MENU MONDAY

MORNING EVERYONE..

Had a great day yesterday... Hope this weather stays for awhile..Nothing is better then the warmth of the sun.. Today is a work day and a crockpot day recipe for me....Monday is my laundry day as well so lots to do so I had better get at it.

MONDAY..... Taco Soup

TUESDAY.....Cashew Chicken

WEDNESDAY.....Autumn Crockpot Stew

THURSDAY.....Chicken Tin Foil Dinner

FRIDAY.....Sloppy Joes

TACO SOUP






1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 - 16 ounce can tomatoes
1 - 16 ounce can tomato sauce
1 - 4 ounce can green chiles (optional)
2 cups salsa
1 can kernel corn with juices
1 - 16 ounce can pinto beans
1 - 16 ounce can kidney beans
1 package taco seasoning mix
3 cups water
For garnish:
cheddar cheese, grated
taco chips
sour cream
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
When well browned, add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour.
Serve topped with grated cheddar cheese, taco chips, and a dollop of sour cream.
Makes 8 servings


Will draw winner of Giveaway tonight and post the name tomorrow along with a picture of what you have won...Good Luck
Enjoy
Cheers
Granny.

SIT DOWN SUNDAY

AFTERNOON EVERYONE

Sorry I am late today making this post.. Slept in then had to go and get groceries (using my sales flyers!!). Right now we are enjoying watching the Allstar Hockey Game.. I love the microphone on the goalie.. Lets you get a different prospective of the game... How exciting is it that the players boys get to be behind the bench with their Dads... It would be great if on any games that are played on Fathers day they would allow that as well.. Well going to have a barbacued steak for dinner tonight with some asparagus and salad... It is a gorgeous day up here today... Wish we had the hotrod home instead of at the shop cause for sure we would of been going for a drive today....

3C's Craft

LOLLIPOP FLOWERS

Materials
Scrapbooking paper or card stock
Scissors
Lollipops
Tape

Glue Stick

Instructions
For each, cut three heart-shaped petals, and then three more of a smaller size.

Glue the small heart onto large heart.
Poke a small hole in each of the large points of the hearts , crease the petals as shown, and slide the pieces onto a lollipop stem.

Tape the underneath bottom to secure.

You could also tie a valentine ribbon on the lollipop stem with a printed message..

Courtenay this is an easy one that you can do.. Get your mom to cut the hearts out on her cricut and then you can glue the little hearts onto the big heart and then punch a small hole with a hole punch and slide onto the lollipop..

Starting next Saturday I am going to start to post a dessert on Shopping Saturday..Since I do not post a recipe on the weekends I thought it might be nice to do a dessert so that you have a recipe each week if you decide to make a dessert...

Well have to go.. Going to cook my box of pasta and put it in the freezer bags for some pasta dinners this week... I love doing my pasta this way where you pre-cook it and then put it in freezer bags... When I am ready to make a pasta dinner I just take it out of the freezer put it in a colander and pour some boiling water over top to warm it up and voila instant cooked pasta...Wow my cookie jar is empty so I need to do cookies for Grumpys coffee breaks and it is so nice to have him home... My home is complete again with him here , tea in my hand and the remote in his...

Cheers

Granny

SHOPPING SATURDAY

MORNING EVERYONE

Grumpy comes home today..so looking forward to that.. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder well there is sure truth behind that. Our community is Mournng .. They have found Tyeshia Jones and unfortunately it is not good. I do a lot of ribbon work for the Native Communities up here for the Longhouse Ceremonies so I am sad for them all today. RIP Tyeshia...

SUPER STORE

Finesse hair products for $1.23

Jergens and Nivea body lotions and shower product $4.49

Gillette Shaving Gelsl $1.58

Deoderants $1.99

Dole Salad kits 2 for $6.00

Classico Pasta Sauces $1.98

THRIFTYS

They have their Case Lot Sale on this week so if you pantry is low on soups, pasta sauces and canned tomatoes as well as juices also do not forget your canned fruits and vegetables then this is the place to buy them ...

5lb bag of carrots and they are 2 for $5.00

Hunts Pudding Snacks 2 for $6.00

Family Pack of 3 loaves of bread for $2.99=

Wild Coho Salmon Fillets buy 1 get 1 free

SAFEWAY

Wanted to let you know that every 1st Tuesday of the month is always 10% off of bill..

Cucumber $1.79

Hot House Tomatoes $1.49

Atrtisan French Bread Bowl (Great for Chili or a Crockpot Stew) $.49

WALMART

McCain pizza $4.97

Grapes $1.77 lb

Yams $.77 lb

Romaine Lettuce 3 pack $1.50

Black Diamond Cheese Blocks $5.97

Campbells chunky Soups $167

Kraft Tex Mex Cheese $5.97

I know I had said yesterday that I had given you the last Organizational Challenge but I changed my mind after Liv had made a comment about how she would like to have her mind Decluttered . What a great idea and I agree I find I need clarity in my mind in order to function at my best. Too often, I walk around in a fog thinking of errands that need to be done, things I need to do in my business, chores I need to do, and family obligations. Clearing your mind isn’t easy, especially if you tend to be a worrier or an anxious person. I think there are steps you can take to help you to achieve a clear, focused mind.

