whoa dude

a month?!  what the butt!  That flew by.  Anyone else excited that summer FINALLY arrived?  This is the season I live for, so I've been outside and all over the place.  LOVE it. 

I've also gotten hooked on some decorating blogs.  Oh my.  The Nate Berkus show made some comment (isn't it terrible that I don't remember even that any more?!  this show is on during what was my 10am nursing session...got somewhat addicted there too...ohhhh dear).  Anyway.  Here's the list of what I've been reading lately.  OH decorating...looooove.  :o)
http://www.younghouselove.com/
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/
http://www.gusandlula.com/
http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/


And now, I'm driving my husband nuts with all my baskets and burlap and "high and wide" curtains and painting wishes and etc.  :o)  I think he's liking it though. 

We finally got new couches!  When I graduated collge, we (I was) were blessed with my parent's friends couches when they moved to CA and had to downsize.  I'm sure the couches are no less than 20 years old.  Great quality and very comfortable (here they are if you're looking for a set) - it was just time to buy something that we picked out together.  We got dark chocolate leather.  Yummm!!  And they're so comfortable.  You'll have to come over and enjoy them with us. 

And what about meal planning, you ask?  I know I know.  I've been doing it, just not posting.  We've also been out of town quite a bit, so we've been sharing meals with friends and family and holidays.  I'll post next week's tomorrow (it will be anemic also as I have work stuff all week long). 

HAPPY SUMMER!  How have you been enjoying the beautiful (minus last week's sauna temps) weather?

Week 4 Menu

Oh my, am I behind or what?!  Life's been a bit crazy.  Here's what this week is (was) looking like...

Monday -
Pork fajitas with sauted red peppers and onions

Tuesday -
Venison steaks and broccoli

Wednesday -
Roasted chicken (pepper & salt), corn (frozen from last summer, yuuuummm), and freezer twice-baked potatoes

Thursday -
Over-priced auction hotdogs

Friday -
Chicken salad

Saturday -
Going to try Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina

Sunday -
Pheasant - not sure how I'll be cooking it yet.  I'll post about what I decide.  All I know is I'm tired of having these "birds with feet" carcasses in  my freezer - it's time to eat them.  :o)

Grocery shopping list...
I'll be checking PYD for any can't miss deals.  Otherwise, I'm just looking for some fruit, yogurt, and fresh veggies.

Meal planning - month one verdict:  SUPER awesome on the budget.  I will note that I've depleted some of my pantry stash, but I should be able to restock that without much issue. 

How about you?  Have you tried menu planning?

hair cut deal - today only!

I mentioned Regency Beauty in my last money saving post...and if you stop by a location today (6/15), you can either get a $1 haircut or pick up a card for a $1 haircut anytime this year!!

http://www.regencybeauty.com/offer/dollar/haircut.aspx

How cool is that!?

Week 3 Menu

Week three!  Week two was a bit hectic...we had a couple of nights of leftovers because some of the dishes made SO much food.  Going forward, I'll be building in one "free" night where we'll finish up some extras.  Anyway, none of the pork was cooked last week and we definitely didn't do the roast. 

Monday -
Pork loin, butterflied with salt, pepper, and grainy mustard

Tuesday -
Pork Fajitas (leftover from Monday)

Wednesday -
Out for dinner...and a baby sitter!  Wheee!  :o)

Thursday -
Leftovers!

Friday -
Father's day weekend!

Saturday -
Father's day weekend!

Sunday -
Father's day weekend!
Not much on my list this week.  In fact, I probably won't even make it to the store unless I'm supposed to be providing potato salad for the weekend, then I'll need some potatoes.  We'll be shopping our pantry this week!  Now that's a budget friendly week!  :o)