It's that time of the year for reflections. I heard this statement in church today. Everyone thinks about how the year was - good, bad, so-so. Everyone plans ahead for 2010 - resolutions, commitments, new chapters.
I am determined to be more relaxed...starting now (I won't wait until January 1st!). I tend to get worked up about simple things, things that aren't going to make a difference tomorrow. I need to "take a chill pill" more often, so I'm sure not to miss out on the important things - my girls, my husband, my wonderful life. God has given me so much, and here I worry and whine about the little things.
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On a totally unrelated note, I have added a Pies section on the right. I recently baked an apple pie for a friend and worked out the pricing finally for it, so I thought I'd officially add it to my list. :) I also make english toffee and fudge. No pricing yet on those yet...was going to wait and see if anyone was that interested. If not, I won't bother adding them.
I am baking all week, if there are any orders for New Years Eve parties. I have one order so far for the week, and I will have other things for our own get-together. Let me know if there's anything you need!
Have a safe and Happy New Year! See you in 2010!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
A Preview of My Pieces
So, the pictures above are just of different breads or pies or cakes that I've done for my family. I have finally taken some photos of my work and thought I'd share. Here's a description of each:The first is pumpkin bread I made for our family's get-together this Thanksgiving. I can make it with or without walnuts. This one was without.
The second and third are the pies I made for our Thanksgiving - pumpkin and apple, respectively. The apple pie was my first lattice-topped pie. I thought it turned out pretty well. I will be trying to do a woven lattice the next time....it's a little more difficult, so I thought I'd try the easier version first. Both pies' crusts are homemade.
The next is a batch of pumpkin muffins with cinnamon/sugar topping. These I made while fooling around with the pumpkin bread recipe and incorporating a pumpkin muffin recipe I found online. It's actually a recipe for muffins tops, but I made it for the whole muffin and they turn out to be pretty decent size muffins! We took some for snack foods while we attended the Chicago Marathon this October.
The 3 cakes are ones I made for my daughters - a Mickey Mouse 1st Birthday cake, a purse cake for my daughter's 3rd birthday, and a butterfly cake for another daughter's 2nd birthday. All were fairly easy and I used boxed cake mixes. I figured I was spending enough time designing them, that I would take the simple route with the mix. :)
The last photo is of an apple pie with a crumb topping. That is my favorite top for an apple pie; I make it like that almost every time. The bottom crust on this is also homemade.
I'm always trying to take more pictures of my baking creations. Hopefully, I'll have more of my rolls - cinnamon and dinner - soon.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thanksgiving To-Do's
This year, we are hosting Thanksgiving at our house! This is the first holiday we've had at our home. It'll be a very small gathering, but you have no idea how excited I am!!! I've been wanting to host ANYTHING for a long time; I usually just let others (with more space at their homes) host events/holidays.
My mother-in-law is baking the ham. My brother-in-law's girlfriend is working on the green bean casserole and a small turkey. I am preparing the carrots, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, and pies (Pumpkin and Apple, of course!).
While there's a lot that goes into Thanksgiving meal preparations, there is a good amount that can be done ahead of time. I am making and freezing the rolls this week. They are brown and serve (yep, they're the ones I sell), so I can pull out however many we'll need and bake them from frozen in under 20 minutes! The pie crusts can be made and frozen as well. You can freeze pie crust dough for up to a month.
The carrots I am slicing up the day before and storing in water in the fridge, so they don't dry out. I will just cook them before the meal on Thursday. Potatoes can be peeled and cut in advance as well. Just cover them with water in a bowl with a lid, so they don't turn brown. If you aren't using them within 3 days, replace the water with fresh water. I have heard of folks keeping peeled/sliced potatoes for a whole week's worth of dishes. They just keep the water fresh and the lid on when not in use. I haven't personally tried it, but I am considering slicing mine up on Tuesday to be used on Thursday.
The pies I will make on Wednesday; that's close enough to the meal that they'll still be fresh.
Thursday morning will be a busy one for us; my husband is running a 5 mile race and 2 of my daughters are running a kid's 100 yard dash. I want to make sure we have enough time to prepare everything before guests arrive in the afternoon, so I will do as much in advance next week as possible.
Tomorrow is grocery day, and I plan to get EVERYTHING needed for next week's big meal...I refuse to fight the last-minute Thanksgiving food shoppers next week! :)
If you're in need of last minute rolls or breads, please let me know. I still have some open time between now and Wednesday to fill orders.
Happy Thanksgiving!
My mother-in-law is baking the ham. My brother-in-law's girlfriend is working on the green bean casserole and a small turkey. I am preparing the carrots, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, and pies (Pumpkin and Apple, of course!).
While there's a lot that goes into Thanksgiving meal preparations, there is a good amount that can be done ahead of time. I am making and freezing the rolls this week. They are brown and serve (yep, they're the ones I sell), so I can pull out however many we'll need and bake them from frozen in under 20 minutes! The pie crusts can be made and frozen as well. You can freeze pie crust dough for up to a month.
The carrots I am slicing up the day before and storing in water in the fridge, so they don't dry out. I will just cook them before the meal on Thursday. Potatoes can be peeled and cut in advance as well. Just cover them with water in a bowl with a lid, so they don't turn brown. If you aren't using them within 3 days, replace the water with fresh water. I have heard of folks keeping peeled/sliced potatoes for a whole week's worth of dishes. They just keep the water fresh and the lid on when not in use. I haven't personally tried it, but I am considering slicing mine up on Tuesday to be used on Thursday.
The pies I will make on Wednesday; that's close enough to the meal that they'll still be fresh.
Thursday morning will be a busy one for us; my husband is running a 5 mile race and 2 of my daughters are running a kid's 100 yard dash. I want to make sure we have enough time to prepare everything before guests arrive in the afternoon, so I will do as much in advance next week as possible.
Tomorrow is grocery day, and I plan to get EVERYTHING needed for next week's big meal...I refuse to fight the last-minute Thanksgiving food shoppers next week! :)
If you're in need of last minute rolls or breads, please let me know. I still have some open time between now and Wednesday to fill orders.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thinking Ahead
So, the holidays are right around the corner. Are you ready? Maybe I can help...
Are you having company stay with you? How about ordering some cinnamon rolls to serve warm to them for breakfast? I'll even let you take the credit for them if you want. :) I will prepare them as brown and serve, so all you have to do is warm them up! Or banana muffins, blueberry muffins, bran muffins....all kinds to serve the different tastes of your guests!
