One year

Tomorrow will mark one year of me being unemployed.  Now it wasn't a great job, but it was income.  I am still relatively unemployed- meaning I have done a few cash jobs on the side, but nothing permanent or with benefits.  Most people at this point would have a lot of negative things to say about their life.

And there are quite a few in my life I could dwell on- loss of income, having to move in with in laws, having to rely on said in laws for food and shelter, having to ask for help, multiple times, from both sets of parents (something we both said we didn't want to do when we got married), 3 month sickness on my part, Chad having to repeat a class (which put him a semester behind in graduating), massive amounts of debts- both from debt from before we were married, to stuff we have acquired since then (the since then is mostly the 2,000 dollar ER debt I acquired during my 3 month sickness),

But instead I am choosing to PRAISE GOD today.  Why?  Because as I look back on the last year, I don't see the negatives (those I have to actually think about), I see the positives.  What positives could an unemployed broke married woman have?  Well read on.

First and definitely one of the top ones is that my relationship with my husband has improved to an exponential degree that you can't even imagine.  I am not saying we had a horrible relationship before, but it was rough.  If you know us, you know that we are completely opposite, in everything.  I mean think North Pole- South Pole.  He wants to go out; I like to stay home.  He would spend like crazy (if we had any income) while I would save every penny.  He likes to watch TV and play on the computer; I would rather read.  He is non confrontational; I would gladly get in your face. His love for people pours out in conversation; I have to really work to not sound sarcastic and uncaring.  He moves slow and steady; I am full speed ahead.  He is content to do nothing; I can't stop moving.  He would love to sit and cuddle with me while watching a sappy movie; I want a shoot em up sci fi thriller.  He is a team player; I am a one (wo)man band.  I could go on, and on, and on.

Every time I think about how opposite we are I think back to our premarital counseling days.  At one of the meetings where all the couples came together they did this activity.  On the floor was a long piece of masking tape, stretching the room, one side was completely agree and the other completely disagree or something along those lines.  They asked us some questions and then had us stand on the tape where we fit.... the entire time.... Chad and I... were at opposite ends of the room.  Every single time.  Not once where we near each other.  That should of been our wake up call that if we wanted this marriage to work, it would take some work.  But I guess in the excitement of planning the wedding, and starting a home that clue fell by the wayside.

Again, I am not saying we had a bad marriage.  I never once felt like he didn't love me (but with my explosive emotional personality he might of).  But our first year was rough.  I for one on more than one occasion seriously wondered if it would work.  And getting fired in the middle of that first year, sure didn't make things better.  But, I am happy to say, year two has been so much better.  And I credit it to me losing my job. Why?  We became flat broke.  When you have nothing but love, you hold onto that love like a drowning cat digging his claws into anything around him.  At some point, and I can't pinpoint that point for me, let alone for Chad, but we both decided that if we wanted it to work, we were both going to have to make some changes to our attitudes and the way we communicate.  If you are having issues in your marriage all I can say is find a way to communicate with each other, that's 9/10ths of the battle- finding a way to talk to each other that fits the other person's style.  Our relationships isn't perfect, I don't think any relationship ever is, but I no longer wonder if it will work, I know it will, because I know we both want it to.  Besides learning to communicate, we have started doing devotions together (most nights, when he doesn't work till 2 hours after bedtime).  That has helped.  But I am not sure our relationship would have gotten better if we hadn't hit rock bottom in every other area of our life.

Second, we are finally getting more involved with our church.  We started attending a different church a few months before we were married, but we don't always go.  In fact more often than not we don't go.  Whether it was because he worked, or I was just too tired (insomnia sucks).  We just didn't go.  But my recent open schedule (due to the loss of a side job and school being out), I did something I didn't think I would- I am taking a church class by myself, without Chad.  That's a big thing for me, since I would rather stay at home than go out places; to do something that requires me to drive and go out by myself, without Chad or anyone else with me, that was a big push for me.  As soon as my class is done I plan to start volunteering in a ministry at church.  I wish Chad could to, but just attending services are hard enough for him since he has school 4 days a week and work 2+.  The class has also gotten me to start reading my bible and other religious books again.

