My mind is a mess!!!

So there is a lot going on... 

As you know I am walking through doing a carving demonstation - a many step how to.  I am having some minor issues with deciding if I want to carve the same image on each block or to do separate ones.  Also there is the transferring.  I need a small sharp image I can transfer with acetone, iron, parchment, and pencil.  I also don't want to waste so much carving material since so many are concerned about the carving block.  (funny- a bit)  So the hunt is on.  Right now I am thinking I will carve the word Love.  However, not many jump at letters and that makes it pointless.  I need a simple image with curves that is recognizable that I can get an okay for copyright issues or I have to draw my own. 


I am still emptying craft/art stuff.  Very slow going.  So many small pieces.  I do have good news on the LTC.  I have the design figured out and enough materials to make a dozen - yeah.  This is my Saturday project. 



On top of everything else. . . .

I have struggled that past few days with sleep issues.  I have life like replays in my head at night.  It can really wear me down.  I have struggled with sleep issues in the past, but this is different.  I am making mistakes, not thinking clearly.  I am not dumb by any means, but you might call me intellectually challenged these past few days and that would be an understatement.

I don't know if this is caused by my PTSD or if I am just a mess in other ways, but small things are bothering me like never before.  I am a bit cranky, yep, that is a good word for it.  Poor Timothy- he is to sweet and too cute for crankiness so I am putting it aside for later.  At least trying hard to. 

On a fun note.  Timothy is wearing Cars (as in the movie) pants.  Over those pants he put on car underwear.  So the white Cars underwear is accenting the red Cars pants.  It is awesome.  The best part is that he put his pants and underwear on all by himself.  (the underwear are on backwards)

Looking forward to some great music and good times tomorrow with new friends.

Choosing a carving block and the tools that go with it.

Below are 3 of the most common carving blocks in letterboxing. So I am going to focus on these. All can be purchased at www.stampeaz.com or you can get the Speedball at your local art/craft store.

Pictured below are the OZ, NZ, and the Speedball blocks with black in on the end to show contrast.

These are fresh blocks never carved on before. I did use some green ink on the NZ to start to show contrast, but immediately changed my mind. There is some ink that show on the block.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After inking up the blocks I let them sit for 20 min.  All of them were still tacky at this point.

 

 

 

 

The tools I used were sharpened before each cut

and laid down next to the block.  Due to size restrictions

the tools do not line up exactly, but you count to figure out which tool make what cut.

Starting from left to right:

1. Staedtler #3 Gouge
2. Staedtler #2 Gouge
3. Staedtler #1V Gouge
4. Staedtler #1 V Gouge miniaturized
5. Staedtler #1 V Gouge reversed
6. Speedball pen holder with a Lino Cutter #1 that was heated and then pinched with pliers to make narrower
7. Wire knife in a pin vice
8. 16 gauge hypodermic needle removed from its base and placed in a pin vice and an exacto knife with a new blade.

If you do not have the Staedtler gouges set - speedball is also a good product. I have a set of those here too. I have separate handles for each nib (the part you cut with). I glue the nib into the holder. I have done that with the #1 speedball gouge that I heated and pinched above. It makes it much easier to sharpen when it is permanently set. The trick is to inspect and use your nib, making sure that it cuts correctly before setting it in. Super glue works just fine.

 

 

 

 

OZ - is the newest material available. I used light pressure on the tools to make the cuts. All tools cut well. The important piece of information is to make sure that you make you cuts line up correctly or you will have elastic pull at corners. Easy to fix with a quick knife snip.

 

 

 

NZ - is firmer than OZ. When cutting this material I used more pressure on the tools. This material also works well, but it dulls tools faster. As long as you keep your tools sharpened there won't be a problem. This material is harder to use knives and needles on due to the material pushing in when you go to cut it. It is absolutely doable, but the carver needs to beware of smashing the material then cutting could make the image distort, especially with thin lines next to thin lines.

