tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82414881114319039792024-03-19T05:51:22.553-07:00Project: Domestic BlissFor anyone seeking Domestic Bliss!
Helpful tips, gossip, recipes, and all things life!The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-48281385755013621312009-11-28T17:10:00.000-08:002009-11-28T17:13:02.479-08:00Nikki's secret Holiday Blog!!so if you read my blog last year, you would know I was one of the selected ladies to participate in the Thrifty Under $50 sponsored by <a href="http://youcanmakethis.com">youcanmakethis.com</a><br /><br />I made a secret blog that you had to email me to get the address, but lately, I have had tons of requests to see it since we are so close to the holidays that I thought I would just post it here!!<br /><br />So if you are looking for cheap hand made gifts that dont look cheap and hand made (lol!!) check it out here:<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjxwXF8ucK-VqBVkrr9BdkB5Din9uRb4Yxkjha1bg3fsnuk-sfo7lV14nq3f4UIyafL0banFUahWmUXHSWRkyNqXMRaOFjLoi7Akjer_TxdWu9y1_NKOyPdxN8krpJnghKF5iLxs87ATW/s1600-r/header.jpg"><br /><br /><a href="http://nikkisthriftyunderfifty.blogspot.com/">http://nikkisthriftyunderfifty.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-77573826865959884152009-11-18T19:42:00.000-08:002009-11-18T20:00:39.130-08:00Heaven...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh0-9ktp0PBXrwMmVa2iQe-cPMcjM2Don5NWumzzCySQg6mUTWV8Poj5DyqB3t6CQ7UQHUePEDu9EQ23UvXynnJKgWtAEVKoR7dNHbRij1FrKz2WxCNz6V-LB-IohY1cw-FQHUEnUCLY/s1600/heaven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh0-9ktp0PBXrwMmVa2iQe-cPMcjM2Don5NWumzzCySQg6mUTWV8Poj5DyqB3t6CQ7UQHUePEDu9EQ23UvXynnJKgWtAEVKoR7dNHbRij1FrKz2WxCNz6V-LB-IohY1cw-FQHUEnUCLY/s400/heaven.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405657461694200626" /></a><br /><br />Hey Everyone! I know it has been a while, and I want to try to keep this blog up as much as I can, but a lot of changes have been going on in my life the last few months, so I am trying to adjust!<br /><br />But I got this beautiful email from my sister today, so I thought I would share it with you all!!<br />Have a blessed day :)<br />****I know its long, but WELL worth the read!!!****<br />---------------------------------<br /><br />17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last. <br /><br /> Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted. <br /><br /> The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.' <br /><br />Brian's Essay: <br />The Room... <br />In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. <br /><br />This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. <br /><br />A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at ' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. <br /><br />Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. <br /><br />When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. <br />When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. <br /><br />I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. <br />Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. <br /><br />And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. <br /><br />And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. <br />No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. <br /><br />He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. <br /><br />Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. <br /><br />He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. <br /><br /> 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-19830935940416369272009-09-13T14:46:00.001-07:002009-09-13T14:51:03.373-07:00{Awesome Day......}Today was AWESOME....I went to church this morning and guess who our guest for the day was??<br /><br /><br /><center><img src="https://www.itickets.com/parts/aimages//18640.jpg" /></center><br /><center><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">RICARDO SANCHEZ!!<br /></span></strong></center><br />That's right, the man that wrote that beautiful song, Moving Forward. <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunday-inspirationmoving-forward.html">(I featured it here a few days ago)</a><br /><br />I felt like the Spirit was totally moving today, and it was amazing to see him perform it live, as well as lead our praise and worship time this morning!<br /><br />Thank you Ricardo for joining us!!<br />(side note...I was so mad I didn't get to go get a photo with him, but I was volunteering after service to pass out booklets for our church wide bible study! But he was standing right across from me! lol)<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif" /></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-59149075388391638552009-09-09T10:09:00.000-07:002009-09-09T10:15:47.302-07:00{Recipe of the Day: Easy, kid friendly, pizza!}<img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/pizza.jpg"><br /><br />this pizza is so easy, your kids can even help and its all done in UNDER 30 minutes! No Kidding!!<br /><br /><strong>Here is what you will need:</strong><br />2pkg. popcan type biscuits<br />1 1/2C. prepared pasta sauce<br />2C. grated cheese<br />1/2pkg. sliced pepperoni (or any type of toppings you would like)<br /><br /><strong>Here is how to make it:</strong><br />1. pre heat your oven according to the brand of biscuits you purchased<br /><br />2. place parchment paper or a silpat onto a baking sheet and spray lightly with PAM type spray. then open biscuits and place on sheet, sides touching.<br /><br />3. push biscuits down so they start to form a crust. Don't worry if there are gaps between them, they will fill in as you cook the pizza.<br /><br />4. spread top with pasta sauce, then sprinkle on cheese, pepperoni, and any other toppings you would like.