Third, I learned that God really does provide.  In so many ways, even when we don't realize it.  Like the substantial check that arrived from Chad's inheritance at the exact moment the little money we had saved up from when I was working got used up.  Or tuition reimbursements that were available just when we needed them.  Or the fact that for the first time our budget ended in the black instead of red during the first month that we actually tithed (and tithed at the beginning of the month instead of waiting to give what was left at the end of the month-because there never really is anything left).  Or the fact that a side job appeared for me just when my other one was ending.  Or even the job God provided for my mother in law mere days before we came to them to ask if we could move in, he knew they would need extra income to help provide food for us.  Or the wonderful student loan officers He created and had pick up my call, who have spent hours on the phone finding me ways to lower or defer most of my student loans. I know He has done so much more for us, more than I could list or even think about.

Fourth, I have learned more about money management in the last year, then the rest of my life before that.  We have been following Dave Ramsey's Total Money makeover plan.  Even with only one income (and a small one at that because of school schedules) we have managed to complete baby step 1 (small emergency fund) and are 2 months into our debt snowball.  We have managed to pay all our bills on time, have begun to tithe, and have even managed to squeeze and extra $75 a month to help put towards our debt snowball.  We both have medical insurance (mine through an outside agency) , car insurance and cell phones.  We are still able to eat out occasionally and go out for dates.  We are both still able to attend school and have money for everything we need.  Our cats still have food to eat (expensive food at that since Prince has health issues) and a litter box to use.  How?  Because I budget and I track every penny that comes in and every penny that goes out.  I also don't give Chad cash(he can't help but spend it lol).  We watch for sales, we use things till they break, we don't have the newest gadgets (come July we won't even have smart phones anymore).  We decide what's important and what we can do without and we make it happen.  I can tell you last month we had 250 dollars more income than I expected (I have no idea how, but I PRAISE GOD for it).  I can also tell you we spent less in every variable category last month than the month before.  I know every minute of every day how much is in each of our accounts.  Why so particular?  Because when it comes time to move out, I want to be able to tell Chad that we can spend x amount on rent and y amount on utilities and z amount on groceries without overpspending.  Which means before that can happen we need K amount of more income! Lol.

Yes, getting everything set up budget wise took a lot of work, but after 4 months I have it down to a science and as long as I don't miss a week, it only takes me an hour or two, to update the budget and the expense tracker, pay bills, and file receipts.  And besides checking the bank account every day, I do almost all my money related tasks on Sunday, one day a week.  Unless I need to call about something and then I do a bit on Monday too.  I originally set it up to do it just one day a week so that I only had to get depressed about it one day a week, but lately it's not so depressing.  I haven't seen red numbers in our bank account in months, we are paying bills a week ahead of time so no late fees and I am seeing God's work in our finances so it no longer stresses me out but lifts me up to really see the progress we are making.  One step at a time we are working our plan.

Fifth and Sixth, I have more and better relationships with people around me and more time.  Losing my job caused me to be able to watch my baby nephew 3 days a week till he started day care.  I got to help out my sister and brother in law and spoil a nephew.  I have a more open schedule so Chad and I were able to hang out with friends, even go out of town one weekend with them.  We have been able to take 3 our nephews to the movies, and 2 of them to the zoo... still have to take the other 2 somewhere but getting there.  I have been able to attend Chad's hurling games, which makes him happy.  I have managed to keep our part of the house mostly clean (even though Chad seems to make it his mission to make sure it doesn't stay that way for long- j/k!).  I pack lunch boxes for all four of us every day, and cook some of the meals (Chad and Sharon help with the cooking).  Having to cook most of our meals has caused me to lose some weight.... now if only my feet would stop hurting long enough to get some exercise in.  Speaking of feet my plantar fascitis bothers me much much less.  I have read more books this year, then in the previous 6 combined.  I can actually enjoy my nights and weekends, instead of having to answer phone calls or text messages from work all the time.  I have time to do puzzles, play games, watch TV (though I find I don't really want to watch TV or movies most days), do craft projects or blog quite often.

