Hairspirations

Ms. Badu...never have I've been able to pull off that big hair



Ms. Jilly from Philly...had the length, but again not the fullness

What I make some Sundays

I'm usually not in the mood to have to do too many dishes on Sundays since that is when I do most of my bulk cooking. I make a "frittata" where I only have to use one pan.

I sometimes to make these on Sundays because I just have to use one pan and go

4 potatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 an onion thinly sliced
salt and pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
1 to 2 tbls of oil
your choice of meat (it all depends on whats around, sometimes I use left over salmon)
4 to 5 large eggs
1/4 cup of milk
shredded cheese
*Preheat oven on 350*
1) in skillet pour in oil, heat on medium
2) add onions and red pepper flakes, sautee for 5 mins
3) add potatoes, salt and pepper to taste cook for 15 mins turning frequently
4) add your meat of choice cook for 5 minutes
5) crack the eggs, and add milk add a little bit of extra pepper, mix until fluffy
6) Cut off the skillet, pour in egg mixture
7) top with cheese
8) place in the oven, bake for 15-20 minutes
9) remove from oven and let sit for 10 mins so a crust can form
10) ENJOY!!!

Gosh I hate cravings

I've been craving fried fish (preferably Trout or Whiting..or Ling, which is expensive), homemade macaroni and cheese (my mac & cheese definitely resembles Macaroni Pie, which is still a heavy debate with my WI friends lol), cornbread, greens, and brownies (darn free recipe book lol). I think that's like going to be one of the meals for this weekend, or next week (when I get my refund).

Macaroni and Cheese recipe (I add red pepper and onions sometimes)

Box of your favorite Elbow Macaroni (or small tube pasta)
can of evaporated milk
1/2 stick of butter
1 cube of bouillon (chicken or veggie)
1 to 2 tsp of regular flour
pepper to taste (if you want to fancy it up a notch white pepper)
1 cup of Extra Sharp Cheddar, cubed (I love Richfood's New York Sharp)
1 cup of Sharp Cheddar, grated
1/2 of red pepper, diced (optional)
1/4 of an onion, diced (optional)

Preheat the oven at 375
1) Boil macaroni to package directions (no more than 10 minutes tops) with 1/2 a cube of the bouillon
2) while the pasta is boiling, in a small saute pan, add a couple of pads of butter (no margarine)
3) add your diced pepper and onion, saute until softened..remove
4) add the remaining butter (this is not low-fat lol) in the pan and sprinkle in the flour...we're making a roux here
5)once the roux is a pale color of beige, add your can of milk and remaining bouillon and pepper...then add the Extra Sharp Cheddar..stir until melted, and remove from heat
6) drain macaroni, and then mix into the cheese sauce (I don't know how the spell the French name for it lol)
7) pour into a greased casserole dish
8) top with Sharp Cheddar
9) bake until golden brown on top (about a good 25 minutes)
10) let sit for at least thirty minutes, and serve warm

Enjoy!

I would share the recipe for the brownies, but I just got it today so I have to try it out. Never made homemade brownies, but this recipe seems a lot easier than other recipes I've seen (double boil milk and 30% caco shaved finely dark chocolate at 65 degrees no higher, ummm who does that?? lol).

Okay my new style while I transition

I am going to try to transition doing the good ol' roller set, and then flat ironing my hair. I have (sorry was lmao looking at Sacha B. aka Borat) finally gotten the results that I need: body, camouflage for my breakage, and a way that I can just pin curl it and go. I didn't use much heat in the beginning, but I think with the manipulation of dry pin curling and snatching (well not really snatching them, it would just get tangled) my clips out took its tool. I also didn't have a winter routine for my hair, and just was doing the same thing I did for my hair in the fall. I do know now that I need plenty of moisture in my hair. I knew that when I was natural, and completely neglected that when I would do my texlaxers. I just would use a regular conditioner, and when it felt rough a packet of protein conditioner (never again will I use that Revlon Silk Fusion AGAIN *inserts angry face*). I lost my mind and bought the Matrix Biolage, instead of going to Sally's to buy the GVP version (I guess I just had an extra $16 to burn...not). I'm almost out of it, but I found my good ol' Suave Humectant! Once I finish my tube of Biolage Hydrating Balm, I'll turn my remaining Humectant into a good moisturizing conditioner (EVOO, maybe some of my purchase from Hairveda 'the CoCasta Shikakai Hair Oil, I hear is supposed to be good for that' or castor oil). I'm also going to use my Joico K-Pak conditioner just to halt some of the breakage, and do a little "search and destroy" of my dried out ends. This will be a process, but hopefully not a long one since I have 1.5 of new growth (must be doing something right these days).

