tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69089888289738982802024-03-13T22:27:48.731-07:00Colorado CentsKaren604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-90338139431773782792011-07-09T15:14:00.000-07:002011-07-09T16:27:22.033-07:00Update on the CSA from Miller Farms<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QpbF_fVO0Y/ThjjvxTi4PI/AAAAAAAAAEI/zmzgBh12dMo/s1600/Tomato%2BSauce%2B0711.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QpbF_fVO0Y/ThjjvxTi4PI/AAAAAAAAAEI/zmzgBh12dMo/s320/Tomato%2BSauce%2B0711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627498144228106482" /></a><br />Sunday, July 10 will be the fourth installment of this year's CSA share. Dave from Miller Farms has been great. He is always encouraging us share members to dig in and fill our baskets. Yes, this year we have 2 half bushel baskets to fill each week for our Family Share. It has been so much fun and a great challenge.<div>Last Sunday Dave had a great number of use very soon tomatoes. Art and I took advantage of the long weekend to make spaghetti sauce and can it. The Roma Food Strainer, a contraption that we invested in made its first appearance of the year. It removes the skin, core and seeds of the tomatoes. The Pressure Canner was pulled out of winter storage too. I purchased a second Crockpot when they were on sale last Christmas just for this time of year, both the new and old were soon employed. </div><div>In a bit of Olive Oil I sauteed several fresh Volcano Garlic, Peppers and Onions until they were soft. I busily cut up the 35+ tomatoes for Art to crank through the food strainer. He snagged a few to run through before cutting. Not a great idea unless you like tomato on the ceiling! We decided to run the tomato pulp though a second time with great results.</div><div>The puree was divided into the Crockpots and the onion mixture was added. A couple of carrots finely chopped and about a third of a cup of sugar were stirred in as well.</div><div>Then the waiting game began. As we cleaned up the great mess we made for this sauce, we took turns stirring it. The goal this year was to NOT scorch it as the kids will not eat scorched sauce. We would let it bubble and then let some steam off but found that it was not reducing very well. So we turned it to low and escaped to the cool movie theater down the road.</div><div>Returning several hours later we anxiously stirred the sauce and realized that it was not going to be ready to can Sunday evening. </div><div>Monday morning, Art gleefully awakens me to tell me that the sauce is DONE! Excitedly, we start the canning process. Three quarts and a pint jar proudly sit on my kitchen table now. it seems a shame to relegate them to the pantry.</div><div>I wonder what temptations from the farm will come this week!</div><div><br /></div>Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-85359275798317728652011-03-03T11:01:00.001-08:002011-03-03T12:53:02.986-08:00Spring and My CSA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meCwM4oY050/TW_-lw84CLI/AAAAAAAAAC8/dOdtDWyT7w8/s1600/Art%2Bin%2Bgarden.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meCwM4oY050/TW_-lw84CLI/AAAAAAAAAC8/dOdtDWyT7w8/s320/Art%2Bin%2Bgarden.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579958388084181170" /></a><br />I am so waiting for Spring. I am looking forward to planting the veggie garden and watching it grow. Even more I can hardly wait for the first of the harvest. The early green make my mouth water just thinking about them. The sad thing is that there is never enough from the garden to make me happy.<div>I did some thing about that this year I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Some of you may remember that Art and I belonged to one several years ago. The produce was great but the weekly haul up to Boulder was not the best part of our Saturdays. We found that Miller Farms is at the weekly farmer's Market in Old Town. I love their produce, it comes from their farm in Platteville. We often went during their sale time and brought several bags of produce home each Sunday. What fun it was to plan meals around the fresh</div><div>veggies.</div><div>This year we will return to the Old Town Farmer's Market in Arvada and continue to get our produce from Miller Farms. This time it will be through their CSA. We bought a full share. We will get fresh from the farm produce for 18 weeks and have access to their harvest days with more produce in the fall. The great thing about this CSA is that it not only has great quality but it is convenient.Unless I find a reason to wander around in Old Town, we can be </div><div>back home in under 30 minutes. Furthermore, I know that I will not end up with a bag full of things the family will not eat, (we are not big Kale fans for instance.) You get to choose from what they have brought to sell that day so if you do not like squash get some more tomatoes. </div><div>You might want to check out the <a href="http://www.millerfarms.net/csa-program-information">CSA at Miller Farms</a> yourself. They sell at most if not all of the local farmer's markets up and down the Front Range and even out I-70 from Evergreen to Vail. If you choose to get a share be sure to list me as the one who referred you.</div><div>I am so very much looking forward to this summer's CSA. I know that it is going to be great.</div><div><br /></div>Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-62899745278938382792011-03-01T07:48:00.000-08:002011-03-01T08:10:53.353-08:00A Lifetime of Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajBR25XRrlY/TW0aZQBeRPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/qo0EZWmFZOc/s1600/Amish%2BLove%2BCover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 215px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajBR25XRrlY/TW0aZQBeRPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/qo0EZWmFZOc/s320/Amish%2BLove%2BCover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579144534482109682" /></a><br />Book Sneeze: An Amish Love<br />An Amish Love is a wonderful trilogy of love stories by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long. Long and Fuller’s writing styles are virtually identical which lead to a near seamless transition between the first two novellas. That both are stories about young love adds to the flow. Wiseman takes a somewhat different topic on of renewed love and does it with a slightly different style, equally enjoyable.<br />An Amish Love will want you to visit if not move to the charming town of Paradise Pennsylvania. In the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country this town provides the perfect setting for the Amish way of life and their English counterparts. The main characters on all three stories are Amish at heart. Each has a mending of the heart to tend to and although the women are the stronger characters in the tales they each need the love of a good man to complete their heart. Love and forgiveness play starring roles in each of the characters. Indecision, the melding of old ways with the new and well meaning friends and family all provide for entertaining conflict on each page.<br />This is a wonderful book to learn a little more of the Amish lifestyle and how it has evolved. It also provides a platform for understanding that some things are permanent and some things are best left in the past. There is a sub context that the things that are left behind still make up the person and life becomes what you want to make of it. The strong work ethic characteristic of the Amish is present here not just in the labor force but in labors of the heart.