While I've Been Away....

Things have changed in our household. For the better. But if you think that these changes mean I have more time to blog... then you are wrong.

Does any one know of a good time management class I can take?

Does any one still read this blog?

Bueller? Bueller?

It all started when I took my vacation. A month ago. And I had big plans to organize, organize, sleep, and organize.

Besides the sleep, I never got around to the other things on my list of plans. I spent the entire week in the pool, food and drink by my side, listening to great music, and entertaining guests. It was wonderful, it was great, it was just what I needed. But then I went back to work and something called reality punched me in the face. And I haven't been the same since.

But with it's punch, reality got me to rejoin the gym. Gold's Gym. And my long lost workout family welcomed me back with a smile and a rigorous workout schedule. I didn't realize how much I missed it and how much I actually hate wearing Spanx. And suddenly every thing feels right with the world.

Except for that I have NO time management skills. And I've become one big (hopefully not for long), sweaty ( it's good sweat - from the gym), frazzled ( darn humidity) mess.

My life consists of working ( a lot), couponing, managing a diner ( my kitchen), reading fashion magazines ( for work, of course), sitting in the pool enjoying what is left of summer, reading other people's blogs ( I follow about 30), telling jokes, and now working out 5 days a week.

I mean - if the summer would just end. And it would get too cold to swim. Then I would have so much extra time. But right now, it is important that I utilize the pool as much as I possibly can. It's one of the reasons we bought this house. Not to mention that I'm striving to retire and make money by selling my leathery skin for handbags.

Why does the sun have to be so mean?

Anyhoo, I thought I would just write a couple of things to get you up to date. And then I promise to keep up with this blog. For any one that even still reads it. And don't be surprised if I back track a little and tell you about things that have happened this summer. Back before I achieved "the most sun damage ever acquired by middle aged white girl".

It's a real title you know. Given out by the Gaston town council. Bret Michaels was the host.

So, over the past 5 weeks I have:

1. Fallen in LOVE with skinny jeans. Like head over heels where have you been all my life - in love. I hope they are in fashion forever. I credit them for my desire to go back to the gym and not the fact that it is a good idea to get in shape for health reasons. My store is even going to be carrying STIRRUP PANTS this Fall. STIRRUP PANTS!!! Dear 1980's, thank you for finally finding me after 20 years. I have missed you so much.

2. I have semi-broken my nose. It's swollen. It's sore. It hurts to brush my teeth. But Kev says that as long as I can breath - then it will be fine. He is also the one who said my nephew's busted chin didn't need stitches. And a hospital visit and 3 stitches later - he was proved wrong. It is my payback for balancing on a ladder in 3 inch heels after going three days without sleep. I may or may not have lost my footing and my hold of a magnetic sign. I call it my battle wound for fashion.

3. I have kept up with my menu chalk board. Every week. I have planned, prepped, and cooked meals effectively. I usually don't stick to things very long or consistently ( ie; MY BLOG) so this is a definite win for me.

4. I have saved a bazillion dollars on groceries. Well, maybe not a bazillion - but very close. We have a system. I get the papers on Sunday. Kev helps me cut coupons. I organize them. And then plan out my grocery shopping accordingly. My freezer is FULL, folks. Like busting at the seams full. Kev never thought I could fill that freezer up. But I did. And with the exception of a couple of glitches ( like a paper not having any coupons, or the store has been sold out of an item) I have done pretty good.

5. Have I mentioned I've been working on a tan?

And now for the things that I have NOT done over the past five weeks...

1. Cleaned my house.

2. Done laundry - the gym is a stinky place... so, hopefully no one notices.

3. Cleaned up my closet.

4. Stopped using the ENTIRE house as my closet.

5. Organized anything.

6. BLOGGED.

My days have been filled. My head has been filled. My pool has been filled. I have got to do a better job of planning. Actually, it is not the planning part - it is the execution of the plans part. In a timely manner.

And now I will move on. To something worth talking about. Something random that I need you to try......

Kraft Homestyle Mac n Cheese. I will just sum it up by saying "Yum City"!

I received a great coupon for it. I was hesitant. We are not much of a processed foods family any more. We have decided that our taste buds have matured. And we are officially becoming food snobs. Food snobs that like squirt cheese in a can ( Kevin) and slim jims ( Kim).

Anyway, I figured we would try it. And it tasted just like a home made macaroni and cheese. I even went the extra mile and baked it for 10 minutes at the end ( it gives the option to do that on the back of the bag) for a crispier top. Not to mention that it is SUPER easy to make.

