Want to Save ?????

These days we all know the $$$$$$ Money $$$$$$$ doesn't grow on tree's.

Even though we all wish we could have a money tree in our back yard for anything we might want to acquire. Sure would be nice. Wouldn't it ? Well with the price of gas going up and then that making everything we buy going up. We all need to take a look at what we are spending our hard earned $$$$ dollars on. Think twice before we spend. As well as ask our selves how much we have saved. We are almost in a depression and as much talk as we hear from politicians about change. It doesn't seem to be happening any too fast. This didn't happen over night...nor will it correct it self over night. Gas will not go back to 2.00 a gallon and nor will the rest of the items we buy get cheaper. So too save a bit check out this website and see how you might be able to save in your area. Anything can help these days...right !

http://www.valpak.com/

Also here are some helpful tips to save money:

- Use coupons.

- Buy only what you need.

- Think twice about 'wanted only' items.

- Pack lunch for work/ school instead of buying it.

-Shop at Costco's or Sam's. So you can buy in bigger qnt for a better value.

- Drive the car that gets the best gas mileage.

- Think about how often you are driving.

- Car pool when possible.

- Use coupons.

- Buy items on sale vs full price.

- Look for online coupons.

- Make sure you car is taken care of to get the best mileage. ( Air in tires, oil changes) so it will run at it's best.

-Turn off lights, and other things when not needed at home.

- Use less water when possible.

-Eat left overs instead of throwing them out.

- Eat out less.

- If you do eat out, get water instead of a pop. Or a pop instead of a 6.00 drink. ( The going rate for a pop can be 2.50 or more at resturants - nearly the price of a 12pk) Plus water is better for you anyhow. We all need more of it.

- For fun, have friends or family over, instead of going out.

- Rent a movie , instead of going to one at the theater

- Say 'NO' more often to items that are not needed to yourself and your kids.

- Exercise at home instead of paying for a gym membership. Walk with a friend or family or neighbor.

The list could go on forever. But we all really need to RE-THINK our actions and just by doing that we can save ALOT of money.

Have a good night !

Look at this color !

Well look at the wonderful color of this flower. I just love it.

Well it was somewhat warmer today here in Mn, but the best part was just the SUN. I love it when it is SUNNNNNNY outside. When it is chillier the sun really helps. Rather then the colder temps and no sun.

I had intentions tonight on getting ALOT done while my Hubby was at his bowling banquet. However I am not sure that will happen.

I did run some errands and get some Birthday presents bought. I did get some clothes washed and some dishes done. But no where near the things I wanted to complish.

My dear Hubby has not been working at his job this week, due to no work for him to do. But he has been working very hard at home. He really has been putting his heart and soul into our new paver sidewalk and I don't either of us had any idea the work it involved. It is alot bigger project then we had thought. He has been doing most of the work on it himself. I have to say.. I am lucky I have a hubby that has so many skills. This project would have cost a furtune in labor...but my hubby is doing it all. So that alone is a huge savings.

Well that's all for tonight ! I have a few things left to do tonight. So until next time.

Weekend Creativity !

Well as I think I have mentioned a time or two I have a card exchange at work. Well I have been putting this off for a while. Just always something to do around the house. Or wasn't in the mood to be creative. What have you. Well it is this coming week. So I didn't have a choice. I had to get going. So here is my final result.


I did a bit of a variety and changed them just a weeee bit. So despite I was not feeling well. I have the junk my hubby had for 2 weeks with the head cold and such is now mine. He is soo sweet for sharing. NOT!!

Anyways.. it was a cold... now once again the sun is gone and glummmy has set in . So I had NO bad feelings about staying inside to stamp.

I am sorry however that the weather is not warmer. But this weekend it allowed me to get my stamping done. I also had to FINALLLY pick up our office/stamping room... for now. After this big project..my stamps will need to take a rest. I have many birthday to get ready for in May. As well as I will be h0sting Mothers Day this year.