For those who transitioned

What products were in your holy grail? I've done this before, but a lot has changed these days lol. I usually co-wash every other day, but needed some assistance on finding a good deep moisturizing conditioner (I love Elasta QP DPR-11). Like I think most of my breakage is due to the fight of the dual textures (I have about 1.5 inches of ng). Any tips besides doing the BC (not ready to doit just yet)?

Well here's what I made this past Friday

I know I said I tweaked my Rice and Black Beans recipe...here's the main dish that I made as well.

I call it Chicken Enchilada-esque because I really didn't have the time to actually roll them up, lol.
I bought most of my items from Tar-jay, but if you can find them cheaper by all means go for it!

4 chicken thighs (you can cook these forever without worrying if they're be overdone, plus really cheap)
Adobo seasoning, mainly to taste (I use approx. 1 1/2 tlbs)
Chili Powder (again to taste)
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp or to taste)
A couple of small pinches of Italian Seasoning
1/2 an onion sliced
2 garlic cloves
olive oil to drizzle in the casserole dish (or roaster pan)
large tortillas
1 can of Red Enchilada Sauce (I got the Red sauce from El Paso)
1 small can of jalapenos (optional, but we like spice in our house lol)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (could use Mexican blend OR Sharp Cheddar), have some put aside to place on the top
salsa to place on top with the cheese (just enough to cover the edges)

1) place the thighs in the pot (dutch oven or stock pot)
2) Fill up a large pot with enough water to cover the chicken
3) add the seasonings (Adobo, Italian Seasoning, Chili Powder, Red Pepper flakes)
4) slice the onion right over the pot, don't even rush
5) smash the garlic cloves, toss those in
6)allow everything to boil for 30 mins. (no need to worry about under cooking because you'll be placing them in the oven)...let cool, skin them and shred them

Pre-heat the oven at 375
Assembling
1) drizzle the oil (or if you're using spray go ahead)
2) lay the tortillas enough to cover the bottom, you can overlap
3) add about 1/2 of the chicken
4) poor 1/3 of the sauce
5) add a handful of the cheese
6) repeat one more time, this time add the entire can of jalapenos
7) add one more layer of tortillas (and whatever sauce you have remaining)
8) pour salsa on top
9) top off with cheese
*this is a lot easier than it looks*
Bake for 25 mins. or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Enjoy! Let me know how it goes!

4 cups of stock (I used stock I made boiling chicken thighs and onions)
2 cans of black beans, rinsed OR you could use a bag of black beans
Adobo, to taste
2 tsp of Chili powder
1/2 cup of salsa
2 cups of long grain rice (not instant rice)
one bag of frozen corn
1/2 a can of coconut water (can be found in the ethnic food section at your grocery store)

1) bring stock to a boil
2) add beans, and allow to cook for 30 mins on medium heat
3) add your seasonings (salsa, Adobo, and Chili Powder), allow to simmer for 10 mins
4) add your rice, and cook that according to the package directions
5) add your bag of frozen corn along with the coconut water
6) simmer for an additional 25 mins. on medium heat
Enjoy! Usually makes about 6-8 servings depends on how you use it (side dish or main dish)
I have some in a big freezer bag right now. I plan to use it to make a "veggie" quesadilla (sp).
I served it alongside some enchilada-esque casserole I made with a little extra cheese on top.
This meal actually cost me about a $5, not including my rice and black beans and corn side dish (that ran me about 4)...so a dinner for three for two days, actually cost me under $10...sweet!

