Happy Homemaker Monday

I have been such a slacker blogger lately. So I decided to jump right back in (:

Weather: Southern CA has had some crazy weather lately! Santa Ana winds, rain, 80* + temps...and now it is grey and chilly. I love the cooler weather (:

Reading list: I am currently reading the biography of Abraham Lincoln. I started it at my daughters orthodontist appt. and it is a very interesting read!

On my tv: the first season of Haven

On my menu for this week: I am not sure! This is going to be a long & hard week for me...so we will see.

On my to do list: spend as much time with my hubby as possible...he deploys on Friday for 6 months :(...oh and get my son some glasses!

What I am creating: Nothing...wow I am lame!

In Homeschooling: Ok this is a new one since the last time I participated! However...it now applies to me. This week I am planning and preparing for homeschool that is starting next week!

Looking around the house: Kids are running in and out of the house, afterschool snacks, organized coupon binders...

From the camera:

a beautiful sunrise over Camarillo

Something fun to share: Hmmm, uhm I am not sure. This is another new one since the last time I participated. I guess it would be my son teaching my other son to ride his bike (:

On my prayer list: friends and family, our military

Scriptures/Devotionals:
Uhm...

Happy Homemaker Monday

I can't believe it took so long for me to get this up!! I have been so BUSY today!

My in-laws are coming tomorrow and so I have been grocery shopping, meal planning, cleaning...oh and we just got back from a mini vacation last night! So to say that we are tired and busy is an understatement. Anyway, here goes...

Weather in my neck of the woods: It has been rainy and gloomy all day!!

Things that make me happy: trips to craft stores!

Books that I am reading: OK, this is awful but I can't remember the name! I am reading it on my ipod and so the title doesn't come up! Oh gracious I feel like a dork!

What's on my tv today: the kids had us DVR Scooby Doo and the Curse of the Lost Lake. Did anyone know that Shaggy and Velma are dating?!

On the menu today: I have been busy all afternoon so Dad made cresant dogs for the kiddos!

On my to do list: uhm, it is more like what isn't on there!

New Recipe I have/want to try soon: I have been looking at a ton of bento lunch sites but not many recipe ones! I need to change that!

In the craft basket: honestly, not much. I have been more creative in the kitchen though!

Looking forward to this week: Spending time with family! Ecspecially my dh as he gets ready to deploy soon!

Tips and Tricks: We took a little mini vacation this week and I can't count the number of times that a ziploc bag would have come in handy! I would recommend that you carry some with you in your purse! For used kleenex & baby wipes, snacks that are too small for a doggie bag, wet/soiled clothes, souveniers...

My favorite blog post this week: to be perfectly honest, I have been salivating over bento lunch sites all week. (: I love bento's but am just starting to make them.

Blog Hoppin' ( a new blog discovered) If you are looking for adorable ideas for lunches for your kids, go here

No Words Needed: having fun at Legoland

Lessons Learned in the past few days: patience really is a virtue!

On my mind: upcoming deployment

Scriptures, thoughts and devotionals: Normally, our family doesn't do things on Sundays. I am LDS and so we believe in not participating in activities on Sundays. We made an exception this weekend so that we could use our 2 day Legoland tickets before my husband left. All weekend, my kids kept asking us why we were there on the Sabbath. They couldn't believe that after telling them not to do things, that we were. It just really hit home that our kids do listen to what we tell them. They may not like it but they are listening. So we need to be careful what we say!!

********I am having a giveaway! I would LOVE for you to come and enter! I had an original post and than an updated post. So check out the info here

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods: Sunny and warm! The morning was a touch chilly but it's warming up!

Things that make me happy: having a wi-fi connection!!! I have been having tech problems all weekend!

Book I am reading: Big sigh, I haven't read anything for a while. Any good recomendations?

What is on my tv today: My husband is home, so there is HGTV, Planet Green and ESPN

On the menu for dinner tonight: Beefaroni, rolls, salad

On my to do list: filing coupons, dishes and folding laundry

New Recipe I want to try soon or have tried: I have been so busy this week, and have had no internet connection so...yeah nothing. I am so lame today! (:

In the craft basket: Halloween trick or treat bags. You can seem them here

Looking forward to this week: Taking our kiddo's to Legoland!!