<br /><br />5. bake according to the biscuit's that you purchased PLUS 5 minutes to make sure they are cooked through....make sure to keep an eye on them because ovens vary! :)<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-70112300361581864642009-09-06T22:33:00.000-07:002009-09-06T22:48:06.488-07:00{Menu Planning: Tips}<a href="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/menu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/menu.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Hey Everyone! Long time, no blog! But I have so many blogs planned, I hope I don't have a very long pause!<br /><br />Anyway, I wanted to give you all a post today about something I get asked about ALL THE TIME....Menu Planning!<br /><br />I think sometimes we are at a loss with menu planning and just don't know where to start. We all know we should do it, but we just don't! So I wanted to put all of your questions together that you have sent me and tell you what I do! :)<br /><br /><strong>Q: How long does it take you to plan a menu?</strong><br />A: Well, I plan 3 meals a day for 4 people, so it takes me about an hour and a half to plan a menu and get a shopping list together.<br /><br /><strong>Q: How do you decide what you will eat?</strong><br />A: First, I search through all the local store ads and write down all the good deals, so I know to make my meals out of those products. Then, I ask everyone in the family if there is anything in particular that they would like to eat this week, and try to take those suggestions into consideration.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Where do you find recipes?</strong><br />A: Well, I don't really use "recipes", but I use ideas from them, more as a guideline I guess. I love searching other blog's, my old site, <a href="http://gourmetmomma.blogspot.com">Gourmet Momma</a>, the girls over at <a href="http://cookitblogit.blogspot.com/">cook it, blog it</a> (another cooking site I run...I think I am seeing a pattern here) I also use cook books, books from my culinary school, and sometimes, I just make stuff up! GET CREATIVE!!!<br /><br /><strong>Q: do you use coupons to determine your meals?</strong><br />A: yes and no. If I have a coupon that is for something we will eat, I will save it, if its for something I know we wont like or that is really bad for you, even if it makes it free, I don't use it. So I write down my coupons along with the sales flyer info so I know what to use.<br /><br /><strong>Q: where do you keep your menu plan?</strong><br />A: Well, on that little pad up there at the top, its on my fridge!<br /><br /><strong>TIPS WORTH NOTING:</strong><br />--make sure you plan our side dishes with all your meals<br />--have plenty of fruit and healthy snacks on hand so people dont eat things that are supposed to be cooked into dinner!<br />--look through your fridge, freezer, cabinets, pantry, etc. BEFORE you shop, so you know that you have three bottles of dressing already and you dont need anymore for that salad you want on Tuesday.<br /><strong>--HAVE FUN...</strong>this is menu planning, not brain surgery! If you try something new and your family doesn't like it, keep some pasta and sauce in the pantry at all times to whip up a simple meal you know they will all love! :)<br /><br />I hope this helps! If you have any menu planning strategies, let me know in the comments section below! :)<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-17469696681841511452009-08-20T15:24:00.000-07:002009-08-20T15:33:46.507-07:00{Banana Nut Waffles}So, I LOVE me a good waffle, but add in some mashed up banana's and some walnuts, and I am in waffle heaven!<br /><br />Check out my latest creation:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/banananutwaffles2.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/banananutwaffles1.jpg"><br /><br />Banana Nut Waffles-<br />What you will need:<br />4 eggs<br />1C. milk<br />1T. baking powder<br />1/2t. salt<br />1 1/2C. All Purpose Flower<br />1/2C. wheat flour (you can use all wheat or all AP to taste)<br />1/2C. (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled<br />1T. sugar (I used all natural!)<br />1T. vanilla<br />2 over ripe banana's, mashed<br />1C. walnuts, chopped<br /><br />In a bowl, beat your eggs until fluffy, then add in butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk.<br /><br />Sift in dry ingredients, and mix just till combined (there will be some lumps, this is ok!)<br /><br />Fold in mashed banana and nuts <br />(I left this step for last, because if you have picky eaters, the waffle recipe is perfect by its self, so you can make your kid's waffles first, then add in the banana and nuts for you!)<br /><br />Cook on your waffle iron until done! :) ENJOY....<br /><br />I know Lagan did!!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/banananutwaffles3.jpg"><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif" /></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-31979815027018584702009-08-10T15:00:00.000-07:002009-08-10T15:14:18.795-07:00{End of the Grocery Challenge!}<img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/allyouchal.jpg"><br /><br /><a href="http://allyougrocerychallenge.wordpress.com/">The All You grocery challenge is over</a>!!!!! I'm so sad...but I had an amazing time blogging recipes and food posts and sharing money saving tips!<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for putting up with my lack of decorating and projects while I was food crazy! hehe<br /><br />I have posted my final totals on the side bar if your interested. All of my receipts are in a baggie and labeled for safe keeping! :)<br />Gosh, I hope I win!! hehe<br /><br />As to everyone who asked if I would still be making recipe posts...YES!!! Just not every day! :) But I will be posting recipes and more food photos, so stay tuned. <br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-3845769508758901272009-08-09T14:59:00.000-07:002009-08-09T15:00:45.643-07:00{Sunday Inspiration...Moving Forward}Today in church, I witnessed Christ in work, right before my eyes!