1. KEEP AN AGENDA FOR THE DAY
At the end of the day, make a list of tasks and errands that need to be done the next day. Grumpy is a huge list person ...Is that not why you all have Iphones and Blackberries. List these items in order by priority, most important to least important. Obviously, you’ll keep track of any appointments , but the most important items should be the ones you’ve designated as giving you your highest return , the things that move you towards your purpose in life. The least important items are those that, if need be, can be pushed off to the following day. Keeping a list will help to avoid that thought “I feel like I am forgetting something” . I seem to be saying that all the time, and that can nag at me until I go insane. This works in my professional life as well as my home life. Don’t list everything in your life that could ever be done. This is only overwhelming. I like to list my top 5 things that MUST be done the next day. Then I focus on those.

2. KNOW WHEN TO SAY "NO"
Stay focused on your tasks. Do not allow others to push their chores or errands off on you, especially if you have a full schedule already. While it is okay to help others on a sporadic basis, taking on more, unexpected work will only add to your stress level. This kind of stress isn’t good for anyone.

3. ORGANIZATION IS CRUCIAL.
This is a true statement for both professional and family lives. Keep a schedule that shows who is responsible for which household duties and also which children have activities on which days. This will help to avoid the last-minute rush to get to your kids to their activities.
At work, keep your files organized in a manner such that co-workers can find their way around your desk if you happen to be out. Organization at work will ensure that if you are home sick, you will not be receiving a call from a frantic co-worker .

4. TAKE TIME TO RELAX
Drink a cup of tea; take a nice, hot bath. Most importantly, take time for you because nobody else will. Nothing helps to ease a frazzled mind as much as taking personal time for yourself when you feel overwhelmed or unappreciated. Without a time-out, stress will only increase and that isn’t good for any aspect of your life.

5. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE

Keeping an agenda, organizing both home and work life, and relaxing, are all key components that help to ensure a clear, focused mind. These things won’t happen overnight, but even small steps in this direction can make a noticeable, positive difference. Having a clear, focused mind will help you be your best person at any given moment, which is it’s own reward.

Hope this is helpful for some of you.. You have a good weekend and talk to you soon

Cheers

Granny

FAST FOOD FRIDAY

MORNING EVERYONE

Well my first order of business today is to wish my stepson Kelly a Happy Birthday.....Got lots done yesterday , Kimberly came up after work and she took me to White Spot for dinner and she had packed a bag so she had a sleepover , still sleeping in but it is her day off so that is okay... Those days of going to tell you kids it is about time you got up are long gone.. Enjoying my tea and then off to the Dungeon to get an order out for Kimberly to take down to Victoria to deliver for me. One more sleep and Grumpy is home can hardly wait...

Here's what you need to make these delicious

DOUBLE DECKER

TACOS

Corn or flour tortillas

Hard taco shells

Refried beans

Ground beef

Taco seasoning and a pinch of cumin

Sour cream

Lettuce, shredded or finely chopped

Cheddar cheese, shredded

Tomatoes, diced

Can of Refried Beans

Lightly cook some corn tortillas on a griddle or in a heavey skillet.

Easy, frugal, and YUM

Fry some ground beef with onions and season with your favorite taco seasonings and cumin

Assemble Double Decker tacos by spreading a thin layer of refried beans over a corn tortilla. Place hard taco shell on tortilla and wrap so beans are between the tortilla and the taco shell.
Layer in taco the seasoned ground beef, sour cream, lettuce, shredded cheese, and diced tomato.

Here is your last organizing challenge and it is a bit different then the rest I am going to call it :

Top 5 DeClutter Tips For Moms... just what you need!

If you are a mom, you know how busy your life can get running after your children, keeping your house tidy, carrying a part-time-job (or full time), preparing varied yet delicious meals, and the list goes on and on. It is amazing, isn't it, how quickly your house can look like tornado went through it! You told yourself before your first child was born that your house would NEVER become one of those houses where you raised your eye-brows upon entering at the clutter and toys everywhere, but lately, you stand in your own door way and shudder at the mess before you! Read the 5 incredible declutter tips for moms below, and take heart... it is not impossible to once again achieve that clutter-free sanctuary called home!

DeClutter Tip #1. Discuss.

Have a conversation with your partner, children, and whoever else calls your house home. Acknowledge that a cluttered home is rarely the result of only one person, and rarely will one person be able to fix the problem alone. If you take a few minutes to explain that what you want, why you want it, and that you could use their help, you can go a long way to getting to that point. And remember, encouraging and persuading will get you much further than nagging and being accusing. In your discussion, be sure to ask for your family's input on practical storage locations for popular items. For example, what you may think is a perfect spot to put a bucket of dinky cars may be too difficult for your son to reach, or too impractical (in his minid) for him to easily remember!
DeClutter Tip #2. Plan.

Start with small, achievable goals for your family. Be realistic, and start small with the intention to expand. Aim to clear one area and get yourself and your kids in the habit of ensuring it stays completely clutter free. This is your Clutter-Free Zone. It can be a counter, your kitchen table, or the three-foot perimeter around the couch in your family room, whatever you and the kids decide. Have your kids help you ensure it stays clutter-free by enlisting their help monitoring the "Clutter-Free Zone" and ensuring that nothing can be placed there that is not actually in use. If you are creative, you can turn this declutter tip into a game!
DeClutter Tip #3. Teach.

