Eat's of the Week ~ January 30, 2011

Getting this done on time feels so good, just had to share that.

In October we went to Panama City Beach in Florida and stayed at my in-law's condo. While there we spent the day in Historic Panama City and while ridding along we passed this grill store that had this cute pig smoker out front. I made Keith do a u-turn so we could take some photos. This pig is so cool, I can't remember how much it was but if I knew it would stay pink and never rust we might have bought it.

This is by far the cutest looking pig and sexist man alive all in one photo. Sorry if that grossed you out, the man is good looking what can I say.

Sunday

Browned Cube Steak

Rice

Corn

Monday

HM Bean Soup

Corn Muffins

Tuesday

BBQ

Baked Beans

Coleslaw

All leftovers from Saturday's lunch

Wednesday

Meatloaf

Mashed Potatoes

Veggies

Thursday

Salmon Patties (I have a new found love for them)

Green Beans

Rice or Mashed Potatoes

Friday

Leftover Meatloaf and Salmon Patties

Veggies

Oranges

Saturday

HM Pizza

My Grandma's 80th Birthday

Last Saturday we celebrated my paternal grandmother, Anneliese Grete Kunzel Feaster's 80th birthday party. She was born January 26, 1931 in Selb, Germany. She is the mother of seven children, five boys and two girls. She was married to a great military man who has passed away. It is said that she is the best donut maker and can knit a mean baby sweater. Every week I take her to the doctor and I will share a few tid bits I have learned about this great women over these doctor appointments:

• She used to chop firewood daily to keep the fire going
• She has washed and ironed sheets to make ends meet when her husband was deployed and the kids were young
• Though she has lived in the USA for more than 50 years, people still have a hard time understanding her strong German
• She values a candle that when burned has the best apple smell and she will pay any price for it
• She doesn't do pictures
• She is feisty in her old age
• When she says vegetable it comes out 'veg table', which is what I call my garden area in honor of her

This was the table decorations that I did for her party. Each picture triangle had three different pictures of Grandma in them. It was neat watching people walk from table to table looking at all the different photos.

Me, Amy, Tiffany and Jason

(he is our cousin and Tiffany is his wife but we would claim her anyway)

Everyone chowing down!

Grandma's cake! I ordered it from Sam's and it was very good and the most affordable out of Wal-Mart and Publix.

Amy, our Dad and Me

Amy, our Mom and Me

Amy, Grandma and Me

Here is the whole group minus two people.

It was a great time and we had good food. My second cousins Sue and Denny came from West Virginia (12 hour drive), my Aunt Ann and her husband came from North Carolina (6 hour drive) and then my cousin Brittany and her boyfriend came from Florida (4 hour drive). Grandma you are well loved by many!!!

P.S. Amy is my sister, three years my senior.

Eat's of the Week ~ January 23, 2011

Sunday

McAlister's Deli

Monday

Smoked Ribs (thanks Kevin)

Potato Salad

Baked Beans

White Bread

Good Ole' First Alarm BBQ Sauce (my father-in-law owns the company)

Tuesday

Boston Butt

Potato Salad

Baked Bead

Wheat Bread

Wednesday

Chicken Cesar Salad

Soup (I haven't decide what kind yet)

Thursday

The MM Sandwich, PW Style (but I am serving it over rice)

Salad

Friday

HM Pizza

Salad

Saturday

Soup (from Wednesday)

Salad or/and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Party Games

I will be hosting a Free Flavors Friday Bistro Party soon and...

when hosting a party you want your guest to have fun and whether they know each other or not. Ice breaker's are always fun. I have found some great games to get everyone talking and interacting. Some of these games can be played with one player but to spice things up see what team can complete the task first.

Chocolate Unicorn
Players Needed:
1

Things Needed:
7 Chocolate Snack Cakes

Rules:
1. Player may begin using 1 hand to stack snack cakes 1 at a time on the forehead.2. If a cake or cakes fall, player may use the same hand to restack them.3. To complete the game, player must stack 7 snack cakes 1 atop the other on the forehead within the 60-second time limit so the freestanding structure stays that way for 3 seconds.