What about holiday dinners? Do you plan to serve rolls? I can prepare and freeze dinner rolls for you. All you have to do is heat them until browned from frozen. Easy.
What about leftovers that you'll make sandwiches with? I can get you homemade loaves of bread to make those sandwiches! Honey wheat bread with leftover turkey? Mmmm.
Snacks, dessert.......what about banana bread or pumpkin muffins?!
If you'd like to order something for the upcoming holidays - parties, guests, dinners, etc - just let me know! Give me a date and time and I'll have it there for you!
I'm also working on offering a muffin variety package....a dozen muffins, but a couple different kinds instead of just one flavor. Email me if you're interested. We can work out the details!
Thanks!
milkandhoneybreads@yahoo.com
Are you having company stay with you? How about ordering some cinnamon rolls to serve warm to them for breakfast? I'll even let you take the credit for them if you want. :) I will prepare them as brown and serve, so all you have to do is warm them up! Or banana muffins, blueberry muffins, bran muffins....all kinds to serve the different tastes of your guests!
What about holiday dinners? Do you plan to serve rolls? I can prepare and freeze dinner rolls for you. All you have to do is heat them until browned from frozen. Easy.
What about leftovers that you'll make sandwiches with? I can get you homemade loaves of bread to make those sandwiches! Honey wheat bread with leftover turkey? Mmmm.
Snacks, dessert.......what about banana bread or pumpkin muffins?!
If you'd like to order something for the upcoming holidays - parties, guests, dinners, etc - just let me know! Give me a date and time and I'll have it there for you!
I'm also working on offering a muffin variety package....a dozen muffins, but a couple different kinds instead of just one flavor. Email me if you're interested. We can work out the details!
Thanks!
milkandhoneybreads@yahoo.com
Monday, October 5, 2009
Cool Weather = Great Baking Weather
Fall is upon us. This is GREAT weather for baking. The house smells great, the breads/cookies are warm and fresh, and the oven helps warm the house without having to waste money with the furnace running.
I have been baking frequently for my immediate family - rolls for dinner (they go wonderfully with soups and roasts!), cookies and cakes to snack on. I have a few orders trickling in here and there. Please let me know if you'd like to order anything. I am almost always able to bake within 24 hours of the order coming in, so if you needed something the day after ordering....it's almost always possible. I do have a life outside of baking (hard to imagine, I know), so there are times when things come up but not too many that I can't sneak in some baking time.
I did waste $6 the other day at Costco and bought their "homemade" mini cinnamon rolls. The samples they had tasted good (and I was very hungry for lunch at the time), but now that we've been eating them I'm thinking what a waste! I could have made huge homemade ones with as much icing as I wanted and saved my $6 on all the preservatives and junk they put in theirs; plus I could have frozen mine and only used as many as I needed instead of having a bunch of Costco ones that I need to eat before they go bad. Oh well. You live and learn, right? That's why I try not to shop on an empty stomach. Silly decisions.
Speaking of freezing breads, you can freeze all of the breads I make. The dinner rolls I make are brown and serve, so I pre-bake them slightly so the dough sets. I then package them in freezer bags with heating instructions, and you can use them as needed and as many as you need. One order makes 16; you can pull out a few if that's all you needed and bake them til golden. They last in the freezer up to 3 months. The same is true for the cinnamon rolls - I bake them to set and then you can freeze to bake them at a later time.
The loaves of bread freeze well up to 2 months. You do lose some of the moistness (as you would with any bread), but you still get the freshness without the preservatives and artificial flavors. I do double wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in food storage bags, so they are ready to freeze when you receive them.
Happy Fall everyone. I do wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween!
I have been baking frequently for my immediate family - rolls for dinner (they go wonderfully with soups and roasts!), cookies and cakes to snack on. I have a few orders trickling in here and there. Please let me know if you'd like to order anything. I am almost always able to bake within 24 hours of the order coming in, so if you needed something the day after ordering....it's almost always possible. I do have a life outside of baking (hard to imagine, I know), so there are times when things come up but not too many that I can't sneak in some baking time.
I did waste $6 the other day at Costco and bought their "homemade" mini cinnamon rolls. The samples they had tasted good (and I was very hungry for lunch at the time), but now that we've been eating them I'm thinking what a waste! I could have made huge homemade ones with as much icing as I wanted and saved my $6 on all the preservatives and junk they put in theirs; plus I could have frozen mine and only used as many as I needed instead of having a bunch of Costco ones that I need to eat before they go bad. Oh well. You live and learn, right? That's why I try not to shop on an empty stomach. Silly decisions.
Speaking of freezing breads, you can freeze all of the breads I make. The dinner rolls I make are brown and serve, so I pre-bake them slightly so the dough sets. I then package them in freezer bags with heating instructions, and you can use them as needed and as many as you need. One order makes 16; you can pull out a few if that's all you needed and bake them til golden. They last in the freezer up to 3 months. The same is true for the cinnamon rolls - I bake them to set and then you can freeze to bake them at a later time.
The loaves of bread freeze well up to 2 months. You do lose some of the moistness (as you would with any bread), but you still get the freshness without the preservatives and artificial flavors. I do double wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in food storage bags, so they are ready to freeze when you receive them.
Happy Fall everyone. I do wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Homemade Blankets
An inexpensive way to acquire blankets for your home (guest use, personal use, decorative) is to buy the material and make it yourself. Try the no-sew way of making warm fleece blankets....
For a kid blanket, I buy 1 1/2 yards of a solid color and 1 1/2 yards of a fun character or print (monkeys, disney, etc). Line up the two pieces, then cut 6 inch deep fringe pieces along all the sides. Tie the top fringe with the corresponding fringe from the bottom fleece and there you have a simple blanket. It takes a little bit of time to do all the little cutting, but it's worth it if you can get the fleece on sale. Yesterday I bought pieces to do a kid blanket for about $13. That's a double-thickness fleece blanket! You can't get a store-bought one for $13.
Plus, the blankets make good birthday or Christmas gifts. They're homemade, so I think the gift is more appreciated because you put your time and creativity into it.