Tips & Tricks: I hate paying for juice boxes in my kids lunch boxes. They are expensive and not that nutritious. So my kids have water M-Th, and they get to have a juice box on Fridays. It helps me save money, and makes sure my kids get enough water!

My favorite blog post this week:

A new blog I have discovered: OK yeah no internet connection. It has been a sad week!

No words needed: My husband asleep with the remote grasped FIRMLY in his hand lol

Lessons learned in the past few days: put yourself out there a little more. Learn to trust in others, and not rely soley on yourself.

On my mind:my cute little Connor-bub! He is headed to a specialist today and I am hoping that things turn out ok!

Devotionals, thoughts, scriptures: "Search dilligently, pray always and be believing and all things shall work together for your good."

For more Happy Homemaker Mondays, head on over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom!

*********I love having new followers! If you follow me, please leave me a comment, and I will come and follow you back!**************

WFMW-coupon organization

When it comes to coupons, one of the questions I am constantly asked is:

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR COUPONS?

So I am going to give you a brief history of my couponing organization!

When I first started, I used, just like most people, a handy dandy coupon file.

It worked great, at first. But the more I got into couponing, the more coupons I was getting. I just didn't have enough space to file them all. I would constantly have it "throw up" coupons.

Then I moved to the NO CLIP SYSTEM.

With this system, you file your coupon inserts by date and kind. (Ex. Smart Source 9/26). Then as you are going through your store ads, and making lists, all you have to do is look up where the coupon is, clip and take to the store.

This also worked great at first. I wasn't getting behind on my clipping, and I could find everything easily.

But then, I would get to the store and find an unadvertised sale. Or make a quick stop (are they ever quick?) and have zero coupons with me. So obviously that wasn't working.

Then I heard about THE BINDER SYSTEM. This is what I use currently.

Using a binder (trapper-keeper style) fill it with baseball card holders. Clip coupons and file by whatever means works for you. I file by types. ( Breakfast items (non cereal), bread, rice, Mexican etc)

Having them in clear pockets makes your coupons very easy to find. I also keep a pair of scissors, pens, highliter etc. in mine. I can't tell you how many times I have been seen in an empty aisle cutting something out! (:

This is what works for me now. I do have to keep up with my clipping (which I always seem to get behind on!) But this way I always have all my coupons. Also, when I have a lot of coupons, and run out of room...I simply add a new page of card holders.

That is what works for me!

What kind of system do you use? Do you have one? I would love to hear what you do!

For more tips and ideas, head over to We are THAT Family!

Happy Homemaking Monday

I woke my kids up with their FAVORITE song this morning. "Get up, Get up, Get out of bed, get up, get up you sleepy heads. Get up, get up get out of bed, so early in the morning." They all sighed and groaned. My 9 yr old exclaimed, " I hate Mondays!!"

So while my kids weren't exactly happy to get up this morning, I am happy to send them off to school! My husband who had all last week off, went back to work. All I can say is I am happy this morning to get back to NORMAL!

WEATHER in my neck of the woods: it's crazy but we are having a heat wave! High 90's today!

THINGS that make me happy: routine

BOOK I am reading: I am really not reading anything right now :(

ON MY TV today: catching up on my DVR while I clip coupons and fold laundry

On the MENU for tonight: sloppy joes

on my TO DO list: finish organizing coupons, fold laundry (no it never ends!), bring a clarinet in to get fixed

NEW RECIPE I want to try soon: BLT dip

In the CRAFT BASKET: so sad, nothing there either. Although I am looking at ideas to use for my Christmas cards!

LOOKING FORWARD to this week: nothing to exciting going on really.

TIPS & TRICKS: Don't do everything by yourself. Teach your kids to help you. It is good for them and for you!

My FAVORITE blog post of the week: I didn't really do much on the computer at all this week!

