CROCK POT WED!

11:06am....Wednesday. My dinner has been cooking for 3 hrs...I have spent my time outside in the sun while my crock pot slaves away in the kitchen. =)


Today's recipe is Cheesy Chicken. Easy. 

6 boneless chicken breasts (I used 8 but I cut mine in half when I buy them so the 8 are a bit thinner.) 

Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder

2 Cans of condensed Cream of chicken soup
1 Can of condensed Cheddar cheese soup

Place Chicken in the crock pot,season with salt pepper and Garlic powder. I say do it to your taste. I know some people can not have garlic and I know some do not like much pepper.

In a bowl mix the soups together. Then pour over the chicken.
Place Crock pot on low. 6-8hrs and ta da Dinner. Now remember you can place on high as well and it will be about 2-4 hrs depending on the thickness of the chicken.

I will be completely honest I am not sure what I will have with the chicken. I might do a home made macaroni and cheese ore just some egg noodles with butter and place the chicken on top. Not really sure. You could do baked potatoes. You could do most anything along with this chicken.

Earth Day!

Let me start by saying happy Earth day. I am a huge believer in keeping our world clean. Born and raised in Vermont we really do not have bad pollution but I hate seeing the garbage along the roads. Makes me so mad. I can still do my share to help though.
This post will be in sections. 

First.Tips on gardening and lawn care for cheap. And ideas.

Second will be how to keep our earth clean. Tips on reusing. Etc. Link on how to start compost and more.

Third will be items that really we need to keep out of landfills. A little info on how fast certain items break down and which ones do not.

Last will be some photos to end the post. =)

These tips and ideas were from readers!

"I do a little at a time to get my yard ready for summer. I start with the birds,get all bird feeders and such ready to roll. I then get my soil and anything else I might need. Then the seeds. Then I plant accordingly. I then pick up the little things like twine for holding back my tomatoes,bug killer,ETC and I am set." Lilly J.

"My lawn in small, so I coat with grass seeds,water and wait then I line it on one side with flowers from walmart. Cheap and easier." Becky S. 

"Hanging plants add a little character and you only need 1 or two" Anonymous. 

"Some areas have a plant swap" Kaitlyn L.

"A walk way is a must, it really shows good lines and a welcomeing to your house. We use stones from home depot." Lucas T. 

"Grass-cycle” your grass clippings.
"Grass-cycling involves letting your lawn reuse the grass clippings created by mowing. The great thing about grass-cycling is that it’s easy! You simply leave your grass clippings on the lawn instead of throwing them away. Why would you want to do this? Because it’s been proven that grass clippings will quickly decompose and return needed nutrients to the soil. The grass clippings also act as a natural mulch, helping your grass to retain water." -http://www.cleanairgardening.com




"I ask for people old containers,start the veggies in my home then move to the garden." Anonymous.  


http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/cheap-garden-pest-control-1206  <---A great site! Check it out on more tips!



Now for some earth friendly ideas and tips!

Lets start with a link to how to start composting and what it in-tales. 

http://www.wikihow.com/Compost

http://grist.org/article/rot-n-roll/

Here are a few things I do to reuse products. And a few other tips/ideas.

 Wine bottle as a vase? Don't mind if I do!!

 Re using plastic bottles for kool aid and other drinks? Sure! When done we recycle. 

 Cardboard from different things,I like to save them for projects! Egg cartons,anything like that can be reused for something.

Here are a few other ideas,not mine but are from pinterest. Everything has a second value,try and find it before trashing!

 I think we have all seen this idea!! ^^^

 Grown plants in eggshells then transfer!

 Old tires painted and reused as a planter!

Heres a few more tips/ ideas.

