TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG

Hi there everyone. I am so sorry I have been M.I.A. for the last couple of days. I am going through some very rough times in my personal life and have not been the best company to visit with. So I took a couple of days away to regroup, collect my thoughts, and gain my composure. I'm praying that starting today, things will be easier and improve each day there after. SO, it seems that I owe you alot of info, huh? Well never fear, the next couple of posts should have as much stuffing as your Christmas turkey! LOL!

First I want to bring you this article I saved that I saw on Yahoo. Its about reminding women to breathe in stressful or painful, etc. situations. More than ever I have to keep reminded of this right now in my life and I thought for those others who may be out there, this might help you too! Being reminded to breathe is good for your body, have you ever just taken a deep breath (I mean a full and purposefull breathe?). While meditating, breathing is something of a distractor. It allows the mind to relax so people can sleep better and not have as much anxiety. Also Oxygen is a natural drug, when you take a few full deep breaths your brain is almost experencing a natural "high". EMT's say that sometimes for those people that were having anxiety attacks or what they thought was something worse... a little oxygen saved the day. So no matter what we are going through in life, remember to stop for a moment and just BREATHE!

Remind me: why do women need to be reminded to breathe?
by Piper Weiss

There are at least four songs by female pop singers with the title Breathe. Yoga studios across the country bear the name. An entire network for women is devoted to Oxygen and Bliss Spa has created a signature oxygen treatment. Meanwhile, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus have "Breathe" tattoos. Now Drew Barrymore is the latest to imprint the reminder on her body. Is breathing something we're chronically forgetting to do? If so, I'd like to recommend a portable oxygen tank.

Not that kind of breathing silly! In the world of wellness, breathing is a luxury. You pay $20 bucks to have someone tell you to just focus on your breathing. (Also to remind you to thank yourself for showing up.) The age old practice of meditation gets choked in translation to take the form of a congratulatory reminder that you're already doing something. That thing being the bare minimum to stay alive. You're breathing. Isn't that great?

Shouldn't our self-expectations be a little higher? We are owning the job market, we're bearing children in our 40's and 50's. Back up. We're bearing children. I'm pretty sure the breathing thing under control by comparison.

In Lamaze, breathing techniques are supposed to refocus your attention from the unbearable pain of a human detaching from your organs. So what are Drew or Miley doing that is so painful it requires a ink-stained Lamaze coach at the ready?

The self-help industry has made a killing on the idea of "women who do too much." The common complaint being: "I don't take enough time for myself." And that's true of a lot of women who juggle work, family and relationships. We're nurturers and all that, but we're also highly capable creatures. Multi-tasking is in our DNA. There has never been a time when women haven't been expected to be responsible for keeping alive multiple humans at a time. It's what we do. We also breathe if we're lucky.

The implication is that we're dysfunctional. And like the word "relax" the more you're instructed to do it, the less you're able to. It fosters anxiety and coddles the panic. If anything, I'd rather it be one less thing to think about it. If I'm not aware of it, my body is working fine. The things we've got down, shouldn't be dwelled on. Things like confidence, organization, anger-management wouldn't be bad reminders. Personally, I could use the tattoo "shower". But breathe? I can do that in my sleep.

Not so for Taylor Swift song, who's song Breathe speaks directly to a guy who needs to give her CPR every minute. "I can't breathe with out you," she sings. That right there may be why he left. Talk about pressure. So no wonder we're given applause when we do it on our own. We've really turned a corner with our expectations of what makes an independent woman.

Then there's Michelle Branch (who performed her song Breathe at the Oxygen festival, above. ha). "When life's like an hourglass stuck to a table, just breathe," she advises. I would suggest leaving the Salvador Dali museum, drinking lots of water and never ever letting someone talk you into dropping acid at that high-art funhouse again.

(Just a corrective note- Piper, you're confusing Anna Nalick and Michelle Branch! Anna Nalick's song is "Breathe (2 AM)", which has the lyrics "And life's like an hourglass glued to the table." The Michelle Branch song you linked to is a completely different song, also entitled "Breathe". You might want to fix that last paragraph!)

And my apologies, but it seems the box office was closed for renovations the last couple of days for MEMORABLE MOVIES week. But fear not, the remodeling is done and tickets are now available! So I am gonna bring you some movies that maybe had 1 or 2 memorable foods that really stick in my mind and I thought would be fun to feature. Whether or not you make them is a whole other story LOL!



Fried Green Tomatoes

(Synopsis: 1991 comedy-drama film based on the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. It was released in the UK under the novel's full title. Directed by Jon Avnet and written by Fannie Flagg and Carol Sobieski, it stars Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary-Louise Parker and Mary Stuart Masterson. It tells the story of a Depression-era friendship between two women, Ruth and Idgie, and a 1980s friendship between Evelyn, a middle aged housewife and Ninny, an elderly woman who knew Ruth and Idgie. The centerpiece and parallel story concerns the murder of Ruth's abusive husband and the accusations that follow.)



Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
5 green tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 cup crushed saltine crackers
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup butter

Directions

In a small bowl, stir together the flour, salt and pepper. Place the crushed saltine crackers in another bowl, and the beaten eggs in a third bowl.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each tomato slice in the egg to coat, then in the flour mixture. Dip the floured tomato slice back into the egg, and then into the cracker crumbs. Place the coated tomato slices in the hot skillet, and fry until golden brown on each side, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Add more butter to the pan, if necessary. Serve hot!



Armadillo Grooms Cake from Steel Magnolias

(Synopsis: 1989 American comedy-drama film about the bond among a group of women in northwest Louisiana. The movie is based on a 1987 off-Broadway play by Robert Harling, which in turn dealt with the playwright's experience with the death of his sister. The title suggests the female characters are as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel. The action centers on Truvy's beauty parlor and some women who regularly gather there. The film begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. We also get a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser; Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl and then to a revival-tent Christian; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.)The comedy-drama takes place in Louisiana and stars an incredible cast including Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, and Julia Roberts, among others. It explores the bonds of women, and the armadillo grooms cake debuts. The armadillo cake is made for the wedding of Jackson (played by Dylan McDermott) and Shelby (played by Julia Roberts) by Jackson's Aunt Fern.
The popularity of the movie, the uniqueness of the cake, and the comedic lines surrounding the cake in the movie have made the armadillo grooms cake popular years after the movie's release.

People choose armadillos as a grooms cake for reasons other than its appearance in the movie, of course. Many Texans embrace the armadillo as a mascot, since it is the state mammal of Texas. Randolph Community College in North Carolina claims this armored creature as a mascot along with other schools across the country. Whatever your reason for coveting an armored gray critter cake, it is sure to be charming.



The Bleeding Armadillo

Since grooms cakes are often fun, quirky, or unique, a bleeding armadillo cake can be a perfect choice. In Steel Magnolias the type of cake makes it appear as if it is "bleeding" when cut into slices. The type of cake used to achieve this affect is a red velvet cake, which is a rich, sweet cake that can be made with or without chocolate flavoring. Instant red velvet cake mixes are widely available in supermarkets, and recipes are also available.

The exterior of the armadillo is often made with a butter cream or cream cheese frosting that is colored to resemble an armadillo. While the cake in the movie was made with grey frosting, frosting can be white, black, brown, or other shades. Fondant frosting is used in some armadillo cakes to lend a smoother appearance, and airbrushing used to add detail. The back of the cake may be detailed with score marks or frosted to resemble an armadillo's scales.

