Day late Deal Diva 7/30/13

OK, we all know that saying and I was more than a day late.  Just wasn't paying attention in all the whoop-la of army son being home.  Actually I didn't shop on Friday like usual.  I had shopped on Wed. with army son and still didn't get much due to the awesome meat deals from two weeks ago.  Also, I had planned all my sons fav's for when he was home, so had laid them in stock as well : )

I did happen to have the occasion to check out our towns new, and only, liquor store.  I am happy to report it was neat, clean, well stocked and comparative prices.  They even had a very nice display of our county's very own Short Mt. Moonshine, original and apple pie.  The young man behind the counter was courteous and friendly.  The even have a great mini-bottle selection, for all you cooks out there that don't need the whole big bottle!  I will defiantly be a repeat shopper and am glad they are here.  Could have really used them two years ago on Christmas Eve when I realized I didn't have the rum for the eggnog!  :P

Blessings, Beth

My two sons

This past week has been lonnnnng - LOL  First there was the two week wait for army son to come home.  He still has to report to the local recruiter everyday (shaking my head).  Then on top of this stress, youngest son was sick for almost two weeks straight.  Today is day two out of the last 14 where he has not vomited, yet.  Sigh, good times.  But they are, we are all together under one roof : )  There is over ten years between my two sons but they have a strong bond and much in common.  Even their baby pic's looked similar.  They both love video games (Pokémon rules) and as twin son often laments, "your my only brother".  That's right, my two sons have three sisters - LOL  I guess they tend to cling together.    Army son will be gone in a week for S. Korea and a year long overseas deployment.  I try to not let that sadness cloud my joy while he is here.  I take heart in even the small nuisances  that let me know he is home, like leaving the shower turned on after turning off the water.  It is also hard to let him go and not hug him tight until time to return him to the airport.  He is here, there, everywhere; seeing friends and enjoying himself.  I hate sharing.  I keep picturing him as when he was 2 going on 3, sooooooo cute!

My two sons, two of God's greatest blessings.  Beth.

Good as gold

I post a few weeks back about my volunteer sunflowers and the birds making their own feed.  Well the sunflowers are about done and the birds are making the most of it.  Here are a couple shots, through the screen - sorry, to prove my point.

 

 

Goldfinches are one of the few little/light birds that can sit on the flower without bending it.

 

 

He just reached down and plucks!

 

I was going to say I love being right, when it dawned on me that this has nothing to do with me.  God made this circle of life.  Birds eat seeds.  Drop seeds.  New flowers grow.  Birds eat seeds . . . God has it all handled, neither He nor the birds need as much help from us as we assume! 

 

Blessings, Beth

Cracking the code

I have been working for the past few days on a project for my oldest niece.  She saw some cup cozies on FB and wanted to know if I could make her some.  How hard could it be right?  Righhhhhhhhhht - LOL  So spent not the past few days taking care of a sick kid, but being frustrated more than a person has a right to; by yarn.

 

I searched the net for both knit & crochet  patterns.  Tried a few, rejected a few. 

 

 

 

Here are some of the rejects : (

 

 

 

So I took the best of what I found and cobbled it together and made my own.  I might have cracked it!

 

 

Here is what I made today. 

 

Not to bad, might try a couple more.  I would like to make a set of six for my niece.  They might also come in hand for last minute holiday gifts.  Oh!  That means a trip to mecca ~ Hobby Lobby, for some holiday colored yarn!

 

Blessings, Beth

 

 

No deal for the Diva 7-20-13 & Dinosaurs

Hey there, finished up my weekly shopping today at the $GM.  I am sad to report, no screaming deals, but because of my awesome score last week - none really needed.  However I did score a couple more Christmas gifts, and the one I ordered on-line last week, arrived today as well : )  Remember, only 158 days to the big event.  I hurriedly wrapped them before army son arrives (he snoops big time), and am now almost out of Christmas wrapping paper ~ bummer.  I had stocked up last  year at UGO, 50 cents a roll.   Will start keeping my eyes peeled again.



I also wanted to share a quick mention of these Answer in Genesis (AIG) DVD's I ordered a couple of weeks ago (on sale - LOL).  If you have ever tried to explain to people/children why the earth is only thousands of years old instead of millions or how dinosaurs got onto the Ark, I recommend these DVD's (which come with study guide) and the AIG Web site.  If you are still a bit confused by these ideas, I first recommend the Creation Museum and their web site:  www.crationmuseum.org .  I had become frustrated trying to find good info / documentaries for the twins without the words 'millions of years ago' or 'primordial ooze'.  Fixed that by buying my own.  Hate the expense, but will be sharing these with many like minded folks and my home school support group.  I have been to the museum twice and we will be taking our family vacation there next year.  Always something new and exciting to see and do!

Blessings, Beth

Spaghetti Squash

I mentioned the other day that we had spaghetti  squash for dinner, and thought I would mention it again as it will soon be in season and very affordable.  I know some folks think it's a tad time consuming to cook, but you can always cook ahead and reheat when ready.

 

 

 

Simply slice squash in half and scrape all the 'guts' out, like you would with a pumpkin (another awesome squash).  Pour a cup of water in a shallow pan/dish, cover and bake at 350 for one hour.

 

 

 

When done, pop cover and let cool to touch.  Then simply scrap the string - like 'spaghetti' into a bowl, using a fork for best results.

 

 

Voila'  A beautiful bowl of squash for dinner.  Serve along side your favorite meal or use it as a zero - carb replacement for noodles. I have used it with both a red sauce and a white sauce, both yummy and no leftovers (the real test in my house).

 

Blessings, Beth

mini post ~ 3 Bean Salad

Warm Wednesday to ya all.  Though I would share this frugal find real quick.  Tis picnic and family reunion time again, and if your like me you enjoy certain cold salads; but not everyone in the family does.  Case in point; 3 bean salad.  I make a mighty mean one from scratch, but only hubby and I eat it.  So when you weigh out the cost . . . and it doesn't freeze.  Really, how many servings do you want in a 2-3 day period?  So if you want only enough for a taste for a couple folks; canned is fine.

 

 

Found this at the local Save-A lot.  Pretty healthy looking list of ingredients and only $1. 

 

 

 

It tasted yummy too.  Got my craving out of the way. 

 

So, just thought I would pass this along for family's with picky eaters or even a quick & cheap pot luck take along. 

 

Keeping it real, clean, crafty and posted on good deals!  Blessings, Beth