This is going to be my last post here under this name.  I've moved my "domestic goddess" blog   HERE  I hope that you will visit! 

My homeschool blog on homeschoolblogger is HERE  I would love to add you to my friend's list there.  Just comment on that blog and I will add you :D

Thank you for your inspiring and helpful comments along the way!

Sherry

Thought I'd share today's CVS and Walgreen deals:

CVS

Bought 20 dollars worth of Revlon (B1G1-1/2 off) used 8 dollars in coupons - will get 10 in extra bucks

2 Carefree pantyliners 3 dollars minus 1 dollar coupon = 2 dollars -- will get back 5

2 Kotex compact pads for 7.54 - 2 dollar off = 5.54 -- will get back 7.54

Bought 4 HIP L'Oreal makeups (to donate) for 26.00 - 4.00 in coupons = 22, will receive 39.96!

Colgate toothpaste 2.77-.75=2.07 -- will make 2.77

Spent approximately 45 dollars (in extra bucks) will make about 70 in extra bucks!

Walgreen deals weren't as good -- but still got free stuff.  I had 40 dollars in gift cards from last month's rebates.  (I had to pay out of pocket for the initial rebate, now I will just continue using them for the new rebates each month)

I got a Glade pumpkin candle, 2 glade sprays, 1 Glade infusion spray, 2 Glade scented oil refills, 2 bags of ziplocks for 21 dollars minus 5 in coupons = 16 and will get 11 back on a giftcard -- so paid 5 bucks for all that stuff. 

I got a huge bottle of Fructis conditioner for 6.99 - 1 dollar coupon, will get back 7.68 rebate

Spent 15 on Dr. Scholl's products and will get back 10 (I needed these anyway)

So I paid w/ my rebate cards and will get another 28.68 next month. 

Another way to tame the shopping monster w/o paying a lot of money!

Sherry

The best thing to come out of my 30 days was that I started back to church.  I realized that missing church and not being as involved as before was where I was going wrong.  It was what was missing and why I was feeling so negatively all the time.  So, that in and of itself was worth it.

I also started reading "The-Purpose-Driven-Life" -- and it has me thinking and hopeful. 

Here are a few of the questions that it poses:

"In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, and not myself?"

Wow.  VERY 30-days, simple living, huh?!? 

"What would my family and friends say is the driving force in my life?  What would I want it to be?"

"What area of my life and I holding back from God?"

That is all I am going to share, because without the rest of the chapter, the questions don't pose the same meaning. 

If you haven't read this book, I urge you to do so!  It's a life-changing book if you allow it to be. 

Another thing that happened due to my inflection during the 30 days is that I decided where I want the focus of my life to be.  NOT running around all the time from store to store and this class to that class and being unfocused and hiding in front of the computer screen so much every day.  AND, I also used to use t.v. as an excuse.  Sorry, can't go to church that night, "Lost" is on.  Nope, can't go to the homeschool meeting, I might miss part of "Grey's Anatomy".  Yep.  I love these shows.  I hate to miss them.  But what is more important?  Praising our Lord with a group of friends or finding out what "the others" are doing?  You can record your tv show, or even watch it on the computer later -- you can't ever get back that hour and a half of worshiping God at THAT MOMENT. 

So -- my focus?  Church.  Family.  Homeschool.  That is my simplistic list.  Of course there will be others -- like friends, Christmas shopping, etc.  but my FOCUS needs to be on those three.  Those are the three things that keep my family on the path where I want them to go. 

Last night I went to my first member meeting at my church.  I've been going for a year almost, but I am still not a "member".  Last night the pastor said there are people who show up to church when they feel like it, and there are people who are COMMITTED to the church.  I am the former; I want to be the latter. 

Same with our homeschooling group -- I LOVE those people!  Yet I miss meetings and don't sign up for outtings -- and if I do, I cancel because I have too much else going on.  Now I am making them a priority! Because they are important -- and being around them helps me do something I deem important -- homeschooling. 

Ok, speaking of not sitting in front of the computer screen.....LOL....

Have a very blessed week in the Lord -- keep a prayer on your lips at all times, and hug those homeschoolers!