 

 

 

 

 

Speedball - this is a very soft material and easy to cut on. (there is some bad stuff out there and it can crumble so make sure you check it before you buy - bend it) This material has been around for a long time and is a favorite of many. Due to the easy cut surface of this material make sure you are more careful than usual so you don't get cut.

 

 

 

Above - here are the slabs laid out to display how they look next to each other. All slabs were sanded lightly and wiped for dust. The OZ has bubbles of ink on it where the others do not. I am not exactly sure the reason for this, but I might have to do an acetone wipe on it so that the ink sits well.

Why prep the surface? The more the image is inked up the better the printed image will be. Why, not hurry the process when it takes just a moment?

I have had some technical difficulties. So I changed cameras. Hopefully that will help give a clearer picture. To start off with - carving is messy, inking is messy, and you will have inky fingers when you are done. It is well worth it and lots of fun.

As I am trying to figure out the pictures Timothy in playing with paint - think he is trying to tell me something?



Carving Materials and Slip Strop

Taken the day he was born

Taken today as he was trying to help me by making a mess with tape.



It is wonderful having helping hands when I am doing something, however, I do not want Timothy around my carving tools.  They are sharp!!  So I gave him a roll of tape and he tried and tried to unroll it. Here he is frustrated, handing me the tape.  He was removing small pieces about the size of a dime.  He placed all these tape stickers all over my pants.  I laughed and laughed.  It is amazing how much he has grown in the past 2 years.

Carving material

 Here are a few samples of carving material that I use on a regular basis.  There are others and depending on what you are carving for will determine what you carve on.  I do not have linoleum blocks (mounted or unmounted pictured) as I do not recommend them for long term use.  If I am carving to make a standard block print with limited use I might use linoleum with an ink press.  Good for decor, invitations, cards, but not good for outside use, with markers, or with excessive use.  They can break and crumble.  Above I have OZ, PZ, NZ, Orange A and speedball pink. I also carve on wood, however, I will be focusing on rubber type materials.  There are other carving materials out there, but I do not recommend them so I will not be reviewing them.

All carving blocks should be stored flat prepped to be carved on and with a clean paper or clean cloth between each piece.  Each piece should be free of debris.

There are several ways to prep your material for carving, but I will focus on my process.  When I receive a carving block the first thing I do I wipe it down with a slightly damp rag and then wipe it dry. I then take a fine grain sand paper and sand it lightly from corn to corner.  Takes about 1 min.  DO NOT USE CIRCULAR MOTIONS.  Remember you are not digging into the material, but you are giving it a quick sanding to help take ink or paint.  After you give it a sanding wipe it off with a slightly damp rag.

I also use acetone (get at a hardware store).  I use tissue paper (the kind you would wrap a gift with) by getting it slightly wet with acetone and then wipe it down quickly with the tissue paper.  I do this twice.  Wipe it on the block just as you would grease a baking pan.  The acetone should not drip off your tissue paper.  I use this process when it is warm outside.  This is a garage or outside project as it can give you a headache. Many are hesitant to use acetone, but I use both depending on the weather.

To answer questions:





This is a slip strop it is used in polishing and sharpening your tools.  Keeping the edges nice and free of nicks.  I also use a whetstone and honing solution.  Here is a look at all sides of my slip strop.  As you can see it is well used.  I put away my tools polished and polish before I use them and then frequently as I carve.  When carving anything you need sharp clean tools.  If your tools are sharp then your carved image will be crisper.

Now I love my needles.  Everyone enjoys different tools, but this is by far my favorite.  It stays sharper longer than the rest of them.  

This is how I put it together.  To the left I have a pin vice.  There are many types, but I prefer this one.  It came with drill bits that I put in a drawer somewhere.  Next to the pin vice is a needle.  This is how they come when you purchase them.  This is a 16 gauge.  It is easier to see, but they come in many gauges.  The larger the gauge to smaller the needle.  I do not trade needles - I have different pin vices for different gauges.  You can purchase these at any store that sells live stock items.  You can get 20 and 22 gauge from Walgreen's.  You have to ask the pharmacists  I remove the needle from the sheath.  To remove the needle from the base I use wire cutters.  (hint - put the lid over the tip as if you put a lot of pressure on the metal it can shoot across the room, real pain)  I then place it in the pin vice and tighten it up.  Ready for use.  This is not a gouge, but more of a knife.

