Vote on the Latest Baby Girl Names

Since we found out that Baby McFarland is indeed a GIRL, my HHBL and I have been talking about baby names quite a bit.  In fact, some of the names in the running have changed. 

Ruth- This is the name of one of my grandmothers.  It has been in the running since the beginning.  We would call her by Ruthie while she is younger and then she could grow into her name.  I like the thought of an older name as to something more modern. 

Kathryn- This is the name of my grandmother who passed away a few weeks ago.  I am actually named for her.  My name is Barbara Kathryn, hers was Kathryn Barbara.  We were extremely close, and I spent a great deal of time with her growing up.  I thought it would be a nice tribute since she recently just passed.  We would most likely call her by Kate.

Taylor- This is on the top of my HHBL's list of names.  At the ultrasound, the technician said our daughter has long legs so he thinks this name would fit her for that reason!?! 

Morgan- This is also from my HHBL's list.  It has been in the running since the beginning as well.

Melissa Gayle- Just this week, my HHBL's papaw called and suggested this name to us.  Gayle is papaw's first name, so this was his choice.  My HHBL started to like this name as well.

Please take the time to vote again.  It is a totally new poll since there have been additions and subtractions from our first list.

The Calm After the Storm

Tonight, we got a pretty hefty storm here at the farm.  There was heavy rain, high winds, and lightning.  However, there was a beautiful reward waiting for us afterwards.  It must be God's message to us.  It can be interpreted in a thousand different ways.  I think he is reminding us that if we can wait out the hard times, it is worth it in the end. 

My HHBL and I both agree that is rainbow was the most pronounced and complete rainbow that either one of us as ever seen.  It was so big that I couldn't capture it in one frame on my camera. 

Even though these pictures don't do it justice, I hope you enjoy them!

That Dirty Rotten Varmint

While we were away on vacay at the most magical place on Earth, my white-trash hillbilly neighbor was kind enough to water my garden.  This may sound easy enough, but it really is a pain in the rear.  Unfortunately, the closest place to hook up a hose is in my laundry room.  This requires great talent and skill.  The hose really isn't long enough, so it takes precision and accuracy not to knock the utility sink over during the process.  I think she finally got the hang of it by the end of the week.  I really owe her one...maybe I can find some moonshine to pay her with. 

I was very excited to return home to see how much my veggies grew while I was away.  As soon as we pulled into the drive after a grueling 17 hour drive, I ran over to the garden.  At first, all looked swell.  But then, much to my dismay, it went downhill.

Here was what I saw first...

But then...

It appears that some type of four-legged varmint ate all my green beans, cucumber, and zucchini plants.  At closer look, it also nibbled on my cabbage and broccoli plants.

These are the remains of a cabbage plant that once looked like this..

The pesky varmint even nibbled at my broccoli.  But, I think it might still pull through.

Last night, I went ahead and replanted my green beans.  I will have to get some more cucumber and zucchini seeds this weekend.  Until then, I will just have to look at the verdant part of my garden. 

My tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and onions are looking great.  I can't wait to start making some delicious summer treats.

Even Zuma has taken it upon herself to catch that dirty rotten varmint.

Yummy In My Tummy: Tuscan-Style White Bean Soup

A good friend of mine passed on this easy and delicious soup recipe a while back.  I know that this isn't the typical season for soup but it still tastes yummy on a cool summer day.  I was even inspired by Cris's freeze-o-ramas over at Goodeness Gracious, so I decided to double the recipe so there would be enough to freeze for a second helping.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 cloves chopped garlic; cook 1 to 2 minutes until onion is tender.  (I didn't have any onions so I substituted onion flakes.)  Stir in 1/4 cup flour.

Gradually stir in 1 can each of evaporated milk and chicken broth.

Cook, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.  Add 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage that has been cooked and drained and 1 can cannellini beans, aka Great Northern Beans.  (I added more sausage and 2 cans of beans since I doubled the recipe.  I also only had 1 can of cannellini beans so I used a can of pinto beans as well.)

Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Hope this becomes one of YOUR family's go-to recipes on a busy night! 

Bon Appetite!

Let the Spoiling Begin

Yes, I know...it has been 2 weeks since I last blogged. Time just got away from me. First, there was vacation prep and all that goes into that coupled with my HHBL being under the weather. Then there was an entire week spent in Florida with my fam! I wasn't as productive as Gal over at Gal in the Middle.  She kept everyone updated on the status of our vacay!  I was just enjoying the time off. 

