Granny Spice

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000-06:00

Ok Happy February.......

January kind of flew by. I've also been hanging out on Facebook as most of you know.

A few weeks ago I started Dave Ramsey's FPU classes. I was going to take one at Willow Creek but it is at night and begins in March. I hate driving at night so when I found one closer on Saturday mornings and cheaper than Willow's, I signed up. Not only that but I met a fellow single mom and when I mentioned my fear of being without a paycheck later in the year she offered to help me get a job in her company. A well known accounting firm.

Her name is Kathy and she has a blog too. So I thought I'd let you guys (all 4 of you) know so you can hop on by her blog and leave a comment if you want just saying hi. Because I love sharing my blog pallies-you guys are the best. As I was skimming through some past posts, I laughed at one....about coffee being a commodity but for her it is life support.
Stop by and say hi at Keeponsaving.com

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-21T05:54:00.000-06:00

I'm struggling to keep my blog going. But here is a comment I posted on Lin's blog post about her daughter buying gifts for a mom and her kids who needed extra help. Yay Em!

Alex isn't getting anywhere near all the stuff he has marked off in the toy catalogues. But he has a train coming so he will not notice. My son in Milwaukee said he would come down for the weekend but that he had no gifts for anyone not to mention dr bills from being sick for 2 months. His presence would be my gift. His health at this point, the best gift.

And then there is my little story of my friend who grew up with nothing-he said eggs and beans were luxuries and tortillas were mostly all the 9 kids ever had to eat. To this day he lives minimal. He calls me rich. I live paycheck to paycheck (he was laid off in 2008 and still is lucky to get a temp job paying min. once in awhile) but have a nice house and a safe job (for now). I feel poor. Then there is my boss who has no problem going out to eat every night, can buy and pay for a new car on a whim while I pray my job lasts long enough to pay off mine, doesn't worry about spending more than $40 on ea grocery trip, buys her grandkids every electronics thing they want and thinks she is poor. And then there is the guy they do work for who is selling his company for $70 mil (they started it 30 years ago in their garage-no not Apple!) who makes $4 mil a year who she wants to be like and THEN she'll be happy-he's a jerk who looks down on others. Out of everyone I respect my poorest friend the most because knowing his family and the love and kindness they give, he is by far the richest of us all.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

This Christmas I know the best gifts are those that come from the heart, not the store.
The friend who takes you to the doctor, cooks for you when you are sick or just need a lunch for work or drives you to work when your car needs repair and your only other choice is 2 hours each way on 3 buses.
The friend who makes you laugh when you both hate your jobs and you look back and realize God was giving you near-misses for over 30 years since high school but had you meet when you needed each other the most.
The bloggy pallies who check on you when you don't post in awhile.
The kid whose presence is the real gift after being sick for 2 months.
The friend who drives 7 hours just to take you to lunch to celebrate your bachelor's degree.
The friends you are making when you get out and discover your own town.
The kiddo who makes you giggle right along with him...every day.

Eli and Enjoying every Nudge from your Cat

2011-12-03T17:36:00.000-06:00

We had quite a scare this week. Eli, my big tabby teddy bear, stopped eating and drinking. We finally took him to the vet Friday afternoon and he is back to purring, drinking a bit and eating soft food not dry. Whatever works.

After losing those two in 3 months, it was upsetting to watch Eli seemingly go downhill. We're still hoping it was just a virus as he had been throwing up all day.

But if anything it taught me to enjoy every cuddle and purr.

Anybody know anybody in the Paducah KY area?

2011-11-26T14:21:00.000-06:00

My daughter found this little sweetheart. I'd dearly love to take him but I can't get down there. He's small, matted and cold. She's caring for him at the moment. She's west of Paducah.

Name that.......cat

2011-11-25T16:16:00.000-06:00

Ok everyone (all three of you) we have a new contest. Nope you don't win anything. Just the satisfaction of knowing you named Tyler. He doesn't answer to anything. I'll post other pics over the weekend.

This picture was the day we brought him home. He was yawning but it looks like Star is inspecting this new intruder. Star also looks humongous. He is but still...wow. Anyway, I'm asking you all to name him since when we got Kitty he came with a perfectly good name-Oreo-and we changed it to the imaginative....Kitty.
We discovered he LOVES turkey. I gave him a few tiny little stringy pieces and he thought he was in heaven.
Right now he is back on his pillow on his queen size bed looking so sweet sleeping all curled up.
With great names like you all have - Hobbes, Midnight, Daisy and the Harley Quinn, I figured we'd try a group effort to come up with something.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY BLOGGY PALLIES! Y'ALL ARE THE BLESSING TODAY!

Meet Tyler

2011-11-20T05:59:00.000-06:00

Losing Kitty just 3 months after Buddy our cockapoo was rough. We got Kitty over 10 years ago from the Evanston animal shelter. He was 3 and someone had just left him there. His original name was Oreo and because he was so huge I used to call him double-stuff. He was even a tv star having been featured on WGN's adoptable animal segment. His spot by the window is so empty now.

3 weeks earlier we adopted Tyler (on the right in the picture) from Orphans of the Storm not knowing we were about to lose Kitty. We went looking for a dog to help fill the void left by Buddy-the quiet in the house is deafening.

A few months back Daisy wrote about adopting the less adoptable. Older cats are mostly overlooked. Tyler would be one who definitely fit that category. 8-10 years old. Stray picked up in July. Missing a tooth here and there which leaves him with a goofy grin. But when we went to an adoption event, the volunteer was holding him. Everyone else aimed for the kittens. I stopped by to pet Tyler (we have yet to change his name). He sucked up big time. It was a no-brainer, he was coming home with us. We drove all the way back to the shelter while another volunteer returned him there. We had to fill out the paperwork. We brought the little guy home. He doesn't have much of a meow left. He came home and begged for head rubs as if he would never get any more. He put up with the other cat hissing at him and the rest glaring at him. The dogs took to him just fine as he did to them. He settled in for a nap on his new queen size cat bed (formally known as my bed). He sleeps next to our Rat Terrier Roscoe, also from Orphans.

We quickly found out he thinks he is a dog. He listens and follows you. He's learned how to thunder through the house like a heard of elephants at 4:00 am with the others. He's a furry little cuddle bug. I'm all for Daisy's suggestion of adopting the less adoptable. How much fun and love we would've missed had we left without Tyler.

Stuff

2011-11-09T09:41:00.000-06:00

Last Friday we lost our beloved black and white cat "Kitty". We got him from the local shelter about 11 years ago. He was 3 years old and someone had left him there. He was the mother of the cats. When we got a kitten he took it upon himself to clean it and teach it how to beg for breakfast so he could lay up by the window. The kitten would stand at the door of the kitchen and look as if to say "now what was it I am supposed to do again??" That kitten died after 6 months, I had found it dumped in the bushes at work and brought it home never thinking it may have been sick,

But Kitty was a sweetheart. Right up to the end. All of a sudden he stopped eating and drinking. The vet said she couldn't find anything wrong, the blood tests later indicated his kidneys went bad. Each day we hoped for a miracle. He was getting weaker. On day four when he couldn't stand anymore we made the most heartbreaking decision. He was only about 14 years old, he battled diabetes last year and won. Even at the end he managed a weak meow and lifted his tail. When I come home from work and park in the back, his spot at the window is empty now. He used to sit out there and make noises at the squirrels like hey bud if I were outside you wouldn've been dinner! He used to watch outside and I called it Kitty-TV. But I know he is playing with Buddy, our beloved cock-a-poo who suddenly died not 3 months earlier. And some day the tears will ease.

