The pampered chef changes her grocery habits

Well, I'll admit, "pampered" I may be... "chef"? I'm working on that part.

In August, I took up a Pampered Chef catalog order. Between my mom's family and their coworkers, I had a pretty decent order when it was all said and done. I got 2 items half off and $185 worth of free stuff. Those are my kinds of numbers.

I don't typically buy 'name brand' things. I splurge on coffee, milk, and toilet paper. And jeans.... short girls have a hard time finding jeans. So, when American Eagle has sales, I'm there loading up on their "short"s.

But, I have to say, I do LOVE me some Pampered Chef stuff. And, free? How can I not?

So, here's my loot (I spent about $50 on tax and my 2 half price items):

(I actually had a bit more, but I got it for the madre since she did more work that I did for this stuff:))

I kept canning in mind as I shopped. I love the 4 batter bowls that we got. They have measurements inside them, have a spout, a lid, a silicone exterior bottom, and a hole for your thumb so you can hold them better. I went ahead and got all four of them. It seems like we are always needing bigger and more bowls when we can. And, sometimes we need a big container for leftovers like soup.

We now have bowls that are 2, 4, 6, and 8 quarts! And they (kinda) fit into each other for storage. But... they are so pretty I think they need to be on a shelf somewhere so I have to really scrub them when I want to use them :).

We also got a stackable cooling rack,  a pair of 2 cup "prep" bowls with lids, a kernel cutter (whoohoo!), a wine stopper, a set of three stainless mesh colanders, a set of 3 paring knives,  and a large sheet pan that is so heavy my poor weak little wrists can't hardly hold it up when it's empty (this isn't saying much though)! Mom's loot included a kernel cutter, can opener, a set of 3 paring knives, and a peppercorn grinder.

This past week, I've also decided to do a test run and change my grocery shopping habits. I typically make one huge trip at the start of the month and then a smaller one mid way to get the staples we've eaten up and drank. This week, I went to the store and only bought a week's worth of food. (And if my calculations are correct, this method could save us $150 a month)*

*Please note that I am known for being a horrible math student....and a poor estimator.... and too much of a tightwad for my own good.... and Dustin's stomach.

The reason for this change is because of a segment I saw on Good Morning America the other day. The person being interviewed has put together a few sets of a week's worth of meals that all use the same handful of ingredients.  All the meals are very different so you don't necessarily feel like you're eating the same food over and over. I'm going to give it a shot starting either tonight or tomorrow and will report back! My huge shopping trip worked for us... but it also resulted in a lot of "what are we going to eat tonight?" and "why don't we have any food" questions. I was good at planning a few meals, but apparently was poor at planning that far in advanced. And, produce I bought never got all the way used up before it got sent to the compost.

If my new grocery shopping works like I hope, our Dave Ramsey budget will be so happy!

Shop and Hop Goodwill Loot

If you think I scored big with the free stuff from the swag bags... you're right! :) But, I also scored big with my purchases also.

Let me mention again, I don't spend money. Ever. When Dustin and I go shopping I will carry something around a store with me for an hour. Then, when we walk to checkout I say "I don't think I really need this..." and I'll put it back where it came from. This drives Dustin insane. I did that on Saturday with about 5 or so things, too. We're actually GLAD that we do the Dave Ramsey plan (for numerous reasons) because it makes it ok for me to spend my blow money when it is dedicated to being "Shannon's Blow Money". I still often have some blow money left at the end of the month, but that's ok too.... :)

Without further ado.....

The candle collection

The two tall gold/fake copper ones will most likely get the Oil Rubbed Bronze from the swag bag. Their destiny, for now, is the mantle. The two smaller ones are going to get a coat of primer, a coat of black paint, and then they will be my sacrificial silver leafing project, maybe. The tea light "boat" will get some coat of light color paint that I don't own yet and will head up to the bonus room/room above the garage/office.

Who would have guessed that this little wooden calendar would be Dustin's favorite of all my purchases? Not me. It will also get some paint. I have number stickers but am on the lookout for the months. I don't want to have to handpaint/stencil them if I don't have to. I thought it was cutesy. I know I won't ever remember to change the date, but, for $1.99, I thought it was a cute little find.

Right now, I'm on the hunt for a saying, quote, something to write on this puppy once it is painted. I think it will be hung sideways. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to put a few lines of the song Dustin and I danced to at our wedding. That is still TBD. I've put Dustin on the mission as well. He is really good at coming up with things like that, something I'm sure he'll be REAL happy I told everyone :).

Maybe a coat of the Oil Rubbed Bronze... maybe going to live on the coffee table with all the decorative balls I've been making... maybe...

