Rhubarb Muffins

It sounds a little strange to make rhubarb muffins, but these muffins are truly yummy!  I've made them twice within 5 days because I really, really liked them.  And my kids ate them too!  I did finely chop the rhubarb and mince the nuts to make them smaller and more palatable for the kids.

Rhubarb-Buttermilk Muffins

Ingredients:

3/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup salad oil
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt or 1 cup. milk soured with 2 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 cups finely diced rhubarb
1/2 cups pecan pieces, minced
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can do 1 1/2 cups white flour and                                   1 cup wheat flour)

1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Topping:

1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter                                                    1 tsp flour

 Procedure:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 15 medium-sized muffin cups.
• Combine in large bowl: brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Stir dry ingredients into mixture.
• Then add rhubarb and nuts.
• Fill prepared muffin pan 3/4 full with batter.
• Quickly combine topping ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle on top of batter in each muffin cup.
• Bake in preheated oven on center shelf 15 to 20 minutes. (closer to 20)

I copied this recipe from:  http://www.rhubarbinfo.com/  and then added alterations similar to the recipe in Simply in Season by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert.

Internet Security

I just posted an entry on my other blog about internet security.
http://lovetopaint.blogspot.com/2010/05/internet-security-and-facebook.html

At the beginning of this year, there was an article in the paper that said that social networking sites were predicted to be the biggest source of identity theft this year.  I was glad for the warning at the time.  I had no idea that digital copiers would be a risk as well!

The struggle of saying No

There is a constant struggle of saying no to ourselves.  I am realizing this.  Sometimes I'm good at it and sometimes I'm horrible at it.  I have realized today that I need to limit my computer time.  I am going to check in the afternoon during naps and rest time and maybe at night time.  Other than that, I need to step back.  


None of us like being told no.  Our budgets are one big No!  I think that's the hardest part about sticking to a budget actually--saying no to ourselves and things we want.  I'm great at justifying things =), but I know this about myself so I try to face up to it.


A few things I don't always say no to myself about...
Going out to eat near the end of the month
Garage Saling--I've really been working on buying the things first that we need and not just what I want.
Time on the computer--I take too much time and I get on the computer too often during the day.
Desiring Quiet
Holding my tongue when I'm angry
and I'm sure there are many more, but I wanted to share a few examples.


So, how can we say no?
Here's the ideas I have right at this moment:
1)  Get into a routine.  A routine can help me avoid the temptation that I need to say no to.
2)  Doing things we don't like to do early in the day before the things we really like to do
3)  Praying!  We need to be in the Word and trusting God for strength
4)  Take our eyes off ourselves and put them back on our families, work, or homes.  
5)  Setting boundaries--like my internet one I'm going to try and get back on track with.  These things are both boundaries and habits.   We make habits of avoiding things that we know aren't good for us.
6)  Stay out of stores (if money is the issue).
7)  Stay off the computer for shopping (if money is the issue)
8)  Make a list or a plan for the day of what you want to get done.  Planning a day can take away the time that we were being flexible with, when in reality we use it for the things we want to do and we fritter away the time.
9)  Write God's Word on our hearts.  We need to know and believe that God is working in all things.
10) We need to choose to be grateful and focus on the yeses in our lives and let go of the nos.


I think 10 is a good place to start.  I'm going to start working on these things.  Please know that I made this list for myself.  I have been convicted the past few days about this and I don't think I've been listening very well--because I have been resistant and haven't wanted to say no to myself.  But, I believe that this is what God desires of me.  I need to begin saying no to myself more.

Homeschooling

I read a book 9 years ago called Feminism: Mystique or Mistake by Diane Passno.  It had a huge impact on me and changed my thoughts about a lot of things, since I was probably what you might call an evangelical feminist at the time.  But, that's a story for another time =)  Anyways, at the end of the book was a chapter about moms. Though I wasn't a mom at the time, the lessons in that chapter have always stuck with me.