I could go on, but you are probably bored by now.  Let's just say God has blessed my life since I have lost my job and as the one year mark comes up, those blessings are what I am choosing to focusing on and praise God for, because they far outweigh the negatives.

Monday Musings

Welcome to a new feature (in testing) of my blog.... Monday Musings.  I haven't been consistent with posting so I am hoping this will help.  Each Monday I will post about things currently on my mind.  Could be a recipe I want to try, could be something cool I found on the internet, could be something from church this past weekend, could be about my crazy schedule.  We shall see.

April 16, 2012 Monday Musings:

1. My blog about my file system re-do was featured as a Top 5 feature on the Organized Homelife Blog.  Awesome.

2. That same post is now on pinterest, which makes two of my posts on pinterest. (1 and 2).

3. I worked my first estate sale this past weekend, which is part of my new job.  I am exhausted.  I have done garage sales before (and twice a year we do a big one at local school, which is insane) but this was beyond crazy.  I am literally dead on my feet.  And speaking of feet, they were so swollen last night that after I took my shoes off and took a shower, I couldn't even put flip flops on all the way....

4.  This past weekend made me realize just how out of shape I am.  Must get going with the walking and zumba again soon!

5. Chad and I have added reading a chapter out of a book together, along with our nightly devotions and I am loving it.  We are currently alternating between a relationship book and Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book.  I love this hour we spend together every evening, and I think it is strengthening our relationship.

6. Speaking of Chad, I am really worried about him.  He has some medical stuff going on and we aren't sure what exactly the problem is.... he goes to the doctor tomorrow, so prayers and good thoughts are most welcomed. 

7.  I am not a big sports person, but I am loving this time of year right now in St. Louis..... Blues are in the playoffs and the Cards are doing really well so far.  Like I said, not a big sports fan, but it is fun seeing all the blue and red and reading all the facebook and twitter posts about... Yay for Team Spirit!!!

8. My plate is really full this month- I am still watching D three days a week until the 27th.  My school semester is wrapping up.  I started my new job.  I am taking my Elementary Education Praxis later this month.  I am finishing up the paperwork to receive my Masters of Education in August, I am finishing up my Teacher Work Sample so I can receive my teaching certification, I am filling out teaching applications to hopefully get a job next school year (prayers needed please), I am taking a class at my church, and that doesn't include cleaning, cooking, laundry, and all that other normal everyday stuff.... Whew!

9.  As mentioned, I am taking a class at my church.  It starts tonight and goes for 8 weeks.  It is one of two classes that are requirements to get involved with a ministry.  I want to be a greeter or work in the church book store, so I am taking it.  Will tell you more about it next week.

10.  I love receiving comments on my blog, but rarely get them.... so lease me a comment please and tell me whats on your mind this monday.

Have a good week!

File System Redo

So awhile back I posted that I wanted to change my filing system (this is what it originally was).  I am happy to say, I am finally done and super super super happy with the results.  I have also re-designed my desk and items on my desk.  The old system worked, but the new system works perfectly. I have also been tweeking my financial system, but that will be a different post.

First the big file cabinet was moved over by the tv.  I will show you why it moved in a bit.  Because it was going to be farther away I changed the drawers to hold stuff that I do not need every day.  More long term files.  The top drawer has family stuff- this includes previous years tax papers, car paperwork, titles and certificates (which will move to the safe soon).  The next drawer down is my stuff- school paperwork and other keepsakes, the third drawer is Chad's- his school paperwork etc.  The bottom drawer is our Articles drawer- this holds articles we have printed for papers and such or book reviews, bible studies, etc.  On the side we have pictures in little plastic frames.