<br />This is a book well worth your time. Be sure to pocket a few tissues as reading through your own tears becomes difficult at times. The three couples are well characterized and believable. They will take your heart away.<br /><a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/9655?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for BookSneeze®" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png" border="0" width="200" height="150" /></a>Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-71341421098172231162011-01-05T08:57:00.001-08:002011-01-05T09:24:21.010-08:00Same Kind of Different as Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_140_245_Book.28.cover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 210px;" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_140_245_Book.28.cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">If you need reinforcement of why you need to believe in yourself read <u>Same Kind of Different as Me</u> by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It is an inspiring read that tells the story of Ron and Deborah as it is intertwined with Denver. They are as unlikely a match as you will ever see but both have so much to learn from each other.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Deborah is the glue that shows Ron and Denver how much these two very independent men need each other. Ron and Denver could not be more different one a family man, the other a drifter. It takes Deborah’s insight for them to see how much they need one another. They learn about trust and how physical valuing physical resources can help or hinder a relationship. They learn about God through each other’s eyes often without realizing it. There are times in life when we step away from one another and God it seems. Sometimes it is difficult to ask for a way back into a friendship, into a heart. These three explore these difficulties and realize that it is God’s heart that they seek in one another.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The book is written in the two distinct voices of Ron and Denver. Together they show how they each view the situations at hand. It helps the reader to see, how seeing in parallel view, does not always mean that the perspectives are shared but the passion can be. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Same Kind of Different as Me</u> will make you laugh, cry, think and most important reflect on your own life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><i></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com a book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255. “Guidelines concerning the use and endorsements and testimonials in advertizing.”</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/9655?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for BookSneeze" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png" border="0" width="200" height="150" /></a></i></span></p><p></p>Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-51967244451104675902010-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:002010-05-04T19:07:23.068-07:00Review of Friendship for Grown-Ups<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S-DSgSHwNWI/AAAAAAAAABw/fDL01lCbd7A/s1600/Friendship+review.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S-DSgSHwNWI/AAAAAAAAABw/fDL01lCbd7A/s320/Friendship+review.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467601399689786722" border="0" /></a><br />Friendship for Grown-Ups is written by Lisa Whelchel. Whelchel played the character Blair in the 70s TV show The Facts of Life. That is where the story begins.<br /><br />We are taken through the painful growing process that happens when a teenager is away from family and under the pressure of a weekly TV show. Defense systems are learned to keep one's inner self together in a situation like this. However it is years later after marrying a pastor, having children and living what seems like a charmed life to all who observe that all the wrappings start falling away.<br /><br />Having good friends,ones that you can say anything to and there is implied confidence is rare. As Ms Whelchel discovers they are not easy to find or cultivate. She has long learned how to be a friend supportive, non-judgmental and confidential but has a great problem receiving the like. We are brought through her search for the right person to be her very closest of friends. it is a reminder to all of us why we cannot have lots of very, very close friends.<br /><br />Friendship has a number of elements that can both burn people out and have them become judgmental. Ms Whelchel points out to us that not every one has the energy and resources to be the kind of friend she needed. She struggles with this in much of the book. It is a learning process of becoming a friend to herself as well.<br /><br />This is an easy reading book that may make you grab a tissue once in a while as it is heart wrenching at times. As a reader you will learn a great deal about yourself and what type of friend you are to different people.<br /><br />This book was provided to me by the publisher through a program called Book Sneeze. My review was not influenced by any person or company.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/9655?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for BookSneeze" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png" width="200" border="0" height="150" /></a>Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-79587673911146974942010-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:002010-05-04T18:37:49.434-07:00Plan B by Pete Wilson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S-DL3539V-I/AAAAAAAAABo/PY1Le84Q5tA/s1600/Plan+B.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S-DL3539V-I/AAAAAAAAABo/PY1Le84Q5tA/s320/Plan+B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467594108916553698" /></a><br />Plan B by Pete Wilson has some great insights on how we view our lives. the premise of the book is that life does not always proceed as planned, so you need a Plan B. He references many familiar Old and New Testament stories to point out that the Bible is full of people who had to examine Plan B as a part of their faith in God.<br /><br />Wilson must be wonderful from the pulpit as he knows how to take the stories of thousands of years and place them in today's context. He points out that people have been lying and cheating their fellow man since the beginning of time. This has made for adjustment of life or Plan B in order to survive. It appears that Plan B plays a huge roll regarding your faith in God. Some thing that is often difficult to remember when Plan A is upset is that you are not alone in what you are experiencing.<br /><br />An extended look it taken with the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. We follow him through his life and see how he learns to roll with the punches as a sign of hos faith. It is faith that gets up to transition to Plan B.<br /><br />I asked Mr Wilson by way of Twitter if Plan B ever becomes Plan A. His response was "I think so."