• You septic friendly toilet paper!
• Use towels instead of paper towels.
• Home made cleaning supplies
• Take a piece of furniture and re vamp it.
• I re use clothing as dust rags.
• Save and re use all plastic bags.
• Buy glass if you can.
• Cut up those soda can holders,that are plastic to help the animals that can get their heads stuck or etc.
•  Use Freecycle.org
• Recycle.
• PINTEREST! Good ideas on what to do with old out of style clothing,how to re use items and so much more!
• Don't abuse trees! Nailing things to them and etc can damage the tree.
• Manure is great for gardens!
• SHUT the water off when not using!
• Keep your propane tank to your grill off.
• Re use paper!

I know there are more but my mind is buzzing with all the info I want to get out there and share in honor of earth day!! 


Lets break it down...Tvs...Furniture...All hard items to get rid of but do some research and you might find a way. 

1. Cell phones are now given to certain companies or donated instead of being thrown away.
2. Donate donate and donate.
3. Cloth diapering keeps 27.4 billion disposable diapers (used each year in the US) out of the landfill.
4. Anything wooden,break it down and re use it. Camp fires,fire places,re build...etc.
5. Re use Re use and Re use!

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/save-earth-top-ten.htm 

A list of items and how long it takes them to decompose. Think about it.

• Banana Peel: 3-4 weeks
• Paper Bag: 1 month
• Cardboard: 2 months
• Wool Sock : 1 year
• Tinned Steel Can: 50 years
• Aluminum Can: 200-500 years (But if recycled, it can be reused within 6 weeks!)
• Disposable Diapers: 550 years
• Plastic Bags : 20-1000 years
• Plastic Jug: 1 million years
• Glass : 1-2 million years
• Styrofoam: 1+ million years

 
Keep these things out of the landfill as much as you can!!




Now enjoy the earth. Enjoy what it offers. Lets keep it clean. Do not litter. Earth friendly items. Use less. Re use more. So on and so fourth. Some of my photos to end this post. =)

Lets use our hearts and our creativity to help our earth! 

From my home

A few tips and ideas from my home. I wish I had the time to do and show you all more. More organization and more of what I cook. I will try harder!
For today I took a few photos of what I've been doing for free or cheap around the place or to earn some cash. 

 So I have a rabbit and a guinea pig and this bedding is used for them. I buy this huge and it is huge bag full at my Agway and its lasted a little under a year!!! Its not that expensive. I think I paid $16.00. Its safe. Its comfy. Ta da! I am a huge Walmart fan..Etc but sometimes your other stores will actually have a better deal!

 This desk for my kiddos was picked up for $5. the light broke but we removed it and you can not even tell where its suppose to be and the desk still functions fine. My kids adore it. Tag sale tag sale people! Do NOT and I repeat DO NOT do a drive by..stop get out of your car and look you have no idea where the hidden treasures are. And ask if you are looking for something specific. And remember early bird gets the worm. Calculate where you are going the day before. And again if its a 2 or 3 day sale by Sunday things will probably be free or VERY cheap.

 Decoration time! I got this vase on Freecycle.Org. Find your town/city/area once you go onto the site, set up an account and BAM post what you want or even have to offer. All for free.  The rocks are from our local river that we go too during the summer. Doily was free. Found in a free box at a tag sale. At first I thought my mom had made it,another handy thing (talented family) but then I found a 25 cent sticker on it and remembered getting a few of them from a free box at a tag sale.

 I am making money. Clothes my son never wore. I am going to a local thrift/consignment store,all with kids items. And will either get store credit or cash.

 Summer time seems to bring out the cheap but entertaining kids items. Walmart has these for $1. Kids love making the big bubbles. BUT these are also good for little treats..Potty training? Chore lists? Etc reward them with these. =D

 Little can speak wonders. My bathroom is all white so you add a pop of color and it just WOW's. At Michaels the craft store I got the little orange tubs for 3 /$1 and the rocks were a whole bag for $2.00. My friend has done something similar and it holds her tooth brushes! She made it which made it cheaper then buying a toothbrush holder! Plus its cuter.