It was so creamy and cheesy and yummy. And yet I managed to only eat one helping. Because
"every thing in moderation" is my new motto.

Hopefully, my motto will last longer than it usually does. :)

Until next time ( which should be in a couple of days - and not five weeks) I will be running and punching and kicking and squatting. And not because I'm being chased by a hillbilly in my back yard and I need to pee.

Chapin Is the Place To Be

The night started out like this....



We picked up the kids from my parent's house. It was Michael's SEVENTEENTH birthday. And I have ABSOLUTELY no idea how my sweet little nephew became SEVENTEEN.


So, Michael spent the day on the lake. With his Mother and Randy. And then we all met up at their house for an extravaganza.

I think it is so weird. And strange. That we ( most of my family) live in "Columbia" but really we live an HOUR apart. From Gaston ( the special place that I call home) to Chapin ( the place my sister and her kids call home) is an HOUR apart. I'm sure it is because they ( the government) likes to keep the "rednecks" as far apart as possible. We are smart, you see. And seem to cause rambunctious trouble.

But we have learned how to fight the system. And therefore, we met in Chapin. On a Saturday night. To celebrate.

And that is where I took my prized photograph of this grasshopper... And then I needed to take another photo to prove that I have MAD skillz when it comes to picture taking.
Kev, do you see why I need a fancy camera? Because I take pretty pictures of bugs.

I love it out there. In Chapin. Just as much as I love it in Gaston. It is the country air. And the "good ole boys". And the laid back peace of mind.

And the golf carts on crack....

Who wouldn't want to ride around on this piece of machinery? It is air conditioned. And easy to drive. You can even have your kids drive you around.

That's more important than you realize.

But now I MUST introduce you to RANDY. The outdoor cook/chef extraordinaire. And he blew my skirt up with his food prep. And made my tummy beg for more.

He created the ULTIMATE cookout possible. And I bathed in the Crisco oil and vinegar like it was my daily bath.

Fried fish. From Lake Murray.

Fried Chips. And these chips were NOT like your every day Ruffles in a bag. They were like wing chips. Hand made slices of potato with vinegar and salt water sprayed on them.

Can I get an AMEN?

But then came the squash. The thinly cut, fried yellow squash. And that was all she wrote.

Except for I'm the "writer" and I always have more to say.

SEVENTEEN year old Mike. And his girlfriend, Sam.

The birthday cake disaster. Because every one is always dying to destroy a birthday cake on their face.....

We played "corn hole". We talked. And talked. And laughed. And talked some more. And had an amazing time with family and friends.

And declared Chapin as the "best place to be on a Saturday night".

Happy Birthday Michael!! When did you get the permission to grow up so fast?

We love you so much!

From The Kitchen Of Kim

That's right. I got a menu board. A chalkboard menu board to be exact. Because I like things old school and charming. (Dry erase boards are not charming.) And I hung it up in my kitchen.


And it makes me giggle with delight every time I walk past it.


I have been wanting one for SO LONG. And because I like to over explain myself. And because you are dying to know.... I will list out all the reasons why.



1. I LOVE lists. Especially when I can see the entire week's plan all at one time. There is something about knowing your plan for the day that helps you get started on the right foot. ( Unless you are left footed) I hung this menu plan at the entry way to the kitchen. So when I am on my way at tooearlyo'clock in the morning to make my tea, I can see what is for supper and I can make plans accordingly. ie; pull meat out of freezer, turn on crock pot, etc.



2. I love chalkboards. I always volunteered to clean the boards and erasers for my teachers. Actually, I did that to get special attention. And may or may not have needed extra credit points on a regular basis. So disregard this reason.



3. I was tired of Kev texting/emailing/calling me ALL DAY LONG to ask me what was for supper.



4. Kev has NEVER done #3. I just put it there for laughs. And actually.... he is SO happy about every single thing that I make for dinner. He just shows up when I ring the dinner bell ( me screaming that dinner is ready) and eats it with a smile. He is easy going I tell ya. EASY GOING.




5. It does tell Kev, however, the nights that I work late. It changes from week to week. So, it's easier for him to keep up with. I came up with a symbol of a "CL" in a circle ( I'm so clever) which means that I'm closing. And then he eats leftovers. In peace. Because I'm not there. It is good to get a break from me every now and then.




