rambling reed

Friday, June 7, 2013

Garage Sale and Craigslist Tips

I love finding a good deal! Really who doesn't? It also helps that I love to shop as well! I grew up going to yard sales with my mom on Saturday mornings. I learned a lot on those Saturday morning shopping trips. Especially, how you can really stretch a dollar.

We haven't made it out to any garage sales this spring (we call them treasure hunting), but I have found some AMAZING DEALS on Craigslist over the past few months and I wanted to share with you my top tips on finding a great deal!

1. Know what exactly you are looking for, how much it would cost retail, and how much you are willing to spend.

2. If you are purchasing baby gear and appliances be aware of potential recalls.

3. If it is electronic always ask to plug it in or carry extra batteries in the car with you to test it out.

4. Bring your own bag, box, etc...

5. Only buy items that are new, like new, or in very excellent used condition. You would be surprised to see what people get rid off!

6. Finally, don't be afraid to bargain! Just because a price is placed on an item doesn't mean it is really the finally price or if purchasing multiple items from the same seller ask for a "package deal." The worst they can say is no, and it doesn't hurt to try!

Here are a few of the amazing deals I have found over the last few months:

*Phil and Ted Navigator Stroller with second seat: I paid $120, retails $500+

*60+ My Little Ponies, 5 MLP play houses, shops, etc, 3 MLP vehicles, and a ton of MLP accessories:
I paid $50 for everything, individual MLP alone retail for $5/per pony

*The entire Radiator Springs Geo Trax collection including The Radiator Springs Train plus tracks and 10 Radiator Springs Vehicles: I paid $30, The Radiator Springs Geo Trax alone on Amazon is $106

*One of my favorite finds I picked up this evening. This couples little girl apparently had expressed interest in trains; however, after purchasing the below items she really did not have any interest in playing with them. All of these items are literally brand new! What a great find. My littlest Superhero is in love with trains, and I know will play with these for years to come.

Here is what I got:

26 Metal Thomas the Trains

1 Electric Thomas the Train plus 2 cars

3 Thomas play stations

1 Thomas the Train crane

1 Thomas the Train carrying case

30 pieces of track

All for a grand total of $45! Metal Thomas the Trains alone each run retail between $6-$12 depending on if they light up or talk. At least 8 of those trains talk and light up!

Hopefully, this has inspired a few of you to go out and look for a good deal this weekend!

Linking up with:

Tatertots and Jello
Six Sisters Stuff
Lil Luna
Ginger Snap Crafts

Monday, June 3, 2013

Laundry Room Redo

Today I was determined to clean up, organize, and redo the laundry room. What a project it was! My laundry room had turned into a catch all spot for the past several months. Things had really started to pile up in there!

What a mess, but it is all about keeping it real right?

And a few hours later with the help of a superhero and princess:

I found the animal print baskets at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. I love animal print! I'm debating on going back to get more, but I'm not sure where I would put them. I feel so much better having this room in order now. However, why is it that every time I get caught up with the laundry someone inevitably pees the bed?

Tomorrows project.... the kitchen!

Linking up with:

I Heart Nap Time

Your Home Based Mom
USS Crafty

Bloom Design
A Glimpse Inside

Red Fly Creations

The Stitchin' Mommy
Six Sisters Stuff

Tatertots and Jello

Sunday, June 2, 2013

My Goal List

May literally flew by for us. My mind and time has definitely been preoccupied which I will share with you all in the near future. However, I am really looking forward to this summer: Brenna's birth, Avery's birthday, and celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary!

It is hard to believe that I am now 9 months pregnant. Before Brenna makes her debut there are several things that I would like to get done. Here is an overview of my goal list:

Kitchen: clean out fridge and freezer, label food bins with chalkboard vinyl, prepare freezer meals

Laundry Room: organize shelves

Boys Room: finish superhero themed room

Girls Room: re organize Avery's closet. bring new (to us) dresser upstairs for Brenna, organize Brenna's things

Master Bedroom: I should pack a hospital bag, right?

Craft/Guest bedroom: organize craft closet.... (that alone will most likely put me into labor) sew swaddle blankets, make hair bows- lots and lots of hair bows!

Extra:
Make a special hospital treat bag for Avery and Blake
Create a summer planner for babysitters, house help, Billy's schedule, etc...

I'm now debating on where to start for tomorrow....

I'm thinking a laundry room make over is in the works. Be sure to check back for before and pictures!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Tabbouleh

I took last week off from blogging to chase around some silly kids! Avery and Blake bring so much laughter and joy into this home. I know that in about 8 more weeks Brenna will do the same.