The beans will actually last me forever! Okay, had to share it (it's quoted because I typed it on circle of moms on FB)! I am going to make chili today since I know the casserole won't even last as long as I wanted (we ate off it all day yesterday lol).

I'm up early on a Saturday

Why????? It's like every Saturday since AJ has been born, I've found it hard for me to stay asleep past 4am. I eventually end up falling back asleep, but not for long because I have to run my errands once the bank opens (wack!). Well I'm watching "Circle of Friends," and it just so happens to actually be a great movie (nope never seen it before). Anyways, I'm just ranting, blame it on the in-som-som-som-nia (yeah it was supposed to come off Jamie Fox-ish lol). Oh yeah I did a variation on my black beans last night. I wanted to make it into a Yank version of rice and peas, lol. I added some salsa, corn, adobo, and a little coconut water. I liked it and my husband loved it. We have a winner folks! lol Oh yeah also broke my rule, I used canned beans instead of dry since Tar-jay only had the canned kind.
I must retire because the princess just woke up. Toodles, and enjoy your weekend!

Surviving One Income

This post is because it's been a month that I haven't worked, and was seen as being selfish (mainly because my husband doesn't want to talk about the budget). He thinks if I work a full-time that it will help out the family. REALITY: Little one is sick this week, so that would mean that one of us would have to be home, and it wouldn't have been him because he holds the benefits. If I were to work, that means money to buy clothes for all for seasons at work, including shoes. Nothing is cheaper than wearing cute jeans or slacks with a cute tee, OR tank with a blazer/cardigan. I've searched for pt jobs, but that would mean money for transportation to NoVa which would be at the max $40 a week ($160 a month). Didn't mention child care, I'm free whereas a daycare provider is roughly $1400 a month for an untrained toddler. So pretty much I would be able to contribute at the max $400 a month, if that. They way I worked out our budget, we would have at least $300 left over....it would work if only he would let it work.
Well, I found some articles that I sent to him, which he probably won't read unfortunately. I want to share it with those who are in the same boat. Back to clipping my coupons, and rocking my little one to sleep. Happy budgeting folks!

Tips for How to Make Your Budget Work with a Single Income
How I went from $60k to $30k per year and am barely making it- the tools we all need to survive.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1055789/tips_for_how_to_make_your_budget_work.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4839697_survive-recession-one-income.html

Top Tricks for One-Income Living
Think you need that second income, but wish you didn't? Here are a few tricks from a veteran stay-at-home mom for cutting expenses, finding extra money, and enjoying life on one income.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/55006/top_tricks_for_oneincome_living.html

http://homeparents.about.com/cs/frugalliving/a/frugal.html

I love to cook!

But I always have to find a way to make sure that I don't take away years from our lives in this house. I love going to www.cookinglight.com, and even have signed up for the newletter from www.eatingwell.com (even have the updates sent to me via facebook). I also look up low glycemic index recipes because I am trying my best to lose weight, and prevent the chances of me getting diabetes.

http://www.eatingwell.com/health/nutrition_watch/glycemic_index_101.html--this link will help you in a beginners guide to low glycemic eating

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections/healthy_breakfast_recipes.html --low GI breakfast recipes

Made this before and I actually loved it

Southwestern Steak & Peppers

From EatingWell Magazine Winter 2004 -- Subscribe Now!
USER RATING ADD A COMMENT | PRINT THIS RECIPE | SEND TO A FRIEND | ADD TO MY EATINGWELL
NUTRITION PROFILE:
Low Calorie | Low Carb | Low Sodium | Low Sat Fat | High Potassium | Heart Healthy | Diabetes Appropriate | Healthy Weight
VIEW COMPLETE NUTRITION GUIDELINES »
This juicy spice-crusted steak gets finished with a dynamite sauce made with an unusual ingredient--coffee, which adds depth and richness to the dish. Slice the steak very thinly across the grain to ensure the most tender results.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, plus more to taste
1 pound boneless top sirloin steak, trimmed of fat
3 cloves garlic, peeled, 1 halved and 2 minced
3 teaspoons canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 medium white onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 cup brewed coffee or prepared instant coffee
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
4 cups watercress sprigs

