From Nelle's Country

Where Were You Moments

2011-05-02T19:51:00.005-05:00

I have been blessed to be surrounded by extended family on both sides of my family. Grandparents, great aunts and uncles, aunts and uncles and cousins from all generations shared meals on many occasions. Besides the great food, these meals meant wonderful stories. Some were funny - the snake in the path and the hog ride - while some were serious. They spoke of childhoods in the cotton fields, the assassination of a President, the death of Elvis, the Great Depression, and everything in between. Those moments that mark our lives - Where Were You Moments.

I've thought a lot of those moments last night and today. May 1, 2011 marks another one of those moments for Americans and the world - President Obama announces the death of Osama bin Laden. I immediately called to mind the events of 9-11 and shed tears as the memories sped through my mind's eye. I then wondered if my son would remember this day.

I also began thinking of those Where Were You moments that I have experienced. I thought of the stories I have to share with my family and how to best record them (wouldn't want the details to get lost). Historical moments shape our families and world just as our favorite family stories do. I want to preserve the stories, my memories of history occurring around me, and those moments special to my family. Some I will do in scrapbooks, some in videos, and some in journals. Take a moment to recall some of these moments in your own life and record them. It really doesn't take but a few minutes and lasts lifetimes!

I'm thinking a scrapbook for me. Maybe even a piece on what my son thinks of this latest moment.

God Bless!!!

Tax Day & PF Chang's

2011-04-13T21:02:00.002-05:00

PF Chang's is helping take the edge off of Tax Day. The bistro is giving 15% off all dine-in and carry-out orders on Monday, April 18th. Even better? No coupons, codes or special passwords required. Just head to your local PF Chang's and enjoy your favorite entree!

Free Lays chips at Kroger

2011-03-30T20:30:00.002-05:00

Need to get your grocery shopping done for the week? Try heading to Kroger between 3pm and 8pm this Friday, April 1st. You can get a free bag of Frito Lays chips - no coupon required. I have verified this is accurate for the DFW area Kroger stores. What a deal!

Deals, deals and more deals

2011-03-29T20:37:00.005-05:00

I have bookmarks for some of my favorite sites for getting the latest and greatest deals. I thought I would compile a quick list to share with my readers. Note: I still do research to determine how good the deal really is and I deny all blame if approached by angry husbands.

1 Sale a Day features one item a day in each of five categories including wireless, family, jewelry and watch.

Living Social features a limited time great deal on those little extras. This site is based on your area. I scored a great Picture People deal a couple of days ago!

Freebies 4 Mom lets you know about all kinds of freebies. I love this site for free ereader books, music downloads, and great coupons.

GiftCardRescue sells gift cards at discounted rates and buys your unwanted gift cards for cash. Free shipping is standard!

Woot! is an oldie, but a goodies. The deals recently have been better though there are still days that I shake my head. Of course, that is half the fun of a treasure hunt!

Food Banks, Coupons & a Challenge...Join Me

2011-03-23T20:37:00.002-05:00

It is no secret that the economy is tough right now and that more and more people are needing to take advantage of local food pantries. Some of the newest "customers" were donors just a couple of years ago. We've all made adjustments here and there. Some of those adjustments have necessitated reducing our charitable giving.

A woman from the DFW area has a suggestion that will make it easier to help stock our local food pantries. She uses coupons to purchase food that she then donates to her local pantry. This does require some of your time, but has a big benefit. Matching grocery ads to available coupons can significantly increase the savings. I've been able to get several items free each week. It does become easier once you discover the system that works best for you.

This is a great way to get your kids involved. They can clip coupons, match coupons to weekly ads, make shopping lists, assist with the shopping and help deliver the groceries to the food bank. What an excellent way to teach our children to be generous!

You could also get a group of friends together to clip, list and shop (maybe share a glass of wine and some good snacks). You could even split up the shopping by store. They can also be an additional source of coupons. In fact, you could collect coupons for clipping from multiple sources by asking friends, family, and co-workers to save their unused coupons for you. Remember, a variety of items are needed.

Please answer the challenge and join me to help stock our local food pantries and ensure that no one has to go hungry!

Baking in the Spring Season

2011-03-20T19:49:00.003-05:00

It's spring!!!! I'm so happy to welcome Spring this year! The winter was much colder in this area than normal, so sunny, warm weather is lovely.

For me, the daffodils and dogwood blooming herald spring. They also lead me to the kitchen...and the garden...and the yard....and the local nursery. (I have flowers to plant right now.)

I love looking for a great new recipe that says spring. This year, it was easy - the cover of Southern Living caught my eye. I'm a big fan of pound cakes, so when I saw the strawberry swirled beauty on their cover I knew it was my first spring recipe of 2011. I was even more certain when I read the name - Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake.

The recipe seems a little long at first glance, but don't let that deter you. The cake is very good. I do want to give you a couple of helpful hints that I feel they left out of the recipe.

Reduce the oven temperature if you are using a dark pan. This will prevent the outside from over browning. I baked it at 335F with the rack on the second space from the top.
The recipe calls for strawberry glaze which is very sweet and high in sugar. Substituting all-fruit strawberry preserves works wonderfully. This gives it a fresher taste and saves some calories.

I hope you will give it a try! It is an excellent dessert to welcome the spring. May your first day of spring be full of daffodils and dogwoods!

Springing Ahead an Hour

2011-03-13T20:37:00.002-05:00

I keep trying to find more hours in my day. Today, was one of those gotcha days where I lost yet another hour. Okay, so we all lost that hour. It seems to get harder to acclimate ourselves as each year passes. I am thankful for small blessings though. It is Spring Break so the kids can adjust before school starts again!

I really did blink and the day was gone. I harvested morning glory seeds and cut back the dead growth, fertilized and watered the yard, baked birthday cakes (celebrating the month's birthdays at work), folded laundry, did some grocery shopping, added more items to my 8th box, and took a couple of minutes to chat with a girlfriend. Then it was time to gather myself for Monday.

I'm looking forward to a very blessed and peaceful week even with one less hour. I have to admit that patience is not my strength. I recognize that I need extra help, so I've been starting my day in prayer asking for that help. His grace is truly amazing and the days have gone so much smoother! My son even noticed and told me that he started his day with the rosary. Here's wishing that each of you spring ahead into a prayer filled and blessed week!