Teach your kids where things belong. If you teach your kids where things go and get them into the habit of putting them there, your house will begin to look much more organized. A few decluttertips for Moms who are rather messy themselves:

1) set an example and get into the habit yourself

2) be very patient! Your kids (and you) may not learn the habit overnight, but the patience and effort will be WELL worth it!

The long term effects of teaching your kids to live uncluttered lives are worth the short term pain.
DeClutter Tip #4. Implement.

Implement the Pre-Dinner Pick-Up Plan (Also works with Pre-Bedtime, or Pre-Movie Watching, etc.) Before dinner is served each evening, assign different areas for you and the kids to pick up. For example, you could take a basket into the living room, pick up everything that doesn't belong there and take the items to the proper rooms. Your kids can put the toys in the play room (and any that have drifted into the hall) back into their proper places. If you enforce this routine strictly for a month (and yes, your part too), soon it will become habit! Your call of "dinner in 10 minutes" will soon mean "start cleaning up"!
DeClutter Tip #5 Encourage.

Build a Rewards System. Get yourself a sheet of small stickers for your calendar, and for every day your child keeps his/her room (or the playroom) organized, he/she gets a sticker. 7 consecutive stickers equal a prize.

Declutter tip for moms whose own bedrooms and rooms are a disaster?

Create a reward system for yourself! You know what you like, and be strict enough with yourself to follow through!

Children are a blessing, yes, but their mess is often aggravating and stress-inducing, especially when a neighbor drops by expectantly. We tend to feel embarrassed that our houses are full of clutter and wish there was a way to turn out cluttered homes into peaceful and orderly havens. Your household can be clutter-free once more, but your family needs you, Mom, to lead the way!
These tips are the tip of the iceberg for ways you can begin decluttering your home, but they are 5 incredibly valuable ones. It's true that most people are able to conquer their clutter with some persistence, determination, and a firm plan in place.

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

THRIFTY THURSDAY

MORNING EVERYONE

Well I am back home... Had a great couple of days at my girlfriends place ,went and did some Thrift Store shopping in Brentwood Bay and Sidney... Got some great charger plates, and some fabric to make a table cloth and napkins...My best bargain was a brooch ... I love brooches . To my girlfriend Pat thank you from the bottom of my heart.. Tuesday was Aussie day , the same as our Canada Day, and Pat's son Kevin and his lady Sarah cooked us a fabulous dinner.. Kevin and Sarah are heading back to Australia ( where Sarah is from) in a month for a few years .. She is going to go and manage the LULU LEMON in Melbourne what an opportunity for the both of them.. Anyway they and their friend Kent cooked us a great dinner and Sarah made a Pavalone for dessert and it was fabulous.. Thank you so much for the great meal as well as the great Australian wine and company...Went over to Alison and Derek's new home for a quick visit and it is beautiful.. You have both done a great job.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons butter

1 large onion, chopped

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/3 cup liquid (beef broth, water, etc.)

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

Preparation:

Saute onion and mushrooms in oil and butter until onions are until tender. Remove and set aside. Brown ground beef in the same pan; drain off excess fat. Sprinkle flour over ground beef; stir to blend. Add liquid, onion, mushrooms, salt, and ketchup. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened; stir in sour cream and heat through. Serve over hot buttered noodles.

Thrifty Thursday:

I love this idea for storing ribbons. You can buy expensive containers for your ribbons but this will work perfectly. Those of you who do scrapbooking or sewing will find this very helpful for sure

http://spunkyjunky.blogspot.com/2011/01/tutorial-tuesday-5-dollar-ribbon.html

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

MENU MONDAY

MORNING EVERYONE.

Well said goodbye to Grumpy this morning as he headed off to Charlotte for a week..I am finishing off a job this morning and then delivering down in Victoria this afternoon and going to my friend Pats place for a couple of nights. We are going to go do the Thrift Stores for a few days and just relax and do what we want... Going to check out her daughters new place in the evening for a glass of wine ... Will fill you in with all the thrift bargains that we find on our Junk Store Adventure..I am going to do this weeks Menu Monday a bit different this week cause I did not have the free time yesterday to get recipes for everyday so I am going to give you the recipe each day rather then all today....

Baked Honey

Mustard Chicken

1 onion , chopped
1/4 c butter
1/2 c honey
1/2 c Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons curry powder
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In small microwave-safe bowl, combine onion with butter. Cook on high power 2-3 minutes until onion is tender. Remove from microwave and add honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and curry powder; mix well.
Place chicken in single layer in shallow pan. Pour sauce over chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 32-37 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serves 6

Just wanted to let you know that those of you that have put this blog on your favorites or your Google Reader I have changed the URL to http://fromgrannyskitchen.blogspot.com/ . So please change redo this blog as your favorites.. Sorry for the inconvience..

