Thoughtful Thursday: I Lost My Shoes

Have you seen them? Two pairs missing from my closet….not that they were actually in my closet. In fact, these shoes tended to be everywhere BUT the closet! Why? I will tell you why; I didn’t put them away. Sometimes they would end up at the foot of the stairs or would make their way up a couple of steps. Other times you would find them under a pile of clothes in the washroom. Under the bed was a frequent vacation site for these shoe couples and, of course, we shan’t forget the Bonus Room tours….
Do you think you could check in your closet for my shoes?

Wheelin’ Wednesday: Saving By Not Spending

I am sure lots of bloggers have tickled this subject at one point or another, but that doesn’t mean I can’t!
Due to our diet changes, we really don’t use food products that normally have an associated coupon. When I do find a coupon for said product (and I have intentions of writing on company and asking for coupons)- I use it and save that bit of money.
The coupons I do tend to keep and utilize on a regular basis are more for toiletries. The toothpaste and dental floss coupons are great to have handy and this, of course, spills into laundry detergent when I am not using my homemade detergent. CVS has become the one store I utilize for said products and this has, in turn, curbed my make up purchases. Yes, I often found myself perusing through ads for make up deals when I really didn’t need any more make up. So now we come to the nitty-gritty of this whole topic: not spending money.

Since I started my new (non-stressful) job; I have discovered that I no longer have an innate desire to purchase make up at an alarming rate. Online shopping and the arrival of packages in my home had become this little serotonin rush to get me through the next day. True, that I should have been looking towards Christ for this, but I wasn’t and I admit it.
Save, a small purchase of silly one dollar make up I purchased at my local grocery store- I have not purchased any in almost a month! This little change has already saved our household at least $50.00 which is fantastic!
Now, I don’t intend to not purchase make up, but I have established two rules:

If I run out of a product that I use regularly- I can replace it.
If I want to purchase a new (never before used) product- I must finish something within my collection that I would never purchase again.

Rule two is a struggle because there are two foundations I want to test! Rules are rules though, and I have to finish two foundations that I don’t intend to re-purchase.

Tasteful Tuesdays: Stuffed Mushrooms

As you know, my husband has a very specific diet and it can just become plain monotonous when it comes to cooking. Today I changed my menu just a bit and made stuffed mushrooms. Hubby wasn't convinced until he bit into his first mushroom and then he was hooked! I whipped up two trays of these babies!

Ingredients


Mushrooms: Wash and simply core. I used the stems for a quiche.
Ground Beef
Jalapeno peppers: Diced
White Onion: Diced
Egg: One or two

To Taste
Salt
Pepper
Chili Powder
Hot Sauce
Garlic
Garlic Pepper

I melted a bit of butter on my casserole dish, but you definitely don't have to do this. I then mixed up the ground beef and simply spooned into the mushroom. I baked these in a 350 degree oven until the meat was cooked through. Pulled out of the oven and topped with cheddar cheese and hot sauce.

Musically Manic Monday: New Week!

Church: First Friday Mass this week with Benediction afterwards!


Home: I am little behind on laundry, but I was able to clean out a couple more cabinets in the kitchen.



Work: Really enjoying my new job.


Projects: My friend visited me on Sunday and helped me with my crochet woes! I will improve!





What is going with you this week?

Spiritual Sunday: Trespass Against Us

Our parish was blessed with a visiting priest who delivered an inspiring sermon. He pointed out something very important regarding forgiving others. Our Lord gave us the Our Father and within this prayer we ask God to forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. We are asking the same kind of forgiveness that we give to others who transgress us. Makes you think... doesn't it? Would you want God to forgive you the way you forgive? How can we ask mercy from God when we do not show that same mercy to others? Makes you think.....

WheelIN’ WEDNESDAY: When Hubby Is In The Mood

for hot wings! Buffalo Wild Wings does a deal on Tuesday for $.45 a wing. Now, this might not be a great deal for you, but I don't mind 50 wings for $22.00!


What do you think?

Saturated Saturday: Is There A Medic In The House?

Today was spent at home cleaning out rooms in a very thorough manner. I was really only able to finish one bedroom, one bathroom, and this linen closet (but they look nice). My medical shelf needed a good clean out of expired items and then a good bit of reorganization.


I then headed off to work in the bookstore and then attended Mass and now I am home with Hubby!

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY: PACKING LIGHT

I travel often throughout the year by car and by plane. My relationship with my husband included quite a bit of travel as well (sincE we lived in different states). Through this traveling, and all the government regulations, I have learned to pack in a very strategic way.


I travel back to Arizona at least three times a year to visit my family. The visits are almost always a week long and one usually needs a suitcase for such clothes, make up, etc,. My response to the $25.00 or so luggage fee? I leave my clothes in Arizona. Yep..... I have a set of clothes tucked nicely away in the back of an obscure closet. This past summer, I ordered three blouses and had them shipped to Arizona. I was using a gift card and shipping was free with that company. My toiletries are already there and I just needed to bring with me a pair of nicer shoes and a bit of make up. So... I had one small bag (no purse) and boarded the plane. Nice? Yes, very nice. The bag fit under the seat in front of me (in the plane) and I didn't have to worry about a thing. Jewelry is only what I am wearing on my person and that is it.. keep it simple.

Now, that doesn't work for everyone, but I bet there are a number of persons who visit family and who wouldn't mind a few outfits in a coat closet or such.

When traveling by car (my in laws are a car drive away), I can actually pack heavier as I do not have quite as many restrictions. I do continue to size myself down with the use of sample packets for shampoo and conditioner. These are so handy and easy to pack into a travel case. I will pack my curling iron for actual curlers and will make sure to have one base colour throughout the trip. This will ensure that I will only have to bring with me one or two pairs of shoes (I usually choose black as my base colour).

How to you downsize when you travel?

Musically Manic Monday

Church: Nothing new going on with my parish. How about yours?

Home: I will continue to wake up early and tackle the house better.

Work: I like it so far!

Projects: Hubby and I need to write out a list of projects and then start checking them off one by one!

Saturated Saturday: Not So Productive

This morning the abortion clinic had a number of pro choice supporters. They actually matched our pro life numbers which is awful. We need more people out there. Consider giving a Saturday morning once a month.


I went to my first vocal lesson and I am so very excited to continue with these lessons! it has been a dream to improve my singing capabilities and I really think this is going to be the answer!


Attended Saturday Mass and then just came home. I wasn't feeling that well today and took it pretty easy today.


How was your Saturday?

Horrific

Doctor's four-state abortion business under investigation

Travel Bag Tuesday: A little Dooney?

My mama picked up this Dooney and Bourke purse quite discounted at a local Dillards. I am enjoying it quite immensely and think it shall be a Autumn purse of choice this year!

Manic Monday

Church: : I have an "apprentice" who is helping with our bookstore. She assisted me with cleaning up the store and will be in charge of sign updates. Eventually, she will handle the inventory record keeping which is a huge job.

Home:: I will continue with getting up at 5AM for an hour of cleaning. This has been helping, but Hubby and I remain messy as always!

Work:: Just trying to get a groove! I must say that I do have a huge desk which is wonderful!

Projects: Hubby is cleaning out the garage today and I am trimming our front yard bushes. I have found that for every 90 minutes outside, I need to come in a cool down for 30 minutes. As you know, I don't do well in sun for prolonged periods of time.


What is going on in your world?

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES: FIRST FRIDAY MASS

We have a new priest for our parish and he is offering First Friday and First Saturday Mass!