How Frugal is too Frugal?

I like to say that I'm frugal, but I think that it turns out that I'm just cheap. 

I do things like make my own breadcrumbs, pasta sauce and baby carrots.

This week, I even went to the trouble of freezing leftover cilantro, so that it wouldn't go to waste.  But, this was more about making sure I have it on hand since I always forget to buy it.

There are some things though that I think cross that imaginary line in my head, that I don't believe would be a good use of my time or my budget. 

• Making your own laundry soap.  So, yesterday I bought a bottle of tide for $3.00, and I can get 40 or more loads out of that.  So that works out to around .075 a load. 

• Making your own fabric softener sheets.  Now I haven't bought fabric softener sheets in about 6 months (thanks to may stockpile).  But, the last time I did, I got 100 sheets for .50 - or .005/per sheet.

So, I guess my point is this, when/where, it this age of everyone being over scheduled and over worked, do you draw line?  Drop me a comment below and let me know what 'your' line is!

~Cyn

Saving Your Herbs....

If you are like me when you go to the grocery store, but you don't always remember to check it while you are there.  The most common things that I seem to forget are spices, and herbs. I've done a better job of collecting spices, but the fresh herbs is something I still struggle with.

It's not that they are outrageously expensive, and most of the ones I use regualarly are kinda cheap and you get alot of your money.

This is 1/3 of the bunch I bought.

I thought that I would try something, something I do alot, I froze the leftovers.

Pretty easy process.  I took 2 empty ice cube trays, and filled each cup up 1/2 way with snipped cilantro, then filled each cup to the top with water.

Freeze.

When you need some (like this morning).  Defrost.  You can even put these in the microwave for about 30 seconds.  Which makes your kitchen smell amazing...

Then strain. 

and use.

I'm going to try this with chives next.

~Cyn

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Rockin the Crockpot

So it has finally turned cold here in the greater Chicagoland area.   So I love the idea of coming home to hot meal every night.  I especially like the idea of it being hot and ready when I get home from work.  If only there was an invention that would help with such a thing.  Haha..

Every week I share with you a new recipe, sometimes it's mine, sometimes it's one I've come across.  So I decided that February would be Crockpot month, featuring some new recipes to try. 

Week 1 - Beef Veggie Soup
Week 2 - Ham and Scallop Potatoes
Week 3 - Southwest Chicken
Week 4 - Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Week 5 - Chocolate Pudding Cake (you always have to finish with dessert)

Click here to check out all of my recipes of the week...

What is your favorite Crockpot recipe?

~Cyn

Sweets for your Sweets

Need a last minute treat  for the Valentine's Day treat?  Try these Peanut Butter Hearts.

These cookies could not have been easier to make.  From start to finish you will be done in less than an hour.   Here's how...

Start out with a Peanut Butter cookie mix, or if you are looking to make homemade, there is a great recipe here.  Mix up your dough, and I would recommend, popping it in the frig for about 15 minutes, just to let it set-up.  While that is setting up, pour your sprinkles into a bowl, if you don't have red sprinkles, sugar will work just as well.  Grease your baking sheets, and set your oven for 375.

This is also a good time to start unwrapping your candy.  In this recipe I used some heart shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Other ideas, would be kisses or star shaped chocolate candies.  Start with unwrapping 24, and then unwrap as needed.

Once your dough has set-up for a few minutes, you will want to shape the dough into balls and dip the 'top' in the sprinkles.

The cookies will need about 8 minutes in the oven, but keep an eye on them, you want them browned but not burnt.

Once they come out of the oven, place the heart in the middle of the cookie while these are still hot, remove from the baking sheet right away and move to a cookie sheet.

Let cool and Enjoy!

~Cyn



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Friday Fun Day

I'm playing hookie today, okay not really I took a day of vacation for today a couple of weeks ago.  Sometimes you just need to have alittle break.  So what to do today.  So far, I'm made it to the sofa with my coffee, and now Max is on my lap and I have a feeling I'm stuck here for awhile.  In order to be productive I'm going to put together my day off to-do list.

Errands - which we all know are easier on a Friday, then Saturday morning....

Grocery Store - yuck!
Bank

At  Home

write a guest post for another website
write out some recipes
dust the living room
vacuum - everywhere
clean the microwave
clean the burner covers
clean the washing machine
catch-up on the laundry

I'm tired just thinking about it.  So for now I'm just going to sit here and finish the Lifetime movie I'm in the middle of, while Max finishes his nap on my lap.

Happy Friday Everyone!

~Cyn

#20SongsILove

Another trend I couldn't resist on Twitter...Here we go...these are in no particular order...

#20 - 'Little Moments' - Brad Paisley - this was our wedding song
#19 - 'Famous in a Small Town' - Miranda Lambert - one line
            'We've been stars of the town since we were 17' if you grew up in a small town, you get it
#18 - 'You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly' - Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty - classic country
#17 - 'Are you Gonna Kiss Me or Not' - Thompson Square - sweet, just a sweet song
#16 - 'Take it on the Run' - REO Speedwagon - Frat Party. Ohio State.  Enough Said.
#15 - 'Bawitdaba' - Kid Rock - if you have seen him live you totally understand this
#14 - 'Lucille' - Kenny Rogers - reminds me of my Grandma, not because she ran out on us, but  
         because that was her name

#13 - 'Wasting Time' - Kid Rock - to quote the man himself 'it frees your mind'
#12 - 'Out Last Night' - Kenny Chesney - memories of Summerfest
#11 - 'Knee Deep' - Zac Brown Band - thoughts of what the future should be
#10 - 'Drink in My Hand' - Eric Church - guilty pleasure
#9 -   'Bless the Broken Road' - Rascal Flatts - reminds me that all the frogs were worth it for my prince
#8 -   'Only Prettier' - Miranda Lambert - everything you have ever wanted to say to snotty girls
#7 -   'Honey Bee' - Blake Shelton - great song - great video
#6  -  'Tik Tok' - Ke$ha - see #10
#5 -   'Cocky' - Kid Rock - it's great when you are in a bad mood
#4 -   'A.M. Radio' - Everclear - love to jam this when I'm driving
#3 -   'Whiskey Lullaby' - Alison Krauss & Brad Paisley - best line in country music 'She put him out,
           like the burning end of a midnight cigerette'
#2 -  'Every Rose Has it's Thorn' - Poison - because Hubby hates it when I sing it
#1 -  'You Might Think' - The Cars - stalker song. love it

What are your 20?

Enjoy
~Cyn