tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40021094976643807142024-03-27T23:02:19.449-06:00Tightwad Mom's Frugal ForumSurviving The "Great Recession" With Class And StyleTightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-90930225227738501822012-02-04T08:47:00.001-07:002012-02-04T08:47:06.833-07:00Some Substitutes For Everyday ItemsI should be sweeping the kitchen floor, right now, but I thought it would be more fun to share to great "substitutes" for some items I use everyday. Sorry, I don't have pictures to go with said items. I am on uber crunch time today (when am I not?). Anyway, I have recently discovered that.......<br />
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Cheap hair conditioner (accidentally bought on a grab and not look moment at the store) makes the BEST shave gel. No razor burn, no knicks, and super smooth skin.<br />
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An old toothbrush (properly disinfected in the dishwasher, so that you don't get eye cooties) is a great brow brush/ eyelash groomer.<br />
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The lid off an ice cream bucket is a great substitute for a cutting board for cutting smaller items like fruit or cheese.<br />
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Clothes pins are great for closing the tops of chip, cookie, bread, etc. bags. They keep a tight seal and stay in place!<br />
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A metal bundt cake pan is great for freezing ice rings for parties. Freeze extra punch or water into ice rings. To use just set the pan in warm water (just enough to go up the sides, not over the top) for a few minutes to release the ice ring.<br />
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These are just a few of my favorite way to reuse everyday household items. <br />
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What are some of your favorite ways to substitute and reuse items around your house ( I do love, love, LOVE handy ideas)?<br />
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Oh, and just so this post isn't totally pictureless, here is the picture of my daughter's Sweet Sixteen cupcake tree. You will be happy to know the stand was constructed out of scrap glass, and thrift store candy dishes. The cupcakes were baked with love (and sugar)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDy-Vg384kF1_EGND8dtuzxWYa-Wngbxdh5ZATQQQ8uRphqBN_vOQzDVrf3550NY-YuFr9Gwu5TqBZFBnEDfAU2QDkQRDGYqzMeYWIidqQSkQHbK4RvnHy-ENNayIIiO2Ib0Tz1-sA-E/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDy-Vg384kF1_EGND8dtuzxWYa-Wngbxdh5ZATQQQ8uRphqBN_vOQzDVrf3550NY-YuFr9Gwu5TqBZFBnEDfAU2QDkQRDGYqzMeYWIidqQSkQHbK4RvnHy-ENNayIIiO2Ib0Tz1-sA-E/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-71526427712124977182012-01-10T14:24:00.002-07:002012-01-10T14:40:27.558-07:00Fabulous No Roll Pie Crust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Skdq4MSuAKfUCEC9qHPi7MDo5isAd9-Tde5G3MqJFRwUUjIL6MzcA0HgEXB_liJGX7r6G5T3U2JQErMfjliT_nG2He-yzJwlU80984ComwfVMGHfOG_KGxLNBQXKl5VdWHiIsHNMnhQ/s1600/pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Skdq4MSuAKfUCEC9qHPi7MDo5isAd9-Tde5G3MqJFRwUUjIL6MzcA0HgEXB_liJGX7r6G5T3U2JQErMfjliT_nG2He-yzJwlU80984ComwfVMGHfOG_KGxLNBQXKl5VdWHiIsHNMnhQ/s320/pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I just had to drop by today to share the BEST recipe I have ever discovered (okay, I discover great recipes all the time, but this is in the Top Five, DEFNITELY)! For me, desperation is usually always the mother of invention. Since, I am generally always trying to squeeze at least three seperate things in the same time increments, desperation is USUALLY my middle name. If multi tasking were an Olympic sport, I would be in the running for the Gold! Anyway, I digress.<br />
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I had an obscenely large amount of browning apple slices left over from a little party I hosted over the weekend (more about that later). Of course, you all know that throwing said apples away would pain me GREATLY! Unfortunately, all efforts to feed the unattractive apples to my Dear Family, backfired! Apparently, eating brownish orange apple slices did not appeal to them. On to Plan B, then! I will just turn them into pie! Oh, wait! I only have nano seconds to throw a pie together........STINK! What to do? What to do? <br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Allrecipes</span></strong></a> to the RESCUE! No Roll Pie Crust is one of the best inventions, EVER in my book! It as easy as can be. Spray your pie plate with cooking spray. Toss all the dry ingredients together in the pie plate. Then stir in the wet ingredients. Pat the dough along the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Fill with your favorite fruit filling. Top with a crumb crust (so the apple don't dry out), and bake for 350 degrees for 50 minutes. No chilling, no rolling, no swearing.......it's FOOL PROOF, and flaky, too. I don't think I will be going back to the old fashioned, labor intensive pie crust, any time soon.<br />
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Fool Proof Pie Crust<br />
(makes enough dough for one 8 inch pie)<br />
Find original recipe<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/no-roll-pie-crust-ii/detail.aspx"> <strong><span style="color: #274e13;">HERE</span></strong></a><br />
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1 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon granulated sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
2 tablespoons milk (I used half and half)<br />
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Follow the directions above. If you want to bake the empty crust , bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Don't forget to prick the crust all over with a fork, cover crust with aluminum foil, and fill with dry beans to keep it from shrinking and bubbling.<br />
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You may have noticed from the picture at the top of the post, that nobody had a problem eating the icky apples once it was turned into pie.<br />
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P.S, For the crumb topping, I sifted together:<br />
1/2 cup all purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
Then I cut in 3 tablespoons cold butter until it resembled coarse crumbs.Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-23613711332700657922011-12-20T09:23:00.000-07:002011-12-20T09:23:52.655-07:00Well, Hello and Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cRvcK2YkhIBlLEX159qgNPqos0COxTlaSUAwYYEX2GewgEyh_55FFW0g857foCRAaDzHJJTLimZsOF6qTYq0qxbvwXKZMPzkTD9mFCBEfX_mlBfJn67uA2ZT81BY1WVaC6FZFUblfAM/s1600/santa.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cRvcK2YkhIBlLEX159qgNPqos0COxTlaSUAwYYEX2GewgEyh_55FFW0g857foCRAaDzHJJTLimZsOF6qTYq0qxbvwXKZMPzkTD9mFCBEfX_mlBfJn67uA2ZT81BY1WVaC6FZFUblfAM/s1600/santa.bmp" /></a></div><br />
I have been so touched by the comments and e mails many of you have sent me! It has really helped me get through a rough patch, to know that so many of you enjoy and look forward to my posts! I have not died, or worse, went over the deep end and started living a lavish lifestyle. My life has just simply spiraled out of control, and I found myself needing to focus on my family, for a while. Never fear, everyone is doing fine, and as soon as the holidays are over I will be back to share what's been going on in my life. I am also excited to share alot of fun, and uber cheap ideas that I have been knee deep in the last few months. I also want to share ways your can make healthy lifestyle changes, and not kill your budget. Plus, my son made me feel a little guilty the other day, when he asked me with some concern, "Mom when are you going to start blogging again? I liked clicking on your blog, and reading our weekly menu. Then I knew what we were having for dinner!". Apparently, he hasn't realized it has been hanging on the fridge, written on a piece of.....PAPER! <br />
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I want to wish you all a VERY HAPPY HOLIDAYS, and look forward to catching up with all my FABULOUS bloggy friends, after the New Year! I love you all, you are a great inspiration to me!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-45997805427068438652011-07-26T14:29:00.000-06:002011-07-26T14:29:13.268-06:00Thrift Store FabulousI love, love, LOVE thrift stores! There are several thrift stores in my area, but lately I have found Goodwill to have the best prices. I love that our Goodwill is clean, organized, and the employees are very friendly and helpful. I also like that every week a certain colored tag is 50% off. This week's tag is red. I stopped by looking for jeans for the kids for school. I didn't find any in their sizes that would work, but I did find some fabulous things, anyway!<br />
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Today's treasures included:<br />
<ul><li>A vintage quart milk bottle - $.99</li>
<li>A glass cake stand - $2.49 (it was a red tag item)</li>
</ul>These two items are going to be a birthday gift.<br />
<ul><li>A small vintage Pyrex container (it is going to hold sponges on my kitchen sink) - $.99</li>
<li>E bay for Dummies (Dear Hubby wants to start selling some of our unwanted items on E bay, and doesn't have a clue how to start) - $1.49 (it was a red tag item)</li>
<li>Three pairs of shorts for the boys - 2 pairs were $3.99 each, one was $1.49 (red tag)</li>
<li>A brand new Target Home brand fabric shower curtain (I have been looking for a new shower curtain for the upstairs bathroom. The one that we are currently using is 14 years old and pretty worn out) - $7.99</li>
</ul> Today grand total spent was $25.13. Not bad considering the shower curtain alone would have cost at least that bought new at the store. I do love a good treasure hunt! Have you found any fabulous items at the thrift store, lately?Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-19177186566377580142011-07-24T20:00:00.000-06:002011-07-24T20:00:45.225-06:00This Week's Menu 7/24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJldPaW8Z_KOYqJR7GfpBzujpqoc5H9m0I0Yk357iWG5VF_zefSNL5Kn3iZTd4hPi4vC9XIf80dAjGHhC8K_Bh4VGkOQSleM48KpqwcEgxGlKNXLeeswHHuPSA-GBqjltgw1jxHC2pjOE/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJldPaW8Z_KOYqJR7GfpBzujpqoc5H9m0I0Yk357iWG5VF_zefSNL5Kn3iZTd4hPi4vC9XIf80dAjGHhC8K_Bh4VGkOQSleM48KpqwcEgxGlKNXLeeswHHuPSA-GBqjltgw1jxHC2pjOE/s320/IMG_2688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(this week's <b><a href="http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/" style="color: #6aa84f;">Bountiful Basket</a></b>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Summer just seems to be flying by! I can't believe that it is the last week of July. It seems like we were just celebrating the Fourth! Sigh, now it time to start thinking about back to school shopping. My children are really not pleased every time I mention S-C-H-O-O-L. I get a collective glare of pig eyes every time that CERTAIN word comes out of my mouth. You would think it was a four letter word! Anyway, taking inventory of the boy's closet is number one on the to do list this week. This week I am also attempting to liven up the menu a little bit. I have been perusing Taste of Home and Cook's Illustrated magazine. I found several good recipes to try. I mean, I guess it's pointless to subscribe to cooking magazines if you don't actually cook any of the recipes out of them! This week we will be eating the following culinary masterpieces (snicker! snicker!):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Sunday</b></u><br />
BBQ Chicken<br />
Green Beans, Potatoes, and Bacon<br />
Banana Blueberry Muffins<br />
Water Melon<br />
Mango Crisp</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<u><b>Monday</b></u><br />
<b><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Migas--My-Way?cpi=1&sort=&Login=login&ReviewLink=0" style="color: #e69138;">Migas</a></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ( Taste of Home recipe)</span><br />
Flour Tortillas <br />
Cantaloupe and Watermelon<br />
Lettuce and Tomatoes<br />
Leftover Mango Crisp</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<u><b>Tuesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Four-Cheese-Baked-Ziti-2"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Three Cheese Baked Ziti</span></b> </a><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Taste of Home recipe)</span><br />
<b><a href="http://onecrazycookie.blogspot.com/2010/03/buttery-breadsticks.html" style="color: #e69138;">Easy Breadsticks</a></b><br />