Any other ideas for homemade items? Please post in the comments section. I would love more ideas for making my own things and saving the money. I don't mind putting in the time if I save a few bucks. :)
For a kid blanket, I buy 1 1/2 yards of a solid color and 1 1/2 yards of a fun character or print (monkeys, disney, etc). Line up the two pieces, then cut 6 inch deep fringe pieces along all the sides. Tie the top fringe with the corresponding fringe from the bottom fleece and there you have a simple blanket. It takes a little bit of time to do all the little cutting, but it's worth it if you can get the fleece on sale. Yesterday I bought pieces to do a kid blanket for about $13. That's a double-thickness fleece blanket! You can't get a store-bought one for $13.
Plus, the blankets make good birthday or Christmas gifts. They're homemade, so I think the gift is more appreciated because you put your time and creativity into it.
Any other ideas for homemade items? Please post in the comments section. I would love more ideas for making my own things and saving the money. I don't mind putting in the time if I save a few bucks. :)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Here's a recipe I came across online several months ago and copied down. I would post what site I got it from, but now I can't remember. My husband and girls love it! It's a pretty quickly made yeast bread and the garlic/cheese combo is delicious.
Garlic Cheese Flatbread
1 envelope yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast)
1 cup lukewarm water
2 cups bread flour (or 2 cups plus 2 TBSP all-purpose flour)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp white sugar
2 TBSP olive oil
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 TBSP garlic powder
1/4 cup Parmesan (grated) cheese
1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Dissolve the yeast in the water. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes.
Combine the flour, salt and sugar in large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and oil. Beat with spoon until stiff. Cover and let rise for 35 minutes.
Remove from bowl and knead briefly on well-floured surface. Roll to 1/4-1/2 inches thick to the length of baking sheet. Grease the baking sheet, then place the dough on it. Spread butter on the dough and sprinkle with the garlic powder and cheeses. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is golden brown.
I have made it several times and played around with different cheeses. I only had mozzarella and cheddar once, so I used those 2 and it turned out pretty good. I've done shredded Colby Jack with no second cheese. If you have fresh Parmesan to grate, that tastes the best (in my opinion). But if all you have is the container of parmesan, that works too.
Since it is fairly quick, I start it right after I start whatever meat I'm cooking for the meal. Then I let it rise while I tend to the meat and the veggies I'm making. I finish the dough prep and pop it in the oven while I'm setting the table and finishing up the meat and veggies. That way, it's all done together and we can eat the bread while it's still hot! Mmmm.
Any comments on good dinner breads are appreciated. I'm always looking for good dinner breads to try. I've done the drop biscuits from the bisquick box; those are really easy and fast. I do make dinner rolls but they are the typical yeast bread that rises twice, so I usually start those only when I can start it in advance and be around to take it to the next stages on time.
Garlic Cheese Flatbread
1 envelope yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast)
1 cup lukewarm water
2 cups bread flour (or 2 cups plus 2 TBSP all-purpose flour)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp white sugar
2 TBSP olive oil
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 TBSP garlic powder
1/4 cup Parmesan (grated) cheese
1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Dissolve the yeast in the water. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes.
Combine the flour, salt and sugar in large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and oil. Beat with spoon until stiff. Cover and let rise for 35 minutes.
Remove from bowl and knead briefly on well-floured surface. Roll to 1/4-1/2 inches thick to the length of baking sheet. Grease the baking sheet, then place the dough on it. Spread butter on the dough and sprinkle with the garlic powder and cheeses. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is golden brown.
I have made it several times and played around with different cheeses. I only had mozzarella and cheddar once, so I used those 2 and it turned out pretty good. I've done shredded Colby Jack with no second cheese. If you have fresh Parmesan to grate, that tastes the best (in my opinion). But if all you have is the container of parmesan, that works too.
Since it is fairly quick, I start it right after I start whatever meat I'm cooking for the meal. Then I let it rise while I tend to the meat and the veggies I'm making. I finish the dough prep and pop it in the oven while I'm setting the table and finishing up the meat and veggies. That way, it's all done together and we can eat the bread while it's still hot! Mmmm.
Any comments on good dinner breads are appreciated. I'm always looking for good dinner breads to try. I've done the drop biscuits from the bisquick box; those are really easy and fast. I do make dinner rolls but they are the typical yeast bread that rises twice, so I usually start those only when I can start it in advance and be around to take it to the next stages on time.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Just Peachy Photography
So, a good friend of mine, Erika Williams, has a blogspot as well to promote her photography business. I've added a section to the right, which includes favorite blogs of mine. I'll add more when I come across more. I've added Erika's; please check it out. She does a great job, and my family is even on there! She's done some really nice photos of my girls, our dog, and my pregnant belly.
If anyone else has a blog they want me to add, just let me know. I'm always up for helping promote friends' businesses/blogs/whatever! :)
If anyone else has a blog they want me to add, just let me know. I'm always up for helping promote friends' businesses/blogs/whatever! :)
So, I don't have any official pictures of my bread. I just take them with my camera when I remember to...which is not often...this is my only picture so far! This is my honey wheat bread. It is made with cottage cheese; I know, sounds odd. BUT, it actually keeps the bread moist. The wheat flour tends to produce a drier bread, but the cottage cheese keeps it nice and moist. I read that you're supposed to let bread cool completely before slicing it, so the flavors are the strongest. I have such a hard time waiting! Warm honey wheat bread is just so good. Not to toot my own horn or anything!
This would be defined as a batch of honey wheat - 2 loaves, same kind. My recipe makes 2 loaves. $9 per batch. Or $5 a loaf.
I will continue to add photos as I remember to take them after baking and wrapping.My business card, shown above, will be updated in the next few months to include a different web address...this one. :)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
While My Computer Uninstalls A Program...
So, I'm waiting on my computer to uninstall Norton 360. Comcast failed to let me know that I can get McAfee for free just by having Comcast internet service. I've been jumping from anti-virus program to anti-virus program, using up all the free trial periods I can. It is RIDICULOUS how much it'll cost to keep my computer safe. And, even with all the anti-viral stuff, there's no guarantee. Ugh. What a pain. But, I'm glad there's something free for us.
I haggled with Comcast earlier today to get the new customer discount of $29.99/month for the even faster internet service. The $45.95/month we pay is ridiculous. That's JUST for internet service. We have $11/month basic cable, but the nearly $50 a month we spend on internet service is crazy. ESPECIALLY because the server or connection or whatever is constantly resetting and the internet is down about 3 times almost every day. It's bad. We do not have any other providers available to us yet in this area, unfortunately. Oh well. I'm happy with the discount for the next 6 months.