Lenten Goal - 40 Bags in 40 Days

2011-03-08T17:14:00.004-06:00

The Lenten season begins tomorrow. This year I am taking on the challenge of removing 40 bags (or boxes) of stuff from my house. When there is clutter around us, it is harder to focus ourselves. How can we give ourselves to God and serve Him when we cannot focus?

Take a moment to think about the things around you. Maybe you have a stack of old magazines that can be recycled, shared, or given to your local elementary school. What about your closet? Most of us have clothes that we can't or don't wear anymore. There's the linen closet with the kid-themed sheets that are deemed too childish now or sheets that no longer fit any of the beds in the house. Don't forget the collection of plastic containers that are missing matching lids!

I'm imagining how much more space I'll have once I've removed 40 bags. I'm already 4 bags ahead! More space and less distraction from my daily time with the Father! Are you ready for the challenge? Come on and join me!

Like Lists - Start that electronic To Do list...

2011-02-28T17:12:00.003-06:00

I am such a list person! I have multiple lists running all the time - personal errands, professional tasks, household maintenance, scrapbooking tasks, crafting wishes, and on and on. I have spirals, journals, post-its, and electronic sources for these lists.

Now, I've found a great electronic source to keep track of my daily tasks - Teux Deux. This website does nothing but To Do lists. It even keeps a list of items that you aren't sure when to schedule. Even better, it is accessible from any computer or smart phone! Take a moment to check it out. You will definitely love it!

Spring Greens

2011-02-28T17:02:00.002-06:00

Gardening is in full swing. The garden now holds onions, carrots, several lettuce varieties, potatoes, spinach and turnips. There is something so promising about a growing garden. Not to mention the peace of working in the soil.

Wouldn't it be great to have fresh greens at your fingertips? You can have them no matter where you live. Salad greens, as well as peppers and cherry tomatoes, will grow nicely in small ground spaces and even containers.

What's stopping you? Grab some garden soil, a little fertilizer, some seeds and a few containers and get to gardening! Just thinking about a nice fresh salad is enough to make your mouth water.

Spring Financial Check

2011-02-22T19:23:00.002-06:00

Spring is just around the corner. I've already started making my Spring Cleaning To Do List (I love lists!) Today, I found out I need to create a Spring Financial Cleaning List. A little time consuming, but a relatively painless budget cut possibly.

Why you ask? Today, I was verifying a charge on one of my credit cards for my last statement period. The charge was indeed there and correct, but there was also an interest charge on the statement. Yes, this is common, but.....you should not have an interest charge when you pay the balance in full prior to the due date. I verified that I had paid in full and days before the due date. A 30 minute phone call cleared it up.

Last month, I noticed that my cellular provider had added a new option at $9.99 per month. I did not request the service, so I didn't want to pay for it. Another phone call.

We all know that billing mistakes are unfortunately common and that we should scrutinize our monthly bills. We also know that life gets hectic and good intentions may go by the wayside. Have you scrutinized your bills lately? Take an afternoon (or break it up into smaller pieces of time) and closely review each of your bills. Check for errors and for those services that you really do not want or need any longer.

As an added incentive, treat yourself afterwards! Happy cleaning!

Delicious Jams from a Family Farm

2011-02-16T21:28:00.002-06:00

I confess.....I'm a foodie. I love to cook and bake (yes, there is a difference). I enjoy looking for and trying out interesting recipes then tweaking them to my taste. Creating my own recipes is fun too.

I especially love tasting local foods when I travel. Seattle, Washington is foodie heaven. Pike Place Market is fabulous! There are fresh food items everywhere and they are made/harvested locally. I will admit that I made at least one trip daily to the market! One of my favorite finds was a really wonderful Bumbleberry Jam made by Johnson Berry Farms. They are a local berry farm priding themselves on organic berries. We've already finished our first jar and will definitely be ordering more. They have more traditional jams as well as vinegars, syrups, and vinaigrettes. Definitely worth a moment to browse their website and treat yourself to fresh, American made goodness!

February Love - Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Please

2011-02-10T20:32:00.008-06:00

February is all about the love. This includes my love of chocolate.....Momma's chocolate pie, chocolate cupcakes, a Godiva truffle (or two), and my latest find...Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Yes, Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! I like browsing the Kraft Foods website for recipes. I will admit that I usually tweak them significantly to suit my tastes. This one, not so much. The ingredient list is a little long, but the recipe is very easy. I do all the mixing in one bowl even though they go into the pan in layers. The cake bakes up beautifully and presents well. Oh yes, the taste is decadent! Hope you enjoy!

Old Farmer's Almanac

2011-02-10T20:22:00.004-06:00

Farmer's Almanac???? That's for old folks! Not so my friends! Okay, so I thought so once upon a time, but I've changed my tune.

I do buy the book, but the Old Farmer's Almanac website is even better! They have recipes and cooking ideas along with the gardening tips. Many people, even in the cities, have started trying their hand at gardening. This website can be a gardener's best friend with tips on when and how to plant.

Yes, I know that we just finished another round of winter weather, but it is time to think gardening! We must start prepping those plots now for planting. For my area, potatoes and onions go in the ground this next weekend. Thankfully, the garden has been "burned off" and preparations started for this planting. (Let's hope that the weather stays fair!) Those cool weather herbs are next up since I'm starting from seed.

Not a gardener, checkout the cooking and recipe section or the Best Days section. It really is a moment of simplicity in an otherwise hectic day. So, here's to sunny days and plentiful crops!

Lunch for a Cure

2011-02-09T20:02:00.003-06:00

As some of you are aware, my friend's daughter, Halie Pigott, was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma in May 2010. The prognosis was not good. Thankfully, God and the power of prayer are awesome! She is now undergoing immunotherapy. Please consider adding Halie to your prayer list and that of your friends!

Lunch for a Cure is an organization that raises money to research this cancer and find a cure. They have a wonderful cookbook available for all of you foodies. The recipes were submitted by families fighting this cancer. The cookbook would make a wonderful birthday, Mother's Day or just because gift for friends and family. Even better, the proceeds go to a wonderful cause.

Not a cook, but want to donate? Not a problem! You can donate through their website. The idea behind them is give up one lunch out to help fund a cure. Please pass along the website to friends and family.

