Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Success!

I did it! Unbelievable but I finished everything on my to do list this weekend. The house is in so much better shape. I do need to clean a bit, but as for organization, I nailed it. Plus, in the process I gathered two big trashbags of items for Goodwill, two large tupperware containers and a bag for our next garage sale, and a nice sized pile of items to list on Craigslist. I'll have to keep track of how much money I "make" from my work this weekend!

I also made a batch of freezer jam from some fresh raspberries last night. I used Ponoma Pectin and a bit of honey for a sweetener, and it jelled up perfectly. The jam is a beautiful red and will be so nice this winter when we don't have fresh berries everyday.

One of my summer goals has been to improve our eating habits. I've been slowly moving away from more processed foods and getting us eating more whole foods. I don't want to overwhelm the family, so little steps. It's hard for me to pass up the "deals" at the grocery, but I know just because something is inexpensive, that's still no reason to buy it! Later this week, I'll post more about my plans for healthier eating and the steps I'm taking.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Weekend Plans

The kids are off to Grandma's tonight for a few days before summer is over. And I have big plans!!!

My goals:
clean the basement closet (it's a disaster)
reorganize the laundry pantry
work on de-cluttering the kids room
shop for a table and chairs for our new front patio

Yes, a lot of work, and yes, I am excited about it!!!!

Hopefully if I can get my list done, I can go into the school year organized and relaxed.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Super Simple Veggie Dip

Yesterday one of my daughter's friends was over for lunch. Trying to get anything healthy into most of her friends isn't easy, but I knew this one liked carrots. So, I sliced up a bunch of veggies (including carrots of course!), and prepared this simple dip. I love it because it contains fresh ingredients from my garden, and no preservatives or artifical flavoring. The kids love it because it's good!

Pesto Dip (aka Veggie Dip):

1/2 c. plain greek yogurt
1/2 c. organic lowfat sour cream
2 T. pesto

Mix it up, let it sit for the flavors to blend and enjoy with veggies, crackers or bread.

I make the pesto myself in the summer when my basil plant gets out of control and then freeze it in 2 T portions to use all winter (or for quick dips). This batch included sun dried tomatoes which made for a wonderful veggie dip! Enjoy!

Go to Pennywise Platter Thursday for more great frugal recipes!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Just a few more weeks of summer left . . .

Wow, where has summer gone? With just a few weeks left, I look at the list of things we'd like to do as a family that we created back and June and realize we'll never finish it! I guess some will have to move to fall . . .

However, there are still a few weeks and weekends, so we'll try to pack in the best of the best!

Putt putt - we have a few free coupons, so no excuse!
Free movies at the theatres
Zoo
Splash pads
Picnic at a State Park
Find a fair with rides (that one came from my daughter)

That's a manageable list I think!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Back to Normal?

Well, last week was our "grown up" trip to Vegas. Lots of fun, but glad to be back home with the kiddos. I've had lots of stomach problems since I returned and today went to the doctor - apparently one of the problems with normally eating healthy, fresh foods is that when you don't, your body lets you know!

She assured me I'd be feeling like myself again within a few more days of our normal schedule.

Now that I'm back from being gone five weeks of the summer, the house is in shambles. So, my current goals are:

1. To get things back in order - one room at a time is my plan.
2. Get us back on a normal routine.
3. Have some fun with the family for the rest of the summer!

Last night while fixing dinner, I cleaned (and decluttered) the breakfast nook. It's probably the smallest room I have to clean, but I figured a quick "win" would feel good and hopefully keep me moving forward! Tonight I attack the kitchen - I've not yet been to the grocery as I have plenty of meat in the freezer and food in the pantry, but that will have to change soon, so I plan to get ready!