New habit... better world

Okay... so why am I showing you a picture of the trash that lurks under my sink?

Well its really a matter of a little bit of pride in finally figuring out a new system.  Before I thought I was very clever,  I used an old small waste can  so I can use grocery store bags.  That way the trash is stowed away neatly and I never have to buy trash bags.  We take the trash out daily, but that works too because then there is no smell at all.  The white bucket on the right is my newest addition, that I am especially proud of... in a weird sort-of way.


All because of this this flier I received from the city.  We can now compost in our yard waste can...  Now according to the list almost any kitchen waste can go in the yard waste can (except proteins, rice, pasta, metal like the staples in teabags, etc. check your list for details or call your local public works and ask about composting in your yard waste)  Rather than these things going down the garbage disposal or into the landfill, it will be made into soil!  How cool is that.  Well at first I didn't have the compost can, and I would haphazardly pick a few things off the top, but after my garage organizing fiasco I found a short bucket to use.  And since I am not so consistent with keeping up with my own compost pile, I can at least contribute a little.  Plus I do believe a few times a year you can get a free load of it.

Now the best part is, we hardly use our trash can anymore and can sometimes go a week without taking it to the curb.  However my little yard waste can is getting regular excercise.  Which means we are finally giving back to mother back, which I believe make me about even with my gas guzzling classic car.

Quickie French toast Casserole

Moments ago I suddenly wanted french toast, but I only had half a loaf of italian bread (it looks like a small loaf of french bread) With a sleepover in progress I didn't want to go to the store.  I remembered french toast casserole but it normally cooks for about an hour.  However, I recently found one of those silicone baking pans, and I had been making delicious cakes in the microwave, so why not breakfast casserole.

So I threw together the ingredients. bread first, then apples, sprinkle with a little cinnamon  and sugar, then milk/egg mixture.  Cook for 8-10 minutes in the microwave.  Like a cake, I used a knife to make sure it was done. 

If you like your apples soft then they will need to be cooked in a covered dish before hand,  but I like my apples crunchy (its a texture issue for me)



3/4 loaf  of leftover french or italion bread, cubed about 1" or so
1 apple cubed
6 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

The Bucklette!

Just a quickie... I am so in love with the bucklette!  I just found it, and it is so "Jane" Bond-ish, I mean I love purses and am a borderline addict, however this little guy is so cute.  The bucklette is to the fanny pack like Jeggings are to spandex...  a much cooler version to its predecessors.  Those predecessors really need to remain locked up in fashion vaults never to be revived.  But for those who think they were on to something with that but didn't quite make it the first time around.  I really think they got something here.  Not so crazy about the name, I really think it needs a bit more pizzaz, but really who cares right!

This is something that I could really use, and not look like a complete fashion victim.  Especially when I am working, I like to have my id, debit card, and a few little items without bulging pockets, because my butt does enough bulging all by itself.

http://bucklette.com/ 

one of those days,...

So... yes I know, I have a ton of stuff to do today.  But since my (early to rise) kiddo spent the night at my sisters, I figured that I would have a little sleep in time.  Not so much....  first the alarm went off at its normal going to school time... ugh!  After laying there for a bit and nearly giving up on ever falling asleep.  I did.  However 20 minutes later I get a call... oi!  Universe please, I want to sleep in!

So I gave in, and made the coffee, nothing like those commercials for folgers I tell you.  By the way where are those commercials anyway, me stumbling around the kitchen, wondering if the pile of dishes will disappear if I scowl hard enough.  Furrowed brow, my husbands sweatpants on, my ugly green shirt, hair all screwed up.  Sitting at my Mac cursing about the slowness of the coffee maker.  Then only motivated by my favorite coffee mug that is buried somewhere in that fearless pile of dishes.  Now that's a coffee commercial I can relate too.


Well now to stop avoiding the inevitable, and get to work!

I love being a 'DaveRamsian'

Enjoying Christmas so much more than usual...  being debt free really does take the pressure off, and makes shopping so much easier.   Gifts are much more personalized too!  Maybe nothing has changed other than the lack of stress, and how much easier its getting to shed bad habits and remain on a budget.  Granted we still fall of the wagon so to speak.  But not in such a way that is so financially devastating, as well as, not as often as we used too.

I think that the best part of it all is a renewed Christmas spirit and understanding what Christmas is really all about, loving each other.  

Thanks Dave!  I love being a "DaveRamsian"

Wrapping paper deals!

I popped into the local thrift store to take a peak at their vessels (I am making my first bonsai tree).  So while there I noticed they had a huge christmas section.  So while perusing I saw they had brand new rolls of wrapping paper for a dollar!  Now these are pretty darn good, some were small but others were pretty huge like 60 sqft.  

My store was Rescued Treasures, which has pretty good prices and great looking stuff, perfect for budget-minded, artist looking for sculpture materials, or people who like to wonder treasure hunt.  And they are a store for a cause, The Rescue Mission.

Found another fibro!

Being sick with an "invisible" illness really is frustrating, because generally people don't know.  There is no wheelchair or cast or heck even a patch.  Now  I am not saying that those who use those aids are lucky by far.  I just feel lonely for the most part.  I looked around for a support group, but haven't found one in this area.

However, I did meet someone today, who also has this condition.  We both were a little too excited to meet each other, not quite ROFL... more of a LOL kind of moment.  But she voiced the same thing as I, that lack of understanding for some people.  It will be nice to get together and have coffee!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

and I ask.... what's not to love?  Everything is glittery and sparkly, there are lights everywhere, people buy presents for each other,  almost everyone says Merry Christmas or at least Happy Holidays (depending on company protocol).  Now whether you love Jesus or love Santa or like me Love Both, is a debate for another day.  For me, I told my daughter that Santa is a nice guy who loves kids, and in honor of the day we celebrate Jesus' Birthday gives out presents to everybody... its my compromise.

So, I found this great tutorial on making a picture, that any Santa Paparazzi would agree is fant-abulous!  Here is the link:  http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2010/12/thrill-your-kids-capture-photo-of-santa.html

Now I use an online photo editor called Sumo Paint.  Its pretty good and free!  I think everyone should check it out, and give it a try!

a recipe from a client...

Today, one of my clients shared with me a recipe she made this thanksgiving... twice baked MASHED potatoes!  It sounded so good, I had to make it tonight.


5 lbs of red potatoes
1 container of sour cream
1 stick of butter
1 bottle of Hormel real bacon bits 
1 (2 cup) bag of shredded cheese I used sharp
1 bunch green onions minced


Mash some red potatoes, then add: sour cream, butter, bacon bits, green onions, and half of cheese.  Mix together, put in a casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees till cheese is melty.

Pepsi Refresh Grant

I applied for and am now in the running for a pepsi refresh grant.  I will use this grant to expand the current free art classes in domestic violence and recovery shelters, and the mobile art studio bringing art to outlying cities, and provide free art classes.  

It is now relying in the hands of the voters.  Take a moment a vote.  There are many ways to vote...  The easiest is to vote by texting  Text this number 103712 to Pepsi (73774) or here is my pepsi refresh link:  http://www.refresheverything.com/mobileandfreeartclasses.

Vote everyday.. share with everyone. I get the grant if people vote! Soon I will be putting together the text number to vote too!

WE MUST VOTE ONE TIME EVERYDAY  I will post reminders and texts

SHARE WITH EVERYONE!  

THANK YOU!