Planning a Vegetable Container Garden

Our family loves fresh vegetable so Charles and I decided to finally start a vegetable container garden. We would like to grow tomatoes, eggplant, and lettuce.

If you have any advice that you would like to share for beginners please do.

Is it better to start with a plant or seeds?

(A More Real) Love Story

Here's a funny video that I discovered on The Praying Wives Club yesterday.

It's "(A More Real) Love Story" from Christian comedian Anita Renfroe.

This video is a parody of the song "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. Enjoy!

Kelly's Corner - Show Us Your Living Room!

Little people purchased from LynnsLittleCreation at Etsy.com. Many of the frames were purchased at Ross.

I love that Kiana has included one of her childhood pictures amongst the family photos. After all she's part of our crazy group.

I love my Olive pillows, along side my bargain blue ones that I purchased at Ross. The wall decal is from Willow Creek Sign. Charles and I fell in love with the sofa set at Ashley's Furniture in San Diego. So when we moved to Las Vegas we knew we had to have it!


More family photos and trinkets that we have collected through out the years.


I love including seasonal decorative items in our living space.

I got up this morning and decided to redo this wall. It wasn't feeling complete and it was very flat. The chalkboard is from Sweetie Pie Suite. Sock Monkey loves his new home in the living space.

The Apprentice - Unemployed Contestants Competing for An Job Opportunity

This season, The Apprentice is giving unemployed contestants the opportunity for a paid apprentice position with Donald Trump. Talk about pressure.

Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Winner!

As some of you may know our son, Marcus was chosen as Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, in 2007, at his club.

While Marcus had many positive influences in his life while growing up,many kids can only count Boys & Club as their one positive influences.

I want to extend congratulations to this year's National Youth winner, Ruth Saah!

The Boys & Girls Clubs are an awesome program!

Get Your Flu Shots Here - Affordable Flu Shots

Works for Me Wednesday - September 22, 2010

While at my doctor's office I inquired about getting a flu shot. The nurse informed me that a flu shot is less expensive at the various pharmacy/drug stores.

Armed with this information I headed over to CVS to drop off and pick up some prescription...and to get a flu shot, for $29.95.

Just some of the pharmacies/drug stores offering flu shots:

Walgreens

Albertson's Pharmacies

Von's Pharmacies

Some of My Favorite Recipes at The Prudent Homemaker

I really enjoy visiting my fellow bloggers and websites that offer affordable and delicious family pleasing recipes.

The Prudent Homemaker is one of my favorites.

Here's a few of her recipes that I love to make.

Beef Stroganoff

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Herb Roasted Chicken

Unemployment Support Website Recommendations

With the growing number of unemployed and underemployed households it's comforting to know that there are websites and bloggers sharing information and personal stories. Here's just a few of my favorites!

SuddenlyUnemployed- Why do I recommend this site? It offers tips for dealing with the emotions that come with being unemployed. I didn't see that at any other site.
You'll also find job search, financial and social service program assistance information.
The website does have a forum but they're very active on Facebook!

Survival Insight - For Economically Changing Times - From how to get health care when you have no insurance to complain to what to do if you can't pay your car loan you'll receive a variety of information that can be overwhelming when dealing with being unemployed!
You can sign up to receive updates or follow them on Twitter!

Smart Unemployment - You have questions regarding the new Unemployment Extensions? Well, you can get your's answered here.
I also like that they have information on dealing with your former company and unemployment benefit eligiblity.

The Prudent Homemaker- a beautiful website full of yummy recipes, food photos and personal story on surviving underemployment. She's been extremely helpful to our household, providing grocery shopping tips since she lives in our local area.

Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse Rises Amongst Teens

This morning, my husband and I were listening to the news. The topic was cough and cold medicine abuse amongst teenagers. They had a mother share how she found her 18 year old son dead. He had overdosed on cough medicine and prescription drugs.

It was also mentioned that the federal government is considering requiring a prescription for cold and cough medicine. The companies that make and distribute cold and cough medicine are fighting this. They currently are actively advertising and distributing information on what to for if you think your kids are abusing the medicine.

My question is...do you think the federal government should get involved? Should we be required to make and pay for a doctor's appointment for cough and cold medicine?

Shopping at Target With the Hubby ~ Couple Time

Our family normally does most of our shopping online so it was a nice change to actually visit our local Target this weekend, with the husband.

We decided to grab a shopping cart and take a leisurely stroll around the store.

Did you know that Target has Giada De Laurentis, Food Network, kitchen and food items?

In the home decor area we found some great photo frames. Many were on sale and would definitely work with our home style.

Later my husband treated me to a light lunch at the Target Cafe. We split a Turkey Club Pita Sandwich, Cream of Broccoli Soup and a soda, for only $7!

Menu Plan Monday - September 13, 2010

Kareem, our nephew, suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital for brain surgery last week. We pray for his recovery and for our family.

Kiana, our teen, has her first on-campus day of school today. She attends school 8am to 12 noon, one day a week. Since Charles is currently unemployed so he decided he would get her up and out the door to catch the bus. He's also the fashion police and insisted Kiana change from shorts to jeans this morning.

Marcus was hired by Big 5 Sporting Goods last week and will be starting his job on Friday. He thanked my husband and I for teaching him quick, winning interview answers. How sweet!

Now onto this week's meal plan. Thanks to Organizing Junkie!

Charles' Spaghetti Sauce with Your Choice of Pasta

Chicken Stir Fry with Brown Rice

Sandwiches and Soup

Oven Baked Fish and Chips

Hot Dogs with Whole Wheat Buns and Oven Baked Fries

Simply Car-free: How to Pedal Toward Financial Freedom and a Healthier Life ~ Tammy Strobel

I actually found a link to Rowdy Kittens when an article they had written was shared on Yahoo. This couple documented how they decided to get rid of their cars, home and extra stuff so they would have more financial freedom and a healthier life.

After reading their article I wanted to know more so I stopped by their website, Rowdy Kittens. On the lefthand side I saw a link to an ebook, Simply Car-free How to Pedal Toward Financial Freedom and a Healthier Life.

One will learn that having a car isn't a must have for most households. Especially when you start crunching the numbers.

Other pluses, one will discover, from this ebook is what to look for in purchasing a bike, going grocery shopping with your bike, getting comfortable riding your bike and the best bike locks.

And for those who don't want to go car-free the car-lite chapter is a must read.

For $9.95, it's a definite must read.

Angel Food September Online Ordering Ending Soon!

Our family finds Angel Food Ministries an affordable way to purchase groceries for our family. Marcus even finds it fun to pick up the food order, take it home and discover what we got that month.

Check the website for your local order site's deadline date.

Bushel and a Peck: Finding what’s present

Bushel and a Peck: Finding what’s present

Charles shared with me that I deserved better. I asked him what he meant by that. His reply, "You deserve a husband that can provide you a home, car and financial security." I told him that he does provide me security and love for me and the kids. And I'm not asking for him to provide me with material things.

With the ups and downs of the economy marriages can take a beating. Wives must remember that husbands do want to be the provider.

I reminded Charles that he's always the head of the household ~ working or not.