Bjs!!!! The store offers "Family size" things that really go further in the long run, Plus prevents you from having to run out!! I pick up items that also have a good shelf life and you might need during a time you do NOT feel like leaving the house like SALTINE's... When I am sick these are my go to but I don't want to fly out and pick some up when I look like death. I will also buy Tissues in bulk. Chicken Soup. Etc. Sick is just one reason out of many you might want to have things on hand but this is my reasoning. =D

It is almost Friday. We all want spring! I hope to get out and take some more photos of how I keep my house functioning on one income! Send me some tips and idea on how you keep your lawn and garden up for a decent price! I want to know! =)

Crock pot Wed. BBQ Chicken!

Warmer weather!

Sometimes its really hard to cook after a day at work and the heat is deadly...but a crock pot really does not put that much heat out and once your done prepping and cleaned up you do nothing else but put it on the table!

Today's recipe comes from the fact that not every day of spring summer do we feel like bringing out the grill or running to the store to get charcoal or even dodging those rain storms. But we want a summery feeling dinner nonetheless.

See how to make this recipe!

• READY IN 4+ hrs

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

Taken from Allrecipes.com. Scrubbing bubbles actually sponsors this recipe. 

I have tried it and I love it. But I did not come up with it or trying to claim it. Enjoy!!!

"Use your slow cooker to prepare this great twist on basic barbecue chicken. Throw the chicken breasts in frozen, and serve with baked potatoes." — Zanne Tastic 

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 6 servings Change Servings

• 6 frozen skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Check All Add to Shopping List

Directions

1. Place chicken in a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the chicken.
2. Cover, and cook 3 to 4 hours on High or 6 to 8 hours on Low.

• PREP 10 mins
• COOK 4 hrs
• READY IN 4 hrs 10 mins

I need to look poor...?

Now let me explain this title. This is more for people who are middle class. The balance between insisting people have no idea you are poor/on a strict budget and looking like you have no money in your house so you do not get ROBBED! 

Again let me elaborate here. I think you would have to be in denial if you have not seen the increase in robberies. The things people take are mind  boggling sometimes. Kids toys,your pet,The third row seating in your SUV...What ever freakin happen to grabbing a purse and running like h***? Not that,that was okay but you feel me here.?

I started thinking about this actually when I went to a friends house...first time...I am from a very artsy hippish country town,its big yes and its a town not just a place on a map like where my parents live but still I see drug deals and other things..not as often as most but still anyway she lives in what I would call a ghetto city and I do not mean any disrespect-- I mean sadly that all my years growing up ghetto met abandoned buildings, stray cats everywhere etc. Nothing to do with race what so ever. Anyway we barely parked when a lady asked us if my SUV had 3rd row seating...AT the time I thought nothing of it but a week later my other half and I saw on 60 minutes how that's the new thing,  stealing peoples third row seating because there's a market for it!!! And I know this lady probably was just curious,maybe she liked my truck and has a big family and wondered about it but the first thing I thought and I know this is judgmental and I should go sit in the corner for thinking this is...she wanted to steal my truck lol! Really though I now wonder if I should drive a run down Honda Civic! I swear I do things just to look poor. My purse is not bling bling. I will not flash cash around. Etc.

I know we all know the basics of keeping a house safe.
A grease fire fuels by water and needs to be smothered.
If you buy big items or something do not let people see the boxes.
Get a alarm system if you can.
If not home leave windows closed up.
Lock doors.
Get a dog..okay not a must but you know what I mean!
But what happens if you go further and you look the part of "Hey this house would be a waste of time to rob"
There is two Jeff Foxworthy jokes for what I am thinking and typing here.

"Some people like to keep their grass cut really short, so they can see the intruders coming. Keep those kill zones open. I say let the grass grow tall so they don't know there's a house behind it. Some call it lazy, I say it's thinking." Jeff.