<br /><br />One of our amazing Pastors was talking about the Bible stating we are all Priests, a Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9-12). Priests are there to help people when they need it, cry with them when they need someone to cry with, pray with them when they need someone to pray with, etc. We should all be able to do this as the body of Christ. Not because we are perfect, but because God calls us to as His people.<br /><br />So, Pastor Earl asked for everyone who has lost their jobs due to the economy to raise our hands. Many, many, many hands went up in the air.<br /><br />Then he asked, who will not be able to pay their rent this month? A lady sitting a few seats away from us raised her hand, and Pastor Earl asked her to come forward. The lady's name is Ann.<br /><br /><center><strong>Ann said that she left New York and a good job to move here to take care of her 6 month old grandson, because his parents are in jail!<br />Pastor earl asked her..."how much is your rent?" "$890.00" Ann said.<br /><br />Pastor Earl then said "Can anyone in here be a Priest for Ann?" I stood in awe with tears running down my face as 3000 people walked to the front to hand cash to Ann. Some with $1.00, some with $100 or more. Adults, Children, people in wheelchairs, Christians, and those that had not yet given their life to Christ...all being Priests for this woman. I stood there thinking...Jesus...you are here right now! I can feel you, I can see you, I know you are here!</strong></center><br /><br />I am crying right now writing this because I know there are so many people who have lost hope. They are living in the world and don't have anyone to give them direction. They don't have a Priest to go to. As Ann left the church, she told my step dad that this was her FIRST time at our church! God had a plan for her, and He has a plan for you!<br /><br />So I want to share this song with you as a reminder....we are all Priests to someone. What can you do, big or small to help someone move ahead with their life?<br /><br />Let's all....Move Forward! :)<br />Blessings<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif" /></p><br /><br /><div style="VISIBILITY: visible; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; WIDTH: 450px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><object height="270" width="435"><param name="movie" value="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/mp3player_new.swf"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="flashvars" value="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_black_noautostart.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Floadplaylist.php%3Fplaylist%3D68409280%26t%3D1249855146&wid=os"><br /> <embed style="width:435px; visibility:visible; height:270px;" allowscriptaccess="never" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/mp3player_new.swf" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_black_noautostart.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http://www.indimusic.us/loadplaylist.php?playlist=68409280&t=1249855146&wid=os" width="435" height="270" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0"></embed> </object><br /><a href="http://www.profileplaylist.net/"><img alt="Get a playlist!" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/create_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.mysocialgroup.com/standalone/68409280" target="_blank"><img alt="Standalone player" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/launch_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.mysocialgroup.com/download/68409280"><img alt="Get Ringtones" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/get_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br />I'm not going back<br />I'm moving ahead<br />I'm here to declare to you<br />my past is over<br />In You old things are made new<br />Surrender my life to Christ<br />I'm moving moving forward<br /><br />What a moment<br />You have brought me to<br />Such a freedom<br />I have found in You<br />your the Healer<br /><br />You make all things new<br />Yeah Yeah Yeah<br />I'm not going back<br />I'm moving ahead<br />I'm here to declare to you<br />my past is over<br />In You old things are made new<br />Surrender my life to Christ<br />I'm moving moving forward<br /><br />You have risen<br />With all power in Your Hands<br />You have given me<br />A second Chance<br />Hallelujah Hallelujah<br /><br />Yeah Yeah Yeah<br />Yeah Yeah Yeah<br /><br />I'm not going back<br />I'm moving ahead<br />I'm here to declare to you<br />my past is over<br />In You old things are made new<br />Surrender my life to Christ<br />I'm moving moving forward<br /><br />You make all things new<br />You make all things new<br />I will follow You forwardThe Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-34355367768350269932009-08-07T14:34:00.000-07:002009-08-07T14:37:11.109-07:00{I NEED YOUR HELP...YES...YOU!!}<p>Hey Everyone! So....I need your help!! I was surfing around blogs about a week ago, and I found this BEAUTIFUL kitchen that someone had redone with the bead board wallpaper, and she had painted the whole thing red. She also had a beautiful island and her dining table had a modern drum-shaped light hanging over it that looked almost like burlap!