It's That Time - Tax Preparation

2011-02-08T22:53:00.003-06:00

The individual tax code for 2010 has been finalized and full processing begins February 14th. (Please note that they can change their minds at any time.) You should have received all of your tax documents by now. Take a moment (maybe an hour or two) to gather all of your tax items together and verify that you do have everything that you need. Contact the appropriate company for any missing documents - be sure and check online first.

A couple of things to be mindful of if you are preparing your own return.

Personal exemptions are no longer limited based on income.
Itemized deductions are no longer limited based on income.
Sales tax is still allowed on Schedule A for Texas residents.
Real estate taxes can no longer be claimed on Schedule L. They must be claimed on Schedule A as part of Itemized Deductions. This is only advantageous if your Itemized Deduction is greater than your Standard Deduction.
Full unemployment benefits are taxable. There is no $2400 exclusion for 2010.

If you are planning on having your return prepared, be sure that you find a reputable preparer. Don't be afraid to ask them about their education and experience. You want someone with an accounting degree at the very least. Preferably a CPA or a reputable preparer with several years experience.

Happy filing!

Homemade from the Heart

2011-02-07T21:06:00.002-06:00

I confess that I love Christmas. I love celebrating the birthday of our Saviour! I love the contagious feeling of generosity and kindness! I love finding just the right gift!

Just the right gift doesn't always come from the store. I might get a small wish list from my Mom, but rarely from my Dad. I've learned they appreciate the homemade or personalized gifts more than any other. Anything centered around the grandkids is always good. I even get so much joy from making these special gifts. Just thinking about the reactions makes me smile over and over again.

So....I've decided 2011 should be a year of homemade gifts. Not just Christmas either. I'm even making appointments with myself so that I set aside time to make those gifts I've previously thought of, but not made. Anything homemade lets the person know that you are thinking specifically of them. There are additional bonuses as well - you know that there will not be duplicates; it is budget friendly; and you get to explore your creativity.

I don't want to reveal too much so that my friends and family guess what they are getting. I can tell you some of the gifts of years past.

Small scrapbooks of the years events - great gift for grandparents
Calendars made with family snapshots
Family Tree Ornaments - bought solid colored ornaments and hand-painted the names of our family from both sets of my grandparents down to the youngest in the family.
Bird seed wreaths
Dinners
Activity coupons

Want to make the gift making more fun? Include your girlfriends! Have a girls' day or weekend and share crafting supplies. Need additional ideas? Stay tuned. More posts to come....maybe even with pictures!

Lightening the Load

2011-02-03T19:35:00.002-06:00

I'm constantly updating my To Do List. It starts each evening with a list of things that I need to get done (or try to get done) during the following day. Out of my mind, down on paper...no endless loop stealing sleep.

Laundry stays on this list even with our small household. I have often asked myself how we manage to dirty so many clothes so quickly. I found my answer this past weekend.

I ask that my son sort his laundry, but then I take over. I wash, dry, fold, and place them in his room to put away. I hang up his clothes too. No more!

I found out that my son finds it easier to dump those clean clothes that he doesn't want to put away back in the hamper. Here I am trying to simplify and find a little more time for fun and it is being sabotaged. Time for a life lesson. Now, he must sort his clothes then fold and put away the clean clothes. Future infractions will result in additional penalties....he'll learn to wash his own clothes.

I enjoy taking care of my family, but I also know that children must learn to do things for themselves. Laundry is easy to teach and learn. I placed an instruction sheet for basic items by the washing machine and started with towels. Towels are the perfect starting point because they cannot be ruined. So they might get bleached, but they will still handle the job of drying. Okay, you might want to put a few guest towels out of sight just in case. Just think how much simpler life would be with some help with the laundry!

Power-less Reminder

2011-02-02T18:41:00.002-06:00

Two-thirds of this wonderful country is blanketed by a serious winter storm. We are no exception. I cannot remember ever experiencing this kind of cold! It has gotten me to thinking.

Most people, especially in urban areas, don't think about being without electricity much. It is usually taken for granted that the light will come on when we flip the switch. It did this morning....for about 10 minutes then darkness. (I do mean darkness as it was about 5am.) It made me grateful.

Yes, I said grateful. Grateful that I've experienced many an hour without electricity (almost every big storm when you live in the country). I knew where my flashlight was, was easily able to light my gas fireplace, had candles handy and even an "antique" phone that simply plugs into the phone jack - no power needed. These items along with a gas stove mean you can stay reasonably warm and even have a meal. Unfortunately, this does not protect those pipes to the second-story bathroom that run up our outside NW wall. The hot water is now non-existent to our faucets in one bath, but the shower is good. (I've left the hot water faucets open so there is someplace for the water to go when it thaws and offered up a prayer.)

Facing this same situation? Maybe suffering from the rolling blackouts? Set the heater a little warmer (not too much), open cabinet doors to expose plumbing, drip your faucets, locate flashlights/candles/etc, get out the extra blankets, keep the blinds closed, avoid opening outside doors too often, and make sure you have an old phone or fully charged cellphone.

What a Groundhog Day!

One Simple Act

2011-02-01T16:31:00.002-06:00

So the helping hand idea is a daily thought and act to practice. I found a new book that wonderfully speaks of generosity - "One Simple Act - Discovering the Power of Generosity" by Debbie Macomber.

Yes, Macomber is a fiction writer great at drawing you into her characters. She brilliantly uses her talents in this non-fiction work that reveals all of the gifts of generosity. I was hooked on the first chapter.

Part of me wants to rush right through it and part of me wants to slow down and enjoy (this is a later post) the message. So what to do? Read straight through it of course! Okay, back to the slowing down - I'm going to read it again immediately afterwards to savor each morsel.

One quote immediately jumped out at me. I will leave you with these wise words from "One Simple Act".

"Practicing an attitude of gratitude spills over to acts of generosity."

Helping Hand

2011-01-31T18:11:00.002-06:00

As a parent, I want my children to understand the importance of compassion and empathy. I want them to understand that helping others is a great gift and that giving of ourselves is just as important as sharing our financial blessings.

