Christmas Cards Already?

Can you believe Christmas is around the corner? It seems like I was just writing about our Christmas cards for last year.

We usually send out the cards the first week in December. In order to get them on time I order at least a week before Thanksgiving.

This year I used Kodak Gallery and a card template it was super easy. Get your coupon for $15 . Just sign up and they will email you a code.

I only ordered 10 to start I am silly like that. I wanted to make sure they looked good before I ordered 175. We've got an outragously long list we include some of my husband's client friends.

Procrastination Project... DONE!

I've been talking and thinking about recovering my dining room cushions for .... well years. I finally did it!

Take a look, nice clean cushions. The kids haven't had at them yet.

When we first got them they were nice and white and clean.

Well that didn't last for long once we actually started using the dining room for Sunday night dinners.

The chairs became stained then I tried to clean them and they looked worse.

I found some fabric at Garden Ridge or (Garbage Ridge according to Will). They now have fabric remnants for $5.99.

I got 3 yards total in my fabric bolt all for $5.99 total!

Here is one chair recovered and the before.

So glad it's done. Now I just need some nice wood floors in the dining room....

Just Praying For Stellan Today

I am not doing my normal Menu Monday because I would like you to stop what y0u are doing and say a little prayer for Stellan. If you don't know his story visit his mom Mckmama's website.

Their family is in great need of prayers today.

I cannot imagine what she must be going through. Today hug your children a little tighter and forget about the crazy world.

I'm Back, Lots to Share!

The open house was a huge success! The new business is going incredible, such a blessing. For those wondering, my husband went into private practice. http://www.theruddcompany.com/ Understand why I'm self proclaimed Frugal Jen? We put into practice effective money management.

I think things are finally going to get back to a new "normal" for us.

To save money for the open house I made my own flower arrangements. Tom Thumb has a great floral department. I got all the flowers for $14! We rented some cocktail tables. I put the little arrangements on a small round mirror. Simple elegant look.

We put the food in the conference room. I had 2 fruit and cheese trays made from Market Street. They did a great job and it took a huge load off me.

We got the rest of the goodies at Costco; meatballs (seasoned with 1 12 oz jar of gravy and 1 packet of onion soup mix), taquitos, hummus and crackers, cream puffs and the best brownies ever.
The new double crock pot was wonderful. I didn't know you could keep things warm (like taquitos) and they stay crispy after you bake them.


So proud of you Josh! I love you! Cheers :)
I realized after this photo I need another haircut and I want bangs again.

Gotta Have Gadget!

I interrupt my bloggy break to show you the greatest thing to hit a crock pot!! I saw it at Wally-World and fell in love. Seriously, it was sent down from heaven when I was about to gag from the price to rent a nice warming tray for the open house.

It looks nice and it's super functional!!!

It was on sale for $60.

Did you know it was going to cost me $75 to rent 2 warming trays?

I am going to do a warm dip on one side and meatballs on the other side.

The very best part is.... I get to keep it at home!!

We enjoy entertaining, this will be put to lots of use. So.... my IRL (In Real Life) friends my new gadget will be signature item for parties. I will have my queso on one side and spinach dip on the other.

In other news....

I do have a confession..... I ordered fruit and cheese trays because I didn't want to make them myself.

Not at Wally-World or Kroger but, Market Street. The swanky grocery store.

Did you know their trays are much, much nicer and cheaper than Tom Thumb and Kroger?

So I guess I scored a little bit of frugal in my decision.

Sometimes it sounds great to do everything yourself but in reality you have to put your time in as a variable.

Off this week!

I am taking a bloggy break this week. We've got a big week for the business. We are having a client open house. Instead of hiring a cater I am doing it all myself.

What is your favorite appetizer at open houses or holiday parties? I am trying to decide the menu.

Grocery Time Again

** Update I did it! I spent $102***

Last week it was grocery intervention time. I am sorry to say I did not make it to Costco this week. My week has been crazy and it didn't happen.

Tomorrow I am back to Kroger. They have a big sale. I've matched my coupons and made my list. I wanted to share these great sites:

• http://www.couponing101.com/ She lists Kroger match ups
• http://www.kroger.com/ There are several sites like supersaver, cellfire and smart source to add coupons directly to your reward card

My goal is $110. Let's see how good I do this week.

I have to share something funny. The last 2 weeks I've purchased Halloween candy ahead of time. Problem is we have consumed 4 bags in 2 weeks. I just can't stay away from mini twix, m&m's, milkyway.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Early Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas

Starting my Christmas shopping early and planning very carefully.

This Christmas season we've really got a tight budget to stick to.

The problem is friends and family. My husband has a large family so that means lots of gifts. That is what adds up fast.

I love personalized gifts. I've already knocked 4 people off my list with spending less than $20. Vista Print has free items where you only pay shipping. I got some custom hats, bags, stationary, calendars and pens.

This is great for parents, in-law or cousins.

We got these cards printed last year for free!

The key to saving with Vista Print is using the slow shipping option. If you order in advance shipping time doesn't matter. The slow option is 21 days. That gets your items here way before Christmas.

They've got some special click thru offers so check it out and see how litte you can spend! Save 25-50% off on custom printed products at VistaPrint. Order today!

P.S. Family members if you are reading... it's the thought that counts not how much you spend, right?

Menu Monday & Photos!

First let's start with my Menu then I will share with you the best tortillas on the planet.... really!!

Monday: Meal on the Go- at the request of 3 children we will now have grilled cheese sandwiches and tator tors with surprise dessert until further notice. Here is the photo of their meal on the go.

I have to smile, this eating in the car stuff just has them thrilled. They are so cute holding their little containers and so excited to have a fun meal. Tuesday: Chicken Tenders and Pasta Salad

Wednesday: Fried Fish and French Fries (We didn't get to it last week I got a craving for Homemade Nacho's.)

Thursday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (We also missed this meal last week, I got a craving for Taco's after the Nacho's)

Friday: Little Cesar's $5 Pizza

Last week I had some serious cravings. No I am not pregnant.... yet.

I also got a craving for some chocolate cupcakes..... yum!

I recruited some little helpers.

OK, now here is the moment you've waited for. The world's best tortilla's!!!! I buy these at Wallyworld (Wal-mart).

They come uncooked.

Just put them in a pan and cook. They are so delicious. They taste just like the best mexican restaurants, best part is you can make them at home!

Grocery Trip... a small success

I did it I followed my list and spent $107.70 at Wal-mart for my weekly grocery trip. This is a huge improvement from my $175 from last year at this time. Remember I do have a family of 5 to feed.

I want to thank you all for the wonderful tips on my last post. I am going to really look closely at what I buy and take a trip to Costco to price out some items.

Keep the tips coming!!!