‘Amazon’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Project: Reading Room Map Wall

April 26, 2012 · Narrative

It really all started with that map painting right in the center of the wall.

I bought it from Target years ago, when we were in our old house, and Madeline had just been born.

When we moved back into this house, Jamie, our old babysitter, hung it in the center of this wall. I’ve stared at it every day for nearly three years since.

It was plain on that wall all by itself.

And lonely.

And needed more.

I knew that.

It just took me a long time to get ‘er done.

I wanted to create an entire wall around that map.

The kids love going on adventures. That’s a given. Love seeing where things are on the map. Where people we love, live. How far away xyz is.

Why not play that up?

Big time.

And so the idea of a whole map wall was born.

Over the last few months, I went about collecting more maps to fill up the space.

Two were from Amazon.

One was from Target for $5.00.

My parents dug out two super old ones.

And the rest (the top quarter of the wall to the ceiling) were from AAA.

One of the perks to AAA membership is free maps.

Oh yes, please.

…

On Budgets and Menu Planning {and Recipe: Parmesan Chicken and Biscuit Pie}

March 22, 2012 · Narrative

So it seems that just when you think your mother can’t be right about one more thing, she really can be. I am terrible when it comes to finances. Always have been. My sister was the super-saver. I was the teen begging for a ride to the mall to spend a crisp $5 bill burning a hole in my pocket. Although that temptation has long since subsided, I’m always a work in progress.

My mom suggested keeping track of where I spent every dollar (from a Starbucks run to a newspaper to paying an insurance bill) for a month. I really just did it to reinforce the fact that I knew where I was spending money.

And, of course, I didn’t. Not completely anyway. For the entire month of January, I kept careful track in a little notebook I carried everywhere with me. At the end of the month, I gave her my notes and she plugged the numbers into different categories (food, entertainment, medical, clothes, utilities, etc.). In a glance I could instantly see how much I was spending and on what. Some totals (food, for example) downright shocked me. Others I had a firm handle on (more like the fixed expenses).

I was spending way too much on food. Even rationalizing that that amount included everything from cleaning supplies and health and beauty aids, right down to cat and dog food … it was still way too much. Even given the fact that I cook so much (and a lot of it is for freelance work). Still.way.too.much.

The other thing that glared at me as I looked at the numbers? If you look down the food column (which also indicates what stores the money was spent at), it showed $15 here, $3 there and oh $2.67. There were maybe 20-25 entries for the month. Running into the store every time I need something causes extra time, gas, and energy. Seeing how many stops I (unknowingly) make during the course of a week (or the month) was another eye-opener for me. Especially at what gas costs these days. And as for extra time? I don’t have much of it, and if I have extra time, I’d much rather spend it doing something fun with the kids, family, or friends. Not making three trips to the grocery store in one week, you know?

So for February, I started to make little changes. I planned menus. For every week. I shopped twice during the month at Shop Rite (online, see more on that below) and got nearly everything I needed. But more importantly perhaps, I allowed for flexibility. I might not have the exact dish on the exact night I schedule it for, but I had a plan and the ingredients, so I was ready. I also built in nights for leftovers, foraging in the freezer, and using already-purchased pantry items. To further grab hold of what was going on in my kitchen.

And then I went one step further.

I ordered all our grocery needs online. There are a bunch of grocery stores that do it (including Stop ‘n Shop, Shop Rite, and Fresh Direct). As an aside, I’m totally jealous of those of you who have Fresh Direct. It’s gotten closer to us as a delivery zone (my mom loves it and uses it, as does my sister), but so far, they don’t deliver to our town. Each place has pros and cons. I use Shop Rite because I think their sales are better. Every other Friday, I placed my order to cover what I would need for the next two weeks. Then I supplemented it by one weekly stop at the store to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables because a) that stuff isn’t going to last two weeks and b) some of it I want to see and feel. And then one trip every two weeks to Costco. Because some of their items are cheaper.

So instead of making 3-4 trips a week, I was now down to six trips a month. All told.

I honestly couldn’t wait for the end of the month (February) to see the effect this planning had on our food totals. Ready?…

Gift Giving Ideas for the Holiday Season

December 16, 2011 · Narrative

With Christmas and Hanukkah just days away, it seems only fitting that I share a little gift giving guide. If you’re anything like me (and I *can’t* be the only one!), there are still bits and pieces to cross off your list between now and when the festivities get underway. Below are some things that I happen to like and use, or things that I’ve picked up for people on my own list, and then a bit of randomness thrown in for good measure. Happy shopping!

For inexpensive stocking stuffers, I don’t think you can ever go wrong (or have enough) of white athletic socks, bobby pins, barrettes, ponytail holders, or lip balm. I’m a sucker for any of that stuff, and use it all constantly. Maybelline sells New York Baby Lips Repairing Lip Balm with SPF 20 for four bucks a pop, available at your favorite drug store. I also love ChapStick brand (cherry!), Luna’s Lemon Zest, and any of the Nivea or Burt’s Bees varieties. I always stick a handful of lip balms in the kids’ stockings. Mostly because they always steal mine (ick!), and mostly because we all use it all the time. One on my nightstand, one on each of my desks, one in the car … you know how it goes.