1. Mix cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Rub steak with the cut garlic. Rub the spice mix all over the steak.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook to desired doneness, 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest.
3. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet. Add bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and brown sugar; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Add coffee, vinegar and any accumulated meat juices; cook for 3 minutes to intensify flavor. Season with pepper.
4. To serve, mound 1 cup watercress on each plate. Top with the sauteed peppers and onion. Slice the steak thinly across the grain and arrange on the vegetables. Pour the sauce from the pan over the steak. Serve immediately.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 226 calories; 9 g fat (2 g sat, 4 g mono); 64 mg cholesterol; 12 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 3 g fiber; 213 mg sodium; 613 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (210% daily value), Vitamin A (60% dv), Iron (25% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 3 lean meat

Free Place to get some TV

I know I'm very late on bringing this up, but I love Hulu.com. If they showed the pay-per-view fights or events, I would love this more than I love my beloved Fios (oh plug plug plug, V-zon where's my $$ lol). I can find even work outs on here after they have left the onDemand section.

So, honestly I have an excuse to still come online (well besides coming to my blog lol).



Also if you just want to go ahead and really start to working out, you can go to www.self.com

ARRRRRRRRRRRRGH!

Gosh, it's like whenever I think I have my plans going into play nothing seems to go right. Leave it the Financial Aid office to ask me for more paper work, the week that I'm supposed to pay for school. *shakes fists and feet* That some fragglenackle bull (yeah I had to say that) because you never know who is viewing stuff. Like my whole things was to let my husband know that I can go to school without taking money away from the family, but how can I prove that if financial aid is not on my fracking side? *wooooosah* So, I'm going to drop my classes until I can find out what is going to happen with my fin aid. I'm still determined to go back to school, but not to the point where we have no money saved up.

Okay so umm

I'm going to just transition from texlax to natural. I think my hair will thank me in the long run, and I also want AJ to know that our hair is not something to be ashamed of. Which I wanted to do when I natural and pregnant, but the ignant folks in my families just saw me a going backwards (getting closer to straight hair was moving in the right direction? lol right). So, I bought some samples and a full sized bottle of oil from www.hairveda.com, and will be using these to see if they'll be staples in my hair care arsenol. Right now, I'm trying to keep my hair moisturized as much as possible, but still looking at those clippers drooling lol.

Tres Leche Cake Lovers

Okay so this again is courtesy of Eat Better America...I L-O-V-E this cake, and anything that will assist me in enjoying this treat and not feel as guilty...well it's a win/win!

"Healthified" Tres Leches Cake
62% less fat • 62% less sat fat • 20% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. This indulgent cake is still drenched in three milks, but no longer drowning in fat and calories.
prep time:15 min
start to finish:1 hr 55 min
makes:15 servings

1 box (1 lb 2.25 oz) yellow cake mix with pudding
1 1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 whole eggs
3 egg whites
1 can (14 oz) fat-free sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated fat-free milk
1/2 cup fat-free (skim) milk or fat-free half-and-half
1 container (8 oz) frozen reduced-fat or fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Sliced fresh strawberries, if desired
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, vanilla, whole eggs and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
3. Bake 29 to 35 minutes or until edges are golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes. Poke top of hot cake all over with fork or wooden skewer, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking.
4. In medium bowl, stir condensed milk, evaporated milk and skim milk until blended. Slowly pour evenly over top of cake. Cover; refrigerate about 1 hour or until mixture is absorbed into cake.
5. Spread whipped topping over cake. Refrigerate until serving time. Garnish with strawberries. Store in refrigerator.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 50); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 1g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 300mg; Total Carbohydrate 49g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 35g); Protein 6g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 20%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 2 Other Carbohydrate; 1/2 Skim Milk; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 3 MyPyramid Servings: 1/2 c Dairy
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

25 ways to stretch your food budget

For all of us who are feeling the crunch, here are some helpful tips courtesy of Eat Better America.

