoods facilitates the sharing of tools and household items. There's even the self-explanatory PaperBackSwap. "In a time where we're so concerned about our budgets, these solutions that aren't necessarily designed to be green still enable us to live well," says Dorfman. "A byproduct of that is we consume less and reduce our impact."



7. Get paid to recycle. Sometimes, going green doesn't just save you money—it earns you money. Old phones, printers, monitors, iPods, and personal digital assistants—stashed in drawers and closets when they kick the bucket—are valuable to companies that refurbish, resell, and recycle them, and they'll reimburse you in cash. "From the lazy environmentalist's point of view, [recycling}is a pain in the neck," says Dorfman, who recommends E-cycler Gazelle. Second Rotation, EcoNew, and BuyMyTronics will also buy your broken gadgets. "You're getting paid to sit on your couch," says Dorfman.



8. Don't be trashy. Reducing your share of trash provides instant green gratification and can help you save on your grocery bill. Whether it's tissues, plastic sandwich bags, or cotton balls, most of our disposable goods have a durable alternative—like handkerchiefs or sponges—that will get the job done just as well and will pay for itself in savings. A surprisingly stylish influence has been the AMC television show Mad Men, which has brought 1960s-era accouterments like long-lasting straight razors and handkerchiefs back in vogue. But even if you find it hard to do without your paper napkins, the easiest change is to replace bottled water with a reusable water bottle.



9. Conserve Water- Your water bill is inextricably tied to your energy bill through your water heater, so reducing your use of hot water can mean extra savings. Dorfman endorses a low-flow showerhead, enabling him to take long showers guilt free.

10. Don't buy it—rent it. Savvy entrepreneurs have launched sites to rent out anything from cars to handbags for short-term use and big-time savings, both carbon and financial. Car-sharing company Zipcar is the best-known example, but sites like couture-lending Rent the Runway are growing fast. "Sites like these enable you to get what you want without actually owning it and allow other people to use it as well, collectively reducing the environmental impact," says Dorfman. "It allows you to save money and still enjoy your lifestyle."

Now for today’s craft… its inspired by my son, Alex. He is a pen thief LMAO! I always put tons of pens by my desk and they all seem to grow legs and walk off. I have seen these at places like our doctors offices, etc. and I think it is just the cutest thing! So now you can make one too! These also make cute office-mate gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, etc.



Craft Idea of the Day: Flower Pot Pens

Materials:

Felt
Terracotta Pot Or Flower Pot
Flower Head
Green florist tape
Pen/Biro
Glue
Clay or Plaster of Paris.

Directions:

For this free craft project you can use a plain terracotta pot or you can paint your pot using craft paints.

For this project we are using clay but you can also use plaster or Paris.

Start by filling your pot with the clay and pressing it down firmly. Press your pen lid into the pot firmly till it is all the way in. This will form the holder for the pen when it is not in use. Set aside and allow it to dry.

Using your green felt cover the clay or plaster of Paris by gluing down the felt, trim away any excess.

Take your pen and remove the top off the pen. Using the florist tape we are going to bind the pen. Florist tape sticks to itself when stretched so as you roll the pen you need to pull the tape tight as you wind, make sure you do not leave any gaps or the pen will show through. You can unwind this and try it again until you get it nice and flat. It's a little tricky but easy when you know how so have a few goes until you are happy with the result.

Place some glue onto the top of your pen and push your flower into the hole we left earlier by removing the top. Hold it firmly until it glues. If you have leafs you can thread these onto your pen and secure with a little glue. Now your pen is finished.

OK now its time for the FARMERS FAVORITES for today! And I want a little spice! I think a Mexican dinner is in order tonight! Yes my children, Spanish cuisine is a favorite of mine (of course so is Chinese, Italian, etc… just food in general LOL) and for today’s veggie faves I thought I would share with you a couple of great things sure to satisfy your taste for some South of the Border sensation! ¡Coma y Disfrute de! (Eat and Enjoy!)



Vegan Bean Taco Filling

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup salsa

Directions

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender. Stir in mashed beans. Add the cornmeal. Mix in cumin, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, and salsa. Cover, and cook 5 minutes.



Seven Layer Tortilla Pie

Ingredients

2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
7 (8 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

In a large bowl, mash pinto beans. Stir in 3/4 cup salsa and garlic.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup salsa, cilantro, black beans and tomatoes.

Place 1 tortilla in a pie plate or tart dish. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over tortilla to within 1/2 inch of edge. Top with 1/4 cup cheese, and cover with another tortilla. Spread with 2/3 cup black bean mixture, and top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat layering twice. Cover with remaining tortilla, and spread with remaining pinto bean mixture and cheese.

Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and sour cream.

OK my lads & lasses… its time for me to get off this computer and go get started on the clean-a-thon before I lose my spunk! I had fun today and hope you come back tomorrow to see what’s in store! Until then… HUGS!