An armadillo cake can be served on top of a sheet cake if necessary to accommodate more people for a large wedding party or if served at the reception. Surrounding details can include frosting or plastic grass, insects, logs, and lizards to evoke an armadillo's natural surroundings. Other cakes are shaped as if the armadillo is lying flat on the ground

Making the Cake

Since an armadillo cake requires a bit more work than a standard sheet or round cake, it may be best reserved for experienced bakers. For those willing to try, the cake can be made using a football cake pan as the base and using a mix or recipe for red velvet cake. The head, arms, legs, and tail, can be made from using sections of a loaf cake or from rolled fondant or butter cream frosting. Petal dusts, available at many bakery suppliers, can be used to add sheen to "scales" of the finished cake.
All in One Bake Shop also offers a recipe and full instructions for an armadillo cake, making it possible for anyone to enjoy this unique type of tribute to the groom.



Shrimp Cocktail from Beetlejuice

(Synopsis: 1988; Thanks to the carelessness of a cute little dog, newlyweds Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin are killed in a freak auto accident. Upon arriving in the outer offices of Heaven, the couple finds that, thanks to a century's worth of bureaucratic red tape, they're on a long celestial waiting list. Before they can earn their wings, Davis and Baldwin must occupy their old house as ghosts for the next fifty years. Alas, the house is now owned by insufferable yuppies Catherine O'Hara and Jeffrey Jones. Horrified at the prospect of sharing space with these obnoxious interlopers, Davis and Baldwin do their best to scare O'Hara and Jones away, but their house-haunting skills are pathetic at best. In desperation, the ghostly couple engage the services of a veteran scaremeister: a yellow-haired, snaggle-toothed, profane, flatulent "gonzo" spirit named Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). The problem: Beetlejuice cannot be trusted-especially when he falls in love with O'Hara and Jones' gloomy, black-clad teenaged daughter Winona Ryder.)



Tejano Style Shrimp Cocktail

By: Rey Garza
"For those of you unable to make it to south Texas, A shrimp cocktail made Tex Mex style to include cilantro and chile serrano for that authentic flavor that will blow your tastebuds away, without leaving your home! Serve with saltine crackers."

Ingredients

1 pound cooked medium shrimp, chilled
1/2 large cucumber, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 large tomato, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8 green onions, thinly sliced
1 ounce fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 serrano pepper, thinly sliced
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 lime

Directions

In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cucumber, tomato, green onion, cilantro, and serrano pepper. Stir in tomato sauce, and vinegar. Squeeze lime juice over mixture.

** For more kick, add an additional pepper **

Well kids I need to get off of here for awhile. I want to thank everyone for coming. I also want to let you all know that I am toying with the idea of shutting down The Frugal Mom on November 30 (my 1yr. anniversary). I would leave it up thru the end of the year so you could pull your favorite recipes and crafts off the site. I have lost a lot the last few months and I don't feel I can continue to bring you a wonderful journey like I used to. Maybe I just need a break, I don't know... nothing is written in stone yet. Anyways, be safe, be smart, and be frugal. HUGS!

SUPER SUNDAY SENDOFF

Morning everyone. How are you doing this morning? Its an early morning for me today... actually haven't been to bed yet. Didn't get to go with my mom yesterday. so I am pretty bummed out. I got a couple of emails asking if I was ok because my blogs seem a bit "rough". Well I am sorry if they come off stiff or whatnot. I am not ok. I am going through some rough personal issues, so just bare with me and life will be straight again eventually. (I thought I was doing a pretty good job of not letting you all know LOL.)

Ok, I have more frugal tips for you today. Trying to retain the title of "The Frugal Mom". Today they are for a room that I normally spend alot of time in... yep you guessed it- The Kitchen! I figure everyone can use a little bit of help now and then... So here is your Frugal bits for today!

Frugal Kitchen Tips

1. Nearly everything can be cut in half -- use only half a dryer softener sheet, half the recommended amount of detergent, half a cotton ball, etc. Try it on anything you can think of - if it works, you save money, if it doesn't, what do you lose?

The same idea goes for quick dinners. If you're putting together, for example, Hamburger Helper (or another "instant" meal), consider using a 1/2 pound of meat per box (or just make up 2 boxes at a time, with a full pound of meat). Most of us actually get far more protein in a day than we need, so cutting back to a 1/2 pound of meat doesn't hurt any of us.

How about instant drink mixes? If you're buying mixes that don't have the sugar added (which, by the way, is cheaper than buying the mixes with sugar already in them), think seriously about how much sugar you mix in. Do you REALLY need to use a full cup of sugar with that small packet of flavoring? Or could you cut it back to 1/3 or 1/2 cup and decrease the amount of sugar your children are getting in each serving?

The next time you're simply following directions on any grocery item, take a moment to evaluate the claim before you do as it says. You may save yourself some money!

2. Disposing of grease and fat from foods. I save the jars and lids that I get whenever I purchase tomato sauce and mayonnaise. When I have bacon drippings or old oil from fried foods, I pour the fat into these jars. When the jar gets full, I put the top back on and put the jar in the trash. This will prevent your drains from being clogged with this oil and keep your trash cans from getting messy inside.

3. Save plastic milk containers, fill with water and freeze. Use in camper iceboxes or coolers. Also these can be used to freeze colored water or juices in for later use in a punch bowl.

4. To avoid tears when peeling onions, slice first, then slip the bands of skin off.

5. Use an egg slicer to slice apples or mushrooms.

6. Leftover pancake batter makes good fried onion rings. Separate and let soak in batter for fifteen minutes. Fry in hot oil.

7. Don’t throw out leftover coffee. Freeze it in icecube trays, and when you don’t want to make an entire pot, you can get your cubes out of the freezer and pop them in the microwave.

8. Dry Mustard will remove onion odors from your hands or cutting board. Rub in, then rinse off.

9. Use plain baking soda or salt as a fire extinguisher.

10. Put rice in your salt shaker to keep the salt from getting hard. **Thank you Lisa!

11. Remove odors from your fridge by placing a vanilla extract soaked cotton ball inside. Another popular method is to leave a cup of baking soda or a slice of lemon in the fridge at all times.

12. Cleaning behind your refrigerator will keep it running longer and more efficiently. Another fridge cleaning tip: Make sure the unit is level. An unlevel refrigerator works harder than it needs to and wastes energy.

13. Store plastic wrap in refrigerator - it will prevent it from sticking.

14. A good trick when you go away on vacation is to place a baggie with a few ice cubes in the freezer. If a power failure occurs while you are gone and the food thaws and then refreezes you will know about it when you get home.

15. Use a powder puff to dust flour on rolling pins, pastry boards and cookie sheets. Store puff in a margarine tub with a small amount of flour for quick dusting jobs.

16. Leftover Safety - If food has been contaminated with germs from a person's mouth, it should be tossed. For instance saving baby food when you have fed the baby from the jar is hazardous.

17. You can reheat small portions of leftovers in the same pan. Wrap individually in foil and place in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.

18. When converting your favorite recipe for microwave cooking reduce the liquid by one-fourth. Liquid does not evaporate in a microwave as much as it does in a conventional oven.

19. To save on electric and water only run your dishwasher when full. When adding dishes take a handful of baking soda and sprinkle the dishes and bottom of dishwasher to absorb odors. When you run the dishwasher there is no need to add detergent to the first cylce receptacle only to the 2nd one that stays shut until the second cycle starts. The baking soda will take the place of the detergent in the first cycle.

20. When you have a spill in your oven, sprinkle some salt on it right away. Then when the oven cools wipe it off.

21. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces--no more stains.