On top of the file cabinet sits my purse when its not with me.  Along with things I need to take to my parents (currently a star trek book to return to dad).  Behind it is our photo albums and my past 2 clippings journals.  I started the clipping journals this year, currently on my third.  In it I put the magazine articles I clip and other things I like.  I also keep track of my sleeping patterns, eating patters, exercise, water consumed, stress, and migraine notes in here.  Maybe I will write another post about them for some day.  At some point these will need a new one because I will run out of room here, but for now this is where they live when completed.

On top of the dresser in my office area (we use it to hold office supplies, swim stuff, misc electronics, bags, and extra sheets) is misc things.  The wire rack holds computer disc that contain games or photos, as well as extra paper, notebooks, and sheet protectors)  The blue binder holds all of our manuals.  I need a bigger binder for this, but this is what I had so it will work for now.  In the little holder is my loan repayment binder, coupon binder, and an extra binder that I haven't found a use yet.  Of course next to it is Prince's bed.  I had to have this there because he has to be near me when I am at my desk and it is just to hard to get work done with him in my lap, so I put him here (sometimes he stays).

 

The little file cabinet sits between the dresser and the computer side of my desk.  I love this cabinet. LOL.  In the top drawer is my monthly folders.  The weekly folders I was using before just weren't getting used, it was a waste.  I already have the next four years of folders set up.  For each set the first folder is the tax folder, where I can immediately put tax related papers after I am done with them so they are easily found during tax time.  Then I have six hanging folders, with two month of manilla folders inside.  The current month goes in the wire rack above the file cabinet (more about that in a minute). Why four years?  Well most papers can be thrown away either at the end of the year, or after 7 years.  I didn't want to overcrowd the drawer by doing all 7 years (plus knowing me I could change the system before then) and 4 years worth fit with enough room to hold super full files.    If I continue to use the file I will expand up to 8 years... 7 years of stuff to keep and the current year.  I always do one more year than needed so that you can be working on cleaning out the oldest year (which is past its 7 year mark) during the current year.... In these files goes anything that needs to be filed- bill receipts, loan documents we get, bank statements, that months financial papers, ticket stubs, event stubs, anything that is not tax related.

The bottom drawer is fairly empty right now.  It will be used for overflow of my 8 years, if needed.  But right now it has a folder for address labels and address lists.  This was over in the Family drawer, but I needed the labels every time I paid bills and I didn't like having to go over to the other file cabinet, so I moved it here.  Behind that is 4 folders to go with my seasons Jan-Feb-march; April-may-june; July-aug-sept;Oct-nov-dec.  In  these hanging folders I am putting anything that will be used in that month almost every year.  For instance the advent stuff we used last year, plus the one we want to use this year has been placed in the dec section.  Printables that I had displayed during Valentine's day have been been placed in the Feb section.  That is all for now.  I will be adding to it as the years progress.  I will have activities to do during certain times of the year, or Easter devotional will be added after Easter, special recipes for certain times of the year.  Stuff that I want to save for when we have kids to do.  ETC.  This way when I go to set up the months calendar and decorations ( I do different decorations each month--- currently Easter decorations will remain up all April).  I can look and see what I got for that month and its all in one place... I don't have to look through each years files to see what we did the previous years.  

 

Here is another picture of whats on top of the cabinet (although a few months old).  Here I have the current months calendar... that has everything on it- birthdays, anniversary, events, work schedules, school schedules, bills due dates, etc.  I don't need this as everything is in my planner.  This was more for Chad, so he could easily see what was going on, without me telling him all the time or him asking.  Though I am not sure how much he actually looks at it, since he still asks, but at least when he asks I don't have to flip through the planner to look, its right here.  (need to work on getting him to look though!).  The first section holds current bills.  Any bills that are due this month, go here.  Every Sunday, I pull this out when I pay bills.  It also holds things that I have ordered that haven't arrived yet.  This is so I can track their status each weekend.  Once a bill is pay, or the item arrives, the paper moves to the monthly file which sits in the very back.  The middle section holds future month's bills or things we are saving for (new tires for Chad's car, etc).  It also holds other items for future months, such as my summer school schedule (since I already registered).