BLOG HOPPING: see above

NO WORDS NEEDED:

LESSONS LEARNED the past few days: No matter how much my husband threw off my schedule by being home, it is worth it. Spending time with our loved ones is more important than a sparkling house. I have barely 6 weeks left before my husband deploys. I don't think I am going to be wishing I had cleaned more!

ON MY MIND: my oldest sister! She is headed into surgery this Wed. Hoping all goes well!

SCRIPTURES, DEVOTIONALS OR THOUGHTS: A new friend of mine said to me, " no matter where your kids go to school (ie public, private, charter, homeschool) they are HOMESCHOOLED by you. Schools do not teach character, patience, compassion etc. You are there first teacher." Why yes, yes she did have me crying! (:

Tagged!!

My good friend Jessica tagged me for this. So here are my answers:

4 things in my purse: a million pens, chapstick, military ID, reciepts

4 things in my desk: a million pens, post-its, stamps, address labels

4 favorite things in my bedroom: my husband (: books, jewelry boxes my hubby gave me, a quilt my Grandma made

4 things I have always wanted to do (but haven't yet): Go on a cruise (Jess we will just have to go together!), travel to Europe, get my degree, write a book ( I have had an idea for a book since I was in high school but...)

4 things I enjoy very much right now: blogging, couponing, baking/cooking, crafting

4 songs I can't get out of my head: Fire Burning, Poker Face, Love Story, Danger Zone (these all happen to be my kids favorite songs, hmmm...)

4 things you don't know about me:
I was 14 credits away from getting my associates degree, when I got my MRS instead
I met my husband when I was 14!
German Chocolate cake is my FAVORITE
I have been in a town where the population was 2, and I have a picture to prove it!

Eight to the Eight to the Eight

Keli over at Feeding Four tagged me in a fun meme/tag. I was just thinking the other day about how I haven't seen tags around lately. So I am so happy to participate! Thanks for asking me to Keli!



So I have to answer Keli's questions, add some of my own, and then tag others! If I choose you, I would love for you to keep passing it on!




If you could cook with any one person, alive or deceased, real or fictional, who would it be and why? Oh my heart. I would choose...Paula Deen. I just finished reading her memoirs and I just love her even more. Or maybe Pioneer Woman. Or...


What's the biggest cooking disaster you've ever experienced? Although I know this will sound like I am bragging, I really haven't had any. The reason why? I get scared to go out of my comfort zone! Not to say that I haven't burned, undercooked, scorched, forgotten an ingredient etc!


What dish are you famous for? Hmmm...that is a good one. I would say my mini meatloaves or enchiladas. Over the summer I had the experience of cooking for extended family and these were big hits!


Who inspires you in the kitchen? Why? You know, so many people do. My family the most. I want to feed and nourish not just their minds but their souls. I want them to feel my love through my efforts.


What season premiere are you most looking forward to? The Mentalist. I love, love, love that show.


Who is your favorite author? JK Rowling. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. So are all my kids!


If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? a thick crust, Canadian bacon and pineapple pizza. Pizza freak right here! Pizza, Harry Potter...makes for a perfect night!!
You're stranded on an island and can take one thing with you. What is it and why? My husband!! He is the love of my life and is very a handy man. (:



OK my 8 questions are:



What is your favorite cooking magazine?



What is the wierdest food you have ever had?



What is your favorite kitchen gadget(s)?



If you could spend $500 on YOURSELF, what would you buy?



Do you believe in love at first sight?



What is something you would love to learn to do? (Craft, hobby...)



What is the chore that you detest around the house?



If you could go back to the time when you were 18, what would you tell yourself?



So now I have to tag people. Here goes...



Jessica@ BookLovingMommy

Angie@ TheAmericanHomemaker

Beth

Janice

Tiffany

Cooking Thursday

(just a reminder to my kids!)

( I added brown vinyl to my cookie jar)

(doesn't the cookie jar look so much better full?!)

(the finished project!)

My 8yr old had had a rough morning. As we were walking to school, I noticed tears in his huge blue eyes. I gave him a big hug and asked him what I could do to turn his day around. It was a one word answer. Simple. Easy...COOKIES!

He wanted something with caramel. I decided on cake mix cookies.