22. Transfer your jelly to a small plastic squeeze bottle--no more messy, sticky jars or knives. This also works well for homemade salad dressing.

23. To aid in washing dishes, add a tablespoon of baking soda to your soapy water--it softens hands while cutting through grease.

24. Save your store-bought-bread bags and ties--they make perfect storage bags for homemade bread. (Don't turn them inside out. The labels are painted on the out sides of the bags with lead-based paint.)

25. If you have problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

Ok, time to make something wonderful! And if you have been with me long enough, you know I have a purse fetish LOL! So I saw this instructional and I was like OMG I have so used placemats to do this! So I wanted to share with you. If you find some tapestry mats clearanced after the holidays (or anyday) that have a cute picture, consider picking some up and doing this craft! (Remember you can also make a casserole dish cover with them too!)



Craft Idea of the Day: Placemat Purse

1. Fold in half so that the long side is folded. Put the two edges right next to each other and sew a very short zigzag stitch down as far as your machine can go. There will probably be about 1-2 inches not sewn, this is ok. Do this on both sides.

2. Turn inside out. It should be a rectangular shape with a fold on the bottom. Fold one side down so that the seam lays against the bottom fold. This will form a triangle at the bottom of the seam. You want to sew across this from one side to another about 2 inches from the tip. The distance from one side to the other is going to be how wide your purse is.

3. Turn your purse right side out and take the tip of the triangle and push the corner of the purse out and tack the tip of the triangle down to the bottom of the purse. I use a zigzag stitch to do this and just go back and forth a few times to hold it down. It's important to make sure that the edges are pulled out as far as they can go and you sew this tightly because it hold your purse open so the corners don't fold in.

4. I like to use a matching napkin to make the straps but ribbons are a lot easier way to go. To make the straps cut the napkin into 2 strips about 5' wide. On this purse I used 2 colors so the strips only had to be about 2-3'. Using one color: fold the rough edges in and then fold in half so the 2 folded edges meet. It's much easier if you use an iron for this part. You may need to play around with this so you get the width that you like. Sew along each edge. I've also used a different color thread and/or a decorative stitch to add a cool effect to the strap.
For two tone strap: Fold the rough edges in making it as wide as you want the strap. Make sure both colors are the exact same width. Sew along edges to hold them together.

5. To attach the strap it looks best if you are using a place mat that has 2 layers sewn together on the sides. You can open the edge up with a seam ripper, sandwich the strap inside and sew closed again. If you do not have this option you can just use a zig zag stitch to attach it to the inside of the purse.

6. I also sewed a pocket for a cell phone in this one. Just cut out a a rectangle of fabric out of a napkin , fold over the edges and sew it into the purse. I hand sewed it to the inside layer so it wouldn't show on the outside.

7. I also got a magnetic snap from the store and added this so the purse will close on the top. You can buy these at most sewing/fabric stores for a couple dollars.

8. Put your stuff in and you're ready to go.

You can also experiment with different purse straps sold at craft stores. Have fun with it and make it your own. I get compliments on mine everywhere I go and I've had many friends have me make them one or ask me how. Its a great easy and very cheap way to make a fun purse. Enjoy!

Okie dokie kids, its the last day for TERRIFIC TOMATOES. Have you enjoyed it? I hope so. I will be contemplating the next theme to present to you throughout the day, but If you have an idea, then please post a comment and let me know. Now I may have posted some of these facts this week, but here is a compiled list of some tasty trivia about tomatoes!

Some interesting tomato facts:

Tomatoes were first introduced to Europeans by explorers returning from the New World. In about 700 AD, the Aztecs began to cultivate tomatoes and it was through them that the rest of the world got tomatoes.

Today China is the largest producer of tomatoes. This nation accounts for 16% of all tomatoes grown around the world.

A lot of people don’t realize that tomatoes are actually a fruit and not a vegetable. Although classified as a fruit, tomatoes have nutrients found in both vegetables and fruit.

Tomatoes are a natural antioxidant that can help prevent a number of diseases, including heart disease and some cancers.

Did you know that if you make a habit of eating tomatoes in the form of tomato sauce, ketchup, or tomato paste, you can reduce your chances of getting cancer? In fact, men can reduce their risk for developing prostate cancer by up to 43%.

If you cook tomatoes in oil you can help to increase your body’s natural absorption of the nutrients in tomatoes. Another of the interesting tomato facts is that cooking tomatoes in oil will also increase the plasma lycopene in them.

Tomatoes are thought to be very beneficial for helping to treat aggressive cancers, even if they have spread to other areas of the body. Although tomatoes are helpful, this is a condition that needs medical supervision so you should always let your doctor decide on your treatment.

Tomatoes are among the foods that contain the highest amount of lycopene, the concentration is increased when tomatoes are processed into other foods, such as ketchup, tomato sauce and soup. Other foods that have a high concentration of lycopene include tomato juice, pink grapefruit and vegetable soups.

The lycopene contained in tomato products is thought to help prevent the development of cervical and breast cancer in women. It has also been known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in lung cancer.

The lycopene in tomatoes is also known to help prevent such conditions as heart disease, plus it is very good for the eyes. Age related issues with the eyes might be prevented if you eat enough tomato products throughout your life.

Tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, calcium, and vitamin A and C. All of these are important nutrients needed for optimal health.

Among the tomato facts include the fact that tomatoes can also be very good for the skin. When you eat enough foods that contain cooked tomatoes, what you will get is protection against UV damage. Studies have shown that when you eat tomato products, you would have 33% more protection from sunburn.

Tomatoes can protect your skin; researchers now believe that the lycopene in cooked tomatoes help to naturalize free radicals on the skin caused by UV light; therefore they can help to prevent skin cancer. Although you will get some protection from the sun by eating tomato products, it is not enough by itself. You will also need to use sunscreen for maximum protection.

Now what week would be complete without a pie or something sweet?? I have both to finish out your week! A savory pie and a sweet cake. Eat & Enjoy!



Tomato Pie

Ingredients

4 tomatoes , peeled and sliced
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 (9-inch) prebaked deep dish pie shell
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated cheddar
1 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink in 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes.

Layer the tomato slices, basil, and onion in pie shell. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine the grated cheeses and mayonnaise together. Spread mixture on top of the tomatoes and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
To serve, cut into slices and serve warm.



Green Tomato Cake with Brown Butter Icing

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups diced green tomatoes
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Browned Butter Icing, recipe follows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 12 cup bundt pan.

Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. (Batter will be soft.) Stir in tomatoes, raisins, and walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake for 70 to 75 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool completely. Spoon Browned Butter Icing over cake.

Browned Butter Icing:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until butter is lightly browned. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth.

Alright everyone. that's all for me today. I hope you enjoyed the crafts and food I have brought you today and that you will join me again tomorrow for more food and fun! Until then... HUGS!

STICKY SATURDAY

Good morning folks! How are you today? I'm alright... been better but alright. I am gonna go take mom out this morning to the local farmer's market and hopefully I will be in a better mood by the end of the day. So what do you have planned for this sticky Saturday? Come on over here and sit with me awhile... let's chat!

Its time to earn my title as the Frugal Mom. Today I have chose to bring you some recycling tips for some common things you can find around your house... I know I see alot of these things wandering everywhere in my house LOL!

Recycling Tips

1. Kleenex boxes - Store plastic grocery store bags in them. You can then grab the bag just like you grab a tissue out of the box.