I'm really considering turning this blog into my way of advertising and marketing my bread 'business.' I have a GeoCities account, but Yahoo is closing down soon.....sadly. I was told to create a blogspot to market the bread business. I hadn't even thought about it, but it was a very good idea. In fact, as I type this I'm thinking that may be the perfect idea. Free. One less thing to log into and check. I think I'll do it. Now, I just have to get the word out about this blog. Yikes. I've been lazy with that. Afraid of criticism, I suppose. :) BUT, selling bread goes along with my saving money theme....right?
Yay! McAfee installed. Norton uninstalled. And with little hassle. phew. Glad that's done. I hate doing the little stuff....but I suppose it is worth it when I don't get hacked into. Not that there's much to get out of us by doing so. :) Need to keep reminding myself it's free. Ha.
I haggled with Comcast earlier today to get the new customer discount of $29.99/month for the even faster internet service. The $45.95/month we pay is ridiculous. That's JUST for internet service. We have $11/month basic cable, but the nearly $50 a month we spend on internet service is crazy. ESPECIALLY because the server or connection or whatever is constantly resetting and the internet is down about 3 times almost every day. It's bad. We do not have any other providers available to us yet in this area, unfortunately. Oh well. I'm happy with the discount for the next 6 months.
I'm really considering turning this blog into my way of advertising and marketing my bread 'business.' I have a GeoCities account, but Yahoo is closing down soon.....sadly. I was told to create a blogspot to market the bread business. I hadn't even thought about it, but it was a very good idea. In fact, as I type this I'm thinking that may be the perfect idea. Free. One less thing to log into and check. I think I'll do it. Now, I just have to get the word out about this blog. Yikes. I've been lazy with that. Afraid of criticism, I suppose. :) BUT, selling bread goes along with my saving money theme....right?
Yay! McAfee installed. Norton uninstalled. And with little hassle. phew. Glad that's done. I hate doing the little stuff....but I suppose it is worth it when I don't get hacked into. Not that there's much to get out of us by doing so. :) Need to keep reminding myself it's free. Ha.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bugs, Books and Business
"O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great." (Psalm 104:24-25)
My oldest child has taken an interest in bugs. She received a bug catcher from her Grandmother for her birthday and has been looking for bugs ever since. Yesterday I found some slug/snail things in our garden and put 4 of them in her bug catcher with a piece of a green bean (also from the garden!), a small piece of homemade bread, and a stick. I have NO clue why I chose those items....not sure what snails/slugs eat. We also put in a big black ant. So far, the ant appears to have lost its mind and just runs in circles. Two of the snails looked like they were trying to reproduce this morning. It was odd to watch.
It's neat to see all the different kinds of bugs. And I started thinking about just how many different living things God has put on this earth. We don't even know all the different kinds; some have never been discovered. How organized God must be to remember each bug, animal, insect, or person by name! I have a hard time not calling one of my girls by the dog's name or vice versa!
On a totally different note, my eldest and I are a part of the library's summer reading program. The preschoolers have to read 40 books by end of July and they'll get a t-shirt for completing it. The adults have to read 5 books. My daughter's on book 22 that I've read to her. I haven't even started one for myself! I thought for sure I'd spend naptime reading, but I seem to find other things to do. So, I'm hoping the t-shirt is at least a girls size 14....I MIGHT be able to squeeze into it (though, it'd be way too big for my daughter then). HAHA. I did check out 2 cake decorating books today; hopefully that'll get me closer to my 5.
And, again, on another different note....I can't believe Yahoo is getting rid of GeoCities in October! I have a free website for my small bread business through them. Now I have to search for another free host or pay a monthly fee to continue with Yahoo on one of their other hosting entities. A friend just made business cards for me....of course, with the geocities web address on them! So frustrating. Not that I'm making a large sum of money from my website, but it's nice having the free site since I don't make much from baking.
So, my bits of wisdom for today:
1 - take the time to stop and think of all of God's wonderful creation and the ridiculous job He has of remembering each creature by name
2 - read when you get the chance....to your kids, to yourself, to anyone; there is no downside to reading
3 - tell all your friends about my website. :) just kidding, anyone that knows of a free place to put up a new site is welcome to share; otherwise, word of mouth will have to do.
My oldest child has taken an interest in bugs. She received a bug catcher from her Grandmother for her birthday and has been looking for bugs ever since. Yesterday I found some slug/snail things in our garden and put 4 of them in her bug catcher with a piece of a green bean (also from the garden!), a small piece of homemade bread, and a stick. I have NO clue why I chose those items....not sure what snails/slugs eat. We also put in a big black ant. So far, the ant appears to have lost its mind and just runs in circles. Two of the snails looked like they were trying to reproduce this morning. It was odd to watch.
It's neat to see all the different kinds of bugs. And I started thinking about just how many different living things God has put on this earth. We don't even know all the different kinds; some have never been discovered. How organized God must be to remember each bug, animal, insect, or person by name! I have a hard time not calling one of my girls by the dog's name or vice versa!
On a totally different note, my eldest and I are a part of the library's summer reading program. The preschoolers have to read 40 books by end of July and they'll get a t-shirt for completing it. The adults have to read 5 books. My daughter's on book 22 that I've read to her. I haven't even started one for myself! I thought for sure I'd spend naptime reading, but I seem to find other things to do. So, I'm hoping the t-shirt is at least a girls size 14....I MIGHT be able to squeeze into it (though, it'd be way too big for my daughter then). HAHA. I did check out 2 cake decorating books today; hopefully that'll get me closer to my 5.
And, again, on another different note....I can't believe Yahoo is getting rid of GeoCities in October! I have a free website for my small bread business through them. Now I have to search for another free host or pay a monthly fee to continue with Yahoo on one of their other hosting entities. A friend just made business cards for me....of course, with the geocities web address on them! So frustrating. Not that I'm making a large sum of money from my website, but it's nice having the free site since I don't make much from baking.
So, my bits of wisdom for today:
1 - take the time to stop and think of all of God's wonderful creation and the ridiculous job He has of remembering each creature by name
2 - read when you get the chance....to your kids, to yourself, to anyone; there is no downside to reading
3 - tell all your friends about my website. :) just kidding, anyone that knows of a free place to put up a new site is welcome to share; otherwise, word of mouth will have to do.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Delay
So, I didn't think it'd be this hard to keep a simple blog updated. I keep finding things that distract me from putting a new post on here. Facebook, MySpace, emails, blah, blah, blah. I think I have run out of new and exciting things to blog about. Guess I'll just ramble.