A Bit Dicey
Players Needed:
1

Things Needed:
1 Popsicle Stick
6 Dice

Rules:
1.Player places a popsicle stick in there mouth.
2) When the clock starts, player will pick up and vertically stack one die at a time on the stick.
3) Player may not allow dice to rest against their nose or to touch any part of their face.
4) In the event that a die is dropped or falls off of the stick, player may take a replacement die off of the podium and use it in its place.
5) To complete the game, 6 dice must be stacked one on top of the other on the popsicle stick within the 60-second time limit

(my mom and I playing a bit dicey)

Iron Board Man
Player Needed:
2

Things Needed:
Ironing Board
Marbles

Rules:
1. Players should stand on either end of the ironing board.
2) Once the clock starts, players may place their hands on the sides of the ironing board behind the designated zone and will begin rolling the marble down the board by tilting the board.
3) If a marble falls off of the board at any time, the player must re-use marble or pick up another marble and place it in the start zone before attempting the game again.
4) Only one marble may be on the board at a time.
5) To complete the game, player must get one marble from the start position to one of the 3 end positions at the middle of the ironing board as described above within the 60-second time limit.

(me playing a bit dicey)

Egg Roll
Players Needed:
1

Things Needed:
Empty Pizza Box
2 Eggs

Rules:
1.Place eggs on the floor (carpet not recommended) 15 feet from target.2.When the clock starts, player begins fanning eggs without opening the box at any time.3.If the player or pizza box touches the egg, the game is over.4.The player must stop fanning when time expires and the eggs must be touching the target zone.5.To complete the game, both eggs must be touching the target zone at the same time and come to a complete stop on the zone.

These game names and instructions have all been taken from NBC’s A Minute To Win It.

A New Free Movie Code

Happy Hump Day,

Here is a code to get a free Blockbuster Kiosk dvd rental. To find a kiosk near you click here.

Expires 02/25/2011 - MRC37H

Good for one use per credit card and is only good if you return it the next day. So if you have more than one piece of plastic you could get more than one, I am just saying...

Eat's of the Week ~ January 16, 2011

Late again, I know. My life on Sunday (my planning day) has been a little different lately so I am doing it later than normal. I have got to get back on track!

I got bacon on sale so we will be eating that a good bit, if you noticed we ate it last week also.

Sunday

Bacon

Fried Eggs

Grits

Biscuits

Monday

Pork Steaks

Green Beans

Mashed Potatoes

Tuesday

Beefy, Cheesy Pasta Bake (kinda like this casserole)

Croissants

Steamed Vegetables

Wednesday

Shrimp Veggie Quesadillas (minus the corn, plus bacon)

Mexican Rice

Thursday

Tomato Basil Soup

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Friday

Cube Steaks

Buttered Rice

Flavored Vegetables

Saturday

It's my Grandma's 80th birthday party, we are going to party (like eighty year old's do) and chow down

A Bistro Party

One thing about using coupons and going to different company's websites is you sometimes get the opportunity to try out their products and include your friends in it. I was selected to take part in COFFEE-MATE® Free Flavor Friday.

I am going to be hosting a Bistro Party on February 4th. This will be fun and a good time of fellowship. I can't wait to share all the details about the event, including the great coffee drinks that I will serve and the yummy dessert recipes that I will be trying out. Also, we will be playing some games from the hit TV show 'Minute to Win It' and the winner will get some great COFFEE-MATE® gear to take home with them.

A New Free Movie Code

Blockbuster has kiosk that are just like Red Box if you didn't know. Well, here is a code to get a free dvd rental. To find a kiosk near you click here.
Expires 01/18/2011 - ESU11B

Good for one use per credit card and is only good if you return it the next day. So if you have more than one piece of plastic you could get more than one, I am just saying...