Strawberries and Whipped Cream<br />
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<u><b>Wednesday</b></u><br />
Ham and Cheese Paninis<br />
Slices Peaches<br />
Mashed Sweet Potatoes<br />
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<u><b>Thursday</b></u><br />
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cook's Illustrated)</span><br />
Mashed Potatoes<br />
Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Friday</b></u><br />
Leftover Night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<u><b>Saturday</b></u><br />
Grilled Hot Dogs<br />
Baked Beans<br />
Chips<br />
Fruit of Some Kind</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What beat the heat recipes have you been cooking at your house? </div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-77209885662320609872011-07-23T16:12:00.001-06:002011-07-23T16:14:49.919-06:00History Always Repeats ItselfAs I was hanging this particularly LARGE load of "delicates" outside to dry this afternoon, I was struck by the thought....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqyLxeVY1d33HXpqPWepbhD9bpvgpoQp2U7yXQF-WU3zYqq72q-5YrmzLw-9GcZLLNH7cmPA3eG1GbzfRYbEDQOcN7pIJhgjfUPnAohslwN5te7VzP2kROQNVATUIkscWehtz30OGZCI/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqyLxeVY1d33HXpqPWepbhD9bpvgpoQp2U7yXQF-WU3zYqq72q-5YrmzLw-9GcZLLNH7cmPA3eG1GbzfRYbEDQOcN7pIJhgjfUPnAohslwN5te7VzP2kROQNVATUIkscWehtz30OGZCI/s320/IMG_2694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7j1Q4rhb2Jm1WiOCd-x0YDH_2Z9HnfFsoNmRCUE6LYA4TMxRpIto1dwvKvMv2Lx2aE5htQLjpTdnmTEpEVKK-tGwIBXjZvSBtC67rS5AuIS9y3kMh3G_pqZUaq2Kb1rukrwo_VNb6JE/s1600/IMG_2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7j1Q4rhb2Jm1WiOCd-x0YDH_2Z9HnfFsoNmRCUE6LYA4TMxRpIto1dwvKvMv2Lx2aE5htQLjpTdnmTEpEVKK-tGwIBXjZvSBtC67rS5AuIS9y3kMh3G_pqZUaq2Kb1rukrwo_VNb6JE/s320/IMG_2696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That "History is destined to always repeat itself!".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Can you tell that I live in a predominately male household?</div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-39220503788367422942011-07-21T03:52:00.001-06:002011-07-21T03:52:01.068-06:00Making Scrub Sponges Last LongerI really like to use Scotch Bright scrub sponges to wash dishes (and scrub dirty counters). <br />
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I can usually buy them cheaply with coupons (especially at Costco). <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp85Cn6EorR6zc9TGklf3e1frH0IZxUlFPoM56G5OXogEiUhqrEuT__4yo8e0y2vWHN5HYONmnX-CICty_fTapBjJggsv_w1xPtif4Pxf1_-0T_H7HKs8D2K_06vk-chAXmHcPjnAILs/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp85Cn6EorR6zc9TGklf3e1frH0IZxUlFPoM56G5OXogEiUhqrEuT__4yo8e0y2vWHN5HYONmnX-CICty_fTapBjJggsv_w1xPtif4Pxf1_-0T_H7HKs8D2K_06vk-chAXmHcPjnAILs/s320/IMG_2630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Two make the sponge last twice as long, I cut it in half with a sharp pair of scissors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2-OflCR3z7ZTVfpv9kwIxGy7Um85op9M-vCFxqDUtZB5UsFEQKxE2C4KzE6mEzZeEOmXxt7RPimXPPy8MsKGbR83TzLj-37GljjiLVrpJcyQCAGYYSlDrV59sEZ445AJ1KfU6-GNVNY/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2-OflCR3z7ZTVfpv9kwIxGy7Um85op9M-vCFxqDUtZB5UsFEQKxE2C4KzE6mEzZeEOmXxt7RPimXPPy8MsKGbR83TzLj-37GljjiLVrpJcyQCAGYYSlDrV59sEZ445AJ1KfU6-GNVNY/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One half of the sponge is just the right size (especially for kid's size hands) to wash dirty dishes. I always place my sponges on the top rack of the dishwasher when I wash a load of dishes in it to disinfect them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7apX232JNwwco1CCKdPlmQ6lp9ZJUcPj7rvDde10XoLtCKoQhkGRoVFMmbf97ajC78TXG_nZRcHRPPJboa0IvP6FD7jWpSC2sBu4385v72SG1o3MnjYNSMF0RY1w_SW9kOgegFVvSTc/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7apX232JNwwco1CCKdPlmQ6lp9ZJUcPj7rvDde10XoLtCKoQhkGRoVFMmbf97ajC78TXG_nZRcHRPPJboa0IvP6FD7jWpSC2sBu4385v72SG1o3MnjYNSMF0RY1w_SW9kOgegFVvSTc/s320/IMG_2629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You need to keep sponges dry between uses, so that they don't become a breeding ground for bacteria. An old plastic berry basket in the drying rack works great for hold drying sponges (and the lids to water bottles, so that they don't don't fall down the garbage disposal).</div><br />
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This little trick my not save me a ton of money, but every little bit helps!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-8414070226384585302011-07-20T08:17:00.001-06:002011-07-20T08:18:31.534-06:00Baking Cheesecake<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRimmMrusUsOvc7h2ELnO4qmenF0mUlww5x56-6ibaqFW3RkdqRWk7TeM3mIus5c4Cq-Yk-HDkwWuJtGHIWZT0AEkQNpuDpLGcWQGixROHZFDRqQzeIByo6BBl6EqGv5uoZuXI3XsXJbg/s320/prom2.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
I like to bake cheese cake. Cheese cake is kind of my signature dessert. I bake it for gifts, fundraisers, birthdays, and holidays (and once in awhile, just for funzies). I will let you in on a little secret..........making (and baking a cheesecake) is very easy. When I decided to conquer # whatever on my bucket list, and try my hand at making a real, live baked in the oven level 5 (in my head) dessert; I did a little research. Now I will let you in on another secret. To get a perfect cheesecake, you need to water bath it. Water bathing will give you a light, fluffy cheesecake without cracks in the top. To water bath a dessert in the oven, simply means that:<br />
<ul><li>You place a rack in the bottom of a pan larger than your spring form pan. I use four canning jar lids placed in a "circle".</li>
<li>You place the spring form pan (or dessert mold) on the rack in the pan.</li>
<li>Fill the larger pan with a couple inches of warm water.</li>
<li>To make it easier I place the large pan on the oven rack before I fill it with water (just don't pour water on the cheesecake batter).</li>
<li>Always remember to step back when you open the oven door to retrieve your cheesecake. The steam build up will melt you mascara if you are standing to close (I learned the hard way!) </li>
</ul>Water bathing will also produce a soggy, wet crust (because some water will seep into the bottom of the spring form pan). To remedy this little problem, most recipes will tell you to cover the bottom of the spring form pan with a double layer of aluminum foil. That has been my usually method, but it's kind of wasteful to use that much foil, and I have still had the soggy crust issue. However, I was reading in a <b><a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/" style="color: #e69138;">Cook's Illustrated</a></b> magazine (love, love, LOVE Cook's Illustrated), that if you use an oven roasting bag instead of aluminum foil, it eliminates the soggy crust problem. I tried it a couple of days ago, and it worked great. The best part is, that if you hang the oven bag up to dry when your done, you can reuse it for the same purpose; later. <br />
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Open up the oven bag (I used the large size that will hold up to an 8 pound roast), and roll down the sides of the bag. Place the spring form pan in the center of the bag. Roll the sides up a couple of inches above the rim of the pan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZgGz2jmYAExmhkOZF-CU286FurETOXJ-CKwJbXhgVQTtHchI_8xb8zKn3_Rec_Mq3u2ccYINkBm_SPe0HyI4jQNlzsqI87R_dhugn1TNtj9tY84hv4Arm7tpPoUEXusaBJTtM-r-UM4/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZgGz2jmYAExmhkOZF-CU286FurETOXJ-CKwJbXhgVQTtHchI_8xb8zKn3_Rec_Mq3u2ccYINkBm_SPe0HyI4jQNlzsqI87R_dhugn1TNtj9tY84hv4Arm7tpPoUEXusaBJTtM-r-UM4/s320/IMG_2685.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Place the covered spring form pan on the rack in the larger pan. Fill the larger pan up with a couple inches of warm water. Use warm water! Cold water will cause a temperature fluctuation that affects the baking time, and it could shatter the glass pan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmfC6ohJ6QJNVjKNYFFZSl3FexaMcLkkQV2tnHXjgjlHxTq7hKv1jmqRRXwN6N6gxqLfJzfunwn0NW6n_FHlBnfdU952lPg0sSZwnBGta9ZJEMhZkylXW6k2vBx6OqTocRlwX0YMb8L0/s1600/IMG_2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmfC6ohJ6QJNVjKNYFFZSl3FexaMcLkkQV2tnHXjgjlHxTq7hKv1jmqRRXwN6N6gxqLfJzfunwn0NW6n_FHlBnfdU952lPg0sSZwnBGta9ZJEMhZkylXW6k2vBx6OqTocRlwX0YMb8L0/s320/IMG_2686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is amazing how finding a handy, dandy tip in a magazine makes life a little easier! Now that I have inspired you all to add cheesecake baking to your bucket list, you can find my tried and true recipe<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/search/label/cheesecake"> <b><span style="color: #e69138;">HERE</span></b></a>. I guarantee that you will be the hit of the party if you "whip" one up for your next get together. Not to mention you will achieve mythical status among friends and family (No one has to know how easy it is)! Happy baking!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-55713895944879596292011-07-19T03:54:00.001-06:002011-07-19T03:54:00.277-06:00A Really Great Birthday Gift And Line Drying LaundryI really have a fabulous Husband! I mentioned in an earlier post that He had been hinting about my really great birthday gift. He was right, it IS really great, and just what I wanted! I was at Costco about six weeks ago and saw this fabulous stainless steel drying rack. I didn't buy it at the time thinking that maybe it would go on sale or that there would be a coupon for it in the next month's coupon book (always the cheap skate). A couple of week's later when I went back to Costco, with every intention of buying the drying rack, they were sold out!! Stink! They have been sold out every week, since! Well, on my birthday my Dear Hubby, giddily surprised me with.............. a very much sought after (by me) drying rack ( He snuck to Costco, the day after he heard me mention how much I wanted the drying rack, bought it, and had been hiding it ever since!). Of course, this week Costco has them in stock, and they are on sale, but who cares! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGxvcBwNGIqD2UUoZ5IhSfC3pQWotZa_9i6kCYYraIWpjNFSVd_06S3cgs2EgzPY5Y_6C_OiBpn-5VGIi-Nci2m2EZZyWwT7jmu0PeVuku5Hyh8elPGe5zBpGea1C_lHv7fjZU5HmQqE/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGxvcBwNGIqD2UUoZ5IhSfC3pQWotZa_9i6kCYYraIWpjNFSVd_06S3cgs2EgzPY5Y_6C_OiBpn-5VGIi-Nci2m2EZZyWwT7jmu0PeVuku5Hyh8elPGe5zBpGea1C_lHv7fjZU5HmQqE/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" width="245" /></a></div><br />
My present couldn't have come at a better time, because:<br />
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A) I try to line dry most of our clothes from late spring until late fall (or when snow flies, which ever comes first) to save money on the power bill. By not using the dryer, I can justify using the air conditioning ( I am not a happy camper when I am hot and sweaty).<br />
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B) My<b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-hill-billy-clothesline.html" style="color: #e69138;"> makeshift clothes line</a></b> that I have been using for several years broke, and I do not have a replacement awning, yet. I don't have a place in my back yard to put a permanent clothes line, so every year I have to make do.<br />
