Frugal Mom X3

Merry Xmas and a new Blog

2011-12-23T13:08:00.001-05:00

Well, it's finally here... the day we have all been waiting for... today is my birthday... oh... and tomorrow is Christmas.

I want to wish every one of my readers a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year in 2012.
(If you don't celebrate Christmas, please accept my well wishes for your own merry holidays).

I started this blog two years ago and I have been very lucky to share many of my thoughts and projects on here. I have received many wonderful comments (and some that we won't talk about). I have decided to retire this little blog of mine. It's part of my 30's and since I am now in my 40's I have started a new Blog.

Her name is Somerset Lane

I did a quick post explaining my new blog and why I decided to start it.

If you are a current follower on Frugal Mom x3, I would love it if you followed along on Somerset Lane, either by e-mail (top right-hand side) or as Google Friend Connect.

My parents are currently visiting from Portugal, and since I know it's going to be a busy week, I've decided not to start posting on Somerset Lane until January 1st, 2012.

Until then have a wonderful week!

Bette

An Award

2011-12-21T11:52:00.001-05:00

Hello,

I was pleasantly surprised today when I started my daily blog reading and noticed I had received a blog award from Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily!
Thanks Carla!

According to Carla, Liebster is a german word & translates to “good friend” in English. Awww thanks!

Here are the rules!!

There are rules to receiving and accepting this award.
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Cop and Paste the Award to your blog
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the word and love to other bloggers.
5. Have fun.

Here are my top 5 picks (some of the blogs I read on a regular basis).

Lori at Not the Mother of the Year. Lori is an old friend, and some of her posts just crack me up.
Erin at Sunny Side Up. Her family is like a younger version of my family. And I love her hair too!
Sarah at Memories on Clover Lane. I love the way she writes. She is such a positive lady.
Ashli at Mini Manor (formerly Maillardville Manor). A fellow Canadian with a beautiful home, that she DYI's on a budget. I love her dog Max too!!
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick. Sarah's is the first blog I ever read and I anxiously wait for her next DYI project.

Go check them out and see why I love reading their blogs!

Bette

P.S. - I have started a new blog Somerset Lane for the new year, and for my life in my 40's. Come follow along!

A birthday letter... to me.

2011-12-19T10:43:00.000-05:00

(grab a coffee... this is a long one, with no pictures)

Well, I'm gonna officially say it... I'm turning 40 at the end of the week! Yeap the big 4-0!

I've been in denial that this day would come for about... ummm... 10 years or so! I always thought 40 was old.

But I can't deny it anymore, I'm turning 40!

The past couple of days have been rough for me. I've been teary, and grumpy and snappy (more than usual); but I just can't help myself. Is it the mourning process? Mourning my youth?

For the past year, I've watched my highschool friends turning 40 and wishing each other "happy birthdays" and I kept thinking "Thank goodness mine's not until end of December, so I don't have to deal with it". Boy has the year flown by, and now it's here.

I've been trying to figure out why this birthday has hit me sooo hard (and not in a good way). Everybody keeps saying "40 is the new 30". ummm... no it isn't. Thirty was a piece of cake for me! Thirty meant I had arrived! I was no longer "too young" or "too in-experienced". But what does forty mean?

I've been thinking alot about each decade of my life and what they have meant to me (yeap, pretty intense stuff!)

My first 10 years, were all about family. The first 5 years, I have memories of my grandpa and grandma (mom's parents) and lunches and dinners at their house in Portugal. Christmas and birthdays meant that my grandpa would go all out and make my day special (which all it really meant was having a birthday cake and maybe a new doll). I remember playing with my two cousins and roaming our little town by ourselves. There were no dangers (that I remember anyways). I do remember being sick alot. I mean really sick. I had typhoid fever, followed by German measles when I was 6. Or was it the other way around? I'll have to ask my mom. From age 8-10 it was all about Canada, and this new country that was sooo cold, and I had no friends and couldn't understand what the heck people were saying to me. It took me a couple years to truly learn English.

From age 10-20, was all about school. When I was about 16 or 17, my parents thought it would be a good idea if I quit school and got a job somewhere. After all they had no school past grade 8 and they were doing ok. I fought tooth and nail, and stayed in school. I had after-school jobs from about the age of 15 on, just so I could prove I could do both. At one point, during the summer after grade 11, I would wake up at 6 am to catch the "van to the farm" to pick grean beans all day, and get home at 6:30 p.m., take a shower, have dinner and then 3-4 nights week I worked at A&P grocery store from 7- 11 pm or 12 pm and then do it all over again the next day. It was hard, but somehow I did it and made alot of money that summer. I know I physically couldn't do it now. In my teen years, I think I was little sheltered. While my friends were out at parties, going to dances and on dates, I was at home watching my siblings, or working. I was expected to be home when the street lights came on; which was pretty early in the winter. Going to my highschool graduation dinner and dance, was quite the ordeal. I had to get a family friend to explain to my mother that it was important that I go. I had to explain that "my date" was just a good friend and no he was not my boyfriend. When the next day I received 2 dozen roses from my date, of course my mother freaked out. "What did you do to deserve flowers?" Well, ummm, I graduated highschool and asked him to be my date to my graduation party and this is his way of thanking me. Simple really.

From 20-30 it was all about finding love and passion. I found a program in college that I loved. I found a career that I loved. I found a man that I love. I met my two oldest children that I love. I was an adult, but of course I was still learning. I was learning to be a good employee, to be a good girlfriend, a good wife, and a good mother. I was learning that sometimes you win some and sometimes you loose some. I was learning, and that was ok with me.

My 30's were about being home with my children. When my oldest Sydney was 3, and Haley was 1, I made the decision to stay home with them. They were more important to me than any old job could possibly ever be. I have now been home on and off for the past 10 years or so. I did go back to work when I heard of an opportunity "that I just couldn't pass up". But eventually I came home. My heart and soul were at home. During this time Anthony was born and it felt like our little family was complete. It is complete. As a way to keep my brain challenged, I started a virtual assistant business, and was doing quite well for awhile, but then it was interfering with my family life. My family comes first... always.

This now brings me to my forties? What's expected of me now? My children are all in school full time (except for Anthony, but come September he will be). I am home alone most of the time, on most days. Of course when the three of them are home, they still need me. And I'm ok with that. But what about the rest? What am I supposed to do with myself? Do I start up my career again? Could I truly work in an office environment after not doing it for 10 years? Could I just be a home maker, cleaning house, make meals, paying the bills? What am I supposed to do for the next 20-40 years? I know others have hit this milestone before me, but is the difference that they have jobs/ careers that is propelling them forward and giving them hope that there is so much more for them to do?

My husband tells me that it's up to me to figure out what I need to do. He's right, I know. I think back to my 20's, and it was up to me to figure out what program I wanted to graduate from in College, what courses I wanted to take. It was up to me to figure out if that job opportunity was a good fit for me and my goals for my career. But now, I feel like I am too old. Or am I? A friend who is older than I returned to school last year, and took courses in a field that were completely different than what she had been in for the first 20 years of her life. That takes guts! Especially since she had a 5 year old daughter, who still needs her.

I had another "older" friend tell me, to make a list of all the things that I truly enjoy doing. The things that make me happy, my hobbies, and maybe that is a start of what my forties will look like.

Well, I'm not sure what my forties will bring, but I'm looking forward to the surprises... I think.

Bette

My Fun Christmas Mantel

2011-12-09T12:32:00.000-05:00

Hey there!

This morning when I got up and looked outside it was snowing. I'm not a fan of the snow, although I've come to tolerate it over the years. (I supposed I have no choice living in Canada... in Southern Ontario... in the snowbelt... where it snows... alot!.

So I thought some Christmas decorating was in order.

I'm not quite done my new family room built-ins ( one final coat of stinky paint), but I decided to tackle my mantle.

My original plan was to re-do my mantel. Built-in out... chunky-it-up. But time is getting away from me... and I'm seriously tired of going to Rona and looking for wood-cutting- old-guy-BFF. So I'm going with what I've got... for now.

This is what it currently looks like...

Yes, I believe the word is "blah". I kind of like the brick (kinda/sorta) but the mantel is small... really small.

But that will be a 2012 project. And If I can dream a little, I'll add in a gas fireplace insert too.

(remember I said dream, as I ~~think~~ know it's NOT in the budget)

Anyhoo...

Because I didn't want to spend any money I went into the Christmas totes and gathered some supplies and went to work.

I took an old wreath that I've had for probably 13 years or so and took it apart.

Then I found some fake poinsetta flowers in white and red and took them apart and added it to my wreath form.

I also found some flimsy green garland from along time ago as well. I ended up doubling the garland just to make is look thicker.

So here is a progress shot...

Then the kids started arguing about how blue the sky was or something and stopped taking any more progress pictures.

Sorry... but I'm sure you can figure out how I put the rest together.

I added lights and other different fillers that I "found" in my totes and went to town.

Here are some pretty pictures...

And one final one... ( I promise)

I kept to my red and white colour scheme (which is through out my home), and it kept whimisical by added a snowman that used to sing and dance (but someone removed the music box from it)

What are you up today?

Have you decorated your mantel yet? If you need some inspiration check out Rhoda's Mantel Party.

New Fireplace Built-ins

2011-11-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

I have been working hard for the past couple of weeks. Remember when I asked you what you thought I might be up to?

Well... I'm about half way there! I have wanted built-ins for either side of my fireplace for a looooooong time, but we could never afford them, cause there were more important things to spend money on (new roof, new furnace, etc.). So I did what anyone would do, when they really want something.... I built my own. Are you ready?

Introducing one side of the fireplace...

Here is a better picture...

Yeap I made it all by myself (with a little help from Home Depot and Rona.)

I started off getting my wood cut at Home Depot (the frame) and then I went back two days later to get more wood cut and they told me that their machine could not cut my size of wood (16" wide pine).

Huh? "But Pat just cut it two days ago!" I said.

"Nope can't do it. Won't do it" Said John, the Home Depot wood cutting employee.

"Drats, now what" Thought I.

Off I went to Rona, and they had the same wood, same machine, and they cut the rest of the wood I need cut to finish this bookcase and

... the other side too.

(so, I don't know what Home Depot's issue was. I even spoke to manager and he said NO".

So anyways, the bottom middle shelves on both sides still have to be re-cut because I cut them 1/16" too small, but I'm really happy how they are turning out. I still have to prime and paint the one holding the t.v. but I wanted to give you a sneak peak.

What'cha think so far?

I'm linking up to...

Remembrance Day 11-11-11

2011-11-11T09:25:00.000-05:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lieut.-Col. John McCrae

November 11th. 11th hour. We remember our soldiers bravery.

I'm off to my kid's school's Remembrance Day ceremony. It is always so beautiful. They show a slideshow of the kids family members who served in the war. As far as I know none of my relatives were in World War I, but my dad served in the Angola war against Portugal and I believe my Father-in-law served in WWII.

Will you be attending a Remembrance Day ceremony?

Or just have a moment of silence at the 11th Hour?

CAN YOU HELP MY FRIEND BUY FARM ANIMALS?

2011-11-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

My friend and fellow blogger Carla at My Half Dozen daily recently posted asking her readers to help her raise enough money to buy a goat, 2 hens, & a rooster for World Vision Canada!!! She was hoping to raise $150 which would help provide a supply of nutritious eggs, milk and cheese for food and income for a family. Last time I checked, Carla (with the help of her fellow bloggers and readers) has raised over $500, and has increased her goal. I am sharing this with you, cause I'm hoping you can join us in raising more money. The minimum donation she is asking for is $1.00 through Paypal. Please email Carla at moraliaweblog (at) yahoo (dot) ca for her Paypal addy!!

She is keeping a running total on her side bar of how much money she has raised and what she is hoping to buy with the money.

Bloggers and readers... let's unite and Bless another family less fortunate.

My Baby Girl is 11!

2011-11-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

Today is my baby girl's 11th birthday!

Today I picked her up from school for lunch.

I asked where she wanted to go... Eastside Mario's, Boston Pizza or Tim Horton's.

She picked Tim Horton's because she wanted to try the Lasagna Casserole Soup that she has heard about.

She ended up getting a Turkey BLT sandwich and Honey Cruller Donut (her grandpa's favourite).

We then picked up some cupcakes for her 27 classmates. Of course we got the vanilla cupcakes (and a couple chocolates ones for the other kids). She was excited to share the sugar with her friends.

For dinner I asked what meal she wanted me to make. She wanted me to make her canja (a Portuguese Chicken soup) .

This coming weekend she has decided to invite two of her friends to see Puss 'n Boots and then dinner afterwards.

Happy Birthday Haley, I hope you had a good one.

It's official.... We Have a Teenager in the House!

2011-11-05T14:07:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, was Sydney's birthday! She is officially a teenager!