The basic gist of the chapter was that moms who are working should show grace to the moms who stay at home and vice versa.  Moms at home often desire the affirmation at work and the break from their kids.  Moms at work are jealous of the time stay at home moms get with their kids.  There can be a mutual situation of envy and there are pros and cons to both sets of shoes.  The author's point is that what's most important is that we are where God wants us to be.  We don't have to feel guilty if we are where God wants us to be.  If we feel called to work, then we should lay that before our husbands and submit to them--if they think we should or shouldn't.  Many women have to work because their families need the second income.  Some don't need to work, though they desire to for the extra income.  More often than not, I think choosing to live on one income does involve making choices that will save money and saying no to ourselves about things we want.


A moment ago, I was reminded of this chapter when I thought of a conversation I had on Saturday about homeschooling.  I enjoy homeschooling, but it is hard.  Many moms who are homeschooling often wish their kids were in school and many moms whose children are in school wish their kids were homeschooling.  I don't think homeschooling isn't the wisest choice for everyone and friends who are veteran homeschoolers have told me this over the years.  It is the wisest choice for some though.  In the end, I think that what's most important is that our children are where God wants them to be--whether that is in public, private, or home schools.


Just a thought =)

All-in-one Book of Tips!

When I've watched DIY shows and home organization shows on television, they always seem to be geared towards people that have a great deal of extra income that they can spend on materials to organize their homes with.  Every time I open up Better Homes and Gardens, I check how many children the families in the magazine have.  Usually, I find they have 0 or 1 child.  Once in a while, they'll feature a home where 2 children live.  But, again, the families typically live at an upper middle class income level.  But, I think the reality for many of us is that we can't afford to live that way--our homes don't look like the ones in the magazines and tv shows--especially if we've made choices and sacrificed a second income so that we can stay home with our kids.


When I requested this book for review, I was curious, but expected it to be pretty impractical.  Instead, I discovered that it is a wonderful book packed full of very practical tips.  Kathy Peel and her husband raised 3 boys who are now grown adults.  She says early on that she gleans tips and advice from all the women she has known in her life and come across.  I liked that.  (A few months ago I reviewed a book by a woman who wrote a book of advice for working moms though she hadn't been one when she wrote the book.)  Sometimes it seems that advice givers can come across as very prideful as if they have all the answers.  There is a blessing that comes from learning from one another!

In the book, Ms. Peel tackles seven areas of home management:  time and scheduling, home and property care, menus and meal planning, relationships with family and friends, finances, special events (including holidays and birthday parties), and taking care of yourself.

For the most part, her tips are practical and useful no matter what the income of your family is.  A few of them are only practical if you do have extra disposable income, but it's a relatively small number of things (ie. in the section about yourself, she mentions both getting a massage and a facial in a questionnaire).  Most of her tips are realistic and frugal.  For example, she mentions washing the area where ants are coming in with straight white vinegar.  She also lists cleaning tips that can be done overnight with regular household items like vinegar and baking soda.  A lot of books like this include tips that are very labor intensive and the time used outweighs the money saved.  This book, on the other hand, includes tips that are very doable and wise, in my humble opinion.

I know that I will be coming back to this book again and again.  She has organized lists of what to do to care for your home each season.  She also has lists about appliances--how long their life expectancy is and even advice on how to choose new ones.

The section I am usually most curious about is menus and meal planning.  Her tips are especially practical for moms who work outside their homes.  I agreed with most of her advice, though I don't do as much freezing and cooking ahead.  My family likes a lot of variety and I cook breakfast 5 mornings a week since my kids are not fans of cereal.  But, that's how it is with any book--you are the best judge of advice that will work for you and your family.  There is no one size fits all solution to organizing your home and life.  But, I love to read new ideas because they renew my hope that I can get on top of things or be successful tackling something I've  been struggling with.