<br /><br />I enjoyed this book immensely. It is well worth your time so that you can identify with your own Plan B. The author is still a young man. I hope to see take to pen Plan B Part II 20 years from now. Plan B is a growing process.<br /><br />The book Plan B by Pete Wilson was provided to me by the publisher through Book Sneeze. the opinion I have written is my own and has not been influenced any person of company.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/9655?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for BookSneeze" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png" border="0" width="200" height="150"></a>Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-41891417728751143352010-04-08T09:29:00.000-07:002010-04-08T10:10:17.096-07:00Will reducing clutter save my sanity?What does reducing clutter do for the average person. I am not talking about cleaning up a hoarding situation. Although I have seen a few episodes of these shows and wonder.<br /><br />The first thing I know is that it cannot be a fix-it-in-a-weekend solution. All of the clutter I have around my house did not just arrive last weekend and cannot be expected to go that quickly. On the Clean House and Hoarding types of shows much anxiety seems to ocure because of the quick and drastic changes insisted on for what I can only imagine are production purposes. A steady daily process seems to suite my needs right now.<br /><br />I do have a deadline of sorts and there are mini deadlines in between. Our neighborhood has an annual garage sale usually in June. I plan to participate. I know that I need to have enough stuff out there to make it worth my while to sell it. After the sale runs to Goodwill are planned to get rid of the rest of it. I really wanted my home picked up for Easter. Alright at least the living room, dining room and kitchen needed to be neat. I challenged myself to put things away and not just bag it up and ditch it in another room. Each room had a 30 gallon trash bag filled and there were several garage sale boxes filled for each too. It is far from done, but what a start.<br /><br />Now that the kids are growing up I am getting rid of the toys. For many years I held on to things that I knew the next child would want. Some were good choices and some not so great. When my parents downsized prior to retirement they gave me the inheritance of a lot of games. Few were ever played in this household. Most of the classics I had already acquired. These too are going to the garage sale.<br /><br />There are some things that go out of style. Hundreds of 5 1/4 inch floppy discs are gone as are there cousins the 3 1/2 discs. Many hours of music have been put on the hard drives of the household and the CDs will have a special place in the sale. The same goes for collectibles that we are not into so much an more. There are boxes of Barbie Dolls and dishes.<br /><br />Harder parts of the reduction of stuff process will come as part of my craft stuff. just when I think I an ready to get rid of something there is new inspiration to try something new. Saw A blog the other day about painted metal flowers. the blogger went out and bought a dollar store tin to do it. I have at least 3 Boy Scout popcorn tins in my sale bin, (should the return to the craft pile?)<br /><br />Some other blogs have suggested well beyond the guidelines of get rid of what you have not used in a year or two by talking about moving. Not just a small move but as if you were going overseas. What would you get rid of? I always thought that is what storage units were all about. I do not know that I could do that at this point but the thought sticks in my mind as I work through the things I have not seen in years.<br /><br />I do know one thing for sure. I am keeping little for sentimental reasons. Those things I have to really like to keep. Grandma's Cocoa set is definitely staying. Her bedspread is gone. The souvenir drink glasses from Hawaii, I would love to bring back there to refill (they said the refill is free) but I think if I ever get back there, I will just get another glass. Just in case you were wondering... The husband I will keep!<br /><br />Some of the additional goals I keep in mind while getting rid of stuff are powerful. There are parts of the house I have never used the way I envisioned 15 years ago when we bought it. Mostly they were used as storage and not useful family space. There are a lot of new things I want to try. I need the room to try them. Sometimes when i look at these spaces the stuff is so overwhelming that I just want to quit. I do not want to feel like that about parts of my home.<br /><br />Onward and upward, there are more boxes to fill.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-59718364197448217242010-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:35:55.321-07:00Popes & Bankers - A Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S7z5jKjKlpI/AAAAAAAAABg/lkaYpNlk7Co/s1600/Popes%26Bankers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S7z5jKjKlpI/AAAAAAAAABg/lkaYpNlk7Co/s320/Popes%26Bankers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457511230988785298" border="0" /></a><br />Jack Cashill has hit a home run with this book. Popes & Bankers is a methodical review of how society has used money throughout the bible and beyond. It is a book I have now read twice and find that I realize more each time I turn a page about the function of money. Money means power and he who has the money has the power.<br /><br />An amazing series of events has occurred in history in a struggle to control that power. Just as strong have been the forces to keep the accumulated power. The biblical references are powerful. Although the book is a study in money it is also a students reflection on the topic.<br /><br />If you ever really wondered how the world acquired the tremendous financial difficulties that now seem to plague us, you need to read this book.<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/KARENP%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/KARENP%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/9655?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for BookSneeze" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png" width="200" border="0" height="150" /></a><br /><br />Popes and Bankers was provided to me by the publisher for an unbiased review.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-15706212684991951032010-02-17T08:53:00.000-08:002010-02-17T09:09:26.868-08:00Book Review: A Century Turns<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S3whShOxg9I/AAAAAAAAABY/kx-21b86aSU/s1600-h/A+century+turns+Cover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 210px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S3whShOxg9I/AAAAAAAAABY/kx-21b86aSU/s320/A+century+turns+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439259051998413778" /></a><br />A Century Turns by William J. Bennett is an interesting adaptation of history by this renowned historian. As he notes in the introduction he lived this period of history. It is interesting to see how the political machine has changed over the past 20 years. Along with that the way the politicians have communicated with the nation has evolved as well. The book is well annotated with 45 pages of references in the back. Footnote space in the book adds his eye witness stories of the time. It is clear to see who have been our strong leaders in light of what the nation and world has challenged them. It is a difficult book to read if your political viewpoint differs from the author. The book is worth the purchase for the three dozen photographs included. In a few pages there is a terrific colorful view of the 1988-2008 time period.