This past Saturday, a couple from church (who also happen to live in our neighborhood) hosted a back yard cookout. It was really nice to be able to attend the party as a family. Will was with as well and loved playing with the other neighborhood boys! It was also a great way to spend time with our friends from church as well as meeting some new faces in our neighborhood. The party was a potluck side dish of sorts, and we brought tabbouleh. I absolutely love tabbouleh. It is quick, easy, light, and refreshing. It can be eaten as a salad, used as a dip, or used as topping on a burger! I really think it is the perfect side to bring to a back yard party!

Here is my take on tabbouleh which can also be spelled: tabouli or tabouleh.

Tabbouleh:

2 cups bulgur

4 large tomatoes, finely chopped

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

juice of 2 lemons

2 bunches of fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Prepare bulgur per package instructions and then place in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the parsley, mint, red onion, and tomatoes and then place into the bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and enjoy!

Linking Up With:

The Stitchin' MommySix Sisters Stuff

Tatertots and Jello

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

What I'm Loving Wednesday

What I'm loving:

1. Bento/Muffin Tin Meals

My princess will only eat about 5 bites of something until she decides she is full. Bento meals have now become our solution to cater to the dainty princess's meticulous eating habits. Another Lunch has the cutest bento and muffin tin ideas! Plus they have a weekly themed Muffin Tin Monday link party as well. This week the theme was the 60's, how cute!

2. Bubble Machine

I am so thankful that Spring has finally sprung! The kids and I have been spending a lot of time outside lately. Both the princess and the superhero love bubbles, and this little bubble maker that we picked up from Target has saved me from blowing bubbles every 3 seconds!

3. Disney Princess Ribbon Sculptures

I came across this FREE tutorial yesterday from Grosgrain Fabulous. I can't wait to start making these! I think I'm going to put some on alligator clips as well.

4. Photo editing using Pic Monkey

Shelley, from Crazy Wonderful has a really great post up that takes you step by step on how to edit your photos on Pic Monkey. Her example is with her adorable little man, but her tips and tricks can definitely be applied to just about any photo!

5. Princess Necklaces

I know a little princess who will love wearing these necklaces along with her matching headbands and clips the next time we are in Disney World! Steph, from Crafting in the Rain has created some gorgeous and easy Disney inspired princess necklaces.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and if you were featured be sure to grab my button!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Blog Hop

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! This morning I am co-hosting a blog hop party with Amy from the Stichin' Mommy. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you have been doing! Below are the details for the party:

Welcome to Meet Me Mondays! Link up your blog or any social media page {Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Etsy, etc. Please no giveaways or link parties}

Make sure to check out other pages while you're here! Meet new people, make new friends and gain more followers! Make sure you visit some other pages and share the love.

This week we have another co-host! Let's give a warm welcome to this week's special co-host Andrea @ Rambling Reed. Make sure to stop by Andrea's blog and show her some love!

Rambling Reed

Now let's get hopping!

Here's how it works:

Follow your host {The Stitchin' Mommy}
Follow our special co-host {Andrea @ Rambling Reed}
Leave me a little comment to let me know that you're following me and also so I can follow you back
Leave a comment for our co-host too!
Link up your blog or other social media page below {If you want to link up crafts, tutorials, or recipes check out Ge t Crafty Fridays}
Grab a Meet Me Monday button and post it on your page to get the word out about our lovely little blog hop.

Each week I will feature a randomly chosen page so please come back and check it out.

If you were featured here this week, please grab a button:

If you are interested in co-hosting Meet Me Monday please email thestitchinmommy@gmail.com

Friday, April 12, 2013

Chicken Tortilla Pie and Pioneer Woman Salsa

A goal that I have for this weekend is to create a regular schedule for my blog. One of my regular posts will be testing out pins that catch my eye on Pinterest. Today, I want to share with you 2 posts that I came across today!

The first was a Chicken Tortilla Stack from Taste and Tell. Her pictures are amazing and she gives wonderful step by step instructions! I used her recipe as inspiration for mine. I did not have a springform pan, but instead I used a pie plate. Due to space, mine was only 4 layers instead of her 5. I used a rotisserie chicken for my pie. I also added the juice of half a lime to the sour cream mixture, and in addition to the green onion layer I also threw in a handful of fresh chopped cilantro. I am calling my recreated version Chicken Tortilla Pie. No matter how you create this dish, it is wonderful, and truly pin worthy!

An inside view of all of your delicious flaky layers!

To go along with our chicken tortilla pie, I made the Pioneer Woman's Salsa! Ree definitely does not play around when it comes to salsa. This is possible the best salsa I have ever had in my entire life. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to go back to jarred salsa again, it is that good! The salsa also has a nice subtle heat as well.

After we made our batch of salsa and tested it out, we brought some over to my neighbor to share with her. I cannot stress how good this salsa is! This is also another pin worthy project. You'll be glad you made it and if you choose to share it with someone they will love it as well!