Becoming Betty Crocker: Kielbasa with Peppers & Potatoes

A couple of weeks ago when we had dinner with our neighbors at their house, +Daniel Segall made kielbasa with peppers, potatoes & onions.  Since then I've wanted to try it.  Hillshire Farm sausages were on sale this week (bogo & I had a $1/2 coupon = approximately $1.70 each). 

Since I'm still in the Becoming Betty stages, I needed a recipe to at least give an idea what to do and I found this one - Kielbasa with Peppers and Potatoes.

I did a couple of things a little different.  I used Smoked Sausage, only used green peppers & added onions.  I also used McCormick's Seasoned Pepper Blend.

Pre-cooked sausage & potatoes

 

cooked with the peppers & onions (minus Dan's serving already taking out)

 

This was REALLY good!  Usually we just have smoked sausage cooked in the skillet with pierogies.  Definitely will be doing this again.  I have one other sausage recipe that I want to try, so we'll be trying that probably next week.

Wordless Wednesday - February 27, 2013

Blogpaws.com - Wordless Wednesday


 

Coupon Princess (Mama is the Coupon Queen)

 

Savings Summary Saturday - February 23, 2013

Items sent for:

• n/a - nothing this week.

Grocery Shopping (and other savings) this week:

• picked up these Spot Skinneeez Masked Bandit at the grocery store for the pups.  They were marked down to $0.75 each.  They were totally marked wrong.  The detailed sticker said 12" black balloons regularly $1.50.  Pups were happy with the purchase!
• Just because something is a bargain doesn't mean you will like it.  I bought Smart Balance spread that I haven't used before.  This was their new product - well, it SUCKS.  Every once in awhile, I got this fishy taste.  I had 5 tubs that I got for about $1.25 each (which is a good deal) and threw them all away.  The first time we used it, was on a grilled cheese sandwich and the next day, my stomach was horrible the next day.  Then I used it on a bagel 2 days later and still had the fishy taste every once in awhile. 

Gas Savings:

• Hubby used the Exxon card which gives us money in the Upromise account.

Income (Starting to post again to Ebay & Yardsellr & Listia. My goal is to post at least one item a day.):

• n/a - been too busy cleaning!

Items received in the mail:

• Rolling Stone Magazine (rewardsgold.com)

Rewards programs:
MyPoints - 15095 points (personal account) - 14975 points -last week)
MyPoints -  4857 points (coupon account) - 4712 points-last week)
Swagbucks - 3486 points (3437 points-last week)
Listia - 41551 credits  (41,401 credits last week) $0 paid out for shipping (when buying credits it is 1 cent/credit)
Postpoints - 3290 points (3,280 points last week)
mycokerewards - 6819 points (6707 points-last week)
Bondrewards - $27.36  ($27.26 - last week)
Upromise - $21.42 ($21.42 last week) available for transfer
Capital One Rewards - 9056 miles (8846 miles-last week)
Thanks Again - 1075 points (1075 points last week)
Viggle - 42953  points (40649 points - last week)
NCP - 46505 points (45965 points last week)
Daily Feats - 1695 points (1695 points last week)
ExpoTV - 120 points (120 points last week)

2012 New Year, New Goals - to continue in 2013!

• Use rewards programs to get gifts and daily stuff -
• Use Restaurant.com coupons -
• Set up an Estate -
• Monthly Review/Net Worth
• I created a new budget with only one income and used Quicken so that I am able to run reports to see how well we are staying on track.
• See From D.I.N.K to O.I.N.K.- January summary

"The Housewife Tour 2013" - The week in review

Projects:
This week was a little more productive than last week (because hubby being sick & me not being at 100%).

• Finished going through my (walk-in) closet.  I still need to pack away some clothes that don't fit (of course I'm keeping them until I lose weight - haha) once I get one more underbed storage.  The result (this also includes Dan's clothes) -

All have been donated to The Lupus Foundation.

• I went through all of my jewelry.  I have so much old vintage jewelry that was my grandmother's and my Aunt Helen's.  Pieces that have just been siting in old jewelry boxes and I have never worn.  I am at a point in my life where I am ready to get rid of items.  They need to go to someone who will appreciate them and not just have them sitting in boxes.  I also have pieces that were gifts to me and I just never wear.  Now the next step (as with all of the items I have been going through) to sell them.
• Organized the kitchen pantry.  Amazing how much easier it is to see what we have now!

• Organized the linen closet & under the bathroom sink. Boy did I find some OLD medicine in there! LOL.
   