2. Envelopes - Carefully open the envelope and turn it inside out, so the address is on the inside. Re-glue or tape the flaps down. Or make your own envelopes out of scraps of paper, wrapping paper, newspaper, old phone book pages, or wallpaper scraps (see below).

3. Happy Meal boxes - Save the boxes, and when your child needs to be cheered up, make them their own happy meal! Add your own nutritious foods and a favorite toy. Or pick up inexpensive items from the dollar store: stickers, special pencils, etc (usually 10 for a dollar) as the toy.

4. Ziplock bags - Wash and rinse bags, then store them in the freezer to prevent mildew.

5. Tennis ball - Split it and hide your valuables inside.

6. Coffee cans (big ones) - Make toy "stilts"! Poke holes (with a can opener) on either side of the can and thread a jumprope through and they can walk on the cans while holding the jumpropes. Cool!

7. Egg cartons - Use to make seed starter trays. If you use the heavy cardboard trays, you can compost the cardboard when you pop the seedling out, or you could bury it next to the seedling to decompose. Use to make extra ice cubes or to freeze soup stock and gravy.

8. Old clothes - Use to make quilts, pillows, and blankets. Always save the buttons.

9. Broken candles - Melt them down to make new candles. Add broken crayons for color.

10. Nylon mesh bags from veggies - Cut the mesh into several pieces and use for plastic scouring pads to clean your dishes.

11. Used dryer softener sheets - Use for dusting instead of the Pledge grab-it or Swiffer cloths. Impossible to clean pots and pans - fill with water and used sheet, let sit for awhile, and stains will be easier to clean. Great for removing soap scum from shower doors!

12. Old pillow cases - Use for laundry bag.

13. Empty paper-towel roll - Store extension cords inside.

14. Frisbees - Use as paper plate holders at a picnic.

15. Mouse Pads - Use as a paint pallet. Use acrylic, oils, or most any paints. Wash when done, and reuse!

16. Newspaper - Use to clean windows, line trash cans, wrap presents. Use in place of peanuts when mailing packages, as fire starter, or as garden mulch.

17. Shoulder Pads - Use them to make padded hangers. Just sew a pad on each end of the hanger.

18. Wallpaper books/samples - Use to make book covers, decorative envelopes, or wrapping paper. Or make your own beautiful envelopes: take apart any envelope you have, and trace the pattern onto the back side of the wallpaper, then fold and glue or tape.

19. Film canisters - Store small items such as buttons, sequins, and small nails.

20. Soap scraps - Mix with water to make soap jelly. Put in sock, mesh, or used pantyhose to use in bath or for scenting drawers.

21. Pantyhose - Use for ponytail holders, to secure plants, or buffing your shoes.

22. Coffee filters - Use to clean and polish, or as a replacement for cheesecloth, paper towels, and napkins.

23. Glass jars & bottles - Use as a vase, for canning, or melt and pour wax in for candles.

24. Plastic grocery bags - Donate to local Salvation Army. They deliver meals on Wheels to elderly and are a non profit organization and need bags to put food in to deliver.

25. Plastic jugs - Cut out the side to make a big scoop or garden shovel, cut off the top and use as a funnel, fill with water and freeze to use in coolers, or cut off top and use bottom to store toilet brush.

26. Baby food jars - Fill with salt or cornmeal and use for paperweight, use for crafts, and for storing small items. Use for Use for individual Jar Mix Gifts: 1 cup of coffee mix, 1 cup of hot chocolate mix, or 1 cup of tea. Decorate jar, glue on ribbon, and attach gift tag with instructions.

27. Broken crayons - Sort by color, melt in old can, pour into molds that come with Jello gigglers, then kids have new crayons in all diferent shapes. **Thanks Susie!

28. Socks - Use in crafts, to hold soaps, or to wash car.

29. Milk cartons - use for potting plants, or fill with water and freeze to make blocks of ice.

30. Soap Wrapper - Place it inside your shoe cabinet or shoe box. It's a cheap way of filling the air with a nice smell.

31. Pill Bottles - Use to carry pins, vitamins, or fill it with vaseline to use as lip gloss.

32. Junk Mail - Put it through paper shredder and use as packing material when shipping gifts.

Ok, let's talk about some crafts. Are you getting excited? Just a few days left until the Christmas Countdown challenge begins! WOOHOO! Now I found today's craft one day while looking for a charitable sewing project for a cause close to me... cancer patients. Hair loss is a big deal when you are going through chemotherapy. So I made some of these with a bunch of different types of materials and donated them to a local hospital. But of course, you don't have to be a cancer patient to wear this cute cap. Feel a little frisky frenchy with this cute homemade beret! I'm not going to post all the long instructions, because if so, you'd miss all the step by step illustrations! Instead, follow the link to this great craft!



Craft Idea of the Day: The Beret

Supplies Needed for Two Creative Kindness Berets

5/8 yard of 60" (or wider) soft, comfortable knit fabric, such as medium to lightweight fleece, cotton or cotton blend interlocks and stretch knits.

Matching all-purpose thread

Note: All seam allowances are 1/4"

Time to eat and what would TERRIFIC TOMATO week be without sauces and dips? There are literally hundreds of different kinds of sauces you can make with fresh beautiful tomatoes. Ketchups, soup bases, pasta sauces, salsa, etc. can all be the beginning of beautiful food magic and its all thanks to the cute little plumpy redness of the tomato! LOL. SO, today I figured I needed to bring some sauces & dips "to the table" for you... Eat & Enjoy!



Garden Salsa

Ingredients

1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Tortilla chips

Directions

In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice and pepper; stir into the vegetable mixture. Serve with chips. Refrigerate leftovers.



Easy Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 onion, diced
1 cup vodka
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 pint heavy cream

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, saute onion in butter until slightly brown and soft. Pour in vodka and let cook for 10 minutes. Mix in crushed tomatoes and cook for 30 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and cook for another 30 minutes.



Hearty Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion until brown; drain. Stir tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, garlic powder, oregano and mushrooms into beef mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer one hour. Serve over hot pasta.

Well Kids, that's all for me this morning. I am gonna get dressed and head on over to my mom's for what will prove to be an "interesting" day! I hope you have enjoyed our little chat this morning and will visit again soon. Until tomorrow... HUGS!

FREAKY FRIDAY

Good morning folks. Sorry for my absence yesterday. I had some pressing family affairs that needed to be tended to. So how are you today? Sit back and stay awhile... let's chat. Oh and Susan... you can use your round zucchini just like regular. The only difference is they may be a bit more "seedy". I love to scoop them out and stuff them... YUM!

Ok, first off today, I found another frugal article that I wanted to bring to you. It contains a list you could even print off and post to remind you of some ways to be frugal and save. I hope you enjoy!

The Best Frugal Tips to Save Money
by Amy Bradbury

There are many ways to save money and cut back on expenses. Here are some of the best frugal tips out there for anyone who wants to save a little more money and can’t figure out how else to cut back on expenses:

Save all the small leftovers you have. Many people will throw away small portions of leftovers like smaller portions of vegetables or meats, but you can put them all into a freezer bag or other freezer container and save them. Put all the small leftovers in the same bag and when you have enough to make a meal put it into a crockpot to cook or cook in a pot on the stove. This is a way to make a leftover stew from small leftovers you may have originally thrown away. This is a great way to prevent waste of food and have another meal ready for yourself. Put any kind of leftover you want into the mixture. You probably don’t need to season it when cooking because it will already be preseasoned from the leftovers.