We are getting ready to carve - Happy Carving!!!

Carving Tools

It has been a week since I wrote anything. I decided to spend my time with family.

There has been lots of conversations on Atlas Quest about carving. So I thought I would start with my tools. The best way to complete any project is to have the correct tool for the job.  I use gouges, knives, wire knife, needles (16 and 20 gauge).  Then there is the slip strop.  (highly recommended). With a good transferred image, the correct tools, proper magnification and light with a steady, smooth hand can produce high quality carvings.  Remember to take your time, if you are feeling overwhelmed carving take a break for a few minutes, hours, or even a day or two.  You do not have to use all of these tools, everyone has their own preference.  Happy Carving.

Here are my carving tools.  I use almost all of them on each carving.

This is a magnifying lens with a light.  A must have to see all the fine details.

We had a wonderful visit with my family.  Timothy is now 2. 

Timothy is truly a blessing to the entire family.  So much fun, so many toys, and books!

 I love this photo.  Timothy was opening gifts.  He was determined to get this gift opened -
 all by himself.  I was lucky to get this shot of his face of struggle.

Playing with PaPa

The choice to Love

Had a wonderful day today.  David was off today we had dinner with new friends and a wonderful lady from church dropped off coupons to my home.  Made out like a bandit today while shopping.  18 bottles of juice, 4 progressive soup, 2 Campbell healthy soups, 2 packages of strawberries, 1 Tyson Anytizers, 2 heat and serve rolls all for $24.16 - love coupons and love double coupon day.  YEAH!!!

Valentine's day approaches... 

When David and I got married we were young.  However, we both wanted a very healthy marriage.  At that time we made to decision that divorce would not be in the cards for us.  We have seen lots of turmoil in our lives.  There have been times when I wondered golly I think I have more than my share.  Through the rough times, the illnesses  the hurt, loss, and sufferings we continue to grow stronger together.  We have made the choice to love each other. A love that forgives, mends, holds, supports, and so much more.   Having complete confidence in your spouse, trusting and enjoying having him around is a great way to live.   

I am very grateful that my parents are a great example of a a healthy marriage.  I know that my dad loves my mom.  My mom adores my dad.  There were definitely tough times, but I grew up in a very secure home. 

So as Valentine's Day approaches I am reminded how much I love David.  

I continue to chose Love!!!

 . 

Love

As Valentine's Day approaches I'm focusing on my relationship with David.  We got married in 1996 and we are still going strong.  Everyday the love I have for David grows.  It gets better as time goes on.  I am perfectly matched with the best spouse for me.

Having a toddler in the house definitely bring life into it.  I was washing my face today, Timothy walks up and says OOOOOOOO. Then he took off running and yelling.  Makes you feel real good.

Well a few days ago we had a very interesting night.  Timothy was eating raisins for snack.  He kept pointing to his ear and saying hurt.  Thinking he could be developing an ear infection - I took a quick look into his ear.  No ear infection yet, but one was definitely coming.  There was a raisin in his ear.  I could see it easily.  All I needed to do was pull it out.  I grabbed my tweezers and then told him that I was going to take out the raisin.  He said OK.  Then every time I went to remove it he could cry, scream, and squirm.  After about a hour and a half the raisin was removed whole. It was not very far in at all, thank goodness . Poor guy, very upset.  Was pretty traumatic.

A Heart of Gratitude?

