Birthday Bowling

Yesterday was a great day, and not because of the weather (rainy afternoon).  In the morning my little twin angles sang at church in the children's choir.  In the afternoon we did an early birthday celebration for middle daughter, 3 days early but we all know week=ends are best for these things : )  So off to the bowling ally per her request, usually it is roller skating.  I haven't been in a bowling ally in over twenty years and it was the first time ever  for the twins, and we  had a BLAST!

 

 

Here is the birthday girl.  If you see her around wish her a happy 17th.

 

 

 

Picking balls and shoes were quit the job!  The twins had to swap shoes twice and little Gabe (adopted son and Bre's BF boyfriend) whined about how heavy his ball was, more than the twins!  LOL

 

 

 

Elysha turned out to be very good at it, even though it was her first time : )

 

 

 

Here is dad showing Elijah how to do it.  Eli did much better after dad stopped helping!  And everyone did great when we had the bumpers put up for the second game (didn't have those when I was a kid).

 

 

 

Our dear friend and neighbor, Miss Debbie, came along as well as her daughter (Bre's best friend) and dd boyfriend (little Gabe).  She was great!  Even without the bumpers - LOL

 

It was so much fun and we were all together.  Came home for pizza, cake and ice cream.  Great way to end a great day!  We are defiantly going to do this again soon, maybe on little Gabe's b-day (2nd of Dec.).  More money than we can usually spend, but worth it for a great family treat.  Pray more family's get to spend this type of time together.

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Deal Diva ~ End of Sept. shopping

Another beautiful day here in middle TN.  So blessed God led us down here.  Not to many screaming deals this week.  So will just do my top three deal picks.

 

 

 

First stop was UGO and I scored these organic pasta sauces at $1.49 each.  Good brand with good flavor.  Love their fire roasted green chilies and tomatoes (rotel).

 

 

 

This week was twin son's turn to shop with mom.  He wanted a treat (of course) and then we went down the cereal/baking aisle . . . I almost never buy boxed cereal, nothing even vaguely healthy in there.  But he asked (begged), so thinking I was oh so slick I said if he could find some with 5 or less ingredients, I would buy it.  Well these had 6 ingredients, but at $1.49 much better than a candy bar or soda.  Also there would be some to share with twin sister at home.  So, with my almond milk I feel not to bad about it.  Let the kid live a little.  : )

 

 

 

I bought these organic gala apples at Kroger for $1.99 a pound.  Picked up 5, equaled 2 pounds, but will be a nice breakfast treat I feel good about.  So hard lately to find fruit that isn't over ripe and covered in fruit flies (Wal-Mart), or an un-natural shiny surface (once again  Wal-Mart).

 

So there you have it.  Later this week we will be cooking out for middle dd b-day (17) and making hubby's world famous burgers (mark down meat) and grilling some reduced Johnsonville chorizo brats.  Life is good.

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Happy Fall Y'all!  I know I am a couple days late, but I still mean it : )  Been a real whopper of a week and the topper was my root canal yesterday.  Let me just say that God is amazing!  I went to bed Monday night still not having the money to pay for it, but praying hard.  Tuesday there was an unexpected deposit and it was enough to get me into the appt.!    So much more I could say, but y'all don't want to hear me go on, and on.  Anyway, realized I haven't posted this week, so thought I would share this tried and true pumpkin recipe.  I stumbled on to it last year and have made it almost a dozen times since, including for my book club Christmas Party last year.  I made it again today, for tomorrows grab and go breakfast ~ children  love it!

Chocolate Pumpkin Snack Cake

1 cup flour

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter at room temp.

2.3 cup can pumpkin

2 eggs

oil for pan

Preheat oven to 350. Whisk dry ingredients in small bowl to blend.  Put butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and cream together.  Grease  8x8 pan.  Add eggs to butter mixture and beat until light in color.  Mix in pumpkin and then mix in dry ingredients.  Spread batter in pan.  Bake 45 minutes.  Let cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

 

Enjoy!  Blessings, Beth Ann

Double Deal Diva

I am coming at ya today times two.  I missed last week -end due to  a ton of commitments.  So went shopping Wed. after taking twin daughter to her reg. booth appt. and again Fri, alone with hubby~ I know , right!  LOL  Found many good things both days.  First stop is always UGO:

 

 

 

I snagged the last two bottles of organic ketchup and a couple jars of natural Jiff.  Both items at about a $1 less than Wally world.

