Freezer Meal Cooking Day 1....

I didn't really intend this little endeavor to be a multi-day project, but apparently that is what it has become.  Oh, well, I guess.  I have managed to get all the shopping done for all of the recipes I intend to cook/store.  I really planned to shop all in one day, then the next just cook.  So far it hasn't happened like that.  Oops.  I'm ready though, whenever the notion strikes to start cooking!  So, my thoughts so far are as such.......

A sample of my shopping loot

1.  Leave the kids at home for shopping!  I usually don't get the luxury of shopping alone, but when it comes to this sort of project, I think we are going to have to make some exceptions.  Too many helpers in the store!

2.  Make a really good list.  I had a wonderfully printed copy of all the items and how many, but still managed to get a bit off track when it came to which store I was suppose to buy what in.

3.  Clean the kitchen BEFORE you shop.  This sounds like a no-brainer right?  Apparently not.  I'm still amazed at myself.

4.  Shop the sales papers.  I planned on going to 3 different stores based on what was on sale.  At one store,   I cut about $50 from the regular price just by getting items on sale!

Some of the recipes I plan on making are chili, pulled pork, and several different casseroles.  My agenda for tomorrow is to cook the boston butt in the slow cooker so by the time I get home tomorrow evening I can at least get the pulled pork in the freezer.  This recipe is sooooo easy.  I'll share it at a later post.

I'm excited to see how tomorrow goes. And the next day...And the next......wasn't this suppose to eliminate daily cooking?  Ha!  I know...it'll just take a bit of time to get it together.

Stay tuned!

Amber

Getting Back to It

I've been away from blogging for a while (not that I really ever got started, but onward I go...).  It hasn't been all bad though.  I've given some thought to what direction I want my blogging experience to take.  One of the reasons I started blogging in the first place was to have an opportunity to share my ideas and interests with others.  My newest project has become freezer meal cooking.  This is by no means a new idea, but I suppose I've never really considered it an interest until realizing that I can spend one day in the kitchen and virtually none for the rest of the month and more time with family.  Who wouldn't love that?  I'm going to give it a whirl starting this weekend.  I have my shopping list almost ready to go, plan to pick up what I need, and spend several hours in my kitchen.

I have been steady at making quilts and other projects, mostly as Christmas gifts.  I thought originally I would want to write those up as tutorials or something, but that sure is a lot of work (kudos to those who do!), so that may be a task for later down the road.  In the meantime, I'm just going to share pictures of things :).

So we shall see how freezer meals go here.  Should be interesting.

Super Easy, Super Cheap Home Decor

Today I have a super super easy (and did I mention cheap?) home dec project for you.  All you need is some dollar store frames and pretty scrapbook paper.  I picked up 3 matching frames from The Dollar Tree ($1 each) and a pack of scrapbook paper from Walmart ($4).

Simply cut the paper to fit the size of your frame (I traced the paper that comes inside the frame and cut around my lines), put your new art in the frame, and you have a beautiful new piece of art for almost nothing!

So simple!

Have a beautiful day!

Amber

Setting Goals

So earlier, I came across this website (Another Little Quilt Swap).  The idea is for people around the world to make and swap a quilt. This round, the size requirement is 12" x 12", something that I think as a beginning quilter is a reasonable size.  I thought it might be nice to challenge myself a bit and see what I can do.  The best part is, that even if I totally mess this up, I am not obligated to continue!  I have lots of ideas swirling in my head already, but mostly want something that reflects what is important to me.

I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest for all my crafting ideas, so I hope that I can find something that inspires this little quilt.  Personally, I love the idea of this swap being an international swap....think of the possibilities from other places!  Well more to come on this later.  I have to start thinking up a quilt!

Have a beautiful day!

Amber

P.S. If you are interested in joining this swap, it is open to everyone.  Rules are on the website.

Just Getting Started...

Hello!  This is my first post on my new blog!  I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time and decided that now is as good a time as any.  My name is Amber.  I have a wonderful husband and 2 wonderful boys.  I started this blog to basically journal my crafting, share motherhood tips (or maybe get some!), and help others in this journey we call life.  By day I am a counselor; by night, I am whatever the mood calls for (yes, that includes some superhero work!).  I hope to post some of my stuff in the near future, but for now I will leave this as an introduction.  Thanks for reading!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Amber