I'm finding more and more that being a stay at home mom is not the norm these days. When I was younger, I thought every mom stayed home to raise their kids and only went to work when the kids were in school and if they needed the extra income. Guess that was just my family that did that. We were extremely blessed to have a mother that was there to cart us around to school, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, soccer, piano lessons, and whatever other activities we could possibly do. My mom never went back to work. She stopped working when she had her first child, and even though we're all in (and now some of us are out) of school, she still stays home to take care of the duties there. She still drives around the younger three children to school and activities.
It's a shame not every mom (that wants to) is able to stay home. I think it'd make for a lot more happier mothers. I enjoy it so much. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but I wish every mom that wanted to stay home could. I really don't mind cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and tending to 3 little girls. I can't say every day is like paradise for us, but even on our bad days I'd much rather be here with them than at a job.
Living on one income is difficult sometimes - stretching $100 for a week until the next paycheck is always fun - but we have never gone without the necessities. Every little thing I can find to save us money is great. I'm always looking for deals and sales and free stuff! We have no credit card debt, and we really enjoy living without that one stress. Credit cards are ridiculous these days. They'll give you all the money in the world, without considering whether or not you could pay it back.
This wasn't the most inspiring post, but it was just my thoughts for the day. I've learned that even though I'm jealous of those that can do more as far as vacations or buying whatever they want, I have so much to be thankful for and should just enjoy each moment I have with my husband and girls. And the other thing I have learned just recently is that even though I have the credit to buy something doesn't mean I should. Living debt-free is so much better!
I'm finding more and more that being a stay at home mom is not the norm these days. When I was younger, I thought every mom stayed home to raise their kids and only went to work when the kids were in school and if they needed the extra income. Guess that was just my family that did that. We were extremely blessed to have a mother that was there to cart us around to school, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, soccer, piano lessons, and whatever other activities we could possibly do. My mom never went back to work. She stopped working when she had her first child, and even though we're all in (and now some of us are out) of school, she still stays home to take care of the duties there. She still drives around the younger three children to school and activities.
It's a shame not every mom (that wants to) is able to stay home. I think it'd make for a lot more happier mothers. I enjoy it so much. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but I wish every mom that wanted to stay home could. I really don't mind cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and tending to 3 little girls. I can't say every day is like paradise for us, but even on our bad days I'd much rather be here with them than at a job.
Living on one income is difficult sometimes - stretching $100 for a week until the next paycheck is always fun - but we have never gone without the necessities. Every little thing I can find to save us money is great. I'm always looking for deals and sales and free stuff! We have no credit card debt, and we really enjoy living without that one stress. Credit cards are ridiculous these days. They'll give you all the money in the world, without considering whether or not you could pay it back.
This wasn't the most inspiring post, but it was just my thoughts for the day. I've learned that even though I'm jealous of those that can do more as far as vacations or buying whatever they want, I have so much to be thankful for and should just enjoy each moment I have with my husband and girls. And the other thing I have learned just recently is that even though I have the credit to buy something doesn't mean I should. Living debt-free is so much better!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Homemade Goods
As a mom who has recently given birth, healthy foods are on my mind a lot. That is to say I think about how I should be eating healthy foods...I don't always do that, though. I have some pounds I'd like to lose this summer, and I've been thinking of ways to try and make more of my foods instead of buying pre-packaged things.
I bake bread. No bread machine (though that would be nice sometimes!). No preservatives. I know every single ingredient that goes into each loaf. That's one good way to be healthy. Baking our bread for sandwiches, dinner rolls for meals, pancakes for breakfasts, and homemade cakes and cookies. Cakes and cookies aren't always healthy, even homemade, but again I know each ingredient that is going into it and there are no preservatives.
Buy fresh meats instead of frozen meals. Sure, frozen breaded chicken patties or chicken nuggets are convenient, BUT why not just buy the fresh chicken breasts? You can cut, season/marinade, and freeze your own. It will take a little extra time for preparation, but it's worth it when you're not overloaded with all the sodium and additives in the frozen items. I say the only good frozen items are fruits, veggies, and ice cream. Everything else you can make yourself and freeze on your own.
Make your own snacks. Prepare your version of trail mix by combining dried fruits, nuts, and granola. Store bought trail mixes can have preservatives in them or even added sugars or sodium. Plus, when you make your own you can get as creative as you want. Buy some Chex cereal and combine it with raisins, dried cranberries, and peanuts for a tasty treat.
Lastly, steam your fresh veggies instead of buying canned veggies. I admit, I like to buy canned or frozen corn and peas....but that's mostly because fresh corn can be costly except for certain times of the year. As for carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, asparagus, etc.....buy them fresh and steam them. Steaming holds in more vitamins that boiling them does. And buying them all fresh adds a lot more flavor than buying a can of it. You can add all kinds of seasonings and still be much healthier than buying them prepared. Again, this saves you an insane amount of sodium intake. And you get a lot better taste.
So, for those of us looking to eat healthier to help lose those unwanted pounds or just take better care of ourselves, try these couple of ideas. If you have any of your own, feel free to post. I'm always looking for good advice when it comes to food. :)
I bake bread. No bread machine (though that would be nice sometimes!). No preservatives. I know every single ingredient that goes into each loaf. That's one good way to be healthy. Baking our bread for sandwiches, dinner rolls for meals, pancakes for breakfasts, and homemade cakes and cookies. Cakes and cookies aren't always healthy, even homemade, but again I know each ingredient that is going into it and there are no preservatives.
Buy fresh meats instead of frozen meals. Sure, frozen breaded chicken patties or chicken nuggets are convenient, BUT why not just buy the fresh chicken breasts? You can cut, season/marinade, and freeze your own. It will take a little extra time for preparation, but it's worth it when you're not overloaded with all the sodium and additives in the frozen items. I say the only good frozen items are fruits, veggies, and ice cream. Everything else you can make yourself and freeze on your own.
Make your own snacks. Prepare your version of trail mix by combining dried fruits, nuts, and granola. Store bought trail mixes can have preservatives in them or even added sugars or sodium. Plus, when you make your own you can get as creative as you want. Buy some Chex cereal and combine it with raisins, dried cranberries, and peanuts for a tasty treat.