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I have strung a clothesline around the Quick Shade awning that is sitting on our deck (to shade the French doors from the blazing afternoon and evening sun). It has worked well so far, but it is not big enough to hold more than one load of laundry. Laundry day at our house consists of way more than one load of laundry! Now that I have my new, swanky drying rack, I can hang all the shirts on plastic hangers and place them on the rack to dry (which is handy for putting them away when they are dry). It is also has plenty of rungs to hang towels, undies, and socks on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgX8Z3CF2-XsYBtawYG23kJaQRXUoTqGiZqn1ur6perea2fWsLr65ttqFv0wfBnVthp8NrI3jPYFtp3OBbOC59CeVB5exCGFP0N2hlE4QrtKZc9y8mjXBAIS3Fpw9hULSbt2qYC7ncmo/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgX8Z3CF2-XsYBtawYG23kJaQRXUoTqGiZqn1ur6perea2fWsLr65ttqFv0wfBnVthp8NrI3jPYFtp3OBbOC59CeVB5exCGFP0N2hlE4QrtKZc9y8mjXBAIS3Fpw9hULSbt2qYC7ncmo/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Not to mention, it makes a great place to set the clean laundry as I take it off the line and fold it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vT28HtIwJjZtdtmGZbVxrZXyu38W7vyi3XFpw2OQrFZ1jp6nn39M8FyPRj-opN37qZsFfFaSrDiPLEULKqnIr3vyD_CFLja_XeN45ALDQCsIgALJvp8mfHKw8kM2KfuO_DmeEZx3Nkk/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vT28HtIwJjZtdtmGZbVxrZXyu38W7vyi3XFpw2OQrFZ1jp6nn39M8FyPRj-opN37qZsFfFaSrDiPLEULKqnIr3vyD_CFLja_XeN45ALDQCsIgALJvp8mfHKw8kM2KfuO_DmeEZx3Nkk/s320/IMG_2633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My clothes pin bag that I made out of an old kid's T shirt also disappeared this year, too. Luckily, I was able to find a new clothespin bag and clothespins at our local dollar store (every Tuesday they have $.88 Tuesday, so one bag and three packages of clothes pins cost $3.52).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SGIZ160bSFuvPpXx0vv4ryj_pd5dVwKXVkLQ_Xj1P62DZvB9cnwnyWw1NuqCKC_GQoLHAz2fu2vm6sB3Rhk1Y3GL23K538PnXSW4jiuzr4ET_BDmK6OvLfnqrOI-0p2jG-5woh8IxO4/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SGIZ160bSFuvPpXx0vv4ryj_pd5dVwKXVkLQ_Xj1P62DZvB9cnwnyWw1NuqCKC_GQoLHAz2fu2vm6sB3Rhk1Y3GL23K538PnXSW4jiuzr4ET_BDmK6OvLfnqrOI-0p2jG-5woh8IxO4/s320/IMG_2634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also read on <b><a href="http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2008/09/livingmostly-without-the-dryer/" style="color: #e69138;">The Frugal Girl's</a></b> blog that if you toss shirts, undies, towels, and socks in the dryer on the air dry setting (which costs hardly anything to do, because heating the dryer is what costs money) for a few minutes before you hang them to line dry, they will be much softer and wrinkle free. I gave it a try and it worked great! I just toss the clothes in the dryer, on the no heat setting, while I put another batch in the washing machine. Then I remove and hang the wet shirts on hangers, and put the rest of the clothes in a basket to carry outside to hang up.<br />
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P.S. I love line drying clothes. It makes me slow down from my daily craziness, and gives me time to hold still and think. Hanging wet laundry on the line and watching it blow in the breeze is kind of like going to my "happy place".Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-87244023503852275522011-07-18T03:34:00.003-06:002011-07-18T03:34:00.302-06:00Strawberry Freezer JamWell, can I just tell you how proud I am of my little ol' strawberry patch!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQAE9QW018GOJssnfD0vViIdT-Be5KrUtHGOHroAigb4REaVKtwR1-1nuo5x8awAlMyRvyKTKYvZ0yWrs9hpF7VdYRAsIq_sZmKUkhZjnaKvf69-33mW6cEpxtj4btAX8ie_VpfdB20c/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQAE9QW018GOJssnfD0vViIdT-Be5KrUtHGOHroAigb4REaVKtwR1-1nuo5x8awAlMyRvyKTKYvZ0yWrs9hpF7VdYRAsIq_sZmKUkhZjnaKvf69-33mW6cEpxtj4btAX8ie_VpfdB20c/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I planted it two years ago around our back yard deck with starts from a friend's garden. Last year, it produced a small bowl full of berries. This year, it has far exceeded my expectations! Last week, it produced a small mixing bowl full of berries. Enough, to mix with rhubarb and make <b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/07/strawberry-rhubarb-oatmeal-crisp.html" style="color: #cc0000;">cobbler</a></b>. This week, it has provided me with a large mixing bowl full of very ripe strawberries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FeQ3fLaF7-VDMNzFpnNvkARAUuMEqu-bTH1ZmiEEFmZwrldx1DTRvt8RDmGjbQHEKo5PhjrQsp63w5AFgZGYJesPSLDWxpm9t2SwiDs2gwiUuyZUBC4aLVXiP-N1oQPKdsjZAFJFzqI/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FeQ3fLaF7-VDMNzFpnNvkARAUuMEqu-bTH1ZmiEEFmZwrldx1DTRvt8RDmGjbQHEKo5PhjrQsp63w5AFgZGYJesPSLDWxpm9t2SwiDs2gwiUuyZUBC4aLVXiP-N1oQPKdsjZAFJFzqI/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Plenty of strawberries to make two batches of <b><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/Freezer-Strawberry-Jam-31972" style="color: #cc0000;">Strawberry Freezer Jam</a></b>. Eight pint jars worth! (Notice that I used empty peanut butter jars to store the jam. The peanut butter jars stack beautifully in the freezer.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yBoMqi3E_ufVyURIjLgwuKwWtZa9e6126B8dja2oZ6dv2Loohkrc48HzAYxK3KEp17pmb8NqNpeAmZAdUQXcTEaO57y_H9ZP6UgzKCX5VTjQre2oQaGBk97krozbXXq5mZAjAF1GC78/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yBoMqi3E_ufVyURIjLgwuKwWtZa9e6126B8dja2oZ6dv2Loohkrc48HzAYxK3KEp17pmb8NqNpeAmZAdUQXcTEaO57y_H9ZP6UgzKCX5VTjQre2oQaGBk97krozbXXq5mZAjAF1GC78/s320/IMG_2632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My hard working little patch has also been frantically sending out lots and lots of runners (baby strawberry plants).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic90CFwUIMOj5fJI-OCQdOxVabmkfEoE0XzPfZUQSjFX-IV2EZ2h0wTQqUURnDOJ4u7xz3izYRV91tBU-ox_8RAfZhOUXs83esOGLu4F20oG_U5e6uPHRdmPR-LyydimKJ-u7bCvswT7s/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic90CFwUIMOj5fJI-OCQdOxVabmkfEoE0XzPfZUQSjFX-IV2EZ2h0wTQqUURnDOJ4u7xz3izYRV91tBU-ox_8RAfZhOUXs83esOGLu4F20oG_U5e6uPHRdmPR-LyydimKJ-u7bCvswT7s/s320/IMG_2682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully, next year those little baby plants will produce even more strawberries! YUM!</div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-57531858445658283812011-07-17T17:28:00.000-06:002011-07-17T17:28:52.473-06:00This Week's Menu 7/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L1RqBzaLW-gpMLOjoewVomkJlIhyBsq_BZvzFj-zUB0pq8ZZOg8kT4FfJUKyvlBFZKui2N_An6Sv9LfmXe5ffH_7RucyZ3Tlv5kJ-afqQXx4eoFZoqouGIm1lpXYYDby4z77CIU7Fqg/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L1RqBzaLW-gpMLOjoewVomkJlIhyBsq_BZvzFj-zUB0pq8ZZOg8kT4FfJUKyvlBFZKui2N_An6Sv9LfmXe5ffH_7RucyZ3Tlv5kJ-afqQXx4eoFZoqouGIm1lpXYYDby4z77CIU7Fqg/s320/IMG_2684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (this week's Bountiful Basket)</div><br />
This week is shaping up to be a clean out the fridge kind of a week. I have discovered numerous containers that contain all sorts of odds and ends. I am really trying not to toss food in the trash, which seems to have happened for the last few weeks. Some of our meals have gotten side tracked by last minute plans the last couple of weeks (which seems to happen quite often in the summer), and I think that is what is leading to so much food waste. I am hoping for a waste free week! This week's menu will include:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Sunday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leftovers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Monday</b></u> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Potpie</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pudding Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;">Watermelon </div><div style="text-align: center;">Banana Cake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Tuesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Potato Sausage (Zuppa Toscana) Soup</div><div style="text-align: center;">Parkerhouse Rolls</div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Wednesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti</div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Salad </div><div style="text-align: center;">Melon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Thursday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sub Sandwiches</div><div style="text-align: center;">Home Made Buns</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chips </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cucumber Slices</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Friday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vegetable Stir Fry</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rice </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fruit Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Saturday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leftovers</div><br />
Another boring week, but I'm hoping for a bare refrigerator by Saturday night! What is your favorite way to use up leftover odds and ends?Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-67176939025823499902011-07-15T19:30:00.001-06:002011-07-15T19:33:57.633-06:00Every Bargain Hunters DreamDear Daughter's BFF gave us the heads up this afternoon that<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span><a href="http://www.downeastbasics.com/" style="color: #e69138;">Down East Outfitters</a></b> was having a spectacular side walk sale! I love Down East's style of clothing, but their regularly priced clothing is not really a great deal, and usually out of my price range ( I usually end up picking them at our local thrift stores). However, their side walk sales are usually full of rock bottom prices, and to die for! Of course, we loaded up in the old Suburban and headed right over (with BFF in tow) to check out the sale. I am really, really, REALLY glad that we did. We got some amazing deals! When we arrived there were six large tables, under an awning, covered with cardboard boxes (Did I mention that my palms started getting sweaty, with excitement, from the thrill of the "hunt"?). Each box was marked between $2.00 - $10.00, and each was filled to the brim with skirts, t shirts, blouses,sweaters, dresses, jackets, pants and shorts. Dear Daughter, BFF, and I didn't waste any time. We started digging through boxes like "rats through a sewer". There were A LOT of x-small items (which really wouldn't work for us), but there were plenty of items in our sizes! <br />
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We found seven sweaters. Each was marked for $7.00. Some of them retailed for $30.00 or more.<br />
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Two jackets (both for Dear Daughter, who has a jacket fetish). One is corduroy ($10.00) and the other leopard print (Obviously; it was $7.00).<br />
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Three dressier shirts ($5.00 a piece) that will be fun paired with skirts or jeans.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL0H1yu4BQAR0hpZdMDud0RKlLlplI6qkiqNbO_SnaQnSiDxykK7GaCHkuOIyaH3sv7BNGnhJOSNHlMyMwA4OGERiTT47ODCouLTrnGKYdtKQTO7A9-uB1amIBKvhytmlhjrSPe9erOY/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL0H1yu4BQAR0hpZdMDud0RKlLlplI6qkiqNbO_SnaQnSiDxykK7GaCHkuOIyaH3sv7BNGnhJOSNHlMyMwA4OGERiTT47ODCouLTrnGKYdtKQTO7A9-uB1amIBKvhytmlhjrSPe9erOY/s320/IMG_2653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Four long sleeved T shirts (the white one was $5.00 the other three were $2.50 each). which are nice for layering in the winter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGMEvxOPHbDRb9mpWsF_-hPhh7O-n2O8MLaDQRFR5f-IeIqLleqUXDqVnYDEfJSyS3VNE4TMSbot18BE8Hw5TBVrXQtD8CO3Lk_LSTXj-b41vjPA28NtGJlOG_bPy69Mex7u-gtdsuHc/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGMEvxOPHbDRb9mpWsF_-hPhh7O-n2O8MLaDQRFR5f-IeIqLleqUXDqVnYDEfJSyS3VNE4TMSbot18BE8Hw5TBVrXQtD8CO3Lk_LSTXj-b41vjPA28NtGJlOG_bPy69Mex7u-gtdsuHc/s320/IMG_2656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Four half sleeve T shirt and one short sleeve lace edged layering T shirt for $2.50 each. I like to layer the half sleeve and long sleeve T shirts under my scrubs at work in the fall and winter. They add some warmth without bulk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjrnqht5ssQgJQiorp9JHM-UtTpCLYoXi-3sNdkvDX2_F0UdWybrowwAL6fUakXlNERr5YR6NsUs39r3MXYrqEbPhwaqnxqzwhYZRF5pJYRNNLrad6wHpQYJtsfAPby3X2T3gzn6IgSU/s1600/IMG_2659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjrnqht5ssQgJQiorp9JHM-UtTpCLYoXi-3sNdkvDX2_F0UdWybrowwAL6fUakXlNERr5YR6NsUs39r3MXYrqEbPhwaqnxqzwhYZRF5pJYRNNLrad6wHpQYJtsfAPby3X2T3gzn6IgSU/s320/IMG_2659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Two camisoles ( $5.00 each) which are a must have to wear under shirts and sweaters in the winter. Bonus: white camisoles and T shirts never seem to go on clearance, so finding them for $5.00 vs. $9.99 or $12.99 if fabulous in my book.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSwir7NPJDRNbGJx1Vf7QxSv3SdZBwyao6-ruuzGb9rQAZw6x6TsiHBCpDfwHmazVfuxsOe9Y-oVOn9x1gomQ1a_yn4wOWBHNmQXes6yQaif77rRWCnCEQEJuuZetDf9MVZk0Ms3Fxig/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSwir7NPJDRNbGJx1Vf7QxSv3SdZBwyao6-ruuzGb9rQAZw6x6TsiHBCpDfwHmazVfuxsOe9Y-oVOn9x1gomQ1a_yn4wOWBHNmQXes6yQaif77rRWCnCEQEJuuZetDf9MVZk0Ms3Fxig/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A VERY cute wrap style dress for me ($10.00). It will be great to wear in early fall with flip flops and this winter with my black boots (and a black camisole underneath).