<br /><br />I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-2990050745227003202010-02-04T18:28:00.000-08:002010-02-04T19:27:28.344-08:00Coffee Fail!A while back there was an opportunity to receive Tasters Choice coffee samples from Nescafe. Knowing that this sample was typically in a convenient tube shaped package, I thought it might be a match for my new Starbucks travel coffee mug. This mug features slots along the side to hold your instant coffee for Starbucks VIA coffee on the run (from your very own kitchen not the cafe.)<br /><br />The samples came today in some very nice varieties including Original, Gourmet Roast, 100% Colombian, Hazelnut, Vanilla and Decaffeinated. A $1 coupon for a 20 count stick pack of coffee was included as well. You can print a coupon here at <a href="http://www.tasterschoice.com/Coupons.aspx">Taster's Choice</a>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uOuV_sbSI/AAAAAAAAAAc/XMZ6RmkjHmM/s1600-h/coffee2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uOuV_sbSI/AAAAAAAAAAc/XMZ6RmkjHmM/s320/coffee2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434594302182059298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The surrounding packaging showed me that they had already thought about the competition with Starbucks VIA coffee.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uN8vsGJBI/AAAAAAAAAAU/VGZT2DF9ugQ/s1600-h/coffee1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uN8vsGJBI/AAAAAAAAAAU/VGZT2DF9ugQ/s320/coffee1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434593450085721106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, Taster's Choice is not packaged quite as small as the VIA and therefore will NOT easily fit into the mug slots ready to go like the VIA. This was a huge disappointment to me. I was really hoping to have the variety at my fingertips the way Starbucks suggests.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uPKzuwbAI/AAAAAAAAAAk/fLj7_XmY0T8/s1600-h/coffee4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uPKzuwbAI/AAAAAAAAAAk/fLj7_XmY0T8/s320/coffee4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434594791200418818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uPKzuwbAI/AAAAAAAAAAk/fLj7_XmY0T8/s1600-h/coffee4.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uPSL-F-wI/AAAAAAAAAAs/MRyzPDqw8NE/s1600-h/coffee3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S2uPSL-F-wI/AAAAAAAAAAs/MRyzPDqw8NE/s320/coffee3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434594917966281474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I guess this would be an opportunity for Nescafe to either make packages to fit the Starbucks coffee cup or market their own to go cup. If you are listening Nescafe, please consider a handle on your cup and maybe room for a few more ounces of coffee.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-24399412130077872172010-01-29T11:09:00.000-08:002010-01-29T12:16:07.641-08:00Make It New WeekendLooking around my home I have some great things that I never use or wear anymore. They need to be fixed. Make this a FOR You weekend and Fix Or Repair the things you already have and love.<br /><br />Check out your closet. Do you need to sew on a button? Here is a video from threadbanger.com to show you how<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hrSs_DiJ-ZA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hrSs_DiJ-ZA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This is the weekend to finally change the burnt out light bulb in your closet. Set out that step stool and get to it. Consider using a CFL bulb to save energy in the long run and to keep from having to do the job again soon as these have a longer life. In a tight space consider using a compact CFL. there are even great options for fancier dining room lights, check them out at the local home improvement store. Here is a link to coupons to get you started from <a href="http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/coupons_offers/">GE.</a><br /><br />Give yourself the freedom to move the sofa. We know that it is only in that odd spot to cover up a stain in the carpet. The folks at <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/carpet-stain-solutions-10000001141598/">RealSimple</a> have some ideas on how to rid of them. Give it a try you might like the sofa in a spot where you can actually see the TV.<br /><br />When all of this is done enjoy the wealth of your weekend and the new-old things that you can enjoy. Let me know what you want to Fix Or Repair next time.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-11755690163188660842010-01-28T10:22:00.000-08:002010-01-28T11:09:28.779-08:00Consider Your PerishablesI had a very informative conversation with the meat manager of my local grocery store today. I am rethinking the way I purchase some of my perishables as a result. This was off the cuff and fairly early in the day. The store was almost empty and the parking lot was lightly covered in snow.<br /><br />Tim was a wealth of knowledge about the grocery industry in the Denver area mostly due to his buddies from the weekly poker game. I tell you this so that you can gauge his comments for yourself. He noted that in his store the 80% ground beef is made from the trimmings from the meats cut there in the store. It can be a combination of trims from sirloin to chuck. My guess is that on weeks where the higher grades of meat are on sale, that it might be a great week to stock up on the 80% ground beef. I noted that I have a difficulty digesting a lot of ground beef products and he said that the higher grades of ground come from the company meat plant and they are repackaged on site. I wondered just how many cows might be represented in on of those big packs of ground meat.<br /><br />We went on to speak of other meat counters and produce venues in other stores. Hands down the best meat in the area is at Whole Foods especially when you are looking are grass fed organic. We agreed that the price reflected that as well.<br /><br />Some of the smaller chains in town and those that are becoming smaller as I write do not have local warehouses. Much of the stock for the Denver market comes from Phoenix. As reality it is in the stores two days after leaving the warehouse. I guess for a box of cereal that would not matter, but meat and produce could be a bit trickier for freshness. It would make me think twice about shopping at those spots on weekends since they do not get shipments those days. Although it may be difficult to see the freshness at the meat counter do check the expiration dates on the labels and look over at the produce and maybe the status of tomatoes and grapes will tell you something. I will be looking much more closely for the produced in Colorado labels for a fresher product.<br /><br />I tend to like shopping the sales of meat and produce where turnover of product is important. I avoid the first day of the sale since sometimes the same items they could not sell last week are still there on sale day. Usually I like to shop early on Fridays as the stores tend to stock well for the weekend and the trucks have often just been in from the warehouse. For sales by the same measure I will look at the meat coming off the sale week for bargains that have not been there very long.