Growing up my dad worked hard, very hard.  I saw him get up early and come home late.  We ate out occasionally and our vacations were long weekends to the river. I have very few memories of being left behind.  Don't get me wrong, they would go out to dinner and friends homes, but we were not left home while they took a vacation,  they rarely took vacations.  We are a very happy family.  A normal night was coming home from school doing homework, what ever club/sport we participated in then having dinner together, cleaning up and playing a board game, puzzle, or cards.  This was the normal routine.  As a matter of fact it still is. (except David and I have taken vacations to places).  I love my family and I am glad that we laugh and cry together.

When I was about 13 years old, my parents bought me a stereo.  It was a nice one.  The only problem was I did not want it.  At the time I did not even think how selfish and unappreciative I was.  Hard work and sacrifice was given by my parents for this expensive gift.  They never said anything to me about being ungrateful.  They took it back and we bought something else.  I don't even remember what it was.  It was later that same year (after Christmas) that I say two family members have a huge argument about something.  It was apparent that someone was ungrateful. It hit me hard that it was me.  My mom does not even remember this and told me it was nothing.  I however, remember it clearly.  I was not nice, but I did learn how important it is to be grateful for what you receive no matter who it is from.

The list of what I am grateful for is long. I am grateful that my parents encouraged me to think and learn.  Even though I did not keep that stereo and replaced it with something else, I am truly grateful for it now.  The lesson learned from this experience has helped me appreciate even the smallest of things through out my life.

Even though I fail over and over I try to have a grateful heart.  I have learned to accept a gift and to accept it willingly.  I enjoy doing nice things for other people.  When I do something nice I don't expect anything in return.  Sometimes being a friend means being grateful.   Friends have helped us with so much it is amazing.  I am grateful for the life I have the all the experiences that go with it.  Far from perfect, but in the grace of God is where I stand.

Always loved and never forgotten

Timothy will be 2 years old next Sunday.  He is my miracle baby. (This is a very hard/exciting topic) 

In 2009, I found out I was pregnant.  A miracle in itself as doctor after doctor told me it was not possible. (we had miscarried a set of twins and a little girl at this point). David and I had come to terms with this.  We no longer dreamed, desired, or wished to have a family.  This was off the table for us.  We considered adoption.  Looked into local and over seas adoption, but put that aside. At the time we were working with many kids in what is known as a failed adoption.  In January 2010, I went for an ultra sound, everything was normal.  At this point we were told we were carrying twins again.  This was scary and exciting again. Then the other foot fell.  We were told that they were sharing a placenta. (Mono-amniotic twins). The placenta was being shared by both babies with one umbilical cord.  Doctor told us we had 35 % chance of carrying to term.  At this point I was 16 weeks.  The next week I did another sonogram. This time everyone got quiet, The tech and doctor came back with another doctor.  Not a good sign.  I was told that I needed to think about this.  I would most likely not carry both babies (some complication) and I might want to consider choosing one.  This flew in the face of everything I believe.  Choose one.  How?  David and I spoke.  We were not going to chose one.  This was in God's hand.  What happened happened.  Just over a week later I was rushed to the ER.  Tests, Sonogram, tears, etc.  We had definitely lost one of the babies, however there was a small chance that the other would survive so I had to do go through all the tests again.  My doctor was in Kansas City, MO.  He drove to the hospital where I was (3 1/2 hour drive).  Feb. 5, 2010 we said good bye to the idea of those babies being held in our arms.  Feb 9. 2010, my life changed. I began working with an entire team of doctors to figure out what was going on with me.   It was 14 years of marriage  lots of doctors, lots of issues, and now someone was really paying attention.  The entire thing was overwhelming.  That team of doctors has helped me in so many ways, I have a normal life, a little guy I love so much, a wonderful family.  My life is good - even though I am blessed with Timothy, he does not replace those lost.  I will always love the babies I that I never knew.  One day I will hold them in heaven.  They helped bring Timothy to us.  I am forever grateful that they are part of my life and my family.  Always loved and never forgotten.

The adventure continues and the experiences grow . . . 

