Coupon Clipping Sunday.

After, watching a TV show about an obsessed woman who clipped coupons and paid close to nothing for her groceries, I got really excited and thought... If this woman could do it why couldn't I? So, that night I told Romeo about all my plans of how we were going to save tons of money, and even get FREE stuff! his response? "SURE" with a roll of eyes!. I didn't pay any attention to him. I went to bed really excited looking forward to Sunday's paper.


I did a little homework online, and even went to a sight that offered coupons! I then charged off to the market.


I kept focused on all the things I needed and not wanted. I remembered the obsessed woman had one rule: She didn't buy anything she didn't have a COUPON for. Then realization hit! how in the world could I do that? I needed milk but didn't have a coupon for it! what about cheese? Could my sandwich survive without the "Jalapeno Jack"? And I knew I needed body wash and there was no way I was returning home without that! I just had to do my best with coupons I already had and use the store's in house coupons as well.


I took what seemed hours comparing prices to those of the coupons, It takes time, but in the end its all worth it!! And by the way, I had a $2.00 coupon for these "Dryers fruit bars" not that I needed them, but with a savings like that who can resist?


And sometimes I would get a little distracted....... Aren't these the cutest brooms and mops? I thought about it... UGGHH.. and thought about it.. but I didn't!!! walked away thinking next time..


Ahhh and my favorites right at the check out!! 142 ways to improve the value of your home. Caught my attention! I picked it up thumbed through it and put it back, Picked it up again, then put it back, then grabbed the "Country Gardens" loved it too!! and thought of all the improvements I could do! put it back, then picked it up again finally put it back! The people behind me must of thought I was crazy the checkout lady asked " Are you sure you don't want it"? I almost took both! but I didn't! I had to remind myself I was there for a savings spree not a spending spree and besides, I really wanted to see my savings on paper! I thought maybe next time!


And in the end I saved $ 17.87 the most I have ever saved!! just by clipping coupons and using the in-house coupons store offers! I couldn't believe all these years of ignoring coupons how insane! $17.87 is a start my goal for next week is between $20.00 and $25.00 dollars.

The feeling was AWESOME!



Until I got home...

Happy New year!

This is the time of year when a lot of us reflect on what is truly important in our lives. I am so grateful for all that I have and all that I have been given. As I look back on 2010 I, think back to all the changes in my life from a New home to staying and working from home. A feeling of true happiness overwhelms me. I have a feeling though that 2011 will bring Romeo and I blessings we cant imagine (if you know what I mean) This year, my New Year’s resolution isn't going to be losing the extra pounds the Christmas cookies and the holiday goodies gave me instead I am going to focus on becoming a Mother.




As I look out my window and stare at my plants cant help, but think of all my plans I have for the Spring! I want to add more plants everywhere, I want to add colored mulch to my flower beds, I would also like to add a small water feature on the wall,and I have plans on painting the dummy windows to a deep color, and according to cost and affordability I would like to change my brick arch to stone I think that would make a dramatic difference to the curb appeal.



Looking at this picture is a reminder of all the projects I have for 2011! Plantation shutters, curtains, rugs, more talavera, furniture, and the list goes on and on... I am so looking forward to all that's in store in the year to come!


May this New Year bring many opportunity's your way and give you happiness to explore the new success in every step in your life Happy New Year friends and Thank you for following me in this blog!!

A Sweet Surprise!...

The other day,while searching high and low for a place to take my aunt and uncle who are new "Winter Texans" I drove right past a sign right across the street from where I live that said "Valley Lemons" so, curious me I drove into a long, little, windy path that led to a brown shed, a really nice older man, and a little bit of heaven here on earth... I thought " This is it" This is where I need to bring them. I asked the nice older man who by the way sells Valley lemons, Grapefruit, Oranges Tangerines and Praline candy if he would let us walk the property his response "MI CASA SU CASA".























Now, my camera doesn't do this picture justice. This is what you see as you drive up Isn't this just breath taking?... There is beautiful landscaping everywhere!! and you immediately feel relaxed as you walk up to the lake and sit on this bench!.
