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

SIT DOWN SUNDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Well today is going to be a Sit Down Sunday just going to be at lunch time though..Kelly has a birthday this week and Grumpy will be away this week so we thought we would make it a dinner at lunch...Cowichan Capitals play at 5:00 tonight so we will have a late lunch and then head off to the game..Barbacue Steak, with baked potatoes done with cheese and asparagus as well as a Fruity Spinach salad..mmm. Cheescakes for dessert..I am hungry already..

How did you all do with the closet cleaning yesterday I am sure that you are probably finishing it off today....Not only are you going to be able to find your clothes now but the people that get to enjoy your donated clothes will also be thankful....

Yesterday was a day that we just spent in Victoria walking around and doing some people watching....Had to go to Costco to pick up a large grilling piece of beef and was able to get 18 steaks out of it ... It worked out to $4.00 per steak .. Now that was a deal...I forgot what the traffic is like in that Langford area it is a nightmare for sure... You guys need another Costco down there for sure...The gas lineup reminded me of going through the border...



Now the 3C'S today will be for kids as well as kids at heart. We all love rice krispies squares but these are Rice Krispie Hearts





http://www.skiptomylou.org/






Enjoy your family day.
Cheers
Granny

SHOPPING SATURDAY

MORNING EVERYONE

Today is going to be a great day... I am not going to open my shop door so that means I can concentrate on just me and my hubby today. I am hoping that a work Fairy is going to come and do my work in the shop today ...Not...Anyway here are the deals for today...

THRIFTYS

Need to go there for sure it is their buy one get one free stuff this week.. The best is Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts , you can usually get about 5 or 6 plump breasts in each package for about $18.00 and then you get another package for the same price so that gives you 10 to 12 for $18.oo that works out to about $1.80 each great deal

SUPERSTORE

Purex Bathroom Tissue 12 Double rolls $4.97

Asparagus $1.97 lb

COUNTRY GROCER (sale starts Sunday)

Fast and Fancy Rice $.99

Alymer Tomato Sauce $.99

Cucumber $.99

1 lb lettuce bag $.99

Green Onions and Radishes 2 for $.99

SAFEWAY

Knorr Sidekicks $.99

Purex Laundry Deterget Buy 1 get 1 free

Extra Lean Ground Beef $2.89 lb

WALMART

Campbell's Tomato and Mushroom soup $.50

Classico Pasta Sauce $2.00

I have been waiting for a weekend to give you this challenge... since it will take you FOREVER to complete! Your closet is probably a complete mess. I would not even think to post a picture of mine I would be so embarassed. After you go through and purge a lot of clothes, you will realize... you don't have anything left! So, you will need a shopping trip soon. I just seem to wear the same clothes all the time. So I never get to everything and it just hangs in the closet, collecting dust. If I didn't wear it in the last 3 months, it was purged.
My challenge for you is the Master Closet:
Make sure you get out your donation box. I'm positive you will need it for this challenge.

Clear out your entire closet & start purging.
Now look for those banker boxes at maybe Walmart. You will need something that could store all of your keepsakes, etc... and you don't want to pay a fortune for boxes.... The dont look pretty but they will do just fine! if you are really ambitious you could cover the front of the boxes with scrapbooking paper or even a heavy wrapping paper.. Now label each box.
Wow... look at the mess you have on your floor. . Now separate each pile into categories .. Some you will be able to hang some will go into the boxes.

Sweaters

Shirts

Blazers

Jeans

Dress Pants

Purses

T-Shirts

Track Suits

ETC...

Wanted to post a picture of what my closet

will look like in my new house... One day!!!

Well I am off to spend a great day with Grumpy. Not sure what is happening but I love the mystery ....Happy Organizing

Cheers

Granny

FASTFOOD FRIDAY

MORNING EVERYONE

Well going to have a busy day today as well.. Trying to get all done today to free up my weekend to spend with Grumpy.. He is off to Charlotte North Carolina for work for a week.. Hopes to get to go to the Nascar Hall of Fame while he is there. I am going to spend a few days and nights with a girlfriend in Victoria so need to get all caught up to date. ...

LASAGNE SOUP

Ingredients
3 cups chicken broth or stock
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups water
3 tablespoons finely chopped pepperoni sausage
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
3 cups broad egg noodles
18 frozen meatballs

Directions
In large pot, bring to boil chicken broth or stock, tomato sauce and water.
Stir in rest of ingredients. Bring to boil again, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 10 minutes, until noodles are cooked and meatballs are heated through.
Spoon into or bowls.
Top with spoonfuls grated cheese.

Organizing Challenge is

THE MAIL STATION
Today we are going to concentrate on the area where we put our mail. I'm sure a lot of you would like for this area to be under control. I want to share what I have found that works perfect. You do not have to do it this way as long as you create a system that works well for you. There are a TON of systems that will help you get control of your mail. If you don't already have a mail station, now is the perfect time to create one. :)I like to make mine mobile so if you want to take it from its home to a desk or table you can...

"GET CONTROL OF YOUR MAIL"
Make sure to categorize and place some kind of organizer in the area, so that when you go through your mail, it has a home. I use a basket that has a lid that way the files are not seen by anyone but you. EVERY piece of mail you have stacked...is now going to have a home. I have attached a photo of nice file folders that have been covered with scrapbooking paper , the sky is the limit Livi!!!!.