</p><p>Has ANYONE else seen this blog? If so, could you PLEASE let me know what the address is in the Comments below?! Thanks so much awesome readers...and don't worry, I will be back with some recipes soon!!!! :)<img src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif">The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-75129746173137217162009-08-05T22:06:00.000-07:002009-08-05T22:22:45.099-07:00{How To: Spruce up a bulletin board}<div align="left">I am so excited to finally get this posted! I have been so stuck on food, I had forgotten about my DIY projects I have been working on! :)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Today I am going to show you how to take an UGLY old bulletin board (or a new one if you want, hehe) and make it FAB-O!!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Here is what you need:</div><div align="left">a bulletin board</div><div align="left">fabric (enough to cover the front)</div><div align="left">spray adhesive</div><div align="left">ribbon (enough to go around the edges)</div><div align="left">hot glue gun</div><div align="left">scrapbooking paper</div><div align="left">glass marble things from the floral department of your craft store</div><div align="left">modge podge or school glue</div><div align="left">pushpins that are almost flat</div><div align="left">Craft paint (optional)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">ok, here is what I did, I started by painting the edges of the frame so they are white. Then I measured and cut the fabric BACKWARDS to make sure it fit:</div><div align="left"></div><p><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board4.jpg" /><br /><br />Next, I sprayed it down with spray adhesive:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board3.jpg" /><br /><br />then flipped it over CAREFULLY, make sure your sides don't stick (you might want someone to help you on this step) and press down fabric so there are no gaps or bubbles:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board5.jpg" /><br /><br />next, you want to cut your ribbon to fit each side...make sure they are separate cuts, not all one long piece, then use your glue gun to glue down to the sides:<br /><br />Then you will want to make your push pins.<br />I started with these large glass thingys<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board1.jpg" /><br /><br />and I cut our scrapbooking paper to fit the bottoms, glued it on using modgepodge, and then hot glued a push pin to the back:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board2.jpg" /><br /><br />Then you can push them into your board, and its ready for hanging! :)<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board7.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/board6.jpg" /> </p><p> </p><p>Dont forget to check out all the awesome DIY projects at Kimba's Blog:</p><p><a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/08/diy-day.html">http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/08/diy-day.html</a><br /><br /></p><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif" /></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-63873785608405006142009-08-03T21:40:00.000-07:002009-08-03T21:49:20.524-07:00{Meals from Monday: Week 4}Wow...week 4 is already here, I can not believe we are almost finished with the <a href="http://allyougrocerychallenge.wordpress.com/">all you grocery challenge</a>! I have had a really fun time being creative with a budget and what I already have on hand! Its been really fun blogging about it with all of you as well!<br /><br />On a quick note...to everyone who was praying for us on Sunday, Lagan is just fine, doctor said everything was normal...no cancer or anything! Thank you Jesus!!! :)<br /><br />So, on to food...<br />for breakfast this morning I made my awesome <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/01/apple-spice-oatmeal.html">oatmeal with apples </a>and <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-finally-made-biscuits.html">biscuits</a>. (just click the names to be taken to the recipes)<br /><br />lunch was spaghetti...Lagan's fave!<br /><br />Dinner, I made turkey meatloaf. If you have a larger family, you might want to double this recipe...after all, if you have leftovers, you can always make meatloaf sandwiches tomorrow!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/meatloaf.jpg"><br /><br />What you will need:<br />1lb ground turkey meat (extra lean if possible)<br />1C bread crumbs<br />1/2C ketchup<br />1T. dried onion<br />1/2t. each salt and pepper<br />1/2t. garlic powder<br />1 egg<br />1/2C milk<br /><br />stir all ing. together and mold onto cookie sheet (make sure you spray it with cooking spray REALLY well!) until it looks like a loaf and bake at 400 for 1 hour.<br /><br />I served mine with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli :)<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-71263526185960067952009-08-03T15:21:00.000-07:002009-08-03T15:28:47.489-07:00{Meals from Sunday, Week 3}Sunday was busy with church and having the family over, so meals were simple! :)<br /><br />Breakfast was sweet rolls (pre made from the store...<a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/02/mega-cinnamon-rolls.html">not as good as mine</a>, but ok!)<br /><br />Lunch we picked up Jack in the Box's new meals that are $2.99, pretty good value! (added about $14.00 onto my bill though...)<br /><br />Dinner was BLTA's...Bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado sandwiches with baked chips. These were really great!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/BLTA.jpg"><br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-27162297324065082432009-08-03T15:13:00.000-07:002009-08-03T15:21:53.123-07:00{Meals from Saturday, Week 3}I'm so sorry readers, I know I am behind, but I am catching up now to the grocery challenge!! So check back through the last few posts to make sure you didn't miss anything!! :)<br /><br />Meals from Saturday included: <br />yeast donuts made easy! WOW...these were SO much easier than my other donuts, and I have to say...a lot better tasting and CHEAP!