Crochet Grandma's Wash Rag

My mother wanted some Dollie Crochet Cotton Wash Rags instead of the ones I have been making let me tell you I have LOTS LOTS of RESPECT for anyone who can or has used this thread it's a ROYAL PAIN...:O) But I have to say I do OK for the first time using it.

Cutting the Budget More

How to cut the budget even more you ask? I don't know.....

Created a Crock-pot Soup & Sandwiches night weekly this will cut down on what to make as long as we can all agree on the soup. I am not as picky as my other family members..I Love soup the only rules I have for soup are No Beef & No Pork anything else goes them they want (LOTS of Meat/Broth/Noodle maybe Rice)I want lots of veggies & no meat I prefer to use Lentils. So I am currently making Chicken Noodle Soup using the following ingredients. WE will also be having Cheese Crisps in place of the Grilled Cheese so I don't have to stay in the Kitchen and cook 5 sandwiches. What I really hate about dinner time is trying being the only one planning/shopping/prepping/ cooking/cleaning up.

Chicken Noodle (5.50 )

Next time I can cut this down if it goes over well buy cooking cheap pieces of meat and de-boning/ skinning myself)

• 2 32 oz boxes of Chicken Broth ( one on hand & one bought $1.00)
• 3 containers of Chicken Pieces purchased ( Already Diced up for $3.50)
  
• 1 bag of egg noodle (had to purchase since I didn't have them $1.00)
• 1/2 cup of minced carrots
  
• 1/2 cup of minced celery
• TBSP of Dried onion
  
• Salt /Pepper/Garlic powder/onion powder

Everyone Liked this :O) it was very bland so next time I will spice it up

Arizona Blooming Cactus

This picture was taken by fiance' of my neighbors
cactus blooming pretty flowers. Just wanted to share w/ you.

Yard Doggie

A few weeks ago this sad lonely very hungry yard dog arrived at a RR Yard where I work.
He was very skinny w/ his poor little ribs showing over the last 2 weeks everyone has been feeding him and he is getting closer to letting the men pet him but he is very afraid of them.
They have been feeding him daily for weeks and he is looking a lot better
Well today I was able to have him walk right up to me lick my hand and allow me to pet him very slowly just a little then he ran off.
After a little while I was able to get him to take a doggie treat from me and then he allowed me to pet him freely...

B&tch List 2 Vent

As of late I have been going nuts w/ things that irritate me or really piss me off. Be it at the local store/work or just at home so I decided to create a B&tch list to Vent...

Stores:

• Employee's who don't know what common things are these are people over the age of 30+
• People speaking there native language and ignoring talking to the customer they are ringing up.
• When your shopping and looking at something and someone steps in front/around you and starts looking at things as well in your face like your not even there.

Drivers:

• Talking on cellphones
  
• Getting Ready for work
  
• Making Right Turns from the Left Lanes
• Pulling right in front of you doing a lane change and stopping to go to the store on the right side of the road.
• People who wait until the last second to merge
  

Work:

• People who create drama just to create it
• People who can't assist w/ daily job duties everyone is to do
• 2 faced people

I have more to add but just wanted to get started

Dinner From a Box

I was to try something new I am not big on dinner in a box however I wanted to try this cheesy Rice dish it was something I could use ground chicken in and didn't have to spend hours cooking well this fixed that issue. I served it w/ a side of refried chili beans.

March Spending

Menu for the month of March

I have the menu almost done just need to figure out what to make w/ 6 packages of chicken breasts..:O)

Mar 1 Mon-Panko Chicken Strips & Little Smokies & Beans
Mar 2 Tue- Chicken Taco's Mexican Rice & Chili Sauce Beans
Mar 3 Wed-Leftovers
Mar 4 Thu- Quick French Bread Pizza
Mar 5 Fri-Panko Chicken Strips w/ Garlic Roasted Broccoli and Mac & Cheese
Mar 6 Sat- Dinner from a Box ( See above)
Mar 7 Sun- Leftovers
Mar 8 Mon- Fix it yourself
Mar 9 Tue- Roasted Broccoli w/ garlic and Stir Fried Orange Chik
Mar 10 Wed- Meatloaf w/ Tater Tots/Bread sticks
Mar 11 Thur- Leftovers
Mar 12 Fri-T-burgers
Mar 13 Sat-Chicken Enchiladas Mexican Rice and Chili Sauce Beans
Mar 14 Sun-Leftovers
Mar 15 Mon-Quick Pizza
Mar 16 Tue-Panko Chicken Pieces w/ Stuffing
Mar 17 Wed-Quick Pizza
Mar 18 Thur-Cheesy Broccoli Chicken
Mar 19 Fri-Tacos w/ Refried Beans & Mexican Rice
Mar 20 Sat-Fix it yourself
Mar 21 Sun- Meatball subs w/ Mac & Cheese
Mar 22 Mon-T- Burgers Baked Potatoes & Leftovers
Mar 23 Tue- Fix it yourself ( Sick)
Mar 24 Wed-BBQ Chicken Sandwiches w/ Baked Potato & Broccoli
Mar 25 Thu-Chicken Enchiladas/Cheesy Broccoli Rice/Beans
Mar 26 Fri-Leftovers
Mar 27 Sat-Fix it yourself ( family was sick)
Mar 28 Sun- I have No Idea
Mar 29 Mon-Grilled Cheese & Chicken Soup
Mar 30 Tue- Clean the Refrig Night
Mar 31 Wed-MeatLoaf & Baked Potatoes