Lastly, steam your fresh veggies instead of buying canned veggies. I admit, I like to buy canned or frozen corn and peas....but that's mostly because fresh corn can be costly except for certain times of the year. As for carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, asparagus, etc.....buy them fresh and steam them. Steaming holds in more vitamins that boiling them does. And buying them all fresh adds a lot more flavor than buying a can of it. You can add all kinds of seasonings and still be much healthier than buying them prepared. Again, this saves you an insane amount of sodium intake. And you get a lot better taste.
So, for those of us looking to eat healthier to help lose those unwanted pounds or just take better care of ourselves, try these couple of ideas. If you have any of your own, feel free to post. I'm always looking for good advice when it comes to food. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Summer Savers
Summer is almost here, and there will be plenty of things to do and places to go. Here are some ideas for FREE (or almost-free) fun. You can still keep a busy schedule with doing and seeing things, but you can save money as well.
Check your town/city website for free festivals and concerts. Our town sends out a flyer with the summer months' events. There are festivals and concerts and activities June, July and August, and they all have free things to do at them. Most are family-oriented as well, so that's a bonus.
Look online for free days at museums. Though we usually want to be outdoors all summer, there are going to be rain days. Keep a list/calendar of the free days for the museums, aquariums, and other indoor kid-friendly places; you can pull the list out whenever the weather isn't cooperating with your outdoor activities and head over to an indoor activity. If the rainy days don't coincide with a free day at any favorite indoor places, check out a nearby mall's play area (for those of you with young children). The kids can play off some of that energy, and you might be able to find some adult conversation at the same time!
Plant a garden. This will probably only take a few days at most, so don't expect to schedule this more than once this summer. BUT, this is a great bonding opportunity for you and your kids. Wal-Mart has cute and safe kid gardening tools for a few dollars each; I bought my daughter gloves, a trowel, and a shovel for a total of about $4. You can find sales on plant bulbs, full-size plants, or seedlings almost all Spring and Summer. Dig up a spot in the yard and plant away! Kids like it because it's like you're giving them permission to get dirty. Adults like it because it's outdoors and gets the kids away from the TV! We planted vegetables in a few planters as well as herbs and flowers. It only took us two afternoons to complete, but we spend a little time each week checking the growing progress each one's made. So far, only the tomato plants didn't make it!
Head to the lake front! Chicago has miles and miles of lake front for you and your family to enjoy for FREE. You can drive in and park for free (though that is supposedly changing come this Fall) or take the train in for a small fee. Regardless of how you get there, the water, beach and bike path is all free for the taking! Pack a cooler for lunch, bring some outdoor toys and make a day of it. Not only will you get to play all day for free, you get a free tan out of it. :)
Have a potluck BBQ. This will require some time if you're going to make sure and save on the food part of this. Plan it in with your grocery list around the sale items at the grocery store. Call up a few friends/families and ask each to bring a dish and something to drink. Fire up the grill and enjoy the company and a great meal for minimal cost.
Take the kids to the park. This was an obvious one, but it's also a good fall-back plan. If plans to go elsewhere don't work out, just go to the park. Find a new one in your area and try it out. Drive a few towns over if you have to, but find a new park or play area. My kids love the parks around here, even if we visit the same one several times in one week they don't care. They just like to get out with other kids and play. It not only works them physically but also mentally. Most times, I hear them pretending to be somewhere else (on a boat, running from the bad guys, or in the jungle for example); they're using their imaginations, which is an added bonus. Moms and Dads can sit and watch or get out and play too. The jungle gym is a good workout for anyone!
Whatever you plan to do this summer, make it fun and don't stress about the money. Plan to go a few places each month, cost or no cost. Your kids will appreciate and enjoy the time with Mom and Dad, and you will probably find you enjoy being able to act like a child with your children! Don't forget these few necessities wherever you decide to go: sunblock, water, change of clothes (potty-trained or not!), money for parking when applicable, hats, sweater, snacks. I find that those items are the most forgotten in our household and the most needed. If nothing else, at least just grab the sunblock and lots of water. There's nothing worse than having a wonderful day outside followed by a painfully sun burnt day.
Check your town/city website for free festivals and concerts. Our town sends out a flyer with the summer months' events. There are festivals and concerts and activities June, July and August, and they all have free things to do at them. Most are family-oriented as well, so that's a bonus.
Look online for free days at museums. Though we usually want to be outdoors all summer, there are going to be rain days. Keep a list/calendar of the free days for the museums, aquariums, and other indoor kid-friendly places; you can pull the list out whenever the weather isn't cooperating with your outdoor activities and head over to an indoor activity. If the rainy days don't coincide with a free day at any favorite indoor places, check out a nearby mall's play area (for those of you with young children). The kids can play off some of that energy, and you might be able to find some adult conversation at the same time!
Plant a garden. This will probably only take a few days at most, so don't expect to schedule this more than once this summer. BUT, this is a great bonding opportunity for you and your kids. Wal-Mart has cute and safe kid gardening tools for a few dollars each; I bought my daughter gloves, a trowel, and a shovel for a total of about $4. You can find sales on plant bulbs, full-size plants, or seedlings almost all Spring and Summer. Dig up a spot in the yard and plant away! Kids like it because it's like you're giving them permission to get dirty. Adults like it because it's outdoors and gets the kids away from the TV! We planted vegetables in a few planters as well as herbs and flowers. It only took us two afternoons to complete, but we spend a little time each week checking the growing progress each one's made. So far, only the tomato plants didn't make it!
Head to the lake front! Chicago has miles and miles of lake front for you and your family to enjoy for FREE. You can drive in and park for free (though that is supposedly changing come this Fall) or take the train in for a small fee. Regardless of how you get there, the water, beach and bike path is all free for the taking! Pack a cooler for lunch, bring some outdoor toys and make a day of it. Not only will you get to play all day for free, you get a free tan out of it. :)
Have a potluck BBQ. This will require some time if you're going to make sure and save on the food part of this. Plan it in with your grocery list around the sale items at the grocery store. Call up a few friends/families and ask each to bring a dish and something to drink. Fire up the grill and enjoy the company and a great meal for minimal cost.
Take the kids to the park. This was an obvious one, but it's also a good fall-back plan. If plans to go elsewhere don't work out, just go to the park. Find a new one in your area and try it out. Drive a few towns over if you have to, but find a new park or play area. My kids love the parks around here, even if we visit the same one several times in one week they don't care. They just like to get out with other kids and play. It not only works them physically but also mentally. Most times, I hear them pretending to be somewhere else (on a boat, running from the bad guys, or in the jungle for example); they're using their imaginations, which is an added bonus. Moms and Dads can sit and watch or get out and play too. The jungle gym is a good workout for anyone!
