Belated Christmas Decor!

I am really not sure where the Christmas Holidays went. It seems like one day we were getting out the decorations and the next it was New Years. Needless to say I was somewhat late taking pictures of the decor. And while I know no one wants to look at Christams now, I will post a few of the pics I took.





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Grocery University

I have often heard from various peeps how little they spend in groceries each month.  This fact has always baffled me due.  No matter how many coupons I clip, sales I hit, I have never felt like we were really lowering our grocery bill each month.  And I know for a fact that we blow WAY more money in groceries than 2 people should! And it does not help that we both like to Cook and entertain! This past summer and fall, I kept reading on blogs about Grocery University and how life changing it is!  However it was $25.00 and I did not know anyone else that had used it or honestly if it was worth it.  I did not want to spend the $ and time listening and taking notes if it was not going to help. So finally one of the blogs I follow tweeted that Grocery University was on sale that day for $5 or $10.  I decided at that price I would risk it and take the plunge.  It came in the mail very quickly but  I did not  realize the cd's were not dvd's they were audio cd's.  For whatever reason this dampened my desire and I thought how boring just to sit and listen to cd after cd.  I know, ridiculous! And despite not having anything to do half the time @ work, we rang in the new year and I still had not listened to them all.  Last week I decided enough is enough, finish them ALREADY! And as of Monday afternoon I am a Grocery University dork graduate!

Its all about planning, planning, planning.  We do plan but I believe our biggest problem is often thinking of what we want to cook/eat and going out and buying any items we are missing instead of creating menus out of what we already have.  It is also a process  and building up not only coupons but your pantry.  You are not gong to have an endless supply of coupons immediately.  So the goal on your first trip should be to save 20%.  So Tuesday night I selected the stores ad which had the most items I could use and went shopping.  I will say, be aware of your store sales.  Our stores sales run wed- tues @  midnight. I would not suggest going the night the ad expires (if possible) as I did.  Many of the sale items signs had already been removed so I had to find someone and ask.  Also the lettuce that was BOGO was out. So it is a learning process.  My total for the evening was $140 and I saved $44!  So that's better than 20% and Big T has enough meat to last a month, literally and I should have Bocas for the same!  Now onto this weeks ad to look for sales :) 

Would love to here if anyone else has tried Grocery University!

Big T's Dinner

For years my husband had zero interest in the kitchen.  But over the last few years he has slowly but surely enjoyed cooking more and more.  Many times he likes to put his own "spin" on a recipe or see how he can make it his own!  The following is one of those recipes and its super easy!

Make a paste of minced garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, salt and pepper

Blanch new potatoes til cooked 1/2- 3/4 the way through

After potatoes have cooled, slice.

Combine potatoes with garlic, Parmesan paste.

Cook to your preference.  We like them when they a somewhat crusty on the outside and soft on the inside! 

Yummy!

We love to cook fish when we have this side dish of potatoes. Combine Italian dressing with any of your favorite seasonings and marinate for a minimum of 1 hour.  Depending on the weather outside we will then grill or cook in saute pan.  Finish with some fresh lemon juice and a side salad, you have a perfect and healthy meal.  Enjoy!!

I'll Be Home With Bells On!

Tim and I were fortunate to go home again this year for Christmas. We arrived on the 23rd and went out for a relaxing Mexican meal. Christmas Eve was a busy day, full of cooking and finishing last minute touches! That afternoon, Tim and I visited with his Grandparents and gave them their Christmas gifts. After church, we prepared our Christmas Eve spread and watched the boys open their gifts. What fun, I have to say the Flash costume Spence requested was definitely a hit! While in costume, he would only answer to Flash! Despite waking up Christmas morning with a massive migraine, we had an incredible Christmas dinner. After Christmas, Tim and I headed to the beach for some much needed beach time! We had such a great time despite the frigid temperatures! We managed to eat some yummy food and get a little rest and shopping in! Thanks Tim for a great Holiday!



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Mr. Flash!

The boy's tree

The fort!

ATX part II

Here we go again!  We had a great time sight seeing on Friday that night we hit up Hotel San Jose for drinks and La Perla for dinner.  It was fabulous!  Saturday  we slept in, had breakfast and got our selves ready to cheer on our Tigers with the Austin Auburn Club (can you believe I ran into someone that I went to high school with?  Had not seen him in probably 15 years!!)   Anyway, Auburn was playing the Unviversity of Arkansas that day in what was sure to be a great SEC matchup!  It did not disapoint  Auburn won 65-43!  That day we knew we were in for a special season!  After regrouping we got ourselves ready and headed over to the Hula Hut on Lake Austin for more laughter, food and drinks!  We sat on the deck over looking the lake and had a great night!

AU vs U Arkansas WDE!!!

We throwing our War Eagle signs- think it'll catch on??

Hula Hut

Jess and MD BFF forever :)

Sunday morning gospel time!  We had gospel brunch reservations at Stubbs.  And let me tell you it did not disapoint!  The music was toe tapping fabulous and the brunch made you want to go back for seconds!  If you are in the Austin area on a Sunday, I highly recommend attending.  You will not regret it! 

Standing in line @ Stubbs for Gospel Brunch!

Cheers to Bloody Mary's

Let the sangin begin!

Fix your own Bloody Mary Bar!  Loved it!

Touring UT

I guess in TX your take a picture with a cow???

After brunch we did some shopping and sight seeing.  Great end to a fabulous weekend!  Can't wait to do it again girls!  WDE and Kappa love ;)