Monday - Breakfast for Dinner (Scrambled Eggs & Bacon)
Tuesday - Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Wednesday - Bone-less Pork Chops, Stuffing and Green Beans
Thursday - Slow Cooker Chili
Friday - Beef Pot Pies and Buttermilk Biscuits (Thank you Banquet & Pillsbury for the quick, frozen throw in the oven items)
Saturday - LITTLE BEAR'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Sunday - Loving Leftovers. Spread out a buffet table of all the leftovers from the week’s meals. This means a day-off for the chef!

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm An Organizing Junkie!

Happy Black Friday to One and All!

I sure hope all of you had a most excellent Thanksgiving and all are still stuffed from the feast of yesterday. I know I am.

By now, most of you who dared to venture out in the Black Friday adventures are probably homebound. Some of you are probably wrapping presents - others decorating their homes. Me? This is the first Black Friday that I've had to work in over 12 years. Also the first Black Friday I was not able to partake in that 12 year tradition. Ah well. I am just thankful to have a job! Besides, as with the last three years, most BF sales were up online. Did you take advantage while saving yourself time, sleep and gas? This year, the BF sales did not have much to offer us so I did not partake in any of the sales. I purchased one thing for the Little Bear but that was not even on sale. I just picked it up because I knew they would sell out VERY SOON because it's on the top five most requested gifts for little girls between the ages of two and four.

Of course, sometime during this weekend/upcoming week the sales online will get interesting. We started shopping today (wahoo!) and will hopefully get a good portion of it done in the next two weeks.

After work this evening, it'll be KICK OFF time in the Bear Cave. We'll start bringing down the Christmas decorations tonight. Normally, this time of day I would be just finishing up the Christmas decorations and getting the Christmas baking started. My how one little event changes things. Ah well. I'll just be happy to get home and get going. I LOVE ME MY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! It always makes the Bear Cave feel soooo comfy! <3 Ahhhh...

How about you? Will you be putting up your decorations this weekend? or are you one of those fabulous people who have it already done? have you started your Christmas shopping? Or are you one of the people who shop all year round and are finished already?

From our house to your's...we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. May this holiday stuff you to the gills, surround you with friends and family and above all remind us what we are thankful for this past year and for the year to follow.


As for us, there will be watching of the Macy's Day Parade and of course we'll be traveling to my in-laws place where we will feast on such items that include turkey, candied sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, twice baked potatoes, green beans, biscuits, cranberry sauce and desserts a plenty. Mmmmm...I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.


Enjoy eatting your birds and travel safe on the roads.

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

Oh my! It's embarked on us again...another crib product recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 1.2 million drop side Stork Craft cribs due to an entrapment and suffocation hazard. I know I have quite a bit of mom’s with babies/ toddlers who read this blog so please check your cribs to see if you have a Stork Craft crib manufactured between 1993-2009.

I will tell you this, the Stork Craft website is very slow to load, due to the crib recall, but you can follow them on Twitter. As far as I can see, they are not currently tweeting information regarding the recall, but you could tweet a question if the site stays down for an extended period of time. I am certain someone will answer.

Please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission for specifics regarding the Stork Craft Crib recall as well as instructions on how to repair the defective part.

I was recently given the opportunity to try a good assortment of Newman's Own Organics products. One of them was some Fig Newman’s for Poppa Bear to try. He liked that they were bigger than Newtons (which let’s be honest, are the size of a postage stamp, and can be eaten by the sleeve). Other than that, he didn’t notice much difference in taste, which is good as he loves the more familiar version.









While I wish these contained whole wheat flour, compared to Fig Newton’s, Newman’s Own Organics the ingredient list is much more recognizable and has far fewer preservatives. And even the whole wheat fig newtons contain high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenized oils…yuck. So hopefully Newman’s Own Organics will add a whole wheat version to the line up soon!