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FZoL6W-UrSyUR0AUg5jLFxKcFOCON3sLdQBMQCZWqLKagKaXNVJ6P3H1rk3fvZ1g3pfS_4u3696z7RAeJbpJod2TtpkIh6jbfg_P93vYEzVz6_Zwq9GiYxxYsjc19urQ1FwSIlMlLQU/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FZoL6W-UrSyUR0AUg5jLFxKcFOCON3sLdQBMQCZWqLKagKaXNVJ6P3H1rk3fvZ1g3pfS_4u3696z7RAeJbpJod2TtpkIh6jbfg_P93vYEzVz6_Zwq9GiYxxYsjc19urQ1FwSIlMlLQU/s320/IMG_2666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr5qG5l3ZR_zlZ3Hn1kWHRyqSMdC-uFl8YuscoTWcbRMzSitlmKMKbZz9Lm0U7aWBznsqG0My3sH3jvzga60uMDa7iTjW30Uie4ghK9SXzLKadFgaR6ore1wKFjp4qnzPTqk9Cw7E-rs/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr5qG5l3ZR_zlZ3Hn1kWHRyqSMdC-uFl8YuscoTWcbRMzSitlmKMKbZz9Lm0U7aWBznsqG0My3sH3jvzga60uMDa7iTjW30Uie4ghK9SXzLKadFgaR6ore1wKFjp4qnzPTqk9Cw7E-rs/s320/IMG_2667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My favorite bargain was the black cardigan sweater that was $7.00.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xoc330ae8l-_pjSjUGWoZRXxspXg-mJBp1rlCQBKkcPwsVWEli3QWEM98mtvbtNGu9luPm8mWRQP19qDteNEa2Nyh2Xq65ocDFefpyRlT0LCWReZUzazh9aYoWZyQIN_xkv4_1f5T10/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xoc330ae8l-_pjSjUGWoZRXxspXg-mJBp1rlCQBKkcPwsVWEli3QWEM98mtvbtNGu9luPm8mWRQP19qDteNEa2Nyh2Xq65ocDFefpyRlT0LCWReZUzazh9aYoWZyQIN_xkv4_1f5T10/s320/IMG_2644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One of the shoulder seams had unraveled leaving and open seam, but five minutes with my sewing machine fixed that.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZLWvM0VnTbF7RQa723v0vmKO7ZOYanb37EtyGNdVNzizXRzzQMb_D6LkB5a-3ahAZ7xfq8kBT4HMNSkif4mjiH-6DiJeB5hf_QzhgsnbbnW7KqW8g3ylSJTv6PqR0ProFp8PWwgWVRw/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZLWvM0VnTbF7RQa723v0vmKO7ZOYanb37EtyGNdVNzizXRzzQMb_D6LkB5a-3ahAZ7xfq8kBT4HMNSkif4mjiH-6DiJeB5hf_QzhgsnbbnW7KqW8g3ylSJTv6PqR0ProFp8PWwgWVRw/s320/IMG_2643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What really got me excited was when I looked at the laundry care tag after repairing the sweater, and realized it is Merino wool. A wool sweater for $7.00 is a great deal. Do you know what the cherry one top of this whole sweet deal is? The price tag revealed that the silly sweater originally retailed for $88.00! Now, I'm sure I will feel uber chic wearing my "expensive" sweater!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS8qlO6fjELdHPELDvjlVDOgGLyLa_OLENn8EK4MrS4kpWKucO9yiS0URtTyR1M34zCVqQKQdrqBjLYLy6C6Z-GPzwO3Wa2TQMtdr-WSQpxQdO_4JZFTpjgoqndKc4-D4YX0dD74wNlE/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS8qlO6fjELdHPELDvjlVDOgGLyLa_OLENn8EK4MrS4kpWKucO9yiS0URtTyR1M34zCVqQKQdrqBjLYLy6C6Z-GPzwO3Wa2TQMtdr-WSQpxQdO_4JZFTpjgoqndKc4-D4YX0dD74wNlE/s320/IMG_2645.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Dear Daughter now has two jackets, two sweaters, one dressy shirt, two T shirts, and a camisole for school. I now have five sweaters, two dressy shirts, three long sleeve and four shorted sleeve T shirts, one camisole, and a dress. I usually don't buy that many clothes for myself, but my wardrobe is sadly lacking right now. Most of my shirts and sweaters are worn thin or full of holes. I used my birthday money to buy my clothes, and some of the school clothes fund to pay for Dear Daughter's. The best part is that we were able to purchase 24 items of new clothing for $130.50. Even better is that we saved $512.42! The sales clerks and our fellow bargain shoppers gave us a round of applause when the clerk announced our savings! I felt like a shopping Queen!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnTHfYJfcCf4yhl654kZz_58ltIKJbBU_i0B7IneB_RYq5cghVYynaU7yGtZHtrSvaohg3ArxuDoI-09rRmRFQwpYs9N8E0o5oReP8mxDScqDURGZNWp156vsUFFTuWp4lRM8WQQ___8/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnTHfYJfcCf4yhl654kZz_58ltIKJbBU_i0B7IneB_RYq5cghVYynaU7yGtZHtrSvaohg3ArxuDoI-09rRmRFQwpYs9N8E0o5oReP8mxDScqDURGZNWp156vsUFFTuWp4lRM8WQQ___8/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now is a great time to pick up school clothes or next year's summer clothes and shoes on end of the season clearance sales. A lot of stores are also marking an additional 20 - 50% off the lowest marked price on the clearance items, as well. Next on my back to school bucket list is finding school shoes for Child #3 and 4 on the clearance racks. Both of their feet seem to be growing at an alarming rate, and the shoes they are wearing now probably won't fit by September. </div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-42958288669279391332011-07-15T04:56:00.000-06:002011-07-15T04:56:00.127-06:00Make Your Own MixesI taught a class for my Church's ladies organization last week on stretching your grocery budget. I based the class on this<b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/04/rethinking-my-grocery-shopping-strategy.html" style="color: #e69138;"> POST</a></b>. I also included some links for make your own mixes, convenience foods, and spice blends in the handout I passed out. Making your own mixes and spice blends are a great way to save a little money; plus when you make your own you always know what the ingredient list is! I thought I'd share the links with all of my favorite Bloggy Friends, too. If you find something in the list below that interests you just click on the title to go to the recipe.<br />
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<u><b>Spice Blends:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/01/dry-onion-soup-mix-recipe.html">Dry Onion Soup Mix</a><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/11/make-your-own-pumpkin-pie-spice.html">Pumpkin Pie Spice</a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Taco-Seasoning-I/Detail.aspx">Taco Seasoning</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_622215075">Ranch Dressing Mix </a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chili-Seasoning-Mix-II/Detail.aspx">Chili Seasoning Mix</a><br />
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<u><b>Convenience Foods:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2009/12/breakfast-idea.html">Home Made Pancake Syrup</a><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/06/homemade-bagel-bite-pizza.html"> Bagel Bite Pizzas</a><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/02/crockpot-refried-beans.html">Crockpot Refried Beans</a><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-fudge-pops-with-tutorial.html">Frozen Fudge Pops</a><br />
<a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/06/frozen-fruit-smoothie-pops.html">Frozen Smoothie Pops</a><br />
<a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/48750/homemade-sweetened-condensed-milk-same-as-eagle-brand.html">Sweet and Condensed Milk</a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Playgroup-Granola-Bars/detail.aspx">Granola Bars </a><br />
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<u><b>Mixes:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemademixes/r/bisquickbakingm.htm">Bisquick</a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Homemade-Pancake-Mix/Detail.aspx">Pancake Mix</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cuttingbackkitchen.com/2010/01/15/oatmeal-pancake-mix/">Oatmeal Pancake Mix </a><br />
<a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemademixes/r/cornbreadmix.htm">Corn Muffin Mix </a><br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Homemade-Muffin-Mix">Muffin Mix </a><br />
<a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/yeastbreads/r/homerollmix.htm">Hot Roll Mix</a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/hot-cocoa-mix/Detail.aspx">Hot Cocoa Mix</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/homemade-yellow-or-white-cake-mix.htm/comment-page-1">Yellow Cake Mix</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/homemade_deluxe_chocolate_cake_mix">Chocolate Cake Mix</a><br />
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Hope some of these recipes are helpful!!!!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-6042246518766126362011-07-14T04:44:00.002-06:002011-07-14T04:44:01.023-06:00Make Do Bathroom AccessoriesI really like to decorate. I love to take odds and ends that I find at thrift and consignment stores, gifts, and hand me downs, and turn them into something attractive (at least to me). In my younger days I used to spend countless hours crafting with friends to create accessories to make a "home". I don't have time to do that anymore, but I still like to rearrange and add new accessories every now and then to shake things up a little.<br />
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The bathroom is one area at our house that gets taken for granted. It tends to be pretty utilitarian in both bathrooms. After all, the men in my household don't care much for fluffy decorations in the bathroom. It's more about the reading material that is available. To pretty things up (and give my bathroom a girly touch), I grabbed some things from around the house, and used them to hold some essentials on the bathroom counter.<br />
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I used a ceramic mug from an old dinnerware set to hold toothpaste and all the toothbrushes that wander into my bathroom (why is Mom and Dad's bathroom cooler than your own?). I just turned the broken handle side to the wall. An antique half pint canning jar that I bought for a dollar at a consignment store (it didn't have a lid) holds 5 oz. paper cups. Small stoneware crocks (<b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/search/label/antiques" style="color: #e69138;">that Dear Hubby bought me</a></b>) stores cotton balls and q tips. <br />
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A larger stoneware crock holds combs, brushes, body spray and mouthwash. Of course, the <b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/04/portion-controlsoap-style.html" style="color: #e69138;">foaming hand soap pump</a></b> has been refilled with water and dish soap to save money.<br />
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The boy's bathroom isn't about the pretty. It's about the essentials. Besides boy's don't care if things match or not. I did need something to hold paper cups (they tend to slop water everywhere, and I hate wet, soggy cups). An empty yogurt cup just fit the bill. If you did want to make your cup holder fancy, you could cover it with some scrapbook paper and contact paper (to make it waterproof).<br />
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Cheap, quick, easy, and pretty! The four best words when you are decorating. What are some of your favorite ways to decorate on the cheap?Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-71419042615338056792011-07-13T05:22:00.001-06:002011-07-13T05:22:00.352-06:00Sheet Mending DayI know I have posted before about spending a little more money on "investment purchases". The theory being that certain items will last longer, and you will get more bang for your buck if you buy a better quality product. Sheets are one thing I will spend a little more money on. Usually, I can get four or five years worth of wear out of a set of 400 thread count sheets. I have had great luck buying my sheets at Ross Dress For Less (it is comparable to T.J. Maxx). I bought my last set of sheets for my King size bed about a year ago at Ross ( I think I spent $40.00 for a 400 thread count king sheet set and two extra sets of pillowcases).<br />
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Well, it appears there may be a hole in my theory! Two medium size holes to be exact! When I hung my sheet up on the clothes line, last week, to take advantage to the hot summer day I discovered this lovely hole in the fitted sheet! <br />
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Upon further inspection I discovered the second worn spot directly across from the first hole. Boo Hiss!<br />
I wish I could blame the holes on Dear Hubby toenails, but it appears (due to placement of the holes) my toenails may also be to blame!<br />
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A new fitted sheet is not in the budget right now, so I had to figure out a way to mend the holes and prolong the life of the sheet until I can find an appropriate replacement (either at the thrift store or on a super fabulous clearance sale). Luckily, I had saved the pillow case for the last set of king size sheets. I cut the end off the pillowcase (don't worry I hemmed the pillowcase, and it is now on Child #3's standard size pillow) to use for my patches.<br />
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I measured the areas to be patched. Then I cut two patches two inches wider and two inches longer than the worn areas. <br />