6. It also helps with the planning of my couponing. And keeps me focused. I buy meat on sale now - AND FREEZE IT. ( I can't believe I'm actually freezing meat - two weeks ago I would have thrown up a little in mouth at the mere mention of buying meat to freeze it. And look at me now. Who knew that my mid life crisis would consist of buying food in bulk WITH COUPONS and freezing it. I'm even using a sharpie marker to write on the package what it is and the date. Is this the longest statement in parenthesis that you have ever read?) My point is - I plan my shopping on Sundays. Write a menu. And then stick to it. A clear plan prevents me from picking up last minute take out when I am running late.



7. It makes me feel like I am running a restaurant. And in a way... I am. Except for I don't seem to get any tips. Unless I should consider burps as tips.?? I do live in the country after all. And we do things a little different out here.



And now... just to give you an example on my mad money saving and chalkboard planning skills... I present to you Sunday's meal of Mahi Mahi and squash....

For $4.20 we feasted on fresh goodness. I got two Mahi Mahi filets for $4.00. 2 fresh ears of corn for 20 cents. And 2 different kinds of squash plus jalapeno peppers for FREE. Straight from my Dad's glorious garden.

Eating cheap never tasted SO good.

And just a little tip for you.... If you choose to put up a chalkboard in your kitchen.. HIDE THE CHALK. Especially if some one from my family is coming over for a visit. We can not be trusted. And I know this. It was the first thing I thought of when I bought the chalk. I keep it hidden and only get it out when I am the only one at home. I can't imagine the chaos and shenanigans that would be caused if the chalk gets in to the wrong people's hands.

And now I'm off to buy an adorable pair of shoes. That I probably won't be able to walk in for longer than 30 minutes. But they are super cute. And are my "treat" for saving so much on food.

That's how this couponing thing works - right?

Living It Up At The Fairfield Inn

I feel so wild and crazy. More than normal. And I'm almost afraid to tell you how out of control I get when I am all alone.

The key word is "almost". Because I feel the need to tell you every thing and there is no reason why I would hold back on this.

I'm out of town for work. For the week. And as much as I miss my sweet Kev - who happens to be at home all alone nursing himself back to health after oral surgery- I feel like a teenager or maybe more like a middle aged person all over again.

Don't get me wrong. I'm working super hard. And a lot. But tonight for supper... I got a bowl of freshly made guacamole and chips. That's it. One of my most favorite treats in the world.

And not only did I just get dip and chips for supper. But I'm eating it in THE BED. The one I'm not sleeping in, of course. But do you know how long it has been since I have been able to eat in the bed. I feel so naughty. And also realize why Kev doesn't think it is a good idea. Good thing I'm not sleeping in this one. It looks like a gang of wild dogs got a hold of an avocado and fritos.

And then there is the remote. The precious remote. Of which I usually only get to hold during the day. If I happen to be home alone. But tonight - and every night this week - I get free reign over this amazing controller of my happiness. Flipping back and forth between BRAVO, TLC, The Food Network, and possibly a little MTV. It is like heaven on Earth.

So, please forgive me if I do not catch up on my blogging as originally promised. Or if I don't go through my coupons and plan out next week's shopping.

It's Kim's time. And I plan to make the most of it.

Now, if I can just get Kev to travel here to bring me a better electronic set up. I never realized how spoiled he has made me. With the HD and the flat screen and the surround sound. Top Chef is not the same without the crashing around of dishes behind my head.

I may go ultra crazy and not even brush my teeth tonight.

It's how "all alone Kim" rolls.

Lots Of Catching Up To Do...

I'm going to start off by showing you this picture....

I took it last Saturday night and am pretty happy with how it turned out. My nephew, Austin, held this grasshopper ( ?) forever. And it never moved a muscle.

He told me I could use this pic as my Christmas card. Maybe I will. It sure was easier to take a picture of a bug than it is to get Kev to pose for a Christmas card picture.

And it's green.

Anyway, the purpose of this post is to let you know how terribly busy I have been lately.

With celebrating.

With cooking.

With couponing.

With enjoying family.

And this week I am heading out of town for work. The plus side is that I will be in a hotel room for four nights. With nothing to do but blog. Blog. Cut coupons. And blog.

The negative side is that I will be leaving Kev behind. To fend for himself. Even though I have prepared and packaged enough lunches and suppers to last a lifetime. And then a couple more days.

It's this little obsession I have. Having to cook and prepare meals for him. In my head I worry that if there is nothing fixed - he will be on all fours in the kitchen sniffing for crumbs.