What did I try? The Champion Chip Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies. These were very good with a deep chocolate flavor and delightful milk chocolate chips mixed in—best of both chocolate worlds. While I rarely enjoy crunchy cookies—I am a chewy girl through and through—these had a nice combination of softness, yet had enough crunchy to make for a good milk dunker or ice cream topper. In a way, they sort of resembled the consistency of a meringue. These were a delightful indulgence for an evening dessert. What did Little Bear think of them? "Mmmm." and "more" were the words of her choice.









Newman's Own Organics Dark Chocolate





Just about every year at Christmas, we'd all get a chocolate orange. I loved the combination of orange + chocolate, and I'd always look forward to getting (and eating!) my chocolate orange. A piece of Newman's Own Organics Dark Chocolate sent me hurtling back down memory lane. The fruity orange tones blended well with the quality chocolate. However, it's not the super dark chocolate that I know a lot of you like. I don't like my chocolate too dark, so it was a perfect combination for me. However, I think it's pretty universal flavored chocolate--if you like fruit + chocolate, you'll like it!

Newman's Own Organics Cinnamon Hermit Cookies










These cookies are soft and chewy! Since the package says they're cinnamon-flavored, I wish that flavor was more pronounced. I couldn't taste the cinnamon very well, but I did like the big molasses taste. The cookies had a few raisins, which I liked. They're slightly caloric for me-- 1 cookie is 80 calories. I cannot say these were delicious for me. I'm not a huge fan of molasses. Tho I like cookies that contain them, the molasses flavor was too empowering for me for this cookie - especially since the name was for "cinnamon". However, Poppa Bear is a huge fan of molasses and enjoyed these very much. If you love soft chewy cookies (and molasses), you'll probably adore these! If you're a fan of crunchy cookies, the Newman's Own Organics Champion Chip cookies are more up your ally.

Monday - Homemade Mac and Cheese
Tuesday - Taco Mac
Wednesday - Eggs and Bacon
Thursday - Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner....yummy!
Friday - Loaded Baked Potatoe with Salad
Saturday - BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Sunday - Loving Leftovers. Spread out a buffet table of all the leftovers from the week’s meals. This means a day-off for the chef!

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm An Organizing Junkie!

Give the gift that keeps on giving!! Dave Ramsey's Books, CD's, DVDs, Software & More are on sale now for $10!! And if you spend over $65 you'll receive FREE Shipping! Dave Ramsey is fabulous. If you haven't read his books you NEED to! They will change your life!

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

Wahoo! It is that time again!! I've been awarded another bloggy award! The beautiful, super buff and dearest friend of mine, Genie at Third Wish awarded me with the Honest Scrap Award. I have to divulge 10 truths then tag seven bloggers who I think will also tell the truth. This should be fun!

1. I am THAT girl! The one that thinks, breathes and dreams Christmas almost 24/7, 365. I start playing Christmas music in October and shop/plan/organize all year long. My family and friends know me as "Little Miss Christmas." If it's too early for them and I start talking about it or they heard me playing my Christmas music they roll their eyes or make a smart remark but always end it with a chuckle because they know...i'm "Little Miss Christmas" My Mom will tell you i've had this passion for it since I was 12. I'd have to agree.
2. I can easily squat almost twice my body weight. Sadly that will never be again due to a back injury. I miss squatting...I miss it more than you will ever know!
3. Ever since having the Little Bear I have a very hard time starting and following through with my fitness regimes. So not like me! I'm a big, big, big fitness nut. My passion is my drive but since having the Little Bear it's been a bit hard for me to find it and hold onto it. Le Sigh...
4. I went from 122 to 208 when I was pregnant. Can you say Sumo Wrestler?!
5. I have this obsession with Little Bear's feet. They are just so tiny and soft and well, just so stinkin cute!
6. My closet is organized in a color coded fashion.
7. I absolutely, positively have an obssession for Chai Tea. I love it and cannot get enough of it - especially during this time of year.
8. I wet the bed until I was 12 years old. Oh yes, my bladder took a long time to develop and to this day I still visit the bathroom at least 20x a day. LOL!!!
9. My favorite books and movie of all time is Anne of Green Gables.
10. I always feel like the outsider. I've never been one to feel accepted in any sort of click, group, etc. which leaves me always feeling like I never fit in. The upside to this is tho that I know what I like and what I love and well, know who I am and at a young age.