So I will have my family and my in-laws as well as grandparents on both sides and my sister's mother in -law. So I will have a full house in deed. I am already starting to get prepared..but there will be much to do. After that is done..my yard will be yet calling my name and there will be annuals to plant and a boat to clean among other things. We are also on the list to re-roof my grandparents cabin in may and that will be a few weekend project. Ahh time flies.

This is become long.. so I will sign off.... with a warm good bye!

I hope you are somewhere warmer.

I hope your weekend has been good !

I hope you have spread love.

I hope you have enjoyd the day!

Dogs

We had a meeting at work and we got these baskets with the cute..HELLO/GOODBYE dogs!!!



Have a good weekend alllllllllllllllll......

Winter returns in Mn on April 26th.

So Sat morning we woke up to the snow coming down. We where like WTF is this and what was goin on. We heard we might get some snow in upper Mn...but not here in the cities. Soooo we made the best of it. I picked up the house and lit my nice warm lemon candle that smelled like spring. Even though it felt like a winter day.

Here is our front yard.............. early i n the morning...later the snow kicked in again.
Here is some snow on my silk flowers in my planter until it is warm enough to have real ones and my pond is actually melted.
This Sunday morning it is a cool 36 degress's out but the sun is shinning...the snow is now gone and I am soooo glad !!!!

Sidewalk project !

Just a side walk update... my hubby took out much dirt on Sunday when I was staining everything in sight.

It doesn't look like as much on the pic's but it is about 9 inches deep.

Much left to do..... one day there will be a nice pretty pathway of pavers leading to our front door.

Protect Yourself ! Check this out.

Hey everyone... I got an email at work from a fellow co-worker. I did this and it did come up with my house and name and directions. Follow the instrustions to take your phone number off. Even more so pay think of this for you that have small children.

Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and you will be given the person's name and address. If you then hit Map you will get a map to the person's house. Everyone should be aware of this! It's a nationwide reverse telephone book.

If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious, and alarming!!!

Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried my number and it came up along with the Map Quest and directions straight to our house.

Please look up your own number!!!!!!!

In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: Google (http://www.google.com/). Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e., 555-555-1212) and hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48 hours.

You may know someone who needs to know this - someone who has little kids.

Check your own number and (although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact).

It takes Sex Offenders right to your front door!!
Please share this information with friends and family.

Happy Earth day !!!

Happy Earth Day to all

Above is a Target re-useable bag for shopping.

Just another way to save the planet and mother earth a bit more.

I hope that you are all doing what you can to help the cause. I wanted to post more.. and some fun facts... but the truth is I just don't have the time tonight... must run.

As I was trying to load my pics and type.. my big kitty decided he was going to take part in the activities as well. When we get home from work he is soo needy.

Here he is playing with the pen and paper.. as to say..look at me I can do it tooo....
Well better run....

Hope you all are doing well. I am not as well. I have a tooth ache and I am coming down with the crap my hubby had for a week and a half... wish my luck all.. iIhope I feel better soon.

Getting Healthy !

Sooo today I was alll pumped. I was going to come home from work and go for a walk. The sun was shinning at my work and I was ready to put on my tennies and go. Well when I got home it was sprinkling and the rain clouds where dark and rolling in. Guess I will get some exercise inside tonight.

It is finally Spring and we all want to look and feel better..right. So I thought I would help.

Well.... this will be a long post.
Here are 20 ideas to keep you on course.

1.Experiment with new foods and combinations.

2. Try mango or peach slices on whole-wheat toast with a little peanut butter and honey. Toss some mandarin orange and peach slices into a salad.

3.Add chickpeas, black beans or garbanzos to your lunch or dinner salad. If you typically buy a salad at work and no beans are available, bring beans from home in a small container.
4.Try something new for breakfast. Munch on leftover vegetable pizza or make a smoothie blended from exotic fruits, low-fat yogurt and a spoonful of wheat germ.