I have never claimed to be normal.

Regardless, please just hang tight. The stories are coming. And we will be all caught up in no time.

Extreme Couponing

Last week I got $171.68 worth of groceries.

For $81.77.

I saved $89.91.

More than I spent.

And I am OFFICIALLY ADDICTED TO COUPONS.

And now you know where I have been the past two weeks. Couponing trumped blogging.

And I am FINALLY ready to tell my tale of having fun and saving money.

It all started when I was born. ( and yes, I'm going to take you back that far. It is necessary)

I was born with a coupon in my mouth. Instead of a silver spoon.

I was born in to a family of money savers. Thrifty. Penny Pinching. Practical folks.

My Mom was a pro at stretching a dollar. Which ensured that all eight of us lived a VERY comfortable life. Full of adventure and fun.

We went on amazing trips. We saw amazing sights. We practically grew up in Walt Disney World.

And thankfully her savings helped me to get my bow legs repaired and my buck teeth fixed.

Otherwise I would probably not be blogging right now as I would be an attraction at the circus.

Anyway, my point is this: I rebelled. It's what I do best.

I did not like saving money. I loved name brand things. I HATED coupons.

And so, I spent my teenage/early adult/older adult/and current OLD adult life spending money "like it grew on trees"

And then we bought our dream home. So, I calmed down a little. And I switched from Publix to Food Lion.

Every once in a while.

And I depended on Kev to figure it all out. To plan for our future.

And Kev would say:

" You know... there are these things called coupons. And they save money"

or " There is a website you can go to that will help you save money on groceries"

or " I will help you clip coupons if you are interested"

or " Please stop blowing our retirement fund"

And I would turn up the volume on the song playing in my head. And nod at him with glazed over eyes.

And would hope that he would never bring it up again.

But then one fine Spring evening, I had dinner with Kelly and Sarah. And they suddenly made it so cool to clip coupons and save money.

Like really the coolest.thing.ever.

So, I went to the website they told me about - www.southernsavers.com. And I registered for a class.

And my life will never be the same again. EVER.

Because I learned SO much in that class. It was worth every single second that I spent there that evening. And the $10.00 I paid to attend has paid for itself 100 times over.

For instance: Last week I received the following for FREEEEEE!

2 gallons of milk, 2 pints of blueberries, 4 boxes of ziploc freezer bags, 2 bottles of Aveeno shampoo, 2 bottles of Aveeno conditioner, 2 boxes of tea, 2 boxes of reflux medication and 2 Dijourno pizzas.

Just in ONE week.

And now to answer a couple of your questions... because I'm sure you are wondering..

1. Was it difficult to hand over coupons to the cashier? Yes. I was SO nervous and anxious the first time I went in to Publix. I think I was shaking. And I only bought ONE item. Because for some reason I was afraid they wouldn't take my coupon. But they did. And were so friendly about it. I called Kev the minute I walked out and told him how much I had just saved us. And he said "FINALLY!"

2. Doesn't it take a lot of time to "coupon"? Yes. I would say I spent about 6-8 hours getting ready for last week's purchases. But.... a. I'm treating it like a part-time job. and b. once I get every thing figured out and I'm in a routine, it will not take as much time.

3. But you LOVE to cook. Does couponing ruin your all time favorite hobby? Not at the moment. Because instead of making a grocery list around what I want to cook, I make the list around what the best deals are ( tip from Kelly). I'm still getting to shop at Publix which has the best quality meats and vegetables. I also have a VERY well stocked pantry with lots of spices and "accessories" for sprucing up my meals. And it is summer. I don't cook as much in the summer because I would rather be swimming. Or eating ice cream.

4. Aren't you loyal to certain brands? Well, yes. Kind of. I thought we would have a harder time of it than we have. We are usually VERY specific on what type of bread, meat, yogurt, pizza, etc. that we eat. But for the sake of savings, we have tried some other brands and have liked every thing so far. Except for eggs. I have an issue with eggs and I need them to be as organic as possible. I am willing to meet half way, though. And use Eggland's Best. It is the least I can do.

5. Do you always wear a swimsuit when you are swimming alone in your secluded back yard? I'll never tell. Just don't show up unannounced. It's best for the both of us.

6. Will you ever pay full price again? NO WAY!! Unless Kev demands some thing that is not on a deal. I have been taught to plan ahead - so, I stock up when the price is right and hopefully we won't have to splurge on any thing - because we won't run out.