Thanks for bestowing this award to me dearest Genie. And now, it's time for me to annouce the seven winners of this beautiful Honest Scrap Award. They are - and in no particular order....

Katie's Nesting Spot * A Natural Nester * Snip and Snail * A Homespun Heart * Bring On the Lloyds * The Masked Mommy * Classy and Sophisticated

Congratulations Ladies!

Monday - Lasagna & Salad
Tuesday - French Toast
Wednesday - Beef Pot Pies
Thursday - Porcuppien Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Friday - Chicken Quesidillas
Saturday - Sausage Jamalaya
Sunday - Loving Leftovers. Spread out a buffet table of all the leftovers from the week’s meals. This means a day-off for the chef!

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm An Organizing Junkie!

If you have not shopped at Kohl's before, shame on you. Kohl's is fabulous! Why you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked.

The best part about Kohl's is thier acceptance to stacking coupons and sales. For example, say childrens clothing is on sale for 40-50% off (this is normal with this place) but on Saturday during the early bird specials they are taking an extra 15% off. Yes, you are able to stack the two. But wait, it doesn't stop there. You have a 20% off coupon from your email or mailbox. You can use that too! So, instead of your children's outfit for 40-50% off, you are getting it for up to 85% off. Isn't that AWESOME!!!! And these sales percentages happen weekly. The sales are that good and combine them with Early Bird Specials/Power Hours/ect and then have an extra coupon...... Oh yes, love me some Kohl's.

It just so happend that Saturday was their last day for the 50% off Children's Holiday dresses sale. There were no Early Bird or Power Hour specials to tack onto it so I couldnt add that discount (this time) but I did have a 15% off coupon to use. I managed to score Little Bear's holiday dress that is originally priced at $40.00 for $17.00!!!!!!! Isn't that great?!?! Oh yes, this Momma Bear was/is one happy camper!! I tried to get her Christmas PJ's also. The Carters line was on sale for 55% off. Sadly tho, they did not have any left in her size. POOTERS! Ah well, I'm hoping to check out Old Navy later on for that. (Walmart had no selection left in her size either. Le Sigh...)

Here's the dress we bought for Little Bear.....



Sorry it's a little dark and hard to see. The lighting in the house was very bright but for some reason the picture didnt take well. If I can find a better picture online I will update this post with it.

In the not so distant feature I will be adding some new content to my blog. It's information that I think will help benefit the readers who visit here daily. The new content will be for Product Reviews!! I am truly excited about this as I am sure you will be too. So, sit back, grab that cuppa coffee, tea, whatever your drink of choice and enjoy! See you soon in our first installment of Product Reviews. Til then..........

Hello and Happy Freebie Friday! Thanks from Heather at Freebies 4 Mom for all of this week's freebie finds. This week you will not want to miss Heather's 50 free photo cards freebie as I know it is something that I will be cashing in on to save this holiday season. This one is COMPLETELY free since shipping is covered too (good thru Nov. 30).

