Yummly

Good Morning dear readers,  we are now on the recipe sharing site yummly.  So if you like what you see please hit the yumm button on the far right. Thanks for all the help.

Caturday Art-Frankies in the Stars

Good morning dear readers,  sorry for the delay in posting had problems this week.  I didn't think I would have anything today because the camera broke.  But I have a lot of Frankie's photos some not so good and I decided to participate in the Caturday Art Hop.  This is a really fun idea where you can take photos that are blurry and not so great and make them fun and interesting.  Sorry did not have the original before it was changed.  This was a blurry photo I just loaded to picmonkey.  You can chose any background or texture and it gives it some interest.  I chose the stars for our first attempt at caturday art.  Here's the little nut.

linking up:
http://rchreviews.blogspot.com/2015/02/awesome-life-friday-8.html
http://nicoleslifeafter20.blogspot.com/2015/02/weekend-wind-down-60.html

The Decision

Good Morning dear readers,  well this is the week Conor starts independent study.  This is the best solution to his continued problems with health and school attendance.  I was really surprised at all the alternatives that are available.  If you are low income and your district offers it you can do independent study.  This is the option Conor and I chose to do.  He meets with a tutor 1 day a week and does work at home 4-5 hours a day in his room.  If you do this program your son/daughter has to have a quiet place to study.  We moved the roll top desk into his room and provided a nice chair(Frankie's favorite unfortunately) with lighting.  Don't worry about the p.e. component of school he will keep a log of walking daily and that will count for his p.e.   Some of the other programs out there are as follows:

1.  Home Schooling where the parent is basically the teacher

2.  Diploma plus High School-basically small school type setting helping struggling kids age 15 years or older with academic and life skills plus they get work experience and college credits.

3.  Continuing Education it offers a flexible schedule for at risk kids age 15 or older. They have to be in school 3 hours a day or 15 hours a week.  This program helps them graduate and offers job counseling.

4.  Home and Hospital- Program for kids with health issues that cannot be in school.  This is a short term program for 6-8 weeks depending on kids involved.  Conor was actually on this program for year and did okay.  We did not want to do this again.  The tutor comes to your home and spends 2-3 hours with your son/daughter 3 times a week.

These are just a few of the programs out there if your considering alternatives for your kids schooling.

linking up:
http://rchreviews.blogspot.com/2015/02/awesome-life-friday-8.html
http://nicoleslifeafter20.blogspot.com/2015/02/weekend-wind-down-60.html

Frankies Corner-Sunday Selfies

Morning my meowy friends, mom said I had to do a selfie has penance for smearing her art page.  She gets a little upset because I run across her lap when she's drawing in her book.  Geesh! then I have to get a bath because she says I have gel paint on my paws.  Well here's the photos from the red box thingy.

Dreaming of the Sun Fruit Smoothie

Good Morning dear readers, these past few weeks it seems I end up posting on the weekends. I've been trying to get back to a schedule and after this weeks appointments we should be back to normal. Everyone it seems is still in ice storms and that's all I here in the news.  I wanted to remind everyone of warmer times with this lovely recipe from the dole people.  They sent a nice packet full of recipe and other things.  I have yet to cook all of the recipes this is just the second one I've tried.  The good thing about this recipe its user friendly and you can change to your tastes still getting the health benefits of the bromeline(anti-inflammatory agent found in pineapples).  I obviously adapted it to my tastes I'm not a fan of vanilla yogurt. So here's what you'll need:

1 can tropical fruit 

1 cup yogurt-I used strawberry

1 cup pineapple juice

1 fresh banana or you can use frozen fruits 

Put in your blender with some ice and mix.  Very easy drink up and dream of summer.

linking up:
http://rchreviews.blogspot.com/2015/02/awesome-life-friday-8.html
http://nicoleslifeafter20.blogspot.com/2015/02/weekend-wind-down-60.html

Savemart Lent/Meat Sale

Good Morning dear readers, I was able to get to save mart again and take advantage of some good deals.  They have the 5/$25 sale going on which is composed of fish/seafood products.  The other part of the sale includes items like pre-prepared chicken, fresh chicken max packs, Rosina meatballs and corn dogs for $5.99 each.  Also when your in the stores look for unadvertised deals called managers specials got some good deals on pit roasts. I've never cooked pit roast before but looks good to make sliders in the crock pot.  So here's what I got-got to feed those teenagers who eat like NFL Line Backers.

For the 5/$25

1 Bag Fish Sticks

2 Bags of Precooked Shrimp

2-Mahi Mahi Steaks

For the $5.99 deals

1-Foster Farms Corn Dogs

1-Foster Farms Ground Turkey 2 lbs

1-Max Pack Foster Farms Thighs/Drumsticks

Other deals 

1 Boston Butt @ $1.99 lb paid $6.11

2-Packages of Pork Loin Chops less then $5 each

Reduced for Quick Sale

London Broil Steak

2-Pit Roast 

Sirloin Steak Ball Tip

snacks

keebler cookies @ $2 each

3 little pies @ .89 each better then hostess can never find at walmart

I always make it a point never to pay over $5 for the reduced meat and it must be more then a lb want to get has much as I can.