Only buy the essentials, only buy what you absolutely need or have to have to get by. Stop making impulse purchases. Stop purchasing soda, cookies and other junk food. If you need snacks for in between meals look for cheaper and healthier options like fruit, vegetables, pretzels, nuts, salad and homemade desserts you can make with simple ingredients you have on hand.

Have a "no buy" day or a "no buy" week or even a "no buy" month. Consider going a few days, a week or a month without making an unnecessary purchase. Only pay for the essentials like home, car and food purchases. If you stock up on food from a month before you could try going a week to a month without going grocery shopping for food and eating only out of your pantry from what you have on hand.

Go one day a week without driving your car. Spend a whole day at home without going out. Our grandparents and maybe even parents knew this and many times would only go out to go to work or shop for the essentials. The less you go out the more likely you will be saving money because you won’t be buying unnecessary things. When you do go out make sure you have a clear plan of attack when shopping. Know exactly what you’re going to buy and refuse to buy anything else. Spend your day or day(s) at home with family, friends, relaxing or doing housework and chores around the house so that you feel like you have still accomplished something. This way you’re not just sitting at home bored to death.

Save on milk by purchasing milk in the glass jars at retailers that will give you money back on the jar. Recently I found a retailer that stocks a brand of milk that comes in glass jars and they will give you money back for every jar you purchase as long as you bring the glass jar back to them. If a store will give you $2 for the glass bottle and you find the milk on sale for $1.99 it’s like getting the milk for free. You put the money up front to make the purchase but get it back when you’re finished with the milk by returning the jar. Many glass jars of milk can be purchased for anywhere between $1.99 to $3.49. You could be getting milk for free or very cheaply by using this method. Also, you could purchase powdered milk when it is on sale or stock up on regular milk in the plastic containers when it’s on sale and freeze it.

You can live without cable, especially nowadays with all the free or low cost options available. You can buy a converter box to pick up the basic stations in your area. You could use Redbox or Netflix. Redbox comes out with codes to get free movies all the time and they have tons of locations. You could borrow movies from your local library or swap movies with friends and family. If you have the internet you can basically watch TV and movies for free.

Live without either your home phone or cell phone. You really don’t need both, so choose which you would rather have.

Some people can live without the internet and barely make use of it. So if you are not a frequent internet user ask yourself if you really need it? If you don’t use it for work, information, TV, freebies or something that can somehow benefit you, then get rid of it.

Wash full loads of laundry and line dry your clothing outside when it’s warm and lay it out to dry inside when it’s cold. Use the dryer sparingly. Also, only wash dishes in dishwasher when you have a full load of dishes inside it.

Use Angel Food Ministries when you need cheap groceries and you’re trying to save money. You can buy a box of food for only $25 to $30.

Clip coupons from the Sunday paper or find other ways to get coupons. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription to your Sunday paper, put an ad out that you will pick up any Sunday newspapers that people are throwing away. Or, if your local doctors or dentist’s office gets the paper ask if they can give you the coupons.

Also, ask friends and family if they aren’t using the coupons to pass them along to you. Know the stores in your area that double or even triple coupons. You may want to shop on a certain day of the week if a store only doubles or triples coupons on that day of the week or the month.

If you’re a senior citizen you can save even more. Know the days you can save more when grocery shopping or going out to eat.

Buy meat on the days that it is marked down at the grocery store. Ask your local grocery store which day of the week they mark down meats and what time of day is best to find the marked down meats.

Eliminate paper towels and napkins. They are a waste of money and paper. Switch to cloth, which can be washed and is reusable. Think of all the money you’ll save when you switch. You may have to get used to it at first, but it’s not difficult. Remind yourself you are buying something you’re going to throw away and spending tons on it.

Shop thrift stores, consignment shops, Craigslist, Goodwill and yard sales for gently used items that you need.

Look for any and all freebies available. You can find a lot of freebies online and at retailers like CVS and Walgreens.

Cover and weatherproof your windows and seal all drafts.

Cut meat servings in half. You don’t really need a whole pound of beef in a casserole usually, so cut it to a half a pound of beef. This means you’ll be able to double the amount of meals you can make from one pound of beef. Cut meat portions in casserole’s, soups and stews where you can add more vegetables or other ingredients.

Make one vegetarian dish a week, which will cut back on your meat budget.

Make one soup dish a week. Soup is filling and usually inexpensive to make because of the ingredients like beans, rice, potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables. Plus you can choose to use a small amount of meat or choose to make a vegetable or bean soup only.

Save all your spare change. You never know when it might come in handy, kind of like a back up plan for your emergency fund. However, it should not replace your emergency fund because everyone needs one of those too. Spare change adds up faster than you might think. You could use it for gifts, vacation, home repairs or something small for yourself.

Reuse and repurpose your belongings. If you have something that you don’t need anymore and do not want to use anymore don’t just throw it away. Give it to someone or give it to a homeless shelter or Goodwill. Chances are it can be used by someone.

Put an ad for the free item on Craigslist or Freecycle.

Declutter your house and sell or give away anything you don’t need or are not using.

Buy used when it comes to furniture or get it for free from family or friends. Look for other ways to get free or inexpensive furniture.

Plant a garden to grow some of your own food. Raise small livestock if possible like chickens.

Can and preserve vegetables and other foods that you have grown or give away and share some of your harvest.

Stock up on sales of canned, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables.

Go grocery shopping as little as possible. Try grocery shopping every other week or only once a month.

Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to make meals at home.

Plan meals in advance.

Buy meat in bulk from a local butcher.

Shop farmer’s markets for cheaper fresh foods

Save aluminum, glass and plastic to get money back on these items when recycling them.

Live below your means, not above them. Stop trying to live above your means and be realistic.

Take a lesson from the well disciplined. Practice restraint and discipline. Reward yourself in a small way when you show restraint and discipline when it comes to your spending.

Ask friends and family how they save money and if they have any money saving tricks.

Read money saving or frugal living blogs and websites that offer more tips on how to save money and cut back.

Ok, its time for some super crafts! Now while I was grilling the other day, the heat from the grill was making me pretty sweaty LOL. I found myself thinking about those bandana tops... and then when I was cruising some craft sites I found another similar type top... made out of an apron! Isn't that so cool? So here is your:



Craft Idea of the Day: Apron Tops

Apron tops are just fun. With an open back, they will keep you cool in the summer. The front, however, can be as long as you like, even down to your knees. You can quilt the front, use an old t-shirt, put on a patch...anything. The possibilities are endless and you don't need a pattern to do it. Just a few squares of fabric and some stitching.

What You’ll Need:

Scissors
Measuring Tape
Tailor’s chalk
3 colors of fabric, buy after you measure.

Bodice Length: Measure from your armpit to below your breasts. Take this measurement and add ½” for the bottom seam allowance, and 1” for the top seam allowance.

Apron Length: Measure from the same point just below your breasts to however long you want you apron. Add 1" for seam allowance.

Apron and Bodice Width:

Decide how much of your back you want to show and measure all the way around the largest part of your chest to get your bust measurement. This is the same number on your bra. Now subtract the amount of skin you want to show on your back.

Example: For 33” bust, try a top that is 29” across. This will leave 4” of your back on display.

You will have three panels of fabric for your bodice. The middle panel should be 8" in width. Add 1" for seam allowance. Use 10" if you have a large bust, adding the 1" for seam allowance. The final size of this panel is your 9" or 11" measurement wide, by the bodice length (armpit to below breasts) you measured earlier.

Example: Your middle panel needs to be 8" wide, so you add 1" for seam allowance to get 9".