Health & Beauty
Huggies Little Movers Diaper (Walmart)
My Glow fragrance by Jennifer Lopez
Nature Made TripleFlex (Costco)

Food
Organic Valley $10 Coupon Book

Entertainment
50 Free Photo Cards Shipped Free (SeeHere by Fujifilm)
$5 off $5 Hallmark Coupon (inside Dec. magazines)
Disney Digital Books (7 book free trial, no credit card required)
Blockbuster Express Free Movie Rental (use code GT11A)

Home & Garden
GreenWorks Laundry Sample (text NATURAL to 467467)
$5 Academy Gift Card (birthday freebie)
Home Made Simple coupon bookCrayola Custom Coloring Pages (use code PR24QCHT)

Pets
Greenies (with Pet Smart coupon)

Upcoming Freebie Events:
Please call your local store or restaurant to confirm they are participating in these freebie events

Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland begins (free 4x6 Santa photo)

14 - Fancy Nancy Fest at Borders storytime, activities, raffle 11 am

14 - Lakeshore Learning Kid Crafts make a Veteran's Day Flag 11-3

14 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic make a #48 Garage 10-11

20 - Disney Store Pajama Party storytime, games, snacks 5:30 & 7

21 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic make a Snowman 10-11

Enjoy those freebies and I'll see you next Friday for another installment of Freebie Friday - compliments of Freebies 4 Mom!

...and i'm not talking about the holiday's. No, Sir. I am talking about Cold and Flu Season. Le Sigh..

Poppa Bear came home yesterday evening looking pale, saying he felt achy and tired. This coming the day after he told me almost his entire shop has been sick with the flu. After settling in, he immediately went to CVS. We LOVE CVS! Of course this time we did not. Why? Well, we had no ECB's and no CVS coupons to use. I know, I know. How could I let that happen?!? After dinner and some medication induction, Poppa Bear fell asleep on the couch.

This morning, he woke up feeling much worse. He now has that crackling cough, full blown body aches and well, all the tell tale signs of the flu. Folks, let's hope not. Both he and myself have been without health insurance for the last three months. We won't be hopping onto my employer's until December 1st. That's in two weeks! Of course, worse case scenario we have to drive over to the Walgreens Take Care Clinic(because our CVS doesn't have a Minute Clinic)and get a prescription. We'll hit up the local Shoprite for our free antibiotics and then be on our way. Why didn't he get a flu shot you ask? Well, the last time he got one he got the flu. So, he's been on protest ever since. Either way, no one wants their family to suffer even if it's just the flu so here's to a speedy recovery for Poppa Bear.

As far as the Little Bear and I, we are both as healthy as can be. We had our flu shots about three weeks ago. Aside from the Little Bear's runny nose - which I am gathering is probably from her cutting her last few teeth - she's doing great! Now, to break out the Lysol spray, whip out the Clorox and disinfect this entire house for the next several days. We do not want these germs spreading from the Poppa Bear.

Here's to a speedy recovery for Poppa Bear.....

My blog is finally coming into it's own. It's finally starting to look and FEEL like my bloggy home. Horrah!!! Still some tweaking like widgets and the like but..."By Golly, I think I've got it!"

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

For the past year, I have 0o0o'd and ahhh'd at all the bloggers who have developed the art of knitting. Some were just beginning. Others were a year in. Some had years upon years of experience. While some were knitting washclothes, other's were knitting apparel for their young. Oh how I relished in every post I read about their knitting projects, experiences, mistakes. I wanted to learn to knit, goshdarnnit. By golly, I was going to learn!

While on the unemployment line, one would think I had an abundance of time to learn such skill. Boy, were they sadly mistaken. Yet each and every day I yearned and ached and thought about wanting to learn to knit. The days came and went right before my eyes. Every night would end with the same thought "guess I will learn to knit tomorrow." Sad, right?

One day, back in June, Little Bear and I made a trip to our local A.C. Moore's store. During this visit, she helped me pick out the yarn which would be used to make my very first project - a gift for her - a scarf. She had picked out a beautiful yarn and I was so very excited to use it. After, we went to pick out a set of needles. Having no experience or knowledge, we ventured up and down the knitting needles row trying to distinguish what size we wanted to go with. We already knew that most preferred the Bamboo over the Metal so we knew we wanted Bamboo. But what about the size? We ended up chosing a 10 - little did I later realize I should have went with the eight.