Eat's of the Week ~ January 9, 2011

A little late...

Sunday

Egg Casserole

Bacon

Monday

Chili

Cornbread

Tuesday

Leftover Chili with Corn Chips

Wednesday

Lasagna Casserole

Thursday

Lima Beans or Navy Beans

Ham and Cheddar Cornbread

Friday

Tomato Soup

Grilled Cheese

Saturday

Taco's

Some Things I Am Wanting

Pajama Jeans

Keith told me last week he wanted to get me a pair of these and I thought he was talking about jeggings, you know the blue jeans that fit like leggings. But I was talking to his dad the other day while feeding the piggies and he said that he wanted to get a pair for his wife so I then knew that Keith wasn't making this up or confusing it with jeggings. So I came inside and looked them up and sure enough they exist except for they are $48 with shipping. HELLO, I don't even pay that much for a pair of real blue jeans more less some pajama pant blue jean look a likes. So Keith keeps saying order a pair but I just can't do it.

Would you spend that much for them?

Women's Coveralls

Right now the weather in Georgia is cold or to me at least. Going in and out to get wood for the fireplace and feeding the animals which takes about 30 minutes is getting colder and more dreadful. So some coveralls would solve all those problems right? Well, I can only find them in camo, they would match Keith's coveralls and I might be willing to go hunting with him more if I had them in camo but I would really prefer a girlie color. You know to make me feel like a woman when I do my manly chores.

Do you know of somewhere to get good fitting coveralls in a girlie color?

Adult Footed Pajama's

These are so awesome. On the Ellen show last week they gave them away to the audience, how lucky they were. These would make my husband call me a true Grandma. Oh but they would be so warm and hey, they could even replace the coveralls if I can't find them in a girlie color. But there is another dilemma to these besides being a grandma...they are $39.99 and I am not sure about the shipping charges. Again to much to pay for a pair of pajama's.

So today I am showcasing some unique things I would like but am not willing to shell out any money for them. Isn't that what you get Christmas money for to buy what you want? Well, I am to stingy.

National Letter Writing Week

Photo Credit

Did you know that there was a such thing as National Letter Writing Week? Remember when I told you about Sending Cards, well this might be a good time to reread it or just simply remember the last time you got something special in the mail and the joy it brought you.

You could simply send a friend or family member a newspaper or magazine article that made you think of them or send them the seeds of a tomato plant that did good for you last year.

The second week in January, which is the 9th through 16th is the week to write letters. So pick up that pen and put it to paper and brighten someones day.

I am challenging myself to send out five letters, what will you challenge yourself to?

Free Movie Code

Blockbuster has kiosk that are just like Red Box if you didn't know. Well, here are two codes to get a free dvd rental. To find a kiosk near you click here.

Expires 01/07/2011 ~ XU14A

Expires 01/10/2011 ~ SHTZFR1

Snowflakes

As you know Christmas is over and Valentine's Day isn't here yet so I was looking for away to decorate my breakfast table last week and ran across this great idea/science experiment. I made snowflakes you know since it is winter and all.

What you need to make one big snowflake:

3 - 5" sections of pipe cleaner either in white or a glittery shade

6 - 2" sections of the same pipe cleaner

Container to dangle your snowflake in so it doesn't hit the sides or bottom

Borax

Boiling water

Pencil

Thread

Blue food color (optional)

1. Take two 5" section and make a cross and then wrap the next one over them to make a asterisk.

2. Now attach each 2" section to the ends of the asterisk to create the snowflake look.

3. Attach the thread to one end of your snowflake.

4. Make sure your finished snowflake will fit completely in your container without touching the sides.

5. Measure how many cups of water it will hold. For every cup of water you need to put 3 tablespoons of borax in your container. (Example: 4 cups water equals 12 tablespoons borax)

6. Attach the thread from the snowflake to a pencil at the right length so it doesn't touch the bottom.

7. Now boil your water.

8. Pour the boiling water in your container and stir it well with the borax.

9. If using blue food color, add a few drops.

10. Put your snowflake in the water and let it sit overnight.

And ta da you are finished!