The bottom 3 horizontal shelfs hold: bills, reciepts, etc that haven't been filed yet in the top part.  I do all my sorting and filing on sunday.  One day a week.  So when I open mail, if its not something I have to take care of right then (like Chad's loan company sending us a letter saying he is no longer in school and his payments will start soon- which is incorrect) it gets placed in this top slot till sunday.  I found doing things once a week has helped me manage my time and stress.  I don't have to spend time every day doing these tasks and I don't have to stress about missing deadlines either.  For instance we have a bill due on the 8th of this month, I paid it on the 1st when I paid bills, a week ahead of when it is due.  Happy to say we have gotten our finances under control enough to do this.  The second slot holds recipes that I need to put on my food blog.  Not to many of these currently, because we have been cooking out of some books I got and we keep using the same books so they don't have a chance to make it here.  The bottom shelf holds extra computer paper.

You can't see it here (but you can in the picture above) but behind the rack is where my cricuit sits (my mom got a bigger one so she sold me her first one, I don't use it much now, but hopefully I will when I get a teaching job next year).  On top of that is my card box.  I have started sending out birthday/anniversary cards to family and friends every month.  These were somewhere else, but I like having everything within reach on Sundays when I sit down to do everything.  the last Sunday of the month i will fill out all the cards for the next month.  Any that are before the 15th get mailed out right away, any after the 15th get mailed around the 15th.  Right now I only have immediate family, Chads dad's side of the family (they gave out calendars at Christmas with everyone's birthdays and anniversary's listed), and people I am facebook friends with, but I am working on getting the rest of the ones we need this year.  My grandma used to send out cards to everyone, and I remember loving getting them in the mail, so I am hoping it brings a little joy to the people who receive them. 

I keep my desk fairly cleaned off.  This is the computer side.  In that little magazine rack is label and specialty paper for the printer.  The top shelf where my monitor sits may look disorganized, but its not.  It has a baby food container that I plan to put some paper around to make it look better.  This holds my pens and such.  Then my tap and white out are here.  Along with the coupons I got from Chad for Valentines Day.  They weren't here, but I wasn't using him, so I put them here so I can see them.  There is also a container of binder clips, a watch I need to return

A stapler and a lighter for candles.  Along with some misc things.  Those hole punches and CDs are under the shelf so they are accessible but not in the work space.  Usually that book isn't there, but I need to read a chapter of that today to study for my Elementary Education Praxis I am taking later this month, so it is out.  The camera is out  because I took these pictures today. 

On the printer you can see the little book I have that I keep special days in (birthdays, anniversarys, etc.) Normally it has a home in my home binder, but I am trying to work on a list of dates I still need to track down, so it is sitting here so I can work on it when I can.  You can't see it, but next to that are the cards I need to mail around the 15th.

This is normally more cleared off too.  This is my work space part of the desk.  That blue binder is my home binder that is still a work in progress, but this is its home.  My planner sits in front of it, when I am home.  That Signing book is for class today, and I had to finish my homework so thats why its out (normally that and the Praxis book go on top of the dresser when not in use, since I need them frequently right now, otherwise they would be put away under the bed).  That red notebook is my current clippings journal.  Sometimes it sits here, or by my bed, or in the magazine holder I will show you soon.  Usually before I go to bed, I get out stuff I need for the next day, which is why the journal and 2 books are out right now.  As I finish what I need to that day with them, they get put in their home. Under this part of the desk is my recipe bag (which I went through and pulled out a bunch to put with the rest of the cook books till we have time to try them.  I use whats in here to create our monthly menus... at some point they will be more organized, just no time.)  Under that is my box of file folders and a box of computer paper. My trash can is here, that always seems to be filled no matter if Chad just did the trash or not.  Which I guess is good... I throw stuff away immediately.