We celebrated her 13th birthday, by going to see The London Knights at the JLC. Hubby's work was hosting the company with box seats. Corey Perry's #94 was retired from London Knights last night. It was cool to be there!

Hubby also arranged a few surprises for Sydney.

She got her name on the big billboard for the 9,000 fans to see.

(after all, they were all there for her... not the hockey game or to see Corey Perry. lol)

She got a cupcake while we all sang Happy Birthday to her. She was a little shy.

Then she quickly ripped the ribbon off and ate the cupcake.

I think she a fun evening.

Today she is going to go see Puss'n Boots with a friend and then dinner afterwards.

Time Flies. Feels like only yesterday, that we found out we were expecting our first baby!

Welcome to your teen years baby girl.

Can you guess What I'm up to?

2011-11-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

I'm busy today... really busy!

Can you guess what I'm up to?

I'll give you two virtual cookies to whom ever guesses what I'm up to. :)

My Scary Ghouls

2011-11-01T11:09:00.001-04:00

Hello,

I hope you all had a safe Halloween night! We had a total of six kids come to our door trick or treating. Two of them were the neighbors kids that went trick or treating with Anthony and the other 4 were Haley's friends that came calling on her. So now we have tons of candy that I will need to freeze and hide (from me). Last year we had 15 kids and this year we had 6, the numbers are dwindling. Granted it was raining last night, and we don't have a sidewalk on our side of the street, but hubby did say their lots of kids out.

Today I thought I would share some pics from last night. Beware they are quite scary! lol

Watch out! He's going to....

...bite you!! The red marks are supposed to be blood. ;-)

Haley is a fashion Barbie (of course she is!)

Her imitation of Marilyn Monroe. (she didn't even know who she was)

No autographs please!

Sydney is a Red M & M.

with matching red lipstick!

Sydney will be 13 in a couple of days, and she declared this morning, that this will be the last year she goes out trick or treating. She feels she is "too old" to go out.

Did your kids go out? We're your trick or treating numbers down as well and now you are "stuck" with a bunch of candy? And most importantly, what age do you think is to old to trick or treat?

A new Camera

2011-10-31T14:24:00.000-04:00

Well Hi there!

I think I might have mentioned here awhile ago that my point and shoot camera was on the fritz. Well it ended up dying last Spring. At first I thought it was the battery, so I fiddled with the back-up battery and kept switching them up. I think it was in April and I was in mid-picture taking at Canada's Wonderland and the shutter wouldn't close. I came home switched the batteries again... and nothing... nada... zilch... zippo. I brought it to a local camera store and they said I couldn't order another battery, and the cost to have the camera looked at was about 1/2 the cost of buying a new one. hmmm... no thanks.
So the entire summer I did not get a decent picture of my kids. We had Anthony's birthday... no camera. We went camping... no camera. Pool... no camera. First days of school... no camera. I can go on, but I think you get the idea. Oh yeah, and no blogging, cause who wants to blog without pretty pictures to upload.
Well, with Halloween and the girl's birthday's coming up, I had had enough. The number one thing on my Christmas and Birthday list was a new camera. A new expensive DSLR camera. That's all I want. And yes, I have been quite vocal about telling hubby. So this weekend I sweet talked hubby and off we went to talk to the fine knowledgeable folks at Henry's and after about 2 hours and a quick lunch we walked out with my new camera!!!

We went with this one from Sony ... SONY ALPHA A55 DSLR W/18-55 LENS

We also, bought an extra lense... cause I knew if I didn't do it now, I never would.

SONY ALPHA 75-300MM F4.5-5.6 ZOOM LENS

I had certain criteria that had to be met for my ideal camera.

Are you ready? This is what I told Caralyn at Henry's..

"It has to take pictures fast... and I have to be able to be in the back of the school gymnasium and take pictures of my kids singing/performing/standing on the school stage."

Pretty technical stuff huh?

So after two hours and looking and testing a bunch of cameras, this is the one that met my criteria.

I took the kids to the park yesterday and took a bunch (about 300) pictures, I'll share those later on these week. But here's one that I just love (and the one up top too).

Thanks to my hubby for my early birthday/Christmas/Valentines/Anniversary/Easter/ Groundhog and-every-other-holiday gift!

I am very happy!

So it's gonna be quite the learning curve, considering this past summer I have been taking pictures with my cell phone. I might take a photography class or two as well. Have you seen any on-line that you would recommend?

September Re-cap

2011-09-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hello! Hello!

Can you believe today is the last day of September and the kids have been back at school for almost a month??

So here's what I have been up to this month...

- My garden was overflowing with zucchini so I baked up quite a few Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, and grilled a bunch too for salads.

- S. started grade 8 this year, H. started grade 6 and little A is in Senior Kindergarten. On the first week of school got a note from the teacher that little A was "too hyper" in gym class and had to be put in time-out. hmmm... I thought gym class was for burning energy so they can focus during other lessons.

- I went and visited my friend who was in a terrible accident that left her paralyzed. While I was there, the nurses decided it was time that she went outside and get some fresh air (the first time since her accident). It was great to see her smile and enjoy the wind and sun in her face again.

- I got back into Menu Planning. ( I will need to start posting these on here on a more regular basis too :) )

- I decided to start up my Virtual Assistant business again. AND I already have appointments scheduled for potential clients.

How was you September? Did you get everything done that you set out to do?

I'm appreciating the little things today

2011-09-16T12:17:00.000-04:00

You know when you are mindlessly going through your life just waiting for the day to end and you can put the kids to bed and hunker down to watch t.v.? When you have been running around all day getting things done, and yet you feel like you have done nothing? You know those days, when your hubby and your kids make you so mad you just want to scream? You know those days when nothing seems to go right?

Well, today I am appreciating those days. I am lucky and fortunate to be able to run around and do things. I am lucky to be here with my kids everyday, and jump in my car to pick them from school, or drop them off at an event or friends house. Or drop their lunch at school cause they forgot it... again.

Let me tell you why...

Those who know me in real life, will have heard me speak of my friend Tracy. Tracy and I met in 1995 when we were both in our first "real" job after college and university. She was the first person that introduce herself that fateful day in May of 1995. She sat at the next cubicle beside me. We started each morning with a chit - chat about the previous evening or the weekend. That summer we spent a lot of time hanging out together. I remember that she came out drinking with my roommate and I, and then slept over that night, with a couple of cats sleeping by her pillow. The next morning I noticed eyes red and swollen, and her face blotchy and red, and she told us she was allergic to cats. Oooops! We laughed about it, cause she couldn't have driven home anyways. That summer she nominated me for Social Committee member, and then appointed herself as "campaign manager". Little did I know what that meant. She then arranged the Communications/Marketing Dept guys to scan a picture of me and embed the song "Dancing Queen" into an e-mail, that was then sent to every employee in the company (I am not sure if the President got it too or not). I didn't make it on to the committee but I did end up meeting my future husband.

Tracy and I met our husbands at around the same time. We had our children at around the same time too. She has a 13 year old, 11 year old and 6 year old. Heck, we even got our first dogs at around the same time. Our Muskoka passed away in October of 2009 and Sonoma (her girlie) passed away the summer of 2010.

Tracy and I have worked together many times since that first job in 1995. She and her former husband started their own financial company and about 1 year later hired me as Business Development Coordinator. Those were some really fun times. We got to travel to Whistler together, and dine at some fancy schmancy restaurants. Tracy bought me my first Coach purse, my first overnight Coach bag, my first Salvatore Ferragamo wallet and a Tiffany bean bangle. (I should mention that those are my only Coach, Ferragamo, and Tiffany items I own).

In the last couple of years, I became Tracy's virtual assistant. She says I was the only person she trusted to deal with certain aspects of her life. I valued that trust that she placed in me. Every time tax season rolled around, I would get a frantic call from Tracy asking me to make my way to Toronto (two hours away for me) to help her with her taxes. I always did. The last time I saw Tracy was last May.

Let me tell you why I'm appreciating my life today.

On Sunday, September 4th, while training for a bike race in Collingwood, Ontario, Tracy crashed her bicycle at very high speed and sustained a traumatic neck and spinal injury. She broke her neck between C3 and C4 vertebrae severing her spinal cord. She is paralyzed from the neck down. Her injuries are comparable to those that Christopher Reeves sustained. As of today, the doctors are getting her to breath on her own.

She is in a fight for her life. And she has one heck of climb ahead of her. She is one of the strongest women I know, and I believe that she will keep on fighting.

Tracy is a single mom of three young boys with no financial support from her ex husband.

If you would like to help her financially or to read more about her fight you can go here. (you might need to set-up an e-mail and password).

I am appreciating every step I take today, and cuddle I give my kids.

Won't you join me in sending her healing light, strength and a little prayer that she has the strength to make her way back home to her boys. And to give her strength to NEVER give up no matter how hard the next few months, years will be.

Thanks for reading .

My little garden (and what I learned)

2011-09-01T16:23:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Yesterday, I mentioned that this summer I started a small (teeny tiny actually) veggie garden.

Well, here it is, in all of its zucchinified glory. Who knew those zucchini's would get sooo big.

In there somewhere I also have some lettuce, green beans, tomatoes, and raspberries.

Here are the pictures to prove it.

Will these ever go red?

I've already picked a bunch of zucchinis.

And I guess I forgot to take pics of the beans and lettuce. (bad blogher)

I also have this little raspberry bush growing in the back. I bought it on clearance in July, so I'm only getting berries now, and I'm hoping they go red soon (before the snow comes).

There are alot of "green" berries on it.

And some cherry tomatoes in a pot. These have been going strong for months.

In my quest to rid my home of harmful chemicals from my home and our food, I have not added any pesticides or anything to my little veggie garden.

In the Spring I emptied my composter into the ground and mixed it in there really good. Lots of nutrients. And most importantly clean food.

You can see the corner of the composter in the top picture.

A few things I learned this summer while attempting to grow my veggies:

1. PLANTS NEED WATER EVERYDAY!

Duh! I know, it's pretty self explanatory, but I was not consistent in my watering. My mom told me to water morning and night. She knows what she is talking about, since in the summer they don't grocery shop for veggies or fruit, they eat from their garden. I should have listened.

2. PLANT AS SOON AS THE THREAT OF FROST HAS PASSED.

In my area that would be around May 24th weekend (or Victoria Day holiday). I think I planted mine the last weekend of June or first of week of July. No wonder everything is taking forever to mature. In my defense we had alot going on at the time.

3. PLANT ONLY WHAT WE WILL EAT.

I love grean beans and so does hubby. The kids don't. I should have used the area that the grean beans were planted in to plant something else that we would have ALL eaten... like carrotts or peppers.

Although I'm still waiting for some things to go red, I'm pleased with my little veggie garden this year. Next year, I think I will only plant one Zucchini plant in the back corner of the garden, so it doesn't take over.

Did you plant a veggie garden this year? How did you do?

Do you compost?

Any advice for a novice like me?

Bette

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Yes.... I'm still here.

2011-08-31T19:56:00.002-04:00

Helloooooo.... (echo... echo)

Is anyone out there??

(crickets)

Yeah, I know I'm a bad blogger. I decided to take ~~alot~~ some time off from blogging and several other activities in my life and I forgot to tell people. (blush)

So what have I been up to since May? hmmm... a couple of things.