Here's a sample of tips that really stuck with me from the book...
On Time Management...
"When you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else.  Don't let it be your family." p.3
On Cleaning...
"Use a wide, soft-bristled paintbrush to remove dust from blinds and pleats in a lamp shade." p.48
On Cooking...
"Boil a few slices of lemon in a pan of water for 20 minutes to clear the air of burned food odor." p.57
On Baking...
"When coating a baking pan with flour, use an empty spice jar (the kind with holes in the lid) to shake it neatly into the pan." p. 123
On Celebrating...
"Don't wait until you have enough money to plan the perfect party.  If something is worth celebrating, it's worth celebrating no matter how simple the event." p. 219
On Finances...
"Everything you have is a gift from God.... Managing money is not about the money.  It's about how you view money...The joy of a purchase made on credit usually doesn't outlast the payments."  p.195

This sample is just a smidgen of the great ideas I read in this book.  Kathy Peel truly has packed this book with lots of great advice.  It's perfect for someone starting out on their own, newlyweds, or people that love ideas about how to manage life better.  It's full of good reminders even if you are a pretty organized person.  I do highly recommend this book!

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Internet Security Programs

Last fall, I requested two internet security programs from Amazon for reviewing from the program I'm a part of.  I thought, "Hey!  They're free.  I'll try them."  I discovered that what's free is not always free in the end--it may come with a price.

I discovered this:  IF you switch internet security programs, make sure you completely uninstall the other program.

I discovered that if you use Norton--there are always little pieces left behind.  If you don't find these pieces, they will stay and your new program will think that they are viruses--problems to be attacked.  This can and often does freeze up your computer.  I discovered all of this the hard way.  I broke the new laptop we had bought 45 days earlier from Costco.  Thankfully, I was able to return it since they had a 90 day return window.  I did do a restore and erase the hard drive, but that's a several hour long process.  And by the time I was done with that, I no longer trusted the computer.  Broken computers for me are like broken used cars.  If it's a little break that gets fixed quickly, my trust is restored quickly.  If it's a big break, I will forever feel insecure about the car--and in this place the computer.

I wrote a review about this on Amazon and someone commented to the effect that I was a dodo bird for not knowing I had to completely uninstall the program and know about these little pieces left behind.  I don't think I was a dodo bird.  I've talked to several friends who didn't know about this glitch either.  It is comforting to know that I'm not alone.  But, that's also why I wanted to post this story this morning.  It's one of those random pieces of information that might help someone someday avert the disaster that crashing their hard drive might be for them someday in the future. =)

Last note, if this has happened to you, or if your computer isn't booting up, call the tech support for your computer manufacturer.  They should be able to walk you through doing a restore on your computer which will bring the computer back to the state it was in at a point in the past.  You'll lose the information that was saved after that date, but you'll get your computer back--and that's a good thing =)

Dunkin' Donuts Perks and Facebook Applications

Last Friday, some friends and I were chatting about Facebook Applications.  We all agreed that they cause problems on our computers.  It happened to me twice when I first started using Facebook and I've stayed away from them since.  Once in a while, I'm tempted to try one, but then I remind myself what happened.

Today there was an application for Dunkin' Donuts Perks.  It occurred to me that I might be able to go to their website and enroll in the program without going through the Facebook application.  And it worked!

The website is: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/perks/enroll.aspx?cmpid=SEMTest_src=keyword_s=ggl_K=DunkinDonutsPerks_C=PerksSR2_G=Perks_M=broad

If you enroll, the website says they'll send you a coupon for a free medium beverage of your choice and one on your birthday. =)

Dave Ramsey

I have been curious about Dave Ramsey and his financial advice for a long time.  I have a very dear friend who has enjoyed the seminar her church put on with his materials.  So, when I got the chance to review this book, I was very excited to see what he had to say.

This book is called The Money Answer Book.  It is a collection of short answers to questions.  None of the answers are more than 2 pages.  And the pages are small.  It is only the size of maybe a 4 x 6 or a 5 x 7 picture.  This is the third book I've received from publishers that is being printed smaller than books used to be.  (I assume it is a cost cutting measure in the publishing world.)