Sherry

I am about to head out and do my grocery shopping.  I really have to watch the money I spend this week, as I need to get our savings back INTO our savings.  (dh pretty much spent our entire savings last week getting a dehumidifier and other things to make the basement livable)

I am armed with a list which I made while looking through two different sales papers.  I then made up our menu based on what was on sale and what we have in the freezer.  I also have coupons for several things i will be buying.

My expenses this week are:

A potluck.  I will be making a huge pan of baked penne pasta.  I will also be making two batches of brownies and bringing a couple of loaves of french bread.  

My husband.  He's leaving a trail in the kitchen every night of cans (which he has eated DIRECTLY out of with a fork) boxes, plates, forks, etc.  That man can EAT!  He has requested that I do some baking.  His lunches for work are also expensive, as he wants the most expensive bread (nearly 3 dollars a loaf ) and hard salami and deli cheese.

My dinner menu for the next week is as follows:

Friday:  Potluck  Baked Penne pasta, bread, brownies

Saturday:  Taco salad w/ black beans and corn

Sunday:  Garlic Lime chicken w/ rice, green beans, and salad

Monday:  Crockpot pepper steak over rice

Tuesday:  Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday:  Crockpot chili with cornbread

Thursday:  Chicken penne pasta w/ salad

I'll post the Garlic Lime chicken recipe, as it is AWESOME!

Wish me luck on not spending!

Sherry

It's Menu Plan Monday already!  How the time flies.  This week I plan on making a few new recipes, which I will post links to.  If they turn out to be a new favorite, I will review them and be sure to let you know!

Monday:  Crockpot_Jambalaya_from_Saving_Dinner  The link will take you to the book that I got this out of.  It's a great website though; she has a lot of wonderful products.  Also, she is highly endorsed by the FlyLady!  This dinner has meat, rice, and loads of veggies -- but I will add a salad as a side.

Tuesday: Kraft's_Zesty_Meatballs_and_Rice  I will be making a slight variation of this, seeing as I do not have every ingredient!  I will serve this with green beans and a small salad.

Wednesday:  Shredded pork wraps.  I will be cooking the pork in the crockpot with whatever spices I have onhand and then when it is super tender, I will shred it and wrap it in whole wheat wraps.  I will offer different toppings and have black beans as a side.

Thursday:  Lebanese_Chicken Jasmine rice, hummus and pita bread, fattoush.  (Arabic salad -- romaine, tomato, english cucumber all diced small, topped with crumbled baked (or fried) pita bread and lemon juice and olive oil for dressing)

Friday:  Kielbasa bean soup.  I am sorry I do not remember where I saved this recipe from, but here it goes:

Kielbasa Bean Soup

2 cups diced potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
2 cans bean and bacon soup, undiluted (10 1/2 oz)
2 cans diced tomatoes (15 1/2 oz)
12-14 oz kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, soup, tomatoes, kielbasa, onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Transfer to a crockpot.

Cook on low heat in the crockpot for 5-6 hours. Or simmer over low heat on the stovetop for 2 hours.

Saturday:  Stuffed shells with salad. 

Hope you've enjoyed another Menu Plan Monday!  Thanks so much to

Laura for hosting this!  Please check out her blog for more great menus!

Sherry

  I'm feeling sort of blue today -- hence the color. 

I do have some good things to report, some positive changes that have taken place due to focusing on simplicity.

Remember me posting that I actually turned in the letter that I typed up for the Planning Commission?  (Building Dept.)  Well, my nice neighbor told me  -- and I quote:

"That was some impressive letter you wrote!" 

He went on to tell me that it swayed the vote of one of the council members and that was enough to push the decision up to the city council!!  He said that my letter was very persuasive, it brought up several good points, and that it nearly had another member convinced! I can't tell you how great that made me feel.  I rarely receive compliments in that manner.

Secondly, my mother told me yesterday (and I would quote, but I can't quite remember the exact wording she used) that she was really proud of the type of mother that I have become!   She also said that she has been telling her friends how impressed she is with Emme.  She used to be quite a "difficult" child (mostly in her toddler  years) but that now she was polite, obeyed well, and was really a pleasure to be around.  My Mother is the one who least supports me with homeschooling, so I am really happy that she sees what a difference it can make.