 

From D.I.N.K To O.I.N.K. - January Summary

So starting on January 1, 2013 I officially did not have a job.  I decided to take the payout (or severance pay) instead of applying for basically the same job with a new company.  Since then, I have been a housewife.  Our goal is to live on one income (my husband's) and use my severance pay to pay the mortgage as long as possible. 

Hence From D.I.N.K. (Double Income No Kids) To O.I.N.K. (One Income No Kids).  January was the first try at this new budget.  I created a budget in Quicken and can run a report at the end of the month to see how we did. 

Here's January's Summary:

• Over budget on:
• Auto/Gas - This is because of the travel both of us did on separate occasions (me to NY to see my family and hubby went to Canada for a family outing)
• Gas & Electric - This could be because of cooking more and being home all day using the computer, tv, etc.
• All other items were on or under budget!

So far, so good. However, this week it was announced that the government will be doing furloughs starting in April if a budget is not reached by March 1.  Hubby said that he will be furloughed 1 day/pay period from April through September.  If a budget is not reached by July, he will be furloughed 2 days/pay period through September.

Time for the rant - of course Congress & Senate will NOT be furloughed and get their whole paycheck!  That's what I don't think is fair. They should also be furloughed to see how they like it.

We'll see what happens.  I feel that we will be fine.  Worst case, we will need to look at the variable budget items - cable/tv/internet, cell phone, dining out, etc.

NOTE:  Once I do get a job (the goal is by the end of the year), we will do double payments with the 2nd payment going to the principle on the mortgage.

Wordless Wednesday - February 20, 2013

Blogpaws.com - Wordless Wednesday


 

 

 

Becoming Betty Crocker: Baked Penne

Like last week, there are a couple of items in the frig that need to be used soon or it wil be thrown out.  This week the main item is Philadelphia Cooking Creme in Italian Cheese and Herb.

So I picked Baked Penne. This was VERY, VERY easy. I did do some different things with the recipe. I used 1 lb of pasta & ground beef, no peppers, 1/2 cup of mozerella in the sauce, but no limit on the cheese on top. I used a 2 1/2 qt container for cooking.





The sauce mix

pre-cooked

cooked

 

 

We had garlic biscuits with it (the last roll of Grands with butter/garlic powder mix on top).  This is my Aunt Helen's recipe (down to the actual pan).

 

 

Dinner was a success.  Hubby really liked the topping (cheese & cooking creme).



Adventures: Catching Up

The last week (and this holiday weekend) has been slow and uneventful.  Dan has been sick (and home) since Wednesday and Saturday went to the doctor and was diagnosed with the flu.  It was weird because it wasn't like a full blown flu like you would think, but he was tested & came back positive with it.

I have also been under the weather but nothing out of the ordinary - minor sinus stuff and then an upset tummy yesterday.  Stuff that happens every once in awhile.  Of course I blame hubby!  He's the one that has been sick & was trying to get me sick!

Now, Dan could have become sick because we were out and about the weekend before.  Saturday was a busy day for us.  First we had a birthday party for our 3 year old neighbor then that evening, we went to see Burnt Orange at Duke's Lounge in Warrenton, VA.  We met up with Dan's sister & husband for a little bit.  But the main reason to go was to meet up with Paul who is the singer with Burnt Orange.  We go way back to when I was skating & playing hockey (in the early 90's).  Paul played guitar at our wedding too.  It was great to see Paul and catch up after so many years.

We did have a visitor to our sick household this weekend (plans that were made before the sickness came on).  Esa's best friend, Sable (who lives 4 doors away), came over while her family was gone on a family outing Saturday evening & Sunday during the day.

The girls playing.

As you can see, Sable was right at home with us.

Zed wasn't too happy the first night Sable was here - just because she has so much energy, that plus she was taking away attention from his mama & daddy-o.

Becoming Betty Crocker: Doggie Birthday Cake

Our baby girl, Esa, turns 6 today!

A couple of years ago, I made some cupcakes with a recipe from this website, but this time I decided to make an actual cake with the same recipe.

The recipe:

Peanut Butter Carrot Birthday Cake

• 1 cup flour
• 1tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 egg

Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8" round cake pan and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool.

 

A sleepy Sous Chef supervising

 

All mixed and ready to bake.

All baked!

 

And used this recipe from this website for the frosting.

 

Super Simple Kosher Peanut Butter Honey Frosting
The peanut butter frosting is easy to make and makes enough frosting for one 8-inch cake.

