Thank You Friday Night Lights For Making Me Useless

 

Happy Monday everyone! I’m a little bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning! Having a couple of days away from the office was amazing! Also, having those days be filled with being at home, even better!

As useful as I wanted to be this weekend, there was one this stopping me, Friday Night Lights!

I am SO into this show! After each episode, you think, what’s one more? Then, the plot thickens and  you want more! It really is a vicious cycle!

In between Friday Night Lights episodes, I did manage to be a little productive!

- On Friday night I did manage to get my groceries! The store was crazy busy (which I hate) but I got 3 weeks worth of groceries instead of 4. Ryan and I are switching to our new Fall meal plan and it starts in 3 weeks!

- I managed to get a TON of laundry done on Saturday. Of course I had to do the folding in front of the T.V. Darn you, FNL!

- I rented a movie at bedtime. The Lucky One which I have to say was REALLY disappointing! I couldn’t get past the fact that Zac Efron’s character looked SO much younger then the female lead. Just weird.

- After the movie was over, Date Night with Tina Fey and Steve Carell was on T.V, which was super good! Made up for disappointing movie before!

- Early Sunday morning I tied my laces up tight and went for a run. It was a beautiful but chilly! I actually had to wear a sweater running!The great news about the early morning run, no dogs to chase me!

- After getting dressed and ready I headed to church with my parents. I really enjoyed church and I think my body/mind needed to worship.

- I got to wear one of my favorite skirts to church and a new purse. Well, sort of new. My purse is a Value Village purchase for $3.99.

- I was a happy camper to sit beside and get smiles from this handsome man, Tanner!

- Church was especially fun with the kiddies giggling through the children’s time and then my Auntie Debbie and I having a laughing fit at the end of the service. Sometimes the best medicine is a good laugh!

How was your weekend?

xo

Grocery Savings Part 4 – Back Away From The Bulk

 

Happy Friday everyone! Wow! That felt like the longest week, ever! I don’t know what happened to fall but it seems like as soon as I turned my air conditioning off, summer re-appeared.

Today is week 4 for of my grocery savings posts. I’ve talk to you all about shopping only once a month, planning and making life easier. You know how I know it’s week 4? Because my fridge is empty as it’s time to do my monthly trip again! Woo Hoo! Something I’ve started to look forward to instead of tread now that I only do it once every 4 weeks.

This grocery trip that I will be taking on the weekend will be the last one of the summer meal plan! I have made up a new fall/winter meal plan! I’ve taken out our BBQ recipes and added in homemade soups, added in a crock pot recipe every week, a meatless meal every week and warm your chilled bones meals. Yum!

This week breakfasts’ and lunches are the same and for supper we are having;

Sunday – Shish Kabob’s with rice, veggies, pita bread and Tzatziki sauce.

Monday – Spaghetti with garlic bread

Tuesday – Ham with potato casserole

Wednesday – Farmhouse chicken with rice and carrots

Thursday – Perogies

Friday – Pizza night!

As I mentioned above, I have learnt to love grocery shopping instead of dreading it. I wake up early (or go late) when the store is the most quiet. With my list in hand I go up and down the aisles crossing things off. These are the things that make my shopping trip more enjoyable.

1. A drink. Before beginning my grocery shopping I go and purchase myself a beverage. This is a time by myself and I plan on enjoying every second. Whether it be a coffee, water or juice, I like to have something to sip on. Just adds to the relaxation for me. No rushed shopping = no rushed decisions or purchases.

2. List and pen! A MUST!

3. Comfortable clothes and shoes! Who wants to be pulling on their clothes constantly as the go to grab things off the shelf?

4. Calculator! My most important item. I use to have a small purse sized calculator but now I have my iphone! I try to calculate the best prices and what my final total will be before getting to the cash. It is my monthly goal not to go over the budget.

I am SO particular about what certain foods cost and making sure that we are getting the best price!