Thirdly, I received our electric/gas bill this morning.  After six weeks of diligently turning off lights, turning my computer off at night, changing to compact flourescents, and hanging a load of laundry to dry now and then -- I received my SMALLEST BILL IN TWO YEARS!  I am so psyched and proud of that you guys.  I truly am. 

And finally -- yesterday was THE BOY'S 8th birthday.  He was happy and excited and overly spoiled by his father and grandparents!  (Not me!  I stuck to my budget!!!)

Well, it's off to the grocery store with my coupons, list, and sales papers!

Have a great weekend everyone,

Sherry

Allure  free K-Pack intense hydrator sample!

Buffalo_jerky sample!  (eww, ok, but dh likes it!)

Free_cat_food!  From Purina One

Sore_No_More_sample  Helps your aches and pains!

Dove_Hand_Wash  This stuff is AWESOME!  You have to try it.  It smells so good and makes your hands feel super soft.

  Sherry

I went to my favorite church night of the month.  The devotional and children's church night.  We adults sing, pray, praise God, and when someone feels like saying something -- they are free, no, encouraged to do so.  I never say much of anything because I'm just like that.  I try to blend in, I don't like to bring attention to myself.  I've always been that way.

I have to say -- I AM starting to feel better about myself.  Even though my posts don't really reflect the changes I am going through, striving for, they are happening.  I am almost back to the place that I wanted to find again.  So, I'm glad I decided to draw attention to myself for once.  By committing to change in front of fellow blog readers.

I wrote a letter to the building commission about not wanting a road built a few inches from my house.  And believe it or not, I actually DELIVERED said letter right to the desk secretary!  Go me!  You see, writing the letter doesn't surprise myself, but actually following through with it does!

I reworked our school schedule too -- it may not be as "impressive" as the old one was, but this one gets the job done while still focusing on the Charlotte Mason philosophy in many aspects.  I would LOVE to completely follow the Ambleside curriculum in its entirety -- but I am too worried that I MAY have to put Emme in school due to financial reasons at some point -- and they are not going to care how well versed she is in Plutarch, Greek myths, and the history of England.  So I had to give up some of the curliques and squigglys for straight lines.  That doesn't change my great respect of the CM methods and I hope to find a way to involve more of her teachings into our curriculum at some point. 

Reworking our schedule is going to help me both inwardly and outwardly. 

Now I need to find a daily/weekly cleaning schedule that I can somewhat stick to.  That is my next assignment!  (yes, I already made one, but it just doesn't work!  lol)

Sherry

So it's Tuesday and it was a pretty nice day.  Overall, I'm beginning to feel more at peace with myself -- I'm not sure if that makes sense -- but I believe that I'm making some progress.

On the INSIDE:  While clearing out the basement, I came across two books that are going to help me during the homestretch of living more simply and putting the three R's at the top of my list.

To go along with Sarah Ban Breathnach's "Simple Abundance", I found the journal that goes with it!  And wouldn't you know, both times I have used it before has been in February?  Once in 2000 and once in 2003.  October-December is completely empty -- so I will start posting 5 things I am grateful for, every day!

Secondly, a book that I have wanted to re-read, yet I thought I had loaned it out and would never see it again:  "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.  When I read this the first time, I wasn't a true Christian.  I wasn't really practicing religion at that point.  The book will be read with a different set of eyes this time!

And they were found while we were cleaning the basement apartment, where our good friend lived before he passed last month.  His nickname was "Tree" because he was a really big guy.  Both of the books that I found just happy to have a Tree on the cover!   Just a coincidence, but still, meaningful to me.

On the OUTSIDE:  We didn't stay within budget this week.  *sigh*  I am so disappointed.  It's my son's birthday -- and I DID stay within the budget I allotted for him!  (YAY ME!)  It was actually dh.  He wanted a few books and some cologne off of Amazon and that was 45 bucks.  Then he needed a bunch more contractor bags, lightbulbs (I got compact flourescent!) and brooms.... So we are over by nearly 100 dollars this week, which makes me sad because I tried so very hard to start our saving's account last month.  I only hope I can rectify this by the end of October and come out ahead somehow. 