Lotion is another great go-to when you’re looking to fill out a basket or stocking. Again, I keep them everywhere because mine and Madeline’s skin gets crazydry this time of year, so we’re constantly lathering. I love the Vaseline lotion, and the Moisture Wrap one from Nivea. My mom swears by the original scented version of Jergens, and has been using it since her college days.

Shampoo and conditioner? Yes, please! Thems in the know say that you should switch between various shampoos and conditioners so your hair doesn’t get too used to the same product, so we usually have a few different bottles going on. Although I haven’t tried it yet, the Pro-V flat to volume shampoo from Pantene is the next one on my list.

You know how I’m kind of into a little sparkle here and there, right? Express has answered that call with a whole dang Sequin Shop for me (and you!). Everything is now 30% off with free shipping.This sequin sweatshirt is on my list — too cute! I’m also determined to have one of those sequined dresses on my frame come Spring. (Go ELB!) If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen my shout-out to J. Crew jewlery earlier in the week. I love them for a good statement necklace (besides, of course, loving their clothes as well). Right now, you can shop in the store or online and take 30% off everything. Online, use the code CHEER for free shipping.

Now for the kids…

…

Recipe: Caramel Pecan Bars

April 12, 2011 · Narrative

In the interest of keeping everyone happy, another non-healthy recipe for you tonight. These Caramel Pecan Bars are in a Taste of Home Brownies magazine that is currently on newsstands; I was looking for something quick and simple that would cut neatly and this certainly filled the bill. The pecan flavor really comes through, for sure, but these remind me a bit of Blondies, which I’m not as big a fan of. The recipe notes “that the bars really capture the flavor of pecan pie,” and there is a definite hint of that, without the gooeyness of it. If you’re looking for something new to get out of a chocolate rut, this might be just the thing, but with its two sticks of butter, two plus cups of sugar and two cups of pecans, a massive work-out will be needed right after to absolve you of any guilt you may have. Aside from one tiny nibble to determine edibleness, the work-out I just came back from is still firmly intact.

A little photo catch-up from the past week, and then I’m off to find my remote and a pillow because the two and a half hours of sleep I got last night just aren’t cutting it anymore. Today is only Tuesday and this week has seriously kicked my hide. I came back completely replenished after a few days away , only to be depleted very soon after. Another friend, who is having an equally challenging week, texted me that God only gives us as much as we can handle. While I definitely believe that, I just wish he didn’t think I can handle quite as much as he gives me. At some point, it has to be someone else’s turn, because I need a break. Insert big deep sigh here.

Project 365
April 4, 2011, Photo #93
Whenever I feel an inkling of any sick or sniffle or ache coming on, I go get this Ten Ingredient Soup from a local restaurant. I don’t exactly know what all the ten ingredients are, and I’m pretty sure that it’s better that way, but it never fails to work a little magic for me.

Project 365
April 5, 2011, Photo #94
Beth and I got the new shellac manicures last Saturday. This is what it looked like on Day 4, completely chip-free. The manicure is a few bucks more but is advertised to last up to 14 days.

Project 365
April 6, 2011, Photo #95 (and a bonus)
Last week, we took two of the kids’ friends to Zumba class. Since they’re both joining us again tomorrow (with a third for good measure), I think it’s safe to say they were hooked.

Project 365
April 7, 2011, Photo #96
I can’t remember what this sandwich is called, but it’s from Panera. I want to say it was called a Power Sandwich, but don’t hold me to it. Whole grain bread, egg whites, ham, Cheddar, amazingly good.

Project 365
April 8, 2011, Photo #97 and a bonus

Breakfast on Friday. Guilt-free and delish.

Project 365
April 9, 2011, Photo #98
So excuse the fact that I’m headless, go get yourself this shirt. Victoria’s Secret, of course, but the softest and most comfortable thing ever.

Project 365
April 10, 2011, Photo #99
Sunrise. Gorge.

Project 365
April 11, 2011, Photo #100 (yay!)
Inside Out Onion Roll Sandwich. Recipe coming to a computer screen near you.

Project 365
April 12, 2011, Photo #101 (caught up!!)
This book is one of our new favorites. Seems a little strange to think of Weird Al Yankovic as a children’s book author, but it’s a great book. Lots of big words and thoughts to stimulate Nick’s mind, and fabulous illustrations for Madeline (who, surprisingly, totally got the concept of the book; doesn’t hurt that they’re studying professions in school this week, so that worked out to my advantage). The rhyming, although the sentence structure is a bit longer, reminded us a bit of Dr. Seuss, whom we love dearly, so if you have littles that you read to at night, grab this one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. If you happen to buy it (or anything else at Amazon for that matter) through this link, this single mom gets a teensy percentage of your purchase and is very much appreciative (and any other time you happen to be going shopping at Amazon, if you click on the (rotating) cookbook picture/ad in my sidebar to the right, the O’Malley clan gets a little commission, and we thank you. Public service announcement over). …