On May 31st my father in law passed away after a 4 year battle with lung and brain cancer. The last few months leading up to his passing were very difficult for our family especially the last week or two. he passed on with my hubby and his mother by his bedside. I still have a hard time believing he is gone.
I started my first garden. I planted tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, and lettuce. We've eaten beans, the lettuce and zucchini, but I'm still waiting for the tomatoes to go red. My guess is I didn't water them enough, and oh yeah I didn't put them into the ground until end of June. The zucchinis however are taking over. So if you live near me don't be surprised to find zucchinis on your door step.
My mom decided to surprise my sister and I and came to visit us in Canada (she lives in Portugal). And... no she didn't call the night before she was to board the airplane to tell us. And... no she didn't call from the airport for one of us to pick her up from the airport. Nope, she didn't do any of that. My sister and I were invited for lunch at my aunties house and there was my mom. In Canada. For 3 weeks! Surprise!! Apparently my dad had surprised her with flight tickets for her 60th birthday and then she decided to surprise us. It was a huge surprise!
We celebrated Little A's 5th birthday with a pool party. He had his 10 closest buddies from his Junior Kindergarten class over for a swim and cake and a pinhata. Up until now all of his parties have been with family and friends, this was his first party with HIS own friends.
After a 7 year hiatus.... WE WENT CAMPING!! (And yes I know those are in capital letters.) Before Anthony was born we had been camping a few times at Killbear Provincial Park, but he was born I always had an excuse. But I dusted off the old tent and sleeping bags and off we went. And we had a great time. The first night there was quite the thunderstorm and lighting show, which kept me awake all night, but other than that, we had a great time.
This summer 5 friends and I left our families to fend for themselves for four days and went to Montreal for a 40th Birthday Celebration. All 5 of us will be 40 this year. (although mine is not until December) We had a great time riding Bixi bikes, eating, shopping and talking. It's amazing that we had sooo much to talk about. We had a fantastic time and I hope that it starts an annual tradition, 'cause I'm planning on celebrating my 30th... err... 40th again next year.
I've 99% removed refined sugar from my diet. Back in January I made a goal to eliminate refined sugars from my diet and a bunch of others goals that I forgot about when life got too busy and I stopped blogging. Although I was still watching what I was eating and drinking my shakes, there were times that my sugar urges were sooo strong that I literally inhaled any chocolate covered anything that was in my pantry. These 'sugar parties' gave me quite the high, which was then followed by the sugar lows and migraine headaches. My weight stalled for months. August 10th, I went cold turkey. Which resulted in a migraine that lasted for 3 days (the carb flu). Now... I feel great. I've lost weight again. I sleep better. My acne has cleared up and the headaches are gone. I am really trying to make this my new way of eating.
Do you remember last year when Haley got her hearing aids? And then lost them? And then I ordered new ones? And then she found the first ones? I can't remember if I told you about that. Well after many trips to hospital for tests, and re-tests, catscan, meetings with audiologists and hearing resource teachers and doctors, principals, and... I forget who else I should include... anyways... the doctor just told us... are you ready for this... SHE DOESN'T NEED THEM!!! huh?? What?? yeap she doesn't need them. She's been tested between 15-20 times by 4 different audiologists in the past year and a half, all showing a moderate to extreme hearing loss in both ears. And now after a final test, which is considered to be definitive... she doesn't need them. This was the best school year that she has had ever while wearing the aids with the FM system provided by the school. Honestly I don't get it. She's going back to see the doctor in a few weeks, cause as far as I'm concerned there are a few things that just don't add up. I'll keep you posted. On the brighter side I don't have to remind her everyday to wear the hearing aids or to make sure that she has cleaned them and put them away for the night.
My pool this summer has not been crystal clear blue. All summer long I have battled with THE POOL! I've become quite proficient at Googling different pool DYI and watching You Tube videos on what to do. I learned how to take apart the motor and reseal it and put it back. I learned how to remove and replace a faulty pressure gage. I took out the salt water generator cell and cleaned it and put it back. I did everything to make the water clear and nothing... nada. Frustrating, I tell ya!! And now that the summer is over... looks like we need to replace the filter, the salt water generator and the pool liner next spring. Chaching!! Can you hear the dollars draining from pool. uugghh.
And finally... the kids (and I) are ready to go back to school. Their bags are packed. Their back to school clothes are hung and waiting and my ginormous to-do list is waiting for me.

Sorry about the long post, but I'm trying to make up for 4 months of not blogging.

I'm not even sure if there is anyone still out there anymore.

If you are leave me a note and say "hi" and that you forgive me for being a bad blogger. :)

Happy Birthday to my Big Boy!!

2011-07-12T10:17:00.000-04:00

(I interrupt my blogging hiatus to brag about my baby.)

Hello,

I can hardly believe that it's been five years since we welcomed our little guy into our family.

He was born at 7:02 a.m (about 35 minutes after I got to the hospital).

I've refered to him as Little A on this blog, but his actual name is Anthony Robert.

He was named after both of his grandfathers. Anthony is for Antonio (my father) and

Robert is for... well Robert (my hubby's father).

He just finished Junior Kindergarten at our neighbourhood "English School" and will be starting Senior Kindergarten in September at our nearby French Immersion school along with his big sister Sydney.

This past year he learned to print his full name and is able to read and recognize some words in his books.

His favourite toys are still all the Superheros and he loves anything that goes fast... very fast.

He is now jumping off the diving board and swimming without floaties or help from anyone.

(he makes my heart skip a beat every time I see him jumping in the pool)

He's waited a long time to turn five and this morning he woke me with whispering in my ear,

"I'm five today, can I have some cake and icecream for breakfast."

ummm.... no.... maybe later.

Happy Birthday BIG BOY!!!

One more day for FREE Shaklee Membership

2011-05-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to give you a quick reminder that the

Free Shaklee Membership (savings of $19.95 for Canada)

with purchase of at least $30 member's ends tomorrow Friday, May 20th.

So why is it a big deal to get the FREE Membership?

A Shaklee membership gives you…

15% discount (off retail prices) on product purchases
Special promotions, offers and discounts
Unconditional money-back guarantee

Here are some of my favourite Products that I always recommend if you are just starting off.

Scour Off™ Heavy-Duty Paste

Great for the toughest cleaning challenges. Natural ingredients remove the toughest dried-on splatters and spills, burned-on grease, baked-on food, and sticky messes without hazardous chemicals or toxic fumes.

Scour Off is made from natural mineral abrasives and biodegradable cleaning agents; it does not contain chlorine, bleach, or dye.

Scour Off gently removes stains other cleansers can't and is great for cleaning tubs, ovens, sinks, and tiles.

It will even remove rust, and is great for cleaning these surfaces: copper, grout, cement, ceramic, and imitation marble.

Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate

This little 473 mL bottle creates an unbelievable 181 litres of super-safe, really powerful all-purpose cleaner.

For all-purpose cleaning:

Add 1.25 mL (1/4 tsp.) to 473 mL (16 oz.) of water.

For windows, glass, and mirrors:

Add 1 to 2 drops to 473 mL (16 oz.) of water.

For degreasing:

Add 7.5 mL (1.5 tsp.) to 473 mL (16 oz.) of water. For bigger jobs, add 60 mL (2 oz.) to 3.8 L (1 U.S. gallon) of water

Nature Bright® Laundry Booster and Stain Remover

A bleach alternative for stains on multiple surfaces. I add a little scoop to my wash. For tough stains (I add a little water and rub it in to the stain).

Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate
(phosphate-free formula for dishwasher use)

I'm still amazed how little I have to use to get a really good clean. I don't have to rinse my dishes anymore.

If you have been wanting to take try Shaklee Cleaning Get Clean products, this is a great time to get a Free Membership too.

You can order any of these products through my Online Shaklee Shop.

Remember before you check out, sign up as member (you will not be charged).

New Coupon (Facebook Canada): Wonder+ Simply Free

2011-05-19T08:58:00.000-04:00

Here's a new coupon I just came accross. I haven't seen this kind of offer before...

How it works:

For every person who “Likes” WONDER+ Facebook page, the value of the coupon for NEW WONDER+ SimplyFree Hotdog and Hamburger buns goes up.

By reserving your coupon today, you will receive the highest value the coupon will reach

1-2,000 “Likes”, you will receive a 50¢ coupon;
2,001 – 4,000 “Likes” you will receive a 75¢ coupon;
4,001 – 6,000 “Likes” you will receive a 1$ coupon;
6,001 – 8,000 “Likes” you will receive a 1.25$ coupon
8,001-10,000 “Likes” you will receive a Buy One, Get One Free coupon).

At the end of the Progressive coupon period (June 15, 2011), they will tabulate the number of “Likes” and send you a physical coupon through Canada Post.

Reserve your coupon now by “Like”ing Wonder+ Simply on Facebook page and signing up for your coupon.

New Coupons on Websaver.ca (Canada)

2011-05-17T13:30:00.000-04:00

There are a bunch of new coupons on Websaver.ca.

Save $5.00Maple Leaf® Prime™

On any Maple Leaf Prime Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Chicken Tenderloins or Scaloppini Folds

Go here to order yours.

Save .50 cents when you purchase any Betty Crocker Brownies

Go here to order yours

Save $1.00Schneiders

Off any Juicy Jumbos, Red Hots OR Grill 'ems products

Go here to order yours.

Remember Websaver only allows you to order a minimum of three coupons at a time, so split up your orders to be able to get these coupons.

Don't forget they still have the

new Free Chocolate Cheerios

or new Fibre One Brown Sugar Shredded Wheat.

These are valid one day only - June 21st, 2011.

Order your here.

How to find coupons online, (in Canada).

2011-05-17T09:05:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I had several friends ask me to help them "get more coupons so they can save like I do at the grocery stores." ha ha ! It made me chuckle, because I realized that I could actually teach my friends something.

So I thought I would share with you all the top places that I find my coupons. (and if someone else asks me the question, I can refer them to this post. :-)

There are several websites that I frequent for ordering Canadian coupons. (These get mailed to you)

Save.ca – these usually arrive within 2-3 days.

Lifemadedelicious.ca - you will need to create the save.ca accounts first in order to order these ones.
Go-coupons.ca– you can order these once a week

Websaver.ca - this one you have to order a minimum of 6 coupons
P&G Brandsaver - they usually release coupons every 3 months or so.
It takes time to accumulate the amount of coupons that I have and use on a weekly basis. You have to be consistent and save your coupons to purchase the item at it's rock bottom price.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I think I can! I think I can! I know I will!

2011-05-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

I'm back again from hibernation! Did you miss me? :-)

I have something exciting to share with you all. (well, exciting for me that is)
For the past 10 years I've wanted to have laser eye surgery. A couple of years ago, I had the appointment made to see if I was a candidate for the surgery and then at last minute I cancelled. Yeap, chickened out!

Last Christmas I ran into a friend at a party who had it done. I probably cornered him for about 1 hour asking him every question under the sun. Did it hurt? Did you feel anything? Were you awake? blah blah blah

For days, I couldn't get it out of my mind! I talked to hubby, and asked if he would be o.k. if I "looked" into it". He said "uh... yeah." (I think I half wished he said No so that I could blame it on him for the reason of why I couldn't have it done.) Fast forward to end of April, and still no appointment set and still complaining about spots on my eyeglasses and "I need more contacts, blah, blah, blah." I may or may not have whined alittle. That's when hubby says "are you going to make the appointment or not???" So right there and then I grabbed the phone and made THE appointment.

I've now had my assessment and I AM a candidate AND I have set my surgery date for May 27th.

It's not cheap, but I am soooo excited about getting it done and no longer wearing glasses or contacts.

These are 3D glasses from Disney, not my real eyeglases. ;-)

Have you had it done?

Earth Day Awesomeness!!

2011-04-22T15:29:00.000-04:00

Ok... I'm back to share some Earth Day awesomeness that I came accross today.
1. Special Edition Earth Day Healthy Home Kit (Available starting April 22)

For a limited time starting on Earth Day (April 22) Shaklee is offering limited edition

Shaklee Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack, which includes:

Basic H2® (16 oz)
Two Spray Bottles
Get Clean Super Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Get Clean Dish Wash Liquid Concentrate
Get Clean Fresh Laundry Concentrate (32 oz)
Shaklee Energy™ Chews

Combine this with Join Free with $30 Promotion.

You can order your Special Edition Earth Day Healthy Home Kit here.

2. Earth Day 8×10 Printable Freebie

I came accross this 8x10 Freebie from Nothing But Country . How cute is this??

They are also offering your own free Printable.

3. How about a Earth Day Dessert?

I'm pretty sure we have all the ingedients. Check out A pretty Life in the Suburbs for some ideas on how we can make a difference and make our world a little greener. (I'm already doing most of them. :-))

Well, I'm off to Startbucks for my Free Coffee. (They are giving free coffee/tea to anyone with a reusable mug). I'm also going to ask for some used coffee grounds for my composter, and veggie garden that I will show you soon.

What are you up to today?

Happy Earth Day! (Get a Free Shaklee Membership!)

2011-04-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

FREE SHAKLEE MEMBERSHIP with only a $30 MP order!!

SHAKLEE WANTS TO HELP 50,000 FAMILIES (and their homes)

GET HEALTHIER THIS SPRING!!

A Shaklee membership gives you…

15% discount (off retail prices) on product purchases
Special promotions, offers and discounts
Unconditional money-back guarantee
Access to MyShaklee.com, Shaklee’s center for health and wellness news and information from Shaklee’s Health Sciences Team, and product experts

There are NO MINIMUMS to maintain your membership!

So if you've been thinking about ordering Shaklee products, this is a great time to do so.

You can join here.

Happy Earth Day!!

Canada Free Product Alert - Asana Yogurt

2011-04-06T09:21:00.000-04:00

Asana is giving away a coupon for a FREE tub of yogurt.

You can get yours here.

Menu Plan for week of April 3 - 9

2011-04-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

I noticed it's been awhile since I posted about my weekly Menu Plan. I still do one up every week, I just wasn't blogging much over the past few months, so that's why you didn't get a peak of what we were eating.

My dad made an improptu visit over from Portugal this week and he is staying with my sister who lives 1 1/2 hours away. He will be staying with us for a few days at some point this week, but I am not sure when. I am guessing towards the end of week and so I have planned for his fave food for Friday.