Two weeks before Kitty died we went to a local event the shelter was having and looked for a dog. The house despite the zoo we currently have is so empty without Buddy. The neighbors even miss him as he was Mr Personality around the house.
A few weeks earlier sweet little Daisy had a Petmeds blog post about adopting the less likely to be adopted pets. A woman was holding this buff colored cat. She said he was 8-10 years old. He had been picked up as a stray in July and had a tooth or two removed due to it being bad. That left a goofy looking face. The other people were looking at the cage of cute little kittens. This cat though was sucking up big time. We left to discuss it and went back to say ok he's coming home. We brought him home later that day after driving out to the shelter to do the paperwork. This little guy must not have any vocal cords left cos his meow is barely a soft squeak. He came home, laid on the bed and took a nap. The other cats hissed and he was just like yeah, whatever. He had no problem with the dogs-a lab and a rat terrier. The cool thing is, he listens and follows you just like a dog would. Kind of like a two-for-one deal. Buy a cat, get a dog free.

I haven't been around the blog world lately. My arthritis has been bad due to a shortage of the one med now not around til January. The doc office has a small supply so got it from them but not before missing a few doses and now being in pain. Work has been ok. Not great but God sent me a friend some months ago to take some of the sting away and for that I am grateful.

House Manager

2011-09-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

A few years ago my elderly friend Bobbie (more on her later, her miracle mission trip to Africa at age 79 and how you can't go to Ravinia in peace with her-she taught everyone from Ann Margret on up and her porch swing house across from Home Alone church) who was House Manager for the North Shore Theater of Wilmette put me in charge. I hope no one does a google search and ends up here.

I was to make sure it ran smooth and have people in their seats by show time. Think Lin's swimming group going to the theater and you know what I was up against.

The director was this very nice gay man. Complete with earring and hand waving when upset.

I don't think anyone did Bobbie's coffee or made her cookies. She always had a nice table set up. Well everyone was out in the small lobby talking at high decibel levels and quiet little me didn't quite know what to do to get their attention. Soon the director came rushing into the lobby yelling (and hand waving) WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE????????? I hid in the crowd thinking obviously not ME! The lights were flashing, the crowd was talking, the seats were empty. I wish I had a funny story as to how they finally got to their seats but I honestly don't remember. All I know is upset gay men are not to be messed with.

I will have more Bobbie stories. She and her husband are currently in a nursing home. She has alzheimers. Thankfully I have some of her best memories. She all but adopted me when I moved back here from Florida over 20 years ago. I miss her dearly as she was more family to me than my own.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-09-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

Merry 3 months to Christmas everyone!

And that means YOU, Lin :-)
And Daisy too of course

Out of Office Reply

2011-09-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

I am currently out of the office on vacation.

I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email and won’t be able to respond until I return — but that’s not true. My blackberry will be with me and I can respond if I need to. And I recognize that I’ll probably need to interrupt my vacation from time to time to deal with something urgent.

That said, I promised my wife that I am going to try to disconnect, get away and enjoy our vacation as much as possible. So, I’m going to experiment with something new. I’m going to leave the decision in your hands:

* If your email truly is urgent and you need a response while I’m on vacation, please resend it to interruptyourvacation@firstround.com and I’ll try to respond to it promptly.
* If you think someone else at First Round Capital might be able to help you, feel free to email my assistant, Fiona (fiona@firstround.com) and she’ll try to point you in the right direction.

· Otherwise, I’ll respond when I return…

Warm regards,

Josh

Mommehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

Helppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

I got off work early, went to pick up my progressive bi-focals and for the most part love them. But I don't know how to work the darn things. Up down up down up down. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Wordless Wednesday-Boy Scout Motto? Be Prepared!

2011-08-31T04:14:00.000-05:00

Daredevil

2011-08-29T06:28:00.000-05:00

Alex went on this thing twice. The spinning tea cups freaked him out but this he easily walked up to the top. Shhhhhhhhhh don't anybody tell him about Great America.

Deals of the Week for August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T05:43:00.000-05:00

Deals of the Week for August 29, 2011

VID00077

2011-08-27T18:09:00.000-05:00

This is for Daisy. Sweet, QUIET little Daisy. When Daisy had to go to the vet you didn't hear a peep out of her. But when Kitty has to go to the vet....
Kitty screams in the house. On the way out the door to the car. So loudly and pathetic that people walking by think we are either killing him or he is dying LOUDLY. On the way to the vet. Inside the vet. On the way home. From the car to the house. And once inside and freed, he runs and hides, never to be seen again. Until dinnertime anyway. This isn't even his ever deepening voice he uses. We sit at the vet like this.

Alex at the Lake

2011-08-27T18:03:00.000-05:00

This was Alex a couple summers ago.

Best Buy 8-21-11

2011-08-21T13:23:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Mercedes at Common Sense with Money I got two wireless mice (?) mouses whatever for $5.29. The shipping was free and I had a $5 BB Reward certificate.

Walgreens Week of Aug 21

2011-08-21T11:09:00.002-05:00

No pictures, check the ad.

6 pk Viva paper towels $2.99 after $1 Wags IVC booklet Q and $2 Q from new All You just delivered yesterday from my free subscription to that.

3 Hot Pockets at 67 ea and then 3 expensive Hot Pockets the second round when I didn't notice he didn't use the Q to make them $1.50 instead of $2.99. Ya win some ya lose some. I didn't notice til I got home.

Did the Revlon deal twice but no RR for $3. Not sure why as it was the way it was supposed to be. Still cheap Revlon.

8 Dawn dish detergents for .49c ea. I miss those days when I had tons of them under the kitchen sink.

Papermate Pens 29c 10 pk- not as good as the free Bic ones but still good-needed to restock as my last massive stash of Bic from about 3 years ago-all free-is beginning to fade.

Why does Walgreens have to lock up Degree deodorant? I don't want to sit there trying to find someone to unlock it so left that deal of free deodorant.

7 Colgate toothpastes-was time to restock as I have left behind loads of toothpaste freebies over the months. All free plus .51c overage each. So $28 in RR's to use at Jewel for food shopping.

If you have the AARP card, have it scanned for a $3 off $10 Walgreens brand products good on your next shopping trip. Expires 8-27

The multiple papers pays off.(As cheap as 38c for Sunday delivered or $1 at Menards-I never get them at the dollar stores-inconsistent coupon inserts there) This week's has a $5 off two Revlon beauty tools Q from Target. If there is a war I am ready with tweezers, clippers and nail files. This deal has been like the Energizer Bunny. It just keeps going and going and...All summer so far. The one coupon more than pays for the paper even if you spent $1. Plus there were some Manufacturer Q's for it you can stack.

This Sept 23 issue of All You magazine has some good stuff in it besides the coupons.

Amazingly they were well-stocked with the toothpaste at Walgreens. I barely made a dent. The pharmacist where I checked out once when dropping off my prescription this morning asked if I am a "follower" of Jill Cataldo. Yes I am a member of her cult :-) but I also follow other blogs that let me get the deals faster so I can do it early Sunday morning. Usually just Walgreens. I've given up on CVS for the most part.

Kitty TV- Blowing Corn Stalks

2011-08-16T07:04:00.000-05:00

2011-08-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

We lost our cockapoo Buddy today. He was 12 but we thought he was ok. Yesterday he took a sudden turn and stopped eating and drinking. He couldn't stand and was falling over when he tried, having seizures or strokes.

Party Animal

2011-08-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

Somebody broke out the catnip again-can ya tell?