Subtract the middle panel width from your bodice width measurement to see how much fabric you will need for the side panels. Add 2" for seam allowance.
Example:

Your bodice needs to be 29" wide, so you subtract your 9" for the middle panel to reach 20". Add 2" for seam allowance to get 22".

Cut the fabric

I like to choose solid fabrics and pair them with character or kitschy prints. It’s important to go with a solid to soften a pattern, unless you want the clown look.

4 pieces:

Cut a rectangle of fabric for your middle panel, the 9" or 11" measurement (remember, 11" for a larger bust size) by your bust length.

Cut a rectangle of fabric for the side panels. Fold it in half lengthwise and cut it again for two pieces.

Cut the large apron rectangle.



Lay your pieces out like the illustration above.

Stitch each side panel to the front panel. Be sure to zigzag stitch after your straight stitch to keep your raw edges from unraveling.

Lay your bodice right-side down along the top of your apron. Sew ½” all the way across. Use a medium-sized stitch. Now switch to a zigzag stitch and go over the raw edge. This will keep your fabric from unraveling in the wash. This extra step is worth it to preserve your creation.

Unfold your newly stitched pieces and press the seam flat against the apron side with your iron. This way, the seam won’t bother your skin.

Now you have something that looks like a two-toned square. We will need to hem it to make it look nice. With your zig-sag stitch, go all the way around the square, eliminating the raw edges on each side.

On the front of the apron, mark an inch from the bottom all the way across. Use chalk so that you don’t cause any stains. Fold up the inch of the bottom toward the back of the apron and iron it all the way across. Ironing will make sewing your hem easier. Use a medium straight-stitch to sew an 1/8” from your zig-zag stitches all the way across.

Hem the top of your bodice in the same fashion, folding in an inch, ironing, then sewing across. Fold in each of the sides of your top just a ½”, press, and sew.
These tabs will hold your laces at the back of the bodice.

Fold one of the 3” squares in a ½” at the top and bottom. Iron these creases. Fold the square in half and iron the crease. You should have a sweet little rectangle with raw edges on one side. Zigzag stitch the ends of the two raw edges together. I like to zigzag mine over a few times for good measure.

Fold each length of fabric in half (wrong-sides together) and iron the crease all the way down. Open it back up. Fold in a ½” on one side and iron all the way down. Repeat on the other side. Fold the strip in half again with the side folds tucked in the middle. It should be about an inch wide. Sew all along the open edge with a medium-sized straight stitch. When you reach the bottom, fold up a ½” and sew across.

Repeat with the second strap. Zigzag stitch the top of each strap.

Sew the Eyelets to the Bodice

Lay your bodice/apron square wrong-side up. Position an eyelet tab at the top-left of the bodice so that the raw edges are about a ½” inside the edge. Straight-stitch to attach the eyelet about an 1/8” from the edge of the bodice.
Repeat with the other three tabs, placing them at the bottom-left, top-right, and bottom-right corners of the bodice. Do not attach them to the apron. Now let’s stitch the straps.

Attach the Straps

First we need to figure out how far apart the straps should be. Break out the measuring tap again and measure 4” from the middle of the front of your bodice. To find the middle, fold the bodice in half. Mark 4” to the left and right of the middle. Pin your straps at these marks and try your bodice on. Typically, 8” between the straps will work. For larger busts (lucky!), you may need to go wider.
Sew the straps on in the same manner that we sewed the eyelets to the bodice, about a ½” from the edge. Be extra careful with this stitching, because it will be right on the front of your apron top.



Now that your apron top is assembled, you can lace up the back and try it on.
One of the advantages of apron tops is how easy they are to embellish. Decorate your apron top with a large patch on the front, some lace trim at the bottom...you really have no limits, here.

Now its time to talk food. Tons of things can be made from tomatoes... sauces, pastes, etc. The fun thing is finding recipes that keep the beautiful fruit whole (or at least cut in chunks LOL) and unique. Today I am sharing an easy appetizer in the event you want to snack while watching a movie, have an "At home date", or plan to have a party!



Double Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

6 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 French baguette
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven on broiler setting.

In a large bowl, combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.

Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Top the slices with mozzarella cheese.

Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Well folks, I am gonna get off here and go see if I can reach the lady with the TV for DS. Then I am gonna go hang out with my mom. I am also going to start "assembling" school backpacks to see what I have as far as school supplies to be ready for school... YAY! One of the most precious words in the world LOL! Ok my loves, see you tomorrow... HUGS!

AMAZING FINDS

Well a big Hi there and Hello to everyone out there in bloggieland! How are you doing today? I'm really exhausted actually LOL. I fell asleep kinda early last night and then woke up at about 2am with a horrible dream. Once I finally got back to sleep, the cats decided to first aggravate the tar outta me and then hog the bed. Thanks boys! LOL... I had a great time with my mom yesterday, as always, and tend to have some more fun again tomorrow and maybe even Friday LOL!

OMG I have to tell you about something I found yesterday! Ok, so while mom was in her therapy appointment, which I cannot go back for, I wandered across the street into the biggest Dollar Tree in our area. I mean I LOVE this store! So I am walking and wandering, just looking at all the neat stuff like school supplies... ah SCHOOL! YAY!!! I love school! LMAO... ok focus here Renee. Anyway, I was doing a serious food scoping and you will NEVER guess what I found in the freezer section... SEAFOOD! I mean scallops, salmon, etc! Can you believe that???!!! I was like OMG are you serious! We absolutely LOVE scallops! OK so I get a couple of things and head to the checkout... and I see these things called "Mudoku" pads. Have you ever seen those info-mercials about those foot pads that claim to dexot you while you sleep? I think they are called "Kinoki" pads? Many people say that they are a scam and don't really work. WELL... I figured, for a buck... let's find out! So I scrubbed my feet last night with some medical "green soap" and then applied these patches to the bottom of my feet. Applying the adhesive puts a unbreathable barrier around this patch. Now I didn't even notice that there was a faint smell to the patches. I kept thinking it was the grill still hot outside from cooking dinner. And I went to bed. When I woke up this morning, I removed those patches and OMG! WOW they were dark brown and the smell was horendous! I thought OMG they really DO work! That was until I did a little more experimenting! I took one of the NEW patches out of the package. First I smelled it... there was that small hint of odor. THEN I decided to see how "toxic" my tap water was... OMG... a few seconds later guess what was dark brown and stinking like crazy! Yep... total scam! There is a powdered iron sulfate or something in the patch that when your feet sweat at night, under that unbreathable adhesive, turns the patch brown and releases the sulfer stench! Its rather gross... but the experiment is complete and it only cost me $1. I feel sorry for all the people who wasted $20 or more for those things.



Of course, then I just told you how I was grilling last night. Oh boy did I have that sucker flamin and smokin! It was great LMAO! I had taken mom to Kroger and we found some clearanced sea scallops (YUM) so I seasoned those up and stuck them on the grill along with some hot dogs, burgers, and chicken leg quarters. The meal was the burgers, dogs, and scallops... the chicken was some extra batch grilling for dinners later this week. And guess what mom and I found when we went to Kroger. Near the checkout, I found a Coca-Cola cookbook. All the recipes contain cooking with the coke to make something rather interesting. This might make for some interesting meals and an interesting theme in the future but I have to try them first LOL!

Ok, so let's talk crafts! I got some serious fever going on, but I am not quite sure what I want to make. I thought about a travel first aid kit that's foldable about the size of a baby changing pad. I thought about a travel neat & discreet pouch for feminine products. I also thought about a few other things I would have to make up a pattern for. But I am pretty befuzzled on what I want to do, so I'm not gonna feature any specific craft today. Pretty soon, there will be crafts coming out of everywhere LOL!