Breakfasts

Choice of cereal, bagels, toast with PB&J or Yogurt Fruit Smoothie

Lunch

- Usually leftovers from night before. (I use a thermos for each of the kids to take to school)

Dinner

Sunday - Pineapple Pork Roast, carrotts, rice

Monday - Chicken Cutlets, vegetable, and rice

Tuesday - Pasta with Homemade beefy sauce

Wednesday - Sheppard's Pie ( I tried this one a few weeks ago and we loved it)

Thursday - Leftovers (unless my dad is over, then I will look through freezer for something)

Friday - Pork Ribs (My dad loves ribs)

Saturday - Pizza

I am thinking about doing my meal planning for two weeks... starting next week. Which means that I will probably be doing my big grocery shopping trip every two weeks too. Does anyone else meal plan and shop for two weeks?

I am linking up here.

New Coupon on Livingwell.ca: Motrin Liquid Gels

2011-03-31T08:40:00.000-04:00

LivingWell.ca is offering a printable coupong for $5 off of Motrin Liquid Gels (60ct or 72ct) or Tablets (50ct, 60ct, 100ct or 150ct).

Go here to print yours.

Extreme Couponing on TLC

2011-03-30T21:32:00.000-04:00

Extreme Couponing

TLC’s Extreme Couponing Show: Premieres April 6th!

Do you remember that show from Dec 29, 2010 about U.S. shoppers that managed to get a whole lot of groceries for only a few dollars, well... it's back!!!

The series premieres Wednesday, April 6 with two episodes at 9 & 9:30 PM ET/PT on TLC, and will move to the 9:30 PM time slot the following week.

When the show first aired earlier this year, it received alot of criticism from different people. I read in different places that it was not realistic, since in many stores in the U.S. there is a limit on how many coupons for the same item you can use and plus a few other "couponing rules" that were broken. It will be interesting to watch how each shopper uses their coupons to reduce their grocery shopping costs and if they address the different rules that each state, as well as each store.

Although, none of their rules apply to us here in Canada, especially in Ontario, I will be watching just because it motivates me to be even more diligent about my couponing and grocery shopping savings. And... it's fun to see other people save lots and lots of money and donate to local charities and food banks (which is something we should all do).

Will you be watching it?

New Coupons on Websaver.ca

2011-03-30T11:45:00.000-04:00

I just noticed that Websaver.ca has some new coupons.

Save $0.75 on Catelli Smart Pasta
Save $0.50 on Eggo Waffles Reg. Size
Save $1.00 on Astro BioBest Probiotic Yogurt
Save $0.75 on Rice Krispies Squares
Save $0.75 on Catelli Smart Pasta
Save $1.00 on Clorox Bleach

You can order yours here.

New Coupons on GoCoupons.ca

2011-03-29T10:50:00.001-04:00

I just realized that GoCoupons.ca has some new coupons (in addition to the older ones)

Do you have these yet?

CAVENDISH Save a dollar on Flavour crisp 454g. sweet potato strips 1 x $1.00
CAVENDISH Save a dollar on from the farm 750g. Rustic red diced potatoes. 1 x $1.00
ROYALE Save $1.50 on the purchase of 3 Grande Royale Ultra products. 1 x $1.50
ROYALE Save $1.00 on the purchase of Royale 3 ply Ultra bathroom tissue 1 x $1.00
YOPLAIT On the purchase of any Yoplait Yoptimal yogurt 650 g, 8x 100g, 12 x 100g or one of the brands and sizes shown on the back of the coupon. 1 x $1.00
ROYALE Save $1.00 on the purchase of Royale or Royale Ultra facial tissues. 1 x $1.00
ROYALE Save $1.00 on the purchase of any size pack of Royale bathroom tissue 1 x $1.00
ROYALE Save $0.70 on one pack of Royale Ultra Absorbent paper towels 1 x $0.70
ROYALE Save $1.00 on the purchase of Royale napkins, any size pack 1 x $1.00

Check out GoCoupons.ca to order yours.

Canada - Kids Bowl Free This Summer

2011-03-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

If you are anything like me, during the summer you are always looking for something to do with kids.

Kids can get up to two free bowling games at select alleys. This is perfect for rainy days.

Check it out to see if your local bowling alley is participating. (Some restrictions apply)

Let's Chat...

2011-03-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

So I bet your wondering where the heck I've been?

As you can see I took an extended leave from my blog.

A couple of reasons: My father in law was hospitalized at the beginning of February with a lung infection and became extremely weak (he is still in the hospital), and then I went away to Portugal with the three kids by myself for two weeks to visit my family. Oh yeah, and throw in my yearly winter blues and blah blah blah... and THAT'S why you haven't heard from me in for-e-vah!

During my hiatus I took sometime to think about my little blog.

I started this blog in a little over a year ago. Originally, my goal was to post about how to save money around the house, frugal recipes and general frugalness. Somewhere along the way the lines got blurry and I got more into the home and garden decor and less of the frugal stuff.

I read somewhere that you can actually make a living blogging. So I started to monetize the blog. And yeap, I've made a little bit of money, but nothing close to a full time or even part time or even part-part-part-part time job. (Yes you will still see ads on the blog, but I'm not worrying if the pennies add up at the end of month). And yes you will still see posts about Shaklee.(I am a distributor and I simply love this stuff!!!)

So while I was deciding the fate of my little ole blog, I've realized that I like both. I love to shop at garage sales and thrift stores and find great deals. I love to decorate my home with inexpensive decor items and things I make myself. I love to get free groceries and tell everybody about it. I like to cook and bake. And I love to brag about my kids! I really do!

So that's what I'm doing. All of the above. I hope you don't mind, but this is my blog after all!

Canada Freebies - Free Small Coffee at McDonald's - Feb 28th- March 6th, 2011

2011-02-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

It's back!

Get a FREE Coffee at McDonald's from Feb 28th until March 6th, 2011.
(No purchase necessary)

Enjoy!

A little love in the House!

2011-02-09T17:23:00.001-05:00

Hello!!

As promised... I'm back with my first ever Loving My home Linky party.

As usual my projects never go according to plan.

uuuuggghhh.

I actually blogged about this project a few weeks ago.

I was sooo frustrated with it, that I ended up just putting it aside for awhile.

But now it's done... and I'm sooooo happy with it.

Here's where I first started with this project.

And NO it looks nothing like what I first started out creating,

cause I saw something else that I liked even more on another blog.

(but now I don't remember where, so it's you, let me know, k.?)

So I painted the frame all-white.

(this is a before-before picture)

Then I picked out my scrapbook papers. (I have tons to choose from, cause... well... I'm a scrapbooker)

For a little contrast I used one Fuschia scrapbook paper with the word "LOVE." printed on it, and I used the heart punch by Martha Steward that I picked up at Michaels to punch it out.

(with a 40% coupon of course)

Then I marked out my paper, so that the hearts were all spaced out evenly and used 3D foam squares to raise them off the page. (you can get these anywhere scrapbook paper is sold.)

Here it is on a little table in my living room with a little dollar store birdie that I spray painted last year.

(I love that I missed the beak underneath. :-))

And here's the final project. I put it in my kitchen and it makes me smile everytime i walk by.

And now it's your turn.

How have you shown a little love in your house recently?

(please spread the love, and link back here so others can join in.)

I'm also joinning these parties:

Loving my Home - the linky party!!

2011-02-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

I've been lacking motivation lately. I have a project to-do list longer than the TransCanada Highway, and I can't seem to get my booty and get them done. So in an effort to show my home (and family) some love, I will be hosting a linky party every Wednesday.

I'm not picky about the project, it could be anything really. Anything that shows that you are Loving your Home. I would just ask that you link back here so others can join in.

So will you come back later on today?

I will be back with a little Valentine's project I've been working on for-e-va!!!!

Join me... K?

Glass Cabinet Clean-up

2011-02-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

Do you ever look at something everyday, and I say "one of these days I am going to deal with that!"

Yeah me too.

So finally I took a few minutes yesterday, and it litterally only took me about 15-20 minutes to do, and dealt with my disorderly glass cabinet mess.

When we re-did our kitchen a few years back, and in effort to open up the dining room to the kitchen, I lost space in my dining room for a china cabinet, so I made sure I had some glass cabinets, so I can display all of my glassware.

Here is the before...

Somewhere a long the line, it became really messy and disorderly with too much glass and I was running out of space to stuff any more glasses in there.

So I went into purge mode and took everything out and cleaned the glasses with dish soap and the shelves with Basic H2.

This martini glass was glued on to the glass, so I had to take the entire shelf out (with glass still attached) and soak it in sink with hot water and some dish soap.

It was easy enough to clean but awkard to remove from cabinet.

I was afraid it would dislodge itself and fall off.

Then I happened to go to the other side of the room and noticed the top of a corner cabinet

shelf full of more wine glasses. I forgot I had those.

hmmmppphh

So I figured, I might as well take those down too and clean them and add them to my glass cabinet.

Here's the after!

I packed up all the mismatched glasses, the chipped glasses and the extra wine glasses and only left my pretty ones and the ones that we will actually use.

Do you see that red dot on the bottom right? It says WILD THING. It was the only glass that had a tag, so I left it on, cause it's cute.
I still have way too much, so next time I'm in a purging mode, I'll probably get rid of more.

You can still see the shaker from the side view, but looking head on it's hidden by the door frame.

(I forgot to take a picture of it head-on.)

hmmm... I'll probably move it, cause now it's bugging me.

Here's a before and after....

BEFORE

After

So much better!

I'm linking up to

And cause I'm so happy that I finally finished a project around this house, I'm motivated to get more done.
I'm starting my own weekly party every Wednesday... starting tomorrow, Feb 9.

Here's the cute little button.

I could you can come back and link up your projects, and motivate me to get off my patootie.

Weight Loss Journey - Month 1

2011-02-01T19:27:00.000-05:00

Hi ya peeps!

I've been avoiding this post all day long, but I can't procrastinate any longer.

You can read here where I started on my weight loss journey.

It has been a tough month for me. I was sooo excited about this challenge that I had set for myself, and then on or about week 2 1/2 or 3 I lost steam. As per previous years, I just wanted to eat whatever-I-wanted-thank-you-very-much!!!

There were birthday celebrations, there were gatherings, and outings and eating healthy and staying on track became a challenge... once again. uuuuughhhhh

At my mid-month check-in that you can read here, I had already lost 9 pounds. As I predicted, those were the easy pounds, cause I can loose those over and over and over again.

I also started on the Shaklee Weight Loss Cinch program. It has really helped with making sure that I have breakfast every morning. I looooove the chocolate shakes (then again I'm a chocaloholic!).

I have added exercise to my daily routine and I am enjoying Jillian's Yoga (She's a tough cookie)

Earlier today, before I got on the scale, I took off everything that might add weight to the scale... my wedding rings, the elastic band holding my ponytail... ev-ery-thing.

Here are my measurements and weight on February 1, 2011.

Feb 1st - 169 lbs

Waist - 38 inches

Bust - 40.5 inches

Hips - 40.5 inches

So a re-cap of where I started and where I am today:

January 1st, 2011

Weight: 177 lbs.

Bust: 43 inches
Waist: 42 inches
Hips: 41 inches
BMI: 31.35 (yikes)

February 1st, 2011

Weight: 169 lbs ( lost 8 lbs.)
Bust: 40.5 inches (down 2.5 inches)
Waist: 38 inches (down 4 inches)
Hips: 40.5 inches (down .5 inches)
BMI: 29.9

So although, I'm up a pound from my mid month check in, since January 1, I've lost 4 inches around my waist, and about 2.5 inches on bust and .5 inches around hips.

I have a lost a total of 7 inches and 8 pounds.

On January, 19, I posted on my Frugal Mom x3 Facebook page, that I had lost 1 1/2 inches around my waist. Although I was hoping that the weight loss since then was greater, I'm ecstatic that I've lost an extra 2 1/2 inches around my waist since then and since I started the Cinch program.

I can't figure out why the number on the scale is not moving, but I'm happy I'm loosing the inches.

Maybe I need to step-up my exercise abit more.

Is anyone else out there on a weight loss challenge?

What's working for you?

Have you considered Cinch??

You can read more about it on my Shaklee site.

Giveaway Weekend: 4 passes to Bingeman's Funworx, Kitchener Ontario

2011-01-29T14:41:00.001-05:00

This past week my family had the pleasure of attending the first ever Bingeman's e-Night at Bingeman's Funworx in Kitchener, Ontario. It was an event for bloggers in the area and their families to meet and have some fun.

The kids had a blast, and it was a pleasure to meet some fellow bloggers.

Here are some pictures of the facility and of my kids enjoying the different areas.

Three Level Play Structure

ROPES COURSE

Games

Glow in the Dark Mini Golf

Rock Climbing

Bingeman's has kindly passed on a package of 4 FunworX Day Passes (for the 3-level play structure) to one of my readers that live the Kitchener, Ontario area.