Kellogg's Keebler Back To School Coupon Booklet

2011-07-28T06:52:00.000-05:00

Kelloggs has a display out with coupons for back to school lunch and snack items. If you are going to buy these things anyway, they must have been listening. There are save $1.50 or $2 when you buy two items. The save $1.50 is on fresh fruit, bread, milk and meat. There is also one for a free Vitaminwaer when you buy two Nutragrains. Another for free crackers up to $3.99 when you buy two Powerade ION4 8 packs. Another for $2 off milk when you buy two pkgs cookies. At Food4Less (or the equivalent cheaper store in your area) these always go on sale and as it gets closer to back to school there will be loads of loss leader sales these can be used with. So for all who say there are never any coupons for things like milk, meat, bread, or fresh fruit-check it out. Most will buy these cookies, crackers and cereals for their kids anyway.

Monday Not So Funnies

2011-07-25T06:26:00.001-05:00

Ok I took the Curious George non-dvd back to Wal Mart yesterday. First I got there at 6am because I am a morning person, especially when it comes to avoiding obnoxious shoppers who think they are the only ones in the store and block the aisles while staring aimlessly at the shelves. Anyway, the woman told me that customer service doesn't open til 7am but that she would return it anyway. Well what's the point of a 24 hour store? So then she sees the open dvd and says you can't return this. I explained it wasn't even the dvd and again I am asked if I bought it shrink-wrapped. I told her I had spoken to the asst mgr and he said I could. She called the manager on duty and he never came up front. She scanned it and it rang up $10 not the $5 I had paid the week before. Then she told me she would refund the $5 only because that's what was on the receipt. I never asked for $10. She wrote a long note on the receipt because she was worried about her "numbers" and getting in trouble and that "nobody better say anything to me about it!". I think by now you can guess what I was dealing with. They had no concern it may have been the supplier, only that I am a thief and that I replaced the original dvd with a russian one. I would go through this abuse for a $5 children's dvd.

Later I went to the library and returned the cd case that we checked out without a cd. And on we go. The library is supposed to check these in and check for missing items. Then when they unlock the dvd's cd's etc they are to check that the item is indeed being checked out. It was the same woman (I use that term loosely as she is always wearing shorts and a tank top showing off her heavily tatooed arms and 300 lb pony-tailed body looking like she is going to a softball game with her lady partner not representing the library)who checked me out the week before. She opened it in disbelief that it could be empty. Asked her co-worker at the next station who asked me if I just noticed it now and why hadn't I called them when I noticed it. Somehow I don't think they would have been any nicer had I done that. They said they would get in touch with the person who had it before. Like that person will say oh yeah I never returned the cd in the case. So as expected I will now become responsible for paying for the missing cd. That THEY missed checking for on two occasions NOT doing THEIR job. And they give me a bad attitude.

It makes you want to move to another planet.

My Little Miracle

2011-07-23T07:01:00.000-05:00

Alex's first two weeks of life. Click on it for full impact.

Alex today-6 years later.

Seen Around Facebook

2011-07-22T15:18:00.000-05:00

I was going to complain about how hot it is then I realized that at least: 1.) it isn't 109 degrees; 2.) I'm not 5,700 miles from home; 3.) I'm not dressed in a full BDU uniform and helmet and carrying 70+ lbs.; and 4.) there is very little chance that anyone will shoot at me or that I might drive over a bomb in the road today! Thanks to all who serve!!

Ok so 100 degrees from yesterday isn't far from 109 degrees, but still....

Website gives Illinois customers power to compare electricity rates

2011-07-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

Website gives Illinois customers power to compare electricity rates

Early Harvest

2011-07-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

Not sure how the tomatoes will do though. Was outside pulling a few weeds and managed to weed out yet another tomato plant. Alex re-planted it so hopefully it will be ok. But here are the first green beans.

Mr Personality

2011-07-16T13:37:00.000-05:00

Almost Back

2011-07-15T13:30:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to say I am almost able to sit enough to post-although not in THAT chair ever again.
I'll try to post this weekend. I'll be at home still resting. This is a slow recovery-made slower when you can't take a sick day.

Time Out

2011-07-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Had a bit of an accident Saturday morning. Sat to send an email to an old friend of mine and reached down to grab the fallen mouse which I always do. Must've sat to close to the edge of the chair (on wheels on hardwood floor) and it went out from under me sending me crashing to the hardwood floor. My son got me back up and I laid on the bed. That was where I was all weekend, just checking online from my phone now and then. It is slowly less painful (with major tylenol). Doc always told me I have bones of a 70 year old-so when stuff happens I fear fractures, especially after my fractured foot 2 1/2 years ago.

I'm at work right now, for as long as I hold out. Our sick day policy I have come to understand means unless you're dead, don't take one.

Storms are rolling through again. Please pray the street lights don't get knocked out like a few weeks go because an hour drive home would be more than I can handle today.

So take a breather and read other blogs for a few days (This means YOU, Lin). I'll post if I can but I am in major pain right now.

Yes, A Camel on the North Shore

2011-07-10T04:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, Lin, there was a camel at the parade.

Saturday Morning Catnip Party

2011-07-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Daisy (see the blog button to the left), we had a catnip party this morning. For Pibby and Star it was their first time ever seeing catnip. Kitty had a bit then zoned out looking out the window. Pibby had a bit then disappeared. But Star-well he just turned into a lunatic. This is one picture of him flat on his back feet in the air after a big thud. We don't get the good pictures like Daisy but this one comes close for our group.

Financial Advice

2011-07-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

Would you want to pay a Financial Planner big bucks to help you with your investments and manage your finances if she/he couldn't manage her/his own finances? If they handed you their bank records and said here I don't know if I did this right? To me that's kind of like the therapist I went to back in the 80's who spent the time I was paying for telling me about her problems.

Blizzard of '67

2011-07-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

Finally found the pictures from the Blizzard of '67. I have another picture somewhere of my dad standing in the driveway with the plowed snow well over his 6 ft tall self. But this is our backyard back then.

Harley is My Hero

2011-07-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

Daisy's brudder Harley is my hero. Not sure why but I kinda like the guy!

This is me in my fatter days. MY name is Kitty. Not very manly but I came from the shelter many years ago with the name Oreo. Then mom began to call me double-stuff oreo. Since I got sick last year and went on a special diabetic kitty food diet, I am now slim and trim. But here is a picture of me striking a handsome pose a few years ago. I aspire to someday being as funny as Harley.

Coupon superstar

2011-07-04T06:27:00.000-05:00

Coupon superstar

Ever since Extreme Couponing aired on TLC, couponing has been shown in an illegal light. Everyday, ignorant people have been taught how to be more ignorant and how to commit illegal acts in order to "save" money. It is happening all over but recent articles show people in Texas, Georgia, Florida etc are stealing newspapers, coupons. TLC in their zeal to be the television version of the Enquirer have effectively ruined it for people who just do it to save money and not scam people. The coupon changes won't bother me much-I rarely shop at Jewel anymore. I changed to Food 4 Less where the prices are cheaper, the clerks for whatever reason are much less obnoxious and the loss-leaders are more plentiful. Also, I switched to Aldi. Walmart also does just fine with most high value coupons.

Since TLC's Extreme Couponing aired, the comment I most frequently get when I mention the word coupon is "Have you seen...." The answer is no. I don't feel a need to watch garbage such as that. I don't watch any tv and haven't for at least 5 years. I don't have cable and haven't for a few years now. Alex even watches dvd's, not tv.And not much of the dvd's.