I will always remember the first time I saw this in action with my son (then 8). I had just picked him up from school and was headed home. He noticed an elderly man raking his yard and said, "Stop Mom! Can I help that man pickup his yard?" I was so proud of him! We did stop and he finished raking, picking up and bagging the leaves. He even refused to take any money when it was offered. We visited our new friend several times over the next few years which brought smiles to all. What a gift!

I still talk about how important it is to do for others and more importantly, seek to be an example. This year, we are really focusing on the gift of giving and I challenge all of us to look for some way to help others each and every day. Again, the focus is not on giving monetarily, but giving of oneself. We can all make a difference for someone each day. Maybe it is a smile, picking up something that was dropped, holding a door open, say thank you to the person bagging the groceries, or offering to carry in groceries. For me, it is sometimes calling on patience when I'm being thoroughly tested.

Take a moment today (and everyday) to find a way to give of yourself. Encourage your family to do the same. Not only does it make someone else's day a bit brighter, you feel better too!

Gratitude Abounds

2011-01-24T20:59:00.002-06:00

As is common, I sometimes (okay, frequently) find myself complaining about my woes. Why is it easier to complain than be grateful? I've asked myself that a lot the past few months. It has definitely been put into perspective.

A very dear friend is watching her 3 year old, baby girl fight cancer thus fighting for her life. There have been scares and so much pain for such a little one. However, my friend has not stopped giving thanks and glorifying our Awesome God. What a testament she is! That daily praising and thanksgiving for each miracle she gives to Him.

I now catch myself starting to get upset and remind myself how very blessed I am. I pray diligently for my friend, her little one and family while giving thanks for His endless bounty and blessings. Don't get me wrong, I still fall as I am but a mortal. I still complain and have to catch myself. But, I also take a more moments to enjoy the vast beauty around me; to hug my child a little more often and for longer moments. What a wonderful life we are given...what a gift to know that He will always carry us in our time of need!

I hope that you will take a moment to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving and remember each of the blessings He has given you. For the Praise and the Glory are His, now and forever!

A Favorite New Gadget for Painting

2010-07-19T19:39:00.002-05:00

Continuing in the Summer Cleaning theme, I just finished painting my son's room. Can't paint without all the tools and of course, I couldn't find all of mine. I probably threw them away after the last painting project. I went to Walmart to get the paint tray and the applicator refills.

I wavered between trays....disposable (not environment friendly), cheap tray, or this cool looking new version. I finally decided on the new version - Shur-Line Easy Clean Paint Tray. It was a little more expensive (not quite $2), but it is definitely worth it.

The paint really does peel right off the tray! Yes, even after multiple uses (I was tempted to paint the tray just to be able to peel it off again.) I also hated cleaning the paint tools because the paint went down a drain or on the ground. This is not very friendly to my environment! No more....now, I peel and toss. Even the specs of paint on the sides came right off when I rubbed the peeled paint over them. Another great thing about the Shur-Line Easy Clean Paint Tray....it is Made in the USA!

I helped the environment, supported an American business, and enjoyed cleaning up after painting. Talk about a win-win!

Summer Cleaning

2010-07-16T16:17:00.002-05:00

I've been "Summer" cleaning each evening this month. "Summer" cleaning you ask? That is what I'm calling my attach on clutter. It seems the stack of items to review and deal with continually grows (I'm thinking with the help of elves at night!) There's always something else more important (fun) to do.

July 4th arrived and I thought "Oh my, where did June go...no, where did the first half of 2010 go?" School is out, work is a little slower, and children are visiting grandparents. I still haven't accomplished half of my Summer To Do list.

School starts in about one month (yes parents, one month). I want to be ahead of the game, organized to the hilt (okay, just organized), and ready for the added demands of kids in school. I decided to take stock and think back to a time when I didn't feel harried all the time (translates to enjoyable weekends).

The destination turned out to be when our house was on the market. We did the standard repainting, carpet cleaning, etc, but I took it one step farther. I boxed up stuff that we did not need at the time (didn't miss 85% of it). This was to decrease the clutter, make the closets appear more spacious and the house more attractive. Everyone was responsible for cleaning up after themselves as we went each day. We didn't leave the house without making the beds, wiping down counters, and the list goes on. The result was not only a house ready to show, but also a lot more free time. We did not have a constant list of things to clean every weekend.

I have gone through those boxes and started on closets and drawers. (We've already had one garage sale to clear out the items set aside and there will be another one.) I'm taking the time to truly sort...trash, donate, garage sale, eBay and save. My goal is to remove the extra "stuff" that clutters not only my home, but my energy. You cannot imagine how good it feels to see unused items go out the door! It also brought to light additional ways we can unclutter our spending, but that is a post for another day.

Take a moment to look around your home for clutter "stuff" and start sorting it out. It doesn't have to be done all at once. Start out one drawer or closet at a time. Grab a trash bag and a couple of boxes and get going. Maybe even reward yourself with a treat each time you complete an area. You'll be amazed at the results!

Lenten Friendly Foods

2010-02-18T05:26:00.001-06:00

Lent has begun. That time to focus on our faith and those areas that have "fallen to ashes". It also means fasting and meatless Fridays. I am not a "meat at every meal" girl, so I don't mind this at all. We always start Lent and celebrate Good Friday with a trip to Pappadeaux. The remainder of our Fridays are celebrated at home around the dinner table. I have several favorite Lenten meals and foods that I turn to each year. I wanted to share them with you this season. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Lenten Foods & Recipes

Discounts Galore - Gymboree, Kohls & Payless

2010-02-17T20:22:00.002-06:00

I'm not a big shopper as a rule, but when I do have to shop, I love coupons! Here are three great coupon codes for your enjoyment.

Gymboree take 20% off your total purchase including sale prices Now through March 28th
Enter code 11PL60THFD99630 at checkout online at www.gymboree.com

Kohls take 15% to 20% your total purchase February 26th - 28th online at www.kohls.com
Enter code PICK15FEB at checkout for 15% off your total purchase
Enter code FEBTAKE20 at checkout for 20% off your total purchase of $100 or more

Payless Shoe Source take 20% off your purchase Now through March 15th at www.payless.com
Enter Coupon Code 31239 at checkout

Breakfast on the Go

2010-01-26T19:05:00.002-06:00

My family loves breakfast tacos! We all have our favorites - chorizo and egg; bacon egg and cheese; and potato and egg. There is even a Taco Cabana on the way to work. This, however, can quickly add up (especially when they charge $0.70 for cheese).