Yay!!!

Giveaway rules:

All entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Feb 5, 2011. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on Feb 6, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) If you do not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Open to Canada only.

To enter:

1. Become a follower of Frugal Mom x3 with Google Friend Connect.

2. Comment Below, about who you would take.

For extra entries:

Like Frugal Mom x3 on Facebook (and let me know about it)

Good luck!!

I'm also linking up here.

Nothing beats FREE chocolate - (even on a D-I-E-T)

2011-01-28T15:30:00.003-05:00

After seeing this post on Mrs. January's Blog, I ran to my coupon binder to see if I had any coupons left... and I did. In fact I had 4 of them.

So off I went to RCSS today to get my F-R-E-E chocolate. ( The flyer sale is Buy one get one free of M&M's stand-up pouch.)

The conversation with the cashier went something like this after I handed her my 4 coupons from save.ca for receive a M&M’s pretzel stand up pouch FREE when you purchase any M&M’s (no longer available)

Cashier : "But you are already getting 4 for free"
Me: "Yes, I know, that's your flyer sale. And I have 4 coupons I would like to use too please."
Cashier: "But you can't get all 8 for free."
Me: "Yes I can, because I'm combining a sale with a coupon."
Cashier: "But-you-can't-get-all-8-for-free."
Me: " Can you double check with Customer Service Please?"

(Remained calm & polite the entire time, even though Little A was determined to make the conveyor belt GO FASTER)

Head Cashier : " She's not doing anything wrong. Actually she's doing everything right." (wink, wink)
Me: "Thank-you."
Cashier: "But she can't get all 8 for free."
Head Cashier: "It's not her fault, someone programmed the sale wrong into the system. Enjoy your chocolate."
Cashier: Shakes her head...
Me: "Thank-you."

So, each one had been priced for $3.79. The store flyer stated, buy one get one free. With my coupon I got the other one for FREE. Buy using my coupons and coming with the sale I saved $30.32 on these chocolates.
I like having these around for ~~bribery~~ ice cream/dessert toppings for the kids. I probably won't eat any of it.

Thank-you Mrs. January (you should check out her blog)
So do you have any around? I think they expire January 31, 2011

Shaklee to the rescue once Again!

2011-01-26T12:29:00.001-05:00

Hello all!

Let's start this blog post with a negative and then finish on a positive note... k?

So while having a little looksy around blogland yesterday I came accross this from one of my favourite bloggers.... none other than the Thrifty Decor Chick.

So I decided to look through my garage sale box from last summer and I found this beaut.

I got out my craft paints...

And when I went to mix the two of them in an old container... the one on the right... the brown one, squirt a little too hard, and a bunch of paint ended up on my fave yoga jacket!!!!

I love this jacket, it makes me ~~look~~ feel so svelte! ;-)

Here's a pic of it with the Permanent acrylic paint on it.

Sorry, it's not very clear, but normally I would have just thrown it in the wash (or garbage),

but I needed pics for evidence (and blog).

I got out some of Shaklee's Nature Bright...

and cause I was in a hurry sprinkled too much EVERY-WHERE!!

(That's one big mess!)

I added a bit of water and made a paste with it

and rubbed on my jacket.

Then I ran upstairs and got more clothes to add to the washer.

And started a load of laundry!

SURPRISE!!!!

Here is wha it looks like now.

Not one spot of permanent-acrylic-fast-drying- paint on my jacket!!

Yay!

While I waited to find out if I had permanently ruined my jacket, I tried to deal with my craft fail...

I got out one of my other fave Shaklee products..., Basic H2

I put a few drops of Basic H2 on the super-stuck-on sticker on the glass, and let it sit for a minute or so.

Then I grabbed a cloth and wiped it clean. No sticker. No residue. No effort (and frustration)!

NADA!!

Here's the frame afterwards.

So, are you wondering which is the craft fail? That brown that I painted on the frame, is really gross looking.

Kind of like a milk-chocolate brown. And milk-chocolate brown is great looking on a chocolate bar... but on a a picture frame, it looks like... you know what...

Eeeewww.

So I'm still working on the craft... I'm thinking my usual black frame will have to do.

But here's the yoga jacket before and after again... cause I'm sooo darned excited, the paint came off!!

Before

After

Awww... lovely once again!

By the way is anyone else going to the Bingeman's Blogger event tonight?

I am so excited that I was invited... with the family!!!

Be sure to say "hi"!

I may or may not be wearing THAT yoga jacket. ;-)

If you are interested in ordering either one of these products you can visit my online Shaklee Site.

If you have any questions about either of these products send me an e-mail
at frugalmomx3 (@) gmail (.) com

Don't forget right now until January 31, 2011!!!

With every new membership and purchase of $70 (like this Get Clean Healthy Home pack) of product you get the
Cinch Starter Pack for
FREE.

How I Clean my Ceramic Cooktop Stove

2011-01-20T12:16:00.001-05:00

Have you ever come accross a product that you absolutely L-O-V-E?

And you just wanted to tell everyone about it?

Well I have two of them, actually!

The first one is Shaklee Scour Off Paste.

I showed you here how I clean my oven.

Here is a before & after of the glass door...

Before & After of inside of oven...

I also use it to clean my ceramic cooktop.

You know.... when you are accross the room and the pot on the stove top is boiling over and baking on to the stove top, and all three of your kids will NOT move out of your way fast enough and then you end up with this...

and this...

It's gross! I KNOW!!! Well this happens too often in my household.

While I was making my chicken stock yesterday, it happenned again!

This is how I clean it...

I add some Scour Off to a scrubber and rub on to my ceramic cook top.

Then I leave it on for a few minutes and go do 100 sit-ups

or down ward dogs or something.

(laughing my head off at this point).

More like I went to answer the phone and get an impatient 4 1/2 yr old little boy another snack "cause I'm dying of hunger MOM"

Then I simply wipe it all up with this wet rag...

And it looks like this...

Now it's ready for another cooking session (and boil over).

My second favourite cleaning product is Shaklee Basic H2.

I use it for everything!

I've shown you here how I clean my kitchen stools.

BEFORE

AFTER

Like new once again!

I also use the "degreaser formula" to clean my stainless steel stove.

(For degreasing: Add 1 1/2 tsp. to 16 oz. of water. For bigger jobs, add 2 oz. to 1 gallon of water.)

This is what it looked like... the BEFORE

I know the grease spots are not really visible, but THEY ARE THERE!!

And the shiny AFTER...

The entire cleaning of my ceramic stovetop and the knobby area

(and front that I forgot to take pics of)

took about 15 minutes.

(including taking pictures of course)

Here's the PROOF!!

Of course I didn't spend all of that time cleaning... because... did I mention I have a very inpatient 4 1/2 year old?

I seriously don't know who he gets it from ;-)

If you are interested in ordering either one of these products you can visit my online Shaklee Site here.

If you have any questions about either of these products

send me an e-mail at

frugalmomx3 (@) gmail (.) com

Don't forget right now until January 31, 2011

With every new membership and purchase $70 (like this Get Clean Healthy Home pack) of product you get the Cinch Starter Pack for FREE.

Follow along on Facebook as I share my own weight loss using Cinch!

I'm linking up here.

Never bypass Clearance items at your grocery store!!

2011-01-19T15:06:00.001-05:00

Wow that is a long title! But I'm trying to get my point accross. :-)

I went off to nearby grocery store (No Frills) to pick up some items that are on sale and that I wanted to combine with a coupon to get my best price and from accross the 3 or 4 other shoppers buggies I saw a 50%PINK Sticker!
(What happens next, is a bit of a blur. I may or may not have pushed my away over, and trampled a 80 yr old in the process. Just joking about the trampling.)

This is what I picked up for $5.76

Cost Break down:

2 Minigo - $1.00 - minus 2 @ .50 cent coupon from here - $1.00

Dr. Oetker Mouse - Free from this promotion

4 French's mustard - $1.00 each - minues 2 coupons @ $1.50 when you buy 2 from here = $1.00

4 Danone Crush @ 4.89 each - minus 50% sticker - minus 4 coupons @ 1.50 each from Here =$3.76

The mustard will be going to the food bank, cause I already have enough.

And for .25 cents a piece I can share.

The yogurt will be for my kids school lunches. They've been begging me for these yogurts for a while (cause of a cool commercial on tv), but I was too ~~cheap~~ frugal to buy them. But for less than a dollar a piece... they will be the coolest kids in the cafeteria at school. lol

By the way, the reason they are on clearance, is because they expire on January 27th. I'm pretty sure they will be all gone by then... All four containers.

So, do you ever check the clearance items or marked down items at your store?

How to Make your own Chicken Broth

2011-01-19T14:26:00.003-05:00

One of the things that has become second nature to me is to automatically make chicken broth from the left overs of a deboned chicken. I've even trained hubby to do this anytime he has deboned a deli chicken.

It's really easy to do and sooo good for you.

Have you looked at the ingredients on a box of store bought Chicken broth?

I can't even pronounce those things much less know what they are.

Since most of my meals for this week are chicken broth based I made some broth from chicken carcass of a .99 cent whole chicken that I used for yesterday's Chicken Paprikash.

Here's how I make my own home made Chicken Broth.

Add Chicken remnants. This is a carcass (back bone, breast bone, etc.).
And fill with Water.

Add two onions, wash but don't bother peeling them.
I've done it both ways, and I find when I leave the skins on, it has a darker colour.

A couple (or as much as you want) of peeled garlic.
(I don't know why I peel them, I just do)

A couple of Bay leaves.

1 Tbsp of Salt. (I use coarse salt.)

A carrot or two. I snapped mine in half after I washed them.
I didn't bother peeling it.

You might also want want to throw in some fresh spices if you want. I usually save the spices for what ever meal I'm using the broth for.

Bring it two a boil and then let it simmer for 2-3 hours.

And this is what you end up.

(That fatty top of jar gets removed before I add it to whatever meal I'm using it for.)

And that's it.

Here's the recipe again:

Chicken carcass (bones and skin remnants)

2 -3 onions washed with skins on

2-3 garlic pieces

5 -6 peppercorns

2-3 bay leaves

1 tbsp coarse salt

1 carrot broken in half (washed but not peeled)

(other fresh spices if you had them)

Add everything to a large pot with water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to medium to low heat and let simmer for 2-3 hours.

Once it's done, removed all ingredients with a skimmer and add to your containers for the fridge or freezer. I usually scrape the fatty bits at the top of my containers before I add to a recipe.

So easy, and I can pronounce all the ingredients in there too.

And now I have a fridge & freezer full of chicken broth for this week's meals and maybe next week's too

So, do you think you will still buy chicken broth at the store or will you make your own?

By the way, have you liked me yet on Facebook?

Follow along on my Weight Loss Challenge.

The Menu Plan (Pantry Challenge edition)

2011-01-18T13:40:00.001-05:00

This week I just don't feel like cooking!

(Do you ever feel like that?)

Yes, all week! But my family needs to eat (I guess I do too), so I will cook.

It's going to be an easy week though, cause we have a few birthday celebrations (hubby and our nephew).

I'm still cooking from stockpile and trying to empty the freezer. I am getting there, I can almost see the bottom of freezer with two weeks to go.

Here's what we're eating:
( I know I'm a day late)

01 - 17 - pasta and home made beefy tomatoe sauce from freezer - (*read below)
01 - 18 - Chicken Paprikash, rice, green salad (will make chicken broth for the freezer and rest of week's meals with carcass)
01 - 19 - Italian Wedding soup, garlic bread
01 - 20 - Beef Enchiladas (and I'm making my own enchilada sauce from this recipe)
01 - 21 - leftovers for kids and I (hubby is out at a hockey game)
01 - 22 - Hubby's b'day celebration - he wants steaks and steaks he shall get. :-)
01 - 23 - Big breakfast and late lunch at sister's house for nephew's first b'day celebration.

* While cooking the pasta for the dinner on 01-17, I accidently dumped the entire box of pasta (remember the free ones) in the pot. Ugggh. I didn't have enough sauce for the entire box, so I decided to make pasta salad with the extra pasta which will be great for quick lunches for hubby and I.

I just added a bunch of leftovers from the fridge and it turned out great.

Here's what I dumped in there:

About 2 cups of cooked pasta
1/2 cup of halved grape tomatoes
1/2 cup of chopped brocolli
Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
a bunch slices of roast beef from Sunday dinner
salad dressing (1/4 red wine vinegar, 1/3 olive oil, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp dijon mustard. 1 tsp garlic powder) I used enough to coat the pasta, the res will be for green salad dressing
salt and pepper

I'm linking up here, here and here.

My Weight Loss Journey - mid month check in

2011-01-15T19:33:00.001-05:00

Hi, it's me again!