 

 

 

I really try to get my bread at UGO, as I can still get semi=healthy stuff for still $1, but it goes fast!  Also picked up this natural un=cured lunch meat, about $1.60 less than the W place.  I really want my food to have 5 ingredients or less : )

 

 

 

Friday is pizza day here and is a big deal to the kids.  It is also a big hit on my wallet, so I don't get it every time : (  I found this brand at UGO and know from looking on the web that they are a non-GMO company!  They cost about a $1 more a pizza than I like to pay, but the natural ingredients are worth it.  It tasted wonderful, really taste the difference from other frozen brands.  I looked at other stores (3 in the 'boro) but couldn't find any to do a price comparison.  But other 'natural' brands were at least $1.50 a pizza more.

 

 

 

The older Kroger is still the best place for dairy.  My biggest score was Sargento brand sting cheese, $1 a bag of 12.  I grabbed the last 4 bags to the young college age cashiers dismay, and my children's cheering delight!  Always a favorite at lunch time : )  Oh, and you can't tell from the photo but the yogurt was only .19 cents a cup!

 

 

 

Another amazing deal were these organic eggs; reg. price $4.59, now $1.99 each.  I bought 4 but wonder if I should have gotten more?

 

 

 

Lastly; not sure this was a deal but it made the kido's smile.  We don't drink milk at our house (almond milk for cooking) but once in a while as a treat I will buy some to go with lunch.  I believe Trumoo brand is still healthier, but . . .  when in Rome . . . 

 

God was good to us this week and I keep sharing these deals with you as a form of encouragement.  No matter your life circumstance, don't give up or let it be an excuse to take a less positive path. 

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

mini ~ post: Red Roof Inn

Killer migraine today, started last night at church.  Easing up now (in time for me to make dinner), so just a quick up-date.  Over the week-end we had our chimney fixed and a new roof put on.  This after a long spring/summer of debates and firing of our original contractor.  More I could add here, but just want to let the bitterness go and try not to let the experience ruin our trust in folks.  So Sat. while at the Beth Moore Event and Sun. while at church, I missed all the pounding!  PTL!

 

Here is the front, all done!

 

 

 

From our drive way.

 

 

 

View of kitchen and up-stairs (and bird feeder I brought all the way from Gaylord, MI).

 

Personally?  I miss the black shingle, but we needed a new roof.  Most folks down here have the metal roofs and they are zero maintenance.  Hubby says we are good now until we die!  Oh my!  Good news I guess - LOL  I will get use to it.  Right?

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

First Show

This past Sat.  was my first time ever setting up my fiber art craft to sell.  I was excited and nervous.  No need. Small group, all lovely ladies that I knew or came with .  Everyone said it all looked well.

 

 

So here are the 'ladies' all set up.

 

 

 

Here is the left half of the table; tote bags, baby blankest and small bags.

 

 

 

Right hand side of table; tea scarves, cowls, wash cloths and toddler hats.

 

 

 

Early shoppers and one of my best supporters : ) 

 

Basket is filled with 'friendship' bracelets that Bre and friend made.  they usually make these in school colors for friends : )  But they also make great gifts for only $1.

 

I had a great time and made a few dollars.  Just enough to give me encouragement to keep on trying.

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

 

 

Put'n on the Ritz

Tomorrow is my big day.  Anticipating some wonderful fellowship and excited by the chance to share my craft with my sisters in Christ.  

 

 

I will bring the 'ladies' with me, and dress them in their finest.

 

I could talk about knitting/yarn all day, but will hold myself back and remember this is first and foremost a bible study ~ pray for me.

 

I wanted to update one of my projects (sometimes I think my best stuff gets given away as gifts), for my niece up in northern MI.  I made the cup holders she asked for, but add a couple hats ~ because that is what I do.  I have HATATUIDE!   LOL

 

 

My beautiful niece and her daughter modeling their hats.

 

 

 

Here she is showing off her hat and wrist warmer/cup holder!  LOL

 

Miss MI and miss these guys!  Glad all is well and all is happy!