25 Tips to Stretch Your Food Budget
When you have to think twice about every penny you spend, these tips can help you make smart choices.
When it comes to buying food, a good way to stretch your budget is to eat at restaurants land fast-food venues less often. And while that might mean a few more trips to the grocery store, it also means more time at home enjoying the company of family and friends. Preparing a meal with your kids, sharing laughs and catching up porides rewars beyond saving money!

AT HOME
1. Cook at home instead of going to restaurants or fast-food venues.
2. Make a realistic food budget.
3. Clip coupons from newspapers or download them from Web sites.
4. Plan your meal around in-store specials, especially meats.
5. Make a grocery list and stick to it.
6. Save money - and time - by shopping and cooking with a friend.
7. Stretch meat further by making casseroles and stir-fries.
8. Grow your own vegetables and herbs.

AT THE GROCERY STORE
9. Choose products from the top or bottom shelves in the grocery store. Items at eye level are usually more expensive.
10. Be aware of sell-by dates. Perishable foods are often reduced in price as that date nears.
11. Limit purchases of prepared and packaged foods. They're convenient but more expensive than buying ingredients to make it yourself.
12. Shop the "reduced section" of the store and stock up on products you use regularly.
13. Join grocery-saving club stores that entitle you to memembers-only savings.
14. Buy items like meat in bulk or family-size packages and divide and freeze for later.
15. Purchase fresh ingredients that are in season.
16. Shop the end-caps of the aisles for great deals.
17. Don't shop when you're hungry. Everything looks good then.
18. Allow enough time for shopping so you can compare prices.

MEAT MATTERS
19. Purchase inexpensive cuts of meat and use them in your slow cooker.
20. Instead of buying pre-made ground beef patties, make your own.
21. Purchase less expesive ground beef. Brown and drain in a colander, then rinse with hot water to remove excess fat.
22. Buy a bag of frozen meatballs and use the meatballs in several recipes.
23. Roast your own whole chicken instead of buying a rotisserie chicken; make a casserole, pot pie or soup with leftovers.
24. Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
25. Stock up on canned tuna, salmon and chicken when they're on sale. They make tasty casseroles and sandwiches.

Keri H.

Oh how I her love style and how she carries herself. I have yet to purchase her CD/iTunes, but I do believe that she will be my next purchase!


I wish my hair would behave like that when it's that short.

I need to be motivated

I cannot just seem to get myself motivated to start working out like I did earlier this year. It was like earlier this year I was working out every day, doing a daily detox tea courtesy of ayurvedic weight loss tips, and drinking about a gallon a day. Then it was like as soon as I saw that I had lost 15lbs by mid-February (I was losing weight in December as well so don't be alarmed lol), I just okay let me slow up. I'm sick of having this post-pregnancy belly, and believe me that should motivation enough for me. Not to mention the health benefits that comes with losing excess amounts of fat. I will not share my weight, but I will let you know I am definitely not used to being a size 18W...more like a 14W or regular size 18. I blame it on being complacent with my life because we turned into homebodies as soon as we started being serious. Then it didn't help that we didn't eat that well either...oh gosh I think within our first months of dating I gained an extra 15lbs. Then almost a year into us dating, preggers, and now we are here. I do cook the way I am supposed to eat, with occasional slips off the plan, but I just can't get me to the point of wanting to start working out again. I'm quite sure everyone has been in this rut before. Maybe I need to actually find someone who is looking for an online weight-loss buddy. Anyone looking for buddy?

My darn hair

It's always this time of year (winter/early spring) when my hair decides that it has to snap off in the crown area. I am getting fed up! I want to take my husband's clippers, and just go for it lol. That's primarily been my recent solution for the breakage. The only time I didn't have the breakage, was when I was preggers. Not doing that anytime soon, lol (I had GD, severe anemia, a cerclage which made me remain on bed rest, and put on 40lbs). I think I need a new hair cut around the areas of breakage. Like before Christmas my hair was down to my shoulders, and now (after a trim in early February) my hair is still at my collar bone AND breaking. I think this is where the urge to braid my hair came from, LOL. We already know how that'll end up (read my previous post on the braids lol). In this picture my hair looks very full, and indeed it was with the courtesy of my ceramic medium barrel curling iron. Once I got to the back of my head, I had to actually do some real camouflage action. This is a rant right now, since I'm trying to figure out if I just want to transition, and be a natural who happens to press/roller set.
UGH!!!