Jill has done a marvelous job teaching people how to coupon. In the beginning she taught me things I didn't know. Now she has tens of thousands of people who apparently can't move on and coupon for themselves, they sit patiently (and not so patiently) waiting for her to post the weekly deals so they can go out and catch a few. Sadly those deals are usually long gone by then due to the hoarders. I wish I had my camera phone with me yesterday when I went to the Rosemont Allstate Arena Flea Market. There were tables upon tables set up with recently acquired body wash, etc. It wasn't hard to see who took it to the extreme. I am not talking 10 body wash. Also they were selling them full price when they paid nothing with the coupons. Razors, toothpaste, etc. I've since moved on from Jill, checking occasionally for new posts on her blog, and check the other blogs which post the deals before the weekend. That way I get out Sunday morning and am able to get some of the deals before they disappear due to the hoarders. And believe me, they are out there. I stopped doing the Jewel deals for two reasons. Jewel was bought by Super-Valu and the store just changed so much it was awful. Plus their prices are so high, even sale items are no bargain. The other reason was when I had to go to four different Jewel stores one night over a year ago to try to get the sale items and all four were out of them, I just stopped shopping there, bargains or not.

Right now I ordered multiple copies to be delivered of the Sunday Chicago Tribune. They can't get that right even with prepayment of a year so I am calling them to cancel all and will continue to buy them at Menards. I spend more time on the phone with customer service of so many companies than I do actually working.

Pibby Cleans Star...

2011-07-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

This is how I found them Saturday morning. Sunday morning they were playing their herd of elephants game and Pibby pulled out clumps of white fur but at least he cleaned it first. Ugh.

Corona Rebate on Meat $10

2011-07-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite rebates. $10 back when you buy $10 meat, seafood or poultry. NO BEER PURCHASE NECESSARY. The store I finally found them at had them laying all over. Apparently people were dismayed not to find Corona coupons and just tossed them. No one seemed to read the part about $10 back on a $10 meat purchase. That's FREE meat.
It is only for residents of AK, HI, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, NE, OH, UT, WV.
If you are a resident of one of these states and want one, let me know. Just email me. It expires July 31, 2011. I have three I will mail to you (one per).

Wine Tag Coupons

2011-07-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

Back in 2008-09 when I first started couponing I heard about wine tags. The stores sometimes have them on the necks of the wine bottles. I have yet to see them this year but it is one area often overlooked by couponers. It was one of my first free meat rebates. People complain there are no coupons for food such as milk, fruits & veggies and meats but there are. This one is an old one from a year or so ago but it is what to look for.

Coupon Holder

2011-07-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

I'm a big believer in less is just fine when it comes to shopping with coupons. I live close enough to the stores where if I forget a coupon or don't have one and find something on sale I can go back without using a lot of gas. However, I try to keep the ones I know I will use with me. I got this little organizer at the Dollar Tree store. Also the small scissors and the calculator which I stick in the back of it. I wrote the names of the stores on the tabs so I can grab and go and not constantly be flipping through coupons.

A year or so ago I saw a woman at CVS. In her cart was her entire suitcase (bigger than a binder) of coupons and a smaller (but much larger than this one) coupon holder on top. Apparently she was vacationing in CVS afraid to miss even one small deal. This was well before Extreme Couponing.

I stick this little one in my purse and am always ready while I am out. It's great for pre-planning my early morning errands and also for when I am out and about and see something on sale so I don't have to run home.
I do keep the inserts mostly intact and that just saves so much nonsense time of cutting and sorting and baseball card holder filing.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving-Pizza anyone?

2011-07-02T11:47:00.000-05:00

Back in April (for those of you who come here looking for my past deal posts) there were coupons in the paper and when they were matched with the Target sale or cheap prices at Walmart I was able to get loads of games for mostly, $5, a few at $8 and some for $2. I think Monopoly was $5, Operation was $8, something like that. I got several since gifts for birthday parties and Christmas and The Sun Times answer a child's letter are always around. Then I saw on the blogs that there was a rebate if you bought a Hasbro game get a coupon for a free Tombstone pizza. I was just going through some papers last night and came across the copy I made of the rebate and thought oh that was mid-April, I probably didn't qualify and here they came in today's mail.

Now, for any of you who follow Jill's blog and have seen her class, you know when you have a free coupon from her free freezer deal you save it in case the free items go buy one get one free in which case your free coupon then gets you two items for free. So since this coupon doesn't expire until the end of September, that's what I will do.

Summertime Boredom Busters for Kids

2011-07-01T04:36:00.000-05:00

Have them plant popcorn seeds! Alex worked so hard planting his popcorn seeds the other night. Ok I am a MEAN grandma.

Here's Something to Cool Off With

2011-07-01T04:33:00.000-05:00

Just a little gift for those of you complaining about today's heat. With love, From Chicago

IIF scores with its inaugural fundraiser -

2011-07-01T03:36:00.000-05:00

IIF scores with its inaugural fundraiser -

Attention Animal Lovers-Special Post-Mohawk Mission

2011-06-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

This is Mohawk. He just returned to Orphans of The Storm on a private plane with his own personal pilot and co-pilot. Head on over to Facebook and look up Orphans of the Storm.

Diana at 50

2011-06-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

Ok does anyone see anything wrong with this picture cnn.com posted about the Newsweek Magazine cover? Other than its just gross? First, the media doesn't do this to anyone but Diana. But seriously people-she has the same figure as Kate. I'm 51 and for several years now I haven't had that figure. I used to be a size 6 (ugh I've joined the ranks of the I Used To Be's)but not anymore. At 50 even with money and 24 hours a day to exercise, you've had kids. You eat and your body doesn't process it like before. You get lumpy. I have known this one person since I was 13 and she was 17. She is 54 now. She has permed her hair for 30 years to the point where it is fried. It is also weird bright orange colors. But her figure is the same as it was 30 years ago. She still dresses like 30 years ago too. We're talking 80's hair, mid-drif tops, the whole shot. She has a perfect figure. No stretch marks, no lumps, no nothing. But you know what? She also has no kids, no grandkids, infrequent user boyfriends, no life, no career (except for dying her hair constantly)and nothing a lot of us lumpy women have had. I'd take the lumpy figure I have now over hers. Because everything I think is wrong with it, as fat as I feel, I have awesome kids, grandkids and everything else that has wrecked me over the past 30 years. She is Lost In Space. She is just not all there.
I'd rather remember Diana on her 50th as she was. Just as I do with JFK Jr.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T04:00:00.001-05:00

From Craigslist

2011-06-26T13:21:00.002-05:00

Hard Working Husband of 3 Looking For Work (Des Plaines, IL)

Seriously?????????????????????????????

MERRY 6 MONTHS UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

2011-06-25T11:28:00.002-05:00

:-))))))))))))

I Don't Like Stupid

2011-06-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

Last night we had a big storm roll through-one of the worst in a long time. In fact, I don't ever remember the wind whipping the rain at the window quite that strong before.
I left half hour early and drove to work this morning. Took an hour for a 20 minute trip. Our area was fine but the further west, the worse it got. Park Ridge was the only town to have one cop out directing traffic. As I found out later, he abandoned it after rush hour. Normally in front of my work during any time of the day but especially morning rush looks like the above picture. But this was today. It was worse as every light along Touhy was out. We are the major road to and from O'Hare. The back of the picture shows the gas station across from us. Park Ridge didn't have power. Since 9 am last night when the storm came through.
So at 830 am, my bosses and I were sitting out front watching the people try to get gas. I wish I had my video camera. First an older man comes walking with a gas can, most likely for his generator. The gas station is dark, no lights. He tries the pump. Nothing. He picks up the gas can and walks off. This is the point where my boss is rolling with laughter saying "I hate stupid!". The cars were pulling in. The station is still dark. They get out, try the pump. Nothing. They move their car to another pump and try again. Still nothing. Taxis pull in. Lines form. People tell others the pumps are out. In and out they stream. My boss finally had to leave as he couldn't take it anymore.