I have a huge mess to clean up in the kitchen from dinner

And then I have to go and wash some clothes.

Until tomorrow!

Sherry

First of all, I want to get to the recipe I've been promising for a few days.  My ex-husband used to work at a Radisson Hotel as an assistant to the chef and he adapted this recipe to fit our tastes.  I got the rights to the recipe when we divorced.  LOL

Chicken Penna Pasta

1-lb of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces

1 16 oz package of Penna Regata (penne w/ lines)

1-2 Tbs of Olive oil -- and then another tbs for later

4 Garlic cloves (we LOVE garlic, you can use 2)

1 bunch of green onions, green part only

1 16 oz package of mushrooms

Unmeasured amount of soy sauce (you would use this to your personal taste)

2 Tbs of sesame seeds

Cook chicken in olive oil.  (The olive oil is really a part of the "sauce" so that is why we use 2 tbs, even though we use a nonstick skillet)

Add garlic and mushrooms when chicken is about 1/2 cooked

After chicken is brown and mushrooms and garlic cooked through, add 2 TBS of soy sauce and the tops from a bunch of green onions, cook until green onions wilt.

While all this is going on, cook the penne according to package directions, drain and put back into pot.  Before mixing the noodles with the chicken mixture, use 1 tbs of olive oil and about 2 tbs of soy to coat all of the noodles.  Then combine noodles and the chicken mixture completely.  Right before serving, mix in the sesame seeds.  (We've made it most of the time w/o the sesame seeds, but the original had seeds in it)

That's it!  It's very simple, but it tastes awesome.  You can make a much figure-friendly version w/o the olive oil, but it does make a big difference in taste. 

So now, on to my Menu Plan Monday:

Monday:  Pork stew in crockpot

Tuesday:  Spaghetti and meatballs with homeade garlic bread

Wednesday:  Kielbasa w/ potatoes and peppers

Thursday:   Son's b-day, Pizza night!

Friday: Organizing_Junkie's  chicken_bruscetta_bake!

Saturday:  Taco Salad (if we can find non e-coli lettuce!!!)

Sunday:  Either chili or bean soup

Today I got 54 dollars worth of makeup for:

FOUR DOLLARS!

I got Loreal Cashmere Perfect foundation with free Line Minimizing (shhhh dont' tell) powder.  I had a 2 dollar off coupon for the first one.

I bought 1 color riche lipstick, had a 1 dollar coupon, and got one free.

I bought a volumizing mascara w/ a 1 dollar off coupon and got the second for 50% off.

Then I had a 5 dollar off a 20 dollar purchase coupon and extra CVS "bucks" for 5.00, 7.00, and 4.77 (approximately)

I don't wear makeup much, but I do wear it to church functions (never a lot, just a little bit, but I have splotchy skin and like to cover the redness, wear a tiny bit of lipstick and mascara) and to other meetings and such. 

I also got a 13 dollar Burt's Bee's kit for 3.24!  Yay me!  And a gorgeous 2 piece valet and jewelry roll to add to a friend's birthday gift, regularly 15, on clearance for 3.74!  Woohoo!

There's more, but I won't bore you with all the details.  LOL  Those were my best deals. 

For the rest of the month I have to seriously cut back on my CVS spending addiction!  I need to only use my CVS bucks to generate MORE CVS bucks.  Free stuff!  Gotta love that.

Sherry

I just added more freebies to my other blog if you are interested!  I may have posted one or two of them here before, but there are at least 3 or 4 new ones!

Enjoy,

Sherry

  I have a confession to make.  I sometimes cannot make myself leave the house.  If it is for my family, I do it.  If it is for myself, I generally say I will go somewhere, and then cannot make myself leave.  I don't think it's an actual phobia, and God, I pray it is not pure laziness!, but no matter how much I want to go somewhere, I will talk myself out of it. 