Whatever you plan to do this summer, make it fun and don't stress about the money. Plan to go a few places each month, cost or no cost. Your kids will appreciate and enjoy the time with Mom and Dad, and you will probably find you enjoy being able to act like a child with your children! Don't forget these few necessities wherever you decide to go: sunblock, water, change of clothes (potty-trained or not!), money for parking when applicable, hats, sweater, snacks. I find that those items are the most forgotten in our household and the most needed. If nothing else, at least just grab the sunblock and lots of water. There's nothing worse than having a wonderful day outside followed by a painfully sun burnt day.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Grocery Goodness
Here's some tips on cutting down on grocery bills. We all know the prices of important grocery items are going up, but there are some ways to actually lower your grocery spending during the rise of prices.
1. Only buy milk that is on sale. I don't know that this will apply to those that don't buy cow's milk, but for everyone who does buy cow's milk this is for you. There is almost always at least one store advertising milk for $1.99 around here. This week I found 2 stores. Milk can be ridiculously expensive when not on sale (over $3 at some stores; yikes!). If not for $1.99, try finding milk for less than $2.50 at least. Meijer is usually pretty consistent with $1.99 milk as well as Valli (for those of you that live in my area). Jewel and Dominick's will have milk on sale but not usually as low in price as Meijer and Valli. Wal-Mart has it on sale as well from time to time.
2. Use coupons on sale items; you will get the biggest discount that way. If you have a coupon for an item (that doesn't expire within the next week or two), save it for when the item is on sale.
3. www.couponmom.com is an EXCELLENT website to get free printable coupons. The site also offers tips on saving money with grocery coupons and other useful ideas. I got a $3 off coupon for Huggies last week. That's the largest amount off I've been able to find. Now, I will hold onto that coupon until I see Huggies on sale at Meijer or Wal-Mart and save a bunch using it then!
4. Plan your week's meals around the big ticket sale items. I have started planning my meats for each night's dinner around the meats I find on sale at Valli. They tend to have a good discount on a number of meats each week. This week, I found 6 different meats to revolve 6 meals around, and I will pay less than regular price per pound for each meat. Meat can get pricey, so I stick with bulk amounts of ground round when possible, as it usually offers the lowest price per pound, as well as roasts on sale. The roasts will offer not only a dinner but also leftovers for lunches or to freeze and reuse at a later time. Buying ground round in bulk (3 pounds or more at a time) might seem like a waste if you're only using a pound at a meal, BUT I can divide up the pounds and freeze whatever I won't use that week. That will save me from having to buy it the following week for a meal when the price per pound might not be as low.
5. Be willing to shop at more than one store to get the most deals. Ok, don't think you have to go to every store that has a deal each week....that would be a waste of gas. Try finding 2 stores in the same town/area that have the lowest prices on produce, meat or toiletry/baby items. Use the ads from your paper to circle the items on sale you want from each store (or go online to view the ads and then write out your shopping list for each store). This week I have chosen Valli for their produce and meat prices and am still deciding on another store for the toiletry and baby items we need. Rather than just buy everything at a Meijer or Super Target, I will save on Valli's heavily discounted produce and meat selections. It's not as convenient to have to shop at 2 stores for groceries, but I'm going to get my grocery bill for around $100 this week as opposed to the $150+ I've spent at Meijer in the past.
6. Unless you're having a party or have a family of 6+ people, steer clear of the Costcos and Sam's Clubs. Those stores are fantastic for businesses or large families or even if you're hosting a party; however, be aware that shopping for regular items or for your regular list of groceries each week will get EXTREMELY expensive. This is because you can't just buy 1 of something there....it's in bulk. So, even if it seems like a great sale on a package of 6 green peppers, it will more than likely go to waste before you get a chance to use them (unless you're making stuffed peppers, which would then make it ok....there's always an exception to the rule!). If you must shop at these stores, try to shop mostly for your paper or toiletry products and not for all of them all at once. Try shopping for bulk bathroom items one paycheck and then your bulk baby items the next check. This will spread out the amount you're paying up front for all these items, and it may even keep you from using up more money than you planned from each check, so you don't have to skip paying a bill because you've run out of money from that check.
7. Don't buy things just because they're on sale. Yes, pancetta for $3.99/lb looks like an awesome deal, but if you haven't ever had pancetta or don't know a recipe to use it that week don't buy it. Just because 24 rolls of Angel Soft is on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it when you have 12 rolls from last week's grocery trip. Toilet paper will be on sale again; don't get crazy and buy it this week if you don't need to.
8. Don't stress about finding a sale/deal on every single item you need this week. Coupons are great, sales are great, saving money is great. BUT, if it's not on sale and you need it, just get it. If you can't find toothpaste on sale but have squeezed every last drop out of your tube at home, don't hold off til next's week toothpaste sale.....PLEASE! For the sake of those around you, please don't wait! :) Just kidding; but really, don't wait. You are not going to save money on every single item. The key is to find the normally highest priced foods on sale and go from there. Produce and meats are the ones I look for. If you need something else that is normally high priced, look for that.
9. Always make a grocery list before going shopping. And make sure you take it out of your purse once you get in the store. I have made lists before and then forgotten to look at them. I ended up spending more than I wanted to and forgot several key items. Make the list, mark the sale items or items you have coupons for, and follow your list.
These are just tips/guidelines to save money on groceries. I am not saying that I follow every single one every single week. I slip up and buy ridiculous items from time to time, mostly if I go shopping when I'm hungry. Another good tip (should've been #10, I guess): DO NOT SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! You will most likely stray from your grocery list and buy a gallon of ice cream that you really didn't need. Ok, maybe the ice cream part was directed toward myself, but eat something before you go shopping.
I hope you find these helpful. Feel free to add comments on any additional things you find helpful on your grocery outings. Happy shopping!
1. Only buy milk that is on sale. I don't know that this will apply to those that don't buy cow's milk, but for everyone who does buy cow's milk this is for you. There is almost always at least one store advertising milk for $1.99 around here. This week I found 2 stores. Milk can be ridiculously expensive when not on sale (over $3 at some stores; yikes!). If not for $1.99, try finding milk for less than $2.50 at least. Meijer is usually pretty consistent with $1.99 milk as well as Valli (for those of you that live in my area). Jewel and Dominick's will have milk on sale but not usually as low in price as Meijer and Valli. Wal-Mart has it on sale as well from time to time.