<br /><br />Where you shop makes a big difference too. The grocers in the higher income area have a bigger turnover of higher priced product. I go out of my way to buy the holiday sale roasts to where the best selection and turnover of product is. When whole organic chicken is on sale I head for the other shops as I have been told how few chickens will get allocated to my local store. Do get rain checks as the other stores in the chain will usually honor them. Yes I do recognize that I have not confronted the issue of how long something may be in the warehouse before delivery.<br /><br />Take some time in the next few weeks to talk to the employees at the meat counter, stocking the produce bins and the dairy case. they are a wealth of information. I have found that management likes seeing them interact with the customer. The information I have learned has taught me everything from how to pick great Eggplant to the best preparations for Ham. Leave me a comment and let me know what you have learned at the grocery store.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-62960596074161639362010-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:002010-01-19T10:47:28.289-08:00Organizing to Save MoneyThe last time you cleaned out the refrigerator, did you find food that you remember putting in there but had not thought of since? The leftovers from last week that you looked forward to having for lunch that are now an odd color and not so appetizing. Yes you kick yourself as you toss the plastic boxed contents in the garbage.<br /><br />Do similar situations happen all over the house? Maybe they do not need the trash can but you duplicated efforts needlessly. It is likely that you have bought a paperback, magazine or CD more than once because you forgot you already had it, or figured it must be gone for some reason. Then there is the set of bed linens you were gifted that have hidden themselves away in the dark recesses of the closet. Hidden until you bring home a new set from the White Sale at which point they seem to fall out at your feet.<br /><br />Inventory is the answer although you may not like the answers that it gives you. Last fall I found I have over 12 dozen candles put away for the blinding snow storm that takes the power down for several days. We are going to start using cloth napkins someday, I have 30+ of them. The family need not worry, I have enough cold and flu medicine to last well into the summer for all of us.<br /><br />The current project, as I attempt to organize and purge from my stashes of stuff, is to inventory as well. Ideally, I will get the inventory into my iTouch so that I will know if that bargain I see is worth it to me or just going to take up precious space in my home. The project should not only save money but time in the long run. I will not need to cut coupons for things I have an abundance of and I should be able to locate needed items faster as well. Besides this is going to assist in getting ready for the biggest garage sale I have ever done.<br /><br />I will keep you posted on how this is going and how adapting this mindset is helping the pocketbook. Besides with the treasures I find, it may end up being like Christmas everyday!Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-83568926527064953282010-01-12T18:06:00.000-08:002010-01-12T18:35:40.963-08:00Whole Foods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S00sDlncbMI/AAAAAAAAAAM/wf8MqNjYnI4/s1600-h/top_sirloin_steak_02.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 96px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ngm_EFZb5pA/S00sDlncbMI/AAAAAAAAAAM/wf8MqNjYnI4/s320/top_sirloin_steak_02.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426041566200097986" border="0" /></a> One of my favorite Grocery Stores is Whole Foods. I often have noted how important it is to me to know what is in my foods and they specialize in organically produced foods. They have had fewer problems with food recalls which makes me have more faith in the contents of my pantry. Unlike the other Denver grocers they do not change out their sale prices weekly with Wednesday's ads. They do have sales and they are worth keeping track of.<br /><br />The Top Sirloin Steak noted above is a Wednesday January 13, 2010 sale only. There are more items sale till January 19, 2010. The Cara Cara Oranges at $1 a pound are a great deal and they have been wonderful. The Diestel Honey Turkey Breast at $8.99 is a big hit in my home. Find your favorites here <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/westminster/specials.pdf">Whole Foods</a>.<br /><br />I may not be able to do all of my shopping here but I try make room in the budget.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-44583917675863986212010-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:47:38.479-08:00My Own FoodA little over four months go I decided that I would work hard to make as as possible from scratch to feed my family. Already Art and I have heavily invested in gardening. We enjoyed fresh salads and veggies most of the summer. These were supplemented by occasional visits to the Farmer's Markets. We canned and froze fruits and veggies from these sources for the winter as well. I know that we do not have enough until next harvest but it is a start.<br /><br />Four months ago I decided that the bakery aisle was not a market destination and I began baking up a storm. Baking at 5500 foot altitude can be a challenge but I am learning. In this time there has been a mountain of goodies that have marched out of the oven and my bread machine. At times I used to look at baking as a really big production. It need not be. Planning is the key element. Plan by both the ingredients and where you are putting the freshly baked goods as well. Since there are a limited number of cookies left cooling on the counter there are actually some for lunches. I figured out how many to make to be sure that I have a weeks' worth.<br /><br />The bread machine has been getting quite a work out. I even broke one and now have the Cuisinart Convection bread machine. It is wonderful. keeping ingredients available here is important as well. I have invested in large bags of bread flour and yeast. The restaurant service supply store was a source for containers for them. The biggest trick is making sure that there is enough bread for sandwiches. If I fail to cut the needed slices off of a loaf ready for dinner I am sunk for the next day. There are times that there are two loaves made in a day and all are happy since the house smells heavenly.<br /><br />The reasoning behind making more edibles from scratch as come from all of the recall notices that seem to march across the newscasts on a regular basis. I know that I cannot get away from all of them this way but I am trying. My best method seem to be, to attempt to buy local.<br /><br />As the day's bread is baking I am thinking of the garden to come and the security I am feeling envelop me.