So, my confession is, I missed 7 weeks of church in a row.  *sigh*  But the good news is?  I went back today!  Yay me!  Thank the Lord.  I've been praying for weeks to give me the will to get up out of bed and drive to church every week now.  I've felt unworthy.  I've felt lost.  I've felt ashamed.  Now, I don't believe that everyone who does not join in with a church is a bad Christian.  I don't believe all who DO come to church are GOOD Christians.  But for ME -- I need that time in God's House.  I need that foundation to work on my inner self.  And isn't that why I am purposely charting these 30 days? 

Now I feel back on the right path!  I feel a great burden lifted off my shoulders.  I feel more like myself again.  I feel more empowered as a Christian and just "better". 

My purpose in life is to live it for Jesus.  My purpose in this world is to do as instructed by the Bible.  To raise and train up the children that the Lord BLESSED me with.  To be the type of wife that would make God proud of me! 

If going to church makes me feel THIS GOOD -- why in the world wouldn't I go every Sunday?  And Wednesday?  And to Bible studies?  I want to get there --- oh, how I want to get there!  But I still have the problem of leaving the house. 

Tomorrow night is our homeschool meeting.  It is actually IN my church and WITH several of my church friends and my FLY lady friends.  I plan on going.  I told two dear friends that I will try my very best to go.  Yet, as much as I REALLY want to go -- I'm afraid I won't.  WHAT IS THAT?  I don't understand it really. Please pray for me that I will go.  Once I start going places, it seems like it's easier to go to more places.  Once I get into these ruts, they just get bigger and bigger.

AND I have something wonderful to share about my good friend Cindy.

First a short background.  We've been friends for about 6 years.  She has 2 boys, one who has some emotional problems (mainly anger issues) and the other who is just sweet as pie.  She and her husband have had some major issues and she has had to pray and be very faithful in the Lord to stay with him at some points.  She has been faithful, and I believe she is truly starting to see His rewards.  Her HUSBAND took the boys to the church breakfast yesterday, and he CAME to church today!!!!!  Praise God!  We spoke together about how it was important for both of us to keep coming to church.  He said he needed God's help to be patient with his older son.  I also saw Cindy and her husband connecting during the sermon.  And best of all?  Cindy is just BLOSSOMING!  I told her husband how she looked at peace and just HAPPY.  She was in her element.  I thank God for what he has brought to their family.  And I hope this is just the beginning.

It's difficult to have a nonbeliever as a spouse.  My husband is very scientific and HE isn't even sure what he believes.  He's complicated to explain.  He does like what church brings to me and he certainly doesn't talk down about me being Christian.  And I am happy about that.

SO!  Today my goal is to be a good Christian.  To continue with RAOK's (I have been trying my best just to be kind to people, doing small favors, unexpected things ... it's amazing what a small bit of kindness does for others...and for YOU!) to be a good mother by making my kids smile today, and a good wife by doing something special for my husband and making him feel special. 

On an INWARD note -- this journal is awesome for that.  I will also read my Bible, especially some Psalms, as I love those.  I will also listen to some wonderful music, and do something kind for myself.

Many blessings on all of you!  And I PROMISE to post the chicken penne pasta recipe later! 

Sherry

Sick with the stomach flu.  Maybe God is telling me to slow down?

Sherry

If you haven't heard of this site before, check it out, because it is addictive:

Silver/jewelry/club  There IS a 5.99 charge for shipping, but the jewelry is free!  I have ordered 2 pair of earrings from there and they are just lovely.  A great idea for a frugal Christmas gift.  They offer rings, earrings, bracelets on occasion, men's jewelry, and pendants.  (The chain is seperate, but if you already have a silver chain in your jewelry collection, these enhancers and pendants are really compelling!)   In MY opinion, not everything on the site is a great deal.  But if you watch it enough (and of course you will, because as I mentioned, it's totally addicting) you'll find absolute gems!  (no pun intended)

Ok, now on to the free freebies!

Free swiffer duster and coupon:     Swiffer

Free tea sample, with 4 different samples to choos from:  Yoki/Tea

Not that anyone would POSSIBLY need this at our young ages....(I ordered it for my mom):  Remifemin  Natural menopause -- 20 day sample!

Here is a link for a free seasoning sample: Seasoning

For the pet lovers:  To_be_Loved  A book about pets and owners.