As of this afternoon the traffic signals are still out in places. It took me an hour to get home at 10am. I only stayed that long because of the traffic. Then there was a tree down and had to detour. The area near my work looks like a tornado blew through. They say it could be days before power is restored. This is an inconvenience. Banks are closed, gas stations are closed, traffic lights are out. But it is nothing, absolutely nothing like Joplin, MO.

I passed the Ethics exam now on to the four parts of the actual CPA exam. This may be possible after all.

Cleared For Takeoff!

2011-06-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

Received the official credentials evaluation letter today. My education background is now sufficient to take the CPA exam.
The exam has a passing rate of about 50%. Pray.

DONE!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-20T06:52:00.000-05:00

I can now put "accountant" after my name. Just don't ask me to do anything that has numbers. Check back toward the end of the year and see if I made any progress putting CPA after my name.

Home Alone House For Sale- Price Drop

2011-06-17T12:47:00.001-05:00

Good news, people, the Home Alone house just had a quarter of a million price drop. Go for it! Near the Winnetka Community House and downtown Winnetka. Great area.

Looking For The Perfect Father's Day Gift? Or Grad Gift?

2011-06-17T08:56:00.001-05:00

Then check this out. A local man has written a book that every executive and every kid who wears his pants around his knees calling it fashion, should read.

The Seed

2011-06-13T17:36:00.000-05:00

The Seed

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to chose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young executives in his company together.

"It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO," he said. "I have
decided to choose one of you."

The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to
give each one of you a seed today - a very special seed. I want you to
plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what
you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants
that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a
seed.

He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a
pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about
three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds
and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but
nothing ever grew.

Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others
were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt
like a failure.

Six months went by - still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed
his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim
didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and
fertilizing the soil - he so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought
their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't
going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what
happened.

Jim felt sick at his stomach. It was going to be the most embarrassing
moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.

He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at
the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful in
all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his
colleagues laughed. A few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young
executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back.

"My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO.

"Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty
pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front.

Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will
have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed.
Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then
announced to the young executives, "Here is your next Chief Executive! His
name is Jim!"

Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be
the new CEO the others said?

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a
seed.

I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me
today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not
possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.

"When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed
for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty
to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be
the new Chief Executive!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.

Regards,
Prashanth Reddy

http://www.citehr.com/46770-honesty-best-policy-s-good-story.html

Really?????? Walgreens and AARP Get Your Act Together

2011-06-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

When I turned 50 I got my AARP membership. For the discounts, and because I like the magazine and newsletter. So Walgreens has signs all over saying scan your card for coupons and discounts. This is what I got last week. Apparently they think AARP members are either all over 95 and in nursing homes or haven't thought they were marketing to Baby Boomers. AARP marketing department-take note-this wasn't funny. Baby Boomers with the AARP cards can still kick your a**es.

2011 Graduate

2011-06-11T19:09:00.001-05:00

34 years ago, almost to the day, I graduated from high school. I quickly became a mom of 3 kids. I was a stay at home mom for many years. In 2005, on my birthday, I went to the local college university fair. At one table was a guy, Colbert. We talked, he told me I should consider UoP. Even though I was facing a blood transfusion I went and signed up. As I was leaving a gentleman got on the elevator with me. He said hi and I told him I had just signed on. It seemed like such a long road ahead. He said he graduated with a PhD at age 59 so it "could be done!". I was thinking, yeah, right. Here I am, a June 2011 graduate with two degrees. During the last 5 years I acquired a grandson halfway through the bachelor's degree program, I was led to my church by a fellow classmate which led me to being baptized in Lake Michigan. I went on to get a Master's in Accountancy even being sick two winters in a row for 4 months each time.

Thanks for my "surprise party" Lin. My bloggy pals are the best.

I'm now ready for the next adventure (as soon as my credentials evaluation comes back hopefully saying I don't need any more classes-I can't imagine I don't have enough now). Taking the CPA exam-as soon as I study enough. I still hope to do it this year before winter illness sets in yet again.

I always wanted a bachelor's degree but if you would've told me 34 years ago that I would one day have a Master's degree, I never would've believed it.

McDonald's Sucks

2011-06-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

Seriously, people. I am just going to write a blog called "******** sucks".
This is the strawberry lemonade I got from McD's this morning. It wasn't 95 degrees out, it wasn't in the sun, this was not 3 minutes after I got it. It tasted awful. I couldn't tell if it was the ingredients or a cleaner or something from the blender they make the lemonade ice with. You never know what you are going to get there. I have gotten fish sandwiches I never ordered. They have confirmed my order at the drive thru and then at the window I have gotten one item I asked for and nothing else.

Wordless Wednesday-Guess Who Turns 50 in August?

2011-06-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

Weight Watchers Magazine $3.99

2011-06-07T10:16:00.002-05:00

Use the code WEIGHT at checkout to get one year of Weight Watchers magazine for $3.99 from deal site Tanga.

Happy Birthday to Alex!

2011-06-07T07:25:00.000-05:00

The little guy is 6 today! 6 years ago I watched him enter the world. Then I spent two weeks with him hooked up to monitors and IV's in NICU from head to toe. Then came the 18 month fight. In the end God brought him home to me. The little guy who was a month premature and had serious issues at birth (and not just health wise) is now thriving and a Thomas the Train fanatic. Every day with him is a blessing.

Light of A Clear Blue Morning

2011-06-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

This typed out song lyric was given to me many years ago-probably ten, well before I began the journey to a degree. I framed it and have kept it ever since. It was given to me by someone very special who has his PhD and told me once I got a bachelor's degree I'd never be satisfied. He was right but I am NOT going for a PhD. But he is the only other person on earth who knows and loves Straight Talk. Dolly filmed it in Chicago and we can watch it over and over. I love this song. And with faith and love there was nothing I couldn't do. Since he gave me this, I got Alex permanently, I got the bachelor's degree and am now TWO weeks away from officially having my master's degree. I broke free from my sweetie and also my former best friend. Nothing holding me back from studying for the CPA exam now. Since my little setback in April with my arthritis, I know time is important. My goal is to take the exam this year.

Best Friends

2011-06-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

The best thing about being a grandma is getting to go through the school years all over again. Sure there is homework and teen years. But there are also moments like these. The end of year kindergarten music show. Of course Alex came down with a sudden case of attention deficit or something until the last few songs. And at the end he did take a bow-several of them in fact. And apparently he was the only one who remembered to do that(sigh) but it was a great show even if we were melting in the classroom. I can't believe kindergarten is over. That year flew! We took Alex to the library today and he found a history of trains in the adult book section (that doesn't sound right). It weighs about 500 pounds and is huge but he insisted because of course it had T R A I N S. This kid is so into trains the woman checking out the books said "do you know you have two of the same books?" I didn't know what Thomas books Alex was throwing into the bag-I was just trying to get the circulation back in my arm when I noticed it turning red as I was dragging our bag through the library. I was about ready to put it on one of the chairs and just wheel it around.

This is Alex and Alex-not to be confused with the third Alex in their class. Special Alex came to the class mid-way through the school year. Alex M, our Alex, took to him like a mother hen. What you can't see here is special Alex has his arm around Alex. That little guy is so precious.