Before sales/coupons/ discounts  $120.66            After sales/coupons/discount O.O.P.   $82.34

This is a Savings of  32%

It's In the Pink Art Page

Good Morning dear readers, finally finished this page.  It took me awhile because the angel stamp didn't come out very well.  But I filled it in with some nice colors especially pink.  This page takes care of two prompts Balzer designs pattern prompt with my Angel Stamp and Journal 52 silhouette prompt.  I love the angel stamp because it reminds me of a friend who has passed away who told me I was surrounded by angels(she was psychic).  The though of Angels always makes me feel good when I"m having a bad day.  I got to play with a lot of different pens-gel pens, colored pencils and oil pastels were used on the angels.  Love the glitter gel so cool.  I used pink oil pastel around my angels.  I love this stamp I found at Tuesday Morning  Pink not just a color it's an attitude.  Then I found my silhouette in the free magazine in Folsom and of course she was in pink.  I colored around her in pink oil pastel.  Then glued collage elements of  YOU WILL-most likely succeed.  Enjoy your day may your hands be covered in creativity.

 

Crockpot Meatball Pasta Soup

Good morning dear readers,  I did some playing around with soup recipes yesterday.  I wanted to do something with meatballs.  I like the taste of Italian meatballs and thought they would be good in a soup.  Soup is essential when its cold outside.  This turned out really great.  Just sitting down with a bowl getting all comfy and warm makes you feel good inside.  So here's what you need to make that special feeling happen.

1 bag of Italian meatballs- I used 15 thawed and cut in half

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

3 cans beef broth

2 cups of water

1 small can tomato paste

1 Tbs onion powder

1 Tbs Italian seasoning

Black Pepper just to taste

8oz Rotini Pasta

Put everything in your crock pot except the pasta let cook 3-4 hours on high. In the last hour cook pasta according to package directions when pasta is done add to crock pot letting cook for 20 minutes.  Bon appetite

linking here:
http://www.hunwhatsfordinner.com/2015/02/simple-supper-tuesday-100.html
http://thenewmrsadventures.blogspot.com/2015/02/tasty-tuesday-recipe-link-up.html#.VOM6jebF_fI

Happy Valentines Day from Frankie

Good Morning dear readers wishing everyone a meowy Happy Valentines Day.  You can give your human flowers or even jewelry just don't tell them you took it from their room.

                                           I found this sparkly but mom caught me with it

$25 Lakeside Collection and Pet Voucher Giveaway plus Photo Contest

Frankie says you should check out this lovely giveway for all your furry friends. So come and send in your cutest photos and maybe win some cool prizes.

Welcome to our $25 Lakeside Collection Pet gift voucher giveaway and scroll down to see how to enter and also how to enter the pet photo contest~

Hosted By Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and More and Queen of Savings.

and

Sponsored By Lakeside Collection

Calling all pet parents- Have you entered your pets photo in the cutest pet photo contest where one lucky pet and owner as well as runner ups can win some awesome prizes. Show your pet some love and enter your favorite photo of them. I have a ton of photos and some of them are really priceless. All you have to do is go here and follow the directions on how to enter your photo.

While you are here- Why not enter to win a $25 Lakeside Collection Gift Voucher where you can purchase a cute toy or other product that your adorable pet will love. Find out how to enter by reading below~

Onto The Sweepstakes Rules~

• 1 reader will win a $25 Lakeside Collection Pet Gift Voucher.

• This is open to the U.S. only

• This Sweepstakes will end on 2/15/2014 at 7 p.m.

• All entries will be verified

• Winner will be notified by email and have 24 hours to respond or another will be chosen. pankuch1605@hotmail.com is the email it will come from.

• Must be 18+ to enter

• Void where prohibited by law

• Full terms and conditions are the entry form below

Enter below and Good Luck to you~

Entry-Form

Disclosure-[Lorraines Resources and Rewards] was not compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions about this giveaway or to have me promote your product, Please email Tammie at info@tpankuch.com.