"Because criminals know that when they see a house with 2 foot tall grass, a dog on a chain, and an engine hanging from a tree, a gun lives in that house. And if you want to know what kind, just break in at 2 in the morning." Jeff.

I think he has a damn point! Excuse me for using language but I want people to fear my house. I am not going to chain dogs outside and abuse the real reason we have dogs which is for them to be a family member but maybe a clean cut yard is not the best idea.

Then again I would like my neighbors to not call the cops. 
We can never tell when we will be a target or why but seriously wondering if cutting the grass is a real need..that and I would rather be out tanning.....

I see ladies flaunt their bling bling all the time and in my anxiety filled head I'm thinking "Well that will be stolen" and I live in a town where crime is not high at all, we do not have thefts like that. Most the time people target empty summer homes.

I have my beware of dog sign up,I have my run down porch,I have my boyfriend who drives a lifted Dodge ram and the fact he looks like a intimidating biker or something..I have my dog,I have a soon to be fence,I have my door that has not been painted in like 10years,my make shift rabbit house and a non perfect looking yard...I am the mix of rich and poor. I have all that but my kids have dozens of toys,my house is not falling down,I drive a big suv,my dog greets everyone and I live on a main road.... *Sigh* who really knows but I thought its funny to think about. 
Do you do anything different so you will not stand out? 
I tend to not dress feminine if I am not with my boyfriend. Stupid because not every person is a mean person. But I do it. 
I love my town I do and for the most part I know its my anxiety. Although I do laugh about the whole idea of being a little dumpy looking or the idea of trading my USED and OLD but still a NO rust BIG SUV in for a beaten down Honda civic...

Its all a thought process that does go through my head...Maybe I need another hobby or something?
=)

The words "I am not good enough"

I have been thinking about this quite a bit.. "I am not good enough" hmmm similar to "I can't"? Is it another excuse to not do your best.... Maybe its what people have made you feel like. It could be the failures you have experienced,  in the back of your head shooting you down. It could be comments or what you have personally seen happen around you.

In this case it is none of that. 

 I have grown up watching people start their own business and fail. Also I feel like since so many others are better at what I love to do then that means I am not ever going to be good enough. In this case we are talking about Photography.
 I let my anxiety hold me back so now I do not know how to take that leap into the future of what I love to do which is capture every moment I possible can.
But again its none of that either. Or its not that real contribution to why I feel not good enough at photography.
Its just the thought process of there is no way I have a talent. There is no way I am really any good at what I do and love, My brother really should be here today and me not so much...Thats right. I am constantly for 21 years been telling myself the talented person,the best person with people..The one at a better future..is dead. I am just a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. I have told myself for years that no matter what- I will never achieve what I really want.
My brother was amazing at drawing,people interaction,knowing how to say he is sorry,legos and so much more. He had his mind set on goals...I know he was far from perfect. But to me...he was replaced..yea lets use the word replaced by me the black sheep. The square peg. 
Stupid because NO ONE has ever made me feel anything close to bad for what the past held but in my head I have never been good enough like the person that was taken far to young from everyone.  Its a small portion of how I feel. He is constantly in the back of my head.

I know my calling is being behind a camera that and psychology. I know this. Its the two things I can talk to you about for hrs. 
I feel unnoticed though. I have other family members that have reached out to the photography world but not to me. Must mean I am not good enough. Psh. At least that's what I have let my head convince me of. The worst part is being excited then to have the "I am not good enough" to do this pop into your head. You doubt it all very quickly after you think that.

What does those words mean to you? Do they mean you can learn more before reaching out and taking opportunities? Do they mean everyone who has ever made you feel like that is a piece of poo? Do they mean nothing and its just our nerves?

I feel stupid for feeling this way. Other people are dealing with degrading spouses and mean people. People who tell them they can't do something or that they are not good enough. For me I am surrounded by decent people. Kind people. Its just in my head that I refuse to think I can capable of anything worthy of a compliment. A few actions and comments here and there might not have helped but either way.