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/donuts1.jpg"><br /><br />All you have to do is take a pop tin of biscuits (the ones in the dairy section) and push your thumb through the middle gently and stretch out a small hole. Then drop them in the fryer for a few seconds until golden brown on each side! SO GOOD!!!<br />(for frosting I just mixed powdered sugar and milk until it was as thick as I wanted it)<br /><br />lunch was egg salad sandwiches...mmmmmmmmm....<br />and for dinner I made cheese enchiladas, <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/01/cheese-enchiladas-recipe.html">per my own recipe here</a>, and faux fried beans, <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/03/faux-fried-beans-my-version-of-refried.html">recipe here</a>. <br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/enchiladas1.jpg"><br /><br />It was SOOO good! And my brother in law and sister were here all day helping us with the house, so I was feeding 6 people all day and still stayed on budget! :)<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-15291570376078895262009-08-01T15:31:00.000-07:002009-08-01T15:35:49.127-07:00{Meals from Friday, Week 3}Wow, I cant believe Week 3 of the grocery challenge is almost over!<br /><br />Here is what we ate on Friday:<br />Breakfast was my version of the "Shack" Taco served with strawberries<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/bfasttacos.jpg"><br />This Taco has eggs, chorizo, potatoes, and cheese all in homemade tortillas! MMMMMMM.... These were made famous by a little taco place called, duh, The Taco Shack!<br /><br />We had lunch @ my sister's because my daughter was in a play from Music and Drama camp this week! :)<br /><br />For dinner, we had our bible study group and I made homemade baguettes and served them with spinach and artichoke dip. I didn't get a photo before it was all gobbled up, but I did get the recipe! hehe<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Marianne-Baguette-Rustic-French-Bread-235909">Baguette Recipe</a><br /><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Spinach-Artichoke-Dip-1209">Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe</a><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-21066577901054437362009-08-01T15:25:00.000-07:002009-08-01T15:29:38.277-07:00{Meals from Thursday, Week 3}Breakfast on Thursday was <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/01/apple-spice-oatmeal.html">oatmeal with apples </a>and toast.<br />Lunch was leftovers from the week, and for dinner I made tuna cakes served with broccoli cheese rice and peas!<br /><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/tunacakes.jpg"><br />Tuna Cakes recipe here: <a href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/tuna-cakes-109716.aspx">TUNA CAKES</a><br />these were SOOOO good!!<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-56362049667647327802009-08-01T15:20:00.000-07:002009-08-01T15:25:15.495-07:00{Meals from Wed. of week 3}Wednesday was fun and easy...pancakes and sausage for breakfast, cheese quesadillas for lunch, and Migas for dinner! YUM!<br /><br /><strong>Migas for 2:</strong><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/migas.jpg"><br /><br />4 eggs, scrambled<br />1 plum tomato, chopped<br />1/4 onion, chopped<br />1/2 jalapeno, chopped (optional)<br />1 corn tortilla, torn into bite size pieces<br />1C. shredded cheese<br /><br />In a small skillet, cook tomato, jalapeno and onion until onion turns clear.<br />Add in tortillas and cook 1 more minute.<br />Add in eggs and scramble all ingredients together.<br />Top with cheese and serve with tortillas! :)<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-53874621768141993452009-08-01T15:09:00.000-07:002009-08-01T15:20:42.956-07:00Meals from Tuesday of week 3!Tuesday morning I made omelette's with fresh spinach, leftover black forest ham and cheese...yum!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/omelette.jpg"><br /><br />Lunch was tuna salad sandwiches...we love these!<br /><br />For dinner, I made a southern fave...fried catfish, now this can be baked really easily, since it has a cornmeal crust, it will get nice and crispy in the oven! :) I also made hush puppies (recipe below) and coleslaw with low fat dressing. Dessert? Yeah...Peach Cobbler Baby! Got to take advantage of those fresh Texas Peaches that you can pick right off your tree in your backyard and throw into a cobbler!! :)<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/catfishplate.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/hushpuppies.jpg"><br /><strong>Hush puppies</strong> (all measurements are an estimate...I don't measure these!)<br />1C. yellow cornmeal<br />1/2C. flour<br />2T. baking powder<br />1t. salt<br />pinch of sugar<br />1/2C. chopped onion<br />enough milk to make it all come together about the consistency of pancake batter.<br /><br />Put all ingredients together and let set about 15 min...mix will rise up and consistency will look like mousse.<br /><br />Drop spoonfuls into your hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.<br /><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/peachcobbler.jpg"><br />For cobber, check out this recipe: <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Peach-Cobbler-31901">Salt Lick Peach Cobbler</a><br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-62827605430865352262009-07-27T22:21:00.000-07:002009-07-27T22:28:42.618-07:00{Week 3: All You Grocery Challenge}So week three started today, and I wanted to give you all a recap on the meals from today. Also, I am going to update the sidebar with my total so far for this week, so watch for that in just a moment! :)<br /><br />For breakfast, we had rice crispies with bananas...didn't get a picture, but my mom used to make this for me all the time when I was a kid and I still am loving it!!