Do You Groupon?

I do and love it.

Click here to find out more and to get signed up today to receive daily emails about the deals being offered in your hometown or where you have friends living. These make great frugal gifts and most of the time at more than half off.

I got a $15 credit when I signed up and just purchased three $10 gift certificates for free because I used my $15 credit. So I can go to Chill Yogurt Cafe when I am out and about and treat myself to some yogurt with all the toppings I choose. The deal was get a $10 certificate for $5, that is 50% off.

Go check them out for yourself!!!

Eat's of the Week ~ January 2, 2011

This was my view out the kitchen window New Year's Day, I was screaming like crazy. Keith was in the shower and thought the house was on fire and I accidentally hung up on my sister. I have seen a few but never this many turkeys at once in our yard more less in my life except in the grocery store cooler ready to be baked.

Sunday

Cleaning out the food in the fridge

Monday

Taco Soup with all the fixings

Sour Cream, Cheese, Chives and Tortilla Chips

Tuesday

Pan Fried Tilapia (I am addicted to this, I eat it every time Keith is not home for a meal. I am sharing with him for this meal)

Roasted Veggies

Seasoned Rice

Wednesday

Pancakes

Eggs

Thursday

Baked Chicken w/ Veggies

Seasoned Rice

Friday

Spaghetti Pie

Salad

French Bread

Saturday

I am going shopping in Atlanta, if I am not home in time to cook Keith will be eating leftover Spaghetti Pie.

Oh, and here is a clip of Rebecca Jarvis in that cute purple dress. Which I am still awaiting feedback from The Early Show about the dress details. Hopefully they will respond to my email. Watch it and tell me it is a cute dress, please. I love it!!!

The Early Show

First off Happy New Year!!!! Keith and I were sound asleep by eleven, we are old fogies I know.

But most importantly, I watched The Early Show this morning and Rebecca Jarvis had the cutest purple dress on. If any of you saw it and know the maker I want to know. I am willing to make an envelope to buy it( you know to save up for it). Oh my goodness that dress is so so cute.

Thanks for any help you can provide :)

Routines

Have you ever felt like your daily task were never going away? That everyday when you looked at the carpet it needed vacuumed? That your dusting was taking over your life? Well, do you do things on a certain day of the week or month? I do and it surely helps out.

Here is how I have my job duties scheduled out:

• Mopping ~ 2nd Monday of each month
• Sweeping ~ Every Tuesday and Thursday
• Vacuuming ~ Every Tuesday and Thursday
• Dusting ~ Every 2 weeks
• Deep Clean the Bathrooms ~ Every 2 weeks
• Cleaning the Windows ~ 3rd Monday of each month
• Deep Clean the Master Bedroom ~ 1st Tuesday of each month
• Deep Clean the Kitchen ~ 2nd Tuesday of each month
• Wash Sheets ~ Every other Friday
• Deep Clean the Refrigerator ~ Every 3 months
• Deep Clean the Living Room ~ 4th Tuesday of each month

I have a check list of the task that need to be completed in each room for the deep clean days and the rest are pretty self explanatory. The duties are also done as needed in addition to the above. I will vacuum and sweep if we have company coming over if it is a different day than what is stated above.

My daily job duties are:

• Feed the animals
• Prepare meals
• Wash dishes
• Wash clothes
• Pick up from the night before (shoes, cups, socks)
• Make bed
• Iron
• Manage our finances
• And last but not least make our home a haven for my husband after he has worked all day

I try to schedule my out of the house obligations on my not so busy days that way I can still complete the task at hand and not be overwhelmed.

Why am I sharing this with you? So that maybe it will help you to be a better manager of your time and stress level. So how do you go about your cleaning in your home? Do you have a routine like me or just whenever you get the feeling to do it?