I first got the idea from my friend Sarah Deveau’s book Money Smart Mom! It took a bit for the idea to grow on me, as I used to make fun of my Mom for being a “Coupon Queen” when I was growing up! I vividly recall my Mom giving me a coupon for admission when going on a date in high school, in front of the guy.

Now I’ve got over myself and become a domestic goddess in training! In November, before I did a big cook (froze a bunch of meals), I went to a different store than usual just to buy 2 boxes of chicken breasts on sale.

Often when I go to the store I have a copy of my most updated grocery list with me. You can find me jotting down notes – new items, revisions, etc, in the margins. Then when I get a chance, I’ll update my spreadsheet, print off my newly updated document and put it in my purse for my next grocery shopping date!

I don’t prefer to shop for groceries at Wal Mart, but if I can spend part of my grocery budget there and have more to spend on other budgets, I will!

Want to make your own? DOWNLOAD my Excel spreadsheet, so you have something to start from OR create your own (Type A personalities)!!

*Please note the prices found in the image are based on my own observation! As the creator of my Grocery Price Comparison document, I assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor do they represent or warrant that the information contained herein is in all cases true, accurate, appropriate, or legal.

—————————————————————-

About a year ago, I decided that becoming budget savvy needed to become my middle name.

Why do I go out of my way to save on groceries? So I can justify having a house cleaner, pedicures, and nice clothes! As an example, say a house cleaner costs $60 every 2 weeks ($20/hr for 3 hrs) to clean bathrooms, floors, and dust. If I can save $30 on groceries and chose to eat at home more instead of dining out, saving another $30 – then I’ve paid for a house cleaner!! To me, having a house cleaner is living an amazing life. I justify delegating the house chores I don’t prefer, by extra time doing income producing activities.

The best part of life is that you get a choice, of how to spend your time and money. You can save in places, to spend in others. Everyone’s motivation is unique to them.

What do you do, to save money?

Stay Amazing,

I get the biggest rush going through sale flyers for grocery stores. I created a spreadsheet with the items my family buys regularly. Then when I see a “sale” in a store or flyer, I know whether it’s a good deal or not.

I first got the idea from my friend Sarah Deveau’s book Money Smart Mom! It took a bit for the idea to grow on me, as I used to make fun of my Mom for being a “Coupon Queen” when I was growing up! I vividly recall my Mom giving me a coupon for admission when going on a date in high school, in front of the guy.

Now I’ve got over myself and become a domestic goddess in training! In November, before I did a big cook (froze a bunch of meals), I went to a different store than usual just to buy 2 boxes of chicken breasts on sale.

Often when I go to the store I have a copy of my most updated grocery list with me. You can find me jotting down notes – new items, revisions, etc, in the margins. Then when I get a chance, I’ll update my spreadsheet, print off my newly updated document and put it in my purse for my next grocery shopping date!

I don’t prefer to shop for groceries at Wal Mart, but if I can spend part of my grocery budget there and have more to spend on other budgets, I will!

Want to make your own? DOWNLOAD my Excel spreadsheet, so you have something to start from OR create your own (Type A personalities)!!

*Please note the prices found in the image are based on my own observation! As the creator of my Grocery Price Comparison document, I assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor do they represent or warrant that the information contained herein is in all cases true, accurate, appropriate, or legal.

—————————————————————-

About a year ago, I decided that becoming budget savvy needed to become my middle name.

Why do I go out of my way to save on groceries? So I can justify having a house cleaner, pedicures, and nice clothes! As an example, say a house cleaner costs $60 every 2 weeks ($20/hr for 3 hrs) to clean bathrooms, floors, and dust. If I can save $30 on groceries and chose to eat at home more instead of dining out, saving another $30 – then I’ve paid for a house cleaner!! To me, having a house cleaner is living an amazing life. I justify delegating the house chores I don’t prefer, by extra time doing income producing activities.

The best part of life is that you get a choice, of how to spend your time and money. You can save in places, to spend in others. Everyone’s motivation is unique to them.

What do you do, to save money?

Stay Amazing,

Chef Beazley and I took turns in the kitchen creating our Progressive Thanksgiving dinner. Here are pictures from our feast!

Course #1: Butternut Squash Tomato soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons!!! Oh and every celebration deserves champagne.

Course #2: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Braxton loves solid food!

Course #3: Chicken Fried Steak with white gravy, Green Bean Casserole and loaded Mashed Potatoes.

Course #4: More Pumpkin Cheesecake…

What delicious dishes did you enjoy for Thanksgiving?

It’s fabulous that I’m back to my 30 Day Challenge this week, as I really splurged on Monday!!

