The wierdest thing has happened to me. Last Christmas, I began doing cross stich while watching old movies with my hubby. It was a great way to keep me from stuffing myself with snacks and I got a lot of holiday gifts made. Then in the spring I discovered some crocheting I had started back in 1993 and that became my movie time project. I ended up completing two large blankets for my sons' beds (which they got for Christmas this year). I made countless othe gifts while watching Garbo, Chaplin, and others this fall.
So Christmas is over and I should be able to just sit still and watch a movie but I can't. Last night, we (my hubby and two daughters) sat down to watch X men 2 and I tried to do nothing but it drove me crazy! Don't misunderstand me, I enjoyed the movie) I ended up starting a cross stich for my sisters birthday at the end of January.
It actually feels good to be productive...who knew!
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
Lessons of the Holidays 2004
Here's what I've figured out based on my experiences this Holiday Season.
First of all, if you go into a store you will spend money and it will probably be more than you thought you would. I rarely ventured into stores this holiday season and when I did it was with list in hand. Even so, the temptation to deviate from the list was intense. Get all your handmade/homemade stuff done first then use the stores to fill in the blanks, if there are any.
Details count. My in laws raved about some biscotti that I made at Thanksgiving. You can bet your boots that a tin of biscotti was included in their Christmas present. At the same time, muffin jar mixes were not included in the gifts of family on the Atkins plan (which I totally disagree with as a nutrition professional but I'll save that rant for another time.)
What skills do I have? My hubby is a phone man, he secretly ran a phone extension into our daughters' bedroom. Is there a better gift for two teenage girls? The real bonus is my cordless phone doesn't go missing anymore. I'm vegetarian for many years and love to cook. Jar mixes of favorite recipes (fool proof only) are the logical answer when people ask "but how can you make ___ with no eggs or dairy?
What are my hobbies? I like to crochet and cross stitch while watching old movies with my hubby. It keeps me from snacking and its productive. Many of our gifts had one the product of these two hobbies in them.
Finally, planning is key. Make a list of people you need to give to. Don't forget teachers, coworkers, etc. Then make a plan and don't forget dates when things need to be done. Teachers gifts need to be done before school lets out! I need to be thinking about things by the middle of October to avoid rushing and panic. Keep your eyes open during the tag sale season. The finds can be incredible but you have to keep track of what you've gotten.
First of all, if you go into a store you will spend money and it will probably be more than you thought you would. I rarely ventured into stores this holiday season and when I did it was with list in hand. Even so, the temptation to deviate from the list was intense. Get all your handmade/homemade stuff done first then use the stores to fill in the blanks, if there are any.
Details count. My in laws raved about some biscotti that I made at Thanksgiving. You can bet your boots that a tin of biscotti was included in their Christmas present. At the same time, muffin jar mixes were not included in the gifts of family on the Atkins plan (which I totally disagree with as a nutrition professional but I'll save that rant for another time.)
What skills do I have? My hubby is a phone man, he secretly ran a phone extension into our daughters' bedroom. Is there a better gift for two teenage girls? The real bonus is my cordless phone doesn't go missing anymore. I'm vegetarian for many years and love to cook. Jar mixes of favorite recipes (fool proof only) are the logical answer when people ask "but how can you make ___ with no eggs or dairy?
What are my hobbies? I like to crochet and cross stitch while watching old movies with my hubby. It keeps me from snacking and its productive. Many of our gifts had one the product of these two hobbies in them.
Finally, planning is key. Make a list of people you need to give to. Don't forget teachers, coworkers, etc. Then make a plan and don't forget dates when things need to be done. Teachers gifts need to be done before school lets out! I need to be thinking about things by the middle of October to avoid rushing and panic. Keep your eyes open during the tag sale season. The finds can be incredible but you have to keep track of what you've gotten.
Monday, December 20, 2004
checking to see if posts are posting
If you can read this things have improved dramatically. If not, there's still a problem with this blog.
Friday, December 17, 2004
I wish this was working correctly!!!
I'm not typing a whole lot since there's a good chance it won't show but god I wish they would fix this! What's the point of having a blog if its not posting correctly???
Countdown to frugal Christmas continues but at the rate this is going no one will see this until 2005!
Countdown to frugal Christmas continues but at the rate this is going no one will see this until 2005!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Easy, tasty, frugal and nutritious dessert???
It doesn't seem possible that there is a dish that meets that description, not in todays low carb, no carb kind of a world. I think there is, but then I'm into nutrition based on real science and who wants to hear that anymore?? So what is this mysterious dessert? Its Apple Crisp.
The recipe I use is a variation on one my daughter brought home from school.
4-6 apples cored and sliced(I use one of those push down gagdets to do this part)
1/4 cup canola oil (you could use margarine but I always run out)
1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c oatmeal (I've used both quick cooking and old fashioned)
3/4 tsp cinnamon
Put the apples in an 8x8 oiled baking dish. Mix the remaining ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes and voila, you've got everything the title promises.
I just made this tonight and my kids just love it. Usually there's none left. Tonight I had to fight to save some for my hubby who's working late.
Now I must stop typing and start cross stitching...my Christmas crafts are not as done as I'd like them to be.
The recipe I use is a variation on one my daughter brought home from school.
4-6 apples cored and sliced(I use one of those push down gagdets to do this part)
1/4 cup canola oil (you could use margarine but I always run out)
1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c oatmeal (I've used both quick cooking and old fashioned)
3/4 tsp cinnamon
Put the apples in an 8x8 oiled baking dish. Mix the remaining ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes and voila, you've got everything the title promises.
I just made this tonight and my kids just love it. Usually there's none left. Tonight I had to fight to save some for my hubby who's working late.
Now I must stop typing and start cross stitching...my Christmas crafts are not as done as I'd like them to be.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Welcome
Where to begin???
I must confess, lately I'm a woman in search of a soapbox so this blog is a dream come true. So who am I? That's a loaded question so here goes...
I'm a mom, a vegetarian, fitness instructor, dietetic technician registered, and a total tightwad. Lately, I'm become very interested in living more simply and becoming more eco friendly. Expect my posts to go in any of those directions. Who knows, we may all learn something!
I must confess, lately I'm a woman in search of a soapbox so this blog is a dream come true. So who am I? That's a loaded question so here goes...
I'm a mom, a vegetarian, fitness instructor, dietetic technician registered, and a total tightwad. Lately, I'm become very interested in living more simply and becoming more eco friendly. Expect my posts to go in any of those directions. Who knows, we may all learn something!
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