Ummm... yeah. I dunno either. I think it is the top from an old (?) shoeshine stand. I just thought it looked neat and had some potential... somewhere :) And, I thought that Dustin would think it was cool. As previously stated, the calendar is his fave. :) If it weren't so gold, I'd probably only clean it up some. But, the gold will need some work.

 

This won't get "crafted". This is actually my ONLY purchase that won't get painted, ha. I just thought it looked fun and like a great tradition to start when we have little ones running around the house at Christmas. (and, it was only .99)

And, the bigguns.....

When I say "bigguns" I mean, almost-didn't-make-it-home-in-a-Ford-Escape big...with all the seats folded down... and the front seat all the way up and forward... and the back door barely shut.

I just realized, as I type this in bed and nowhere near this table, that I don't have any REALLY good pics of it.. It is 5'1" long and less than 2 ft deep with a cane bottom. It was $14.99. No, it doesn't have a top. My mom's husband works at a sawmill so I might get wood for it... or I might spring for some glass. (Or beg my grandma to so some stained glass for it:) Hi grandma:)) It will become either brown of some shade or a light color for the upstair/bonusroom/office.

And my last big purchase, another $14.99, was this beauty.

She will be losing the fake leather, will get new hinges, and a coat of paint.

Dustin doesn't like wicker.... so I come home with a wicker trunk/basket big enough for both of us to get in (no really, it is that big). I ask his opinion on everything before I paint/change things. I like a second opinion; he comes up with some cool ideas; and, he's gonna have to live with all my projects too, so I like to see what he thinks. (I don't always listen.. but I ask...that counts, right?). He thinks this is a cool piece but he doesn't want it white. He apparently isn't a total wicker hater; he is just against white wicker. This is going to end up as a coffee table or end table most likely and with blankets stored in it. Ellie, the puppy, thinks everything is hers... especially the blankets. So, this was bought to keep the non-Ellie blankets away from her little cuddly self. Although, I am half tempted to make the bottom the basket for blankets and do another project with the lid.... I chance the whole thing becoming a kitten/puppy bed if I do that though....

There you have it!

And there I have it, for a grand total of $49.11!

Go GOODWILL!

Any suggestions for any of my great finds?? I leave on Friday for a family vacation, so I'm guessing I'm not going to get much accomplished with any of this until I get back! But, I am always open to an opinion besides those from my white wicker hating hubby :)

Folk School and V-Day- Shustin style

I don't think I mentioned it, but I am writing from Murphy, North Carolina this week!

 

The dark, blurry sign at 9 last night... our beacon of hope

We prepped for MILES for this photo. I was in the driver's seat, so Dustin had to work on his A game to be able to capture it. And, we were running low on camera battery, so there was added pressure. (along with the fact that it was 29 degrees, the roads were wet/icy looking, and Betty (the GPS) took us AROUND the mountains. This means that she took us on the windiest backroads possible for 45 miles. I was averaging a speed of 30mph. But, that also meant that he had TWO chances to capture what we had been waiting to see for so long! I had plans to write this cool blog with all the Welcome To signs. Then Tennessee ruined it all by being snowy and even blurrier, sigh...  So, you are stuck with this one instead :)

Why are we here and why are you being bored with our travel boredness inspired excitement?
Dustin is attending the John C Campbell Folk School for the week and since I can work from anywhere with a laptop and wireless, I am along for the ride. He is going to blacksmith classes for the week. Yes, I'm serious. No, he's not a retiree. And, yes, I already have quite a stack of magazine clippings of things I want him to make me at some point.

We haven't been to the school yet, but from the website, it looks really cool. They have hundreds of classes offered throughout the year on endless topics. My plan is to work from the hotel for a few days and then spend a day at the school. There is an area with wireless, so I hope to be able to take the computer and work from there. (and take lots and lots of pics!) We are headed there later tonight for a dinner and to meet the instructors.I'm tagging along.

Since it is Valentine's Day today, I thought I'd also write about what he and I do every year. We are budgeters, in case you hadn't noticed :). (Please ignore this trip-- we hope Dave Ramsey does). Every year for Valentine's Day we only give cards. We don't do gifts, we don't do anything special... except for The Card Contest. Here is the outside of Dustin's submission for 2010

My husband is the best card picker outer I have ever seen. He always picks out the perfect card. (He also has to sign his own name when we send joint cards) So, we have a good natured, albeit competitive, contest to see who can pick out the best card. Some years, funny has won. Some years, serious took the cake. The winner gets the year long pride of knowing that she (ok, or he) beat the other one. We mean business here. I won last year, of course... and not to brag, but I think I'll take the trophy home with me this  year too. :)

On the way here one of our conversations went like this:

Me (in a can-you-believe-it tone): You will never guess how much your card cost!

Dustin: Six dollars 

(Editorial comment- Don't you hate it when someone overguesses/underguesses and ruins the moment?)