P.S. Yes Mommy lost her mind, and booked a a birthday party with the mouse....except it was on a Saturday!!!! *Ack!* lol The Abby Cadabby party, went well as planned, so well that people thought it was my birthday until they saw the lil' one lol.

Smoking Smarties...wth?

Okay, so I'm just going on the fact that the anti-weed commercials are doing the opposite. Instead of showing rolled up doobies/spliffs on tv, maybe they should change it to people just being really high and fat, LOL. I remember in my heyday we used to take Pixie Stix (or kool-aid, only the kind with sugar added), and we did some real cokeish mess. We would actually sniff it like a coke head. I mean we were just mocking New Jack City, and any other drug related movie/show out there. Hmm we had taste, since we didn't want to look like the neighborhood junkies(SARCASM, WE WERE YOUNG AND STUPID). I DO NOT condone children portraying drug related behavior, and that includes making videos of smoking Smarties! AJ will not get a webcam until she is 18, LOL!

For some reason

I have the urge to braid my hair. It's not for the convenience part, but I just want regular individual braids. I haven't done them since I found out I was pregnant with AJ. I guess I also don't my hair to stay unprotected, I don't even know since it takes me a good two days to do them. I definitely don't have that time to do it now with my lovely toddler running around here. Can't say, could you please take that hair out of your mouth so Mommy can use it to braid *sheesh*. LOL Or better yet here's how it will go:

AJ: (while holding a handful of hair) See!!!
Me: Put that down right now!
AJ: (running away from me to the bathroom) Seeeeeeee!! I see!
Me: No, don't do that! (she throws it in the potty, that she refuses to use)
AJ: (laughing) Seeee?

LOL I think it just ended my desire for braids.

My walk score is a 34 out of 100

Courtesy of the Freakonomics blog I was able to get the confirmation that if I walk on my major street with a stroller I will more than likely be a walking target for a speeding vehicle (lol). I did the score for my parents' neighborhood, thinking it would be worse (you need a car to get to everything). Umm yeah they failed with flying red colors....12 out of 100. Find out your walk score at www.walkscore.com, and post a comment with your score.

My Friday Evening

I'm usually just sitting back killing time until it's time for Friday Night Smackdown to end (disadvantage of having a husband who is a former pro-wrestler lol). Since I'm trying my best to get back into the blogging swing, I decided to look up some of my favorite artists to add to my playlist. As you can see I'm an eclectic chick, and oh my sweet gentle goodness I found my girl Res! I loved her style, and she was an inspiration for me to go natural (the first time I did at least). I had to add her to my FB profile tonight, but I must also share her starter video ("Golden Boys") on here as well. I even found out that her and one of the best hip-hop artists out here (Talib Kweli) put together a band, Idle Warship (I'm late so what lol).
I think we're going to have a very cool weekend in the T household!