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I pinned the patches on the wrong side of the sheet (the side that will touch the mattress) over the worn areas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vooqAmvcE0iykEJhwTbl3yJKqlmiX_gIB8ZL2qtPM9uKN61wLBvTot0cRK1XAbkJSr1ayhQkJajomNLa1qGhWzbTEDXgdU2nUfigq2q5B6MJktfFo69PiZqcD_Sp3RNqlR3GPMmT5tU/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vooqAmvcE0iykEJhwTbl3yJKqlmiX_gIB8ZL2qtPM9uKN61wLBvTot0cRK1XAbkJSr1ayhQkJajomNLa1qGhWzbTEDXgdU2nUfigq2q5B6MJktfFo69PiZqcD_Sp3RNqlR3GPMmT5tU/s320/IMG_2390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkrd2eSextKyLMSB1zEXoWjQIGh9QukNCLUEDVK6toaASIfiWcrnsO2ryw-bXensblZ8sRuwg5pgZKvd-Oxcsf93KMnoWgx5mMYlffjuIFzVUOO7AyAEVTvnttYBS2YyMjzuAtfd_pYk/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkrd2eSextKyLMSB1zEXoWjQIGh9QukNCLUEDVK6toaASIfiWcrnsO2ryw-bXensblZ8sRuwg5pgZKvd-Oxcsf93KMnoWgx5mMYlffjuIFzVUOO7AyAEVTvnttYBS2YyMjzuAtfd_pYk/s320/IMG_2392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Next, I sewed a zig zag stitch around the edges of the patches to hold them in place. I also did this so that the patches will lay flat (we do have to sleep on them).<br />
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I cut the patches with pinking shears, so that the patches won't fray.<br />
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After the patches were securely in place, flip the sheet over so that the right side is facing up (the side of the sheet that you lay on). I zig zag stitched back and forth over the worn spots (I zig zagged over a spot and then used the reverse button on my machine to go backwards. Make sure to turn the fabric slightly after each row of stitching, so you sew over all the worn area.).<br />
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This reminds me of darning a sock. Essentially, when you darn a sock you are filling in a hole or worn spot by weaving the darning thread around and over the worn out area. That is what I was doing, filling in the worn area (and hole) in the sheet with thread.<br />
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It may not be pretty to look at, but the mended area lays flat and it was quite comfortable to sleep on. <br />
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I am also happy to report that my mending job held up well in the washing machine this week. Hopefully, I will able to get a lot more wear out of the sheet before it's time to retire it (or recycle it).Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-2316434821094816302011-07-12T04:59:00.000-06:002011-07-12T04:59:00.277-06:00Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal CrispThe strawberry bed has provided me with a whole bowl of strawberries this week. I am pretty proud of my strawberry yield (this is only the second year that the strawberries have produced). Home grown strawberries are very sweet and flavorful.<br />
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Most of the strawberries were smallish, about the size of a quarter.<br />
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Some surprised us,and were quite large.<br />
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There were some characters in the batch. They were just oozing with personality.<br />
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There weren't enough strawberries to splint among all the eager eaters, so I combined them with some rhubarb from our rhubarb plant.<br />
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I ended up making Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Crisp. It was uber sweet, uber rich, and uber delicious! Even the rhubarb haters ate it up, and didn't complain!<br />
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I adapted a Rhubarb Crisp recipe out of one of my favorite cookbooks, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/13-Better-Homes-Gardens-Cooking/dp/0696239272/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310353688&sr=8-1" style="color: #e69138;">"9X13 The Pan That Can"</a></b>.<br />
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Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Crisp<br />
(makes 12 - 16 servings)<br />
<br />
Filling:<br />
4 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb<br />
4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (quartered if the berries are large)<br />
1 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces<br />
1/4 cup all purpose flour<br />
<br />
Oatmeal Topping: <br />
2 cups oatmeal<br />
1 3/4 packed brown sugar<br />
1 cup all purpose flour<br />
1 cup chilled butter (two sticks)<br />
<ol><li>Preheat oven to 325.</li>
<li>For filling: in a large bowl combine rhubarb, strawberries, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup flour.</li>
<li>Spread filling evenly in a greased 13x9 baking pan.</li>
<li>For the topping: In a medium bowl combine the 1 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, and 2 cups oatmeal.</li>
<li>With a pastry blender or hand mixer cut cold butter into oatmeal mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.</li>
<li>Sprinkle oatmeal mixture evenly over fruit filling.</li>
<li>Bake, uncovered for 45 - 50 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is golden brown.</li>
</ol>This recipe isn't super frugal or healthy. Almost three cups of brown sugar and 2 1/4 cups of butter does cut into the baking supplies (and we won't talk about the cholestrol), but for a special occasion I think it's okay to go a little crazy once in awhile!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-14208008023718943882011-07-11T05:59:00.003-06:002011-07-11T11:06:13.398-06:00This Year's Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are a faithful reader here at Tightwad Mom's, you know that growing a garden is one of my favorite frugal tools. Almost everyone can grow some of their own produce. Whether it's a few tomato plants in buckets, and some lettuce and herbs in the flower beds, to square foot gardening in raised beds, or a full scale backyard garden plot. I live in a suburban neighborhood, and I do not have a huge backyard, but I have adapted to make gardening work for me. You can read more about it <b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-does-your-garden-grow.html" style="color: #e69138;">HERE</a></b> and <b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/09/mary-mary-quite-contraryhow-did-your.html" style="color: #6aa84f;">HERE</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Usually by this time my garden is really filling in and starting to blossom. However, this years garden has been slow in growing, and a little bit behind. We had an unusually cold and wet spring that lasted well into June. I did plant the whole garden Memorial weekend (which is about the right time to plant in my corner of Idaho), but it rained steadily for a week after I planted. It didn't help that because of my unusually busy June, I ignored my poor little garden, and left it to the wolves (er, weeds). I finally got around to pulling all of the offensive weeds this weekend, and once they were all gone, I was able to take stock of the my garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The yellow squash (or maybe the zucchini) plants seems to be doing well; the other, not so much. I can't remember which is which. I guess, I should have paid better attention when I planted them. Not to worry, once they start producing I will be able to tell.</div><br />
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The banana squash plants are doing growing well, and just about ready to start climbing the fence trellis. I decided to grow banana squash, because they are a great substitute for pumpkin, and if you trellis them produce well in a small space.<br />
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My pepper plants, however, are not doing well at all. They are pretty tiny still, and don't seem to have any desire to grow, quickly. I was really hoping that I would have a bumper crop of green and hot pepper to freeze, and use to make salsa.<br />
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The green beans are really starting to grow. I am hoping they will start climbing up their trellis this week.<br />
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Most of the carrots must have washed away in the wet weather. I have very few that have sprouted. The same with my cilantro and dill weed. I am going to replant the herbs in hopes that they will grow now that the weather is hot and dry.<br />
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The beets are doing great. Let's hope a stinking vole doesn't come help himself to this years crop!<br />
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The cucumbers are a little dicey, as well. Only four plants germinated. That will give us enough to eat fresh, but my hopes for making pickles have been crushed (for this year, at least).<br />
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The tomatoes in the back garden are starting to grow, but I don't know how well they will produce. They were twice this size last year at the same time. I may be buying tomatoes this year if I want to make salsa.<br />
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The peas that I planted way to late, loved the cold wet spring (and the shady area of the garden they have been planted in), I do believe I will have peas before to much longer.<br />
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The onions are thriving. They must have like the wet weather, too.<br />
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The lettuce and spinach are pretty patchy. Only a few spinach plants have survived. Then only lettuce that grew well, was the butter crunch. I planted the lettuce in shady part of the garden, too. I plan on planting more spinach and lettuce tomorrow.<br />
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The front garden has cherry tomato plants, Child #4's cabbage plant (that he is growing for a school project), some kale, parsley, and a few more onions. The kale is growing well. I am hoping to harvest it in a couple of weeks.<br />
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My poor tomatoes in the front garden are spindly and stunted. My big organic, heirloom tomato plant project seems to have fizzled.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu15CmUCuAmzw4oMZzqP-udEY0STJM82bqd1mtkeV6n2pF5W-PpIFhhQRP2_hMdtDyJMrt3n1iL3LQ1skMJeP2PM5_pYsc3E2yiuWr_Rd-bX1v4c_ZUMRABvkaPg6PPL1tvAp2aaEyYcs/s320/IMG_2622.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
I still have hope that my garden will come out of it's slump, and surprise me! I am really hoping for a long, lovely, warm Indian Summer that will allow my garden an extra few weeks to produce. My fingers are crossed!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-65041924349637749572011-07-10T16:51:00.004-06:002011-07-12T16:01:11.765-06:00This Week's Menu 7/10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLbVoPsKfCGPiotaM547sRqUKThgggdcY672K6KAsFavdfmfHMluZ_51SSo8adYQcdDw7KiBOjaMIh1fyKOIXEpQhD0OQ57ydkZPeqAkZvUnxsO2gVxF422VhnkhfaaGWs0JfUHZhZQM/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLbVoPsKfCGPiotaM547sRqUKThgggdcY672K6KAsFavdfmfHMluZ_51SSo8adYQcdDw7KiBOjaMIh1fyKOIXEpQhD0OQ57ydkZPeqAkZvUnxsO2gVxF422VhnkhfaaGWs0JfUHZhZQM/s320/IMG_2609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (This week's Bountiful Basket)</div><br />