Me: FIVE DOLLARS!

So, in order to be even cheaper, I mean sweeter, next year the card contest will only allow homemade cards. 

I'm SO going to win that one too.....

Chilly outside-- tortilla soup inside

 

Yeah, yeah... my clothes pins are still on the line... :) oops

I don't really mind the snow... as long as

1) I don't have to leave the house
2) Dustin doesn't have to leave the house
3) We have plenty of catfood (have you even been with a cat, or two, when the last crunchy morsel is gone?) Catfood is a snow necessity.
4) We have plenty of food. (yes, the catfood goes before people food... they really are obnoxious when you run out)

This week, all of those conditions have been met.

On Sunday, I tested out a recipe for tortilla soup. I first met tortilla soup at the Hanover College cafeteria. Yes, I know it was out of a 55 gallon drum, but MMMmmmm, a love affair began. Every time we go out to eat (on a now $40 a month budget) I get tortilla soup if they have it. Some is good, some isn't so good. It never seems to compare to HC's version though. Perhaps my memory is glamorizing it in a Jay Gatsby kind of way.

 

I'm not sure it looks that great in pics, but I am happy with the results. And, it is spooned out in this pic, so you can't tell that it is actually soup. It was goooood. And, we ate it for about 4 days. I think it was about $1 per bowl.

Ingredients:

2 cans of stewed tomatoes 

2 cant tomatoes with chilis

2 cans corn

can black beans (I only used 1/2 the can)

3 cooked chicken breasts

chicken broth 

Then, we loaded it into our soup mugs with sour cream, cheese, and ate it with tortilla chips. When I took this picture, we were already snowed in and had eaten all the sharp cheddar cheese, so we used mozzarella. As long as it's cheese, I don't mind. 

 

Next time, I won't use stewed tomatoes. They were a bit big compared to the rest.   On the last 2 bowls, Dustin wanted to try it with some taco meat seasoning. So, we had chicken tacos one night and saved some of the seasoning. It was just as good without the seasoning as it was with it. I think he liked it better with though. 

I can't wait to make it with fresh corn and tomatoes from the garden this summer!! Until then, we'll look at the pretty view and dream of warmer weather.

 

Patiently waiting to go play in the snow.

 

It is getting deep around here ;)

Ellie's thoughts: "Can I PLEASE stop posing and eat snow?"

We have at least 7 inches of snow with more on the way and 30 mph winds tonight.

It's cold, windy, and deep. But, we have enough catfood, milk, cereal, and blankets to enjoy it though. For a few days anyway....

Dusting/fabric softener/rinse aid solutions

Where have I been, you ask?

Well, I have not been on..oh, shoot... what are they called....

va.....

you know...

when you leave your house/town/state and go lay on a beach for a week and read trashy novels?

Oh, that's right.. vacation. No, I haven't been on vacation (in like 4 years actually).

I have been busy. I've been on the couch most of the time it seems with back aches (yeah, I know... I'm 27 and have pretty intense back pain from time to time--it is a long story.. with a video, actually, of me falling 8 feet or so onto the gym floor with my lower back/left hip catching my fall. I was in high school and a *cough* cheerleader. Then, later that year I had a walking cast on my foot throwing my back/hip even more out of alignment... unrelated injuries and I promise that I'm not accident prone. 15 was a rough year :) ).

When I wasn't on the couch, I was at my desk grading or at my desk doing homework. Today, I had the wonderful pleasure of starting (and completing, thankyouverymuch) a 17 page research paper. Luckily, I L-O-V-E to research. Too bad it wasn't blog research... that is way more fun than the ineffectiveness of administrative observations in the classroom and suggestions for better alternatives. But, I submitted the last assignment in the first course of my doctorate program!! Too bad it isn't the first assignment in my last class... oh well....that post is about 2.5+ years away.

But, I have been collecting a massive amount of homemade cleaner recipes over the past few weeks. I write this guiltily after I just shampooed the bonus room/office/room above the garage (we can't decide what this room is called) with commercial "deep cleaning" shampoo by Hoover. oops. But, hey, it needed to be done and I already owned the bottle of it. My goal is to use up just about all of the cleaners that I have and replace them with homemade ones as I go. I'm a bit impatient though, so some of them may get the boot a little bit sooner.

But, in the meantime, here are a few quick and easy solutions that I've recently discovered....

Dusting- use a dryer sheet. That's all... no cleaner.. just a dryer sheet.

Fabric softener- (I guess this is because you're now using your dryer sheets for dusting cloths....harhar) put some vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser.

Rinse aid in the dishwasher-- you guessed, my new BFF vinegar.

I promise to be back with more recipes soon. I need to organize them a bit. And, I have a few projects around here that need to be painted/glazed/glued/finished.