I've now been on my healthy eating plan for 15 days. I'm super duper excited to report that I've already lost weight.

Do you remember my initial weight?

Jan 1st, 2011 - 177 lbs

Well, 15 days in and this is where I'm at...

Jan 15, 2011 - 168 lbs!!!

Yes!! Success!! I'm weighing in at 168 lbs.

Now, before I go any further I DO KNOW that the first couple of weeks are the easiest to loose weight.

I know this, because I have lost those same exact 9 pounds a hundred times in the past 4 years!
But it is a great motivator to keep going (along with all your sweet comments!!)

WHAT I'VE DONE RIGHT IN THE LAST 15 DAYS!!

I'm focusing on drinking my 8 glasses of water a day.
I'm not snacking past 7:00 p.m. (which is about 3-4 hours before my bedtime)
I'm trying to eat breakfast regulary.
I'm watching my portions. I've replaced my dinner plate with my salad plate .
Limiting my sugar intake. Sweet cravings are taken cared of with fruit.
I'm drinking a full glass of water 15-20 minutes before every meal (usually while I'm making the meal).

MY CHALLENGES

If you read closely above I say "I'm trying to eat breakfast". This is still my biggest challenge
EXERCISE!!! This continues to haunt me. I'm truggling with this part.

GOING FORWARD

I'm adding a few items to help me with my weight loss goals.

At the suggestion of a friend (Hi Jen :-)) I've picked up this:

When I was nursing my son, and in constant upper back pain, I started doing yoga classes.
I loved it!
I loved the Yoga instructor that I had at the time, but I have no idea where she has moved to.
Yoga, helped relax my upper body and after an hour of doing it I felt I had gotten a good work out.
It's also aimed at strengthing the core, my biggest and weakest problem area.

And...

I'm going to start with Shaklee's Own Weight Loss Program.

(at first I was hesitant to recommend any programs or take supplements, But I've done my research, talked to enough people and I know that Cinch will help me with my weight loss challenges and goals)

Why I'm trying CINCH"

I believe in Shaklee! I stand behind the Shaklee Philosophy as a distributor myself.

One of my challenges has been to fit in breakfast. I'm usually too busy in the morning feeding the kids and getting them off to school on time, and then running errands and before you know the morning has gone by and it's lunch time.

The Cinch Shakes are a complete meal and a no-brainer to make.

Prepared as directed, it has 24 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.

This will be great to deal with my morning breakfast challenge.

I copied the following directly from the Shaklee website:

____________________________________________________________________

Say Hello to Cinch™

Cinch is Powered by Leucine™ and specially formulated to help you break the diet cycle, so you:

Keep muscle you have
Burn fat you don’t need
Lose inches you don’t want

The hard science behind a hard behind

In a recent clinical trial†, we tested our proprietary formula enhanced with leucine. (Leucine is a muscle-building amino acid found in protein rich foods.) This leucine-enhanced nutrition program was shown to help retain 100% of lean muscle mass. People in the program lost fat, weight, and inches while retaining their lean muscle.

† Findings based on lean mass estimates in a 12-week preliminary study.

A plan for the rest of us

As you get to know us, you’ll find we take your health very seriously, and ourselves, not so much. Cinch is designed to help you hang on to all-important muscle while you lose that all-jiggly fat. And it’s created by doctors who are, thankfully, also human. With Cinch, you eat food you look forward to. You can’t say that about cabbage soup.

So do your healthier self a favor and order a Cinch Starter Kit today. Then, take a good look at those extra inches of yours and get ready to give them a big smooch good-bye. Sayonara. Adios. Toodle-oo.

____________________________________________________________________

For anyone interested in trying Cinch, right now if you become a member with a minimum order of $70 you receive a CINCH SAMPLE PACK (retail value of $101.90). Great idea if you have been wanting to try Shaklee Cleaning Products!!

The Sampler Pack includes the following:

1 canister of Cinch® Shake Mix, Vanilla flavour (soy protein blend)
1 box of Cinch® Snack Bars, Peanut Butter Crunch flavour
1 box of Cinch® Energy Tea Mix, Pomegranate flavour
1 Cinch Program Guide
1 Cinch Pedometer (while supplies last)
3 months of free introductory membership to CinchWellness.com (charges apply in the fourth month and beyond)

So I'll check in again on Feb 1st to let you know about my next weigh in.

Wish me luck!!

How are you doing?

What challenges are facing with your weight loss goals? Any successes?

FREE PRODUCT ALERT: NeilMed NASAFLO Neti Pot

2011-01-14T09:03:00.000-05:00

Like them on Facebook to request your FREE NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot with two packets.

Limited Time Offer. One offer per household.

Easy Pita Snack

2011-01-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

The kids came home from school the other day just S-T-A-R-V-I-N-G!!!

I think all of three of them are going through a growth spurt cause they are always hungry.

I quickly remembered this recipe from Mr's January, and I remembered I had alot of pita's in the deep freezer to use up, so I got started.

I changed it up a little abit to use up some jarred Bruchetta that we got in a gourmet food basket from hubby's work.

I followed her recipe and just added bruschetta mix to half of the pita slices. I used Mozarella cheese cause that's what I had on hand. Remember that pantry challenge?

You could also use Pesto or anything else you have on hand.

So yummy!!

Are coupons worth it?

2011-01-13T13:33:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the TLC show "Extreme Couponing" that aired a few weeks ago? I have mixed feelings about the show as I think these extreme couponers were used for ratings. Of course the coupon rules in the U.S. are different than here in Canada (at least in my province), but their shopping trips were quite exagerated.

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, I am an avid coupon user. Although I am not "extreme" by an means, I do try to make the best use of my coupons by combining sales with coupons. I have a set price that I will pay for an item, unless I don't have it in stock and I'm desperate to have it... that day.

After I noticed this morning on a thread on this Forum that Walmart had a sale on an item that I had a few coupons for, I went out and braved the snow and cold weather.

This is what I came home with.

The pasta was on sale for $1.00 and I had 8 coupons @ $1.00. = FREE

Lean Cuisine was $1.97 and I had another Free Product coupon from this facebook promo = FREE

1 head of Romaine lettuce = $1.00

Bag of Spinach = $1.47

Bananas @ .67cents/lb $1.50 - $1.00 (from back of cereal box) = .50cents

2 Oasis juice @ 2.97 - 2@ .75cent coupon = $4.44

Total for shopping trip is $7.41

Total Coupon Savings = $ 12.47

(The Savings is not taking into account the fact that all these items were on sale to begin with)

I'm obviously not done my shopping for the week, but I would say I don't have to buy pasta for awhile.

So, what do you think?

Are coupons worth it?

Free Product Alert - Free Neutrogena Clinical from Livingwell.ca

2011-01-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

Livingwell.ca is having another fabby giveaway starting January 11th!

Supplies are limited to the first 20,000, so don't delay!!

Click Here!!

(It should will be posted on the site at 9:00 a.m. PST)

Shopper Drug Mar Refer-A-Friend Event - Jan 11, 12, 13

2011-01-11T11:01:00.000-05:00

January 11, 12, and 13, Shopper's Drug Mart is having a Refer-A-Friend Event.

These are details.

You register on the site and get 5,000 points.

Then you refer friends to the event, and every friend that registers and spends $20 out of pocket (before taxes), you will get an additional 5,000 Optimum points.

You can get up to 55,000 Optimum points which can translate intto about $85.00 when cashed in!

Cool huh?

Here are the rules from the site:

*Shoppers Optimum Bonus Points are issued according to the net pretax purchase total of eligible products after redemptions and discounts and before taxes using a valid Shoppers Optimum Card®. Excludes prescription purchases, Shoppers Optimum® Mastercard® points, products that contain codeine, non-pointable items, tobacco products (where applicable), lottery tickets, stamps, transit tickets and passes, event tickets, gift cards, prepaid card products and Shoppers Home Healthcare® locations. Offer applies to photofinishing services that are picked up and paid for on Tuesday, January 11, Wednesday, January 12, or Thursday, January 13, 2011. Not to be used in conjunction with any other Shoppers Optimum Points® promotions or offers. A maximum of 5,000 bonus points will be awarded to the registrant that shops and makes a one–time purchase of $20 or more on Tuesday, January 11, Wednesday, January 12 or Thursday, January 13, 2011. An additional 5,000 bonus points will be awarded to the registrant for each direct referral that registers and makes a purchase of $20 or more on Tuesday, January 11, Wednesday, January 12 or Thursday, January 13, 2011 to a maximum of 50,000 bonus points for ten (10) direct referrals. A maximum of 55,000 bonus points will be awarded per registrant. Registrant must shop and spend $20 or more to be eligible to receive referral bonus points. Both the registrant and referral must register online before shopping and spending $20 or more at Shoppers Drug Mart on Tuesday, January 11, Wednesday, January 12 or Thursday, January 13, 2011 in order to receive the bonus points. The additional points will be awarded to the registrant's account by January 28, 2011.

A little paint makes such a difference

2011-01-11T10:28:00.002-05:00

About two years or so, I mentioned to the family (during a lull in dinnertime conversation) that I wanted to remove the wall paper from the upstairs hallway.

I said it, but didn't really mean to do anything about it,

but I did SAY IT out loud.

Ever have one of those moments?

A few days later I came upstairs to find all three kids ripping wallpaper from the walls!!!

They thought they would get me started on the project.

They were helping me. I love those kids.

Did I mention that although I said it, I really didn't have any intention of doing it... any-time-soon!

So this is how our upstairs hallway looked for over two years until a couple of days ago.

That white spot is from a light fixture I had removed.
Two years ago.

Yeap , that's how we lived for over two years.

After a while it just becomes part of the decor.

Do you see where the wallpaper used to be?

Do you see the fur in the cold air return.

I know I've vaccummed the outside of these before.

When I took it off, I cleaned it all up with my fave

Shaklee Basic H2 before I painted it!

I love that stuff!!

What?? You don't see it? Here's a close-up!!

I think we have a pet living in there!

And of course, the little bit pieces of wallpaper behind the covers.

Everytime I went upstairs I'd hang my head in shame... and then I'd go back down stairs and forget about it. Yeap I did. Shocker!

Well, I finally got out that can of paint that I bought two years ago and got started.

(did I mention I've had the paint, and the brushes all along? I just couldn't find my painting clothes ;-))

I painted the trim with Benjamin Moore's Cloud White.

I painted the walls and trim in

Benjamin Moore's HC 90 - Crown Point Sand.

It's a pale mossy green and I love it!

I have a question... That closet up there doesn't have trim around it.

Would you add trim?

There's only room on two sides to add trim though.

(Yes we are planning on replacing the doors with six panel doors as soon as I find them really cheap or free!)

Here's the before and after.

I seriously don't know why it took me two years to do this!!

Awww... so fresh, so clean!

What have you painted lately!

I'm linking up to some of these parties.

Orange Cranberry Muffins

2011-01-10T08:45:00.004-05:00

A few months ago when McDonald's was giving away free small coffee, I took the kids to Playland to meet up with some friends quite a number of times. During these play groups I also discovered their Slim Sensations Orange Cranberry Muffins and became addicted. They were sooooo good! They are supposedly healthy, but nothing that good could possibly be healthy.

Since we're participating in the pantry challenge this month and I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle, I thought I would make my own. I adapted my recipe from this recipe.

Orange Cranberry Muffins

1/3 cup softened butter
1/2 cup orange juice
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries (I used craisins, cause it was what I had in pantry)

Preheat oven at 350.

Mix butter, egg, sugar and orange juice. Add in remaining dry ingrediens.
Bake for 15 minutes.

(Next time, I think I will grate some orange rind into the mix, to see if the orange flavour will be a little stronger.)

Let me know if you try them and what you think.

Enjoy!!

Menu Plan Monday - Week of January 10 - 16

2011-01-10T07:37:00.001-05:00

How was your weekend?

Mine consisted of a project that has been in the works for the past 2 years or so! It was nice to get it complete, I'll show you later what I was up to.

I'm linking up at Orgjunkie. Check out the other plans.

This week's meal plan consists of food stockpiled in my pantry and in my freezer.

10 - Italian Wedding Soup
11 - Tuna Casserole
13 - Simple Bean Tostada's
14 - Minestrone
15 - Pizza & Caesar's Salad
16 - Leftovers
17 - Roast Beef, Mash Potatoes & Veg

What are you eating this week?

"Like" me please

2011-01-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

I've created a Facebook page for Frugal Mom x3.

On that page II'll be updating on the latest greatest frugal ideas! Join in the fun and say hello!

So are you going to "like" me?

(It sounds silly asking you to "like" me ;-))

Pantry Challenge Week 1

2011-01-09T10:16:00.004-05:00

Well, I made it through week 1 of my Pantry Challenge.

I was trying really hard to only go to the grocery store once, but I ended up going twice (I had to grab milk). I managed to come in under my personal $60 a week (or less) challenge.