Crochet Soap Saver

I have a current issue in my house little bits and pieces of soap so I goggled a pattern for a soap saver crocheted w/ very little yarn. Quick Soap Holder Pattern .
while I was searching for the pattern I came across this link for a You Tube Tutorial which showed how to actually. Which was great since I had yesterday downloaded this same pattern & tried to create it Laugh out Loud what a mess I was making.Boy was that funny I must not read patterns correctly so Tutorials are great for me :O)

So now I am addicted to make this I have made 2 since yesterday and getting ready to make a few more as gifts.

Quick Dinner

I have been getting tired of leftovers and meals I had searched for a few ideas about Mexican casseroles so I took the recipe ideas and created this tasty quick Mexican Casserole w/ the following ingredients I had on hand and quickly layered in in a 9 X 13 disposable pan and cooked for 45 mins on 350*F

• Leftover precooked ground chicken I reheated this w/ salsa for flavor
• Opened 2 cans of beans ( Spicy Refried beans and Mexican Chili Sauce Beans)
• Green Onions
• 4 small tortillas

Crocheting

I attempted to teach myself a few years ago how to make crocheted T-Towels for my mother as my grandma use to make them for her all the time. However I just couldn't figure it out.So I decided to take a class just to make that one item the lady only charged me $5.00 to teach me which was priceless. I have since made dozens. However I wanted to expand to make other things.

I have been making crocheted T-Towels and Simple Dishcloth's now I want to learn more yes it is addictive :O) hobby and for $2.28 I can get a ball of yarn that can make several small items.

I recently have been checking out Tutorial to better understand different stitches I have found that a visual for me is so much better plus Tutorial can be replayed. I also recently during this time found step by step instruction on how to make different items I have been attempting to figure out the patterns & stitches too. I can't want to get started on more items soo :O) Wish me luck.

Wonderhowto.com
You Tube Site
How Cast

Refund Tracker

I have decided the tracking my deals etc on my shopping will be nice to know I have found tracking my food budget has helped me see where I spend too much at or how I do it.

Grocery Outlet- First time shopping here $ 40.47 they saved me ($38.00)

• 6 sets for $ 3.99 of Kitchen Towels for Crocheting as gifts regular price $5.00
• 3 Jack Daniel BBQ Sauce large bottle never tried the brand before $1.99
• Back Yard BBQ Sauce .99 cents
• Can of Turkey Chili for .99 cents
• 2 High QT greeting cards $1.99 each but worth it for style
• Oyster Crackers .79
• PB Crackers for Daughters Lunches $1.49

99 Cent Store love this place and use it a lot. Spent $50.82

• 8 balls of yard
• 3 jars of Heinz Sausage gravy
• 2 bottle of soda was very thirsty after shopping
• 5 (32oz) cans of Salsa
• 2 bottles of Stain Remover ( cheap but works GREAT)
• 2 boxes of Crunch and Munch
• Ban-aids Never can find one when you needed it in this house :O)
• Texas Toast
• Baby items for a Baby Shower
• Deodorant
• 3 cans of Chili Beans
• 4 cans of cream of chicken soup
• 4 cans ( 32 oz) black beans w/ onions great deal
• Measuring spoons
  

Walgreens $ 19.11

• Pipe Tobacco ( YUCK) $11.99
• 2 bottle for Body Spray $4.99 for one/ Get 1 free :O)
• Deodorant
  

Walmart $95.00

• Baby Brush $1.50 (for Daughter)
• Pins for St. Patricks Day $3.00 each x 3 (for Daughter)
• Braclets for St. Patricks Day $3.00 each (for Daughter)
• Book $5.97 (for Daughter)
• Socks $5.00 (for Daughter)
• Bras $10.00 for a 3 pack bought 2 (for Daughter)
• Picture Frame $12.00 (for Daughter)
• Laundry Soap $2.48
• Mason Line $2.94
• Socks $7.00
• Tank Top for PJ $5.00
• Shorts for PJ $6.00
• Fem Products $ 2.76 & $2.94