First thing you need to do is purchase a calendar or you know frugal me go to your bank and ask them if they have any wall calendars left if not maybe a car part store or insurance company might have one. This calendar is put inside at the front so that you are able to mark many things on it from kids appointments , sports when bills are to be paid etc...The file folders can be labeled for many things here are just a few ideas:

1. Incoming (unsorted) mail
2. Outgoing mail
3. To File (sorted mail or papers)
4. To Pay
5. Sign and return (kids stuff mostly)
6. All family members get a folder
7. Grocery list & coupons
8. File for each month

If you chose a basket with handles it will make it easier to carry from the kitchen to the office files. Since this is where you will probably go through your mail you will need a paper recycle basket. I hope you will participate in this challenge..

Hope everyone has a good weekend .

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

THRIFTY THURSDAY

Evening Everyone..

Had a very prosperous day.. I got 2 big jobs done today when I actually thought I would only accomplish one.. Thank you Kimberly for helping me get that done.. Also landed a new contract so was a good money day for sure. This recipe is for Lindsay and Kelly as they are experimenting with their Christmas gift but as you can see it can very easily be adapted to a regular oven preparation..

Acti-Fry Chicken

with Pineapple

Ingredients

• 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (about 1 cm x 3 cm/1/2 x 11/4 in)

• 1 spoon cornflour, plus extra to coat the chicken strips

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 spoon sunflower oil

• 1/2 spoon ground ginger

• 1/2 spoon mild curry powder (or choose medium, if you prefer)

• 250 g (9 oz) canned pineapple pieces (drained weight) in natural juice, drained (reserve the juice)

• 2 spoon light soy sauce

• 250 ml (9 fl oz) cold water

• 1/2-1 spoon light soft brown sugar, or to taste

• 2 spoon reserved pineapple juice

Directions
In a large bowl, lightly coat the strips of chicken with a mixture of cornflour, salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the ActiFry pan, then drizzle the oil evenly over the chicken.

Cook for 5 minutes.

Mix the ground ginger, curry powder and pineapple pieces with the soy sauce in a bowl, then pour this mixture evenly into the ActiFry and leave to marinade for 5 minutes.

Add the water and sugar.

Mix 1 ActiFry spoonful of cornflour with the pineapple juice in a small bowl, until smooth. Add this to the ActiFry.

Cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and tender.

Serve with cooked, seasoned basmati rice.

Thrifty Thursday

Change all your incandecsent light bulbs to CFL(compact flourescent lights) Will not be long and you will not be able to buy any of the old type of light bulbs...

Organizing today..

Desk Drawers and File Drawer

Remember a few days ago when I said to clean the top of your desk well today how about the drawers in your desk... I know that my friend Pat has already done hers so here are some tips for the rest of you..
Before you begin I am sure that the hanging folders are bulging at the seams, nothing is in order, and most of it is just out-dated trash. I wonder if you could fit anything else in them. Probably not....At least the top of your desk is still clean right!!!!

1. Clean out the drawers first. If you like pretty, go out and buy new hanging folders. I like pretty! Get all of the supplies you may need before starting... i.e. Hanging file folders, labeler, manilla folders, and maybe a movie for the kids to watch while you meet this challenge.

2. Schedule in 2-3 hours for this project with no interuptions so a babysitter might be a good idea , maybe some Grandparenting might come in handy. I bet this will take you 2.5 hours.

3.Put on music, this will help with the impatience of wanting to get it done.
4. Start with purging all un-necessary papers. I really mean go through EVERY piece of paper and toss what you dont need. You'll be amazed at what you throw out. (This will take the longest, but you can do it!). Remember to shred personal information and do not toss.

Defined-benefit plan documents

Pension-plan documents from your current and former employers.

Estate-planning documents as well as copies of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that you have in your safe-deposit box. You should also make sure your executor have copies.

Life-insurance policies.

Safe-deposit box inventory and note the location of the box and your keys. Update the list once a year or as you add or remove documents. You should also keep photocopies at home of any documents you have stored in the box in case you need to refer to them..

5. There should not be anything in the filing cabinet at this point. Hang your new folders.
6. Now you can get out your labeler (or a good pen if you dont have a labeler).

7. Label all categories and stick them on the file folder.

8. Make sure to alphabetize your hanging folder. Its much easier when you go to find something.

Examples of Main Categories:
Insurance
Bank Accts.

Health Records

Utilities
Loans

Income taxes
Resumes
Investments
9. Now you will need your manilla folders and place however many you will need in each of the Main Category hanging folder...

10. The manilla folders are for you sub categories.

Example of this is

File Folder is Main Category... labeled Banks

Manila folder is Sub Category...labeled Royal , CIBC, BMO etc ( One for each one)

+++Make sure you alphabetize the sub categories within each hanging folder.+++

File Folder is Main Category ...Labeled Insurance

Manila Folder is Sub Category ...Home, Life, Auto, etc
File Folder is Main Category ...Labeled Utilities

Manila Folder is Sub Category... Gas, Electric, Water, Phone, Cable etc
I think you get the picture here. :)

11. Now, go at it. Start filing! Its as easy as that!

You will be proud of youself after you have completed this task. Your life will be much simpler. Make no excuses to get started. I bet this project does not cost you more then $30.00

If you are staying home and not having to drive anywhere , pour yourself a glass of wine and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

CROCKPOT WEDNESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
It is a beautiful day up here. Not a cloud in the sky and all the roofs are covered in frost.. Yesterday morning I heard the birds , not this morning too cold today for them..Hope you all got some seed out for them.. I know that some of you have heard that seed attracts rats and that can be true with some kinds. But if you go to a nursery or Buckerfields or those of you in Langford can go to Valleyview they will let you know what kind to use to not attract Rats. I got a new client yesterday so I am getting together a quote for them this morning then I am off to Victoria to have dinner with Grumpys mom at her new home..She is now in assisted living and enjoying the friends and activies so that make me feel warm inside..