Stay Amazing,

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite annual holidays to spend time with family and friends. I have many fond memories of spending it at my Grandma’s. This year my family of 3 decided to spend the day at home by ourselves.

Chef Beazley and I took turns in the kitchen creating our Progressive Thanksgiving dinner. Here are pictures from our feast!

Course #1: Butternut Squash Tomato soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons!!! Oh and every celebration deserves champagne.

Course #2: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Braxton loves solid food!

Course #3: Chicken Fried Steak with white gravy, Green Bean Casserole and loaded Mashed Potatoes.

Course #4: More Pumpkin Cheesecake…

What delicious dishes did you enjoy for Thanksgiving?

It’s fabulous that I’m back to my 30 Day Challenge this week, as I really splurged on Monday!!

Stay Amazing,

Raspberry Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

I debuted my finished product to John yesterday morning and he loved it.

Then he commented, “oh you didn’t put any lemon peel on top”

“No, I didn’t!” rolling my eyes

As John walked out the door he commented, “do you think any other couples debate over whether a cake should have a zest of lemon on the topping?”

We both laughed!

So seriously, I’m curious to know if you and your partner have discussions like ours? Maybe we’re just strange!

I would LOVE your opinion – if you agree with John and his lemon garnish, we’re friends off – just joking!!

(polls)
I’m off to enjoy a slice…

I have officially decorated my first cake! I was looking for inspiration the other day in my post Cake Goddess in Training.

Raspberry Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

I debuted my finished product to John yesterday morning and he loved it.

Then he commented, “oh you didn’t put any lemon peel on top”

“No, I didn’t!” rolling my eyes

As John walked out the door he commented, “do you think any other couples debate over whether a cake should have a zest of lemon on the topping?”

We both laughed!

So seriously, I’m curious to know if you and your partner have discussions like ours? Maybe we’re just strange!

I would LOVE your opinion – if you agree with John and his lemon garnish, we’re friends off – just joking!!

(polls)
I’m off to enjoy a slice…

John’s Birthday is in a week and I was secretly planning to make him a cake for this special day. Well – he beat me to the punch! Chef Beazley got creative in the kitchen this week and made a sponge cake with lemon rinds!

He cut the cake in 2 pieces and then left to work for a couple days. Before he departed, he informed me that he “left the cook book open to the page with the lemon cream cheese icing”.

So here I am – looking for the domestic goddess angels to surprise me with their presence! I’m going to rock this cake – I keep telling myself.

I picked up a package of fresh raspberries to use between the 2 cake layers and garnish. If I’m going to do this – I’m going to do it amazing. Always striving to Surprise & Delight! Wish me luck…

Enjoy the summer heat,

One of our favorite TV shows lately has been Chef Ramsey’s MasterChef. Last week the competitors had to make a 6 layer sponge cake!

John’s Birthday is in a week and I was secretly planning to make him a cake for this special day. Well – he beat me to the punch! Chef Beazley got creative in the kitchen this week and made a sponge cake with lemon rinds!

He cut the cake in 2 pieces and then left to work for a couple days. Before he departed, he informed me that he “left the cook book open to the page with the lemon cream cheese icing”.

So here I am – looking for the domestic goddess angels to surprise me with their presence! I’m going to rock this cake – I keep telling myself.

I picked up a package of fresh raspberries to use between the 2 cake layers and garnish. If I’m going to do this – I’m going to do it amazing. Always striving to Surprise & Delight! Wish me luck…

Enjoy the summer heat,

Inspiration has come from the colors turquoise & lime green. John saw what I was creating and asked what the “theme” was. I was a bit puzzled and stumbling over my words came up with western, Texas and agriculture inspired!

My real motivation came from my awesome friend Jill. She showed me pictures of her baby’s nursery when she came to visit Braxton & I!

Check out pictures of Baby H’s room, it was featured on our friend Crystal.Cattle’s blog as part of her famous Turquoise Thursday series.

I look forward to giving you a video tour of Braxton’s room when it’s done!

Hope you’re having an amazing day.

Live Inspired,

I’ve been working on Braxton’s room…

Inspiration has come from the colors turquoise & lime green. John saw what I was creating and asked what the “theme” was. I was a bit puzzled and stumbling over my words came up with western, Texas and agriculture inspired!

My real motivation came from my awesome friend Jill. She showed me pictures of her baby’s nursery when she came to visit Braxton & I!

Check out pictures of Baby H’s room, it was featured on our friend Crystal.Cattle’s blog as part of her famous Turquoise Thursday series.

I look forward to giving you a video tour of Braxton’s room when it’s done!

Hope you’re having an amazing day.

Live Inspired,