But, back to the book's contents.  The questions are organized by topics such as real estate and mortgage, insurance, budgeting, etc.  The entire book can be read in less than an hour.

Here are some things I learned about Dave Ramsey's financial philosophy:
1) He advocates paying everything you can in cash.
2) No credit cards.
3) Pay off small debts first and then move on to bigger ones.
4) Buy used unless you're rich.
5) Get out of debt (except for your mortgage) and stay out of debt.

I pondered first the paying for things in cash idea.  I brought it to my husband to ask what he thought.  He brought up several points that I hadn't considered.  First, we use our credit cards to save us marital conflict.  He doesn't have to save all his receipts and hand them to me.  I look them up and write them down.  We pay off our credit card every month.  Second, he told me that it is far easier for him to whittle away a $20 bill than to use his credit card.  If he has a $20, he'll spend it and have no idea what it was spent on.  I shared this with a friend and she said the same is true of her.  So, for people that don't pay off their credit cards each month this can be a great idea--to pay in cash.  But, for some people using cash can be a greater source of temptation.   Third, at Target, Lowe's, Toys R Us, Home Depot and several other stores, the clerks can look up your returns using your credit card.  This is a great thing for people like me who have 3 kids and can't keep track of receipts very well.  It's also great because I can return something for my husband and he doesn't have to save the receipts for me. (Costco can also look up your purchases using your membership card.)

So, the cash idea won't work for us.  But, it has worked for a lot of my friends and I think it's a great idea.  It just isn't a one size fits all solution, though.

I did learn something that scared me in this book.  I discovered that credit card companies can pull your credit report without your permission and then they send you a prescreened/preapproved credit card application.  Thankfully, there is something you can do about it.  Call 888-567-8688 to put a 5 year ban on unsolicited credit inquiries.  To make it permanent, you have to write a letter.  When you make the call, it will associate your name and address with your phone number, so call from your primary home phone.  If it is not your name that comes up, spell your name and say it.  I had to spell my name and the phone picked it up perfectly.

Because this is just a Q&A book, the answers are very short and that works well for some of the questions, but for others, it is very inadequate.  The section on real estate and mortgages was extremely short.  I think this is an area that our culture struggles with immensely.  We hear and see everywhere that we should have huge homes--bigger than we can afford.  I wish there had been more discussion of the consequences of such actions.  I am glad, though, that he said an Arm is never wise--rather that choosing a fixed rate loan is the wise road.

This is a great gift book to help people get their feet wet and begin thinking about their finances.  It isn't a comprehensive financial guide.  Still, I have two people in mind already that I would like to give this book to.  I think Dave Ramsey has some great advice.  The thing I most agree with about his financial advice is something he states on page 1, "...be responsible to God and family, sacrifice the unnecessary to gain the necessary, get rid of debt, and build a financially peaceful future."

Please note that I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Egg Substitutes

A few weeks ago, I was talking with a gal about egg substitutes.  I found this list at Bread Beckers website.

http://www.breadbeckers.com/store/pc/Egg-Substitutes-184p2758.htm

=)

Annie's Mac and Cheese Tip

This is a funny thing I do when I'm fixing Mac and Cheese...


Kraft Mac and Cheese always works the way the directions tell you to make it.  Put the noodles, sauce mix, butter, and milk all in the same bowl.  Then stir.  There's never clumps and it looks just right.  Hmm...  


Then, there's Annie's or Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese, or even Costco's Kirkland Mac and Cheese.  You put the noodles, sauce mix, butter, and milk all in the same bowl.  Then you stir.  BUT, there's always clumps.  At least there is for me if I do it that way.