I have been addressing using coupons to save a few dollars here and there.  This is my current purchase - minus 8 deodorants   Total cost: 47.14.  That is an average of 90 cents an item.  Pretty good.  20 boxes of cereal, 8 deodorant  1 cashew, 1 honey roast peanuts, 2 hefty zipper bags, 4 fruit roll ups, 1 mustard, 1 Jergens, 3 gold bond healing, 1 snuggle fabric softener, a few candy bars, and a few other items. So - it is possible.  I now have to move a shelf to my storage room.  I was hoping to wait a few days.  My parents are headed this way for a visit. Would have been nice for my dad to help while David is at work, but these items cannot live in the middle of the floor any longer.  By the way, 20 min. prep time before I left to grab them.

Timothy opened a box a lucky charms last night he had found,  He found them in another pile of items I saved big on too.  He kept saying rainbow, rainbow.  The next thing I know they were open and - all over the floor.  I went to grab the vacuum, when I returned he was laying in the middle of them eating the marshmallow   His response was YUM!!!.  I laughed.  So sweet.  He went straight to the tub (again!)  Disappointed that I did not get a picture so I thought you would enjoy this one.
 

 
That is a box from Stampeaz.  ( http://www.stampeaz.com/ ).  I have decided to try some OZ carving material.  Webfoot was so generous to supply entertainment for Timothy.  You are looking at packing peanuts, or what use to be packing peanuts.  Timothy would pick one up say "S" then oops.  he did this for about 45 min.  until all the "S" were in pieces.  Thank goodness there were not that many. =) When he was done he stood up pointed and said mess.  Good thing I have a vacuum cleaner.  

Park Fun!

David woke early and headed to work.  So my day started very early 4:30 (yikes~ early).  Today I found out that I really need another freezer.  I have a small one and the side by side part of the frig.  Both are very full and do not close very well.  As with every family we live on a budget, so I plan my shopping when really good buys appear.  Now I have no more room.



Great shopping buys today.  Why I coupon:  Purchased toaster strudel for $.30 each. Also purchase Lucky Charms for $.77 a box.  Free items of today: 8 speed sticks 1.00 off coupons (on sale for 10/10 or $1.00 each) 2 jet dry, and 4 Colgate.  Love a deal!!!

I soak clothes pins in about 1/2 inch fabric softener and water.  I let them sit all night and then pin them in the closet, keeps down the static.  Wonderful in winter, super cheap and you can use them to hold up tank tops =)

Great Time playing in the park.  Nice enough outside for some play time.

  (he started with gloves, but kept taking them off)

The Small things in life

I want to start out saying thank you for all the well wishes.  Everyday is different and today is a good day.  I have experienced hardship like everyone else on earth.  This experience has taught me that every person has emergencies, trauma, hurt, etc.  You cannot compare one person's issue to another.  We are all the sum of our experiences.   I am filled with the joy of the Lord.  What I am going through is very real to me, however, what you or someone else struggles with is very real to them.  There is no comparison.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Very grateful this morning for a friend I met at church.  She delivered a pile of coupons to me.   What a blast.  These are paper inserts - awesome. Since moving to this new town I have couponed some, but not to the level I am know for.  This is for no other reason than moving, settling in, finding out where everything is, etc.  BEST PART - the three surrounding towns and this one doubles coupons on Tuesday (EVERY WEEK) - yeah!!!!!  What does this mean - savings to be had!!!!!  Happy, Happy, Happy.

Huge savings on cereal this weekend.  Head to Dollar General. Before you go - get on line (their web page) print $5.00 off $25.00.  then print the 3 for 1.00 off Kellogg's, $.50 off 1 General Mills.  print 2 of each of those coupons.  Hopefully you have the coupons for 1.00 off cereal in the paper.

Go Saturday.  If you combine all your coupons, with the sales.  You will get 15 boxes of  cereal for about a $1.33 each.  More than I like to play, but anything under $1.50 is worth purchasing.