Alright folks, its that time again! Time to chow down on some TERRIFIC TOMATO dishes! Today we are going simple and easy! Tomatoes are used in many food product, including, of course, tomato sauce (ketchup), pasta and pizza. According to a Steel Packing Council survey of 1997, 68% of chefs use canned tomatoes for convenience, quality and flavoring. It hasn’t changed much since. A fruit is the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds, while a vegetable is the edible stems, leaves, and roots of the plant. Cooked tomatoes have higher concentrations of lycopene than non-cooked tomatoes. Don’t store ripe tomatoes in the fridge. Cold temperatures lessen the flavor in tomatoes. If you have psoriasis, you should avoid tomatoes because of the high acid content.



American Classic BLT

Ingredients:

4 slices of bacon
2 lettuce leaves
2 slices of tomato
2 slices of toasted bread
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
salt & pepper (optional)

Directions:

Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate.
Arrange the cooked bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices on one slice of bread. Spread one side of remaining bread slice with the mayonnaise. Season if desired. Bring the two pieces together to make a sandwich.



BLT Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound bacon
3/4 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt to taste
1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped (or prepackaged Spring Mix salad)
2 large slicing tomatoes, chopped
2 cups seasoned croutons

Directions:

1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat, turning frequently, until evenly browned. Drain, crumble and set aside.

2. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Season the dressing with salt.

3. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and croutons in a large salad bowl. Toss with dressing, and serve immediately.

Ok folks, its time for me to get off of here and get busy being productive somehow LOL. I got "the 3 C fevers"... (crafting, cooking, and cleaning LOL) so I have to take a mental aspirin and decide what I want to do LOL! You have a great day and I will chat with you tomorrow! HUGS!

HIDDEN TREASURES

Good morning everyone! How are you doing today? I'm still lagging pretty badly but I'm alive, so we're good. I got a wild hair to clean and organize late last night (around 11:30pm) so that's what I did for about an hour or so (think I finally quit about 1am LOL). I'm a bit tired this morning LOL! I get to hang out with my mom today, as she has a therapy apointment, so that's good. She always has that way of making me smile and feel better no matter what's wrong. I love hanging out with my mom... she's awesome! I just hope my DD thinks the same thing.



OMG I so forgot to tell you yesterday, when I was sitting in the garden thinking about the theme, what I saw! PEAS! Remember I told you I lost all the pea plants so I took the planter, doctored the dirt, and planted my bell peppers in there? Well when I was looking through the plants to see if there was any ready to pick, I found a few little pea vines in the back corner coming to life! I was like OMG are you serious?!? Aren't they the cutest little things?! Just have to try to keep them from choking out the bell peppers LOL!



As a matter of fact, there are a few garden updates and pictures to share with you. This first picture is the tomatoes that inspired this week's theme. I have many tomato plants and they are now starting to reproduce fruits, since the major first aid overhaul. I was so excited! These tomatoes seem like they are coming back bigger than the other ones were. But as you can see, the bottom branches are yellowing again. Its rather frustrating.



Then you have my okra plants... FINALLY have decided to sprout up and grow! I can't wait until I can start harvesting some fresh delicious okra! I have some little plants yet to sprout up big and tall, but they are all showing promise! YAY! I love fresh okra... you can fry it, dehydrate it, slice it in some gumbo, you name it! YUM! I am drooling just thinking about it!



This is my strawberry plants... well the runners of my plants! They hung down to the planter on the next step, which happens to have my butternut squash plant growing from it, and the plant sprouts have taken root in the dirt. Is that crazy or what?! Now I have to research and find out if I can clip the runners without killing the plants. If so, that will be so cool! MORE strawberry plants! Can you say YUUUUMMMMM!!!! With a capital "Y" no doubt!

I haven't been really in a crafty mood too much lately, so the challenges have kinda been halted. BUT I think that once I get home today I am gonna try to get my mojo back. All that is left in the kitchen is to tape off the bottoms of the cabinets and paint them and then once that dries to glue on some lemon cutouts. I am making it a goal to have it finished by the end of the week so I can scratch that project off the list! Shoot, I don't even remember everything on the list LMAO! Let's see, I finished Madison's redecorating of her room, so that's one down! Then there's the Birthday party, the kitchen remodeling, the Fabric crate challenge, the Ronald McDonald donations challenge, the breast cancer quilt, and soon the Christmas Challenge. Did I miss anything? I feel like I did, but I'm not sure... help me out peeps!? LMAO maybe I should write it down?! LOL... actually... seriously...I think I will! I was working on my Christmas Gift Recipient list yesterday, and so far there are 46 gifts that are "required" if you will... then there will be those friends and teacher gifts, etc. that are right now unaccounted for. Anyway, so what kind of craft would you like to do today? Well I think I am going to keep it sweet and simple and young. These go great as part of a child's gift basket or maybe a stocking stuffer!



Craft Idea of the Day: Homemade Coloring or Puzzle Books

To make these books is rather simple. You can use shoelaces, yarn, ribbon, plastic combing, wire spirals, or even metal rings. I prefer rubber cement and scrapbookng border stickers! There are thousands of websites where you can print out coloring pages for children or even puzzles like word searches and sudoku for teens or even adults. Once you print off your pages, use a binder clip to hold all the papers together and place rubber cement on the side that will be your "binding" side (normally the left or the top). Allow to dry completely while resting on a sheet of wax paper (prevents sticking). Cover the cemented edge with decorative scrapbook border stickers and voila! You have a perfectly personal coloring or puzzle book. And the good part about these is that you can make them in different sizes! 5 x 7 and 3 1/2 x 5 make for great travel size booklets!

Its time to eat my rockin readers! As you learned yesterday, this week is TERRIFIC TOMATO WEEK and I intend to bring you delicious recipes and tasty trivia about this beautifully versatile fruit! I hope that soon I will be harvesting a bumper crop out of my little secret garden in the back! The first aid is doing well for most of the plants, SO I sit and anxiously await the aromatic arrivals LOL! Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and fibre, and are cholesterol free. An average size tomato (148 gram, or 5 oz) boasts only 35 calories. Furthermore, new medical research suggests that the consumption of lycopene – the stuff that makes tomatoes red – may prevent cancer. Lycopene is part of the family of pigments called carotenoids, which are natural compounds that create the colors of fruits and vegetables. For example, beta carotene is the orange pigment in carrots. As with essential amino acids, they are not produced by the human body. Lycopene us the most powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family and, with vitamins C and E, protect us from the free radicals that degrade many parts of the body. The scientific term for the common tomato is lycopersicon lycopersicum, which mean “wolf peach.” It is a cousin of the eggplant, red pepper, ground cherry, potato, and the highly toxic belladonna, also known as the nightshade or solanaccae. There are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes. So with 10,000 varieties... LOL... I am pretty sure there can be some recipe to tempt your taste buds! Try this one on for size for example!



Alla Checca

Ingredients:

5 tomatoes, seeded and diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped FRESH basil
1/2 cup olive oil
salt to taste
juice from 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound pasta

Directions:

Combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil in a non-metal bowl. Stir in salt. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit at room temperature at least 2 hours, or as long as 10 hours.

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain. Pour uncooked sauce over hot pasta, and toss. Add grated Parmesan cheese to your liking.

Ok folks, its time for me to get off of here and get on the road again. I hope you have enjoyed our visit today and that I will see you again tomorrow. Be safe, be happy, and tons of HUGS!

