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Setting Goals for 2012 {Happy New Year!}

12/30/2011 by 1 Comment
2012 goals

If I'm being honest, 2011 was one of the most trying years for me. As a mother, as a wife and as a child of God. I had a little bit of a rough start this year, but I can honestly say that I am the happiest that I have ever been. I am at a point in my life where I feel more and more blessed every day. The good Lord works in mysterious ways, but in the end, my faith is stronger than it has ever been. To have the husband and kids that I have - all wonderful and healthy (even my silly little eczema/allergy/asthma ridden son - who is SO much better than he was a couple of years ago!) - is a huge blessing for me. One of the things I am choosing to do differently, going into this new year … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Organization

MFM Deals 12/28-1/3

12/28/2011 by Leave a Comment

Each week I post coupon match-ups and other great deals, to help save you more money. Please keep in mind that this is a work in progress - so check back often, as I will be adding deals as I come across them. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Moundridge Food Market

Dillons Deals 12/28-1/3

12/28/2011 by Leave a Comment

  Here is a list of coupon match-ups (and other great deals) at Dillons this week. Please keep in mind that this is a work in progress – so check back often, as I will be adding items as I come across them. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dillons

Meal Planning Guide {Update}

12/27/2011 by Leave a Comment
clipart cooking

I've been utilizing my meal planning guide for quite some time now. It's a huge help for me and I save a lot of time and money by using this system. However, I have found that (for me) assigning a specific meal each day does not always work. For one reason or another. So, I have added an additional worksheet, which I have found to work a little better for my needs (click on the link below for the new worksheet): Weekly Meal Plan {List} With this worksheet, I outline the meals for the week, then just cross them off as I make them. I am not "assigned" a certain meal for Sunday, for Monday, etc. Either way is great, but it's all about finding what works for you. I will (hopefully) … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Meal Planning

The Super Squirrelly Scarf

12/22/2011 by 2 Comments
t-shirt scarf

Anyone who knows my husband can tell you that not only is he squirrelly and silly, but he is the king of funny t-shirts. At any given time there is 50 t-shirts in his closet. Okay, maybe not that many. But close. So when I came across this post recently, I knew I had to make my husband an awesome scarf like this one. This is a fantastic way to re-purpose old t-shirts and create a gift that he will love for years to come. (This would make a great memorial item too. I just made a memorial pillow for a friend's mother, using my friend's clothing. I will post that soon too!). I raided my husband's closet and pulled out quite a few t-shirts that I knew were old enough that he wouldn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts & DIY, My Projects

{Recipe} Chocolate Coconut Granola

12/18/2011 by Leave a Comment
chocolate coconut granola

A couple of months ago I made my daughter some black bean brownies and substituted coconut oil in them. Something magical happened, because these were the best brownies I have ever made. And so began my obsession with chocolate and coconut. I mean, I have had chocolate and coconut candy many times, but I'm not a huge fan. The flavors are too strong for me. But in other foods, with a hint of chocolate and coconut. Magic. I've been on a granola kick lately and since I just bought 8 lbs of Bob's Red Mill Organic Rolled Oats, this seemed like a perfect time to make homemade granola. I am loving this Chocolate Coconut Granola. Not too chocolatey, not too sweet, with a hint of coconut. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: In the Kitchen, Recipes

{Recipe} Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

12/18/2011 by 2 Comments
creamy roasted tomato soup

This has to be my new favorite soup. Maybe my favorite soup EVER. I'm sure this is not a new concept - Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup - but I created this recipe accidentally while working on this post. Normally when I make roasted tomatoes, I use grape tomatoes, since I like how they dry up a little bit. But when I was ready to post these veggies recipes, I only had cherry tomatoes. So I roasted these, then realized that cherry tomatoes are much juicier than grape tomatoes. Case in point: This picture was taken AFTER I drained the tomato juice about 50 times during the roasting process. These tomatoes were just a little too squishy to eat out of the bowl, so I decided to make soup with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: In the Kitchen, Recipes

Eat Your Veggies! {3 Very Simple Sides}

12/16/2011 by 3 Comments
eat your veggies

Photo credit for Grape Tomatoes I am blessed to have three children that enjoy trying new foods and very rarely complain when I give them veggies. Once in awhile one will complain about eating broccoli, for example, but that's pretty much it. When that happens, I immediately go on a quest to find a way of preparing that veggie so that my kids will (hopefully) start to enjoy it. I do, however, find myself having to come up with new and simple ways to serve veggies, so that my kids don't tire of them. Even as adults, we grow tired of the same old thing. So, here are three very simple and delicious ways of preparing carrots, peas and tomatoes, that will hopefully please your family too! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: In the Kitchen, Recipes

Quinoa {Keen-what?!}

12/16/2011 by 1 Comment
quinoa

For those of you who have never tried quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), I thought I would highlight this super little seed for you. I am no expert, but I do know a thing or two... ;) Most people think of quinoa as a grain, but it's actually a seed. Quinoa has the highest protein content of any other grain and is a "complete protein", meaning that it contains all eight essential amino acids. It is also a great source of fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins A and E. Quinoa is also gluten-free...so if you have gluten allergies or sensitivities, you can still enjoy this super food. Quinoa is also believed to help with migraine headaches,  boost cardiovascular health and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Health Nut, Healthy Tidbits

A Day Full of Shopping, Walking and Yummy Salad

12/15/2011 by 2 Comments
health food 12-15-11

I love shopping! <Translation: I love shopping when my kids are in school and I can park my truck on Main Street and walk around to whichever stores I want, without having to tote three very bored and needy children with me. ;)> I had a great day today, getting in some much needed walking and shopping. I picked up some clothing items from the Newton Et Cetera Shop, which I will be using for a super secret craft project/Christmas gift that I am working on. (By the way, on Saturday, Dec. 17th ALL clothing and Christmas items are 50% off at Et Cetera).  I also stopped by Kitchen Corner, which I love. They have some really neat stuff and the employees are always helpful and super … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Health Food Stores, My Shopping Trips, Stace's Adventures
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