Mariannes Motifs

Happy Valentine's 2012

I made the kids some cute Valentine's Day picture cards this year.  Adam (with the hand sticking out) is going to have a lollypop through his hand so he looks like he is holding it out to the person.

I think these will be easy, and with a Walgreen's photo coupon they only cost $6.00 to print 50 for each kid.  They will have them for school and for their after school daycare buddies.

They are getting so big - if my in laws come to stay with us I will be looking for bunk beds so they can stay in one room.  Did you know they made adult bunk beds?  Fun!

 

 

Money Money Money Money

Money - its grat to have some, sucks to not have enough, and it can't buy you love.  I am trying to cook healthy dinners to save money but it seems crazy when I went grocery shopping and it came out to over $200.

Of course I haven't been grocery shopping in over 2 weeks and we were out of a LOT of stuff.  With 4 people in the house we can go through a bunch of groceries, that's for sure.

Short of resorting to credit card factoring to get things done, I am trying to do a lot of cooking out of the stuff we already have in the freezer and pantry.  Most of the stuff I bought was fresh ingredients to go with things we already have.  I also got country style ribs that hubster does a fantastic job of cooking in the crock pot with barbeque sauce.  I also plan to make more lunches to take to work, which also can save quite a bit of money.

Cheap Exercise

Now that its winter, folks are looking for cheap and indoor ways to excercise. 

 

1.  Use the tools you already have.  Buy an active title for your gaming system, like zumba for playstation or Your Shape Fitness for Xbox Kinect.

 

2.  Set your DVR to record excercise shows playing on TV.  Try Bodies in Motion with exercise guru Gilad Janklowicz.

 

3.  Record videos on MTV (or your favorite station) and then play them when you do your treadmill or exercise bike workout.

 

4.  Blast music and dance around the house with a feather duster.

 

 

Hubster Got a New Job!

The husbster got a new job!  I am so excited! Pumped up more than a goulds pump. We went out today and got him some new work clothes and shoes.  It's always fun to get ready for a new job. 

The kids are all signed up for daycare starting Monday. (We have to run around a bit with the forms on Monday morning.)

Yesterday I had a huge headache but today I feel better.  I made ziti with meat sauce and cheese on top.  It was really good.

Dear Mom - I need one of these here Bundt Pans

I need a bundt pan.  Hint hint.

Spiffing Up for the New Year

This is the time of year we all start thinking about organizing stuff.   Between the sale at the Container Store, and all the plastic tubs on sale at Target and Home Depot, I know I am not the only one.

I would like to get my carpets cleaned this year.  They've been in 2 years and between the flea issue and other dog related crisises they need it.  Has anyone ever tries Zero Rez?  I got this recommendation of for a carpet cleaner in Cary, NC if anyone there is looking - carpet cleaning cary nc.

I'm getting a new stove delivered tomorrow - YAY!  Our oven door has been broken for awhile and the rest of the oven decided to break, too so its time.  I am so excited.  I want to go and pick up a chicken and make beer can chicken in my new convection oven.

Ugly Renaissance Babies

Terpsichore, Cosimo Tura (detail)

All the single babies, all the single babies! 

 

via uglyrenaissancebabies.tumblr.com

OMG - this Tumbler blog is funny.

Thankful

I am thankful for so many things.

 

The clouds, trees, butterflies, rain, sunshine, cold crisp fall days.

My husband and the smart creative kids we MADE.  (Wow - what a wild thought)

I have a great job.  An some vacation from it!  Outstanding.

Friends.  (((HUGS TO MY FRIENDS)))

Every day my health is decent I give thanks. 

I am thankful for the enjoyment I get out of knitting, and my other hobbies.  ...blogging, photography, scrapbooking (even though I haven't done that in a while) and knitting.

I am thankful for my parents and the ENTIRE rest of my very cool family.  I wish everyone good health and happiness.

A Walk in the Park

We took a walk on the Greenway today - our favorite place to get some nature and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

The dog came with us and the kids rode their bikes.  It was nice to enjoy the peace and quit.  No neighbors sawing things with band saw blades.  There were a lot of other people but not enough to get in the way.

The Luxuries You Already Have

Today I starting thinking about increasing my enjoyment of life by using and appreciating the luxuries I already have.

When I got out of the shower I I sprayed my lovely perfume on -even though its Saturday and the most exciting place I am going is for a walk in the park.  As I inhaled the lovely smell of Pure White Linen I smiled.  I just love that perfume.

There is a tendency to save the good stuff  "for a special occasion."  We need to debunk this myth that our stuff is too good to use - any day is special.  I mean really, we are alive and that is a gift - live it up.

I bet there are a ton of things you already have in your house that you could use today to make your life a little more luxurious.  So, light up that nice candle, break out the fancy bubble bath, use your kitchen equipment and bring out the fancy serving dishes, wear a nice outfit, put on your sparkly eye shadow and kick this worls @ss today!