Fry's $ 9.53

• 2 value packs for chicken $ 3.91 got 1 free scanner was not working right and they fave us one for free for not scanning
• Dipping Sauce 2.79
• Cookies $1.79
• Donuts $1.79
  
• Found a $1.00 off Coupon purchase in the store :O)
  

Farmers Market $2.00 for broccoli

Walmart $16.37

• 4 cans of pork & beans for $ .48 each
• 1 can chili beans $ .78 each
• 2 cans of Tomatoes w/ green chilies $.78 each
  
• 1 bottle of Sweet Baby Ray $3.32 each
• 4 jars of Ragu Cheddar Cheese Sauce $1.57 each
• 2 bottles of Parkey Butter Spray $1.18 each
  

Fry's 56.60

• 7 value packs of chicken breast Clearance total $28.48 reg price $ 6.99 each
  
• 3 containers of Kern Juice Clearance priced at $1.29 each reg price $3.49 each
• 2 (32 oz) containers of Vanilla Yogurt
• 6 boxes of Pie Crust ( Flat for Cookies) $1.37 each reg price $ 2.12 each or more
• 2 Athens Fillo Dough Appetizer Shells $.89 each reg price $ 3.45 each or more
• 1 box of baking soda $ .79
• 1 Bag of Rolls Clearance Price 1.29 reg price $2.49
• 1 gallon milk on sale for $1.88
  

Goodwill Thrift Store $9.38

• 7 Used Books for Daughter
  

Savers Thrift Store $ 4.83

• 4 Used Books got 1 free total 5 books

Goodwill Thrift Store $11.94

• 6 used books & magazines
  

99 Cent Store $32.66

• 3 packages of Diaper wipes
• 1 word search book
• 2 packages of college rule paper
• Honey Mustard Dressing
• 1 package of Tea Cookies
• 2 Soap pump bottles
• 2 pack of soap
• 1 bottle of conditioner
• 2 applesauce
• 2 pudding
• 2 bags of chips
• 2 T-Shirts
• 2 sets of plastic silverware
• Shower Gell

Valentines Day Dinner $25.73

Walmart $ 2.22

• Lighter Fluid
• Flints

Walmart $ 8.43

• Hand Mixer
• Candy

Panda Express $6.30

99 Cent Store $31.00

• 31 ball of yarn for crafts at $1.00 each
  

Walmart $27.65

• 4 balls of yarn for crafts $1.47 each (Gift)
• 3 storage square containers for ( Flour/Sugar/Etc)
• 3 other random items
  

Next Weekend Trip

Walmart $5.00

• 2 cup tumblers
• 2 chicken strips
  

Fry's $ 18.31

• 2 cans of manwich sauce
• 1 oatmeal cakes
• 4 boxes of Mac & Cheese
• Ground Turkey 3 lbs
  
• 4 string cheese

Fry's $ 7.74

• 2 cans of tomato sauce
• Shoe inserts
• Sliced Cheese
• Gallon Milk
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Donuts

Fry's 23.20

• 3 cans of Spaghetti Sauce
• 4 lbs of ground turkey Italian meat
• 1 packages of cube steak
• 4 packages of little Smokie sausages
• Cinnamon Roll
• Lasagna Noodles

Food City 14.26

• 20 lbs of Rice
• 2 can of nacho cheese sauce
• Dozen tortillas

Fresh & Easy $ 8.47

• 2 enchiladas sauces
• Jar of pepperoncini
• dozen tortillas small
• Canned Beans
• 2 angel food cakes

99 Cent Stores $ 17.62

• Flour Tortillas
• 2 pairs of flip flops
• 2 bags of green onions
• 8 boxes of snack oatmeal bars
• 3 hair ties

99 Cent Store $15.13

• 2 package of diaper wipes
• 4 packages of muffin cup liners
• 2 storage bags
• 2 granola bars
• 1 alfalfa sprouts
• 3 loaves of bread
• 1 4 pack of soda

Dollar Tree $ 6.50

• 3 packages of razors
• Go Gone
• 2 Cookie Cooling Racks
• 2 Lasagna Pans

Walgreens $3.27

• Sock Monkey for the Kitty

Safeway $22.68 ( $20 was cash back)