5.Stir-fry extra-firm or firm tofu rather than meat in oriental dishes. Freezing and then thawing tofu before use gives it a firmer, chewier texture.

6.Make a nutritious snack rather than a full meal when time is tight. For example, spread a brown rice cake with ricotta cheese and fresh strawberries or low-sugar, spreadable fruit. Or try corn muffins with apple and cheese slices, or fat-free refried beans mixed with salsa, a small amount of low-fat sour cream and baked tortilla chips.

7. Add crushed bran cereal or unprocessed wheat bran to baked products, such as meatloaf, breads, muffins, casseroles, cakes and cookies. Also, use bran products as a crunchy topping for casseroles, salads or cooked vegetables.

8. Grill fresh vegetables for a quick and healthy side dish. Cut vegetables into 1/2-inch slices or large chunks and baste with a light salad dressing or brush them with canola or olive oil. Grill until tender, turning only once.

9.Take advantage of ready-to-use foods. Fresh bagged salads, frozen vegetables, low-fat deli meats, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain breads, and fresh and canned unsweetened fruits take only minutes to prepare.

10. Vary your salad greens and enjoy the multitude of flavors and textures. Choices include arugula, chicory, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach or watercress. Purchase a different variety each week.

11. For breakfast on the go, munch dry, ready-to-eat cereal with a banana and drink a small carton of low-fat or skim milk.

12.Choose a dish that serves as a full meal for quick and simple cooking. Healthy examples include beef, barley and vegetable stew; chicken, vegetable and rice casserole; turkey and bean casserole (made with turkey breast, white beans and tomatoes); or vegetarian chili with diced vegetables.

13. Take advantage of healthy side dishes offered at fast-food restaurants. Instead of french fries, choose a side salad with low-fat dressing or a baked potato. Or add a fruit bowl or a fruit and yogurt option to your meal.

14. Stock your shelves with good-for-you snacks. Low-fat pudding cups, dry roasted soy nuts, low-fat popcorn and whole-grain crispbread crackers are good choices.

15. Decrease the meat portion on your plate and increase the serving size of vegetables. Use three times as many vegetables on pizzas or in casseroles, soups and stews.
Plan meals so that you can use the extra food in other dishes. For example, bake chicken breasts for a meal and use what's left in sandwiches, soup or a stir-fry.

16. Use salsa for more than just chips. Whether it's mild, fruity, scorching, smooth or chunky, salsa is a great companion for potatoes, vegetables, fish, chicken or meats.

17. Marinate meat, chicken, fish before cooking to tenderize and add flavor to foods. Try mixtures of herbs or spices with wine, olive oil, soy sauce, cider vinegar or lemon juice.

18. Expand your grain repertoire with whole-grain complements, such as kasha, brown rice, wild rice, barley or whole-wheat tortillas.

19. Use herbs and spices to add color, savory taste and sensational aroma. Add cilantro to rice or bean dishes. Sprinkle rosemary on roasted potatoes or grilled meats. Add freshly chopped chives to omelets or pasta salads.

20. Explore world cuisines. Discover and enjoy foods from around the world: Mexican, Latin American, Indian, Greek, French and Asian cuisines, just to name a few. Some of the world's most intriguing ingredients — quinoa, edamame, bok choy, bulgur — are as healthy as they are delicious.

- Info provided by the Mayo Clinic - Please visit this website for more infohttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-eating/NU00641

I am making SPRING !!

So while my Hubby was busy with the side walk. As was I. It was a mere 40 something and I am getting tired of the LACK of warmth... But I don't care... I decided I am making spring at my house.... So with that being said.. I started to get out my yard decor today and get out my summer items. Then one day when it pops to warmth outta the blue I will be ready.

Below is one thing that is popping out and growing get a bit in my yard. The ever soooo hint of green and spring growth and you know what... I'll take it.