 

 

Well time is flying and have a bunch to do.  This week-end is also the huge art/craft fair in our burg.  I have lived here for over 11 years and haven't made it to one yet.  Think this year will be the year, after church on Sunday.  Life is good and I am blessed.

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Crafty

Slow week here ~ Praise the Lord!  I am spending any and all free time prepping for my first craft event ever!  This is something I have been wanting to do for about two years, but didn't get serious until this past spring.  Actually I think I had just about talked myself into waiting until next spring before doing any events.  I told myself I was happy with commissions, gifts and ETSY.  Enter God into my life : )  The Lord has placed amazing people in my life at many impossible times.  One of my sisters in Christ invited me to set up at a bible study event sponsored by our church.  I hesitated about ten minutes and then said yes, and haven't looked back.  That was six weeks ago and the big event is this Sat.

 

I kicked into high gear and packed all my gear.  I made these product tags from business cards I ordered from Café press.

I started packing inventory, making sure I had even numbers of some items to make cool displays (OCD ).

And staying up late (when I have  my free time) to finish UFO's to sell (unfinished objects).  Praying for fellowship, growth and self awareness.

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Mini Deal Dive

Just sharing a quick Deal Diva with ya this morning.  I made a trip to UGO mid-week and ran into $GM this morning to use my $5 coupon on pet food and what not.  Most likely won't do my big shopping (first of the month stock up) until Monday, but on the other hand I will get to spend some quality time at my local dentist office discussing root-canal options.  Sigh.

 

 

Wed. at the UGO, they were pretty wiped out but I did find ground pork for $1.49 a pound.  Any time you can find meat under $2 a pound, great deal.  I grabbed 4 of these, wonderful for mixing with beef or turkey for meat loaf and such.

 

 

 

Found these reduced turkey sausages at the local Pig.  I had some leftover home made Spanish rice from dinner the night before, and thought these would be great mixed in for a whole new lunch : )

 

 

 

Wed. I also ran into Wal-Mart (for contact paper - none here in the 'bury) and if your already there . . . yup, might as well look at the reduced items : )  I love grabbing their bakery French bread, for making home made garlic bread.  This is the 'everything' bread (Bre's favorite) and will accompany chicken alfredo for dinner latter in the week.

 

The romaine I snagged at the local Save a-Lot.  I only get romaine reduced if using immediately, and tonight is Taco salad for dinner!  Fate : )  I grabbed a tomato while there, only one = hubby won't eat them) and happily discovered that they are local; about 45 minutes away!  No idea what type of chemicals they used, but decided my chanced were better local than national.

 

So that is it.  Hope these shopping posts serve as a money saving inspiration or at the very least; give ya an idea for dinner? 

 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Poe ~ tastic!

When do you start thinking about Halloween?  That was a question I read today on Face Book.  So I started thinking.  Then realized I am not normal and you shouldn't ask me - LOL  I have an A+ personality as well as OCD, which means I am uber organized.  Also being low income means I plan ahead to make sure we have what we need, when we need it : ) 

 

That said, I already posted about the leopard print pumpkins hubby picked - up for me as a get well soon gift.  Well here is our newest acquisition, I call it the Poe Pumpkin!  Saw it in a catalog, has the money, ordered it.  Couldn't pass it up, reminded me too much of dd Bre.  Bre adores Poe, she loves how creepy weird he is - LOL  I am kinda proud of her and her uniqueness.  I don't raise no sheepeople here!

One of our highlights last spring, while on vacation, was a trip to Sullivan's Island and eating at Poe's Tavern.  Poe had been stationed at Fort Moultrie briefly, and wrote he book The Gold Beetle while living on the island. 

  This is one of Bre's rare and true smiles.  She mentioned just the other day that she would like to go back, me too.  Sullivan's Island is beautiful!  She also said that one she might like to have that pumpkin!  LOL  We are getting ready to paint her room (waiting for some cool temps) and we decided that the pumpkin could be a good theme.  She had been planning a nice shade of purple (not eggplant) but maybe we could do the crow/tree silhouette in one corner?  Throw in some crow accessories?  See, none of my kids are usual and I am ok with that; neither am I!  Ha! 

 

Blessings, Beth Ann