<br /><br />Lunch was black forest ham sandwiches on homemade bread (which was still warm!! YUM!!) and we had fruit and Frito's with it.<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/hamsand.jpg"><br /><br />Dinner, I made baked chicken with a BBQ flavored Rub, DELISH...these leg 1/4s were already in my freezer, part of my meat stockpile, so they were totally free! We also had baked beans and I made my FAMOUS cornbread. (I take this to my bible study group all the time and I have never brought home leftovers!!)<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/bakedchicken.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/smcornbread.jpg"><br />Here is how to make the cornbread:<br />(before you make this, let it be known that this is super sweet, cake-like, super moist cornbread...not southern style dry crumby cornbread!)<br /><br />you will need:<br />1/2 cup cornmeal <br />1 1/2 cups flour <br />2/3 cup sugar <br />1 tablespoon baking powder <br />1/2 teaspoon salt <br />1/3 cup oil <br />3 tablespoons melted butter <br />1 tablespoon honey <br />2 eggs, beaten <br />1 1/4 cups milk<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350ยบ. <br /><br />In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. <br /><br />Add the oil, melted butter, honey, eggs, and milk. <br /><br />Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan. <br /><br />Bake for 35 minutes. <br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-55777384035894456512009-07-27T14:43:00.000-07:002009-07-27T14:51:17.344-07:00{End of week 2, All You Grocery Challenge}So it's the start of week three!!<br />I have all my groceries, so I will be updating my tally on the sidebar in a moment! But first I wanted to get you caught up on the meals from the end of last week!<br /><br />Saturday:<br />Breakfast was a healthier version of eggs Benedict. I made whole grain English muffins, poached eggs, sauteed black forest ham, and sauteed tomato slices...SOOO good!!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/eggben.jpg"><br /><br />Lunch we had smashed potatoes like what I made the other night. My sister was here, so I thought she would like them....they went over REALLY well!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/potsmash.jpg"><br /><br />Dinner was eggplant Parmesan...yum! Simple, easy, and when baked, not fried, healthy!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/eggplantparm.jpg"><br /><br />Then Sunday, <br />for breakfast we had cereal and toast<br />lunch was another huge salad, but we tossed on some extra shrimp from the other night and some hard boiled eggs!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/salad2.jpg"><br /><br />for dinner I made Chinese noodles and egg rolls that were baked. I just mixed cooked noodles with Asian toasted sesame dressing, a little bit of teriyaki sauce and water then added in some steamed broccoli.<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/chinesenoodles.jpg"><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-13947489244226916732009-07-26T22:21:00.000-07:002009-07-26T22:23:06.250-07:00{Sooo....what do you think?}Yeah, I changed the blog again! I just couldnt leave well enough alone! I wasn't happy with the last design, and I always wanted a retro 1950's housewife theme going on, so I did it! <br /><br />Let me know what you think in the COMMENTS SECTION!!<br />Should I keep it, should I go back to the old design, do you even care? LOL!! I would LOVE to know your thoughts!<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-14861201766231620932009-07-24T15:16:00.000-07:002009-07-24T15:28:54.988-07:00{shrimp, burritos and cookies?}So the title sounds like an odd combination, but I assure you, I did not eat them all at once! lol<br /><br />No, just a recap of yesterday and today's meals!<br />So yesterday, Thrusday, we had eggs and leftover bacon for breakfast (not picture worthy! lol). For lunch, my sister came over and we went to the store to pick up some stuff for lunch.<br />I made more home made tortiallas...but this time I rolled them out with a rolling pin instead of the tortilla press...much more thin and DELISH! They were gone in seconds! At the store we picked up supplies to make Chili con queso with ground beef in it and chips! SO GOOD! Lagan wont eat that, so I got her a frozen kids meal...a special treat for her! And we got some soda..which I dont drink, but good for the crowd! lol<br />I FORGOT TO TAKE A PIC!! DARN IT! :)<br /><br />Dinner, I DID get a pic of... I made baja shrimp with shrimp I got on sale like 4 weeks ago and put in the freezer, a baja seasoning packet I had in the pantry since we moved here I'm sure, and some orzo pasta that has been in there just as long! :) So a totally free meal...which made up for the $15 I spent at the store for lunch! but we are still under budget!! YAY!! Here is the shrimp:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/bajashrimp.jpg"><br /><br /><strong><br />AND...if your still with me after this long post, If your interested, I have posted my running totals on the sidebar for the grocery challenge from All You Magazine, as well as a link to their blog so you can follow other frugal chicks along the way! :)</strong><br /><br />Now, TODAY...FRIDAY, we woke up and had the rest of the bagels from the baking day last week, as well as some yogurt that we needed to finish! (However, I still have yogurt in the fridge...I never buy yogurt, yet there always seems to be a never ending supply in the fridge! lol)<br />Lunch was burritos:<br />just take some flour tortillas (homemade is awesome!), leftover refried beans from last week, some taco bell sauce packets {just grab extra on your next trip!