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-21128418224123543092010-01-07T07:27:00.000-08:002010-01-07T08:09:20.856-08:00Your PaycheckI remember the day my sister brought home her first paycheck. It was not a check. It was cold hard cash in a tan bank envelope. On the outside listed her gross pay and all of the deductions taken. She proudly poured the contents of the envelope out on the table. I was stunned at how much was there, but then again I was about 8 at the time. Sis proceeded to take a few dollars out for her wallet and the rest went in her little Lane Hope Chest that she kept on her shelf. It was nestled there with the cash she earned from babysitting. My sister has always been a wonderful saver. She learned early to pay herself first.<br /><br />I fast forward to an evening before Thanksgiving 2009. My son arrives home with a debit card. It holds his paycheck. Somewhere in his email is the pay stub listing the gross pay and deductions. There was no ability to place a few dollars in his wallet and put the rest in savings. There is not box on his shelf carefully crafted in Scouts that holds cash from lawn mowing. All of his earned money has been given to him in the form of plastic or checks. Money does not have the same impact on him as it does on me.<br /><br />I have never liked paying for little things with a piece of plastic and it is way too much bother to write a check for a cup of coffee. I have cash in my wallet, not a lot, but I helps me keep track of the fact that I am spending it on little things. If it is the day before payday I am not spending my last $10 on lunch. I am shopping from my fridge and finding lunch there.<br /><br />Cash has value if only to show you what you have. How long did it take you to earn the money to buy the Latte you had this morning...more time than it took you to drink it? We tend to only get sensitive to that when making big purchases, the 30% decrease in value when you drive your newly purchased car off the lot, for instance. You need to be alert to it in other areas as well. If it takes you two gallons of gas to commute to and from a minimum wage job, that just spent the first half hour of labor on the job.<br /><br />Twelve or sixty easy payments does not decrease the cost of the item. You already know that it increases it with interest payments. Another $50 a month out of pocket may not seem like much until you have a number of those easy payments. Consider saving for the purchase. There may be several ways that it becomes less cash out of your pocket. As an older model the item may be marked down and there are no interest payments on it when you wait to buy it with cash. Then again, you may decide not to buy the item at all.<br /><br />Use your paycheck as a ruler to measure not just your needs but your wants.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-35452287131316029602010-01-04T08:54:00.000-08:002010-01-04T09:35:28.240-08:00Coupons Are Your FriendsSunday morning is like Christmas almost every week for me. This week was great there were five coupon inserts in the Denver Post. They were worth enough for me, that I purchased a second paper. The paper had a wrap on it that included coupons for Safeway that sold me eggs and milk for less than $1 each.<br /><br />It only took be about a half hour to put my grocery list together and pull coupons as well. I have a box that I keep up on a regular basis (another half hour a week usually). The benefits are measurable on the bottom of my receipt. The surprise I received was at check out with the reaction of the cashier and the two customers behind me in line.<br /><br />I leave the house with coupons in hand they have been checked for expiration dates and all are sorted according to my list. When I put an item in the cart the coupon goes in my pocket or when I have company at the store that person gets to hold the coupons. My coupons are presented to the cashier at the beginning of the check out. I do not waste other people's time at the register fussing with coupons. That is both annoying and assures that you will not have all the coupons you should at hand. The customers behind me want to know how I had the time to use coupons. Well the answer comes in that my grocery bill was $170.83, but I wrote a check for $69.53. Saving over $100 made my day. It could make yours too.<br /><br />Coupons are easy to use if you do keep a system up. I cut them weekly and sort by item type: beverages, baking, refrigerated, frozen, canned goods, condiments, pasta and potatoes, health and beauty, cleaning, paper goods and pet food. The only sort within the categories I do is to put each weeks worth in the back of each category. I find that most companies replace their coupons when their prior ones expire so usually there is not much need to sort within a grouping. <br /><br />Return envelopes from junk mail make great places to write grocery lists and the coupons are handy inside. I use one for each store I plan to visit. Always be sure to check the coupons in the store fliers. Often you can use a manufacturer's coupons with a store one to increase your savings. Check your stores for which ones offer double or triple coupons. The little Safeway I use doubles coupons all the time since they are right across the street from a big King Soopers.<br /><br />Additional places to squeak a few extra pennies out at the store include looking at the damage goods rack, the near to expiration items and the holiday markdowns. (White candles priced at 12 cents burn just as nicely as the ones marked $1.) Produce and cheese holiday markdowns are hot right now, look for veggie trays and soon the cheeses that we usually only splurge on at holiday time. Bring your own bags it can put an extra few nickles in your pocket too. <br /><br />I see you at the grocery store. I will know you buy the coupons in your hands.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-27201846895775100792009-06-02T07:49:00.000-07:002009-06-02T08:53:29.237-07:00Birthday GiftsI have a Birthday on Thursday of this week. My mailbox has been filed with interesting coupons in honor of that day. I am on the mailing lists of these companies and regularly get their coupons year round. I have included the web sites so that your mailbox can get these too. You may have to be registered with them well in advance to get these coupons, but if you do not make the cut this year your birthday will come around again.<br /><br />I will admit right up front not all of these are exactly gifts, but better described as good coupons. All were coupons received in email within the past week or so. Since the teenagers in our home are working three counties away I think there will be some great suppers soon with minimal additional purchase.<br /><br />Free Entrees (I use the term loosely.) <br />www.Qdoba.com offers a free burrito or other entree with the purchase of one.<br />www.Unos.com for dine-in only an Individual Deep Dish Pizza, a Flatbread Pizza or entree (no additional purchase noted)<br />www.redrobin.com has a Gourmet Burger awaiting me (no additional purchase noted)<br />www.noodles.com has a free entree up to $7.50 (no additional purchase noted)<br /><br />Free deserts with the purchase of an entree at all of these:<br />www.Fridays.com<br />www.OnTheBorder.com<br />www.bucadibeppo.com<br />www.Dennys.com<br />www.chilis.com<br /><br />Other offers:<br />www.einsteinbros.com wants to give me a free bagel & shmear (no additional purchase necessary)<br />www.dairyqueen.com will give me a free 16 oz Blizzard Treat with the purchase of one<br />www.GoodTimesBurgers.com is a buy a small Spoonbender and get one free<br /><br />Non-Food items (sort of)<br />www.tonysmarket.com (Denver area) $5 coupon<br />www.sephora.com free gift (This year it a trio of lip gloss I really like.)