Did I learn to knit in June? Sadly, I did not. It was not until the second weekend of October - four months later that I learned the beautiful art of knitting. A neighbor just three houses down from us - also an AVON customer of mine was gracious enough to extend the offer several months prior to June to teach me. One Saturday, while taking her AVON order, I heard this little question in my head "Little Bear is down. It's the perfect opportunity to learn to knit. Ask her what she's doing?" So, after taking her order, I asked her if it would be a good time to come on over and have her teach me to knit. Score! She was not only available but eager and excited! I grabbed my supplies (Ball of Yarn, Set of 10 needles and two beginner books) and off I went.

The next two hours were the most enjoyable two hours of my life. Oh how we first talked about all her past projects. O0o0o'ing and ahhhhh'g at all her projects. We talked about all sorts of projects I could start on and even do later on. In the end, we chose to stick to the scarf for Little Bear. We realized the one yarn I had purchase would not be enough for any other project. It also would be good practice to get me started on knitting. Susan casted-on for me and then taught me the "knit" stitch. It wasn't long before I was on my way. Sure, for the first four days, I would make a mistake here and there and be right over there for her to fix it but after that, well, I was on my way.

I am almost done the scarf now. Have about eight more inches left. Susan will bind it off for me and then she'll teach me the "purl" stitch and I can work on Project #2, a hat to match the scarf I made for Little Bear. Ohhhhhhhhhh, how very excited I am.

I am truly enjoying every minute I have of knitting thus far. It soothes my soul. It is relaxing and gives me such a sense of accomplishment and pride. Knitting this scarf brought back so many memories of past projects I used to make. It reminded me why I loved crafting and what it did for my soul. Oh yes, I have finally relit that spark that has been in hibernation so long and I owe it all to the bloggers who wrote about it and for Susan for teaching me.

Happy Knitting!!!!

We hear it from every angle. Us Mom's need to make it a priority to find at least 60 minutes in the day for quality "me time." But how does any Mom find 60 minutes for something so trival as "me time" when there is dishes to be washed, laundry to fold, the children screaming for our undivided attention and let's not forget the husband who's asking us "what's for dinner?" Well, ladies, who says it has to be 60 minutes in one sitting? I know I haven't seen it anywhere in writing. Would it be nice? Heck Yeah! But is it really feasible for "me" 90% of the time. Sadly, it is not. But what if we switched the thinking? What if we found 60 minutes total in the day for "me time?" Now that, that my dear sweetnesses, I think we can all manage to do.

Oh, 60 minutes. How I envision thee. Might I spend my intervals knitting? perhaps reading? maybe exerise? perhaps just meditating and relishing in the moment? Oh the possibilities!!!!!!!!

Over the course of the last week, I've been deligently trying to get my 60 minute total fulfilled every day. Some days I might come up short but I know that there is always tomorrow. I have yet to have a 60 minute total moment in time but alas, I know it can be done - mostly on the weekends and only if I really, really, really dedicate myself to it versus the laundry awaiting me down below or the dishes to my right just staring at me. No, my dears. I may not have squeezed a full 60 minute time period but I have had five minutes here or 10 minutes there. They add up, baby!

Over the last week, I've spend my moments knitting Little Bears scarf and reading The first two volumns of The Vampire Diaries. I must confess tho, the majority of my time has been spent on the scarf. I've been knitting now for going on three weeks and I am just determined to finish this project. Not to mention the fact that I find the craft extremely relaxing. Ahhh, knitting. But, that's another topic for another time.

But i've been thinking, right now, my priority is to find those 60 minutes in a day. What I really want to do is to tweak it to where I've been able to fulfill three important areas -- Mind, Body and Spirit. Ideally, 20 minutes of each daily to total my 60 minutes. Doesn't this sound like such an awesome plan?!? I know. I rock. LOL! No, but seriously.......doesn't that sound like a great idea?