I have nothing exciting or new on the menu this week. I am continuing to use up food out of the freezer (so I can do a big freezer defrost before the late Summer - early Fall produce bounty begins). I am also relying on pantry staples and<a href="http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/"> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Bountiful Basket</span></b></a> produce to round out this week's menu. This week we will be eating:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Sunday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pork Roast</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sauteed Mushrooms</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower</div><div style="text-align: center;">Steamed Peas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Monday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">BBQ Pork</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2011/03/home-made-hamburger-buns.html">Homemade Buns</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apricot Jello (with Apricots in it so my kid's might think they are peaches)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Tuesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">BLTs on Homemade Buns</div><div style="text-align: center;">Leftover Jello</div><div style="text-align: center;">Homemade Applesauce</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Wednesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Noodle Soup</div><div style="text-align: center;">Easy Breadsticks</div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Salad<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Thursday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Burritos</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4002109497664380714&postID=6504192434963774957&from=pencil" style="color: #e69138;">Crockpot Refried Beans </a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fruit Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugal-pumpkin-pie.html">"<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Pumpkin" Pie (made out of pureed Butternut Squash)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Friday </b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leftovers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brocolli<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Saturday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grilled Hot Dogs</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pasta Salad </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fruit of some kind</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I happened to get a container of figs in my basket this week. I am stumped with what to do with them. Does anyone have a great idea for using up some fresh figs?</div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-40643752292377715902011-07-08T04:03:00.001-06:002011-07-08T04:03:00.239-06:00Sprinkler Make Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2TZFu6B_r4s0ifbAoVMVm7bwqLQEnOzxvLiJm9QYpoR4xhyz2i_soVyEhhKFamLHrUkOr1v7017shPFZHg8GpB35PD2nNx0UHTrgdIUwqyFdboFW2FF0pDdNKerbMcqJ-zvbA9_p6wo/s1600/sprinkler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2TZFu6B_r4s0ifbAoVMVm7bwqLQEnOzxvLiJm9QYpoR4xhyz2i_soVyEhhKFamLHrUkOr1v7017shPFZHg8GpB35PD2nNx0UHTrgdIUwqyFdboFW2FF0pDdNKerbMcqJ-zvbA9_p6wo/s320/sprinkler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Well, in true Barrett fashion, I went looking for our good sprinkler the other day (the one I bought on clearance last year, so that we would finally have a good quality one that would water a large area of lawn at one time. How I wish we had an automatic sprinkler system! Sigh!). Of course, I could only find this yellow one. It is designed to work alone (with a cap on the end), or you can connect several together with several hoses. I know there are probably eight bazillion stinking sprinklers in the garage, but I could only find this one.....without the cap on the end. Further searching did not result in finding the cap (which I am sure I put in a safe place, so I could find it when I needed it. Along with the GOOD sprinkler). In desperation, I grabbed the spray nozzle that I use to hose off dirty sidewalks, dirty children, and dirty cars; and twisted it on the end (making sure the spray nozzle was twisted completely closed). I am happy to report that it worked like a charm and the lawn got watered before it completely burned to a crisp! Desperation is the mother of .....well.....flying by the seat of your pants, but the end result is what matters.............right?Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-70088409617502612862011-07-07T05:11:00.002-06:002011-07-07T05:11:01.215-06:00Happy Birthday To Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgrpUL94OJOTDe302Ke7GtgIwqjS-94lzkUzyuEv90vjwPhyO96G1MnlfafQKhaSJtXYm3scE38P0AdCUUcZAUD1YOKSVlCTe9pYb6rUgFlM4xNE_mGYXgOAiZw6nZ44JAO7Zi9SNePw/s1600/birthday-cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgrpUL94OJOTDe302Ke7GtgIwqjS-94lzkUzyuEv90vjwPhyO96G1MnlfafQKhaSJtXYm3scE38P0AdCUUcZAUD1YOKSVlCTe9pYb6rUgFlM4xNE_mGYXgOAiZw6nZ44JAO7Zi9SNePw/s320/birthday-cake2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Today is my Birthday. I am not really a huge fans of birthdays. Mainly because I don't like being the center of attention. Plus, each birthday seems to bring a few more wrinkles, another pound or two to my posterior, and comments from my children about how I am now middle aged. (Cheeky Little Devils). I am trying to be more positive and gracious about Birthdays. I suppose that each birthday means that maybe I have gained a little more experience, a little more wisdom, and a little more gratitude. Maybe it just means I get to pick the flavor of the cake (and no I do not want a Barbie cake, Star Wars cake, Neon Funfetti cupcakes, or a Motorcycle Riding Up A Hill cake. Just a nice Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will be fine), or that my children will refrain from from squabbling, or being cheeky for one day (or maybe not). There have been broadly dropped hints about fabulous (well thought out) presents by my Dear Hubby, and that has my intrigued! It really doesn't matter, it just makes my feel good that my family cares enough to hint about presents, and maybe a birthday dessert I don't have to make.<br />
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The best present of all, though, is that I now have 102 FABULOUS FOLLOWERS here at Tightwad Mom's. You all are the most wonderful Bloggy Friends a girl (middle aged or otherwise) could ask for! I consider you all great friends, and I ADORE reading your comments (So don't be shy! Let me know what you think!). Your comments are the high point of my day. Thank you all for becoming followers, so that I could reach my goal of 100 faithful readers by my Birthday. It really means a lot to me that you are all so willing take a minute out of your busy lives to stop by (some of you every day), and see what going on here at Tightwad Central! I hope that you all have found something here on my blog that has helped stretch your budget a little further. After all, "Tightwads of a feather, really should stick together!"<br />
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-8613079913761907792011-07-06T05:08:00.002-06:002011-07-06T19:45:02.216-06:00Homemade Fudge Pops With TutorialSaturday afternoon I finally had a little spare time to try the recipe for homemade fudge pops. I found the recipe on <b><a href="http://allrecipes.com/" style="color: #6aa84f;">allrecipes.com</a></b>. I have to say, that I have been using allrecipes quite a bit lately, and it is fabulous (I'm sure many of you have discovered it's magic long ago. I am just a late bloomer, I guess)! I swear you can find any recipe in the known world on their website!! Anyway, the fudgesicles were extremely easy to concoct, and uber cheap!!!! I figured out that 24 fudgesicles cost $1.35. I am extremely happy about that!<br />
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Here is the recipe:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Homemade Fudge Pops</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">(makes 12 frozen treats. I doubled the recipe to make 24 frozen treats.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can also find the recipe <b><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fudge-pops/detail.aspx" style="color: #6aa84f;">HERE</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup granulated sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tablespoons all purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tablespoons cocoa powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 cups milk ( I used 1% milk)</div><ul><li>Stir together sugar, flour, and cocoa powder in a large sauce pan (I double the recipe, so I used large pot)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2bKhRErb2sPjSqZyymNZlX8hnnZg335h_OKaCWHDn4fO-Rrm3cfVwH6AAiE0xu8tXGwXoNBzjaUmX0cRR6sTkacGaYnbwYE4TkpXWuQD7doqRyCnbzieAhob7GTbN32agV1W2TccTdU/s1600/462+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2bKhRErb2sPjSqZyymNZlX8hnnZg335h_OKaCWHDn4fO-Rrm3cfVwH6AAiE0xu8tXGwXoNBzjaUmX0cRR6sTkacGaYnbwYE4TkpXWuQD7doqRyCnbzieAhob7GTbN32agV1W2TccTdU/s320/462+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Stir in half of the milk into the dry mixture and whisk until completely combined and smooth.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0XJSxu6alZu3hyphenhyphenVa-eRL3LfqPp7LRY0EvKbI85xq5uwlLtwKVtwTfc-MQL1rp3NRF2cvlmC2u7oa05lDlA6dyGgkN3koCPOoGrwOTFWFOiVWLLE6qhuYUCxdUqkw1OsGt9OU2zWc_d8/s1600/463+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0XJSxu6alZu3hyphenhyphenVa-eRL3LfqPp7LRY0EvKbI85xq5uwlLtwKVtwTfc-MQL1rp3NRF2cvlmC2u7oa05lDlA6dyGgkN3koCPOoGrwOTFWFOiVWLLE6qhuYUCxdUqkw1OsGt9OU2zWc_d8/s320/463+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Stir in the rest of the milk. </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGXpJff80cr3H9JkCt29v-GojjHkapwgX379H6hUvWfHDbO7FiCpmRx5gl3vRMm5fB4QTLbGyXyrD1a_qE4fobHD0x4OsxBhCs7O76pBGcyzChSEe9mfgHiNuzpXXRqEXR3M-moFMYbs/s1600/466+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGXpJff80cr3H9JkCt29v-GojjHkapwgX379H6hUvWfHDbO7FiCpmRx5gl3vRMm5fB4QTLbGyXyrD1a_qE4fobHD0x4OsxBhCs7O76pBGcyzChSEe9mfgHiNuzpXXRqEXR3M-moFMYbs/s320/466+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> When the rest of the milk is completely incorporated. Heat on medium heat. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL4E1iadS_WBS0ZW5K52xNomU-nF7vNOBPVAfE0xB9ViSeRTVRBkKclD1NZdseuqNSv4KLq_RKXx2hAPk66QBcktM8CMzqzKCAdzSvUweC_eYvBZu8qG_qoZoA06lFTCkWr79tDGl1Ck/s1600/464+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL4E1iadS_WBS0ZW5K52xNomU-nF7vNOBPVAfE0xB9ViSeRTVRBkKclD1NZdseuqNSv4KLq_RKXx2hAPk66QBcktM8CMzqzKCAdzSvUweC_eYvBZu8qG_qoZoA06lFTCkWr79tDGl1Ck/s320/464+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Stir the mixture constantly (so that it won't scorch) until it comes to a full rolling boil. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwuEgem45xXLxFEDe8c-HjfUh9iTyC5nrOr471AJU6fwzSGxh06bsFffxufFtRb-xX_oh6EcV0jKHvsbdB1TUh5tFN57UBS-HFN_5iabF2D8TIUypn8ZiaqFshmf-bZC3TGEjbr4UC9M/s1600/468+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwuEgem45xXLxFEDe8c-HjfUh9iTyC5nrOr471AJU6fwzSGxh06bsFffxufFtRb-xX_oh6EcV0jKHvsbdB1TUh5tFN57UBS-HFN_5iabF2D8TIUypn8ZiaqFshmf-bZC3TGEjbr4UC9M/s320/468+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>Continue stirring and allow the contents to boil for two minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool until warm (about 20 minutes). </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN_2A-wi0VB7VtBJJaI0EVs2SceX_d0wkgInvHGudrh_pCDlC92LbBKCteA3iOJ-Mmxu8D33vu484UWXyGLF5FjafrJnS0ijXM4-RSBuXQYgu2H5K9BzBRsZC1cXpDr9rrYWTcVXjyZ8/s1600/473+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN_2A-wi0VB7VtBJJaI0EVs2SceX_d0wkgInvHGudrh_pCDlC92LbBKCteA3iOJ-Mmxu8D33vu484UWXyGLF5FjafrJnS0ijXM4-RSBuXQYgu2H5K9BzBRsZC1cXpDr9rrYWTcVXjyZ8/s320/473+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Pour warm mixture into an empty (and clean) ketchup or syrup bottle. I do this because it is much easier to fill the molds. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNwYOOJgDqT7vhyfJ5A0gc4sJtbqxn8WH8QN0iFm5_YjwE7ALD3f98ExiFV2wh_Svv_vBs6BdRXIhCpIxTIxYsI2XNUj7Q5bd4UDozcrR9KhRXa_d_NiEf9tveHUxFKk6dLnOldawRrw/s1600/474+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNwYOOJgDqT7vhyfJ5A0gc4sJtbqxn8WH8QN0iFm5_YjwE7ALD3f98ExiFV2wh_Svv_vBs6BdRXIhCpIxTIxYsI2XNUj7Q5bd4UDozcrR9KhRXa_d_NiEf9tveHUxFKk6dLnOldawRrw/s320/474+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Fill each section of the mold about 7/8 full. About 1/4 cup per mold.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT95KfXiKe8mMIcCxN30Vuo5SrcG7P1jIzK8Lr3qxiKl4_L7gKlIA4AIk5IrW6r8BKT_-K_PsgDg-DiI6_aJr4lYQ_K_F1RiNU6urTq0iR9Qj_C1Rtko1ORDU1Jnzz-b3nHg1jsfHcEss/s1600/475+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT95KfXiKe8mMIcCxN30Vuo5SrcG7P1jIzK8Lr3qxiKl4_L7gKlIA4AIk5IrW6r8BKT_-K_PsgDg-DiI6_aJr4lYQ_K_F1RiNU6urTq0iR9Qj_C1Rtko1ORDU1Jnzz-b3nHg1jsfHcEss/s320/475+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> When all the molds are filled, place to mold top on each section. </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoESp4W7rluHEHimviSUg2FRqSIaDQaJ_bMoZuGzg4Pwslx6YLe78eVt3Ugs9ZIN98vsTlwn2mQGKrxdzNlqo6oovgwhfbpRNgwdnqkWCegsIOJfEGZSrc0XJCgzpQe-l_Odl8Z4cdZDE/s1600/477+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoESp4W7rluHEHimviSUg2FRqSIaDQaJ_bMoZuGzg4Pwslx6YLe78eVt3Ugs9ZIN98vsTlwn2mQGKrxdzNlqo6oovgwhfbpRNgwdnqkWCegsIOJfEGZSrc0XJCgzpQe-l_Odl8Z4cdZDE/s320/477+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji0nBWgLN-uMRmbP0nTXiqeo5XRGDyRdGADLwF5JCnOeVKdQqDxx26OnpNTRVnQwGoMnOrkq3_0SesecEBx6yWK0n6yEqmM5sKAJhbZKDxDIjfUwwEiBDe5HBHtLYPDYx86KFAhyuSFo/s1600/478+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji0nBWgLN-uMRmbP0nTXiqeo5XRGDyRdGADLwF5JCnOeVKdQqDxx26OnpNTRVnQwGoMnOrkq3_0SesecEBx6yWK0n6yEqmM5sKAJhbZKDxDIjfUwwEiBDe5HBHtLYPDYx86KFAhyuSFo/s320/478+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Of course, I discovered that several of my tops are missing ( naughty children). I had to improvise by using four small plastic knives I dug out of my stash of plastic silverware. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokAn6AOEhldjiElKFl7X7lh5kTl-0eJ5M6Li54NEXE8U1rFcc0v2_K7vKnC6piQG5LDf7TRWfe8OTbtyIXL2IfI94ViKkhiIG82mv7qRcdMBOE8iEn4vKTqVCgT2Q91N_rJrOj99w0Ds/s1600/484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokAn6AOEhldjiElKFl7X7lh5kTl-0eJ5M6Li54NEXE8U1rFcc0v2_K7vKnC6piQG5LDf7TRWfe8OTbtyIXL2IfI94ViKkhiIG82mv7qRcdMBOE8iEn4vKTqVCgT2Q91N_rJrOj99w0Ds/s320/484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> Place in the freezer until completely frozen ( I usually just let them stay in overnight).</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b_eCmKK8u3jvWyW2XsuoxINP7NcR-3qSG9F4sYEE7ZG3yfGrnM-cOs1DmONQJ3GHbwQue0ZFjGBu4Lmotrgvu9VFcD2n8zva7Iae5IrX82xVq_BtQC9TPKabBCb1odJ9aN1TK_C9dRU/s1600/485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b_eCmKK8u3jvWyW2XsuoxINP7NcR-3qSG9F4sYEE7ZG3yfGrnM-cOs1DmONQJ3GHbwQue0ZFjGBu4Lmotrgvu9VFcD2n8zva7Iae5IrX82xVq_BtQC9TPKabBCb1odJ9aN1TK_C9dRU/s320/485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>To remove fudgesicles from the molds, run hot water over the molds for a minute or two, or let sit on the counter for five minutes before removing.</li>