Lunch today:  Blackened Chicken with Romano cheese, corn bread, peas and corn, with peanut butter cookies.   Timothy will eat everything except the chicken so he had pizza.

Here he has pizza sauce on his face.  He is giving me his hands to wipe them off.  He does not like them dirty at all.  Notice the face.  He is not all that interested in his face being clean. Fun times!!!

LTC Challenge - here is a piece of the background.   It, hopefully, will look like a star rich background when I am done.
It has to sit for 24 hours for the clear coat to dry.

Nap Time

So Timothy likes this picture.  He has a printed copy of it and holds it often. The poor picture is almost worn out. This is Timothy and his ya ya (my mom) at the beach.  The little guy loves the water is a but unsure of the waves and gulls.

The Big, Heavy, Ugly - FREE - desk has been moved.  It will get a paint job soon.  This is where all my work will hopefully get done.  My Work room is coming together.  Notice how big a gap there is for the chair.  Over-sized desk - love it. 

Side note:

 Timothy loves ducks (in the tub).  We had a funeral for one last night (trash can).  There was a slit in it so it would sink.  When he would lift it out of the tub water would go everywhere. It had to go.  Really sad for a little guy to lose a favorite toy.  This is the second such funeral we have had for a toy.  He threw a fish in the kitchen sink (toy) and it got chopped by the garbage disposal because I did not know he had tossed it into the water as he was trying to tell me when I asked him why the fish was in the sink.  He would say water, water, water. 

Breathe

Life moves on. . . . .

So David has the day off - Which is always great.  Spending time together is so refreshing.   Today is a good day to letterbox, however, I have to get organized.  The goal today is to move a desk. A HUGE, HEAVY desk from one room to my work room.  (yes, I do share it with the little boy with fast hands and my ever thoughtful husband, but it is my room).  We have been putting this off for a few days as it is no small task.

One of the wonderful things about have a family day is eating together.  I enjoy cooking for David and he is very grateful for it.   Lunch is our big meal of the day and today we had homemade Mac 'n' Cheese, peas, lean beef steak, and Apple turn overs w/ homemade whipping cream - YUM!!!

I only had enough apples for 3 so that is what we made.  Timothy helped me move them to the plate so one if not completely in one piece, but still very taste.

My dad would love this warm apple turn over with
 homemade whipping cream.
 (he would probably request ice cream)

 

Timothy and I enjoyed playing in the church Gym.  We had a blast following the colored lines on the floor.  He is able to identify which color he is on. We laughed so hard.  He is fast.  It amazes me that he will be 2 soon.

The LTC challenge - I have some of the cutting and inking completed. 

 Hopefully in the next day or 2 I will be able to present a new card.

                   I will come back to couponing.  I have some questions the I need to answer.  

                                         As soon as that is completed we will pick up.

Thank you for all the encouragement, prayers, and thoughts.

An entire new meaning of normal

A normal day is not in the cards.


I have PTSD. What does that mean. Every person is different, for me it means that I absorb the world around me slowly. I tend to be more private than ever before. The majority of people I know do not have a good understanding of this.  News Flash:  neither do I.  I just know that things have changed. Telling others that you have PTSD brings about an entire line of questions.  How can you have it, you need to have more faith, think happy thoughts, time to move on, you seem normal, are you going to shoot someone, and the list goes on.

I am working through the issues that go along with it. What exactly does this mean?  Not much most of the time, but living through trauma over and over is hard on the heart, body, and soul.   I am grateful for so much. Even though life is complicated at times. I lose time (although, not as much as I once did) and forget (block) things from my memory. Often times my emotions just happen.  It can be brought on by so many different things.  Everyday is an adventure.  There are so many emotions that I experience daily it is really hard to describe them.

     Right now I am having trouble sleeping.  I go to sleep without any problems, however, I wake up in the middle of the night reliving the trauma.  So today is a rough for me.  Everyday is different.  This does not define who I am or what I am.  It simply explains some of the gaps in my thoughts.  I have a wonderful support system.  A warm, loving, kind husband, parents who are amazing, a brother who listens through issues and only advises after thinking it through, and friends - well I cannot even express how wonderful you all have been.  Thank You.  I find comfort in the arms of my Savior and in his fortress I remain.