This is the music show. Alex is the far left. You'll have to click on it to enlarge it.

I know I will blink and the next post will be about his high school graduation. Make it slow down please.

Hang In There

2011-06-05T20:11:00.000-05:00

Hang in there guys. That means YOU, Lin :-) I've been a bit tied up finishing class (2 weeks to go!!), Alex's school things and his birthday and last day of school this coming Tuesday. This morning I went to Jewel to get the gift cards and $20 back on next order. Darn machine spit out four $20's instead of only 1 but the ad was worded for up to five. So I have $160 to use at Jewel and yes they fixed that but the early ones got to keep them. May or may not use them all. Buy $100 in gift cards and get $80 back?
I've also been reading Lin's blog and Daisy's blog-the video of her staring down Harley for meowing in her face cracked me up so much I watched it multiple times. I want to perfect that stare.
Yesterday was spent going back and forth to the mechanic in Chicago-great place and reasonable-worth the drive but I hate HATE Chicago traffic. And who the designed Six Corners? I didn't know which was Cicero so had to continue on Milwaukee.

The Brad Paisley video I posted-yes I am a country girl. And Brad's songs crack me up too.

I also have 2 potential books in the works. Or maybe magazine articles :-) I'm tired of seeing Elizabeth Berg write the books I have ideas for. But these two are safe. With one I have had many people ask me to write it (now if an agent just would-but I may go SonyaAnn's route) so am working on outlines.

See that? Can you hear the BOOM BOOM BOOM of the speakers? I live in the freakin ghetto. I just took this out my front window. Sure sign of summer. UGH

Brad Paisley - Old Alabama (Live at the 46th Annual ACM Awards 2011)

2011-06-05T15:38:00.000-05:00

Brad has that right-Barry White ain't gonna work tonight!

Brad Paisley - Old Alabama

2011-06-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

Wow do I miss Florida.

The Unemployee: Wending through a day’s work at Walgreens - Pioneer Local

2011-06-03T06:56:00.000-05:00

The Unemployee: Wending through a day’s work at Walgreens - Pioneer Local

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Jello Temptations and Jewel

2011-05-31T05:00:00.001-05:00

I joined Kraft First Taste some time ago. They periodically send out coupons for free items for you to try and also extra coupons to give to others. Since I was at Jewel yesterday I decided to get it. I think the one I got was raspberry cheese cake flavor. The whipped texture reminded me of the old light and fruity pie from years ago. There are a whopping three to a package. The marketing is great-market gourmet type desserts in tiny black cups. I suppose it is to convince upscale shoppers who don't shop at Jewel to buy it. At $3.99 a package they are probably the only ones who would pay that. The free coupon was only for up to $3.30. On Kraft's site for it, the suggested retail price is $2.89. It is definitely not worth $1 a cup, not to mention more with Jewel's price. I've stopped shopping at Jewel because of their high prices and it is not worth paying extra to have your purchases bagged by baggers who never stop talking to the cashiers. That is when the baggers are actually there.
Kraft Jello Temptations are ok but not great. But definitely not for $3.99.

Smart Balance Milk $1

2011-05-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

There was a coupon in the May 8 SS insert for $1.50 off a half gallon of Smart Balance Milk. Sadly I only had 2 coupons this time where I had 6 the last time the sale was on. They are $2.50 ea at Jewel so with the coupon it makes it $1 each. That makes a gallon of milk for $2.

Parrothead Heaven

2011-05-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

Jaron of Jaron and The Long Road To Love better known as the Pray for You singer, posted this photo on Facebook. As a Parrothead for over 25 years-I only have one word-jealous! Hanging out backstage with Jimmy Buffett. Kenny Chesney may think he is the Buffett heir-apparent but Margaritavile belongs to Jimmy.

Holiday Breakfast - Apple Pancakes

2011-05-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

Haven't made this in a long time but it is so easy and you don't have to go out and spend a lot at Walker Brothers restaurant.

Apple Pancakes

1/2 c milk
1/2 c flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 t sugar
dash salt
1 apple, sliced
butter
brown sugar
cinnamon
lemon juice

Mix together milk, flour, eggs, sugar and salt-set aside. Fry apple in butter in round cake pan. Butter pan on sides after apple slices are fried and pour batter over apple layer. Bake in 500* oven until batter rises and starts to brown, about 10 minutes. Dot or spread with butter, spread thickly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Put back into oven to melt and brown. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve.

I sent Jen the final picture and she thought it was IHOP. Alex ate not only his but the rest of mine as well. He loved it.

Dave Ramsey at Willow Creek

2011-05-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Two years ago Dave Ramsey was at Willow Creek in South Barrington. I had so much fun on Saturday I went back to listen (at North Shore) on Sunday. I have the dvd. This 45 minutes or so is basically his entire class in a condensed version plus you get him teaching it live. This link may not be direct so go to it then scroll down and search for February 2009. The series is called "enough!" and it is from the Feb 28/Mar 1 weekend.

The "Why I Coupon" Stockpile

2011-05-28T13:24:00.002-05:00

Extreme couponer? No. I have never seen the show but have heard about via Jill's blog. Over the past 3 years I have just learned how to coupon. If you have a coupon for $3 and body wash is $3 at Walmart would you rather use the coupon or pay for it? This is just the toiletries. There are food pictures also over the past three years. My favorite was the turkey dinner for Thanksgiving 2008 which I paid 89c and it originally cost $40. Some people I know live on limited income and others have been laid off since 2008. If I can do it and help them too, I will. I have given diapers, baby items, food, toiletries such as these.

For those stopping by to see the stockpile pictures, glad you're here. If you haven't heard of Jill Cataldo, stop by her blog jillcataldo.com. She has a wealth of information from where to find coupons to how to go on a Disney vacation as well as weekly deals.

CVS Sucks

2011-05-28T11:45:00.000-05:00

This lovely picture is the side of my knee. Friday night my son and I were at CVS and I checked out the stack of lawn chairs. They were on the bottom shelf with nothing but the two inch little metal railing holding them there. I touched one to check out the frame as they looked sturdier than others. The next thing I know as I was walking away, the entire stack fell forward crashing into my leg. This picture is the side of my leg Saturday morning. I knew there would be a huge bruise. Keep your kids safe-keep them out of CVS. Better yet, be careful if you do have to venture there. It's not worth it.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-28T06:00:00.004-05:00

It isn't about the barbeques. Years ago at the local park, a statue was dedicated to the Vietnam Vets and I think the traveling wall was also there. After they dedicated the statue, a mom went and hugged a vet and all I heard through her tears was "you saw my son, you saw my son." Her son was gone but she got to hug the soldier who last saw her son alive. Still brings tears to my eyes.

2011-05-27T06:41:00.000-05:00

As I complain about our weather going from 85 to 45 and back to 85...keep Oklahoma, Missouri and Alabama and everywhere touched by the tornadoes in your prayers.

Favorite Blog Friday

2011-05-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been hanging around Mercedes' blog Common Sense With Money since about 2008. The reason I love her blog is she gets things posted early. Even before Jill does, sometimes late in the previous week. That makes it easy to put together your Sunday morning plan of attack for the stores and get in on some deals before the shelves are emptied by the people waiting for Jill to post them on her blog. Even my cashier at Walgreens this morning commented how I was out early. At 6 am though I was kind of late. I am a morning person and am up anyway so I try to be done by 9 am and that's only because Target doesn't open until 8am (I usually don't go there but there is a Revlon deal going on that will keep me in beauty tools for life). But if I don't get to Walgreens early, I may as well give up for the week. It's not like it used to be when you could get the deals through the week. The hoarders are out there and if you don't believe me, stop by the flea market at Rosemont on Sundays. Not to mention garage sales.