CVS Shopping Trip- 2 Transactions including a Breakfast run

Good Afternoon dear readers, since Save mart and cvs are right next to each other I made a little side trip.  CVS is having a good deal on cereal and if you have kids this is the place to stock up. Also some good deals on coffee. So here's the breakdown of the first transaction:

2-Cinnamon Toast Crunch 2/$6

2-Fruity Pebbles @ $1.99 each

2-Kellogg's Corn Pops 2/$5 get $2 ecb

2-Bags of Hershey/snickers candy good for valentines day 2/$6 get $2 ecb

3-Bags Gevalia French Roast Coffee @ $4.99 each used 3 $1 off coupons

Before coupons/sales/discounts   $65.40             After coupons/sales/discounts  O.O.P.  $31.96

Saved  51%

2nd Transaction

5-Cans friskies cat food 5/$3

Charmin Ultra Soft Double Rolls @ $3.49

Before coupons/ecbs/discounts  $8.36                After coupons/ecbs/discounts    O.O.P.  $3.01

Savings  68%

Monthly(Feb) Meat Shopping Savemart-B1G1F Sale

Good Afternoon dear readers, I just got back from doing the shopping trip to Save mart.  This is the last two days of the sale and its a good one.  So if you have a Save mart near you go go now.  They have the spice islands spice and its part of the B1g1f sale.  So if you have the $2.50 off meat when you buy spice islands this is a good deal.  Always check your coupons and the sale flyer's to get a better deal.  Just love this sale.  So here's the breakdown of what I got:

3-Kellogg's Pop tarts at 3/$5 used a $1/3

4-Spice Islands Spice B1G1F

3-Chuck Steak Boneless used $2.50 with the spices

2-Fryer Drumsticks 

2-Fryer Split Breast B1G1F

4-Hillshire Farms Sausage B1G1F

2-Pork Roast

3-Small Soda

2-V8 Splash Strawberry Lemonade  B1g1f

Simplot Hash browns 10 ct.

Max Pack Chicken Thighs

4-Donuts

Before sales/coupons/discounts   $129.78          After sales/coupons/discounts O.O.P.  $87.42

Savings of   33%

Decadent Chocolate Quick Bread

Good Afternoon dear readers,  I wanted to do something different for the recipe this week. Since Conor liked the pumpkin bread  so much I thought we would try chocolate. I found a lovely chocolate bread recipe in one of the taste of home books.   I love the smell of chocolate bread and this recipe is so yummy and easy to make and most items can be found in your pantry. I altered the recipe to fit my families needs.  So here's what you need:

1/2 cup butter, melted

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups of applesauce-canned

2 tsp  vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Here's what you'll need for the glaze:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tbs butter

2-3 tbs milk

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add butter and sugar to mixing bowl and blend with hand mixer.  Stir in melted chocolate and eggs.

Add applesauce and vanilla extract mixing all together and set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl i.e.  flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Then proceed to add to wet ingredients mixing well and then fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into 2 medium sized baking pans(greased).  Set oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35-40 minutes. Insert fork for doneness.  Let pans set for 10 minutes to cool.  When still warm pour glaze over it.

Making the glaze melt chocolate chips and butter in saucepan, stir in milk. Turn off burner and stir in powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Drizzle over warm bread. Yields 2 medium sized loafs.  These also would make great valentines gifts wrapped in pretty tin foil.  Bon Appetite.

Turn a Pizza Box into Valentines Wall Canvass Art

Good Evening dear readers,  here's what the fight with Frankie was all about.  I had a lot of fun creating this piece.  Frankie got a can of his favorite food so he settled down about the box.  Here's how I created this piece.  I have to apologize for the lighting its raining so I could not go outside and get better light.  I gesso'd the entire box after I removed the lid.  Then I painted the box with acrylics mosaic blue and yellow on the edges.  Then I let the brush do the talking and I used apple red and pink and painted a rosebud. I used gel pen in green to draw the stem and line the rosebud in black paint marker.  I used collage elements from a magazine and covered the hearts with gesso and colored with oil pastels.  I rubber stamped Happy Valentines Day in the middle of the hearts.  I wanted some variety and depth used script stamp around the edges in black ink.  Then rubber stamp roses toward the bottom of the canvass using rubber stamp markers.  This is also a very frugal craft and a lot of fun to make.  Here's the pics.

frankies take on the pizza box:
http://lorrainesresources.blogspot.com/2015/01/frankies-corner-frankie-and-pizza-box.html
http://lorrainesresources.blogspot.com/2015/02/frankies-corner-revenge-of-frankie.html

Upcycling a Cereal Box into Decorative Storage

Good Morning dear readers, I decided to add this craft to the monthly upcycling challenge. I actually made this last year just forgot to post.  This is one of the easiest projects to do and will help organize your magazines.  Basically take a cereal box and cut it diagonally down removing section to expose magazines.  Once you have cut the section out you can decorate with duck tape enjoy.  Here's what it looks like when done.

Frankies Corner-Revenge of Frankie

Good Morning dear readers, Frankie here I have a cruel human.  She painted my beautiful pizza box with that white stuff.  She had the nerve to laugh at my reaction and call me cute of all things.  I am not cute I am handsome.  I'll show her I'll tear up this chair.  Frankie you know I don't care if you tear that chair up I gave it to you because its already beat up. Frankie sighs Humans.  Well I'll think of something.