I love vacations...relaxation, food, swimming, ultrasound! Yep, that's right, I had ultrasound #2 in Orlando. Gal also happens to be very organized and helpful in many different ways.  After my last ultrasound breakdown, she found a pregnancy boutique in Orlando that does ultrasounds for a small fee.  I scheduled an appointment for our last day of vacay.  This appointment, the baby was turned in the opposite position, perfect for determining the sex. 

Drum roll please.........and the survey says....it's a GIRL! Mommy and Daddy sure were happy to find out that we have a little princess growing in my belly.  I love my FOUR nephews; they sure are rambunctious and a lot of fun!  However, it will be a nice change of pace for my family to have a little girl to spoil.  Papaw is already drawing up plans to build doll houses and cradles for her baby dolls.  Let the spoiling begin.

Exhibit A

The baby's aunties decided that she needed this adorable outfit from Disney!  They also suggested the name Minnie for the baby...yeah right!

Exhibit B

Aunt B is a die-hard Purdue fan.  She wants to be sure that the baby is going to be one too!

Exhibit C

Daddy thinks that the baby already has too many pink clothes.  He picked this outfit out so she would have a little variety!

Exhibit D

And this one of course was picked out by Mommy! 

Frugalista Shopping, Week of May 23

Today, I made my typical stops at CVS and Walgreens.  I was spoiled the last two weekends since I got to do my shopping with my big sis Gal.  This week, however, my HHBL was along for the ride.  In many ways, my HHBL is worse than taking a child shopping.  I always feel rushed when he is with me, and his questions were starting to get on my nerves.  "Do we REALLY need another thing of toothpaste?"  "I'm thirsty, I need a Coke." "If we hurry, we can be home by 3:15."  Anyways, I made it through it and came out with a few good deals.

Here is the breakdown:

CVS

Total Spent: $1.19

Total Saved: $10.98

Total Care Bucks Earned: $8.00

***Note: Not pictured is the $1.59 Coke that I also had to purchase for my HHBL.

Best Buys:

Old Spice Body Wash: On sale for $4.00 + coupon for Buy 1, Get 1 Free= $2.00 each plus earned $8.00 ECB= Better than FREE

Walgreens

Total Spent: $3.88

Total Saved: $17.30

Total RR Earned: $13.00

Best Buys:

Reynolds Wrap: On sale for $.89 with coupon from ad minus $1.00 coupon= Better than FREE

Carefree liners: On sale for $.99 with coupon from ad minus $1.00 coupon= FREE

Colgate toothpaste: On sale for $2.99 minus $1.00 coupon= $1.99 + earned $2.00 RR= FREE

Goody Hair Clip: On sale for $2.99 + earn $3.00 RR= FREE

Complete Contact Solution: $7.99 + earn $8.00 RR= FREE

Tips on How to Maximize Savings at Meijers

Typically, I am able to save the most money by grocery shopping at Meijer.  Now don't get me wrong, if you take time to scour the ads and clip coupons, you will be able to save a great deal no matter where you shop.  Today, however, I am going to highlight the best ways to save at Meijer. These general ideas can be used at other stores as well. 

Here is a picture of my loot from today's trip to Meijer.

Total Spent: $36.34

Total Manufacturers Coupons: $26.73

Total Meijer Coupons: $5.00

Total In-Store Savings: $28.11

Grand Total Saved: $59.84

It is hard to tell from this picture, but my loot includes 3 bags dog food (1 large, 2 small), 4 quarts ice cream, 5 gallons apple juice (for my adorable nephew), 4 boxes pasta salad, 3 frozen meals, 1 bag Pampers, dog bones, butter, salad dressing, Ginger Ale (been craving this), 2 packages hot dogs, 4 packages bologna (for the freezer), 2 Tic Tacs, and some barbecue sauce.  That is a lot of groceries for only $36.00.

Now, I bet you are wondering how I worked my magic! 

1. Manufacturers coupons:  I used a coupon on every item that I purchased except for the Ginger Ale.  At Meijer, they will double any coupon $.50 or lower.  This is great info to know.  Make sure you check out the coupon guidelines at the grocery store of your choice.

2. In-store coupons: Meijer has a great website called Meijer Mealbox that has in-store coupons.  These coupons can be combined with manufacturers coupons for a double whammy of savings.  Many times, they will post coupons for items that are on sale that week. 

3. Sale Items: Check the weekly ads for items that are on sale and stock up!  Most items have a long shelf life or can be frozen for several months.  On Saturdays at Meijer, they usually have even better one day deals. 

4. Catalinas: These are the coupons that print out with your receipt at each transaction.  Most store have advertised catalinas such as Buy 2 Kraft Pasta Salads, Get a coupon for $1 off your next visit.  These can be money makers if combined with coupons. 

Hope this inspires your inner Frugalista!