<br />www.macys.com sent me a $10 off $30 purchase coupon.<br /><br />Snail Mail brought:<br />www.BeauJos.com $10 coupon, Colorado, great pizza<br /><br />All of these offers have time limits on them the most is a month the least 3 days, the bulk of the offers run about 7-10 days. I think I may hang up my pots and pans this week and take advantage of these offers.<br /><br />I am sure that there are more offers like these out there. I invite you to let me know about them. <br /><br />Remember to keep an eye on your emails to receive useful coupons. I downloaded several other ones that I may well use this week too.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-74003415058946013852009-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:002009-05-27T08:59:37.278-07:00Organization Can Be a GiftI have never been known to be neat or organized in general, but parts of my life have been at times. Sometimes, it is because an endeavor is new and there is not much to keep track of and other times because I need to find something. Well there is now a third way, when you are forced to pack stuff up quickly a slow unpack can help.<br /><br />The sewing room was packed up quickly a few weeks ago due to plumbing problems. Since that time I have been slowly reorganizing and sorting as I unpack. There is some stuff that I have not seen in years. Some of it has gone, other things are inspiring new projects. The sewing room is taking on some new purposes.<br /><br />Art and I do a podcast on Geocaching. See CentennialStateGeocaching.com for more information. Each podcast we do takes a modest amount of time to set the equipment up in Studio D (the dining room table.) We all know that time is money so I need to clear space to have a new Studio D (D for Den this time.)<br /><br />The pack up fast episode also had me moving some of my pantry out of the laundry room. I have now begun to realize that there is stocking up and there is non-sense. My family will eat soup once a month. So why do I have 40+ cans of soup? I have also begun to make homemade soup more often than not, it is greatly preferred. The question becomes where to store excesses like this. My pantry has shown me that I have a lot of good intentions, I just need more focus.<br /><br />The current project is organization. It is accompanied by a notebook to keep track of the projects and plans for life in our household. I believe this will assist us in saving more money and other resources in the future.<br /><br />So tell me how are you planning life in the future?Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-23832851819374635122009-05-04T09:18:00.000-07:002009-05-04T09:32:18.163-07:00What 2 Weeks Can DoYesterday I blogged about part of what happened last week but I failed to tell you why.<br /><br />Two weeks ago when I realized that for the most part my teenagers will be gone for the summer I started to think about what to accomplish this year. We have an out of commission 3/4 bath downstairs, that has been for over 5 years. I had taken to using this room as a closet as all the fixtures and flooring had been removed. It bothered me every time I saw it. <br /><br />I had that talk with my darling hubby about fixing the eyesore and having a basement bathroom back again. Knowing that the drain there always ran slow, that was to be the first task for a plumber. Read yesterday's post under www.coloradorainbowarts.blogpot.com to see that a slow drain became replacing all below ground piping in the house.<br /><br />This weekend we revisited the talk about that bathroom. I realize that since last week's project was not inexpensive it likely will not happen soon. With this knowledge in hand I am not going to make the error I did before by turning it into a closet. Only the parts that will eventually make it a bathroom are allowed there. What do you know, we will end up cleaning out a portion of the garage!Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-81038146328075582522009-05-03T18:29:00.000-07:002009-05-03T18:42:32.375-07:00There Are DownfallsThis past week I had the misfortune to have a terrible cold. It was one of those colds that you do not want to touch anything that the rest of the family is going to use, for fear of infecting them, much less cook for them. The problem has come in the preparation of fresh foods for each meal.<br /><br />In the past I have had a freezer full of quick to reheat meals for a variety of reasons. But in the efforts to cook more and fresh I had abandon that idea. I found that I really enjoy my cooking and need to preserve more of it for times being under the weather. In the past week not only were the meals poor imitations of what I would have presented they cost a small fortune. My loved ones are not able to replicate what I cook.<br /><br />Several nights were devoted to take out. I often find it too salty for my taste. The Manicotti from Costco was good but pretty pricey. Canned soup and sandwiches is usually a fail unless there is great desperation.<br /><br />I guess I have now learned that I need to Invest in meals for my freezer. A day or two of Investment Cooking is a good investment in my family.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-21979830189040810782009-03-12T09:55:00.000-07:002009-03-13T10:04:44.180-07:00Pumpkin Chip MuffinsHere is another much requested recipe. I put this one together as a result of moving to the Denver area. Not a lot of cakes appear when you bring something for a gathering. High altitude baking is a skill here in the Mile High City. Everyone have their favorite bar cookie so this brings something different to the table.<br />These Pumpkin Chip Muffins are very moist and have a kick from the spices. The pumpkin is mild. The recipe is adapted from a Libby' recipe. As always use the best ingredients you can.<br /><br />Pumpkin Chip Muffins<br /><br />7 cups All-purpose Flour<br />1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder<br />1 Tablespoon Baking Soda<br />2 teaspoons of Salt<br />2 teaspoons each of Nutmeg, Cloves and Cinnamon<br /> (you can substitute 2 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Pie Spice)<br />3 cups Granulated Sugar<br />3 cups Brown Sugar<br />2 cups Vegetable Oil<br />1 can of Pumpkin (3.5 to 4 cups) (NOT pumpkin pie filling)<br />8 Eggs<br />12oz. bag of Chocolate Chips (use mini chips if making mini muffins)<br /><br />Sift together the Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt and Spices. Stir in the Sugars. Add the Pumpkin and Oil and stir combining well.<br /><br />Add the Eggs 2 at a time. Add the Chocolate Chips.<br /><br />Either grease muffin tins or use cupcake papers. I use cooking spray on my mini muffins. Fill about 2/3 full.<br /><br />Bake at 350 22-25 minutes for large muffins and about 12-15 minutes for mini muffins. Tester should come out clean.<br /><br />This recipe makes about 2 dozen muffins and 6 dozen mini muffins. They are a great crowd-pleaser and they freeze well.<br /><br />Have fun baking.