TERRIFIC TOMATOES

Good Monday morning to everyone! How are you doing today? I'm sort of melancholy this morning. Perhaps its just because I am not feeling too well. Or perhaps its because the kitten, Mittens, is not feeling well either. I'm not sure really. So I am really hoping that writing and hanging out with you guys will help me get in a better mood at least. Just have to wait for the physical to pass then.

I want to apologize for the error in pictures posted with the recipe yesterday. I guess I wasn't paying attention and uploaded the wrong picture. It has been deleted. I wasn't feeling real good and guess I was not paying close enough attention. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.

When I was logging on to Yahoo, I saw yet another article that caught my eye... actually the words "healthy" and "budget" caught my eye (the latter having more appeal LOL). I think its great info broken down to the pennies (almost literally) and felt it was my duty, as the Frugal Mom, to bring it to you.

10 Best Foods For Your Buck
By AllYou.com

Plan your menus around healthy, nutrient-packed staples that won’t give you sticker shock at the checkout.

Make the most of your grocery budget by stocking up on these versatile natural foods that are good for your health and wallet.



Peanut butter
Why it's a 10 best:This popular pantry item offers protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Use it it: Snacks, sandwiches, sauces, and baking goods.
Cost: About 20¢ for 2 tablespoons



Eggs
Why they're a 10 best: Eggs are a good source of lean protein, and also contain vitamin B12, riboflavin and phosphorus.
Use them in: Omelets, frittatas and salads
Cost: About 13¢ per large egg



Oats
Why they're a 20 best: This grain helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Use them in: Baked goods, breakfast and to stretch ground-meat dishes
Cost: About 17¢ per ½ cup for quick-cooking oats



Apples
Why they're a 10 best: This fruit is a good source of vitamin C and is full of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Use them in: Salads and baked goods; as a snack
Cost: About 60¢ each, depending on variety and season



Spinach
Why it's a 10 best: This leafy green is loaded with vitamins (A, C, K and folic acid) and manganese.
Use it in: Salads, pasta dishes, casseroles, soups and stews
Cost: About $1 for 5 ounces of fresh spinach



Beans
Why they're a 10 best: This tasty staple provides lean protein that’s full of fiber, calcium, folic acid and iron and other minerals.
Use them in: Salad and stews
Cost: About 35¢ per ½-cup serving (canned)



Frozen vegetables
Why they're a 10 best: They provide fiber and an array of nutrients, depending on which veggies you buy.
Use them in: Sides and casseroles
Cost: About 40¢ per serving



Sweet potatoes
Why they're a 10 best: These spuds are very filling (because they contain fiber) and a source of vitamins A and B6.
Use them in: Main and side dishes
Cost: About $1 each



Brown rice
Why it's a 10 best: Brown rice is a whole grain and a source of vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese.
Use it in: Soups, salads and side dishes
Cost: About 37¢ per ½ cup (cooked)



Canned tuna fish
Why it’s a 10 Best: This fish is a healthful lean protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Use it in: Sandwiches, casseroles and salads
Cost: About 75c per 3 ounces

Ok, so do you see it? Are you watching? LOL! The Christmas Countdown is closing in on that magical number! So who's doing the challenge with me? Have you made your lists? Talk to me my peeps! LOL... Well the DD's party challenge is just about over. And the Fabric Challenge is about half over and the kitchen is almost done. And starting the Christmas Challenge will probably help complete the FC too! So double duty-ing is a good thing LOL! Now on this Christmas Challenge, I plan to make as much of each gift AND presentation as possible. I plan on making personalized gift bags for the gifts (when necessary), etc. All edible gifts will obviously be done at the "last minute" but if the supplies for those gifts are shelf stable, then they will at least be bought ahead of time to ensure we have them. This challenge takes a bit of planning but I think it will be turning out super spiffy. My gift giving will cover a large range of people... from babies to seniors, women and men, manly to feminine, and everything in between! I am lucky that I have the kinds of people who are very different yet all like homemade gifts. They really appreciate them and that makes it all the more fun! So take your time and really think about the person you are gifting to. What do they like, what could be useful to them, etc. Then take those ideas and make some magic! Now my grandma and mom were/are the crocheters of the family and when you crochet or knit, you have various size needles for different jobs right? Well if you have a crocheter or knitter in your family, here is something you could make to help them keep all their needles in one place and not lost! So hop on over to this great crafter's site for step-by-step photos and instructions on how to make this great gift idea!



Craft Idea of the Day: Crochet Hook Rollup Case

(And no mom, that's not what you are getting LOL! Nice try though! LMAO) Isn't that the cutest thing? And the artist made it with pigs, which a friend of mine would love too LOL! You could pair that with maybe a skein of yarn you got on sale or with a coupon, and maybe a couple of crochet project patterns. Put that in a cute gift bag and there you have a frugal gift tailored to the recipients personal likes/hobbies! Better yet... MAKE the bag too! LOL! You see, a little imagination and you can make some awesome gifts and some even better memories!

Well, its a new week and that means a new theme! Now Susan suggested a week with specific ingredients, maybe focus on something coming out of my garden. I think she is on to something LOL. Now I had mentioned times back I could do "ingredient specific" theme weeks... BUT... I already share my garden with you through stories and pictures... why not through eating it too!? Now I am growing quite a few different things, so choosing is the hardest part, I think LOL! But after careful consideration, and sitting in my garden LOL, I have decided that this week will be TERRIFIC TOMATO WEEK! Now I could bring you recipes for tomato sauce and be done with it, but do you really think that's the only thing I will be doing with the (hopefully) huge tomato harvest?? NOPE! I am gonna bring you recipes utilizing all kinds of tomatoes seeing as I grow everything from Husky Cherry to Big Boy, Roma and Celebrity, and (trying) to start some Brandywine seeds again from my dear friend Jean. So my friends, get ready for some TERRIFIC TOMATO facts and foods! Let's start with some tasty stuffed tomatoes, shall we?



Crab Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can crabmeat - drained, flaked and cartilage removed
1/2 cup diced green pepper
2 green onions, diced
2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon cider or white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Cut a thin slice off tops of tomatoes and carefully scoop out insides; invert on paper towels to drain. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Stuff tomatoes; place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in x 2-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm.



Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

2 pints cherry tomatoes
1/2 pound cooked shrimp - peeled and deveined
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

Directions:

Cut the top off each cherry tomato, and scoop out the pulp. Place the tomatoes upside down on paper towels to drain.

In a food processor, mix the shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, horseradish, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.

With a pastry bag, pipe the shrimp mixture into the cherry tomatoes. Garnish with parsley, and refrigerate until serving.



Sausage Stuffed Tomatoes

2 large ripe tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, partially drained
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces (You can also use ground breakfast sausage that has been browned and drained)

Directions:

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

Cut the tops off of the tomatoes and use a knife to cut around the inside, separating the flesh from the skin. Scoop out the flesh. Place the tomatoes in a small baking dish. In a small bowl combine the canned tomatoes with the bread crumbs, 1/3 cup of cheese and the sausage; mix well. Spoon the mixture into the tomato skins and top with the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

(***NOTE*** For larger tomatoes used as sides or entrees, you can also add cooked rice to the filling. To make this a vegetarian dish, substitute the sausage with corn.)

Ok everyone, that's all she wrote for today. Its been a blast but now I must get down to business and start my day. I hope you had fun and will be visiting again tomorrow for some more fun and adventures in the world of frugality! Until tomorrow... HUGS!