}, onionn if you wish, and the rest of the cheese at the bottom of the package! lol Roll all together and microwave about 1.5minutes. YUMMY!!!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/burritos.jpg"><br /><br />Dinner, we are going to bible study and its sort of potluck, so I am bringing Oatmeal Rasin Cookies: <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies-35813">RECIPE HERE.</a><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/oatmealcookies.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-76300101197672191312009-07-22T23:10:00.000-07:002009-07-22T23:22:55.163-07:00{Steakhouse at Home}Today's meals were really good! We started the morning off with Lagan's Favorite, FRENCH TOAST!! MMMMM!!!!!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/frenchtoast.jpg"><br /><br />For lunch I made a tossed salad with ing. that we had left over from all of our meals, plus some odds and ends from the fridge. It was a major hit! I also served the rest of the rolls from the other night, and I made the croutons from the heels of the bread I made earlier in the week.<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/tossedsalad.jpg"><br /><br />For dinner I decided to make a steak house at home. After all, going to a steak house can cost upwards of $20 per person or more! So I grabbed some meat I got on sale about 3 weeks ago that I had in the freezer and marinated it like so:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/prep2.jpg"><br /><br />then I cooked it in a pan that was REALLY hot just until it turned brown so it wasn't tough. Then I sauteed some mushrooms that I had in the fridge with some steak sauce and water! Makes a really wonderful sauce!<br /><br />I also made "smashed potatoes". I made the baked potatoes in the microwave, then smashed them with a plate! Then topped them with bacon, cheese, and dried chives and baked them for about 10 minutes on 350.<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/smashedpot.jpg"> (these were SOOOOOO GOOD!!)<br /><br />I also made wedge lettuce salad with an iceberg wedge and Russian dressing I already had. And made a bag of mixed veggie steamers!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/wedgesalad.jpg"><br /><br />So there you have it, take simple ingredients like this:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/prep1.jpg"><br /><br />and make them into this:<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/steak1.jpg"><br /><br />Steak house on a budget!! :)<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif" /></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-62700653261503838022009-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:002009-07-22T16:06:36.582-07:00{How to save money on HEALTHY foods!!}As you may know by now I am participating in the All You Magazine grocery challenge to feed my family of 4 for under $100 a week ($25/person/week for 4 weeks) but we have to be healthy and creative!<br /><br />So we all know how to get less than healthy foods at the store for cheap, or even for free! But how do you feed your family whole, real, healthy foods on a budget? I have 10 tips to share with you that will get you on the right track without busting your budget!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://weblogs.cltv.com/entertainment/tv/metromix/produce.jpg" /></center><br /><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #1: Purchase Seasonal Produce</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">this is really easy! Only buy whats in season and you wont pay for it! Do a search for "seasonal produce" in google and print it out with you when you go to the store.<br /></span><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #2: Go vegetarian...Kinda</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">meat is expensive, so save yourself some cash by going meatless 2-3 times a week. But don't just subtract the meat, make sure you fill in the gaps with healthy protein sources, such as beans, tofu, boca, etc.</span><br /><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #3: Be your own prep Chef</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">sure its easy to buy those onions in the produce section that are already chopped, but have you seen how much you are paying per pound? Best idea is to get your produce, such as onions, bell peppers, etc. when they are cheap and buy a ton. Take them home, prep them all at the same time and freeze in large bags. If you cook the peppers and onions after they have been frozen, you wont even notice that they weren't fresh!</span><br /><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #4: Proportion your portions</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">meaning, buy a large sack of what you want and divide into your own bags instead of buying snack sizes. Take a trip to your local Club or Warehouse (such as Sams or Costco) and buy the large bags of chips, bagels, oreos, etc. and some baggies, your cost per serving will be way less!</span><br /><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #5: Season yourself</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">pre seasoned rices and noodles can be tasty, but they are also loaded with sodium! Buy your spices in a bulk section so you only get what you need for very little $, and season your own foods...no added health risk needed!<br /></span><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #6: Don't shop on Empty</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Make sure you eat something before you go shopping so everything doesn't look as appealing! Your craving for popchips will be a lot less if you had an apple with peanut butter before hand.