I am finishing up my night, after having a very hard day.  It is no one's fault, it just is.  I was listening to the radio and sure enough someone with PTSD has done something bad.  The conversation went on to we have to protect society from people with PTSD.  I am bothered that there is such a judgement with this issue.  I am not harm to anyone.  If anything I am vulnerable and could be considered an "easy target".

I do not know what this person has gone through, but I know that it is vital for someone in my position to have support around them.  I cannot imagine walking this road alone.  This is more common that people realize.  There are so many judgments made about this issue that people do not share.  I am getting ready to put this day away.  I cannot wait to go to bed this day needs to end.


Everything else has to wait.

Sweet Dreams
Shawna


PS - This is not an easy topic for me.  If you write, I may respond, but it might take some time. \

Yes, I am work on this with professionals.

LTC challenge begins

Here are a few more LTCs that I have come across cleaning up my work room

 

The Challenge: 
Create something out of "discarded items

As I was going through some of my craft work I came across a box of stamps I carved.  I have been given a challenge to create an LTC from my "odds and ends."  This comes from me suggesting that these items are not really useful.  So here is the stamp she pulled.  I have a tub of misc. stuff.  I plan to make a dozen of these babies.  However, I need to figure out who this is.  I know it is Star Trek.  New game.  I'll keep you up to date.

Work  Room:

Here is the progress on the organizing.  I sorted paper by color and started to fill these tubs with like items. 

 

 

 

Couponing Day 3

 

You have decided to coupon,  you have coupons, are organized by your primary store, have a copy and have read the coupon policy - Good Job!

 

The trick is to know your budget.  In the first 2-3 months decide how much you can spend for your coupon shopping.  Remember in a few months you will have "stock" so you can decrease the shopping.  This is where you save big $$$$$.

 

Lets say you have $20.00 to add for couponing each week.  You will spend this money on items that are on sale that you have a coupon for. 

 

Watch the sales. If you have a coupon for 75 cents off Ragu.  The store has Ragu on sale fpr 2 for 3.00.  You use 2 coupons getting 1.50 off the 3.00.  So the Ragu is 75 cents each. 

 

Remember that Dollar Tree and Dollar General also take coupons.  If you have $1.00 off Pine Sol and Dollar Tree has Pine Sol.  Yep it is free.  (except tax) you still have to pay the tax.  When you find a deal like this.  Use all the coupons you have.  This is how your stock pile begins. 

 

Football

Today is Super Bowl Sunday

For the first time in over a dozen years I am not throwing a party.  Timothy and I will be going to a party, but not hosting.  Looking forward to cooking up some yummy goodness for the party. 

Taking 3 dishes.  Spinach dip with sweet bread, chipotle tacos, and hot chicken spread with crackers. 


Spinach dip

1 package frozen spinach (thawed)
1 sour cream (med size)
2 granny smith apples diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 package of hidden Valley ranch powder
tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 finely diced red bell pepper
mix in bowl and serve chilled


Chipotle tacos

5 lbs of ground beef ( I use lean)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 onions diced
8 dried chipotle chilies
2 Anaheim chilies diced  (remove seeds)

brown the meat (drain), add salt, pepper, onions, and Anaheim chilies. simmer for 20 min.
boil the chipotle chilies in 2 cups of water.  Sift out chilies.  Keep the juice.  Pour it over meat and continue to simmer for 15 min. I serve it with tortillas and cheese


Hot Chicken Spread

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package cream cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
12 oz of Hot sauce (your choice)

boil 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - drain off water
Place cream cheese in food processor and chop it until smooth, add cheddar cheese, add hot sauce.  When mixed up very well add the chicken breast one at a time. Add salt and pepper to taste.  heat until bubbles on edges.