This was the main reason for the file cabinets moving... my mom gave me this craft table that I put at the end of my desk.  In the drawers are my crafting paper and supplies.  The one side has a table I can put up to do some small crafts.  On top (besides the glue, scissors, and markers that are there) I put things I need to either put away, need close by but don't want on my desk (like my cell phone and the book I am currently reading that you see above) as well as mail that needs to be taken to the post office, stuff that needs to be taken upstairs.  Etc.

 The other side has a magazine rack... Here I put book and recipes needed for this months menu (but not necessarily this week).  Also when I get a magazine in the mail, it goes here till I have time to go through it and pull out what I want to keep.  Sometimes my clipping journal goes here, if I plan to work on it soon.

 That is pretty much my new system.  I really like how it has all turned out and I really love that I only pay bills and files etc one day a week.  It has really helped my stress level.  I can't always do everything on Sunday.  For instance, Friday Chad and I went to a credit union to open an emergency fund.  (Yay, for finishing Dave Ramsey's baby step 1).  Banks aren't open on Sundays, so we had to find time during the week for this.  Also, yesterday I had to call to pay some bills, hospital billing departments aren't open on Sunday's either.  (Yay for paying off 4/25 debts we have.... our Dave Ramsey baby step 2 is rolling!)  But mostly I do things on Sunday. Sunday tends to be a quiet day for us.  Bill and Sharon (Chad's parents who we live with) are gone most of the day with church activities and Chad sometimes has to work too.  Usually the only thing we do is church.  I have been working on making the weekend meals on thursday or friday so I don't have to worry about cooking over the weekend.  Usually I have to make Monday's meal sometime Sunday too... but other than that, Sundays are open.  So it worked out nice to have that my work day.  I use my time to get the financials and filing done along with getting ready for the new week.  Usually this takes me at most 2 hours and then I relax the rest of the day.

My main reason for writing this loooooooong post was to say this.... When it comes to filing, bill paying, orgazination etc... it is important to find a system that works for you.  I have been pretty organized the last 10 years, but my system wasn't working perfectly, so I changed it.  Find what works best for you, and if your needs change, change your system.  You don't have to pick one system and stick with it.  As I said early, I have also changed my financial system and hopefully I can post about that later.  If the system is working for you... change it.  Yes, it will take time to change it, but after its done you will be much less stressed about it and probably spend alot less time using it.

Now, I must run... I need to leave for school in the next 5 minutes or I will be late... YIKES!


This post shared on Organizing Homelife

Magazines I read

I have mentioned before how I put magazine clippings and articles in my journal, instead of keeping magazines.... Many people have asked which magazines I read regularly... so since I was journaling today, I thought I would post a quick post about them.

Missouri Life- I started this through a Groupon, I believe.  I wasn't sure about it when I got it, but glad I did.  I love it.  Last month there was a great artcile about Missouri Castles and the Top 10 Women who changed Missouri.  This month has an article about the War of 1812 and hiking trails of Missouri.  It also has a calender of events which is nice because it always lists festivals and such, which Chad and I love to go to (especially free ones= free date days!)

Life: beautiful- When talking about this, I tell people it's like a Christian version of Ladies Home Journal and other such magazines.  It has a lot of neat things.  This month there was an article about all the different names of God.  They also have bible studies in it, and commentary from Joyce Meyers and other religious speakers.  They also have tons of beautiful quotes that are almost always the first things I rip out to put in my journal.

All*You- this is a new magazines this year.  But it's great.  it is filled with budget friendly tips, tricks, recipes and tons of coupons.  Some of our recent favorite meals have come from here.    This month features an article about cleaning supplies and also how to save on car care, and how to banish clutter in 30 days.

Cooking Light- this is one I got through a fundraiser through my nephew's school, lots of yummy recipes and other cooking tips and tricks.

This Old House- another one through my nephew's fundraiser.  Lots of good DIY home repair and maintenance tricks.

Real Simple- This was a gift subscription from my sister (she might of gotten tired of me stealing hers!)  I always have liked this magazines... finding good tips and recipes.  Fell in love with the wedding book they release every year when planning my wedding... Lately haven't found so much but I still like it.

