As I sit here with only 1 hour left of 2011, I wonder what the new year will bring for me.
It's funny how New Years Eve brings about so many thoughts of a fresh start, resolutions and change. I do have my own little ritual on New Years Eve. I wash all the bed sheets, take a shower and put on clean pajamas....that way my new year starts clean. But should it really be such a big deal?
We hear all the time that most New Year's Resolutions fail within the first month. Why is that? I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to make sure that things are different beginning on January 1st. If we slip and fall off the wagon then somehow we've failed ourselves and all those goals, hopes and dreams are ruined.
I will admit that I have some things that I'd like to change about myself. I hope, and plan, to make those changes every day. So why should January 1st be any different? If I wake up tomorrow and fail on one of my "resolutions" am I ruined for the rest of the year? Nope...I don't think so.
Tomorrow, to me, is just another day. It's a frest start like every morning is. A start at being a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter...a better me. I may fail at one or all of those goals, but the good thing is that January 2nd will be another day too. Another frest start...
After I finish this I will hop in the shower because, well, that's what I do (and I need one). I'll crawl into bed and read my book before drifting off to sleep. I will wake up in the morning and put a new calendar on the wall and start my new day...it will just happen to be 2012.
I wish you all a wonderful New Year's Day and a frest start...for every day.
Love
Stephanie
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
After Christmas Shopping at King Soopers
Since my husband it working today, and I don't have the energy to take both of my kids out to the big stores with me, my main after Christmas shopping will have to wait until tomorrow.
Since my in-laws will be arriving tomorrow afternoon, I had just a few last minute groceries to pick up so I loaded the kids up and we went to King Soopers.
Besides my groceries (no big food scores to tell about), I did go through the seasonal aisle and picked up a few items at 50% off. I snagged a few replacement light bulbs for our outdoor lights (I probably should have bought more than I did so I'll be watching for more), a few of those gel clings that you can stick on windows (Nora loves helping me put those up) and these other great deals that will be perfect year round...
I found some 2 prong to 3 prong converters. They aren't exactly like these, but you get the idea. I had a couple times recently when I had a 3 prong item and only a 2 prong outlet available. They were under $2 on sale and will go straight into the cabinet above my dryer (with all the other household items), I also picked up a Three Outlet Adapter, similar to this (not GE brand). It was also under $2 with the sale so it's another great item to just have on hand.
A big score for me was picking up some Bic Candle Lighters. They are similar to these but are white. I don't know what the difference between the "Candle" lighters and the regular red ones are but these are used frequently in our house. They were 50% off, priced at $1.99, and I had 3 coupons I used. Two were for $1 off (so I bought two for .99) and one for $2 off so I got one FREE!
I also saw a few extension cords and other useful year round items so, even if you don't go out to the big stores today, you can find some great deals just about anywhere...for any time of year. :)
Happy Saving!
Stephanie
Since my in-laws will be arriving tomorrow afternoon, I had just a few last minute groceries to pick up so I loaded the kids up and we went to King Soopers.
Besides my groceries (no big food scores to tell about), I did go through the seasonal aisle and picked up a few items at 50% off. I snagged a few replacement light bulbs for our outdoor lights (I probably should have bought more than I did so I'll be watching for more), a few of those gel clings that you can stick on windows (Nora loves helping me put those up) and these other great deals that will be perfect year round...
I found some 2 prong to 3 prong converters. They aren't exactly like these, but you get the idea. I had a couple times recently when I had a 3 prong item and only a 2 prong outlet available. They were under $2 on sale and will go straight into the cabinet above my dryer (with all the other household items), I also picked up a Three Outlet Adapter, similar to this (not GE brand). It was also under $2 with the sale so it's another great item to just have on hand.
A big score for me was picking up some Bic Candle Lighters. They are similar to these but are white. I don't know what the difference between the "Candle" lighters and the regular red ones are but these are used frequently in our house. They were 50% off, priced at $1.99, and I had 3 coupons I used. Two were for $1 off (so I bought two for .99) and one for $2 off so I got one FREE!
I also saw a few extension cords and other useful year round items so, even if you don't go out to the big stores today, you can find some great deals just about anywhere...for any time of year. :)
Happy Saving!
Stephanie
My Christmas Success
I have to brag just a little bit...and it's my blog so I'm allowed to do that.
Yesterday we hosted Christmas for my family here at our house. There was 11 of us total, including Jim's younger brother who flew in from TX that morning. As I mentioned earlier, I planned a barbeque meal instead of the traditional ham or turkey. I was really nervous, hoping and praying it would all come out well....and it did!