My other half is always dealing with my perfectionist side. I use that as a way to make sure I am doing something good enough. the house has to be up to my par and if not I am a hot mess. My meals can not be anything less then perfect or I just shut down. My driving has to be 100% my best or I get beyond angry at myself. My animals must be healthy loving animals.  I hate when my anxiety flares up in crowds and I stutter. I won't sleep if my anxiety comes between me and getting something done.  I have to have everything perfect. Now my kids and my other half do not need to be perfect. But things that I can control have to be. My yard.The inside of my truck. My purse.Etc. anything I can clean has to be. I have items from when I was a kid because I kept them in PERFECT condition. I hold on to what I have in case I can never afford or get the chance to own it again. Its just my thought process.  My thought process has always been I am going to fail. I won't have enough money for these things when I am older...thats a thought I had as a kid..What kid has that thought!? 

 So to me I have to step up my game in the areas I can because I am lacking in the bringing in cash area. So no matter how angry I am at them. I try my hardest to shine so maybe just maybe they will forget about the fact that I am a stay at home mom. 
 Another thing is I did not graduate high school. NOT MY FAULT. Long story but I was at that school till the last day,it ended up being the school who messed up and my parents not paying for online courses for me to finish up my credits so I could graduate. Alone with the school really not wanting to budge on helping me. I did not graduate. To me that must mean I could never be good at anything if even the schools gave up on me,when it was never even my fault. If I do everything right and still fail..then whats the point?

These are words that can ruin potential,destination and prospective. They can damper your future and your success.  To get a head you need the mind set to conquer it all.

I know I can take my photography to the next step but I also know there are two hurdles. Finances and anxiety. And because those two things have to do with me it all of a sudden means "I am not good enough" to take this to the next step.

Hopefully I will conquer this problem of mine. I hope to not be so perfectionist like. I hope to be happy with who I am. I am still working on finding who I am. One thing is for sure the words "I am not good enough" need to leave. If I feel this way then I need to figure out what will make me good enough. And if I really am good then I need to conquer my anxiety. I know this. I know I need to be a calmer happier person when it comes down to it. I need to laugh at my bad meals and let the dirt on the floor wait an hr before cleaning it up. I need to realize that just because I do not work(minus my photography) its not horrible like certain people have made me feel like. I am allowed to be proud of who I am. I am not spoiled. I am not dependent.I am not stupid. I am not lazy. I am not anything negative besides being to harsh on myself. I hope other people can deal with this as well. We are all good enough. Just dig deeper.   So many people think they can't or are not good enough and that holds them back. You are good enough to start over, or to begin. Which ever it is.

I hope to address all the reasons I have ever felt not good enough.

Words are so powerful. So are our minds. 

 I hope to begin by getting a better mind set. =)

CROCK POT WEDNESDAY!!!!

This is just a simple thing I do. No place I really stole it from.

Savory Cube steak


1 Jar beef gravy
Salt
Pepper
Cubesteak/s 
1 Jar of Au jur gravy

I pour the first jar of gravy in the crock pot then layer the cube steak then season then put the au jur gravy on top and cover for about 4-6hrs.  I have mine on low.

I usually serve with mashed potatoes or over noodles.

ORRR if you are like me,maybe you have two crock pots? In that case here is a crock pot mashed potato recipe that I adore. Sometimes I just cut the potatoes up and put them in before the cube steak in the crock-pot and cook all together and serve with corn and biscuits.

SLOW COOKER MASHED POTATO. Provided by Allrecipes.com

Original recipe makes 8 servings Change Servings

• 5 pounds red potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic, or to taste
• 3 cubes chicken bouillon
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter
• salt and pepper to taste

Check All Add to Shopping List

Directions

1. In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the potatoes, garlic, and bouillon until potatoes are tender but firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving water. In a bowl, mash potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, adding reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Transfer the potato mixture to a slow cooker, cover, and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

You might want to make a smaller batch if its not for a huge family!!
 