Shine Like Stars-Special Post

2011-05-26T06:39:00.000-05:00

I love Lori's blog, Shine Like Stars. Check out today's post. And thanks A Marie for leading me to her blog over a year ago. What I wouldn't give to hang out on her front porch with her. Go on, check out her blog, you won't be disappointed. It's so peaceful over there. I read her post after I had posted mine.

Silver Jewelry Club

2011-05-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

About the little link I added. I got a couple of rings a year or two ago-they were $6.99 for postage. Of course they want you to come back and buy more. But the $6.99 is worth it if you find something you like. Silpada Jewelry is ok I got a necklace from them but since it is a direct sales multi-level marketing company you are in effect paying twice as much. Pampered Chef-same thing-Wal Mart has similar items like theirs at a fraction of the cost that work just as well. Anyway, Silver Jewelry Club is worth checking out. If nothing else, they make nice inexpensive gifts.

Seriously?

2011-05-26T05:50:00.000-05:00

Headline on CNN this morning:

U.S. warns against travel to Yemen, tells Americans to flee

Um, yeah. I am canceling my plane ticket as we speak.

My Prediction for the Future

2011-05-26T05:44:00.001-05:00

At least his future wife won't have to worry about him hogging all the covers.

Alex and his classmates visited their new school yesterday. I asked him how he liked it. He said Great! What did he like best? Their water fountain. He was SO impressed with it. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, take note!

And what's up with this Chicago weather? One day it is near 90 and the a/c needs to be turned on. This morning it is like 45 and my house is cold so back to the heater for a bit.
As grandpa at work likes to tell me when he shakes his head "you say you don't like a cold winter and you turn the heat up. But when it's warm in the summer the first thing you do is turn on the air conditioner until its ice cold. I just don't understand you." And I don't understand someone who heads North to snowmobile and freeze their butts off and who hasn't seen a beach in 80 years.
I looked forward to March and no more snow. Then I looked forward to April which I believe was when we had a dusting of snow or maybe that was early May. April was literally a washout. I looked forward to May and we have gone 85 45 85 45 all month. Let's try June. Oh wait, if it does get better its gonna be a heck of a mosquito time soon. My poor plants don't know what to do. My lilacs even waited a week to bloom. Of course our thoughts and prayers are with those in the South and especially with that little 3 year old boy who they are searching for after the tornado apparently took him.

SAD UPDATE FROM CNN:

A 3-year-old lost in the ferocious storm that swept through Oklahoma Tuesday night was found dead Thursday morning, authorities said.

The body of Ryan Hamil was found floating in a lake.

The search for him in Canadian County and his family's anguish drew worldwide attention. Ryan's younger brother, 15-month-old Cole, died in the storm as well. His older sister Cathleen survived, as did his mother, Catherine Hamil, who is pregnant.

"I lost both of my boys," said Ryan's father, Hank Hamil, crying before cameras at a news conference Thursday morning.

"Ryan was my little buddy. Cole was too. I loved them both," he said.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

My beloved lilac-I planted it when I moved in 19 years ago. Now it is over the house and greets me every Mother's Day.

34 Years After High School

2011-05-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Front

Back

4 weeks from today I am done with classes. 34 years after high school I have my master's degree. I thought a bachelor's degree would be good, I never thought I'd have a master's.

The IL CPA Society sent me this tee shirt. I haven't been this excited since I got an Oprah sweatshirt at her show years ago. Before that when I was 30 and someone gave me a "thirtysomething" night shirt.
I LOVE this shirt. "Future CPA." I guess I have to pass that exam now.

Arts endowment expands program to allow military families to tour 1,300 US museums for free

2011-05-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

Arts endowment expands program to allow military families to tour 1,300 US museums for free

After 8 grandsons between us...

2011-05-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Meet Ruby. Arrived May 19, 2011.
My best buddy and I (and former boyfriend) have 8 grandsons between us. In fact, our daughters' second sons began to sound like the Lincoln-Kennedy thing. The two don't even know each other and this is how it went:
He and I each have 3 kids, the first two are boys, the last is a girl.
My daughter had a second son in February 2007. She named him Jacoby Jr
His daughter had a second son about a month later and because someone else in the family was already a Jacoby they named the kid Kobi J.

When he told me it would be a girl, I didn't believe it.
Then it happened.
She was due April 29th which would've been better than the royal wedding.
Then a week later she still hadn't arrived.
Then half a week later she still hadn't arrived.
Finally I got an email saying "arrived"
And inside it said "she's here."
Wow...after 8 boys "SHE'S here.
And at over 8 lbs she looks like a little linebacker already. This picture is when she was only a few hours old.
I love her brother Freddy.
When he was a baby he had a tee shirt that said "granny magnet" (think chick magnet)
When he was 3 or 4 he hid in a play sink and had everyone looking for him, finally yelling out "Freddy hidey, Freddy, hidey". Another time he found his way through some wall panel and couldn't get back around. After everyone at day care was looking as far out as in the street for him he began yelling "help, help I can't get out." I believe his younger brother is a bit calmer.
I can't wait to watch this little girl grow up.
The words "she's here" never sounded better.

Weekend Cooking

2011-05-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

With the prices of everything, including gas to get to my favorite places for fast food, I am trying to go back to basics. My arthritis makes it difficult but I am trying to do a little at a time instead of a marathon freezer cooking session for 8 hours. Ugh. So I found this old recipe I got years ago for beef and bean burritos. I like the Aldi's brand frozen ones which are about $2.89 a package of 6. This makes like five billion of them. It is sad though when Jewel's ground beef used to be 99c lb on sale for a large package and now you get excited when you see it on sale for $2.49lb for the large package. Oh well. This came out good and of course you can season it any way you like, adding jalapeno or whatever.

Beef and Bean Burritos

4 Tbs oil
2 onions, chopped
4 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbs chili powder
2 tsp cumin
Salt & Pepper to taste
16 oz tomato sauce
62 oz refried beans (don't panic, that's 4 of the regular size 16 oz cans)
24 flour tortillas

Saute the onion until tender. Add beef and garlic. Stirring, brown and drain. Ad seasonings. Stir in tomato sauce, simmer 5 minutes. Add beans, cook and stir until well blended. Cool completely. Place small amount in center of burrito and roll up. Place seam side down on cookie sheet, freeze. Wrap individually and return to freezer. Microwave 1-2 mins.
I wrap in wax paper then foil and then freeze.
Jim said it wasn't spicy enough but I don't do spicy so cook according to your tastes as to hot.

Easy Breakfast

2011-05-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

I love matza anything for food. I like the egg matza but since someone gave me the plain a couple weeks ago, that works just as well.

For this one just soak 2 pieces of matza in warm water until soft then drain, break it into pieces first. As always my photos are backwards. See the bottom one for getting it started. Spray the non-stick pan (any other pan and you will be scraping forever) with cooking spray. Cook as you would for scrambled eggs. I don't season it but do as you wish. Serve with a bit of jelly or sugar. Or as you see, I use both. Alex loves it and considering all he will eat at the moment are corndogs and mexican ice cream bars from Aldi, no small accomplishment.

Favorite Blog Friday

2011-05-20T05:00:00.007-05:00

Now I LOVE Hobbes and Lin's blog BUT, through her I found Daisy's blog. If you love cats, and even if you don't, this is a must-see blog. Not only is it a must-see blog, it is also a must-go-back-through-many-posts blog. The pictures are awesome. Find "crabilated". Find the look she gives her cat partner, what she thinks of him. Priceless.