Granola bars are something that I love to make as a treat. But, when your husband has 2 a day, it keeps me sane to just buy them!

But, granola bars aren’t just a delicious snack. They are about to teach us all a lesson as well.

 

BACK AWAY FROM THE BULK!

I, like most people, instantly grab for the largest family sized containers of food thinking that they are more bang for your buck. Without even thinking I could throw these bulk items in my cart and head to the cash.

Now? I take a quick second with item number 4 (Calculator) and I figure out how much I am paying per gram/ounce/liter/item.

Take these Walmart brand granola bars. They come in two sizes. You can get a box of 8 for $1.88 or a box of 40 for $10.40.

Immediately, I am drawn to the the 40 pack. I think most people are. Why else would they package up 40 in a box unless it was cheaper? But, let’s do the math!

$1.88/8 = $0.235 per bar

Versus

$10.49/40= $0.262 per bar

Amazing! Buying bulk is not always cheaper!

Crazy right? I know it seems like pennies. Like it’s not a lot of money but when you are trying to save money every cent really does matter. I mean, it’s simple logic. Why would you want to spend more for the same thing if you don’t have to? Taking a few moments out of your grocery trip to make a few simple calculations can save you money!

I hope you all have enjoy the Grocery Savings series. I know I have enjoyed sharing it all with you! Thanks for reading along over the last 4 weeks!

Have a great weekend!

xo

Bridal Party

 

Happy Wednesday everyone! I have to apologize for all my whining over the last couple of weeks. The days were really hard to handle and I wasn’t feeling very uplifting so, I just said it how it was. Those two weeks sucked!

Now, although things haven’t slowed down, I have set myself into a routine. It is my new reality over the next few weeks and I have come to accept it.

Forget fall, bring on winter! Kidding, sort of.

Today, I wanted to show you some pictures of our amazing bridal party! Ryan and I can’t say enough about our bridal party! They were 100% supportive though everything!

We seriously brag about them ALL the time! They really did make the whole experience of planning and then during the wedding day so wonderful. Drama free, loving and backing us up every step of the way. We are SO blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives and to share these memories with!

 

My lovely ladies!

 

One of my favorites!

Handsome fellow's!

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo

Shawn & Vee and UPA Farm Tour

 

Happy Monday everyone! It’s Monday. So, I’ve stepped out of my busy weekend haze. I put myself on autopilot this weekend in order to get through all the craziness! It was one crazy, fun and successful weekend though!

On Saturday Ryan and I hit the road in our fanciest clothes to attend the wedding of friends Shawn and Vee (Veronica)!

Shawn and Vee had gotten engaged shortly after us. Throughout the whole process, Vee and I have been bridal buddies. Leaning on each other and sharing ideas!

Her day finally arrived and as she walked down the aisle she was beaming!

As the happy couple left to take pictures we enjoyed some refreshments! Being that the wedding was held at The Lonestar Ranch, their delicious nacho’s and salsa was served. Seriously, one of my favorites! Yum!

We got to sit around and chat with friends when it was time for supper. Lonestar’s famous fajita’s! Sooo good!

It was time to get the party started after the bride and groom had their first dance.

The band was rocking and everyone was having a blast! Even the wait staff who were dancing on the bar and invited the happy couple up too!

It was a great day and evening! Celebrating the happy union of two of our friends!

Congrats guys!!

For over a month, besides the chaos of everyday farm life, we have been getting ready for the UPA Open House. The UPA asks farms through Quebec to open their doors and invite people to see what farming is all about. It’s a way of promoting and informing people about agriculture. This year, our farm was asked to participate.

Early Sunday morning we finished all of the preparations and we were ready to show off our farm!

The tour would start at Station 1, where those who were taxied from that parking lot (aka old sod field) would sign in, enter a draw and then grab some refreshments!

After, they would load a tractor driven hay wagon.