Week one's total came to $52.39, leaving me with $7.61 in Pantry Challenge budget.

I bought everything on my list for the week and added pasta and bread to my stockpile.

Missing from picture is another bag of milk, pepperoni (used in Pizza on Friday)

These two were FREE with Free Product Coupons. I used the sauce to make Pizza on Friday.

This bread was $1.39 each and I used $1.50/2 coupon, making them .64 cents each.
I price matched it to the Real Canadian Superstores.

Also, hidden somewhere in the first picture was a box of SMART pasta that was priced at $1.00 and I had .75 coupon making it .25 cents (I price matched it to No Frills).

I went to two different stores.

I bought the milk and eggs at Shoppers Drug mart cause it's the least expensive.

(plus I get Optimum points for shopping there)

I bought the remainder of the groceries at No Frills and I price matched several of the products to get the best advertised price. (I carry the flyers with me to show the cashier, that another store has lower price)

In total I used $4.25 worth of coupons, plus 2 Free product coupons, plus $1.00 store coupon and $2.13 of superbucks (from Loblaws gas station).

Not bad. My coupon amount is usually higher than that, but I didn't really see many deals that appealed to me. I probably will have to grab another bag of milk before the week is out (my kids loooove milk, and I am ok with that). I didn't have to buy any meats this week cause my freezer is full.

So how did you do?

I'm linking up here and here.

Keeping Track of What is in your Deep Freezer.

2011-01-08T23:56:00.000-05:00

Since we are eating from the pantry this month and spend $60 dollars (or less) every week on groceries, I knew I needed to be really organized. My pantries are already organized, but their were a few things buried in the deep freeze that I had no idea about.

So i took everything out and quickly took inventory of what I had in there.

I then, typed it up and printed and taped it on the top of my freezer with a pen.

Everything in there already has a date on it from the last 3-6 months, and since I'm hoping to empty it, I'm not going to keep track of the dates.

My plan is, as I take an item out of the freezer I will check it off.

Also, as I add anything to the freezer I will write it on or add at the bottom of the paper, since I've left space, and add a new diamond to the line. Each diamond shape represents enough for our family's meal.
(Does this make sense?)

Here's my current inventory.

How do you keep track what is hiding in your freezer?

Free Product Alert - Sample of Dr. Oetker Mouse

2011-01-06T14:41:00.000-05:00

Dr. Oetker is giving away a free sample of their delicious 50 Calorie Mousses.

Like them on Facebook to get yours!!

Free Product Alert: Try Thinsations for Free!

2011-01-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

Try THINSATIONS for free by pressing "Like" button on Facebook.

You will get two free samples and a coupon for B1G1 Free.

Here's the link.

Enjoy!!

Meal Planning - The Pantry Challenge

2011-01-03T16:49:00.001-05:00

Happy Day!

First off, thanks for all the nice comments on my weigh loss goals. So far so good, although I have been tempted to sneak a late snack (I have not given in). I'd love to hear from anyone else, who is made it priority to get a healthy body back. It's certainly a challenge for me.

Speaking of Challenges...

Basement Chest freezer. Do you see the ice?

Recently I tried to get something into our refrigerator freezer and it was full. So I dashed downstairs to our chest freezer and it was pretty full too and had a nice layer of snow/ice on the walls (see pic above). Looking at my pantries, cupboards, and extra storage in the basement, I have pretty good stockpile. After reading this post from at Life as Mom I've decided that January is a good month to have a Pantry Challenge.

Here's Fishmamma's Challenge Guidelines:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Make the Most of What You Have This Month

For some that might mean digging deep into the cupboards and using up those odds and ends.
For others that might mean building a frugal pantry, scouting for good sales, and starting to stockpile items that you regularly use.
Still others might want to give the pantry an overhaul and remove unhealthy items and replace those with more wholesome alternatives.

You get to decide what best fits your family and your life. Shop till you drop or work toward using what you’ve got. This isn’t a “no spend” month — unless you want it to be. It’s a “be mindful about what you have and what you need” month.

We’re working on our kitchen pantries to make the most of the resources at our disposal.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My own personal January Challenge is the same as hers except that for a family of 5, I'm only spending $60 a week (or less) on groceries (not including pet supplies, cleaning supplies or personal Hygiene items)

Keeping those rules in mind and my healthy eating plan, here is this weeks meal plan:

3 - Sheppard's Pie & Salad - (we're sharing it with this guy. It's the one meal I know he will eat.)
4 - Home made Beefy Pasta & Salad - (it's Seikido and hockey night, so they always want Pasta)
5 - Soup (Veggies from freezer with homemade chicken stock & spices)
6 - Chicken Parmigiana with rice & vegetable
7 - Homemade Pizza & salad- (did you see the pocketless pita's in the freezer? They are great for individual pizza's)
8 - Leftovers
9 - Roast chicken, potatoes, veg.

So are you up for the challenge? I will share with you later this week on how I got organized for my pantry challenge.

I'm linking up at OrgJunkie Meal Plan Monday and Life as Mom's Challenge

My scariest blog post evahhhh....

2011-01-01T14:40:00.001-05:00

ACK!! I can't believe I'm about to post this!!

Here it goes

If you read my post about 2011 Goals, then you will see that my goal this year is to get a healthy body back. Actually if we go back to January 1, 2010, you will see that I said the same thing. Yeap I did! It was probably on my mind for a couple days and then forgotten like every other year before that.

Now before you scroll down to get a look at the before picture, let me explain how I got here. (yes, these are my excuses)

I've been pregnant 3 times and I took every pregnancy as a free-for-all to eat what ever I wanted, whenever I wanted. My last two pregnancies were awful and I was put on bedrest for most of the pregnancies so I was miserable, so to compensate I A-T-E. If it was edible and chocolate covered, I ate it (except for veggies). And yes my last baby is now 4 and half. And yes, I've had plenty of time to loose the baby weight. Yeap, Excuse #1 is squashed to smitherenes!!
I've had too many bodily injuries to work out. Well... not really! About 6 years ago I tore my rotator cuff and some of the other muscles in my shoulder while removing carpet from my last house. For about 3-4 years I regulary have had times that I could not move my arm because of the pain. However in the past 2 years I've been pretty good. Yeap Excuse #2 is squashed to smitherenes!!
I don't have time. Well... actually I do. All three kids are now in school. So, I should really change that to I have not made time. Yeap you guessed Excuse #3 is squashed to smitherenes too!!
I don't eat healthy. Well, I do eat healthy. However, I skip breakfast alot, I eat alot of sugary foods, I eat really big portions and I haven't met a carbohydrate I don't like. I don't drink much water. Oh yeah and I'm a chocoholic.
My husband tells me he loves me whether I'm big or small, so why bother trying to look good. Yeap, I'm sure he does love me. But I don't love me! I don't feel good about how I look. And I just don't feel good period.

So here it goes.... here's me on January 1, 2011!

*

(source)

(hmmm... how did that happen??)

Ok... here it goes...

(177 pounds- Jan 1, 2011)

Yeap I am about 50 lbs overweight.
(60 or 70 overweight from high school days.)

My current Stats as of January 1, 2011...

I'm 5' 3" tall
Weight: 177 lbs.
Bust: 43 inches

Waist: 42 inches

Hips: 41 inches
Arms: 13 1/2 inches
BMI: 31.35 (yikes)

(before I continue, I'm not endorsing any weight loss plan or program or drug or anything of the sorts... just so you know.)

In the past I've tried and tried many weight loss plans. Yeap I've lost weight and then put it back on. Over and over again. Probably making my metabolism slugish.

And now THE PLAN.

I will eliminate refined sugars.
I will drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily.
I will eat 5-6 small meals every 2-3 hours.
I will work out a minimum of 30 minutes daily.
I will eat breakfast.
I will not eat at night after 7 p.m.
I will eat according to Canada's Food Guide.
I will eat either fruits and/or vegetables at every meal.
I will eat dessert occasionally. (Did I mention I am a chocoloholic??)
I will weight in every Saturday and let you know how I'm doing monthly.

Ok... drum roll please...

(Ignore the mess in background. Just keeping it real, peeps.)

I am an apple.

(meaning I carry all my extra weight on top half... waist and back)

Probably the worst kind of fruit shape to be,

cause I'm carrying all my extra weight around my major organs.

Suffocating them.

So that's it. Wish me luck. Any tips would be appreciated.

I will check in soon with my progress.

(Feel free to bug me!) (Be nice to me!)

Bette

2011 Goals

2011-01-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Last night I went to bed early and woke up just in time to watch New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys rocking out on Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest's Rockin Eve 2011.

I puffy heart love New Kids on the Block!!! They have the right stuff, baby!!

{ Sigh }

Ok... enough about NKOTB and unto 2011 goals.

Some people call them resolutions but I call them goals. I don't know why I just do.

I have several goals for 2011 (and these are tough for me)

Have a positive attitude.
Give my little blog some TLC. I want to give you a reason to come back day after day and maybe teach you a thing or two. Maybe...
Simplify. Clutter gives me the hives, but clutter seems to love me and stalk me.
Get a healthy body back. Once upon a time (before kids) I was a size 0... now... not sooo much. I will never be a size 0 again (i'm ok with that), but I'd like to be able to go for a walk without getting winded. (come back later to check out my plan complete with Before pictures. Ack!!) Yes I purposely put that last statement in the smallest possible font cause I'm sceeeeereed!)

So those are my goals for 2011 in no particular order.

What are your goals for 2011??

And most importantly, anyone want to come with me to the NKOB & BSB Canada concert in June???

The Last 12 Months!!!

2010-12-29T20:38:00.002-05:00

Hello!! Hello!!

I hope you all had a merry Christmas! We ate wonderful food, made great memories and visited great family and friends. It was perfect.

Kim and Rhoda are having a Top Projects of 2010 and I am joining in.

As I look back in 2010 I had alot going on.

January

I would say that in January, the most memorable part was meeting my nephew Daniel. I was there for his delivery and was honored to cut the umbilical cord.

I also had a few home projects going on.

I changed up some old lamps for only a few dollars.

And added some art to my walls.

February

In February we visited with the Big Mouse in Florida.

March

In March , I changed up this small table from Goodwill.

April

By April I had Soccer on my mind and with three kids I was thinking of ways to stay organized.

May

In May I was dreaming of fireplaces. And I'm still dreaming of them, since I haven't done anything yet. I'm hoping that in 2011 my fireplace dreams will come true!

June

By June by far the biggest project that we've undertaken started. We were told it would be 2-3 weeks and it last all summer long. gaahhh

But it was worth it.

And I got my craft on.

July

July was probably the busiest month for the whole year!

I made some pillows and cushions.

And we were almost finished wth the backyard Oasis.

On the family side, my daughter H who was diagnosed with hearing loss had ear tube surgery and we also celebrated little A.s 4th birthday and my parents visited from Europe.

At the beggining of the month we also adopted Max into our family. But unfortunately he didn't fit in and by the end of the summer we found a new home for him.

For some reason I never posted about it (probably because I was heart broken).

We visited him at his new home and he must much much happier there.

August

In August I showed you my Powder Room update.

And how I changed a coffee table into a Console table.

September & October

By September and October I was all about the Fall Decorating. I love Fall!

November

In November we celebrated two birthdays: S. turned 12 and H. turned 10.

And my 5 minutes of Fame was on the newstands. Of course I'm talking about the Today's Parent Interview.

December

December has been a crazy busy month for us with a whole lot of Snow!

We also celebrated my birthday and Christmas.

(And then I stopped posting cause I got sick, little A got sick and then I got sick again

and pinched a nerve in my neck. And it was painful!!)

I'm looking forward to a bunch of new projects, family trips and a whole lotta more memories for 2011.

I'd like to thank all my "followers" on Google Friend connect. I'm stunned and honored that I'm well over 100 followers. I thank you and I hope I've made you laugh along the way.

See you in 2011!!!

Bette

Free Product Alert: Free Johnson's Baby Product

2010-12-08T22:20:00.001-05:00

Like Johnson's Baby Canada on Facebook and you will be re-directed to Save.ca to get your coupon.

Hurry it won't last long!!

Strawberry Jam Squares

2010-12-08T12:50:00.005-05:00

With the yucky weather outside (we're on Day 3 of School Shutdown because of Snow storm) I make myself cozy indoors and start the baking.

This recipe came from one of my favourite aunties. I have great memories of going to her house and eating ~~plateful~~ square after square these. They are yummy!!

Strawberry Jam Squares

2 cups of white Flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 Crisco Shortening (or any brand you have)
2 eggs
Jam of your choice ( I love Strawberry)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl fork beat the eggs. Add the dry ingredients. Cut in the Shortening.

In a prepared 9x13 pan, press into the bottom of 2/3 of mixture, reserving the 1/3 for crumbly top.