The Super Bowl is right in the middle of organization for my work room.  This room holds my crafts, jewelry making items, letterboxing stuff, sewing, basket making, and David's Bible study items. This one space has many uses and must be organized. Right now it is a hot mess.  So the creative juices will be working in overtime this next week.

Couponing Day 2

So now you have thought about saving a few dollars or not.  Where do you go from here.  Well you need to decide how much time are you going to give for couponing.  For the past 10 years I gave myself a few hours a week at home and limited my shopping trips to one hour shopping then get in line.  Now that I have more time I am giving myself 5 hours a week to cut and organize my coupons, two hours shopping.  Remember you still have to put all your buys away. 

Remember it takes awhile a few months to get stocked up.  So don't get discouraged!!!

I use a binder and baseball card sheets to organize my book.  However you do it is up to you.  My best advice is to organize by isles of your primary store.  If you shop at target, organize you book how you go through the store.  Same goes with Baker's, Hy-Vee, etc.

All the baking and coffee might be on the same isle then in your "organizing" you can put the Bisquick next to the Folgers.  will help when shopping so you don't have to go back and flip through your coupons.

Ask the store "help" desk for their coupon policy.  It might be on line.  Read it and keep it handy.

Good food and money saved





A wonderful day

There is something to be said about good friends. 

What a JOY!!!!

Spending time with friends who have the same values, beliefs, and love for others as you do is rewarding all in its own, but to create wonderful, tasty, and completely homemade Tamales - Bonus!

 

 

cooked peppers



assembly line of stuffing



rolled and ready for steaming

COUPONS

 

I have been (big) couponing for almost 10 years.  Recently I have been asked again on how to get started. So I will give a brief how to get yourself going for the next week.

I look at every dollar saved as less work for David, who is the primary provider in the home.  If there is a way to save I'll look it over.  I try to never, ever pay full price for anything.   (OK- emergencies do come up, but those are special occasions). 

So back to couponing:  Even if you don't carry a binder of coupons and are just trying to save a dollar here and there - there is money to be saved. 

Coupons can be found online, papers, magazines, pullies (on items being sold), and offered at stores (there are more, but this is where most people get their coupons).  Look at the coupons available to you. If you never look you wont use them and them won't save anything.  If you use something that you have a coupon for keep that coupon.  Look at the other items, have you tried them?  If you are willing to try new items cut those coupons and keep those too.

Items I rarely pay for or pay very little for:
deoderant
toothpaste
toothbrushes
shampoo
conditioners

A Big Day Ahead

  

Today we are making Tamales!!!!  YUM!!!!

Excitement is mounting as we are preparing to get together with a good friend of mine to make yummy yummy homemade Tamales!  Pictures tomorrow.

 

 

- - - - - -

 

Timothy has suffered from night terrors regularly for about 6 months.  Over the past month they have gotten better.   Last night he was up from 1:30- 5:30 in the morning. That means I was up with him.  We rocked, read, counted, and then started again.  My husband left for work at 5:30 this morning so we were awake when he was up getting ready to leave.  Probably very good for Timothy.  As soon as David left Timothy crashed.  He was out - Slept well. Having no where to be this morning I thought I would sleep until he woke me up.  I woke up to hear Vrrrroooomm.  Vroom then giggles.  There he was playing with his cars in my bed.  Notice them lined up.

(so glad my phone was on the headboard or I would have missed this moment)

 

 

 

 More LTCs

 

Bothers me that the accents of these cards do not show up very well.  They look plain.

  However, here are a few more LTCs 

 

Bridge

 

I have some of theses to trade

Shells

 

 

Cat in the Hat

- - - - - -

 

Proverbs 1:8-19
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
⁹ They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

¹⁰ My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
¹¹ If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul; ¹² let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;  ¹³ we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder; ¹⁴ cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”—
¹⁵ my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; ¹⁶ for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood. ¹⁷ How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it!
¹⁸ These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves!
¹⁹ Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.