I chopped up some Rolo's and threw them in also. Yum! Nice and chocolatey and ooey gooey!

I had just finished decorating the outside of my cookie jar, but it looked so lonely with nothing in there! These cookies filled it up very nicely!

Oh and that cute little blue eyed boy...he LOVED them too!

For more yummy recipes , head on over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom!

Happy Homemaker Monday

My husband is taking me to Ikea on Monday. So I am writing this on Sunday and posting it on Monday! Hope everyone has a great labor day!

Weather in my neck of the woods: ok I swear this answer never changes! Warm and sunny!

Things that make me happy: cute little boys who have learned how to balance but aren't walking yet, seeing my daughter snuggle with her Dad during family movie night

Books I am Reading: So I started reading the book "The Icing on the Cupcake", a book I got from the library. I am not enjoying it. I hate when that happens but it is a total chick lit book and just leaves a lot to be desired.

What is on my tv:I am typing this on Sunday so I am watching the Leverage marathon and then the season finale

On the menu for dinner:
I will be shopping all day so am planning to come home to dinner all made. How? Crockpot! Roast, potatoes & gravy, rolls

On my to do list:getting kids ready to go back to school:
washing clothes
signing papers
packing lunches
then big clean day!

new recipe I want to try soon: funny story, but I am going to try to make a new recipe every day this week. I will be sharing my menu for the week later.

In the craft basket: Ugh, I haven't done anything in a while :(

Looking forward to this week: a special devotional at church on Saturday

Tips & Tricks:
Now that school is back in, my alarm clock goes off a lot earlier! To help me get up, I don't keep my clock next to my bed...I leave it in the bathroom! Actually having to get up and turn it off helps me get up and going!

Favorite blog post of the week:I have been so stinkin' busy this week, I am amazed I got anything done! Needless to say, not a lot of blog reading going on!

Blog Hopping: Read answer above!

No words needed, fav photo: kiddo's skyping with Grandma

Lesson learned this past week:No matter how much I want to be the perfect mother, sometimes you just need to let go and let things fall where they may

On my mind: My sister, who is having struggles with her son, our troops, my kids

Scriptures, devotionals, thoughts: As I have been trying to do more with my blog, this verse has really spoken to me:
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee" 1 Timothy 4:14

cooking Thursday and a GIVEAWAY

Today I am joining in Cooking Thursday over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. If you are interested in fun recipes, or want to join yourself go on over!

One of my family's favorite dinners is Chicken Divan. For some reason, I had it in my mind that this was hard to make. Hmmm, not sure where that came from because it is so easy it's scary!

My family loves it so much that I was not even able to get a picture of it cooked! It was GONE. (: So I have a picture of the ingredients and you will just have to imagine the cheesy yummy goodness for yourselves!

I love to buy rotisserie chickens when they go on clearance. I always check in the mornings for those that didn't sell the day before. I usually get them for at least 50% off.

So you can choose how you want to do your chicken. Cube boneless/skinless chicken breasts, use the meat from a whole chicken (that's what I do) or use pre-cooked chicken breast pieces. Layer this on the bottom of a 9x13 dish.

I use a 32 oz bag of frozen brocoli. Defrost in the microwave (in a bowl with a few tsp. of water). Since it is going in the oven it doesn't have to be completely defrosted.

Place brocoli on top of chicken and mix.

In a bowl combine, 1 cup of mayo, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 2 tsp. lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over top of broccoli and chicken.

Stir to combine.

Cover with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

If desired you can crush up potato chips, ritz etc. and place on top.

Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes.

** If you are using a precooked chicken, you don't need to cook as long. I baked mine for 30 minutes.

After this dish was dished up, my husband announced, " I don't think you can get away with making just one pan of this anymore!"

I am also having a GIVEAWAY celebrating my 100th post. You can go here

Happy Homemaker Monday

What a crazy day it has been!! I was all prepared for a day of getting errands done, and instead found myself in the ER with my son! The life of a mother I tell ya! He is fine, he just has an infection. So after some antibiotics he should be back to normal!

Anyway...

Weather in my neck of the woods: It has been raining off and on all day. At the moment it is pretty sunny.