Spread the strawberry jam over top (light layer)

Crumble rest of mixture on top and bake in oven for 20 minutes.

Let cool and cut into squares.

These freeze really well. Perfect for the Christmas season!

Enjoy!!

I'm linking up.

5 Dollar Dinners
Tasty Tuesday
Little Blue Prints : Cookie Exchange
Life as Mom: Ultimate Recipe Exchange
Fingerprints on the Fridge

First Snow Storm of the Season

2010-12-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Today, the compost bin under sink needed to be emptied, and H. volunteered.

Not sure if we will find banana and potatoe peels on the patio once the snow melts.

She was a trooper! In certain spots it was up to her waist.

I think it took her about 15 minutes to complete the task.

Thanks H.!

Free Product Alert: Caramilk

2010-12-06T16:26:00.001-05:00

Like Cadbury Caramilk on Facebook and get yourself some F-R-E-E chocolate!!

oh be still my sugaroholic heart!

Menu Planning Monday - Week of Dec 6

2010-12-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

The weather outside is frightful! Schools were cancelled today due to a snowstorm over the weekend.
So this week's meal plan is all about bowls and bowls of yummy comforting goodness and the slow cooker is coming out too.

This is what I have planned:

Monday: Chili (I will double this for the freezer
Tuesday: Homemade Pasta sauce over Tortellini
Wednesday: Sticky Chicken
Thursday: Beef Stew ( I will double this for the freezer)
Friday: Home made Pizza
Saturday : Hubby's work Children's Christmas party and left overs
Sunday: Roast

If you want any of them of the recipes just let me know.

What do you have planned?

I'm linking up to Org Junkies Meal Plan Monday

Tim Horton's Free Holiday Skating

2010-12-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

Two of the best about living in Canada : Tim Horton's and skating have come together.

(just joking... there is soooo much more I love about Canada)

Check out the Tim Horton's Free Holiday Skating Schedule Accross Canada.

It's in our schedule for frugal fun during the holidays.

Thanks for posting on Smart Canucks Milo.

Freebie Alert - 50 free photos at Walmart

2010-12-04T21:27:00.002-05:00

Get a new photo account with Walmart Photo Centre online and you will receive 50 free 4x6 pictures. Perfect for adding Christmas pictures to your cards. I just ordered mine for pick up tomorrow at the store.

This is for new accounts only (and it might be in Canada only, not 100% sure). Once you create your account you will notice that you have 50 free in your account. Upload your pictures and choose the closest store to pick up from. Super easy!!

Hurry up before the offer is gone!

P.S. - I think you might have to pay tax or something, I'll let you know when I pick them up tomorrow.

Our Pretty Christmas Tree

2010-12-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

Hello there!

I finally got my pretty tree up and... prettyfied (is that a word?)

This year we have two Christmas trees in the house. One for me to pretty up and one for the kids to pretty up.

Although my little tree is only 6.5 feet tall, I think she's sooo darned pretty. (Yes she's a girl)

I bought it for $54 at walmart and it went on sale two days later for $49. I hauled my booty back to the store and showed Customer Services my receipt and they refunded me the difference.

At first I went with all silver & glass theme. Thankfully I organized everything last January, so that part was easy

Then I added in some gold... for colour.

Some Dollarama Snowflakes add sparkle.

I bought this silver ball at Michaels a few Boxing Day sales ago.

Another Dollar Store silver and glass ornament.

This pretty glass and silver snowflake was attached to a Christmas gift from a previous employer.

I've had this gold angel for about 12 years now.

And a really sparkly reindeer...

I love the combo of silver, glass and gold. So purdy!

Here she is all lit up during the day, wearing her sparkly jewels and Dollar store cotton skirt.

And here she is at night. She is absolutely glowing.

Other than buying the tree, I didn't buy anything else. All the ornaments are from my collection.

I just big puffy heart love her!

What do you think?

What colour combo did you go with?

I'm linking up to Sarah's party and Hooked on Holiday Houses

Free Holiday Recipes E - book from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures

2010-12-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

Head on over to Lynn's Kitchen Adventures to get your Free 23 page e-book copy of

Quick and Easy Recipes.

Blogging Update

2010-12-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

So, have you been wondering what happened to me?

I'm still here.

I've had a number of other things that have needed my undivided attention, and I've chosen to focus on those things.

But I'm back now.

Get ready for a whole lot of Christmas posts over the next little while.

Come tonight to see our pretty Christmas tree!

Free Small Coffee at McDonald's (Nov 15th-28th)

2010-11-15T21:22:00.001-05:00

source

I consider myself a coffee snob (and by snob I mean I only go to Tim Horton's for my coffee in a paper cup. lol), but after trying the McDonald's coffee today, I have to say it's really really good!

Starting today and until November 28th, McDonalds is giving away free coffee!

So run to McDonalds and get your free small coffee (no purchase necessary).

Today's Parent Interview

2010-11-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

Back in the Spring I was interviewed for Today's Parent magazine.

The article is now out in the magazine as well on their website.

Check it out if you have second!

I'm famous!! lol

My little girl is 10

2010-11-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

Today H., officially hits her double digits birthday.

"10"

You are a fighter.

You were fighting, even before you were born.

No matter, what illness or struggle you have been handed

you have managed to come out stronger.

Only when you are in serious pain do you ever complain!

(trying to be cross-eyed)

You are witty and hilarious.

Much to my chagrin at times, you see the laughter in every situation.

I remember walking in to your hospital room for one of your early stays,

and you were excited that the nurse "had made your arm bigger

with a big bandage and needle in your hand".

You are creative and intelligent.

For nine years you managed to disguise that you were hearing impared.

(I'm still amazed by this fact)

You are my little helper.

When the cook books come out, you are right beside me.

(especially the cookie ones :-))

(Now if only you could keep your room clean)

You are my smiling face.

Through all of your health struggles, hospital stays and surgeries,

you always have a smile on your face.

You are my little fashionista.

Since the age of 4 you have had your own fashion sense

when you declared that you would no longer wear blue, green,

grey or black because they were boys colours.

(...you are going to be an expensive teenager)

( ...and yes, 10 year old girls can still wear pink & purple)

You are my beautiful 10 year old little girl.

Love you forever H.!!

My Big Girl Is 12!!

2010-11-04T12:23:00.001-04:00

I can't believe how time has flown.

Seems like only yesterday I was waddling around wearing Birkenstocks slip-ons cause my feet were too swolen for anythin else.

S., you make it sooo easy to be your mom!

Your kind, generous, thoughtful, funny, and smart.

I love the way you get excited about the smallest things.

I love that you are innocent and all grown up all in one.

I love that you care about your family, and your pets.

I love that although you are my Big Girl you will always be my baby girl!.

Love you to the moon and back!

MOM

Free Product Alert

2010-11-03T14:11:00.001-04:00

When you "Like" Healthy Choice Canada on Facebook you'll get a FREE Healthy Choice® Gourmet Steamer™. Coupon will be available on Facebook until November 7th.

After to "like" them it will re-direct you to Save.ca.

Enjoy!

Shakleeize your Home this Holiday Season

2010-11-02T16:39:00.001-04:00

Hello!! How are you doing? It's a lovely crisp fall day around these parts.

Today I wanted to share with you one of the very best choices I ever made for my home and my family.

Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack

The Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack contains all the products you need to start making your home cleaner for your family and the planet. With cleaning choices that are SAFE, POWERFUL, GREEN, and SMART, Get Clean is the safe alternative to traditional household cleaning products.

The following testimonial came from Kathy who purchased the Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack because she wanted to Shakleeize her home because her children had different illnesses and skin sensitivities.

She has one married son that has now moved out, one twenty something son still living at home and a one teenage daughter.

This is what Kathy had to say about the Scour Off.

"I have been meaning to email you about the Shaklee. I am very happy with it, especially that scrub stuff. You should have seen how bad Tyler's tub was. First I think there was still release on it from when Josh was there and nobody cleaned it properly and then they did the tile and it was a mess. I was dreading cleaning it. I got my great niece to clean it. Looked like crap. I got Sonia to clean it. It looked like crap and then I got Manuel to scrape the concrete and I took that scrub and it worked so easy and so good. Made the tub look like new. Then I always hate cleaning the top of the cook top. Wow that stuff just makes it so easy. "

Unfortunately she didn't send me any pictures of the Shaklee products hard at work. :(
However, I showed you here how it cleaned my nasty oven. You can see the before and after pictures.

Don't forget that if you are a Canadian reader for the month of November if you purchased the Get Clean Pack or combination of products you will get your membership for FREE. That's a savings of $19.95!!

The Get Clean Healthy Home Pack contains:

Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, 473 mL (1).
Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Wipes, 35 wipes (1).
Scour Off™ Heavy-Duty Paste, 255 g (1).
Dish Wash Concentrate, 473 mL (1).
Fresh Laundry Concentrate HE Compatible, 946 mL (1).
Soft Fabric Concentrate, 946 mL (1).
Soft Fabric Fragrance-Free Dryer Sheets, 80 sheets (1).
Spray Bottles (2).
Super Microfibre Glass Cleaning Cloth (1).
Laundry Measuring Cup (1).
Dropper Pipette for measuring Basic H2® (1).

It contains everything you will need to start Shakleeizing your home right away!!

For more information visit my Online Shaklee Site or
e-mail me at frugalmomx3(@)gmail(.)com.

Menu Plan Monday: Week of November 1

2010-11-01T11:07:00.000-04:00

{ Reminder to Canadian Readers: Join Shaklee for FREE in November! }

Happy November!

I am going to try really really hard this month to empty out my deep freezer and fridge freezer this month!

Why you ask?

Well, I like to start the New Year off fresh!

(plus I need to save money for Christmas :) by lowering my grocery bill)

So this is what I have planned this week.

I'm linking up here

Monday: Chicken Parmigiana

-----> (I will need to make my own Breadcrumbs)

Tuesday: Pasta & Home made Beefy Sauce (recipe below)

Wednesday: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

------> (will use the Home made sauce to subsitute for the steps 1-3 and adding broth last too)

Thursday: S.'s 12 th Birthday dinner - Sheppard's Pie (her request)!

Friday: Still working on Free Pizza from freezer

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: Roast beef

My Homemade Beefy Pasta Sauce

Splash of Olive oil
1-2 garlic cloves minced
1 onion diced
1- 2 pounds of ground beef
1-2 carrots grated
1 red pepper sliced
2 - 3 cans of ground/crushed tomatoes
1-2 leaves of fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil.
1-2 bay leaves
Salt & pepper to taste
(I sometimes sprinkle hot pepper flakes for extra oooomph)

Directions:

heat olive oil, add onion and garlic until browned.
add the ground beef and brown
add the carrots and red pepper slices and cook for a couple of minutes pour in crushed tomatoes add spices and boil over low heat for about 30 minutes or so .

I usually fill up 2 to 3 of my 2 cup containers for the freezer and leave about 1 cups worth in the pot. And then I make pasta in a separate pot and when cooked and drained, I dump it right into the pot of sauce and mix it around. It soaks up all the sauce. And then sprinkle parmesan cheese right into the pot and mix it.

Let me know what you are making this week.

If you are Canadian you can Join Shaklee for Free!!!

2010-11-01T09:50:00.001-04:00

This promotion is only available to my Canadian readers!!!

I want you to have healthy home for the holidays!

If you have been thinking about trying out

Shaklee products but have been

put off by membership fee, this is the perfect time to

JOIN FOR FREE!!!

With a minimum $70 (Member Price) product order,
your $19.95 membership fee will be waived,

and you will enjoy healthy discounts all year long on the

world’s best natural, whole-health products.

That means membership is free with the purchase of

Vivix®, Shaklee Vitalizer™, a Get Clean Starter Kit...

or any combination of Shaklee products totaling $70 MN.

The benefits of Joining as Member...

"Become a Shaklee Member and get preferred Member pricing on all products, all the time! Plus, as a Shaklee Member, you can receive special promotions, offers, and discounts for even more savings.

Don’t forget that you also have an unconditional money-back guarantee, and you'll have exclusive access to our Shaklee Member Centre, where you can learn all about our products, find extensive health and wellness information, and so much more!!!"

And, if you join Shaklee by purchasing a $299 GOLD Ambassador Mission Pack, we’ll give

you 6 free months of a Shaklee Personal Web Site instead of the usual 3 free months –

which is anadditional $60 (approx.) value!

Perfect for starting your OWN Shaklee business!!

For a limited time only, through November 30, 2010.*

Let me know if you have any further questions by email frugalmomx3(@)gmail(.)com.

Ready to JOIN??

Or visit my online Shaklee Site

* Between November 1 and November 30, 2010 purchase any Shaklee products with a minimum combined value of $70 (MN) and we’ll waive the $19.95 Shaklee membership fee!