What I would like to do is something like this:

Mind - Reading of some sort. It can be reading on my breaks at work or at home. As long as I've gotten them in (which lately M-F it's during my two 15 min breaks)

Body - Any form of exercise whether it's the WiiFit, The Treadmill, Walking on my lunch break
or ideally what I want to do - Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (since i started and never finished)

Spirit - Any form of crafting - right now knitting. It sooootheeeeees my soullllll. (And it's usually done during my 30 minute lunch as of late)

Can ya dig it????

Hiddy Hoooo There Neighbors!

How was your first weekend for the month of November? I certainly hope you made it a great one! After all, for most it is the first weekend that they started to think about Christmas. Perhaps to start budgetting, planning, shopping, organizing, cleaning, whatever the case may be. What about me - Little Miss Christmas known to many? Well, you might just be surprised.......

My weekend started off without a hitch. Poppy, also known as my Dad, was going to be watching the Little Bear for us for the day. Grandmom, aka my Mother-in-Law, is on a recovery phrase for the knee surgery she just undergone. Everyone in the family is helping to watch Little Bear until she's fully recovered and can go back to watching her for us. Little Bear LOVED her time with Poppy and I enjoyed the fact that I only had to travel two minutes to drop her off. It also meant getting home even earlier after work. Wahoo! What a way to start the weekend!

Friday evening was closed out with a nice taco dinner (that Little Bear so graciously denied. She's going through a significant picky eatter stage but that's another story for another time). After dinner, the little and I read some books together on our big comfy couch. Closing the night with snuggle time. After she went to bed, I spent some time with my needles and yarn. That's right folks, this girl has learned to knit in her disappearance. (Again, we'll save this for another post)

Saturday was engrossed with lots and lots of mundane tasks such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, grocery shopping and other various errands. Sounds exciting huh? But wait, it gets better.......The little and I went through the Toys R Us Big Book. Yup, we "0o00o0'd" and "ahhhh'd" at all the glorious toys that just put that sparkle in her eye. Later that night, Poppa Bear and I went through a preliminary list of what we might want to get her for Christmas. (Attn: Readers....any suggestions for a Toddler who's turning 2 for toys? We need some guidance here. LOL! I goggled but surprisingly not much came up)

Alas, we closed out Sunday with a fairly easy day. Ran to CVS to score three packs of Huggies Diapers. They were on sale this week and I had two $2.00 off coupons and one $1.50 off. It was my first stop in the morning since this store is known to only carry four packs on the shelf. If you don't get there fast enough...well, you get the picture. We got lucky this time. They had six packs and I snatched up three. SCORE! When I got back, it was off to the Little's favorite store --- Walmart! The girl LOVES Walmart folks. It's ridiculous and funny! We couldn't venture in tho without playing in the Christmas Aisle before we went on our hunt for what was on the Grocery List. Oh the fun she had! Oh the "If Only I could" list I was daydreaming in my head......

We wrapped the weekend up with a trip to Poppy's house. Little Bear wanted to see him and he wanted to my nephews to watch Aliens in the Attic that Poppa Bear rented for us earlier in the weekend. After Poppy's visit, we had our creative time. She colored. She drew. She had a ball. Then it was lunch and nap time. Followed by a visit from her Aunt Margie (Also known as my Sister!). It was a very nice visit and I was so glad she stopped by. Speaking of....My dearest Sister just found out a few weeks ago that she is expecting her very first child. I'm so excited for her but also for the fact of having another baby in the family. I miss when the Little was a baby. What? time for another one you say? Ahhh, don't I wish. Sadly, that will have to wait just a little bit longer that I would like. It's okay tho.

I never did get around to readjusting this blog layout like I had wanted to. *sigh* Maybe I'll get lucky and have some time today or week even. Even if it's just to get this crazy Labels section less cluttered. I have entirely too many labels here. LOL!!

All and all, a not too shabby weekend here in my neck of the woods. Lots of time with the Little and that's just how I like it.