7. What's for dinner tonight? 2 1/2 lbs of London Broil that I have been cooking in the crock pot all day with onions and gravy and mushrooms and egg noodles and rolls. All for $7.50. And it will last us for three meals. Thankyouverymuch.

8. Will this post ever end? Yes. In just a minute.

Mom - I know this post makes you soooo happy.
Kelly - I can't wait to see you again so we can trade stories and ideas. Thanks so much for all the info.
Rebecca - I crossed over to the dark side. My curiosity always seems to do that to me.
Kevin - I really want a red Kitchen Aid mixer and a super duper Canon SLR camera with a cool lens. Oh.. and a miniature pony with pink bows in her hair.
Melissa - I hope you will still be my friend.

So, that's about it folks. I'm officially a couponer. And I'm proud of it. And am looking forward to all the cool shoes I can buy with my savings.

The End.

Eat Mor Chikin

At least that is what the cows say.



The cows that work at Chick-Fil-A.



Does any one else think that cows working at a fast food joint is weird?



Except for Chick-Fil-A is not a fast food joint in my book. The book that says fine dining is a place that:



1. Has Diet Dr. Pepper ( it is harder to find than you think).



2. Has free refills on Diet Dr. Pepper.



3. Is fast, courteous, efficient, and delicious.



4. Has a FULL BLOWN scrumptious menu. A menu that I have eaten and loved every single thing off of. ( at most places - I usually only like one thing on the menu and that is the ONLY thing I ever order ie: McDonalds chicken nuggets, Sonic burger with mayo, Bojangles cajun fillet biscuit, and Taco Bell. Except for I can and usually eat every thing off of their menu at one time. Their portions are small - you know. I can't help it.)

( But I can help how long my sentence "in parenthesis" statement ends up being. I just choose not to)



5. Am I really typing all the reasons I love Chick-Fil-A. I sound like some kind of fast food junkie. And that might be grounds for rehab.



6. They give you sunflower seeds for your salad.



7. They say "my pleasure" when you thank them for your food. Try saying that without smiling. It's impossible.



8. CHICK-FIL-A SAUCE. Enough said.



9. Some body needs to call 911. I've taken this too far.



Moving on....



On Monday, June 7th, Chick-fil-a launched it's NEW SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH.



That is what I call an event. And events should be treated with respect. With the right clothing, the right attitude, and the perfect amount of enthusiasm in conversation that a proper Southern girl is allowed.



Except... I ain't proper.



So, we went all out. We being ME and CHELSEA G. My friend from work.



We had been anticipating this sandwich for a long time. So, we chose ( I forced her with threatening texts) to dress in black and white ( like cows) to commemorate this incredible day.

Now I LOVE me some spicy foods. Just LOVE them! And I go out of my way to try things that may or may not burn the lining of my stomach. So, when I saw this....



I knew I was about to get a party in my mouth. And my belly.

I was frenzied with excitement.

Thank goodness that Chick-fil-A is right around the corner from my store. I don't think I could have walked any farther with the spicy sandwich in my hand without losing my composure and lady like appearance.

( My heart is beating so fast just thinking about it)

Back at the office...

And yes, this lunch required THREE chick-fil-a sauces. You have to dip your sandwich as well as your fries. It's a rule.

Chelsea chose Ranch for her dipping pleasure. And said it was just as good.

Taking the FIRST bite....

And she gives it a thumbs up...

And then falls madly in love with it....

And then the moment we have ALL been waiting for.....

MY TURN...

And OH.MY.WORD! Did I ever love this sandwich! It was every thing I had been anticipating and more. And it was so hard to eat it because I was giggling with delight the entire time.

It's the little things that bring me such pleasure.

Except for spanx and spicy foods are not really the best of friends when you have a little something called reflux.

Oh.. and keep in mind that SOME people ( Kev) get tired of hearing about the sandwich over and over and over and over and may or may not have mentioned something about "sticking it in a place where the sun don't shine".

If you hide the spicy chicken sandwich in the shade... I will still find it.

So, the moral of this story is:

1. Go to Chick-Fil-A.

2. Don't wear spanx if you want to live a happy life.

3. Make sure you get enough dipping sauce to counteract the spiciness.

4. Having fun is ALWAYS #1 on my "to-do" list.

5. Don't talk about the sandwich in front of Kev.

6. Eat Mor Chikin.