PENNE PASTA AND LENTIL SOUP



2 (19 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained
1 (1 lb) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
1 chopped zuchinni
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/4 t basil
1/4 t garlic
1/4 t oregano
½ t salt
1 (12 oz) bottle vegetable juice cocktail
1 C water
1/2 C uncooked penne pasta(does not seem like a lot but it is enough)

How to Make It:

Place the beans, mixed vegetables and tomatoes into a 6qt crock pot.
Sprinkle in the basil, garlic, oregano and salt.
Pour the vegetable juice cocktail and water into the mixture and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on the low setting for 7 1/2 hours.
Stir in the uncooked pasta and increase the heat to high.
Recover and cook an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender

Your organizing today will be

Under the Bathroom Sink
I know that I have been telling you to get containers and baskets at the $ store..Well last night I made a salad and had bought the lettuce leafs in one of those plastic containers that have the lid on top and thought wow this will be great for under my bathroom sink . Can stack one on top of each other and they are clear and once labeled can see what is in the containers... This has become my new storage containers , not real heavy but will do the job in my workshop and craft room. So lets get started.

-Take everything out from wherever you put your medicine/vitamins
-This is an important step... throw out all expired medicine & vitamins.
-Wipe it all out
-Categorize your medicine into sub-categories:
-Examples are -first aid, wraps, childrens meds, pain & fever, eyes/ears/nose/skin)
-label your containers

Those of you with small kids will be wanting to put the container with meds in a cupboard that is out of reach..This is also a good spot to put your reference books for medical care..Mine are where my cookbooks are so I think I will be moving them to under the bathroom sink...
Well back to work and talk to you later... Lindsay you get your Te-fal recipe tomorrow....
Enjoy
Cheers
Granny

TIPSY TUESDAY

EVENING EVERYONE

Another hectic day today, getting an order finished and delivered so now I am cooking a nice dinner for Grumpy he is going to be a bit late from work so that worked out perfect.. Tonight I am going to bake some cookies and muffins then they will be nice a fresh for when we have a ritual tea time at 8:00. I have not tried this recipe but it sure did look good. If you do not like avocado you can eliminate that and just use the tomatoes and cheese.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN

4 chicken breasts, skinned, split and boned

2 tbsp. butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

8 slices tomato

2 avocados peeled and sliced

8 slices Swiss cheese
Pound chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper. Rinse and pat dry. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with garlic and brush meat. Season with salt and pepper. Broil, turning occasionally and basting with butter until golden brown. Top each breast with 1 tomato slice, 3 or 4 avocado slices and 1 slice Swiss cheese. Put under broiler 60 seconds to melt cheese.

Taste chicken with meat thermomater to make sure it is 175 degrees.

Tipsy Tuesday

The best way to store fresh celery is to wrap it in aluminum foil and put it in the refrigerator--it will keep for weeks.

Your organizing today is the SPICE CABINET

1. Take everything out of your spice cabinet
2. Wipe it clean!
3. Go through all of the spices and look at dates. There will be a lot of expired stuff in there!
4. Now grab your organizing baskets/bins and start catergorizing.
5. If you have a labeler you can use it here.
7. Now put it all back, nice and neat
Great Job!

For only a buck, you can get a ton of baskets from the dollar store. If you catergorize them in separate bins like:
1 Cooking spices
2. Baking spices
3. Grilling spices
4. Bulk spices
5. Baking
6. and a shelf for condiments & baking misc.

Make sure you label them at the front of the basket where they will be visible.Labeling the tops of your spices makes it easier to find what you need. Time saver for sure! Not pat yourself on the back cause how good does that look and easy to pull out and use..

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

MENU MONDAY

Morning Everyone
Had a relaxing day yesterday...decided to make a meat loaf for supper with salad..now I have some cold meat loaf for a sandwich today for lunch. This week is going to be simple recipes and hopefully delicious...some I have made and some I have not . Today is a full work day for me..I have also posted a tefal actifry recipe for Kelly and Lindsay. Those of you without a Tefal can easily adapt the recipe to your own style of cooking

MONDAY ...Chicken Parmasan
TUESDAY...Penne Pasta and Lentils
WEDNESDAY...Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Chili
THURSDAY...ActiFry Chicken with Pineapple

FRIDAY...Lasagna Soup

Chicken Parmasan

Ingredients
4 slices whole-wheat bread (or bought bread crumbs)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 egg whites
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 (6 ounce) skinless boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
Olive oil cooking spray
1 jar good-quality marinara sauce (about 3 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons (1/2-ounce) shredded Parmesan

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the bread in the bowl of a food processor and process until fine crumbs are formed, about 25 to 30 seconds. Put the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, until golden. (You will wind up with about 1 1/3 cups toasted crumbs.)
In a medium bowl, toss the crumbs with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and milk together. In a third bowl stir together the flour, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Dip each piece of chicken, 1 piece at a time, in flour, shaking off excess, then egg, then bread crumbs, shaking off excess.
Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Place breaded breasts in a glass baking dish and spray on each side with cooking spray, about 5 seconds total per side. Bake breasts until cooked though and crumbs are browned, about 15 minutes. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbling.