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-22226711020031837782009-03-11T15:22:00.000-07:002009-03-11T15:51:57.071-07:00Cream of Tomato SoupSeveral of you have requested some recipes from me and I thought this might be the best way to present them. Then you wont lose them or have your son do his homework on the back of it. Now how do I know about that one!<br /><br />Cream of Tomato Soup<br />This is nice and thick. It will stick to your ribs on a chilly day. Not a real picky recipe on amounts of the ingredients. Adapted from a recipe on FoodNetwork.<br /><br />Ingredients & directions<br />4 Tablespoons of Butter melt it in a pan on low<br />2 medium Onion chopped add to pan<br />1 large Carrot diced small add to pan<br />Turn up the heat to medium till the onions and carrots soften, keep stirring.<br />Then Add 4 Tablespoons of Flour, cook and stir 3-5 minutes. (As flour sticks to the pan you need to move to the next step.)<br /><br />Then add:<br />2 28 oz cans of Tomatoes (diced, stewed, whatever you have 4 14.5 oz cans work too)<br />2 14.5 oz cans of Chicken Broth and 1/2 can of water<br />About 3oz of Tomato Paste (half a small can, you can freeze the rest to use later.)<br />1 teaspoon Basil<br />1 teaspoon Thyme<br />2 Bay leaves, whole<br />Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove Bay leaves.<br /><br />In small batches puree the soup in a food processor or blender.<br />Return it to the pan. Slowly add 2 cups of light Cream or Milk (Use anything heavier than skim milk.) Wisking it together. Simmer till heated through.<br /><br />Salt and pepper to taste<br />We also like to add Garlic Powder and Parmigiana Cheese at the table.<br />Serve with some nice crusty bread.<br /><br />If you chose to freeze this stop before you add the cream or milk (they will not freeze well in the soup.) Add cream or milk after defrosting.<br /><br />Sure if it is the right time of the year use fresh tomatoes and seasonings. Canned and dried are the least expensive most of the time.<br /><br />The recipe can be halved.<br /><br />6 to 10 servingsKaren604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-49907741404260410912009-03-10T11:54:00.000-07:002009-03-10T13:30:51.256-07:00Procrastination Can Be ExpensiveI often wonder why it seems that doing anything but the priorities on my list, look like more inviting tasks. It creates all sorts of problems.<br /><br />The forgotten birthday card to your mother-in -law will involve a lot of Tylenol.<br /><br />Deciding not to go to the store on Monday when it is sunny, will either get you wet in Tuesday's rain or the grapes will cost a dollar more a pound on Wednesday.<br /><br />You might as well pick up the poster boards now because it will be a Sunday evening when your child needs one for the term project, due Monday, that he remembered 10 minutes ago.<br /><br />All of us know that that the meal still in the freezer as dinner time approaches creates a problem. Microwave thawed chicken parts are not as tasty and that hamburg is going to need a lot of coaxing to become patties. Once in a while you can get away with pulling out a jar of spaghetti sauce and with salad fixings the family might think you planned it. How often is it tempting to just hit the drive thru or holler out for pizza? The lesson: timely defrosting.<br /><br />Now for fifteen more things that will cost you money if you postpone doing them.<br />1. Returning rental movies or library books late.<br />2. Paying a bill late.<br />3. Store bought cupcakes are more expensive than home made ones.<br />4. Fixing the car's oil leak now and not replacing the engine later.<br />5. Keep a filled water bottle with you rather than buy a fountain drink when you are out.<br />6. Packing your lunch will save you later in the day.<br />7. Book as hotel as soon as you know you need one, gives you more choices and maybe less expensive.<br />8. Set the coffee pot up before you go to bed, then you can take it with you rather than wait in line for a more expensive one.<br />9. Wear you new shoes around the house on the carpet to be sure they feel good, if not no scuffs on the soles makes for a much easier return.<br />10. Before hitting the new book store, check out a used book store. Go with a list of what you want.<br />11. Check batteries in flashlights and radios often for charge and corrosion.<br />12. Start you seedlings for your garden. $3 of seeds will give you a lot more plants than you can buy for that later.<br />13. Check your tires. Proper inflation gives better gas mileage.<br />14. Buy extra 'Forever' postage stamps now before the rates go up this Spring.<br />15. Admit it, you are now eligible for senior citizens discounts, use that to your advantage.<br /><br />Being Prepared can reduce your stress and maybe save you a little money.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908988828973898280.post-12408669165169641752009-02-23T14:29:00.000-08:002009-03-10T13:48:40.530-07:00Make Your Time CountAre you spending time going door-to-door selling yourself or product? You might figure that that is as good a use as any for your time in your fledgling business, or not. Do you have a plan for when someone answers that knock you just made?<br /><br />I had a young man come to my door this afternoon looking to be a Wealth Manager as a small business man. The fellow was well attired in a suit and appropriately groomed, seemed to be a friendly enough fellow. However, he did not seem prepared to make the sale.<br /><br />I opened my door and he was already 10+ feet away. There was not a business card on my door. He asked about a place I had been based on a bumper sticker.<br /><br />He was already a good 3 minutes into conversation before he introduced himself, by first name only, and stated that he was a small business man in the field of Wealth Management. I saw flyers in his pocket but he never offered me one. Did he fail to realize that I was A) not going to invite him intro my home to speak of financial matters right off the street and B)that he was a complete stranger to me?<br /><br />In his presentation, it would be fair for him to make the representation that he would/could be my wealth manager. Think positive. He actually found someone at home. The brochure in his pocket should have been at very least been under my eyes if not in my hand.<br /><br />I suspect that he failed to realize that he was not going to be invited into someone home and make a sale right then and there. Only Girl Scouts get that quick of a sale from me, especially when Thin Mints are in hand. I certainly would research someone wanting to be my Financial Guru. But I Do not know his full name nor what type of product he was selling? By starting the conversation 10 feet from my door, he could not hand me a business card with at least a website on it, or a brochure, but he already seemed as if he wanted to be at the next doorstep.<br /><br />As with most people who have spent time at home I am pretty good at getting rid of door-to-door peddlers. If you are going door-to-door know that I am not the only one like that. Also know that I have made purchases this way. I found a great tree removal person for instance.<br /><br />In this tough economy Door-to Door may be the right marketing strategy for you. Take the time to do it right. If you bothered to climb the 13 step to my front door at least leave a business card. Otherwise, all you are going to get is a nice walk out of your afternoon.Karen604http://www.blogger.com/profile/08147021526386243683noreply@blogger.com1