Shopping tips

Good Morning!

I had a few people write in to me with their own tips for shopping trips. I too have a few more I would like to share and since its FRIDAY! What a better way then to show you how to save a few cents.

I will start with the readers tips first. And any other people who would like to share thiers can contact me on here or on Facebook. I would love to add you to my blog. ALSO please follow this blog,the more followers the better. That way I can review products and start doing giveaways. Fun Fun.

*"I try my hardest to buy fruit and vegetables when they are in season"-Ann S.

*"I grow my on herbs,that way I know they are fresh and it saves me from going out each week to purchase more." - Amanda W.

*"I watch the size of products. Sometimes a sale item will be 2x smaller in size or weight then another brand,so it no  longer makes it a better deal even on sale. I have also noticed sometimes buying two of something to equal a size is cheaper then buying say the "party" size." Brenda F. ---This is a awesome tip, I do this all the time. Take for example gas station snacks...They cost more there then if you bought a bulk of chips or a few big bags of chips and put up a bag for work each day or for a snack some where. Another good example is when people buy just a normal soda instead of buying a 2lt or something that will last. For 89 cents at Market basket I get 2lts. No Pepsi 1lt or anything is that cheap.

*I pack my own lunch. I work 5 days a week and I was doing take out almost 4 days our of the 5. Even for just myself it came to about $8.00 without soda for me to eat A DAY. I can take lunch for around $5.00. And its healthier." Sara W.

*I take advantage of free items at the gas station. 7-11 will offer free drinks or coffee once in awhile and Cumberland does the same and sometimes has free donuts. Summer they do slushies for free as well" -Diana P.

*"I own a Keurig,pays for itself in time and expense. I use to hit dunkin donuts for coffee then grab a doughnut or 4 and found myself 10lbs heavier. Now I grab a coffee to go from my keurig and a flat bread sandwich I pre make each time.Saving time,frustration(from the lines) and my body!!!" -Julie B.

I love all of those tips and suggestions. 
Here are a few of my findings just in this week that relate to some of the tips said above.

I was in my kitchen trying to find dinner when I thought about how much people spend on take out...then 15mins later I heard a commercial for a pizza place and how they were offering a large pizza for $11. I can make 2 pizzas,cheese for just about $8.89, add toppings and it comes out to be just under $11 where the $11 take out pizza had no toppings. I know when your tired take out is the way to go and I agree. But if your struggling with where your money goes or even how to save its a thought.

Last night I made Shepherds Pie. I made a 15x10 pan for 5 people. It cost me as follows:

10lb bag of potatos=$4.89- I used 6 potatoes. 
1 jar gravy-$1.00
2 cups milk for mashing and 1tbs of butter roughly maybe 69 cents for both. (Not for the WHOLE product just the amount I used) 
2 Cans of corn @ 67 cents each (Aldi's Brand)
Hamburg which was left over from another meal but I paid for 2lbs of hamburg $6.23 and had a YELLOW STICKER from hannafords for $1.50 off. Making it $4.73.
Salt used so little I would not even count a price but for a whole product its 69 cents at Aldis. 
I spent a total of= $8.53 on a meal. Roughly. To go to a fast food place it costs about $25.00. Now I could have thrown tv dinners at them or something but its not my style. I like home cooked meals. We also had left overs for my boyfriends lunch. Perfect.

I would love to hear what anyone else does to save money!!! Especially when it comes to seafood and Pork as I only eat certain fish and nothing else and I do not eat pork. But I would like to give people ideas on those things.

The amazing Keurig!!!

This is a coupon I got off of doing freebies online. A free product. Add companies on facebook  and watch what they post or join some freebie groups.

CROCK POT WEDNESDAY!