2011-05-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite sites to find out about upcoming coupon inserts is TaylorTown Preview. The inserts are up early so you can see what's coming before you get the papers early on Saturday at Menards. Of course all coupons are regional and you may or may not get the same coupons and coupon values but this will give you an idea. So check out the link for the upcoming May 22, 2011 coupon inserts.

Changes are A-Comin

2011-05-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Ok I've decided to keep the blog going. Not just because the cortisone shot to my knee a week and a half ago gave me the ability to make like 10 posts in 1 hour. That stuff is awesome. Sadly, it wore off.

Easy recipe coming from a friend in Yorkshire. I'll make it-with pictures-and see if anyone else likes it. Also other real-life recipes for busy moms. I mean, seriously, what is up with the "easy" recipes of 20 ingredient gourmet stuff?? Makes for great pictures but not something people will cook every week.

Also I will direct you to some of my favorite blogs-deal-related and not.

And, because I cannot stand when people have grammar issues such as not knowing when to use they're, their and there, a new announcement will be coming soon. And maybe a new website.

10 Facebook settings to check now - Chicago Sun-Times

2011-05-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

10 Facebook settings to check now - Chicago Sun-Times

Another Quick and Easy Recipe

2011-05-18T04:51:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of few-ingredient recipes. Here is another one I got from a friend over 20 years ago.

Sweet & Sour Meatballs
3 lb ground beef (use lean if you can because it does leave a lot of fat)
32 oz ketchup (use Aldi-cheaper and just as good)
32 oz ginger ale

Shape meat into balls (season as you like)
In large pot combine the ketchup and ginger ale)trust me it does taste good even if it sounds weird)
Bring to boil, simmer until done (I let it go for about an hour as I never knew the actual time)
I like it over wide egg noodles.

With the cost of ground beef I am not sure if it is a thrifty meal anymore but it is good and it does make a lot.

Easy and Frugal Cooking

2011-05-16T20:01:00.003-05:00

Ok, who is old enough to remember life B.M.? No, no, no, that's Before Microwaves. Seriously, in my childhood mom would heat leftovers on the stove or in it. These days 3 minutes in the microwave seems like forever.

When my finances take a dive, my only choice is to cook from scratch. McDonald's employees call and ask me if I am ok when they haven't seen me for 24 hours.

My favorite cookbook is Betty Crocker, the edition from 1969. Pancake batter is so easy even the busiest soccer mom can manage to have a batch in the fridge. The brownies are awesome. I've had my share of disasters. Over 30 years ago as a young mom and new wife I had dinner guests. I managed to serve bacon to a couple who were Jewish and didn't eat bacon and then they almost starved when the yeast cinnamon rolls I made never baked. I missed the part about dividing the dough in half. I forgot what I made for dinner but nothing went as planned.

Then there is a friend of mine (on good days) who doesn't have a lot of money and taught me how to get by. Eggs and anything-ham, hot dogs cut up, chorizo (I like Trader Joe's soy chorizo.) Easy, quick and inexpensive. I like Kroger's diced ham with a slice of cheese for a quick ham and cheese omelet.

Quick smoothie a guy friend taught me:
1 bag frozen mixed berries (I use Aldi-he uses Trader Joe's)
1 banana
1 large container plain yogurt
Use 1/3 each of the yogurt and berries along with 1 banana. Blend in the blender and good luck not ending up with a lump of frozen berries- I started using the banana first then the yogurt then the berries. I also add some sugar to taste. The little guy loves it and I saved a fortune at McD's. You can add milk if its too thick. I for one like chewable smoothies :-) so I rarely add milk.

A recipe for breakfast burritos I got years ago because (surprise) I like McD's burritos:
1 dozen eggs
1 roll sausage
shredded cheddar cheese
Jar salsa
Large burritos
Cook the sausage, add the eggs and make it like scrambled eggs. I forgot how much salsa to add-like a cup or something. Experiment a little at a time.
Roll up in the burritos adding a pinch of cheese on the mixture in each and wrap in waxed paper and foil and freeze. Microwave as needed. I haven't made them in awhile but probably 2 mins or so.

If anyone has stopped by looking for the pictures I mentioned on msm-I'll get to that :-).

Thank you for the Vacation, Blogger!

2011-05-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

Ugh. Not like anyone reads my blog anyway but geez people.

If anyone knows how to transfer blogspot.com to just .com, please leave me a comment or email me. I have the .com but can't get it to transfer this.
I may just go to Wordpress.

Deal Posts

2011-05-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

For those few who have visited my blog for the former deals I posted, I will post a few more shortly.
Over the past couple years I've learned a lot from my bloggy pals and non-bloggy pals.
Some of the things I will have in upcoming posts:
Easy, inexpensive recipes-especially when you are struggling until the next paycheck.
How to take advantage of Food 4 Less loss leaders and hidden sales (not in the weekly ad).
Where to shop for north suburban area produce deals (hint: it's NOT Jewel!)
Where to find cheaper meat in Chicago area.
Outlet shopping (I can't pay for food items at "regular stores" anymore).
How some things from scratch are as easy as buying a mix at the store.

For those of you who still stop by-leave me a comment and let me know (this doesn't mean you, Lin! :-) )

Thanks to a simple thing a year or two back with Frances telling me to freeze blueberries, I had blueberry pancakes and other things for a year until they were cheap again.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T04:55:00.003-05:00

Mondays are like a Big Butt

2011-05-09T05:04:00.001-05:00

I was at the library yesterday and coming around the corner in the video section I saw this. I walked around and sure enough it wasn't a teenager, it was a grown woman. Not a homeless woman. Did she think she was at home or the only one there? Sprawled out on that bench, reading.
The way I felt when I saw that is pretty much the way I feel about Mondays-yuk.

Ok the best two excuses I can think of as to why I didn't get my check on Friday:

1-"He didn't deliver them until after your son was here." (The guy is always there around 8am-we were there closer to 10am)
UPDATE: And the winner is (with a slight variation I know isn't true):
2-Oh you weren't here, the phones were ringing, I had the IRS woman here, I didn't have time." (Time for what? To open the envelope and sign it?")

Seriously-I couldn't get my check on Friday when I stopped by because it "wasn't ready"??????

Ok everyone post their thought as to what the answer will be. And take a guess as to if my overtime will be included on that check after two weeks of it not being given to me. Why are we supposed to be grateful for our jobs in this tough economy?

In case you were wondering-Mother's Day was exactly like any other day. :-( The only nice thing was when the cortisone shot in my knee kicked in.

Walgreens 5-8-11

2011-05-08T07:34:00.000-05:00

I had a few $3 RR's to use so I found the Suave lotions for $3 so only about $1.44 oop for Crook Co tax. I really need to start shopping in Lake or DuPage Co or in KY for that matter. But plenty of lotion to last forever or make gift baskets with.

This week there is a $5 Q in the SS insert and there is a $3 Wags Q in the May book plus these are on sale for $7.99. So these were free after both Q's (hand over manufacturer Q's first THEN Wags Q's and be sure to get something small to eat up any overage-Happy Mother's Day to me-I splurged on a M&M's :-) ) I also go very early to Walgreens since they rarely have many sale items in stock and most items are usually gone. This coupon only is good for a week. I don't know if this is any good but I'd be willing to try it for free. The cream seemed to be a better deal than a box of 3 patches for that price plus I am wary of how these work.