I like to toast my bread crumbs that way it does not make the coating on the chicken soggy ..

Organizing challenge is TOYS

The key is to containerize EVERYTHING! Plastic shoe boxes are a wonderful invention. If it falls under the toy category, you can containerize it (unless its jumbo size... then stear clear). You need to have a container for all of the following toys in the toy room... and label them all. Remove all toys from their original boxes/containers (yes, I know that was hard to do) and put them in the plastic boxes. It will be much easier to stack and easier for the kids to utilize. I do not mean the board games just ones like
1. Polly Pockets
2.Little People
3. Mr. Potato Head
4. Fisher Price Loving Family
5. Play Food
6. Play dishes
7.Coloring Books
8.. Crayons/Markers/Paints
9.. Dress up Shoes
10. Horses
11. Matchbox Cars
12.Barbies
13. Flash Cards
14 Playdoh Tools

To containerize dvds, cds, and video games you need to use the containers that the stationary stores carry are made for holding these items. Put the movies on an inventory list in alphabetical order and once that is done then put a number down each one on the side of the list. Then number the movie sleeve with the same number that shows on the inventory list. if you can put 12 movies in the file box number that 1-12 and then the next box 13-25 etc. Its really easy for the kids to find a movie to watch. They just look on the clipboard find the number and voila..

Myself personally I would get rid of the boxes that the movies come in just put the dvd's in a paper sleeve , imagine how much space you would save .....

This will make it so much easier for the kids to put things away .. Most kids do not mind picking their toys up it is just that they get so confused when they are not sure where everything goes..For those of you who do not have kids that can read the labels how about you do it with different colours of paper labeled on the containers and then when you help them you can tell them what goes in what colour...make sure you put the name of the items on the box as well a good way for them to start to learn new words.

Well off to the dungeon to work today...Kimberly has a day off and coming up to give me a hand ..

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny

SIT DOWN SUNDAY

Morning Everyone

Another foggy day up here on the mountain..But I must say it does make for a great picture...Today is a football day... Want to see the Seahawks win and Grumpy is excited that his Packers won and my Leafs lost in a shootout won last night.. :0(

The appy plate I made last night was real good..we had homemade chicken wings, dry ribs, smoked salmon log and some carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes... Made to much but that is okay we will probably have a snack while watching the games today...Here is a picture of my platter..

Not sure how all of your Sit Down Sundays have been going I know that we have sort of been off the track a bit with cooking the Roasts and Yorkshire but will get back on it in a couple of weeks.

Got a bit of a hectic week next week with a couple of large work orders so I now know that the holidays are over and it is back to the grind...It is nice to work out of home but sometimes a one man show can be demanding...

No Challenge today cause you should probably still be doing your pantry...Hope it is looking good and you know you might of even found something that you forgot you had .

How about an extra 3C's this week.. Sounds good to me here it goes. I know that some of you followers are cricut owners..You do not need to have a cricut to do craft but I thought it would be good for kids to give their friends at school and not be to expensive.. Winners sells lollipops that are sugar free and about $2.99 a package and I think there are 25 in each bag.. I have attached the site to get you to the tutorial

http://myhandmadehappiness.blogspot.com/2011/01/kids-valentines-cards-with-cricut.html

Cheers

Granny

SHOPPING SATURDAY

Afternoon Everyone

We went for our Sat coffee at our local Serious Coffee. They have the best Broiche and different herbal teas.. Sit by the fireplace , read the paper and just have a great 1/2 hour of doing nothing. Grumpy headed down to Victoria to check out how the car is coming , I am home sitting by the fire and getting appy's ready for tonight and watch the hockey game. Back still not 100% ...Here is your shopping list for this week;

THRIFTYS
Sunlight washing soap buy 1 get 1 free
10 lb bag of russett potatoes $2.99
Green pepper $.99 per pound
Roma Tomatoes 4.99 per lb
Ragu Pasta Suce 700ml $1.99
VH Cooking Sauces 2 for $5.00
Bisquick.. 2 for $5.00

SUPERSTORE

$1.00 coupon on hot bbg chicken

Kraft Cracker Barrel Cheese 500 grams. $6.49 limit of 2

Triscuit and Ritz Crackers $1.68 limit of 2

Miracle Whip 890 ml $2.97 limit of 2

Kraft Salad Dressings $1.97 limit of 6

Bestselling Books 40% off

Red peppers 4 per bag $1.99

20 lb bag of red or russet potatoes $4.88

COUNTRY GROCER ( STARTS ON SUNDAY)