Instead, this is what I came up with =)


Cook the noodles as directed.  Turn off the burner and pour them into a colander.  Place the pan back on the burner, but don't turn it on (saves energy).  Put the butter, milk, and sauce mix in the pan.  Use a whisk to stir it until there are no lumps.  It works really well =)  And NO LUMPS!  Yay!  If the butter doesn't melt as quick as you want it to, but the cheese is all dissolved, just add the noodles back in --the warmth from them will melt the rest of the butter as you stir everything.


Anyways, I hope that's not too silly of a thing to post, but it's helped me a lot--I don't get frustrated with our Mac and Cheese anymore =)

Article below...

The article below was reprinted with the permission of Moody Publishers.  I've posted it on both of my blogs because it was something I've thought many times both in regards to my family (my other blog) and our finances (this blog) =).  


As I read the article, I agreed with what Debbie said--I could have said the same things many times (well maybe not about the preschool science project), but definitely about finding support and prayer.  


One of the hard things about making things stretch financially is choosing to be grateful always for the Lord's provision even when we'd wish for things to be easier.  


The grass always seems greener in other people's lives, but they have their own loads to carry too.  I loved Erma Bombeck's quote that "The Grass is always Greener over a septic tank."  

Being Grateful

Finding Contentment in a Facebook World  By: Debbie Lykins   I have to admit, I'm hooked on Facebook. Since joining the Facebook family more than two years ago,I've been roped into training for a half-marathon (whose idea exactly was this anyway?), had the secret pleasure of chucklingat a picture of a high school crush (he once had a nice head of hair...now, not so much), and received virtual "support" when my preschooler won the drawing to bring home the classroom hamster over Christmas break (she was thrilled; I silentlypanicked). And, of course, I've reconnected with many people from the past who I haven't heard from or seen in years. But, as much as I enjoy using Facebook, I don't always likewhat it does to me. Or, more to the point, what it brings out in me. You see, on Facebook, you peer behind the doors of a lot ofpeople's lives. This can be fun. Who knew, for example, thatyour best friend in the fourth grade who you haven't seen in 25 years loves the same quirky author as you? Or that your second cousin's daughter had a new boyfriend? Of course,others share more serious things like moving stories of saying goodbye to a husband and daddy deploying to Afghanistan orlosing a loved one to a devastating illness. But, sometimes, having a front row seat into people's lives and hearts leads to some not so good things-or more like, some not so good attitudes-at least in my own life. The trouble with Facebook is that people's lives often can come across as "perfect." There's the business contact thatjets off to New York to meet with powerful media, the stay-at-home mom who spends hours in creative play with her children, the family that heads to Disney every spring break,the couple packing for a cruise. Everything is so...perfect. Andsometimes, somewhere inside of me, attitudes like envy, discontentment, and ungratefulness, begin to creep out. Why don't I have her life? If we just had more money...or more time. When do we get our turn to watch our daughters' eyes light up at Disney? It's so not fair. Discontentment. I find discontentment rearing its ugly head when it comes to my off-line relationships, too. Take my friend, Lisa: she lives in a 14,000 square foot mansion, complete with an indoor racquetball court, multiple flat-screen TVs, and the requisite fountain out front. Everything is top-of-the-line. Then there's my friend, Amy, who got married, moved south, and recentlymoved into a new home on five acres-complete with an indoor pool and its own chapel. We live in a townhouse. It's conveniently located, meets ourfamily of five's needs just fine, and really, most of the time, I love living here. But sometimes I feel a twinge of envy and wonder why I can't have Lisa's or Amy's life. I mean, I'd be able to go to the gym in my own house...think of the timesaved! We could take the kids swimming every day.And, I'm certain Lisa is not scrubbing the toilet on Saturday afternoon, God. Discontentment. I have another friend who spends hours teaching her children.One week they explored music by attending a band practice at the local high school and coloring pictures of composers. I don't even think about those kinds of things. See what I could do, God, if I just didn't have to work? I could just focus on being a mom and wife.  