You can see my previous post for links to the recipes, but I made a beef brisket and followed the directions exactly (except it marinated for longer than 24 hours) and it turned out fabulous! The only thing I did differently was, after 5 hours in the oven, I took it out, sliced it, put a little BBQ sauce on it (partially to start getting the flavor and also for a "liquid") and put it in a crock pot to keep warm. I needed the oven for other things so out it went.
The pulled pork was AMAZING! I messed up and purchased the wrong cut of pork roast so I actually started it the night before and let it cook in the slow cooker for approx. 12 hours. It was FALLING off the bone. It was perfect!
I also cooked up some baked beans in a crock pot and was told by my brother in law that they were the best baked beans he's ever had! I used a recipe from the Fix It and Forget It Cookbook. Let me know if you'd like it. :)
My mom supplied some cole slaw and a jello salad, which my grandmother helped with, along with a cranberry salad. We also had au gratin potatoes, corn bread, rolls, dill pickles and olives. It was fabulous. My recipes are definatly keepers and any time I'm hosting Christmas at our house, barbeque it will be!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with love, good food and good company.
Yesterday we hosted Christmas for my family here at our house. There was 11 of us total, including Jim's younger brother who flew in from TX that morning. As I mentioned earlier, I planned a barbeque meal instead of the traditional ham or turkey. I was really nervous, hoping and praying it would all come out well....and it did!
You can see my previous post for links to the recipes, but I made a beef brisket and followed the directions exactly (except it marinated for longer than 24 hours) and it turned out fabulous! The only thing I did differently was, after 5 hours in the oven, I took it out, sliced it, put a little BBQ sauce on it (partially to start getting the flavor and also for a "liquid") and put it in a crock pot to keep warm. I needed the oven for other things so out it went.
The pulled pork was AMAZING! I messed up and purchased the wrong cut of pork roast so I actually started it the night before and let it cook in the slow cooker for approx. 12 hours. It was FALLING off the bone. It was perfect!
I also cooked up some baked beans in a crock pot and was told by my brother in law that they were the best baked beans he's ever had! I used a recipe from the Fix It and Forget It Cookbook. Let me know if you'd like it. :)
My mom supplied some cole slaw and a jello salad, which my grandmother helped with, along with a cranberry salad. We also had au gratin potatoes, corn bread, rolls, dill pickles and olives. It was fabulous. My recipes are definatly keepers and any time I'm hosting Christmas at our house, barbeque it will be!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with love, good food and good company.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Halo Heaven
I ordered from this company before and I just did it again!! Nora LOVED the items she's been given already (from my first order) and (shhh, don't tell her) but grandma is giving her more of it for Christmas.
Use the code "2012" at checkout to get 50% off your order!!!! The current coupon code is good until Dec. 31st and it is definatly worth it to hop over there and see what you can find. Here's the best part...orders over $20 get FREE SHIPPING (so make sure your order is $40 or more before the code)! My order is below...I picked up 34 items for just $20.14!
Nora is going to be in heaven!! I even found a few things for Emmett. And even if all of this does stay in our house, what an inexpensive way to pick up some gifts for other little girls or boys.
Use the code "2012" at checkout to get 50% off your order!!!! The current coupon code is good until Dec. 31st and it is definatly worth it to hop over there and see what you can find. Here's the best part...orders over $20 get FREE SHIPPING (so make sure your order is $40 or more before the code)! My order is below...I picked up 34 items for just $20.14!
Nora is going to be in heaven!! I even found a few things for Emmett. And even if all of this does stay in our house, what an inexpensive way to pick up some gifts for other little girls or boys.
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It's the most busiest time of the year
I know that the title of this post is not a good excuse for not keeping up with my blog...but it's the only one I have right now. I've slacked on both my blogs this last month. It's not that I have nothing to blog about. I think about it frequently. The problem is actually sitting down, when inspiration hits, and being able to type out what's in my head. So here's a little bit of randomness for your reading enjoyment...
Although I've been couponing I haven't had any BIG hauls lately. There are a few treats out there to be had (like FREE Toblerone, gum and kids' potty wipes at King Soopers this week!), but between the weather and just the normal busy-ness of the season, I haven't been out and about too much away from King Soopers.
The kids and I have done a little crafting but not too much. Just coloring some wooden ornaments that I bought at JoAnn's, on clearance, after Christmas last year. We made some paper chains and hung them up in the kitchen...that's about it. I always tell myself that I'm going to get better with doing projects with my kids but Emmett's just a little too young so his attention span it pretty short (and sometimes so is my patience).