• ¼ cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• ¼ cup Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and spread evenly over cake or muffins and serve.  The frosting can be made in larger or smaller quantities by keeping the ration of one part peanut butter with one part honey. Add only enough oil for a creamy consistency and easy spreading.

The frosting all mixed.

The finished product -

The kids enjoying the cake -

And I'll admit it - I tasted it - it was pretty dry.

NOTE:  I will admit, I am more comfortable baking items than cooking. :)

"The Housewife Tour 2013" - The First DIY Project

About 10 years ago (when we moved into our house), we bought a sectional - a cream color sectional.  Not a big deal back then since it was just us and my cat, Babe, who basically shedded in clumps.  Seriously - clumps.  She would pull clumps of fur out or we would just find clumps sitting around. EASY TO CLEAN UP. 

Enter Esa - blond, but fur just kind of blends in.  No big problem.  Enter Zed - black fur - enter the fur problem with the couch.  I know, the easiest way to keep the couch clean, keep Zed off the couch (or get a new couch).  Luckily, all of the cushions have covers we can take off and wash so every once in awhile, I do that.  Today was that day.

The couch - all undone.

 

Still fur on the back of the couch after a lint brush AND using a rubber glove

 

 

Zed - thinking "What are you doing to my bed?" 

 

The other issue that happened was the fabric underneath was ripped at the front of the couch.  This is what happens when toys get stuck under the couch and a certain pup (Esa) tries to get them.  I bought replacement fabric for it awhile ago and today, since I was tearing the couch apart anyway, was the day to fix it.

My first DIY project!  AKA something I've never done before - couldn't be that hard could it?  All I need for the project is:

First step - removing the fabric and the extra staples -

Mid project with the supervisor checking out the work -

 

The finished project - 

 

Not bad - let's see how long it lasts (hopefully until we get a new couch (not sure when that is).  The staples didn't go in all of the way, but are holding the fabric & the corners are "wrapped" around the legs.

 

The couch is put back together and half of it is covered with blankets to keep it clean for a little while.



Wordless Wednesday - February 13, 2013





BlogPaws - Wordless Wednesday - February 13, 2013

 

 

Someone's birthday is tomorrow!

Becoming Betty Crocker: Grands Taco Melts

Monday is grocery day.  I try to go through the frig before I go to figure out what needs to be thrown away, what needs to be used soon, and what we are out of.  This week the "things that need to be used soon" include Grands biscuits & sour cream.

On to Pinterest to figure out what I can make with Grands.  I didn't have anything already pinned, so went to the Pillsbury website to check out the recipes.  The winner - Grands Taco Melts.  We had everything but the salsa, so to the grocery store I went.

This was a pretty easy recipe and probably should be renamed taco calzones.  That being said, I ALWAYS have issues with expanding the dough for recipes like this (see when I made calzones) AND when the recipe says thick & chunky salsa use it. 

Juice is a little runny.

 

I had some issues with the "juice" of the salsa - it was running all over the sheet pan. But, thanks to a papertowel, the "juice" was wiped up and 4 calzones were made.  Then I figured I would try just layering the last 4 biscuits.  I didn't measure the cheese - I just sprinkled chese on the mixture.

The "calzones" - 2 folded, 1 filled but not folded, and 1 of just the dough 

The super taco calzones (2 biscuits)

This still sucks to spread out the dough.

DONE!

Super calzones DONE!

The recipe said to use the remaining salsa, cheese & sour cream.  I just got a side dish of sour cream to dip bites in, but hubby got creative and made a "taco"!

A super calzone, with leftover meat mixture, salsa, sour cream & chopped lettuce on top. 

 

 

I am happy to say, the Grand Taco Melts were a success.  Hubby liked them and I thought they were good.  It will be made again. :)

Signed Book Giveaway! "If I Should Die Before My Dog"

This dogtastic giveaway has been brought to you by authors Joe and Cathy Connolly

and Beck Valley Booksand Pets With Opinions

Giveaway ends on Sunday 3rd March at 11.59pm EST

A Dog Lovers lasting guide.......An beautifully illustrated interactive book that one fills in all of the information about their dogs life in the event they can no longer care for them to help ensure your pets are taken care of.

A thought provoking check list for dog lovers, who unfortunately and with much sadness can no longer take care of their dog.

This book will assist those who want to prepare for their dogs future in an easy to use format that will guide them through the process of telling the "story" of their dogs life, for their pets "Next Guardian".