Then I went on my desk and put together my outdoor swing. It is ready to go and ready for a relaxing swing.
The since I don't have any flowers yet for my flower pot.. I added yet another adorable flag. I just love these. One in the front and one in the back !!
Hope you all all have a good weekend !!!

CoNsTruTion ZoNe at our HoUse !!!

So our house always seems to be more improvements and projects.. well this Spring is not different then any other. So because as you can see our side walk is cracked, we are ripping it all out and going with warm earth tone pavers. WOW is this a HUGE project. My hubby start last night with the jack hammer and worked on it alot today. Here are soooo pic I wanted to share.

The BEFORE............
My Hubby and the JACK HAMMER !!!Our side walk alllll jack hammered and broken up.
Jes's pile of all the side walk in piece's waiting the dump.We have more weeks of work but my Hubby got a great start !!!

Welcome new readers and familar ones!

Hello Everyone.... another warmer day here in Mn and I am excited to share it ! Yippppy.

All of you that live in warmer climates are soooo very lucky ! Sometimes I wonder why I live here.

Okay..... today my post is going to be about if you are a new reader.. or a reader that checks in..but has never said Hi.

Please feel free to leave me a comment. To say Hi, to tell me how you are. What is new in your world. Anything you might want to share. It is up to you.

I do have friends that read my blog, that are not into the blogging world much, but stop to check in and see what is new..but mostly they email me... well please click on leave a comment and share with me how you are doing.

I soo much enjoy keeping in touch with people and seeing and hearing from others. There is more to life then just my little world. Alot of my world is also my friends and family and alll others out there.

It is also nice to hear from new people or old friends that I don't get to talk to that often !

I hope you are all having a super week this far.. the weekend is ALLLLLLLLLLMOST here !!!

Today!

Today....

It is a Tuesday... and it is many other things...

- It is the last day for taxes to be in.
- Tonight if you look next to the moon and see a very bright star, that is Saturn and you can see it.
- Its a Birthday of a co-worker.
- Its bowling night for us.
- Its the warmest day of the year, thus far.
- Its finally sunny out.
- Its the first day I can go home with the sun roof open on my car.
- Its a stressful day, at least for me.
- But a happy day as far as weather goes.
- It's many more different things to many more different people.
- Its another day with my hubby and friends and family. Thankful for that.
- Its a weekday and not a fun weekend day that I like best.
- Its a school day.
- Its a work day.
- Its a longer day then yesterday, for the sun will shine on us a bit longer tonight.

Ahhh I could go on forever I guess. So could we all. But whatever your day is to you. However your day might be going. I hope it is a good one.

I hope everyone in Mn will enjoy the warmer temps.

Fresh Air and Exercise !

Well here in Mn... it actually got to a high of 50 today. Yipppppyyy... the sun was also out. Much much needed for all of us here in Mn... that have been trapped in the house WAYYYYYY to long.

I have been VERY un-active all winter long. So tonight I went out for a 25 min walk around the blocks around my house. I got wind in my hair... fresh air in my lungs.. some sun on my face. Then most important, I got my heart beat up and it was a great feeling. Now I just hope I can get some more nights like this. I really need it. Not only for my spirit..but my health as well ! I hope it will also be a plus in reducing some stress. Exercise does that right... heheehe ! YES it does. Nice end of my day to a stressful work day. I am going to go and do a bit of stretching and then do a few household items and call it a night.
Hope you all have a good week. I have a busy one.

Sunday Mix and Match .....

So here is some snow STILL in my yard.

If you read my blog.. you will now the lack of spring and warmth and sun in my life has me a bit down. So today I got outside a bit. It is 40 degress's today. A little chilly with the wind! But at least it is not 25.