On the menu for Christmas Day...I'm hoping to start a new tradition in my family. I always grew up with the typical ham or turkey on Christmas...maybe a beef or pork roast if we were feeling fancy. Because of my husband's multiple food allergies our menu is thinned even more than normal and it seems to get repetative. So this year the Bloomfield household will be having some good ol' barbeque for Christmas Day.
I'm planning some beef brisket (planning to try this recipe in hopes of getting it right) and pulled pork (that's not too tough but I'll probably use this recipe as my guide), baked beans, corn bread, coleslaw (my mom is bringing that), scallopped potatoes...the whole nine yards. I may even cook up some fried apples if time allows.
I always love seeing other people's fun holiday traditions (like enchiladas and margaritas on Christmas Eve...totally want to steal that one) and I think it would be great to have one of our own. So we'll see how well it goes over. My family is joining us on Christmas Day (as well as Jim's younger brother who is flying in) so we'll have a nice houseful. The rest of my in-laws are coming in on the 27th and will be staying with us for a few days.
I'm looking forward to having loved ones here. I've been waiting (not so) patiently for Christmas time to arrive. Now it's back to cleaning up the house and getting my shopping list ready for tomorrow.
Although I've been couponing I haven't had any BIG hauls lately. There are a few treats out there to be had (like FREE Toblerone, gum and kids' potty wipes at King Soopers this week!), but between the weather and just the normal busy-ness of the season, I haven't been out and about too much away from King Soopers.
The kids and I have done a little crafting but not too much. Just coloring some wooden ornaments that I bought at JoAnn's, on clearance, after Christmas last year. We made some paper chains and hung them up in the kitchen...that's about it. I always tell myself that I'm going to get better with doing projects with my kids but Emmett's just a little too young so his attention span it pretty short (and sometimes so is my patience).
On the menu for Christmas Day...I'm hoping to start a new tradition in my family. I always grew up with the typical ham or turkey on Christmas...maybe a beef or pork roast if we were feeling fancy. Because of my husband's multiple food allergies our menu is thinned even more than normal and it seems to get repetative. So this year the Bloomfield household will be having some good ol' barbeque for Christmas Day.
I'm planning some beef brisket (planning to try this recipe in hopes of getting it right) and pulled pork (that's not too tough but I'll probably use this recipe as my guide), baked beans, corn bread, coleslaw (my mom is bringing that), scallopped potatoes...the whole nine yards. I may even cook up some fried apples if time allows.
I always love seeing other people's fun holiday traditions (like enchiladas and margaritas on Christmas Eve...totally want to steal that one) and I think it would be great to have one of our own. So we'll see how well it goes over. My family is joining us on Christmas Day (as well as Jim's younger brother who is flying in) so we'll have a nice houseful. The rest of my in-laws are coming in on the 27th and will be staying with us for a few days.
I'm looking forward to having loved ones here. I've been waiting (not so) patiently for Christmas time to arrive. Now it's back to cleaning up the house and getting my shopping list ready for tomorrow.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Life is a Special Occassion
A few months ago I found an article in an old magazine. I tore it out so I'm not even sure which one it was (I think Redbook), what year, etc but it was such a touching article that I photocopied it and gave it to my mom.
A few weeks ago an aquaintance of mine passed away from cancer. A few days ago, a neighbor of mine passed away. I can't help but think of my family and close friends and what I would do if/when one of them passes. I think about how important it is to treasure every day. We always say that but how many of us really live it? I know I don't...not enough.
This article is really amazing and I hope you take a few minutes to read it and think about your life being a special occassion as well.
Life is a Special Occassion (author unknown)
"The morning of my mother's funeral, I moved mechanically aorund the kitchen of my childhood home, preparing the house for guests. A friend had brought a coffee percolator, so I went hunting in the corner cabinet for some cups. What remained was a motley collection: two plastic mugs, bright orange; the same green pottery mug I remember Mom bringing to Dad in bed each morning. Nothing that would do for company.
I walked over to the lowboy cabinet just off the kitchen that held my parents' wedding china and slid open the door. The china had a whiff of the forbidden. The set was eggshell white; the plates, a spare elliptical shape. I'd never seen it used. Even for the best company, it was always the rustic brown plates - for friends, for Dad's clients, for holidays.
I thought back to when I'd cleaned out my grandmother's apartment after her death, discovering a wealth of untouched luxuries; vials of Lanvin perfume, beautiful clothing with tags hanging, endless crystal squirreled away. All the while, she dressed in threadbeare polyester pants and ate off cheap plastic plates.