<br /></span><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #7: Beware of liquid sugars</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">sure our kids want juice and sports drinks, but beware that they are liquid sugar with very little nutritious value compared to their sticker price. Instead, check out the frozen juice section, where you can find more healthful juices for a much lower cost.</span><br /><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #8: Don't bulk up on everything</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sure some buys are great in bulk, but others are not. Make sure you are checking the cost per serving and comparing that to a smaller size package of your favorite foods. Only purchase the larger one if it is a better value.</span><br /><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #9: Don't be wasteful</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">So the heads of lettuce were 20cents this week, so you bought 4, but if you don't eat them before they go bad, then you wasted the money, no matter how little it was. Instead, only buy what your family needs to insure there will be no waste!<br /></span><br /><strong>Budget saving tip #10: Put your focus on the Food</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">other household items can sometimes be cheaper at discount stores such as the dollar store, walmart, or even Costco. So do a price comparison to see if you can save money by picking these items up on a different trip, not your grocery day!</span><br /><br />So I hope these helped you out! Remember to also plan your meals ahead of time, make a list, and stick to it! Your on your way to feeding your family the right things at the right price!<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif" /></p><strong></strong>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-34312279150750267392009-07-21T21:14:00.000-07:002009-07-21T21:38:27.700-07:00{Playing Catchup with Recipes!}So sorry everyone, I finally found my camera battery charger and got everything up and running again! But you will have to excuse some of these images...they are from my other camera that is REALLY terrible since I cant control the focus or the manual settings like I can on my Rebel! :(<br /><br />But here is catchin' up for you! Also, I decided to do a total of all my ingredients at the end of the week instead of by the meal! :)<br /><br />Saturday: we had <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/01/apple-spice-oatmeal.html">Oatmeal with Apples </a>and toast for breakfast<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/apples1.jpg"><br /><br />we went to a family Birthday for lunch, so lunch was free!<br /><br />and I made <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/01/bbq-chicken-pizza-and-spaghetti-sauce.html">BBQ chicken pizza </a>for dinner!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/bbqchickenpizza.jpg"><br /><br />Sunday: we had home made bagels for breakfast with jelly<br /><br />for lunch we had turkey sandwiches on home made bread with chips (I love adding tons of veggies to mine!)<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/turkeysand.jpg"><br /><br />and for dinner we had baked pasta with meatballs made from leftover turkey meat. I also threw in some canned spinach that I have had sitting in my pantry for ever, and I grated up some zucchini into it as well...SO good! I also made some garlic toast on our homemade bread! YUM!!<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/bakedpasta.jpg"><br /><br />Monday: breakfast was <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/The-Best-Ever-Waffles-31750">scratch made waffles </a>with turkey sausage<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/wafflestacka.jpg"><br /><br />lunch was tuna salad sandwiches and fritos (the kind with reduced salt...they are SO much better!!)<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/tunasand.jpg"><br /><br />dinner I made <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Bestest-Hamburger-Soup-56366">hamburger soup </a>and <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Buttery-Bread-Machine-Rolls-65340">buttery bread machine rolls</a>... these rolls are OUT OF THIS WORLD!! If you have never tried them, you HAVE to! Your family will thank you!! :)<br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/hamburgersoup.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff338/PDBblog/rolls.jpg"><br /><br />Then Today, Tuesday: we had grits, toast, and peaches for breakfast<br />lunch, we had pizza (its always good to keep extra sauce and cheese around if you dont have leftovers and whip up pizza anytime!) and for dinner I made <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Eight-Layer-Tortilla-Stack-128365">8 layer tortilla stack</a>..not bad! :) <br />{sorry I didnt get a picture...I was starving and forgot to take one before it was all gone! lol}<br /><br />So that catches you up for now! :) Thanks for tuning in!!!<br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241488111431903979.post-58957677814540534872009-07-19T19:01:00.000-07:002009-07-19T19:02:38.411-07:00{Food Coming soon!}Hey Everyone! So I have my photos of the food from the last 2 days and I will upload them, but my battery died in my camera and I cant find my charger!! lol So as soon as I find it and get that uploaded, I will have it up asap! :)<br /><br /><p><img class="left" alt="blog siggy" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd42/expressivestylegraphics/signature-2.gif"/></p>The Beauty Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216041135826152651noreply@blogger.com0