I could play Candyland every day. I could bake brownies for the neighbor. I could, I could...Discontentment. I don't think I'm alone in the "grass is greener" syndrome. While I read a lot of "I love my life" status updates, other moms lament on Facebook that their agenda for the day "only"includes changing diapers or watching Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. And the way that the information is shared quietly says,"I lead a boring life. I don't like my life. Can't I do something more important?" So much discontentment. And we wonder why our culture is so discontent. And why our kids are discontent, always wanting something more-bigger, better,cooler. I started thinking about my own attitude toward contentmentrecently as I read the book, Growing Grateful Kids in an Ungrateful World by Susie Larson. On first blush, you might think you'll be reading a book filled with practical tips on how to teach your kids to be thankful in our "me-first" world of entitlement. Not so much. If you're like me, you'll walk away realizing that the issue of discontentment in the life of your childisn't so much the culture around you-the issue is you. And the even bigger issue is your relationship with Christ, and your understanding of His love for you-the secret to gratefulness. Susie writes books and speaks around the country, and she's also a mom herself-having raised three boys with her husband.In the book Susie explores four critical areas we as moms need to focus on to help grow an attitude of gratefulness in our kids. Areas like modeling thankfulness, teaching perspective, encouraging faith, and living abundantly. Within each area she delves into things like practicing restraint, developing compassion, teaching forgiveness, and giving blessings. Sheshows how we, as moms, need to develop these areas in our own life, so that in turn, these traits can be developed in the lives of our children. While much of what she covered spoke to me, one area stood out-embracing contentment. She wrote of her own struggles in this area over the years, particularly when she battled Lymes disease and her family had acquired a pile of medical debt.Like me, she too saw the "perfection" in the lives of friends.Susie writes that the sin of comparison (yes, it is a sin) triggers two kinds of responses-pride and/or despair. Pride when we appear to have the one-up; despair when we see ourselves as the loser. This, she says, leads to seeing things through a skewed lens. The key is to quit looking right or left-and to look up. She writes, "He is writing a beautiful story with our lives. His will for us is our best-case scenario. He doesn't want us to want someone else's story...because ours fits us perfectly."Susie also says that when we compare, we take a little something away from the relationships we have with our precious friends. God, forgive us, forgive me. When it comes to our children, Susie writes that we must go after discontentment in our children because it is rooted in a sinful, selfish mind-set, just like ours. I can help buildcontentment in my three children's lives by doing things such as praying with them and thanking the Lord for specific blessings, helping them learn that every good and perfect thing comes from above, and pointing out the countless ways that we are truly rich. But by far, the most important thing I can do is be content in my own life, be content with the life God has given me, be content with the blessings He's given me, and stop thinking that somehow God is shortchanging me. Gratefulness. Forgive me, Lord. Thank you, Lord, for the life you've given me. Thank you for a warm house on a cold night. Thank you for gently used clothes given freely by friends. Thank you for a godly school for our kids. Thank you for a career that allows me to work at home and be with my kids. Thank you for a husband who seeks after you. Thank you for worship songs sung from young lips, for the tender heart of my oldest whose biggest concern is if someone knows Jesus, for the laughter that comes from my middle child, and for the heartwarming smiles from my baby. Thank you, Lord. I took Susie up on one of her ideas and bought a journal todaily list things I'm thankful for. I did this once before but it's been several years. I know God will meet me here, will use this to teach me, to remind me of the story He's writing for my life-for our family's life. Contentment. Gratefulness. Praise be to Him, alone.

Meet Susie With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker SUSIE LARSON speaks to thousands of women through her blog and conferences. Susie also serves a regular guest host for Along the Way - a two-hour talk radio show (AM Faith 900). In addition to authoring several books and many articles, Susie works as a freelance writer for Focus on the Family, and has been featured as a guest on radio and TV programs across the country, including Moody Midday Connection, Family Life Today,Chris Fabry Live!, The Harvest Show, and the LIFE Today Showwith James and Betty Robison.