2. Use coupons on sale items; you will get the biggest discount that way. If you have a coupon for an item (that doesn't expire within the next week or two), save it for when the item is on sale.
3. www.couponmom.com is an EXCELLENT website to get free printable coupons. The site also offers tips on saving money with grocery coupons and other useful ideas. I got a $3 off coupon for Huggies last week. That's the largest amount off I've been able to find. Now, I will hold onto that coupon until I see Huggies on sale at Meijer or Wal-Mart and save a bunch using it then!
4. Plan your week's meals around the big ticket sale items. I have started planning my meats for each night's dinner around the meats I find on sale at Valli. They tend to have a good discount on a number of meats each week. This week, I found 6 different meats to revolve 6 meals around, and I will pay less than regular price per pound for each meat. Meat can get pricey, so I stick with bulk amounts of ground round when possible, as it usually offers the lowest price per pound, as well as roasts on sale. The roasts will offer not only a dinner but also leftovers for lunches or to freeze and reuse at a later time. Buying ground round in bulk (3 pounds or more at a time) might seem like a waste if you're only using a pound at a meal, BUT I can divide up the pounds and freeze whatever I won't use that week. That will save me from having to buy it the following week for a meal when the price per pound might not be as low.
5. Be willing to shop at more than one store to get the most deals. Ok, don't think you have to go to every store that has a deal each week....that would be a waste of gas. Try finding 2 stores in the same town/area that have the lowest prices on produce, meat or toiletry/baby items. Use the ads from your paper to circle the items on sale you want from each store (or go online to view the ads and then write out your shopping list for each store). This week I have chosen Valli for their produce and meat prices and am still deciding on another store for the toiletry and baby items we need. Rather than just buy everything at a Meijer or Super Target, I will save on Valli's heavily discounted produce and meat selections. It's not as convenient to have to shop at 2 stores for groceries, but I'm going to get my grocery bill for around $100 this week as opposed to the $150+ I've spent at Meijer in the past.
6. Unless you're having a party or have a family of 6+ people, steer clear of the Costcos and Sam's Clubs. Those stores are fantastic for businesses or large families or even if you're hosting a party; however, be aware that shopping for regular items or for your regular list of groceries each week will get EXTREMELY expensive. This is because you can't just buy 1 of something there....it's in bulk. So, even if it seems like a great sale on a package of 6 green peppers, it will more than likely go to waste before you get a chance to use them (unless you're making stuffed peppers, which would then make it ok....there's always an exception to the rule!). If you must shop at these stores, try to shop mostly for your paper or toiletry products and not for all of them all at once. Try shopping for bulk bathroom items one paycheck and then your bulk baby items the next check. This will spread out the amount you're paying up front for all these items, and it may even keep you from using up more money than you planned from each check, so you don't have to skip paying a bill because you've run out of money from that check.
7. Don't buy things just because they're on sale. Yes, pancetta for $3.99/lb looks like an awesome deal, but if you haven't ever had pancetta or don't know a recipe to use it that week don't buy it. Just because 24 rolls of Angel Soft is on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it when you have 12 rolls from last week's grocery trip. Toilet paper will be on sale again; don't get crazy and buy it this week if you don't need to.
8. Don't stress about finding a sale/deal on every single item you need this week. Coupons are great, sales are great, saving money is great. BUT, if it's not on sale and you need it, just get it. If you can't find toothpaste on sale but have squeezed every last drop out of your tube at home, don't hold off til next's week toothpaste sale.....PLEASE! For the sake of those around you, please don't wait! :) Just kidding; but really, don't wait. You are not going to save money on every single item. The key is to find the normally highest priced foods on sale and go from there. Produce and meats are the ones I look for. If you need something else that is normally high priced, look for that.
9. Always make a grocery list before going shopping. And make sure you take it out of your purse once you get in the store. I have made lists before and then forgotten to look at them. I ended up spending more than I wanted to and forgot several key items. Make the list, mark the sale items or items you have coupons for, and follow your list.
These are just tips/guidelines to save money on groceries. I am not saying that I follow every single one every single week. I slip up and buy ridiculous items from time to time, mostly if I go shopping when I'm hungry. Another good tip (should've been #10, I guess): DO NOT SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! You will most likely stray from your grocery list and buy a gallon of ice cream that you really didn't need. Ok, maybe the ice cream part was directed toward myself, but eat something before you go shopping.
I hope you find these helpful. Feel free to add comments on any additional things you find helpful on your grocery outings. Happy shopping!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A First Time for Everything
So, I have a blog. Never thought I'd hear (or see, in this case) myself say that. I've been thinking about it for a while, "What do I feel I have enough experience in to share with others?" I couldn't really think of anything until the other day a friend informed me of a website, about.com, that was looking for a Stay-at-Home Mom Guide for their Stay-at-Home Mom category and blogs. The description seemed like something I could do - write a couple blogs and/or articles about SAHM things, so I applied. I haven't heard back yet, since they said it could take up to 8 weeks for them to get through all the applications. I don't expect that I'll get the job; I know there are WAY more qualified women out there who could do the job. Since then, though, I started thinking about starting my own blog about mom-related things like groceries and babies and meals. I still don't have all my thoughts together on how to approach each topic, but I figured now is as good a time as any to get it up and running at least. Hopefully, everyone will enjoy my topics.
I read a lot about cooking, baking, budgeting and child-rearing, so this is not going to be all my own advice or tips. BUT, I will share things I've learned from my own experiences as a Mother and Homemaker that have helped us function a little more smoothly and have even saved us a few bucks. Bear with me. It might take a little while before THIS runs a little more smoothly. I do look forward to anyone else's advice or tips/techniques on any topics related to motherhood, being a homemaker, cooking, cleaning, children, etc.
Enjoy the posts to follow. Please add comments/critique regarding my posts. Feel free to give your own advice. Thanks, in advance, for reading!
I read a lot about cooking, baking, budgeting and child-rearing, so this is not going to be all my own advice or tips. BUT, I will share things I've learned from my own experiences as a Mother and Homemaker that have helped us function a little more smoothly and have even saved us a few bucks. Bear with me. It might take a little while before THIS runs a little more smoothly. I do look forward to anyone else's advice or tips/techniques on any topics related to motherhood, being a homemaker, cooking, cleaning, children, etc.
Enjoy the posts to follow. Please add comments/critique regarding my posts. Feel free to give your own advice. Thanks, in advance, for reading!
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