Food tips for the budget friendly

It's lent over here in my house, so buying any type of beef (I gave it up, but not my bacon!!!! lol), is not even going to happen. Only family sized packs of ground turkey or chicken come in here, and I can get those from my neighborhood shoppers for under $6. The family pack equals 2 different meals (baked ziti and turkey burgers).
A roasted chicken equals about 3 meals: chicken with mashed potatoes and spinach one night, chicken hash (shredded chicken, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, salt and pepper with some oil), and of course some type of chicken soup (w/ veggies and rice or pasta). Yeah I've been good at this.
Also you know those turkey breast you can find at Wal-Mart, well that'll save you a lot of money when it comes to deli meat. You spend $8 for that breast, and bam you have sandwiches for at least a month (for a family of three).
When it comes to buying cheese, buy a block of cheese. That way you can use it for more than one thing (shred it go with your pasta, shave it to go on your sandwiches, cube to eat with your fruit/or crackers, etc.). You'll save at least $2 from your food bill.
Buy generic! This is coming from a certified food snob, but hey sometimes we have to budget. Who knows there might be that certain yogurt that you have to have because it has all of these health benefits (yes I am referring to myself, and my love of Kefir lol). You buy that store brand sharp cheese, pasta (Richfood and Nature's Promise are good brands), making it easier for you to get that special item.
Beans, beans the musical fruit. The more you eat, the less you have to worry about your fiber intake lol. I have a tasty version of black bean soup, that even steak lovers will love, and it's vegan friendly. It requires a a crockpot (have no fear you will be using this), a bag of black beans (don't get the can, you'll be spending more), 2 cloves of garlic, some olive oil, 2 plum tomatoes, 1/2 a habanero pepper, and onion soup mix (make sure there is no beef or chicken stock added). Soak your beans for at least 6 hours, overnight if you can. After soaking the beans, heat up a small pan with the 1/2 tsp olive oil (or margarine if you don't want to spend the money for oil), Add the 2 cloves of garlic (smashed), and sautee' until softened. Add the beans, tomatoes, garlic oil, the pepper, soup mix, and add water until the beans are covered. Put the pot on low (if you're going to work), or you can put it on high until the beans are tender. Make some rice, and if you want to get fancy you can add some cheese on top OR chopped onion and tomato.
Okay little one is up, courtesy of her Daddy, so I must retire. We have a busy day of playing and learning!

Since I'm budgetting

I have to really start clamping down on the expenses in this family, since that'll be my main goal (I have to prove that me going to school isn't going to hurt the family). I have been receiving assistance from my parents when it comes to lil one having clothing. We receive so much, that even my mother had to shake her head at the clothes being put in the give away bag that still had tags lol. Since AJ is eating what Mommy and Daddy are eating, I have to make sure that we have well balanced meals that won't make her waddle lol. This is a plus for her father and I, well at least myself because I honestly don't know what her Dad eats at work when he doesn't pack a lunch.
So, I have been going to multiple stores to buy our food. There's an Aldi's and Giat right next door to each other, so of course I go there. I've even gone to Target to do household shopping, and unlike him I actually price compare. My hubby is one of those who still doesn't like being around a lot of people, so the sooner he gets everything done the better (I try to equip him with coupons just in case he picks up a name brand and not generic). We also don't have to worry about buying formula like 2x a week (she's on whole milk now, yay!), and we don't have to buy several types of baby food. It helps that she likes just about any type of fruit that I give her, so I am able to buy a lot of stuff that is in season. And she has yet to turn down a vegetable (well except green peas, but that's our fault since we hate them as well), so I am able to cook anything I can find that is in season. So far, we have saved over $150 in groceries, which can go towards paying more in bills OR having something put aside for emergency.

Oh gosh I have truely neglected my spot

I do apologize for the lack of content on here, but I have been doing a lot. We moved, and then I gradually was going around chasing a toddler. Also with us not having a computer didn't help either (the tech said our computer had the computer equivalent of HIV...wow lol).
Well there's so much that has happened on the positive note. I really do not, and will not become a teacher. I found that out after trying to write my interest letter, and as my mother said "there's no passion in this letter. Are you sure you want to do this?" I wasn't sure, but I knew our family needed one of us to pull in a little more money, and that was me. Shoot I'm a substitute for crying out loud! lol Anyways, a couple of weeks back, I was like I'm not feeling this, and decided long and hard with myself what type of plans did I want in life.
Here's my list:
1) get my masters
2) be more hands on with the little princess
3) budget more, and handle the bills
4) spend more time with hubby (hey by the time I'm 30, I want to start working on that 2nd baby lol)
5) find a career that I can telecommute

I have a love of computers, and love to write/create, so I said might as well do what I've been wanting to do. I'm going back to school to get my masters, and will have the opportunity to spend more time with my princess since I'll be doing the classes online. Eventually this will bring in more money, which will make a better future for the three (eventually four) of us. Of course hubby wasn't too thrilled about it because that meant that one person was going to be in the workforce, but he understood where I was coming from. Yay!!!