My solution is to cook extra bacon and sausage on Sunday morning. I then make and assemble tacos for the first few days of the week. It is quick to assemble, wrap in foil and place in the refrigerator. To reheat, just pot in the oven at 250F for about 15 minutes or microwave on medium for a minute. Nice hot breakfast to start the day! They are even easy to eat on the go.

Making it a Green Year!

2010-01-18T07:18:00.000-06:00

I do promote Going Green and am always looking for simple ways to be greener. Of course, I love passing on those little things I find. So here's my green tip for the day.

No more paper napkins! (Okay, so I'll still pull out the cute paper napkins at the holidays!) You can find great cotton hand rags in packages of 10-12 to use as table napkins. I picked up a package of 12 white cotton hand rags at Kohls for less than $3.00. They are great!

A quick wash in hot water and Oxiclean and they are sparkling again.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T15:53:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Dinner is done, the kitchen is cleaned, and the ads perused. Now, it is football time.

Hope each of you and yours are enjoying a day full of family, fun and good food. Be sure to take a moment and count all of the things for which you are grateful and say a prayer of thanks!

Take a family picture, have everyone write down one or two things they are thankful for and create a Thanksgiving 2009 scrapbook page. Not a scrapper? Create a quick piece of art to display on the fridge. It is fun to look back on these lists a few years down the road.

Freebies!!

2009-11-24T10:57:00.002-06:00

2010 is just around the corner and that means a new calendar. Here are two free calendars that include excellent coupons!

Betty Crocker Calendar

Oriental Trading Calendar

What fun to ride....The Polar Express

2009-11-22T07:29:00.002-06:00

We love the Polar Express movie. It is a holiday staple in our home. My greatest wish is for my home to ooze the magic of the holiday season. Decorating for Christmas takes days and days, but what fun!

This year I was looking at fun day trips that we could do on the weekends and what to my wondering eyes should appear? The Polar Express departs from the Texas State Railroad depot in Palestine, Texas. Yes, you read that correctly. Last night, we departed on the 8:15 to the North Pole. I was so magical. There was hot cocoa, cookies, Christmas carols, elves, and Santa. My son loved his first gift of the season....the sleigh bell. We all heard the ring of that special bell!

I know that this will be a wonderful memory for all of us and hope your family can experience the same magic. The Polar Express runs select days through December. May you all Believe!
Polar Express Train Ride

A Christmas Must Read

2009-10-13T20:52:00.002-05:00

I'm sure many of you feel the same way I do - the holidays begin October 1st. That is when I begin dragging out the Halloween decorations. (My son finally got over the scariness of Halloween and looks forward to decorating.)

I have found that the calendar seems to fill up much faster this time of year. A free weekend is harder to come by, but I can't seem to find anything that I want to mark off. Then there is all of the baking I ache to do (yes, I do mean ache!) I love the fact that the kitchen is cool and I can stand to keep the oven on all day. I have lists galore. There's the Halloween party, Fall Festival at school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, kids' birthdays, Christmas shopping, church bazaar, Winter Party at school, Christmas, New Year's, etc. Oh yes, lest I forget that this is my very busy time at work.

We all know that this means Moms are tired, harried, stressed, and the list goes on..... I discovered a wonderful book this past weekend (I should have been tackling an item on one of my lists) that really puts it all humorously into perspective - "On Strike for Christmas" by Sheila Roberts. It kept me laughing and saying oh my. I highly recommend you find a couple of days, a few nights, or several lunch breaks to read it! Welcome to the holidays!

Menu & Recipes for October 11th

2009-10-09T12:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Fall! We are even getting a taste of fall here in Texas.

I cannot believe how crazy everything is at the moment. I do apologize for not have recently posted. That will be changing!

I really hope that you enjoy the meals this week. There are some new cool weather comfort foods prepared in the crockpot. Such a marvelous way to prepare dinner!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_15hsrcb4gh

Menu & Recipes for Week of September 13th

2009-09-13T13:32:00.002-05:00

This week starts the cooler weather here in Texas. I have enjoyed watching the rain for the past three days. Horrible baseball weather - great baking weather!! Fall welcomes back all of my family's cool-weather, comfort foods. I am so excited to share them with you this season.

Have an a Fall-bulous week!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_14gbz9hffp

Game Day Munchies

2009-09-10T20:05:00.003-05:00

Football season has arrived. I know some of you are football widows, but I love football. Tonight's the kick-off and the game is on as I post this!

We do kick-off Sunday up right. I fix a nice breakfast and then start on the day's buffet of munchies. I make plenty to nibble on throughout the entire day. No, there is not a formal meal the remainder of the day (unless I make wings). There are Italian Sausage Balls, Turkey Roll-ups, Rotel Cheese Dip, Assorted chips, crackers, Football Brownies, Football Sugar Cookies, Vegetable Tray, and a Savory Dip. The recipes and tips are available at http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_13frhrkmfs

This should give you something to look forward to even if you don't enjoy the game. Have a great Sunday and go Cowboys!!

$5 Dinners

2009-08-31T18:43:00.005-05:00

This week's menu is all about using what is already in your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. I wanted to share a wonderful website called $5 Dinners. This is a great site for very inexpensive meals that feed a family of 4. Be sure to check it out at http://www.5dollardinners.com/

I challenge you to spend as little as possible on groceries this week. Take the money you save and stash it in the holiday shopping fund! The savings quickly add up. I do this about four times a year and easily stash about $500-600.

Pantry Cleanup Menu

2009-08-30T19:05:00.002-05:00

This week is my quarterly Pantry Cleanup. I try to always keep a well stocked pantry so that I can whip up a quick meal or a quick dessert. I also stock up on those items I use frequently when there on sale and I have great coupons. This makes for excellent money savings as well as convenience. It does create the need for me to monitor what is in the pantry and keep an eye on the expiration dates. The result is Pantry Cleanup week.

This week, we will eat based upon what is already in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. (Bonus - we can stash the saved grocery money into savings!!!!) I have written out the meals for the week from my kitchen to give you some ideas. All of the meals are super simple and inexpensive.