One of my simple pleasures: an ice cold diet coke on a crazy busy day!

On my bedside table: a new issue of Country Sampler and a BHG issue on organization

On my tv: Pokemon (2 of my boys are home)

On my menu:

On my to do list: update blogs, straighten living room, laundry, baking Shamrock shaped cookies

New recipe I tried last week: Last week was sooo insane, I didn't try anything new!

In the craft basket: I made a lepurchan catcher for my son

Something I am looking forward to: hopefully a little nap!

Homemaking tip for the week: if you "live" in your car like I do, every time you get out, have each person take 4 or 5 things out. That way you can get trash, books, toys etc. out without doing a huge clean up job!

Favorite blog post of the week: I have been reading so many great sites about saving money at the grocery store!

Favorite photo from the week: at the top...my son right before he was baptized

Lesson learned the past few weeks: don't just say "I'm fine" if you aren't. Talk to someone and be open and honest!

On my prayer list:
family and friends
military overseas

Devotionals/prayers/scriptures from this week: "There is beauty all around when there's love at home." From the LDS hymn Love at Home

Show and Tell Friday

(chore reminders, a quick quote and a note to my boys about their activity that night!)

If you are interested in checking out more Show and Tell Friday's you can go here:My Romantic Home

I love,love,love my chalkboard! My sweet husband made it for me almost 3 years ago now! It is the perfect spot for quotes, reminders, and messages.We use it on birthdays and to write holiday greetings. I am thinking I would like a couple smaller ones for other areas in my home. It is pretty easy and inexpensive to make your own.

WFMW

This week has been an interesting one...and it is only Wednesday! Monday was pretty normal. Tuesday I slept through my alarm, and we were late from the moment my feet hit the floor. You know, if Mom doesn't get up then the kids don't! Except of course on the weekends! This morning I was up with my alarm, went walking, showered and had lunches made before 6! We were out the door earlier than normal even with extra trips inside, for forgotten items!

I would much rather repeat TODAY over and over instead of the other. I hate that rushed feeling and it affects my mood and the kids.

I grew up in a home where my Dad's motto is/was "If you are not 10 minutes early then you are late!" So I am constantly early! Or at least try too.

You know how doctors or dentists etc. want you there 15 minutes before your appt? Well what I do, instead of writing down the actual time of the appt. on my calender, I write down the 15 minutes before. For example if my actual appt. is at 10:30 I will write it down as 10:15. That way, I make sure to give myself just a few more extra minutes. I am rarely late for an appt. when I do this!

That's what works for me! You can go to Rocks in my Dryer, who is hosting this week and find tons of other great ideas!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods: I live on a tropical island...what can I say? Blue skies and sunny!

One of my simple pleasures: having a good mail day!

What is on my bedside table: journal, pen, hair ties, book ( I have 3 or 4!)

What is on my tv: Handy Manny

On the menu for tonight:cheese pizzas, carrot sticks, breadsticks

To do List: vacum, sweep, swiffer, laundry, dishes...oh it never ends!

New Recipe I tried this week:I actually didn't make any this past week but have 3 on the menu for this week

Craft basket: making bookmarks with my daughter's church group tonight

Looking forward to: my son's baptism on Saturday

Homemaking tip: Routines are your friend!I did not follow mine last night or this morning and regretted it! Set up a routine, no matter how simple, and follow it. It will make your day go so much smoother!

Favorite blog post of the week: Although not one blog post, over at Money Saving Mom (link to her site on my side bar under Money Helps) has a great series going on Menu Planning and saving money at the grocery store

Favorite photo of the week: (at the top) My son learned how to ride a big boy bike! Next he just needs to get the training wheels off!

I had to add two because it was also our military ball this week. So the other is my husband and I!

Lesson learned this week: besides the routine one, I realized this week how important it is to get enough sleep. I am a girl who needs a lot and I certainly didn't get it this past week. So I am not being the wife and mother I want to be. Get your beauty sleep!

Prayer list: friends and family, our military serving overseas

Scripture, quote or inspirational thought: Hmmm...