So here is a flower girl. Spring will come damn it.. and I am going to be ready for her... so snow or not... I hung this girl up next to my front door.
Despite the snow.. I also put out my SPRING.. pretty colored FLAG...
So a few people emailed me... asking about this Energy Booster. Okay I picked up a box of this at my local Target. Is it 8.49 for 36 packets .. which is 23.5 cents per pack. For all of you Costco shoppers I am told they also have this. However it is a box of 80 packets this is a mere 16.00 or about 20 cents a pack..but just to be sure... before I bought that many I wanted to start with the smaller pack. So there you go. You can try them for yourself !!!

Have a good one all......... I am off to do some Spring cleaning.....

I've been busy !!

It is Sat, and it is a mere 28 degree's this morning. The roads are icey and the wind is blowing. I have a sick hubby.. so I had to run to the store for a few items for him. Ahhh this is realllllly not April 12th with these temps... is it??? But it is ! So I have all my morning chores done and its time to create. I was having some fun last night and hope to do the same today. So I hope you enjoy... here is a big of fun that I have been having.

Have a good weekend all. For those of you in Mn, keep warm and have some fun inside the house !!!

Need an engery booster ????

Welllll.... I picked up a package of these wonderful RED strawberries. Since we are getting hit with YET another round of SNOW here in Mn. I really needed something that would remind me and bring me of my thoughts about summer. In hopes we might see some spring at least by MAY. Aren't these just yummmy looking ???? As most of you know that read my blog... I have been feeling sooo tired and such from my stress levels right now. While talking to my nail lady that I have know for literally years.. she told me about something she takes that is all natural. All it is , is vitamins. This pic below is what she gave me..... a packet full for ENGERGY.... just what I needed. I thought I would share it with you all. Because I am sure there are other's that could use a booooooooost, and it is good for you. All you do is take this small pack and mix it with a cup or bottle of water.
So I would give it a try.. she shared a few of her packets with me. It works and it really did the trick. I like the fact it is not a caffine high, or something like that. That you know you are going to CRASH from after the fact.

If you are like me and and need an extra kick... give this a try !

Hope you all have a good weekend.

I have been stamping tonight and hope to do so tomorrow. So I will share my work later this weekend.

Have a good one all.

Fun facts....

What is this ???

Is that what you are asking yourself ??

Well the answer is easy... it is the OLD 'WAX PAPER"

Personally I don't even own any wax paper.. right now. But I have 5 Tips that you can use your wax paper for.. So all of you that have some at home..... here you go.

5 Ways to use.... WAX PAPER....

1.) PROTECT PANS; Put a sheet between cast iron pans when stacking them. The thin coat of wax prevents rust.

2.) STORE CANDLES; Roll the colored candles in a sheet of wax paper and twist the ends to seal. They won't get nicked up or scuffed when they are placed in drawers.

3.) SHINE A FAUCET. ( okay this is my favorite ) Rub chrome fixtures after cleaning to prevent water spots and finger smudges.

4.) CLEAN A HANDHELD CAN OPENER; Run a piece of wax paper through the gears; it loosens dirt and coats them so they run smoothly.

5.) UNSTICK PAGES; Insert a piece of paper between wet pages of a book. When they dry, they'll be good as new.

Thank you... this has been my Public service announcement for today.... hehehehehehe!

Happy Birthday Kyra !!!!

Today we celebrats yet another Birthday. We have 2 Birthday girls in the same week. Yippy...twice the fun....!!

Happy Birthday Kye ....

I hope you have a day that is as special as you are !

Enjoy and Relax and do something special just for yourself. Birthdays are fun and no matter what our age we should enjoy them !

Thinking of you.
A & J

Happy Birthday Steph !!!

Happy Birthday Dear Steph ~

Today is YOUR day ! I hope it is a good one and one that you are able to have fun and enjoy ! We wish you the best on your Birthday !!! :)

Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!
Happpy Birthday!

Have a special day dear sister in law !

Monday is here again....

Well everyone.... did you enjoy your Sat and the warm 60 degree's or what ???
I know I sure did. It was great. We had a busy weekend. Sat we left home at 10:00am and did not get home till late, late.....that night. I think it was midnight when I got to bed.