Have a wonderful week!!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_12f9kwdb49

Cell Phone Contract Loop Hole

2009-08-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

I was recently having a conversation with a friend who was complaining about their cell phone contract. The monthly fees seemed to just keep going up and she felt that she could do better. This got me to thinking, there has to be some way to actually get out of a cell phone contract. Research revealed that there is already a website setup for this. Cellswapper allows you to trade contracts. What a wonderful idea! I'm hoping it isn't too late for my friend to do so.

http://www.cellswapper.com/

Radiant Barrier = Energy Savings

2009-08-23T20:42:00.003-05:00

You see the ads everywhere for radiant barrier and you wonder "Does it work?" We wondered the same thing and decided to take a chance on it. I cannot tell you how happy we are that we made this investment. It is an investment!

I'm not a fan of the Texas heat! I like it cool. Our thermostat is set on 75-77 during the day and 70 at night. You would think the electric bill to keep our 2000+ square foot home would be off the charts. Our bills are down 46% in June, 53% in July, and 51% for August! The radiant barrier has worked wonders.

The benefits go beyond the electric bill. Our upstairs use to be stifling hot in the afternoons - not anymore. Hate the harsh, hot air that first comes out of the vents when the AC turns on? Not anymore! It is not cold, but not hot either. The AC unit doesn't run as much either (this will extend the life of the unit) and you can actually go in the attic during the summer without passing out.

Most companies are running specials right now - EAS (Efficient Attic Systems) is the company we chose and were very pleased. The current special with them is 50% off the normal costs plus free insulation (less than $1000 for us). They arrived on time, finished the work in one day, and cleaned up after themselves. The service was exceptional! Topping off these savings is the Residential Energy Efficiency Credit allowed for 2009. This will decrease our tax enough to almost pay for the radiant barrier. It is definitely worth researching and considering!!!

Back to School Menu

2009-08-22T12:48:00.002-05:00

Monday is back to school and my little one is not so excited. We've met the teacher (the one he wanted) and dropped off all of the supplies and still he shows no excitement. My solution - allow him to set the menu for the week. I hope you will find these kid favorites a hit in your home too!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_11g7td96cg

Video Time Machine

2009-08-20T11:07:00.004-05:00

Back to school is Monday and we've started those discussions about family rules regarding computer and video game time during the school week. Yes, I'm one of those that limits the video games to weekends unless extra time is earned. It keeps my son focused on his school work and gives him incentive!

I do find it hard to keep up with how long he has been playing the Wii when I'm running errands, baking, cleaning or some other activity. No more....enter the Time Machine Children's Time Management gadget. The children earn tokens to operate the game system. I love it! Now, he can earned those tokens and play until they run out. Just be sure you remember where you stash them so that you have plenty when you want to play!

http://www.amazon.com/Time-Machine-Childrens-Management-System/dp/B000W4H6FQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239579062&sr=1-1

Reduce Junk Mail

2009-08-19T09:11:00.007-05:00

My household recycles, conserves water and tries to live green. I've noticed junk mail makes up a majority of our recycled paper. Finally, there is a way to stop most of it. You will notice that there are 5 different registries (6 counting the Do Not Call). I for one have done all of them and am on my way to less paper (and less temptation!)

National Do Not Call Registry
https://www.donotcall.gov/

Opt-Out Services This will stop credit card and insurance offers.
https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t

Direct Marketing Assn. This will stop catalogs, magazine offers & flyers.
https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/home.action;jsessionid=52C038B324D5A2B18396CB273D916EAD.tomcat2

Valassis This will stop coupon inserts
http://www.valassis.com/1024/Contact/contact_home.aspx

Acxiom US This will stop all phone, mail and email contacts that come through this company.
http://www.acxiom.com/about_us/privacy/consumer_information/opt_out_request_form/Pages/Opt-OutRequestForm.aspx

Catalog Choice This will stop unwanted catalogs.
http://www.catalogchoice.org/

Menu & Recipes for August 16th

2009-08-15T10:04:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday!! It appears that the pinnacle of summer might have actually passed. There are no temperatures above 100 for the next week. The cooler temperatures make meal planning and preparation so much more enjoyable. I cannot wait for fall. Most of my favorites are cooler weather dishes and I am looking forward to sharing them with each of you!

I hope each of you will enjoy the next week. Those of you with little ones have one last week of summer before school starts so take advantage. (We are sleeping in!)

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_10mnjrj5gc

Story Time - The Bake Shop Ghost

2009-08-12T20:33:00.002-05:00

There is something so relaxing about a good book and an hour in my hammock. Then there is story time with my nieces and nephew. I love finding wonderful books to share with them. The Bake Shop Ghost by Jacqueline K. Ogburn is one such treasure.

I found this wonderful book at an independent gourmet kitchen shop in Lee's Summit, called A Thyme for Everything. I have already read it three or four times myself and heard my son read it another half dozen times. I highly recommend this read! Another suggestion, find it at an independent bookstore and help support Main Street USA! They are more than happy to order it if not currently in stock.

This is going to be one of my Christmas gifts this year. I'm going to record myself reading the story on CD and place it with the book for my god daughter and nieces. We can share story time even when I can't be with them!

Limited Time Only Deals

2009-08-12T20:20:00.002-05:00

We are all looking to shop wisely and save as much money as possible. I always keep my eyes open for really great sales & special deals. (Hate that I missed that 50" flat screen on www.bestbuy.com this morning that was listed for $9.99!) I want to share two really good deals that are one-day-only offers. But first, I want to remind you that you are only saving money if you are purchasing something that you already need and will use.

Kroger grocery stores are going to double all manufacturer coupons up to $1.00 for one day only - Saturday, August 15th. Get to clipping, sorting, and making lists!

Coldwater Creek is celebrating their birthday Aug 27 - Aug 31 by taking 25% off all in-store purchases.

Menu & Recipes for August 9th

2009-08-11T21:44:00.002-05:00

The last of the summer days are flying by too fast. This week's menu is a little late, but full of great dinners. Surprise your family with one of the Summer Sweets for a wonderful dessert!