I was not immune to these habits. My best clothes hung in my closet, waiting for events of great enough consequence. Good wine was never opened - which occassion was weighty enough? I even had my own unused formal china; the gold-rimmed set for 12 I had rescued from my grandmother's place. It had gone from her dark cabinet to mine, still waiting.
I knew I was breaking some sort of rule now as I reached into my parents' lowboy. I removed the fragile cups two by two and arranged them carefully on the counter.
Dad had been wandering around the yard, lost in thought. Now the door slammed as he strode inside. He looked at the counter.
"Not those," he started to say. He picked up one of the cups and looked at it. In that moment, we both had the same realization; whatever he'd been saving them for was never going to happen. He put the cup down and walked out of the room.
The first night after returning home, I made dinner for my family, then set the table with my grandmother's green, yellow, and gold china. No occasion, no guests - just my husband, me and out 3-year-old daughter, eating a decidedly ordinary meal of roast chicken and sweet potatoes. And I noticed something; finally using those plates made them seem less imposing, and yet more special. They became something truly useful and beautiful.
Now I put out that set of china whenever the mood strikes. Because always saving one's best things for a better day, a different day, carries with it a judgement; that the life you're living right this moment doesn't count; that it isn't good enough. And I've decided it is."
I hope you feel that you're life, right in this moment, is good enough.
Stephanie
A few weeks ago an aquaintance of mine passed away from cancer. A few days ago, a neighbor of mine passed away. I can't help but think of my family and close friends and what I would do if/when one of them passes. I think about how important it is to treasure every day. We always say that but how many of us really live it? I know I don't...not enough.
This article is really amazing and I hope you take a few minutes to read it and think about your life being a special occassion as well.
Life is a Special Occassion (author unknown)
"The morning of my mother's funeral, I moved mechanically aorund the kitchen of my childhood home, preparing the house for guests. A friend had brought a coffee percolator, so I went hunting in the corner cabinet for some cups. What remained was a motley collection: two plastic mugs, bright orange; the same green pottery mug I remember Mom bringing to Dad in bed each morning. Nothing that would do for company.
I walked over to the lowboy cabinet just off the kitchen that held my parents' wedding china and slid open the door. The china had a whiff of the forbidden. The set was eggshell white; the plates, a spare elliptical shape. I'd never seen it used. Even for the best company, it was always the rustic brown plates - for friends, for Dad's clients, for holidays.
I thought back to when I'd cleaned out my grandmother's apartment after her death, discovering a wealth of untouched luxuries; vials of Lanvin perfume, beautiful clothing with tags hanging, endless crystal squirreled away. All the while, she dressed in threadbeare polyester pants and ate off cheap plastic plates.
I was not immune to these habits. My best clothes hung in my closet, waiting for events of great enough consequence. Good wine was never opened - which occassion was weighty enough? I even had my own unused formal china; the gold-rimmed set for 12 I had rescued from my grandmother's place. It had gone from her dark cabinet to mine, still waiting.
I knew I was breaking some sort of rule now as I reached into my parents' lowboy. I removed the fragile cups two by two and arranged them carefully on the counter.
Dad had been wandering around the yard, lost in thought. Now the door slammed as he strode inside. He looked at the counter.
"Not those," he started to say. He picked up one of the cups and looked at it. In that moment, we both had the same realization; whatever he'd been saving them for was never going to happen. He put the cup down and walked out of the room.
The first night after returning home, I made dinner for my family, then set the table with my grandmother's green, yellow, and gold china. No occasion, no guests - just my husband, me and out 3-year-old daughter, eating a decidedly ordinary meal of roast chicken and sweet potatoes. And I noticed something; finally using those plates made them seem less imposing, and yet more special. They became something truly useful and beautiful.
Now I put out that set of china whenever the mood strikes. Because always saving one's best things for a better day, a different day, carries with it a judgement; that the life you're living right this moment doesn't count; that it isn't good enough. And I've decided it is."
I hope you feel that you're life, right in this moment, is good enough.
Stephanie
Friday, November 25, 2011
My Black Friday - thoughts and totals
Another Black Friday is here. I felt the twinge of excitement when I got up this morning, knowing that I would be out and about doing some shopping and getting some good deals.
I know some people avoid Black Friday shopping like the plague. I've went out the last few years and really enjoyed myself. I think if you go out with the right mindset, and don't plan to pepper spray your fellow shoppers, then it can be an enjoyable time.