Heinz soup 2 for $.88 tomato is good for cooking

Kraft Grated Cheese 200 g $3.97

Large Cauliflower 2 for $5.00

Avacados 4 for $5.00

Baby Nugget Potatoes $1.67 lb

SAFEWAY

Source yogrt buy 1 get 1 free

Kraft dinner buy 1 get 1 free

Piazzas Pizza buy 1 get 1 free

Shred Cheese Kraft 380 g. $6.99

Sunlight dish soap buy 1 get 1 free

Fresh Express Salad kits 2 for $7.00

WALMART

Ground beef tubes. $1.97 great for making meatloafs

Seedles oranges $.77 lb

Kelloggs cereals 275g-475g 3 for $5.00

Alymer Tomatoes $1.00

Purex 12 Double Roll $5.48

Bananas $.77 lb

Fresh Pinapple $2.97 each

Boneless Chicken Breast $10.00 per pack

Maple Leaf Bacon $3.97 each

Dempster Wholegrain Breads $2.87

Fresh boneless Pork Seasoned Roasts $8.00 (Chili spiced real good)

Chees Whiz 1kg $6.97

Glad freezer or storage bags $2.98

Fast and Fancy Uncle Bens $.88

Latch boxes for Organizing Challenges $5.00 (set of 3)

Here is your Organizing Challenge for today. I have saved it for today cause it might take you 2 days to do so today and tomorrow will work out good. It is your:

PANTRY

Mine always seems to be an eyesore.I hate not knowing what is inside my pantry . I find these 6 tips might help you get it organized.

1.Clear, Discard & Sort

Remove all the items from the pantry and place into boxes based product similarity (i.e. cereals, snacks, canned soups, pasta, baking products, etc.). In the process, check expiration dates and throw away products that have expired {recycle the container / packaging if possible}. These boxes are only temporary until you sort and put in the containers that you want in your pantry.

2. Clean pantry shelves and floor with a damp towel.
3. Make it Pretty.Use decorative storage containers to hold certain items {i.e. tea, rice, flour } to help you maintain a clutter-free pantry. I particularly like baskets, tins and jars to hide unsightly items. You can go and get some Mason jars for your glass container and the $1.00 baskets all in one colour . It is much easier to pull out a basket that holds you pastas, soups or seasonings..

4. Arrange it with the most used baskets in the front of the shelf and eye level except for heavy items should be at floor level or bottom shelf. If you do not have a large pantry and room in your linen closet you could always use the floor of the linen closet to hold your large containers of flour and sugar....

5. The baskets at the back of your shelves should be larger and labeled so that you know what is in them to get at those baskets all you have to do is pull out the front baskets..Now Livi got her Cricut for Christmas so labeling now for her should be no problem and know that she can make her jars and basket labels look great...

6. Cookbooks in a basket that fits from front to back is a very handy way to get a your books..largest book at the back and smallest at the front. If you have a floor to your pantry this is a good spot for them as well or the bottom shelf.

I hope this helps you out with the pantry and another tip would be for you to write down everything that is in your pantry and then tuck that list in a front basket and each time you take something out you can cross it off. This is a list that you should be checking each time you go shopping like I had said in one of my first posts cause that stops you wondering if you have it at home...

Well talk to you tomorrow as I am going to call my Girlfriend Marilyn as it is her birthday today and she is in Tulsa at the Chili Bowl , that is a sprint car race,but I know that they are also very Chilly there as well.

Cheers

Granny

FAST FOOD FRIDAY

Morning Everyone

Not much happening today , my back is still tender hopefully resting this weekend will get it back to snuff...If not off to the clinic..It has sure been foggy up here the last couple of days looking outside I can not see the hills , just makes everything gloomy.. Gloomy day think I might make some cabbage rolls for the freezer...

TACO SALAD

1 lb. ground beef

1 envelope taco seasoning mix

1 head of lettuce, cut in long lengthwise strips

3-4 sliced scallion

3-4 diced fresh tomatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup corn chips

Fat free Catalina salad dressing

tortilla bowls (optional)

Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, add taco seasoning mix and prepare as directed on package. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl combine: cut lettuce, sliced scallions, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, seasoned ground beef, corn chips, and salad dressing.

Toss gently and serve immediately in tortilla bowls

Your organizing challenge today is The Coat Closet

I thought today would be the perfect day to conquer a closet... the coat closet if you have one. If you don't, then organize another closet in your home. Anyways... this is a "hot spot" for me because I dont have a lot of storage in my house so this is where it all goes. Our coats which we have way to many get hung with Grumpys on one side and mine on the other . Again take everything out and replace all the hangers with sturdy plastic one not those flimys metal ones they are not very good for a heavy winter coat. Sweep out the dust bunnies and if you also use this closet to put your shoes or boots in maybe a plastic boot tray for the floor..Time to use your containers on the top shelf that will hold mitts and scarves and for us games as well.. I do not think I have played a board game in years but we do play Mexican Train. I feel like I have made a world of new friends. You are all special to me and I hope you keep coming by to "visit". Tommorrow you challenge is a big one but one I know you have been wanting to do for quite sometime...

Still have a Pay if Forward 2011 Sock Monkey.. come on board...

Enjoy

Cheers

Judy