And finally, who doesn't love Jiffy Mix!  Click here to get their new recipe book for free!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Sherry

Will it ever stop?  It's just too good to be true.  If you have a CVS, don't hesitate to use their extra bucks.  You get free stuff EVERY month!  Today I got more free toothpaste.  Actually, they are paying ME a dollar for each tube when it is all said and done.  I got free Mylanta (you just never know when you'll need it!) and a ton of 75-90% off clearance stuff.  It's like shopping back when I was a teenager and had money to throw away.  When I had time to pamper myself with all of the best drugstore brands......

Oh right.  But we are focusing on the INSIDE>  gee.  I forgot.   Ok, no, I didn't forget.  I'm feeling better.  A little anyway.  More positive.  Laying out all my faults before God in prayer helps.  Admitting to the way I feel and my insecurities -- well, it makes me feel better.

Homeschooling is going well too.  I have been really concentrating on the basics the past couple of weeks.  Especially math.  I realize that since I have always hated math, I was passing my "dread" on to Emme -- and we don't want that.  So, I've been using a few different books with her, but all enforcing the same math rules.  That way we are staying on one area a little longer than if we only used the one book.  (Or I could supplement with hand written or printed worksheets of course, be we already have the books)

(Did I mention that I got two 1st grade workbooks at CVS for a quarter?)

I also FINALLY made a pot of beans that not only passed the taste test with dh -- be he actually REALLY liked them!  Me too!  It's always a good feeling when you finally get something right after several tries!

Well, time to read my way into day 17.

Sherry

PS  Chicken Penne Pasta recipe coming tomorrow as requested!

 My good friend and I had a talk today, well, over the past few days, about my being down in the dumps.  I should probably tell you (for clarity's sake) that I AM taking an anti-depressent and I have taken them on and off for about 10 years or so.  Unfortunately without them I fall into a state of disrepair.  There have been several times when things were going just "perfect" -- and I thought I could stop taking them.  I'd be ok for a month or two, but then it would creep back up on me. 

So, with that knowledge, you can understand why it is even more concerning to me that I feel like this.  I don't feel like I used to -- perhaps a tea-stained version of that.  If that makes sense. 

The funny thing is, before I used to take the anti-depressants I was wildly creative.  All that angst and rage made for some wonderful poetry.  I finished several novels and had idea upon idea to keep myself up to my neck in papers and pencils.  (I always wrote in freehand, it felt more authentic to me at that time) 

I don't really write anymore.  I never get past the planning stages.  Of course there is still some poetry here and there .... but that creative SPARK!!!!!!!  I had for all those years is completely void. 

So, now I mother.  And I cook.  And I clean.  And I try to be a good Christiam.  And I shop too -- which is fun.  And I read.  A lot. 

But looking inward, these are some of the conclusions that I came to.  I guess I don't feel like my "true self" when I am not writing.  There is always something.  In the back of my head I have this feeling that once the kids are grown that it will come back.  My spark.  Creative flair.  And I hope that's true, because I will really miss them.  My kids.  And I will need some huge joy to occupy my time. 

I also got a card today.  A sympathy card from a friend at church.  She said she's been thinking of me and praying for me.  It's really nice to hear that and to think there is someone watching over you in a spiritual manner like that.

This looking inward stuff is HARD work!  Certain things just don't want to be unearthed, you know?

And for the record .......  My menu plan is already a bust.  I AM making the Navy beans and they smell heavenly, but they weren't done in time for dinner, so I made the chicken tacos.  I made homeade tortillas too.  It was very filling and good -- even if my tortillas need a lot of work!  (My first time making them)

Tomorrow Emme has Brownies and I will wander into CVS with some of my extra bucks and buy more things which will earn me MORE extra bucks.  You just have to love CVS!

I had to re-route a shelve of books in my linen closet (can you say "I have a lot of books and no space!"?) and stuffed them into the top shelf of my bedroom closet so I could fit all of the toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant, cleaning products, etc into my linen closet.  How fun is this?!

What will I do tomorrow to look inward?  I will do lesson two at www.avirtuouswoman.org for starters.  The rest is up in the air.

Sherry