ShopSmart- This magazine, released by Consumer Report, is fantastic.  I think I rip out 2/3 of the magazine.  Great tips and full of product reviews.  This month there was an article about coffee.... found out the coffee my dad buys (and drinks never-ending) was rated lowest for value and taste... found 2 alternatives for him that will save him some money.  Lots of good tips for saving money.

I
reland: of the Welcomes-  My husband and I saw this magazine while at the book store.  He fell in love (he's irish).  I went ahead and subscribed... its a little more expensive then some of the others, but it will make his day every month when it comes in.  Full of alot of Irish history.  This months issue features stories about how Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated around the America, as well as an article about Irish proverbs and Legends of Ireland.  I haven't got to read it yet.  I told him to make sure he was done with it, before giving it to me.  Because it will be ripped apart and the articles I like put in my journal, just like the rest of the magazines.... we don't keep magazines lying around... we save what we like and recycle the rest.... SAY NO TO CLUTTER :-)


There might be a few others, but I already cut up this months issues and next months haven't arrived yet, so going by memory... though this will change, I am working on a list of the magazines and when the subscriptions are up, so I can make sure to budget for renewals.

I did just purchase a Living Social deal for Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food Magazines.  I debated this for awhile.  I am not a Martha fan.... don't get me wrong she has great tips and ideas... but her personally, I don't like, and I don't agree with the slap on the wrist she got for her indiscretions.... If it would of been someone like you and me... we would of gotten much worse.  But anyways, I am chalking it up to Magazine Addiction.  We will see if I like them when they start arriving.

Other magazines we get from the store when we see them:

Anything that talks about Organizing on the cover.... my favorite topic :-)

Better Homes and Garden does a special on organizing a few times a year... i love when I see this magazine at the store.  Wish they allowed subscriptions to this... I would jump on board immediately.

Better Homes and Garden also does recipe special editions that I can't stop buying.  Seriously.  We have Party Food, Diabetic Slow Cooker, Chicken Dinners, Eat Well Lose Weight, Skinny Slow Cooker, Creative Slow Cooker, Shortcut cooking(my newest one, can't wait to try some recipes out) and Soups  Again wish they would make a way to do subscriptions for these.  I know I have missed some.  I check everytime I am at a store.  90% of our monthly menus come from these books. And I just looked on the website and they are having a sale on these... so I might have some on the way, within the hour :-) The funny thing is... I don't like their normal magazines, just the Specials.

I am however, contemplating subscribing to their Do it Yourself magazine... I have picked up a few and found alot of things I liked in them.   Maybe.

My mother in law subscribes to Ladies Home Journal, better Homes and Gardens, and a few other magazines that she gives me when she is done.  I get some good articles and recipes out of them, but not enough to subscribe.

UPDATE:  I just subscribed to Eating Well.  I also just bought more Better Home and Gardens Recipe magazines including: Desserts, Comfort Food, One pan, and Casseroles.... Yum

So that is it, for now.  What magazines do you like?  Any that you think I should check out?

Break

I am taking a Blogging Break right now.... Yes, I know I didn't post alot over the holidays...but at the moment things are pretty busy.  I watch my 6 month old nephew 3 days a week and he doesn't nap as much anymore and is at a fun playing stage, so I don't get much done while with him.  The other 2 days I am taking classes in sign language.  I am also subbing about once or twice a month.

 On top of the that I am going on week 4 of a major cold.  It ended up turning into bronchitis then pneumonia.  While I am starting to feel better, still really tired.  Also, Chad and I really need for me to get a teaching job next school year so he can continue to work part time while in nursing school.  We want to be able to pay down some debt and either prepare to move out as soon as he graduates or move out sooner.  To be able to get a job, I am taking two state exams in April and I still have to finish my Teacher Work Sample.

Super busy!

I might still post recipes over on the Food Blog, but we shall see.  Not sure when I will return yet, but I hope you will keep checking.