And the ball drops...

New Year's resolutions...how many of us actually keep them? Well in an attempt to convince myself that it is possible...I'm going to share mine with you, which might make me a little more accountable.

1. Be a better Catholic - I'm not very good about keeping up with my holy days etc., so this year I plan on taking the time to do so.

2. Get healthy! - I've just let it all go these past few years and it's time to move on.

3. And of course, get more frugal!- there are so many things that I know I could be doing, so my goal is to focus on completely frugalizing my life the way I dream about.

I hope that if you have a resolution that you have luck with it! Happy New Year everyone!

Frugal Tip: Velveeta Boxes

I have to thank my Mom for this one:

Save the cardboard base boxes from Velveeta and other similar block processed cheeses. They (usually) fit perfectly in kitchen drawers for organizers!

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and/or a Happy Holiday and I look forward to getting back to posting!

Santa Claws

I just had to share these photos of my crazy kitten Rory. She is almost a year old, and we brought her home, along with her twin Allie, from the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Hubby and I were bored one day and decided to stop by the animal shelter and look around. There they were, in the same cage, absolutely identical, and climbing the cages! Hubby always said that if he saw one that nutty, he was going to take it home; but we couldn't split them up. The house has been upside down ever since! So here are a few pics of Rory inside of the Christmas tree, which we hear jingling ALL NIGHT LONG! It's not Santa Claus, it's Santa Claws! ENJOY!

P.S. Any good recommendations for a camera that doesn't blur so badly without flash?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 16th, 2008 (I'm always a little behind)

Outside my window....it is one of the coldest days that we have around these parts and I am utterly enjoying the dark clouds and freezing temperatures!!

I am thinking... that I don't see how universal healthcare can really work, but I am sitting, waiting, and wishing because it just costs too much

I am thankful for... today's weather; it makes me miss Yankeeland just a little less and happy where God has brought me

From the kitchen... Monkey Munch was made last night and I have been "munching" on it ever since. Just melt 1/2 c. peanut butter, 1 c/ chocolate chips, and 1/4 c. butter or margarine and pour over 9 cups of Chex; mix thoroughly; put into large bag with 1 1/2 c/ powdered sugar and shake shake shake! Refrigerate in airtight container...

I am wearing... one of two pairs of jeans that actually fit me, and an Old Navy pullover, because I swear by Old Navy sweaters

I am creating... a wine cork trivet for Christmas; to see how its done click HERE

I am going... to the bank this afternoon, a place that lately I like to avoid

I am reading... still Marie Antoinette, I wonder if I will ever finish that book; the librarians look at me funny because they have the look like "Renewing again??"

I am hoping...that Christmas is somewhat cold, that we make it through the beginning of the year, and that next Christmas will be better

I am hearing... Jingle Bell Rock courtesy of this blog

Around the house... Christmas presents are scattered all over because we cannot trust them under the tree thanks to Rory and Allie; kitchen items are piled up because a bunch of things were given to us and I have no idea where to put them; but I did get my gardenia planted and now its on the porch

One of my favorite things... a small ceramic Christmas tree that I painted as a little girl in ceramics glass, I will share it with you today

A few plans for the rest of the week... Wednesday nanny-ing and baking cornbread and mini pecan pies at the Boardwalk, Thursday baby again then FREE high school band Christmas concert, Friday buying police uniforms for hubby, and Saturday baking again!

A picture thought I would like to share with you

my ceramic tree

A Hint of Spring

A few days ago, right on schedule, my flying friends came to pollenate my loquat tree. I captured them on camera feasting away at my little fruit buds. I love that they arrive in December, because it helps drive the winter blues away. When I see them, I know I have a little harvest to look forward to in the spring.

The loquat tree was in the ground when we bought our house. It took me a whole year just to find out what it was exactly. According to my research, the fruit is difficult to grow in most areas, but thrives well in Zone 9 and 10 and also in Asia. My favorite part about my loquat tree is that I do not tend to it at all. I do not fertilize it, water it any extra that I do other plants, and I do not prune. Yet, it still blesses me every year. Sometimes I think nature just needs to be left alone, because it was taking care of itself long before we were there.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 10th, 2008

Outside my window...it is freezing, abnormal around here, and I know it desperately wants to snow but we are just not that lucky

I am thinking...that it is ironic that a few days ago I burned the outside of my hands and now they are like icicles

I am thankful for....all the beautiful-hearted children in the world that bring a smile to my face

From the learning rooms.... my old boss contacted me so it looks like I might be homeschooling again next year

From the kitchen.....there sits a bunch of cans of soup for hubby, who did not respond well to his anesthesia yesterday

I am wearing....long sleeved shirt topped by a hoodie, jeans topped with blanket, I'm still cold!

I am creating.... a baby blanket for my new niece to be born in February

I am going... to a wedding on Friday for my best friend, for whom I never thought I would live to see the day

I am reading...still reading Marie Antoinette, but in between that I am reading some Smithsonian magazines I got at the library for only 10 cents a piece; I will later save them to use in projects

I am hoping...that a visit to the doctor will tell me I am not broken, and that I can stop resenting someone in my life and accept what may come

I am hearing...the ticking of my I Love Lucy clock and the Matrix playing in the living room

Around the house...abundant Christmas decorations are in every corner, along with mail I haven't opened yet, socks that the cats stole, and craft items I haven't decided what to do with yet

One of my favorite things....my lap desk, I use it for everything

A few plans for the rest of the week....Thursday nanny-ing followed by some rest finally!; Friday supermarket and wedding, and Saturday baking at the restaurant which is going really well by the way! I can't keep up with the demand

Here's a picture thought I am sharing:

I love when cameras do funny things. One day I will own a professional camera and live in scrapbook heaven forever!

Can you guess what it is?

A Little Rearranging...

Last Christmas we were blessed through Freecycle when a lovely lady a few towns away gave us all of her Christmas decorations. There had been many many years of collected items that were dear to her heart, and she delivered them to our doorstep to our young family. This year as we were unpacking the boxes we realized we had something for every room! It was great....I'm really glad that people still think of others :)

I usually have trouble finding table centerpieces because of my trecherous kittens. I had some leftover glass ornaments that I do not dare put on the tree, so I decided to place them on a serving plate with some votives left over from our wedding and here it is.....

I also wanted to share a picture of a Ninja Turtles stocking that I found at a rummage sale for $.25. This is my husband's stocking because he is feeling goofy this year...

I hope everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. As I drive through our neighborhood I see all of the Christmas lights going up, and it makes me all warm inside.... :)

Family Ties

So I am finally back. I am back in town and back online with a working modem! Yay!

I spent Thanksgiving with my Mom's side of the family and had high hopes of posting lovely autumn ideas, but then a bout with a terrible cold left me in the fetal position on the couch. So I thought instead of backtracking now that it's December, I would just post some pictures of my favorite things at Mom's. A little photojournalism if you will....