Menu Plan Monday

So last week I didn't end up making everything I had planned. BUT, that is ok! We ate out only once (and that was only 3 of us). I just made other things from the pantry/freezer. It's all good!

This week will be a very busy week for our family. I am praying that things will start slowing down but I am not sure when that will happen. My menu this week is insanely relaxed as we are going from activity to activity and family members are gone. If you are looking for some more great menu's, you can go to Org Junkie

Monday:
B: cereal and smoothies
L: leftover pasta from Sunday's dinner, cereal bar, boiled egg, string cheese, brownie and a juice
D:baked spaghetti, rolls and steamed vegi's

Tuesdaay: ( Girls are gone for dinner)
B: mixed berry muffins, instant breakfast, yogurt
L:leftover spaghetti or pb&j, sliced oranges, dried apples, chex mix, drink, nilla wafers
D: cheese pizzas, carrots sticks w/ dip, leftover rolls

Wednesday (boys are gone for dinner)
B: ham, cheese & potato breakfast casserole, juice, leftover muffins
L: leftover pizza or ham wraps with spinach & grated carrots, deviled eggs, chex mix, dried fruit, drink
D: cresant dogs, baked beans, fruit

Thursday:
B: cereal or leftovers
L: leftover cresants or chicken nuggets, apple slices, cereal bar, pretzels, drink
D: teriyaki chicken stir fry over brown rice, rolls

Friday: (boys are gone camping!)
B: cereal or leftovers
L: hoagies, pretzels, fruit snack, grapes,
D: the kids who are staying home: their pick for something special
campers: hot dogs, chips, pop

Saturday: (boys gone until lunch)
B: scrambeled eggs w/ chopped ham, bisquits
L: kid pick
D: our son is being baptized! So we will be eating dinner at our church. Sandwich trays, fruit and vegi trays, treats

Sunday:
B: leftover bisquits w/ ham & cheese slices, smoothies
L:leftovers from last night's dinner
D: crockpot Beef & Brocoli, rolls and rice
Sunday treat: root beer floats

cooking Thursday

I have been visiting the sites of those who are participating and all I can say is yum! There are some yummy recipes being linked. I will definatley be trying the Beef & Brocoli and the Coconut pie this week! If you want to check them out, you can go to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I had a request for my recipe for Caramel Apple Salad. It is such a quick and yummy fruit salad. My kids love it. So it is totally kid approved.

Funny story about the recipe, I was visiting my Mom right before we moved to Guam. I found the recipe in a magazine at her house. I got permission to rip it out. I did and carried it in my carry on all the way to Guam just so I could make it! (:

I originally posted this over a year ago, so I am just going to link to the recipe. If you make it let me know how you liked it! You can find the recipe here

Tuesday Meme's

(food photographer I am not!!)
(my daughter's plate...obviously things aren't very fancy around here)
So today I will be participating in two new meme's!! Yay! I love food and cookbooks and recipes. What can I say?

If you are interested in checking out these fun Meme's you can go to Tempt my Tummy Tuesday at Blessed with Grace and Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Last night, my boys were busy running around the park when I yelled "DINNER". I have decided I just need a dinner bell! But as my oldest son came in, and checked out what I was pulling out of the oven he exclaimed, "Yes! That is my favorite!" So I thought I would share this simple, easy casserole with you.

I originally found it on a box of stuffing, but have also seen it in cooking magazines around Thanksgiving time as a way to use up extra turkey!

Stuffing Casserole
1 box of stove top stuffing
1 3/4 cup hot water
2 cups diced chicken ( I had a rotisserie chicken I got on discount that I chopped up)
1 bag of frozen brocoli florets
1 can of cream of chicken or celery soup
3/4 milk
1 cup mild cheddar cheese

Pour stuffing into a bowl. Pour hot water over it and let the stuffing soak up the water. Set aside.

In a casserole dish, layer your brocoli and chicken(or turkey). Mix soup, cheese and milk and pour over chicken and brocoli. Next spoon the stuffing on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Very comforting and yummy! Hope you enjoy it. For more yummy recipes, make sure to go visit the sites I linked to at the top!!