**First I would like to say I have not created any of these,they are just recipes I have tried and liked or loved!**

Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

photo by:

kraft

3K+

Here's everything that's delicious in a loaded baked potato—cheese, bacon, sour cream—all in one easy slow-cooker soup.

time

prep:

35 min

total:

8 hr 35 min

servings

total:

8 servings, about 1 cup each

What You Need

8

slices  OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped

1

 onion, finely chopped

2

Tbsp.  flour

1

carton  (32 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided

3

lb.  large baking potatoes (about 6), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1

pkg.  (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided

1/2

cup  milk

1/2

cup  BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

1/4

cup  chopped fresh chives

Make It

COOK and stir bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet with slotted spoon, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels; refrigerate until ready to use. Add onions to drippings in skillet; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour; cook and stir 1 min. Add 1 cup broth; cook and stir 2 min. or until sauce comes to boil and thickens. Pour into slow cooker. Stir in remaining broth and potatoes; cover with lid. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours (or HIGH 5 to 6 hours).
USE slotted spoon to transfer 4 cups potatoes to medium bowl; mash until smooth. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese to remaining mixture in slow cooker; stir until melted. Stir in mashed potatoes and milk; cook, covered, 5 min. or until heated through.
PLACE bacon on paper towel-covered microwaveable plate. Microwave on HIGH 20 to 30 sec. or until heated through. Serve soup topped with bacon, remaining cheese, sour cream and chives. 


**I use turkey bacon and only half a onion. I also put a touch of garlic powder in. Delicious!!! This is one of my favorite recipes. I even created a potato soup of my own that I will share with you *Below* that stemmed from this recipe!! Thanks to kraftrecipes.com for having the website to find such great recipes. 


Raving Potato Soup

1/2lb to a lb of cut up potatoes
2 cups half and half
1 cup 1% milk
Salt (To your taste)
 1/4th teaspoon Pepper
Paprika(To your taste)
2/3 cup of Sour cream
2-3 pieces of cooked turkey bacon,cut up into pieces.
1 bag(8oz) of Extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Cook your bacon. Cut up your potatos. Then cut up your bacon. Mean while be putting everything else into your crock pot. Then add Bacon and potatoes.  Mix well. Cook on high for about 5 hrs. time might vary on the size of your  potatoes.

A penny counts.

So I love watching extreme couponing. I love reading blogs. Pinterest is my favorite site. One thing I am not afraid of is learning. I do not think my way is the right way all the time and that helps me be a good listener and learner. I am not stubborn. I am not selfish so that helps when it comes to where my money is going.



Today I wanted to do a blog on what I have learned since being on my own. Little tips that can help! Not all tips and things I am sharing will help with money,some are for the environment.. This is just a start. I hope to do quite a bit more. More photos. More tips. I am a pretty good orginizer so I would like to do a post on that.

 Broken crayons- We re use and re use till nothing is left or close..then its time to crush down and bake...Making bigger crayons or neat shapes or what ever else I might do.

 Dog bed. Hand made. Plus the old blankets I had laying around were placed inside. One end is snapped together so I can take the blankets out and wash the bed. Its huge when its all the way out.  Fabric was free,old blankets were taking up room and Nakita needed a bed..ta da!

 Jars make wonderful cups!! This one had salsa in it. Now my daughters favorite glass.

 Crock pot=My life!! Okay okay close to my life...Its easy,its convenient and its big enough to make a meal for all of us. I will do a crock pot recipe every Wednesday! Working parents can do this. Do your kids get home before you? There are recipes that only take 2 hrs too cook,have them turn it on when they get home! Don't work? Still easy. Busy day? Put it on in the morning and forget about it.

 We recycle. Saves us on our garbage! Every can,bottle,box,etc goes to the recyclables. We use less garbage bags. Plus we are helping the environment.

 Store brand! Now I do recommend people try store brand or a cheaper brand first before committing to it. I will buy nothing but Windex. But most products are just as good as the expensive name brand. My mom always said "You are paying for the brand".