This menu offers a couple of great recipes to get the kids into the kitchen - Golden Chicken & Rice Casserole and Baked Basil Pasta are easy enough for the kids to help prepare. I hope you will enjoy some extra time sharing the love of cooking with your angels! Have a really wonderful week.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_9td5kmrhs

Back to School

2009-08-06T20:58:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that the kids are back in school in just two weeks! This summer has definitely sped right by us. I finally found all of the items on the school supply list - including the green, medium point pens (Staples).

There is an elementary school near our home that is asking for help with school supplies. The majority of families that attend are without jobs. The local recreation center started a supply drive to help out. I'm sure that there are other schools that are facing the same challenge this year. If you and your family are able, take a moment to inquire at your school. Most of the supplies are low cost (Walmart has great prices this year) and they are also included in the Texas Sales Tax Holiday on August 21st - 23rd. It is an investment in the future!

Summer Sweets

2009-08-05T15:44:00.003-05:00

Summer cookouts are a staple in my family. Hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs and the Southern fish fry, but.....what about the desserts? Everyone always has their eyes on the dessert table. We start planning which one (or ones) we want long before the meal is served.

I love baking! It has to be my favorite stress reliever! (I sometimes have people intentionally stress me out just so I will bake.) Today, I'm sharing some of my favorites that stay on the quick and easy side - Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars, Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies, Lemon Brownies and Fresh Strawberry Bread. I hope you will enjoy sharing them with your family and friends!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_8gw2745dw

My Country Kitchen - Menu for August 2nd

2009-08-01T12:40:00.002-05:00

I love finding new recipes and sometimes tweaking those recipes. This week includes a new recipe that takes many of us out of our norm - Spaghetti alla Carbonara. This is a great pasta dish! It really doesn't take much to prepare. Hope you enjoy it!

Be watching for a special My Country Kitchen bonus this week....it is going to be too sweet to miss!

Have a tasty week!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_6dbr2cfdm

The Change Jar - Home Energy Audits

2009-07-27T20:39:00.004-05:00

Texas summers are scorchers. I hate opening my electric bill from June through September. They aren't as bad since we had radiant barrier installed, but I'm sure there is more that we could do to make the house more energy efficient. Luckily, this comes with tax credits in most cases!

Oncor is working with an approved list of contractors to have free residential energy audits done along with some basic services. This is at deeply discounted rates or even free. Check it out and take a load off - energy that is. http://www.oncor.com/electricity/teem/default.aspx

Porch Know How

2009-07-24T16:26:00.002-05:00

People ask me How To questions all of the time. I'm sure that some of you wonderful Porch Friends have a few as well. This is my invitation for you to send me your requests at nellescountry@yahoo.com I will try to respond to each one. If I'm stumped, then we'll put it out there for additional input. I can't wait to hear from you!

My Country Kitchen - Menu & Recipes July 27th

2009-07-24T16:20:00.003-05:00

This week has flown by and I still have a long To Do list. How does that happen? Of course, grocery shopping is now at the top.

This week's menu contains a lot of meals that can be prepared without heating the kitchen up too much. Even the Pesto Chicken & Bowtie can be done without much heat - try a rotisserie chicken from the local market.

I hope you are enjoying these menues and recipes! Please feel free to send me any requests.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_4dkmbrqd5

The Change Jar - Coupon Sites

2009-07-22T20:53:00.002-05:00

I love saving money! It is like winning a game each time I save 40% or more on my grocery bill or gift shopping. Please make note of some of my favorite websites that help in saving.

http://promotionalcodes.com/
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.dealtaker.com/
http://www.fatwallet.com/
http://www.restaurant.com/

EcoPrint - Computer Recycling

2009-07-22T08:34:00.003-05:00

It is that time of year when we start considering new computers. Back to school is just around the corner and so much of today's assignments are computer-based. What about that old computer?

Staples and Best Buy will recycle your old computers - both laptops and desktops. There may be a $10 fee for some monitors and laptops, but Best Buy will give you a $10 Best Buy gift card in return. One last note, be sure to wipe the harddrive out before you take it in.

Be sure to schedule this trip with other errands to save gas and emissions. Just one less footprint on our environment.

My Country Kitchen - Menu for Week of July 20th

2009-07-20T18:52:00.003-05:00

Here is the menu for this week. It contains a couple of items that are great to prepare ahead of time.

The Chicken Spaghetti can be started one night (boil the chicken) and completed within the next couple of days. The leftovers are an absolute favorite for lunches. This is also a great meal for families with older babies or toddlers on baby food. Just place the chicken spaghetti in a food processor and process until it reaches desired consistency.

The Italian Sausage Soup satisfies even my picky eater. It can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. I like prepare a double batch of this soup and freeze for future meals. It freezes well then you just thaw it out and add the orzo or rice and simmer for 30 minutes.

Enjoy! http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_4dkmbrqd5

My Country Kitchen - The Ultimate Grocery List

2009-07-15T19:06:00.002-05:00

Picture this - you have spent the day doing all those errands on your list. Last stop was the grocery store. You are putting away the groceries when you realize you forgot something. Ugh! I hate that. Another trip to the store in this Texas heat.

No more, I found the most comprehensive, pre-printed grocery list ever!!! It is even called the Ultimatest Grocery List. Want one? Just visit www.grocerylists.org/ultimatest and print one off. There is even a bonus....you can peruse grocery lists that others have left behind.

Finally...One Stop Planning for Busy Families

2009-07-14T09:13:00.002-05:00

Life is busy! I have a calendar on the pantry door, at work, on my cell phone and on post-it notes in my purse. Little reminders of who needs to be where, when and with what. My friends are always talking about how hard it is to keep up with their schedules. It seems impossible to keep everything in sync.

No more! There is an online family planning tool at www.cozi.com that will allow you to enter everyone's schedule, color-code each family member, import into Outlook, get cell phone reminders, or print out the calendar. Awesome!!!!

My Country Kitchen - Menu for Week of July 12th

2009-07-10T20:09:00.002-05:00

It is that time of the week again. Time to think about a new menu. Here it is with recipes. Enjoy!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_3vfjb5vhq

The Change Jar - Free Ringtones

2009-07-10T11:11:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm guilty! I love ringtones of my favorite songs. I love having special ringtones assigned to family & friends. It is great hearing our wedding song when my husband calls. It is also nice to know it is the boss calling so that I can redirect my thoughts (or not answer)!