Target vs. Walmart

Why I shop at Target more than Walmart:


1) The aisles are wider.


2) The aisles seem shorter.


3) I can hear, see, and find my kids easier if they wander off.


4) Clearance at Target is usually at least 30% off.  I was at Walmart on Friday and something was on clearance. It was marked $19.00 instead of $19.96 =) It seemed kind of silly.  I think that is 5% off...


5) Target has more grocery items (at least the one near me) and good prices on what they have.  Skippy Natural is always about $2 and I don't have to wait for it to go on sale.  Cereal is also always a better price than the grocery stores or BJ's/Costco/Sam's Club.


6) The quality of the clothes, shoes, and socks, etc. seems better than at Walmart, but the prices are about the same.


7) There are less people.  I don't feel overwhelmed that I'm going to run into people every time I get to the end of an aisle--which is a big deal to me when I have 2 little kids walking who are barely as tall as the cart ;)


8) Target sends me coupons =)  I registered for all of my children on their baby registry and I think that put me on a coupon list.  


9) The pharmacist is really helpful.  One time I went to CVS and they didn't call me (though they had my phone number) to tell me that the insurance wouldn't authorize the prescription.  It was Friday and fortunately my husband had enough medicine to make it through the week.  I've never gone back to that particular store again.  The pharmacists at the Target near me are great.  Periodically there's a coupon in the Target ad for a $10 gift card with a new prescription.  I always cut them out and save them in case I'll need to take the kids in unexpectedly.  They will give you the gift card even if it is a one time prescription (which Rite-Aid won't do).


10) Returns are easy using my credit card even if I lose my receipt--which I always seem to do.


I suppose this might seem like a funny thing to make a list about!

MSG

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5364970

I'm not sure if I've linked to this article before, but it explains why we avoid MSG. It's interesting to me that in the article, the writer mentions that maltodextrin and hydrolyzed soy protein are other aliases that can be used when listing MSG as an ingredient.

Garage Saling begins! Thoughts and Tips =)

Through the winter, I try hard not to shop in stores for toys and extras for the kids. I try to remind myself that garage saling season will come again in the spring. Sometimes I'm good at staying out of stores and other times I'm not. Christmas and birthdays have traditionally been the one time we've bought new toys for the kids and bought them used toys the rest of the year at garage sales, for the most part. It's been a little different with Eli, because he's a boy. My husband has a very soft spot for buying him trucks and cars--because he loves them too and because he loved Matchbox cars as a kid.

Eli's birthday is in 2 weeks. It's hard to believe he will be turning 2! We've been in a lot of stores lately because my husband hasn't felt like he has enough "boy" toys. Most of the toys we have were bought for the girls. Although, once I discovered we were having a boy, I did try and start collecting the "boy" little people toys like the trucks and construction set. Still, my girls have loved My Little Pony and are now getting into dolls and Barbie (in a very limited way).

I was so excited for the beginning of Garage Sale Season here yesterday. Only one neighborhood was having a sale, but I knew a group of moms that were having one as well. So, we headed out--my garage saling partner, the kids, and me. The first neighborhood only had a few, but we stopped by one that didn't look promising. It turned out to be the first treasure of the day. =)

10 Thomas the train take along trains for $3 and 3 Thomas DVDs for $4.

Next, we went to one around the corner and found the exact Tonka playset I had wanted for Eli at Target the night before (that my husband wasn't sold on) for $2. It was $23 at the store. I was so thankful--and Eli's been playing with it ever since.

Finally, we went to the one where a group of moms were. I found a Little Tikes outdoor picnic table fore the kids for $5 and several Hot Wheels City Sets so Eli can have roads to drive his Matchbox cars on (or should I say so my husband can drive them with him =) ) for $3. I found several other small treasures, but each of these treasures have been a blessing to us. My kids and husband have enjoyed them. I am very thankful that the Lord used these folks at the Garage Sales to bless us =) with fun toys we could afford.