 This is not easy for everyone...but I do not have a dryer. And if I did, I would not use it as often as everyone seems too. I hang my clothes on racks or outside.  I am never behind on laundry so the speed of a dryer really does not effect anything. I do encourage you to atleast in summer hang your clothes out! You can put a rack on your porch if you have one as well. Many options. Some people will dry private clothes,which is understandable. 

 Hannafords. Around here they have certain days in the morning where they mark down their meats.  I refuse to pay $3.99 or more for a lb of meat. Silly to me.  With chicken I will pay no more then $1.99 a lb. Turkey bacon compared to pork bacon is a world wind difference in price. Now I know most of you will never convert lol but its an idea. 

 Home made items. My mom makes mittens for the kids. Helps a lot in winter. Not everyone can or knows someone talented enough but if you do take them up on it. Or learn. I have tried and failed many times. 

 Containers! I love them. I save almost everyone I get! I re use them, freeze hamburg in them,use them for my boyfriends lunch..leftovers.. I use them to organize drawers or closets. For pieces to kids toys...So much to do with them lol. I have never bot a container from the store.

Change! It adds up. Take it out of your pockets or car and place it in a jar or container. Watch it add up. You can even make one up for a specific reason like for a dinner out or Christmas. Ours is just for saving and one day we will count it or maybe might even need that money.

 Rummage sales! Look or them! We get a lot of stuff at them for dirt cheap. Also around here we have whats called a SWAP. Its all free items that people go and donate. Its once a week,we have gotten a bunch of kid toys from there. Its lovely. I have also donated!

 DIY PROJECTS!! I made these two items. For nothing. It cost me nothing. Tag Sales was involved. But see if a tag sale is all weekend....by Sunday they usually have a free box or table..which is where the seashells and frame came from... the jar I found in the woods on a walk. And the sand was again free. The drawing was done by my son. Fun! Sometimes you might need to spend some cash but its worth it and normally still cheaper.

 Antiques as wall decorations? Yes please. Again tag sales and family members! this was my dads,so I paid nothing for it and it hangs over my washing machine. Very cute. Again its all about deals and negotiating or just plain looking.

 Kitchen aid with  attachments. Paid $100. Savings of about $250.00. Bought on a online site. They should have them in your area. Just look in the search engine on facebook.

 Pasta. We eat a lot and I have a pasta maker that I just got and need to try but for now I will not spend more then a dollar on a box of pasta. Hannafords they are mostly 88 cents. I do spend a bit more on lasagna and pastas like that.

This is a hard one. Some people say that they have to use more of the cheap detergent to make up for it not cleaning well. I find that not the case,I buy the cheap not the cheapest but I use the same amount per load as I would with say Tide and it goes further because its a bigger container and way cheaper.  This is the same with other products. Take the time to notice what you are doing. Take the time to do your math.  

Here are a few examples of paying a bit more,pays you back in other ways down the road. The beginning of this summer I bought 98 cent gloves for the kids....
A.They were not water proof
B.They were not that warm.
C.They were ruined in about 3 wks....  So off I went to buy another pair. In the end I paid for a better quality and the gloves are lasting.

We were picking up stuff up for our guinea pig and there were so many houses for us to choose. One was cheaper and she could eat it. Well I got thinking that if she eats it we will be back to buy another one...which made it the same price as a plastic house for her,same size and all so we spent more so that we would not have to buy more then just one.

Cat food. I have 6 cats. Buying a small bag a week is ridiculous. I buy a 24lbs back of kit and kaboodle which is the cheap but not the cheapest and it lasts a month.


Tomorrow I will write about how I have kept my kids Birthday party under budget. My kids share a birthday,not twins but they are a yr to the day apart. I have 26 people coming. A handful of kids. Presents. Decorations. Etc. Its nothing fancy but I did it cheap and its going to be fun.

I will also be doing more posts on money saving and once again on Wednesdays,I will post a crock pot recipe!