</ul><ul></ul> If you don't own frozen pop molds you can use 4 ounce or 6 ounce clean yogurt containers. You can also use 4 ounce wax coated or plastic paper cups (if you use plastic cups you can wash and reuse them). Just line them up on a large cookie sheet. Craft sticks (found at most dollar stores) or small plastic knives work great for handles. To get your "handles" to set straight, chill the fudge pop mixture for one hour before inserting them.Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-65932926451127180042011-07-05T15:07:00.000-06:002011-07-05T15:07:37.546-06:00Fourth Of July Block Party In Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Warning</b>: This post has turned into a rather long pictorial, so grab a snack or at least a beverage before viewing.</div><br />
Two years ago my Dear Friend (and neighbor) and I observed that every one in our cul de sac was barbecuing with friends and family on their perspective driveways and decks. As the evening wore on, all the the separate get togethers ended up mixing and mingling in the cul de sac; while we lit off our stock piles of fireworks and waited for the city fireworks display to begin (our neighborhood is a half mile from the county fairgrounds, where they light off the annual city fireworks display. Thus, we have a spectacular view, and why we always have a large number of family and friends converge on our neighborhood). That night the light dawned for both of us, we decided that why not throw a block party! Since we all end up mingling anyway, why not start off that way with a big block party. Last year was such a hit, we decided to make it an annual event.<br />
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Since my Dear Friend and I are all about keeping our soirees on a budget, we implemented a few savvy tricks to throw a great party, but not break the bank. Our best tip is to plan well in advance, so that you can take advantage of sales and promotions at the local stores.<br />
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First, ALWAYS get yourself a partner in crime, if you are about to plan a large scale party. Of course, my Dear Friend is always up for a challenge. Everything is MUCH more fun with a friend (especially mine)!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92yjtc497Z8W9x4A6_ZIJKDsjW652sMchxcykwy0tjaCcgx-gTOMut8_kpEL-xYTnMHXdzrF1PBLVCquhOMLy4svI1mZA3H-_PisbjOBNqAO-obmgWRAOjrFdOk4MbwP8Vapbw_P0SEw/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92yjtc497Z8W9x4A6_ZIJKDsjW652sMchxcykwy0tjaCcgx-gTOMut8_kpEL-xYTnMHXdzrF1PBLVCquhOMLy4svI1mZA3H-_PisbjOBNqAO-obmgWRAOjrFdOk4MbwP8Vapbw_P0SEw/s320/IMG_2455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We both whipped up a batch of strawberry lemonade from a powdered mix (that we bought on a great sale). To fancy it up, we added frozen strawberries and a few lemon slices. Earlier in the day, I frozen an ice cream bucket filled with lemonade to make a giant ice cube that would keep the punch cold, but not dilute the lemonade as it melted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-xKljomcdkylehgI8RaNSVfUF4x78cGuSJmDmvnrV_DXCVg8aNgj0bL2sRhSG_GPymLsw3Qb6clDf88fM3yfY_PccgsojBifURSRVbUwDz24BWMe5uNtDTBm9nIcqI1u7szQ2f6_u0Y/s1600/IMG_2446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-xKljomcdkylehgI8RaNSVfUF4x78cGuSJmDmvnrV_DXCVg8aNgj0bL2sRhSG_GPymLsw3Qb6clDf88fM3yfY_PccgsojBifURSRVbUwDz24BWMe5uNtDTBm9nIcqI1u7szQ2f6_u0Y/s320/IMG_2446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We, also filled coolers with ice a sodas (which we also bought on sale with coupons). A borrowed insulated drink dispenser was filled with ice water. In fact, we borrowed several table from neighbors so we had enough space for all the food and drinks.<br />
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Of course, we appointed a grill master to grill hot dogs (which we bought in June for $.50 a package on a loss leader sale with coupons). We stocked up on hot dog buns at two grocery stores that were offering $.48 packages of buns.<br />
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We used a store promo to buy fried chicken. It was cheaper and easier than buying hamburgers to grill. The promo included 50 pieces of chicken and a half sheet cake for $49.99. We ended up ordering two promos. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhaBMN84a3vNX-Ilu1bk_n9OUEf4BgzODDo8_hozCl7UzOJMyn9wiQA6jKBtPZW3Ob82flitI-YOYdOhRUhhYMzzzfae7IVfmwSrFxTGgqrdLqyW1zswQM3lV7vJU-8xYmP_wQ0jnkEo/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhaBMN84a3vNX-Ilu1bk_n9OUEf4BgzODDo8_hozCl7UzOJMyn9wiQA6jKBtPZW3Ob82flitI-YOYdOhRUhhYMzzzfae7IVfmwSrFxTGgqrdLqyW1zswQM3lV7vJU-8xYmP_wQ0jnkEo/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We turned the sheet cakes into birthday cakes for two of our guest who have birthdays. One on the 4th and one on the 5th.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k9lBA37jffMx6Y829yaPlpIMlshPUF1FHWbuzCvpk3q9AiRQ-V1gLjSqjcVkEbrrAlyuthXLZqMw9cM2KOl55aSGYYLpl5YGt1wdEIj2iQdGKEoM-OTxfZ5-XKrVBd6ixotLk2GZYr8/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k9lBA37jffMx6Y829yaPlpIMlshPUF1FHWbuzCvpk3q9AiRQ-V1gLjSqjcVkEbrrAlyuthXLZqMw9cM2KOl55aSGYYLpl5YGt1wdEIj2iQdGKEoM-OTxfZ5-XKrVBd6ixotLk2GZYr8/s320/IMG_2459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl_mZ8T_-TBSwRo-blO5Noznfmxq7gItZeEiTpkROIJHaWvwN63UpIf1WcUUUB2p1L31lhfQkN7_ev9XD6mvFLxFNG3s1DTmeD0nrjs3y2XuJ76hG89-a5xhl4hlcLAqoy-oaUnEKuno/s1600/IMG_2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl_mZ8T_-TBSwRo-blO5Noznfmxq7gItZeEiTpkROIJHaWvwN63UpIf1WcUUUB2p1L31lhfQkN7_ev9XD6mvFLxFNG3s1DTmeD0nrjs3y2XuJ76hG89-a5xhl4hlcLAqoy-oaUnEKuno/s320/IMG_2458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We provided the meat and drinks, and asked all the invitees to bring a potluck dish to share. Potlucks are the best way to keep food costs down. Plus you get to sample lots of great food (and maybe, glean a recipe or two).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbE68x1yJeQw_qq3C_qguzYI6AIjOJMd9BTJAkk5EJroe5WYipvWidBmEpUk2uyk3s1W_9opCIbAQrYe_4HGuwDVvcM40sAi56A6e019y5xYfwS7ErelrX_4Rc1KCQZCwbrxCUhoK28A/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbE68x1yJeQw_qq3C_qguzYI6AIjOJMd9BTJAkk5EJroe5WYipvWidBmEpUk2uyk3s1W_9opCIbAQrYe_4HGuwDVvcM40sAi56A6e019y5xYfwS7ErelrX_4Rc1KCQZCwbrxCUhoK28A/s320/IMG_2454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn40TcfyXY8zEgTBifJy07arj3nLz5njVaxTyQKAtOTqejoDs3YKC3kXGShRtmRtv76__wmpuRkytOSh2xnpIyiwB__qvxLfvuUi8CaLv5lCKuU9MKsDTEvk2sPDMkDPYnhUp_Zl3awrE/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn40TcfyXY8zEgTBifJy07arj3nLz5njVaxTyQKAtOTqejoDs3YKC3kXGShRtmRtv76__wmpuRkytOSh2xnpIyiwB__qvxLfvuUi8CaLv5lCKuU9MKsDTEvk2sPDMkDPYnhUp_Zl3awrE/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Be sure to invite some one who is talented and is willing to whip up a festive Jello mold!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzyBmtahUPfTNHPxCJEwtO8m22LNixhtve5LyzAJAFxDSeiQStNZ0HC5c8DtZavvivNwS0gLPlIDJwrUxxX2GNBqfmClC8NEAX18MTCZZoma51QVJo1utiBbs_c8-OekWK1nKf1RFnZ4/s1600/IMG_2457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzyBmtahUPfTNHPxCJEwtO8m22LNixhtve5LyzAJAFxDSeiQStNZ0HC5c8DtZavvivNwS0gLPlIDJwrUxxX2GNBqfmClC8NEAX18MTCZZoma51QVJo1utiBbs_c8-OekWK1nKf1RFnZ4/s320/IMG_2457.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
Always watch the sky for the potential thunder/ rain/ hail storm that may be on the horizon. Then hurriedly form a Plan B in the back of you heads. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJACHQUteTupXulg7ykgRUfq6E6cxvSQvwOCazDZnyEE3xmAGCeph-0B8noxi93hspitdXT4Lq9rPXjQ79ZWWOHMZ1KWaKJLgg8wdlu_dV4A-SjQOYWQpyM7hMa0BxY-ql2pKNqLRE-6w/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJACHQUteTupXulg7ykgRUfq6E6cxvSQvwOCazDZnyEE3xmAGCeph-0B8noxi93hspitdXT4Lq9rPXjQ79ZWWOHMZ1KWaKJLgg8wdlu_dV4A-SjQOYWQpyM7hMa0BxY-ql2pKNqLRE-6w/s320/IMG_2461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gather all the guest up to hurry and grab some chow before the rain starts to fall!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07QTyz_493w_8Egj5O9T6RKdKaa0pBC6u0dKAseVAoUGDDaKXhTX56DVn0-4qElJYtAUMLK0yeZfKA2u2EjWLwaAvdU2JhIaZygaGgSSlNjzcLWSMay9dlwFGmOwq1GxfjnnG0HdTXVM/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07QTyz_493w_8Egj5O9T6RKdKaa0pBC6u0dKAseVAoUGDDaKXhTX56DVn0-4qElJYtAUMLK0yeZfKA2u2EjWLwaAvdU2JhIaZygaGgSSlNjzcLWSMay9dlwFGmOwq1GxfjnnG0HdTXVM/s320/IMG_2464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI3krAWBTsw7J6kQhZkE3F_N1gdRc-Mh_3e1Z_UZ9dc8Pxv41k06xauFJ-xkxgLccGOXZ_TOwFdaqDmw9cdkavp-OnMPeV6dvMXtjenY07kDgQPET5mLBBZNuHLeGitFhqlqxyhDOMwM/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI3krAWBTsw7J6kQhZkE3F_N1gdRc-Mh_3e1Z_UZ9dc8Pxv41k06xauFJ-xkxgLccGOXZ_TOwFdaqDmw9cdkavp-OnMPeV6dvMXtjenY07kDgQPET5mLBBZNuHLeGitFhqlqxyhDOMwM/s320/IMG_2472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then put Plan B into effect, and drag all the tables of food (and guests) into the garage for the duration of the storm.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrZMBLyNTAl03Ws4onSD7S8XwXcADTqw1_-zq3X9QArRTgHNbORlLAFNQ1yTHtvWR9HwWZHlQqJ6uextZAy85jaqPGTa1Tg7sVhtVo-j_0vIItZj4RXEIBsAbPlT2DQlGBnt21W3wuM8/s1600/IMG_2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrZMBLyNTAl03Ws4onSD7S8XwXcADTqw1_-zq3X9QArRTgHNbORlLAFNQ1yTHtvWR9HwWZHlQqJ6uextZAy85jaqPGTa1Tg7sVhtVo-j_0vIItZj4RXEIBsAbPlT2DQlGBnt21W3wuM8/s320/IMG_2490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now you sit the garage and visit and eat and watch the torrential downpour (and the hail bouncing off the grass).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSJ4KxhyvOZ-dmRRHUhmpFcZPzhyphenhyphenkkw6vOoznSLHNVENS2ZnjVakcpfVHXrLxkAUhpTwbVIa7YOmEUIYQ2LW2WKpN58cftipuw9uDN4rIy89cUIOD5zhjA4LtvjqFN1yXTOqtqjNB4P0/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSJ4KxhyvOZ-dmRRHUhmpFcZPzhyphenhyphenkkw6vOoznSLHNVENS2ZnjVakcpfVHXrLxkAUhpTwbVIa7YOmEUIYQ2LW2WKpN58cftipuw9uDN4rIy89cUIOD5zhjA4LtvjqFN1yXTOqtqjNB4P0/s320/IMG_2480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And watch the kids that aren't deterred by a cloud burst.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTJ221LSnnHG-bTpy3g_LIN8IjeeIACYkdXD9PeZg_qNf52l2qFde05oLF7SuqJ8yWTBtII31MZ09hFJuyFvpLvZivh00biu67kwTPFKl6ji6OyT043fTIdLV9axD8RznxN5MnajR-bY/s1600/IMG_2491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTJ221LSnnHG-bTpy3g_LIN8IjeeIACYkdXD9PeZg_qNf52l2qFde05oLF7SuqJ8yWTBtII31MZ09hFJuyFvpLvZivh00biu67kwTPFKl6ji6OyT043fTIdLV9axD8RznxN5MnajR-bY/s320/IMG_2491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When the storm blows over and the sun comes back out, again. You breathe a sigh of relief, and then you take a moment to be thankful that the rain has cooled the temperature down 20 degrees. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYhfQtJT8FFwrb02BwnIQ-mIvpp_GLJ9eeaSjW2R87F4rJ43gpgPxBJCpXopcWNPGX41U2dAi-_sMfIeO0vXqRGCa_uKra_lScprMU6N9cWRGLaS6IWLMMeK-dH7Grq3z0wMYLUzy4M8/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYhfQtJT8FFwrb02BwnIQ-mIvpp_GLJ9eeaSjW2R87F4rJ43gpgPxBJCpXopcWNPGX41U2dAi-_sMfIeO0vXqRGCa_uKra_lScprMU6N9cWRGLaS6IWLMMeK-dH7Grq3z0wMYLUzy4M8/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Soon the party is back in full swing!! Floating tub toys in the water running down the gutter. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY44WZY3-WJz_g2nayFyv1WI-j1wll_XxZdfQ0sWfEfyG96IJAok7EZpQsgw4MncBiPemYg5S1v3G8wuxzArkPvTmbmJTlT_ixKaE__b_D7azIEx3wA3gAhrpj4qELfyDK4bdD-NXJSI/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY44WZY3-WJz_g2nayFyv1WI-j1wll_XxZdfQ0sWfEfyG96IJAok7EZpQsgw4MncBiPemYg5S1v3G8wuxzArkPvTmbmJTlT_ixKaE__b_D7azIEx3wA3gAhrpj4qELfyDK4bdD-NXJSI/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Every party needs some entertainment. My nephew, Stewart, dazzled us with some juggling. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIuAOyrtxUgWFddiVZEZVW6yjwXAl2SpRmonxEtadKLazO98N2a2QwzZAOgO4DL8iQ6I998T8w4AgxyIVSVMb7cECtIFa3zi7ctdKpgj0zTGMyf47B8r5_UtnDmRX5ALufK1W1YxQPxs/s1600/IMG_2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIuAOyrtxUgWFddiVZEZVW6yjwXAl2SpRmonxEtadKLazO98N2a2QwzZAOgO4DL8iQ6I998T8w4AgxyIVSVMb7cECtIFa3zi7ctdKpgj0zTGMyf47B8r5_UtnDmRX5ALufK1W1YxQPxs/s320/IMG_2493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The teenagers roamed in a herd observing their surrounding.<br />