Calmness and Peace is a feeling you get when walking through this property!















I think If I lived here I wouldn't care about in-doors. Just leave me here with a pitcher of Iced tea and a good book!
















My aunt Licha and uncle Butch! I think they were equally impressed! The weather was gorgeous and we had a blast hanging out with them.















This little path led us to ...














And inside.....














An amazing vegetable garden! I loved it! and feel the need to come home and start one! well, maybe a smaller version..














And after walking all the property, we sat and enjoyed a nice conversation with John. what a nice man! He mentioned that it had taken him 42 years to do all this work and that he still wasn't done yet. WOW what an amazing man!














And if you are wondering if we bought any of his fruit? well, we all walked out with a bag of Valley lemons and Tangerines. I later made an excuse to go back...hey I needed more fruit.. so, I took Romeo and he loved it! I am so glad I get to live across from him.. Do you think he would notice if I brought a tiny tent and camped out? ok now I am pushing it...

If you need some fruit, and you are in my neck of the woods ~ come see me ~ I would love to take you!

Halloween and my crazy week....

Have you ever had a week when everything happened in a flash?... This week was that week... before I knew it Halloween was here!.. and I had to go go go....

















Is it just me or does anyone have the same problem on Monday mornings?
















On the way to see this guy (who's name is Eloy who probably thinks I have a thing for him cause I see him sometimes twice a week)... I will get back to him in a bit.
















I SEE THIS... And it is becoming way to familiar.
















Okay, getting back to Eloy I got wind damage on one of my most admired plants. The more I looked at it the more I knew it had to go. The plant looked wimpy and burned beyond recognition,so I took my shovel and pulled it out! Eloy works at Mid Valley Garden and Pond Supply which is couple of miles from my house and that makes it very covenient especially when you have to replace a plant in a zippy. I see him often because as you know, I am a little obsessed with my yard. (Aside from Lilly at Valley Garden Center in Mcallen) Eloy knows all there is to any type of plant he is extremely knowledgeable!
























This week my sister and I have visited countless fabric stores. The weird thing is I really don't know why?. really.. I know she mentioned something about re-doing her sofas, but she had already bought several yards of fabric a couple of weeks ago. I also bought a couple of yards of black twall fabric that same week. I know there is a reason I just can't remember Now that's weird...




















In the midst of all this I have been baking galore! I got this fabulous Cheesecake recipe from my friend Shannon at Afternoon coffee with shannon can you believe this has about a pound of cheese? It was heaven..














I also made a carrot cake from scratch and put the cheesecake in between layers. and when I turned Romeo took pinch and gave me a thumbs up.. I literally made a couple until I got the right recipe, but that's a whole other blog..



















At the end of the week I visited a Talavera store in San Juan.. I needed more plates for my collection and who wants to go into Mexico these days?













On Saturday I spent decorating my yard for the trick or treaters. I love these velvet Pumpkins..

















I don't think these girls said "Trick or Treat"..





















My niece Vianae.. Monique and Eddies youngest.















And before I knew it....I couldn't keep up with the supply!

Chicken Empanadas..

If there is a recipe that is worthy of a post it is this one!. These amazing Chicken Empanadas are truly pockets of heaven that are filled with comforting ingredients that keep you wanting more and more..


Here's how I made them....

















First off, I had left over chicken from the night before, so I shredded it and diced up some red and yellow Bell Pepper.























Took two of these...













diced them and tossed them in.















Can you see where I am going with this?... I added about half the bag and a little more...













Oh yes..Creme Cheese tastes better with everything!!













I cut about 1/4 later I added a little more....















Gave it a good massage...


Now this is where the fun begins...













Rolled out two of these.













Did not have a Biscuit cutter so I used Romeos beer mug... and It worked just perfect..













perfect circles..



















Think I cut out about two dozen..















I spooned a little filling being careful not to over fill... (that was the hard part) because I always think more is better (when it comes to cooking) according to Romeo..





















Ahh I love perfection...

















Glazed them with a little egg..















on to a lightly greased pan and into the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 min...














Can you smell them?..














The flavor of all the ingredients coming together is out of this world. Give it a try..