We fixed some things at Jesse's Grandpa's house. Tried to talk to someone about getting my sewing machine fixed with NO success. It is brand new and it hasn't worked right since I have gotten it. We also had to get our boat from her house. Then we stopped at a all time fave place in Coon Rapids for lunch that we never get to. $6.00 lunch special is such a deal. It was fun to get out. But gosh the place was packed. The nice temps really was bringing everyone outside. Which was understandable.We also ran a bunch of errands and then ended up at the in-laws for a night of pizza and celebrating the Birthday Girl's Birthday......! ( steph )

Sunday was chores days. I got sooo much done at home. Sat was gone.. so I REALLY needed to make Sunday a day to get alot done. I had alot to accomplish and I did it. I was tired..but it was a great feeling to get it all done. Jes also worked in the basement and got alot of more mudding done. The weekend are growing shorter until we need to be outside. So we are really pushing to get as much as possible done inside now as we can. We have outdoor projects already in the works.

Today is alllllllllll about me......

I have to find a way to de-stress. So I worked all day... which is not a way..but then I have my nail appointment... ( once a month ) and then after that I am going home to my parents for a great meal and a back rub. My Mom knows what she is doing. The Woman should get paid for what she does. But in efforts to get rid of my migraines and de-stress... my mom is going to start giving me a massage's. I hope it helps. It can not hurt by any means... and it will also give me some good quality time with Mom as well. Also a time to get things off my mind and my chest of things in general that are going on.

Well with that being said... I am praying for more warm weather. But I am not sure we are getting it. It was nearly a blizzard this morning on my way to work. My wipers could not even keep up. The closer I got to work the more it let up.

Well I have a busy week and there are 2 special Birthday Girls this week. Hope Stephanie and Kye you enjoy your day and do something special for yourself.

Something New

Well Hello .................

Today the weather is doing a bit of a turn around....some warmer temps here in Mn, and some MUCH needed sun I am pleased to report. How long will it stay ? No one knows. Not even the weather man I am sad to say. The report might be rain/snow mix this weekend. Although, my hopes are high they are wrong.

Okay....... well as you can see... my blog got a bit of a face lift and update ! Thanks to Kyra. I can do the basic's with my slow moving pc. But that is about it. So I asked for help. Kye was a good friend and was glad to step up and help a sista out. She did a make over and fixed up my blog to things I wanted on it. So pleased with it and so fun for me to see the changes. She also made it special because the flowers on the top are ones from last year, in my dear Grandmothers back yard.
She is near and dear to me so it is nice to have that on my blog as well. Thanks Kye.

Thanks also Kye for bringing some spring and color into not only my blog today, but to my life.
Thanks for the giggles toooo, I really needed them.

Maybe the warm air, sunshine and things will help me feel a bit better. I am sure hoping so.
Fighting these headaches and migraines a week at a crack is really starting to take it's toll on me.

Okay.. that's all for me for today.

Cards

Soooo sorry I did not get a chance to post these cards my Sis and I made.

We where busy and we did not get a chance to turn out to many cards, I still have one card that I have to assemble yet. So we made a total of 3 different cards.

I had wanted to also find a lay out for my card exchange at work with my co-workers but that did not happen yet. I need to get on that soon because they are due in a few weeks.

So here they are..... baby cards..... one for a girl and one for a boy !

I have so many events coming up that I want to make cards for yet as well. But I did need some baby cards also.

I also need Mother's Day, Father's Day and some Birthdays I have coming up this month.


P.S. I can not believe we got YET another 6 inches of snow when I woke this morning. Man am I ever tired of this snow. Will it ever end ? This is just soooo depressing for me. I really need the sun shine and warm weather in my life right now. I told my Hubby I can't wait to go to bed with the windows open and the fresh air blowing thru. I hate having the windows closed and the stale air all winter long.