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The younger set preferred a little street dancing to pass the time!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And some jump roping, too.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjypoytC6PJm9bd5xXc7Jvx7EWY2zLXbPhpoO_iAckYHjUU93Y85N-n5-Ca09CMqiPu4_4_ry8EM3tFlLO2_v4D5EtEpItGxzmWHPD9EaUbMxqbUYudJGU2J4j0QwV46u1Xp0EHCxKPwE/s320/IMG_2519.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
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And the boy's resume setting fire to the spent fireworks. Apparently, you must take advantage of the one day a year that you can set fires (under adult supervision), and your mother will not smack you up the side of your head or ground you!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVYhsvhoDICO5mGOxceauc2BEceQAeecEDaRSDYSaMIsq_uVMLt9uCiW3XC9MBxQIY6ItGI4Sr6VTtXYBt7Ny5p4qUIqb8kusk4775MrCHfToL4eYkACTeCe85_H-sk3WJX82eRCebWk/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVYhsvhoDICO5mGOxceauc2BEceQAeecEDaRSDYSaMIsq_uVMLt9uCiW3XC9MBxQIY6ItGI4Sr6VTtXYBt7Ny5p4qUIqb8kusk4775MrCHfToL4eYkACTeCe85_H-sk3WJX82eRCebWk/s320/IMG_2499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>When it finally got dark it was time to light of some fireworks (okay lots and lots of fireworks) in the middle of the cul de sac.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9l5snv4NAn0Zc3sfN3fUdD9hqjnVyWQ8DqOMS4Zm9Cz0FpbjRrSwqkS9KWU-zCK77dPgO0oiNBd_Xu2vYLF8at9Gt2EL_HH7LNZPsx93lIZaVAXFCtiuGmhY9s6feDF-qcnY-J5jJj0/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9l5snv4NAn0Zc3sfN3fUdD9hqjnVyWQ8DqOMS4Zm9Cz0FpbjRrSwqkS9KWU-zCK77dPgO0oiNBd_Xu2vYLF8at9Gt2EL_HH7LNZPsx93lIZaVAXFCtiuGmhY9s6feDF-qcnY-J5jJj0/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD9i66pEYPqY9wyVwTyfVxg5WoHA71aPKzJQ0NsV-V6GSJrhFQ1b1e3IxYYjPv6Ji3FspcPe7Tfv3noNG1ZoW8hWMsRtQuo6-I-X7kS7KKRjoAQCwZkKoy4LvvczxAXGErtoGgiUT3SY/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD9i66pEYPqY9wyVwTyfVxg5WoHA71aPKzJQ0NsV-V6GSJrhFQ1b1e3IxYYjPv6Ji3FspcPe7Tfv3noNG1ZoW8hWMsRtQuo6-I-X7kS7KKRjoAQCwZkKoy4LvvczxAXGErtoGgiUT3SY/s320/IMG_2539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sing Happy Birthday to the two birthday boys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn56zJJtulPc5keLp-OMxeKn3cMAJc4ioZwRIEnmjFb7WBoGzwRfufMvNu_xgmMvmQowLDE6gqLQcJSvAEY3-H0A-9S8EQOyhHLl7DvWVT3QCqWahpDfs_GN5xylVPjEgi1MeidYdiHo/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn56zJJtulPc5keLp-OMxeKn3cMAJc4ioZwRIEnmjFb7WBoGzwRfufMvNu_xgmMvmQowLDE6gqLQcJSvAEY3-H0A-9S8EQOyhHLl7DvWVT3QCqWahpDfs_GN5xylVPjEgi1MeidYdiHo/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Serve birthday cake! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85F_1Y7fTOPc6gbDCd8F0tXd3yUL4vrSvzcrYEba8WyHHT_4pA7Yef962F3p1EwuDXqdlVQomuX0I4So6hqn_Jjrha7TP4223p3s83KPdCuAjuXHwf6M1sLn3MhaQYGnA0e70fsIhF7Y/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85F_1Y7fTOPc6gbDCd8F0tXd3yUL4vrSvzcrYEba8WyHHT_4pA7Yef962F3p1EwuDXqdlVQomuX0I4So6hqn_Jjrha7TP4223p3s83KPdCuAjuXHwf6M1sLn3MhaQYGnA0e70fsIhF7Y/s320/IMG_2536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then settle down to watch the big fireworks show from the comfort of your lawn chair, and reflect on how lucky you are to live in our great country, have the freedoms that we are blessed with, give thanks for our service men (and women) past and present who have risked or given their lives so that I can have those freedoms. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rZqRNHXahDtZiTzBlmuOdOjEbw_I9IJi8XxBN5MYxOTYq8e0M6c3inRm_nPWKpI_rB1jMk264L54Yqdr7kyM0L18OXC_fqhvd_MTf5uBT1NrnUA6j7jIB8U1TnNspghvGGPnOQXbD2g/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rZqRNHXahDtZiTzBlmuOdOjEbw_I9IJi8XxBN5MYxOTYq8e0M6c3inRm_nPWKpI_rB1jMk264L54Yqdr7kyM0L18OXC_fqhvd_MTf5uBT1NrnUA6j7jIB8U1TnNspghvGGPnOQXbD2g/s320/IMG_2592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJob51KOkA3hD44aIJXLJDUlimsDV2R3sNgA3O-ccXES6L9c9-ZBlNu95XaxVJWjyBh-4aPAK6pzo0e2vnMasvP7YFnPvWG9iEnwFMKW4lqaqb9P-HrtTG5F-VHgSLDXZsoYuwEuNTgik/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJob51KOkA3hD44aIJXLJDUlimsDV2R3sNgA3O-ccXES6L9c9-ZBlNu95XaxVJWjyBh-4aPAK6pzo0e2vnMasvP7YFnPvWG9iEnwFMKW4lqaqb9P-HrtTG5F-VHgSLDXZsoYuwEuNTgik/s320/IMG_2597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
All in all it was a fabulous party and a great day. Only 364 days until it's time to do it all over, again!!!!!<br />
Hope all of you had a great 4th of July, too!!!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-88700406130616524272011-07-04T05:16:00.000-06:002011-07-04T05:16:00.125-06:00Happy Fourth Of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLgKdG9ysUIU-0TDff2qv2PilHOVHM1dQs2Z0SYkVkw9rmR38F3cbjmWW-VAdQE6lJtMoRyX6uCHNg8G6Vx3jhWvbeT31FYakEWyR3uZXdQI6BMYDjXQdY0iM1ttKLIm6xasP0qEfPh4/s1600/4th_july_graphics_04a.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLgKdG9ysUIU-0TDff2qv2PilHOVHM1dQs2Z0SYkVkw9rmR38F3cbjmWW-VAdQE6lJtMoRyX6uCHNg8G6Vx3jhWvbeT31FYakEWyR3uZXdQI6BMYDjXQdY0iM1ttKLIm6xasP0qEfPh4/s320/4th_july_graphics_04a.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I hope all of you, Dear Bloggy Friends, have a wonderful and safe 4th of July today! I will back tomorrow with photos of our 4th of July Block Party that I am co hostessing with my one of my most favorite friends!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-81535308011647223672011-07-03T05:10:00.003-06:002011-07-03T08:17:49.262-06:00This Week's Menu 7/3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJu7tjtTgh-SnG7RI2xa2yz3EJLEDPEisp6orTRD9cpqV7QlWc2CgfzR2ku3xss3U8tiHNW_Gzye-eRmVtBMvYBhgnGtFyvNfLXiZ-mqL_Nez_Qb2IBT_wZIboLqup2NjCkWgQ5P8NCg/s1600/470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJu7tjtTgh-SnG7RI2xa2yz3EJLEDPEisp6orTRD9cpqV7QlWc2CgfzR2ku3xss3U8tiHNW_Gzye-eRmVtBMvYBhgnGtFyvNfLXiZ-mqL_Nez_Qb2IBT_wZIboLqup2NjCkWgQ5P8NCg/s320/470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (this week's Bountiful Basket)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PfqgrreO06Qa3CyYntLlF6-eblC-oUPYDdG8JXSvb3tFHQmOtF80F8efx4GddOLLOq-ntUf95bjKZI37LTniueNPQzn3KeVu5G-S4ofxQ8qV7w4UZo2LERqqhPE-1mshLSw7N0FZq-U/s1600/bountiful+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PfqgrreO06Qa3CyYntLlF6-eblC-oUPYDdG8JXSvb3tFHQmOtF80F8efx4GddOLLOq-ntUf95bjKZI37LTniueNPQzn3KeVu5G-S4ofxQ8qV7w4UZo2LERqqhPE-1mshLSw7N0FZq-U/s320/bountiful+basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (I ordered an extra fruit pack to use for the 4th of July)</div><br />
Can you believe that tomorrow is the 4th of July? Where did June go? Summer is in full swing here at Casa Del Barrett. Tomorrow I will be co hostessing the 2nd annual 4th of July Block Party in our cul de sac. Last year was such a hit, my Dear Friend and I decided to make it an annual event. I am going to take lots of pictures, so I can share how we threw our fabulous soiree on a budget. Anyway, this week's menu is a little bit boring, mainly consisting of Bountiful Basket produce, pantry staples, and meat out of the freezer. I only work six days this month vs. eleven, and since my paycheck funds the grocery budget, I will be relying on my pantry.....A LOT!<br />
Anyhow, this week's menu will consist of :<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Sunday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti with Meat Sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">Garlic Bread</div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Monday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">4th of July Block Party</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Tuesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">French Toast</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scrambled Eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Wednesday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Baked Beans </div><div style="text-align: center;">Baked Butternut Squash</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cornbread</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Thursday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leftover Night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Friday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Date Night </div><div style="text-align: center;">Kid's will be having Corn Dogs and Mac. and Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Saturday</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Haven't decided yet</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are going on a Day-cation to celebrate my birthday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, back to prepping food for tomorrow's celebration! Hope every one enjoys there Sunday!</div>Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002109497664380714.post-8214954717182796482011-06-30T09:54:00.001-06:002011-06-30T09:58:18.628-06:00Chicken Taco Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE-yAf3-A9A3D-frDYLBVGPZIFsLKelFP0Z-eetzjJsCHo0rO6vUKbs-wx7_qCZ-xf8KUibO256LilXOjl30lMBhp5w_dmWUktdyhxIadsC_U4GKz3u4aQn_kxsdroFvrWLF_QBGbQkg/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE-yAf3-A9A3D-frDYLBVGPZIFsLKelFP0Z-eetzjJsCHo0rO6vUKbs-wx7_qCZ-xf8KUibO256LilXOjl30lMBhp5w_dmWUktdyhxIadsC_U4GKz3u4aQn_kxsdroFvrWLF_QBGbQkg/s320/chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(<b><a href="http://tightwadmomsfrugalforum.blogspot.com/2010/05/crystal-light-salad.html" style="color: #6aa84f;">Crystal Light Salad </a></b>and <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Parker-House-Rolls"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Parker House Rolls</span></b> </a>are keeping the Chicken Taco Salad company)</div><br />
I got the BEST recipe from my Fabulous Friend, Kelly C., a couple weeks ago and I have been dying to make it! Luckily, I had some chicken breasts leftover over from camp that I had cooked in the crock pot, and put in the freezer for a busy day dinner. Yesterday, qualified as a busy day, so I grabbed a bag of shredded chicken to thaw out. The recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken (although, you could cook the chicken in a skillet right before you make the salad). The salad was quick and easy to put together and was delicious!<br />
I will definitely being adding this to my Summer mainstay recipes! A DOUBLE thank you to darling Kelly for sharing her recipe with me, you saved my family from eating PB&J!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Chicken Taco Salad</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">(feeds six adults)</div><br />
4 chicken breasts cooked and shredded<br />
2 packages of taco seasoning mix<br />
1 1/2 cups water<br />
1 bag of lettuce mix (or 6 cups chopped lettuce)<br />
2 tomatoes, chopped<br />
4 - 6 green onions, sliced<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar, colby jack, or mexican style cheese<br />
1 regular size bag of nacho flavor Doritios ( I think they are 10 - 12 oz)<br />
1 cup prepared ranch dressing<br />
<br />
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<ol><li>Add chicken, taco seasoning packets, and water to a skillet. Cook until water is absorbed and chicken is heated through. Set aside.</li>
<li>Combine salad, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl.</li>
<li>Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the lettuce mixture.</li>
<li>Place warm chicken mixture on top of cheese.</li>
<li>Crush nacho flavored chips ( I did this in the bag) and pour over the top of the chicken.</li>
<li>Pour salad dressing over chips and mix until salad is well combined.</li>
</ol>I added avocado of my salad (the rest of the family are not fans of avocado). Yummy!!!Tightwad Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647876657878183511noreply@blogger.com2