Sunday, May 28, 2006

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished"

Lao Tzu

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the tasks I need to do. I found this quote, and it is so true. As long as I try and move forward, it will all work out. Everything that needs to be done will get done. Now, maybe, I can sit back and enjoy the nature around me.

Easy Recipe

Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

1 large pkg of Chipped Beef
2 cream cheeses
1 bunch of green onions
Let cream cheese soften. Chop chipped beef. Cut up onions. Mix all together and serve with crackers.

Money Savings Tip

Plant a garden! If you don't have room, try planting in containers. You will save on vegetables all summer. You can also can or freeze the excess.

Time Savings Tip

One thing that I had to learn is not to be afraid to ask for help. Remember, if you help others, they will reciprocate. And the task becomes more enjoyable when you have someone helping.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Live in each season as it passes;
Breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.

Henry David Thoreau

This is what I am aiming for - to live life to the fullest.

We have been saying the Jabez prayer, and things are changing. My jewelry business is thriving (e-mail me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net), my husband is getting more business, and things just seem to be falling in place right now. I know that this is a gift from God. (I'm still trying to figure out how to put my e-mail address in my post.)
Easy Recipe

Crock Pot Beef

3-4 lb roast (I usually use sirloin tip.)
1 large onion, sliced
1 bouillon cube per pound

Let cook on low in crock pot for 7-9 hours. Shread and serve on buns.

Money Savings Tip

Make sure to balance your check book each month. Mistakes happen and reconciling will show you these mistakes.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

For those in college, this year is over and you continue on to the next year. I am a firm believer in a good education. No matter what you do in your life, an education makes you a more rounded individual. It's the time when you start to take charge of the direction that your life will take. And being educated doesn't hurt one bit. I am very proud of you!

For those graduating from high school, I am so excited that you are going to my Alma Mater - University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana. Go Illini! I am very proud of you, and finally I get to have some of that Papa Del's Pizza again. Yeah!!

We all have choices in our life, and there are consequences to each choice we make. If we make good choices, good things will happen. If we make poor choices, well... So, be careful on what you choose. Something might look good for the moment - it may be easier, more fun, or whatever, but the long time consequences will outweigh what made it look good. God will forgive us always, but He will not take away the consequences. You may not experience these consequences until years later, but they will come. So, think before you act!

Prayer of the Day

I know that God will help me, but help me until You help me.

Sometimes we get impatient and we want things right now. We need to learn that all things work out for our best, but it may not be exactly what we thought was our best. Only God knows what is best for us. If we give Him our problems, He will take care of them in His time.

Easy Recipe

Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Breasts - Doesn't matter how many
Mayonnaise
Parmesan Cheese
Garlic Powder

Spread mayonnaise over chicken breast so that the skin is thoroughly covered. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until done.

Time Saver

When loading dishwasher, put all like kind silverware in same slot. This makes putting away the silverware so much easier.

Money Tip

Libraries are a wonderful place for books and videos or CDs. Check out your local library today.

Monday, May 08, 2006

I recently figured out a couple of things about myself. I love to figure out ways to save money, become more frugal, start a business, and simplify my life. (In the near future, I hope to add other blogs and web sites that I have found in order for me to do this.) I hope that what I pass on to you will help you in discovering yourself.

Thought of the day

One of my favorite prayers is the Serenity prayer.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and knowledge to know the difference.

We cannot change others, just ourselves. It's harder to look at ourselves than others. It takes courage to change ourselves. We need to ask God for help everyday in figuring out what's ours and what's someone else's.

Easy Recipe

Crock Pot "Cheap" Roast

1 can of mushroom soup
1 pkg of onion soup mix
3 lb round steak - cut in portion sizes.

Cook in crockpot on low for 8-10 hours. Gravy is delicious on mashed potatoes.

Money Saving Tip

At the end of each day, empty change from your pockets, purse, car, or whatever into a jar. Do not use! Put into savings account at the end of each month. You will be surprised at how much you accumulated during that month.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Who will be the first to read my blog? Will it be you?

I'm hooked on blogs. I search for blogs on simplicity, saving money, frugality, making money, and recipes. They have given me helpful information. They are from other people, like me, who want a more fulfilled life. Soon, I will learn how to add my favorites to my blog. I just added the search bar!

Easy Recipe

BBQ Meatball Appetizer

1 pkg of frozen Italian meatballs
1 sm bottle of BBQ Sauce - I prefer a sweet BBQ sauce

Put in crockpot and heat until thoroughly heated. Usually takes a couple of hours.

Thought of the day

There is never a winter harsh enough to withhold the promise of spring.

Author Unknown

Money Savings Tip

Use vinegar and water to wash windows. I usually pour about 1-2 cups in a gallon of hot water, use a rag to apply, and wipe off with paper towels (less lint). Windows come out sparkling clean.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

In search of the simple life . . . trying to find serenity in the midst of life.

My first blog. This is dedicated to my children - I was blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews. One of them recently said that God didn't give me any children because He knew I would be too busy with them. I am very blessed - I love them as my own.

Life sometimes gets too complicated. I am looking for a way to simplify my life, get out of debt, go to the basics of life. With this Blog, I hope to share my experiences, knowledge, recipes, gardening tips, "get out of debt" plans, etc. So, I'm off ....

The Jabez Prayer
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, " Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10

Now for the recipe (very easy to make)

Cranberry Brisket
4-5 lb. brisket
1 can of cranberry sauce
1 envelope of onion soup mix
Put in crock pot and let cook all day. When done, thicken gravy with cornstarch, and serve with mashed potatoes. So, so good

And a bit on getting out of debt

There are many ways to make money. I've tried out several home businesses, and have found one that I love - selling jewelry! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net.
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