Free money

Earn money by searching the web? My dream....I know, right?  I research EVERYTHING, so this seems like a no brainer for me.

I don't normally do these kinds of things. But I've read about a lot of people earning a lot of money through SWAG BUCKS. And by "a lot" I don't mean thousands of dollars. But I have heard people talk about earning their Christmas gift money this way... and that's good enough for me.

I don't want to sound like an advertisement. But, there is some info to pass along. Signing up is simple. After you sign up you download their tool bar. This isn't something I didn't want to do, but it is harmless looking and the way to get the moolah. Then, just search the net just like you normally would. Yeah... that's all you do. You get Swag bucks for searching and you can cash in your bucks for Amazon gift cards. I like that it is through Amazon because you can buy used stuff too and make it go even farther.

Another way to earn is to get people to sign up through you. It isn't really a pyramid type of scheme. I just get credit for you signing up. To do so, click on the new widget on the right side of the blog. Go through that way and I get a little boost for inviting someone else! Or, click here.

I have been putting off signing up. Then I thought that was silly since the more you use it, the more money you get. And, since it is January, I thought I'd see how much money I can ear this year for Christmas. If we can eliminate that column of the Dave Ramsey Budget, I'd be a happy, happy camper.

In other news- I am officially the weird appetizer girl now. Ok with me though.. I'm still enjoying the leftovers of this strangely delicious snack!

And, I'm about to go into even cheaper mode here soon. I have recipes for all purpose cleaners, toilet and tub cleaners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, window cleaners, wood floor cleaners...... I have more and would look at the list, but Margot is currently in the office 'helping'. This doesn't happen often, but when it does I have to take advantage. She is helping right now by laying on the list and recipes :)

Sometimes, you take whatever help you can get.. even of the one eyed paper weight variety.

I also still have a list of crafts/projects longer than I am tall. My trip to Hobby Lobby this week was quite disappointing and I left empty handed...however, I do plan to make something as a work and paper writing break on Friday.

Dave Ramsey- The man I love to hate and hate to love

Ok, so I don't REALLY hate Dave Ramsey... :) If you aren't aware of who he is, you are missing out. He is a financial advising guy who shoots it fairly straight. Here is his webpage if you'd like to learn more. And, yes, he is one of those people whose first and last name I use every time I mention his name.

I don't agree with the man 100%. However, he has a fairly "common sense" approach to life and money that many of us just overlook.

Dustin and I went through his Financial Peace University starting in January 2007. Since then, we have been able to do some amazing things we otherwise wouldn't have done. During these few years, we have worked, taken time off, been in school, between jobs, and just experienced a lot of life's bumps and bruises.

We have also paid off our 3 year old car, our "water refining system", my master's degree, Dustin's associate's degree, and a private undergrad loan of mine. We also paid down our house some when we refinanced for a lower rate and a 15 year loan. (In addition to this, we also did some fun things.... we remodeled the bathroom and the laundry room, redid the kitchen floor, fixed the foundation leaks, built a grape trellis, redid our landscaping, purchased a corn stove, and did the baby room.) I'm not tooting our own horn here. I'm just saying, if you haven't heard of him, it is well worth your time to try it out. We don't make loads and loads of money-- this has just made us very aware of where our money goes so we can make more intelligent decisions along the way. It is amazing how funds disappear when you aren't paying attention.

It isn't automatic. You have to budget and plan. We have monthly budget meetings where we look at what we've spent that month, what we've saved, and where we are going next. Without Dave Ramsey, we wouldn't be in this place. We still have my bachelor's degree to pay off... and in a "let's not listen to Dave Ramsey" moment, I enrolled in a doctoral program using loans. (shhh).

It takes a few months to really get into the swing of things. We still tweak and change our budget just about every month. Life happens and things change-- the budget needs to change with it. We aren't quite as strict as maybe we should be at times. But, we have made great progress and have still enjoyed life along the way. I am proud of what we have done and am glad that we're in the place we are. Dave Ramsey's motto is something along the lines of "Live like no one else so you can live like no one else". And that's the truth. No credit cards here. No living beyond our means. No eating out as much as we'd REALLY like to. But, I don't really feel like we've had to make huge sacrifices along the way.

If you're curious or have questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment. I am by no means an expert.... but I am a cheapskate who LOVES to save money so we can spend it on fun things :) (mainly on remodeling projects!!) It isn't always fun. Sometimes you'll love Dave Ramsey; sometimes you will hate Dave Ramsey. But, I know that the decisions we make now will pay dividends later down the road.

We actually just paid Dustin's degree off last night when we finished our December/January budget meeting, so this is fresh on my mind. And, it is so rewarding to be able to mark something else of the list!!