I do not like the fees!! I recently found a couple of websites with free ringtones. Myxer even allows you to create a ring tone from mp3 files on your computer. Love it! Like ringtones? Take a stroll www.phonezoo.com or www.myxer.com

My Country Kitchen - Lemon Pound Cake

2009-07-09T19:13:00.002-05:00

Per request, here is a great summer dessert recipe!

Lemon Pound Cake

1 cup butter
½ cup butter flavored shortening
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 cups unbleached, all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons lemon extract, plus more if you like a lot of lemon flavor
10-12 drops yellow food color

Preheat oven to 350F (325F if using dark, nonstick pan). Spray 10 cup bundt or tube pan with nonstick baking spray (Baker's Joy works very well). In large bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, milk, flour, and baking powder; mix thoroughly. Add vanilla, lemon extract and food color; beat well. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. This is great served with fresh fruit or frozen sweetened strawberries and whip cream.

My Country Kitchen - Freezing Fresh Berries

2009-07-08T08:57:00.002-05:00

My family loves blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. They are really great right now while in season, but we want them all year long. There are a couple of great blueberry farms in East Texas where you can pick your own or buy them in bags. They are just as tasty after being frozen.

To freeze the berries

Wash under cold water
Spread out on towels to dry
Place in a single layer on jelly roll pan
Freeze for 2 hours
Place in freezer-safe container - I like to use the Foodsaver containers.

Gadget Garden - Foodsaver

2009-07-08T08:51:00.002-05:00

The benefits of buying in bulk and/or buying what is on sale are well known. I do this a lot! I love to match my coupons to the sale ads for even bigger savings. There is also the great fresh produce this time of year. I love to pick blueberries and freeze them to use throughout the year. The Foodsaver is my go-to gadget for these types of items.

The Foodsaver is super easy to use, light-weight and works great. I split up and freeze steaks, bacon, chicken, fish, and fresh produce. I love their containers for my blueberries and strawberries! They one key to getting a good vacuum seal on the bags is to be sure that there is room on the sides for the air to move around the food.

They can be found almost anywhere. I suggest watching Kohls for sales. I was able to get the nicer one at 55% off plus an additional 20% off at Kohls. The sales usually apply to the bags too!

The Change Jar - Discounted Gift Cards

2009-07-07T08:32:00.002-05:00

I love gift cards! My son loves gift cards to Barnes & Noble and Blockbuster. They are great to use when teaching children how to budget and spend within their means.

Now, there is a website to buy gift cards at a discount. www.plasticjungle.com I love this website! I was able to purchase a Barnes & Noble gift card for 11% off. There are no shipping charges and no fees. Have a gift card you won't use? You can also sell or trade it at this site.

The Change Jar - Property Tax Appraisals

2009-07-06T16:09:00.003-05:00

It is that time of year again. The mail brings those pesky property tax appraisals. How closely do you look at them? Do you notice the percentage by which the appraisal increased? What about the Homestead Exemption.

Now is the perfect time to really look at your appraisals. It can save you a lot of money! Recently, I was asked to help someone prepare to protest the appraised value for their property. The property value had been increased by 56% for structures only. This was for a rural home, barns and land. I suggested the property owners get a written statement from a realtor on market value and a replacement estimate for the shops and barns. They also requested the "worksheet" from the appraisal office. The "worksheet" is what the valuation is based upon. That worksheet was an eye opener! It was completely wrong. The "worksheet" showed overstated square footage for the shop, house, and barns, two sets of porches on the house, and a large enclosed carport. Even with the gross exaggerations, it still took multiple trips to the appraisal office.

The state does have limits on the amount that your property values can be raised each year. Many times, the appraisal districts bank on property owners not protesting the appraisals. They have nothing to loose. Our property value is raised each year and each year we protest. The result is always a reduction in the appraised value. In fact this year, it was decreased to an amount lower than last year's value. Stop hyperventilating - tax appraisal values are not the same as the market value of the house unless the house is less than two years old.

I have listed some of the steps to take to protest your property tax appraisal below. There is also a free kit available at www.AHAhome.com that is helpful. Yes, it does take a little work, but is worth it!

Protest Tips

Do it yourself or ask a friend. DO NOT use anyone who says that they can lower your appraisal for a fee!
Verify the square footage of your home
Check values for similar homes in your area. Checkout http://realestate.yahoo.com/Homevalues.
Check recent sales prices in your neighborhood. A realtor should be able to assist you with this. I have never had a problem getting one to pull up the MLS that shows the houses recently sold and still on the market in your area.
Take pictures of issues within the house that would lower the value. Examples are walls that have been colored on, old faucets and fixtures, bad carpet, roofing issues. Take advantage of free estimates on getting the items repaired. It is hard for the appraisal officer to argue with a written estimate.
Rural properties should ask for the "worksheet" that is being used. Make sure that there are no extra structures and that all measurements are correct.

My Country Kitchen - July 6th Menu & Recipes

2009-07-05T18:24:00.003-05:00

I have lost count on the number of times that I have been asked how I plan out my menus for the week. It is so easy to stop in or drive thru for the evening meal. I still relish my time in the kitchen preparing a meal for my family. Yes, I recognize that the evenings can be hectic and a quick solution is demanded. I have several staples I turn to for these nights. This week the menu includes one such staple. My family loves the Bertolli brand frozen meals. They are super quick, taste great and still allow us to sit down as a family to a healthy meal.

I am starting with the basics and those comfort meals. It seems everyone qualifies their request for menus with "It needs to be super simple or dummy proof." I have tried to accommodate this request for the first week. I will throw in more involved recipes as time passes, but don't fret. They will include tips and tricks along with the recipes. Don't hesitate to tweak any of my recipes to your taste.

Welcome to the dinner table....

Menu http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_0fpn6jzfj

Recipes http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_2crvq4jcg

Premier

2009-07-05T13:49:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Nelle's Country! Here I will pass along thoughts, ideas, tips, menus and musings. Yes, I finally got it together and created the blog that everyone kept asking me to do.

I will pass along tidbits of information on a lot of forums - especially dishes from My Country Kitchen, finance tips from The Change Jar, the latest books I've perused in Hammock Readings as well as highlighting items still made in the U.S.A.

I hope each of you will find something helpful and give feedback on what you would like to see included. Pull up a chair and enjoy the porch.