• Reeses Candy Bar for Fiance $.44
  
• Gallon of Milk $2.19

Family Dollar Store $ 12.89

• 2 56oz containers of Dawn Dish Soap for $3.00 each
• 2 Glad Ziploc Bags $2.00 each
• Cheesy Salsa In a jar $2.00

Fry's $20.21

• 2 loaves of white bread .79 each sale
  
• 1 gallon milk $ 2.08
  
• Hamburger Buns .88 each
• Glazed Donuts $1.99 clearance
  
• 2 Tyson Dinners regular $5.99 clearance for $2.09 w/ coupon got for $1.34 each
• 1 package Chicken Tender $4.13 clearance regular $7.99
• 1 package of Ground Hamburger $1.49 clearance regular $2.99
• 2 package of Turkey Burgers $1.79 clearance regular $5.99
• Curly BBQ Pork in container $4.99 regular price clearance $1.49 w/ $1.00 off coupon got for 49 cents

Fry's $17.56

• Pickles $1.69
• 3 lunch-able sandwiches on clearance .79 each for daughter lunch
• 3 bags of cereal $3.19 each
• Hot Dogs $.49 on clearance
• Head of Lettuce $1.29
• Head of Broccoli $1.84

Fry's $19.88 got cash back $60.00 total $79.88

• 21 cans of veggies on sale 2 for $1.00 regular price per can 99 cents
• Salsa $1.00 sale price regular price $2.99
  
• Guacamole $1.00 sale regular price $2.99
• 2 Pork Chops $1.49 on clearance
• Soft Tacos Shells $1.00 sale regular price $2.69
• Kraft Ranch Dressing Free... regular price$2.49 found coupon in cart for free
  
• Tooth Pick Holder $1.00

Walmart $4.93

• Vitamins for Kitty $3.00
• Mints $1.64

Pet's Mart $13.36

• Bag of Cat Food on sale $9.49
• 3 cans of cat food $.95 each

Fry's $16.18

• 2 gallons milk $2.08
  
• 6 packages of ground turkey meat on clearance $1.79 each regular price $5.99
  

Subway $ 5.42
Barro's Pizza $5.00 & Little Ceasar Pizza $5.00




$40.00 for YARD SALES/ this weekend
$43.23 for shopping
$26.00 for Gas in Car

Currently Total
$282.46
206.46
_______
= $488.92
+ $183.04
________
$ 671.96

New Recipe

I made this quick soup twice now and just remembered to snap a picture this time as the end I added some extra veggie I had in a can in the Pantry. Enchilada Chicken Chili Soup from the Crockpot Lady website.

Waffle Storage

I really need a better way to store homemade waffles in plus keep them fresh in the freezer w/ out getting squished and this was the answer for only $4.00 I think it will hold at least 20 +

February Shopping Budget

This upcoming month I will have extra $$ from my tax refund so I will be stocking up on bulk. However I will not be going crazy on my budget I have learned in the last 3 months WE CAN MAKE IT ON LESS THEN $400 a Month. Planning to purchase items like the following:

• Dish Soap/Laundry Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner/Foil/Storage Bags

February Food Spending/ Budget Tracker

$5.00 at the Dollar Store for ( Syrup/Lettuce/2-10 lb bags of Potatoes/2 dip Mixes)

$ 2.80 at Fry's (Milk and BBQ Sauce)

$12.86 at Fry's (Pasta Sauce/Lettuce/ Shampoo/ Conditionar/Mil)

$ 4.87 at Fresh & Easy ( Baking Powder X 2/ Baking Cocoa / 18 ct eggs

$5.00 for 3 Dozen Bread Sticks

$10.00 at Costco ( $4.00 for a Gallon of Pancake Syrup and $ 5.99 for Peanut Butter)

$5.00 for Chocolate Covered Cheese Cake at the Glendale AZ Chocolate Festival

$10.10 Yard Sales ( Mason Jars $4.00 /Books $4.00/Bag2.00 and Soup Pot 10 Cents Great Deal nothing fancy)

$9.79 Food City ( Tortillas $1.79/ Tortilla Chips $1.39 X 2 / Avocado .50 X 4/ Refried Beans .69/Bread $1.39 and Buns .97)

Fry's $10.70 (5.99 Bag Chicken Tender Loins/ Gallon Milk $2.19 /Hygiene Product $2.19)

Fry's 6.65 ( Individual Salsa Cups $1.00 X 2/ Chicken Breast $3.97)

Walmart $4.00 Bread Keeper to place homemade Waffles in

Dollar Store $8.66 storage containers/Sandwich Bags

Target $21.00 Shoes for Kid

$5.00 for Pizza Lunch w/ Daughter

Total $116.43