I was happy to go to bed last night and wake up early to hit a few stores in the morning. No I did not go out last night. I refuse to go out and patronize, non-essential, stores on holidays. I could really get on my soap box on how disappointed I am with the stores opening at 10pm and midnight but that's a whole other post.
What I will say is that you can find just as many deals on-line and at 6am this morning...unless you picked up a $200 TV at Best Buy but even then, really? Sleeping in a tent for a week? Dude, you could have went to work and made the $400 you saved while you slept on concrete.
Enough of that...my hit list for Black Friday
Jo-Ann's (for holiday decor and kids crafty things)
Target (yes, I got almost all the deals I wanted at 7am this morning instead of at midnight last night)
Walgreens (one gift and then just some other hot deals)
Office Depot (gift and a steal for me)
I did pick up a few items that I already know I'm returning. One item at JoAnn's didn't ring up right and I changed my mind on another. I didn't want to deal with waiting in line to make the return so I'll go back another time. I also picked up a couple DVD's at Target that I later found out the person already has so those will go back.
So, not figuring in those upcoming returns, my total out of pocket this morning was $244.52. My total savings today was $308. 62!
I've also done some shopping on Amazon the last few days, so between my online, Avon items and instore shopping (and the shopping I do all year long), I'm 95% done with all my shopping for 18 people (plus got some great deals just for us). LOVE IT!
I have to share my killer deal at Office Depot. I picked up a deal on printer ink and I wish they had more in stock! A color ink combo pack (including 85 sheets of 4x6 photo paper) was $10 off (normally $32 I ended up getting it for $19.99). PLUS, with the purchase of any HP printer ink you recieved a ream of HP all-purpose printer paper. So for $19.99 I picked up color ink, 85 sheets of photo paper and a ream of paper. Woohoo! That deal is going on through Saturday so hop over there if you need some ink!
I hope you all had enjoyable Black Friday experiences, no matter what you did. Make sure to patronize your local businesses on Small Business Saturday (including your local Avon lady) and hop online to check out the deals on Cyber Monday (including your, may not be so, local Avon lady). ;)
Love and holiday shopping,
Stephanie
I know some people avoid Black Friday shopping like the plague. I've went out the last few years and really enjoyed myself. I think if you go out with the right mindset, and don't plan to pepper spray your fellow shoppers, then it can be an enjoyable time.
I was happy to go to bed last night and wake up early to hit a few stores in the morning. No I did not go out last night. I refuse to go out and patronize, non-essential, stores on holidays. I could really get on my soap box on how disappointed I am with the stores opening at 10pm and midnight but that's a whole other post.
What I will say is that you can find just as many deals on-line and at 6am this morning...unless you picked up a $200 TV at Best Buy but even then, really? Sleeping in a tent for a week? Dude, you could have went to work and made the $400 you saved while you slept on concrete.
Enough of that...my hit list for Black Friday
Jo-Ann's (for holiday decor and kids crafty things)
Target (yes, I got almost all the deals I wanted at 7am this morning instead of at midnight last night)
Walgreens (one gift and then just some other hot deals)
Office Depot (gift and a steal for me)
I did pick up a few items that I already know I'm returning. One item at JoAnn's didn't ring up right and I changed my mind on another. I didn't want to deal with waiting in line to make the return so I'll go back another time. I also picked up a couple DVD's at Target that I later found out the person already has so those will go back.
So, not figuring in those upcoming returns, my total out of pocket this morning was $244.52. My total savings today was $308. 62!
I've also done some shopping on Amazon the last few days, so between my online, Avon items and instore shopping (and the shopping I do all year long), I'm 95% done with all my shopping for 18 people (plus got some great deals just for us). LOVE IT!
I have to share my killer deal at Office Depot. I picked up a deal on printer ink and I wish they had more in stock! A color ink combo pack (including 85 sheets of 4x6 photo paper) was $10 off (normally $32 I ended up getting it for $19.99). PLUS, with the purchase of any HP printer ink you recieved a ream of HP all-purpose printer paper. So for $19.99 I picked up color ink, 85 sheets of photo paper and a ream of paper. Woohoo! That deal is going on through Saturday so hop over there if you need some ink!
I hope you all had enjoyable Black Friday experiences, no matter what you did. Make sure to patronize your local businesses on Small Business Saturday (including your local Avon lady) and hop online to check out the deals on Cyber Monday (including your, may not be so, local Avon lady). ;)
Love and holiday shopping,
Stephanie
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