I am so glad Garage Saling season has begun.

My Garage Saling tips:

These are a few things that I've found to be helpful...

What I usually aim for price wise is about 10% of the retail cost when I am buying toys or household goods. I've found that it is a pretty good estimate of what I'm willing to pay and what seems reasonable.

Clothes: If they smell like smoke, wash them with oxiclean and your regular detergent. The smoke smell will come out. I try to stay away from other things that smell like smoke, though.

I choose to first go to neighborhoods or larger garage sales to make wise use of my gas.

If I offer a price and the seller isn't willing to haggle or thinks my price is way too low, I kindly tell them good luck and that I hope they have a nice day--rather than being offended if they are snobby or snippy about my offer.

Price for clothes. There are so many little kids clothes. Many people feel that clothes are worth more if they are Baby Gap or Gymboree. But, the clearance clothes at Target are brand new and often cost the same as some people ask for clothes at garage sales if they are worth a lot to them. I feel that it is wiser for people who want a lot of money for their clothes to take them to a consignment sale or a consignment store. Garage sales don't generally charge as much for clothes. I try to take into consideration whether or not I really need an item. Last week, I paid $4 for a winter coat for Autumn for next winter because it was something I really need for her. Normally, I won't pay more than 50 cents for a pair of shorts, shirt, or pants. If it's a coat, I'll offer between $1 and $5. I try to pick out several things at one time and make a bulk offer. If someone wants a lot of money for their clothes, though I don't generally look. I don't want to offend them and I don't want to be offended. It seems the wise thing to do.

Toys and plastic items: Baking soda is my best friend when it comes to these items--a damp rag and some baking soda will rub off just about anything. It also is a natural and safe disinfectant for children's toys.

Some baby items: I wouldn't buy a car seat from a garage sale unless you knew the person and it hadn't been in an accident and was less than 5 years old. The infant seats I've seen are usually about $20 for a Graco and $5 for an extra base--if they're in great shape. Otherwise, $10 if the cover on the car seat needs a lot of washing. This is one of those items though that I don't think I would buy used. There are strict regulations about them now and Thrift Stores aren't legally allowed to resell them anymore.

But, back to the 10% rule. $10 or $15 is a great price for a high chair in good shape. $20 is a good price for a baby swing that retails for $100 and is in good shape. I've bought them for $10 or $15, but I've seen them as high as $35 (way too high).

Consignment stores sell things at 50% of the retail price. I think that's usually the rule of thumb. I'm not sure what the rule of thumb is for the new wave of consignment sales. Does anyone know what the recommended pricing is? I do keep this in mind when I'm shopping because when someone asks for $3 for a Thomas DVD that costs $5 new, that's too high a price to me.

The price does depend on how old something is. If it's an older pack 'n play--I'd pay $5 at the most. But, if it's a new one with all the bells an whistles $10 is a good price, I think.

I'm sure there's a lot more that I could write, but I'm afraid I've begun to ramble!

Food to look forward to...

So, I made two recipes last night from Dishing Up Maryland. I made a pear, pecan, and chicken salad and the apple bread.

I'm notorious for substituting ingredients. So, I ran out of pecans and didn't have goat cheese for the salad. I substituted pine nuts and sharp white cheddar. Still a very good salad. I'm sure it will be even better next time when I use goat cheese and pecans (which I bought today).

The apple bread on the other hand, I made just as the recipe said. I didn't have to peel the apples, only chop them. That made it very easy. I was afraid that I had put too much flour in, but I trusted the recipe which said the batter would be extremely thick. It was very good and very, very yummy! I couldn't wait for breakfast this morning. I know it was not lowfat in the slightest, but it was definitely worth the treat =)

I'll post more as I try more recipes. But, based on the two I've tried so far, I'd definitely recommend Dishing Up Maryland by Lucie Snodgrass!

FYI, she will be speaking at the Abingdon branch of the Harford County Public Library next Wednesday at 7 p.m.