None of us can predict the future, but in the event situations arise such as death, health impairment or left with no other choice but to give them up, this book will be there to assist your beloved pet with the transition from one home to another.

Enter Below and Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

"The Housewife Tour 2013" - The Week in Review

Projects:

• Finished cleaning the Scrapbooking/office closet.  The end result -

That's just 2 days - I think I had already threw away 2 other bags full of shredded paper.

• started going through clothes for a donation pick up on the 18th.  I went through all of my dresser drawers today and threw away one bag of clothes (unworthy of being donated) and have about 11 t-shirts to donate (so far).

"Becoming Better Crocker" Approved:

•  I tried a new product this week. La Choy Stir Fry Orange Ginger.  It was on sale for $1.79 this week and I had a coupon for 50 cents off 2 (which doubled).  I used 1/2 a jar on chicken.  It was really good.

 

 

 

Becoming Betty Crocker: Pot Roast

Going through the freezer last night for dinner, gave me an idea for dinner tonight!  POT ROAST!

Dan usually makes the pot roast and uses the recipe from the Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook.   I wanted to change it up a bit and used this recipe that I have on Pinterest.  You know me - Easy Peasy - potroast mix/season & coke.  I figured we'll just have baked potatoes with it.

Here's the pre-cooked picture.

And post cooking:

Oh man! This was AWESOME! It just fell apart.

Savings Summary Saturday - February 2

Items sent for:

• n/a - nothing this week.

Grocery Shopping (and other savings) this week:

• CVS
• last Saturday, I stopped & got some more $2.50 12pk coke products - ended up getting a $1 ECB for using my green tag and a $10 gift card for the $30 participating products.  I was shocked.  I thought the deal was for in one transaction- need to start look at the small print a little better!
• Best Buy
• Downgraded on my Quicken software (from Premier to Deluxe - wasn't really using the software to the fullest). It was on sale for $59.99, used (2) $5 rewards and used the balance on a gift card - ended up spending about $30.

Gas Savings:

• Hubby used the Exxon card which gives us money in the Upromise account.

Income (Starting to post again to Ebay & Yardsellr & Listia. My goal is to post at least one item a day.):

• n/a - been too busy cleaning!

Items received in the mail:

• sample of Beneful wet dog food with a coupon
• Kotex bracelet & coupon

Rewards programs:
MyPoints-   14975 points (personal account) - 14920 points -last week)
MyPoints  4712 points (coupon account) - 4707 points-last week)
Swagbucks - 3437 points (3401 points-last week)
Listia -  41401 credits (41,401 credits last week) $0 paid out for shipping (when buying credits it is 1 cent/credit)
Postpoints - 3280  points (3,260 points last week)
mycokerewards - 6707  points (6652 points-last week)
Bondrewards - $27.26  ($27.21 - last week)
Upromise - $21.42 ($20.99 last week) available for transfer
Capital One Rewards - 8846  miles (8756 miles-last week)
Thanks Again - 1075 points (1075 points last week)
Viggle - 40649  points (50,230 points - last week) - used 10,000 points for a $5 CVS gift card
NCP -   45965 points (45720 points last week)
Daily Feats - 1695 points (1695 points last week)
ExpoTV - 120 points (120 points last week)

2012 New Year, New Goals - to continue in 2013!

• Use rewards programs to get gifts and daily stuff -
• Use Restaurant.com coupons -
• Set up an Estate -
• Monthly Review/Net Worth
• I created a new budget with only one income and used Quicken so that I am able to run reports to see how well we are staying on track.

"The Housewife Tour 2013" - The Week In Review

Projects:

• We (yes, hubby & I) cleaned out and organized our geocaching stash (things we trade and things we have found).
• Filed all photos on the top floor of our house.  I stress "on the top floor of our house" because I'm pretty sure there are still pictures in storage that I'll have to organize once I get to that portion of the house. :P 
• I started cleaning out the closet in the scrapbooking room.  I have so much paperwork from years ago (work reference stuff, awards, taxes, investments, etc).  Thanks to the internet, I can look up what the timeline is for getting rid of paperwork!

Couponing to the next level:
So one of the things that you are supposed to do as a couponer is make a list of your best prices.  This is a project I have always wanted to do, but who has the time?  To the rescue comes Southern Savers!  They created this handy list of target prices for frequently bought products!  WOOHOO!  Couponing goes to the next level!  See that list on the left of the items you should get for free - not if you live in the DC area!  At least I haven't been able to do it yet.  This list is now in my coupon binder for inspiration and guidance.