The wagon would bring them to Station 2, where Dad would explain how diverse the company has become. He would touch on different aspects of the company like seed, fertilizer, golf course accessories and the wide range of specialized equipment. 

As the wagon would drive through our newest machine shed which is over 300 feet long. They would see the remainder of our equipment all lined up in their designated parking area.

At Station 3, the guests would see the Jolly Egg Farm operation!

Another short wagon ride would take you to the last and final station in the field. At Station 4, you would see our irrigation system and learn all about sod production. A demonstration of the harvesting sod would then take place.

It was a little crazy trying to get ready for this big tour but overall, it was so successful! Sometimes during daily operations you take for granted all that the farm has to offer. You can’t help but swell with a bit of pride as you see people genuinely interested in what your farm does.

Thank you to all those who helped out at the farm for the tour! And, thank you to all those who came to visit!

Happy Monday!

xo

Grocery Savings Part 3 – Making Your Life Easier

 

I seriously just wrote “ho” instead of “oh”. I’ve come to the conclusion that means one of three things. One, that I am already thinking of Christmas. Two, even though it’s been a short week, it’s been busy! Or three, I could be dyslexic.

Whatever!

Happy YadirF Friday!

Over the last couple weeks I have shown you have to only go grocery shopping once a month and how to plan your produce.

Now, let’s get into something more fun (fun if you are an A-type obsessive like me)! Like, a few steps I take to make life run a little smoother!

Here’s a look at what’s on the menu this week for supper. Breakfasts and lunches are the same.

Sunday – Roast beef, mashed potatoes and veggies

Monday- Chicken Curry with Nann Bread

Tuesday – Beef soft taco’s

Wednesday – Chicken Carbonara

Thursday – Crispy cheddar chicken with rice and green beans

Friday- Pizza Night! :-)

Saturday- Leftovers/free night

A couple of the chicken recipes above requires sliced chicken. Although, for most families, slicing chicken before or after cooking it is not a big deal.

For mine? A big deal! Ryan will not slice any meat. Raw or not! Not to mention I start work before Ryan and I am home after him!

So, in order to have Ryan go ahead and start supper when he gets home 30 minutes or more before me, things have to be prepped.

As soon as I get home from the grocery store I take out our meal plan for the month and chop and dice anything that needs to get ready!

Chicken gets sliced (for recipes that need sliced chicken) and put into individual baggies. Ready for the freezer! Same goes for onions! Onions chopped and then frozen are great in recipes!

Pre-made and pre-packaged foods add a lot of money to the grocery bill! Whenever possible and within my busy schedule I try to make homemade goodies. Convenience foods without any guilt.

Examples:

- Hash browns

- Cookies for lunches (Also pumpkin or banana bread)

- Granola Bars

- Hamburger buns

- Dinner Rolls

- Apple sauce

- Brown sugar oatmeal (individual servings)

and…

Breakfast (toaster) waffles

Ingredients:

**I doubled this original recipe**

- 2 large eggs

- 2 cups all purpose flour

- 1 3/4 cups milk

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon white sugar

- 4 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Heat waffle iron. In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk until fluffy.

2. Beat in remaining ingredients until smooth. The consistency should be that of pancakes. Add a teaspoon more milk at a time until you get the right consistency.

3. Pour about 3/4 cups of batter into the centre of waffle iron. Spread evenly with spatula.

4. Close waffle iron lid and bake for about 5-8 minutes. Some waffle irons will tell you when they are done.

5. Place waffles on cooling rack until COMPLETELY cooled!

6. Slice waffles into individual servings and place in large freezer bag. Place in freezer.

 

7. When ready to eat, place one waffle in toaster slot and toast. Serve with your favorite toppings!

8. Enjoy! :-)

I usually make this double go of waffles once a month. Once they are gone for the month, they are gone. With all of our other choices for breakfast we never have to worry or wonder what we are going to eat. Having homemade toaster waffles in the freezer is a treat that we really enjoy!

Happy Friday!

xo

We Are Family

 

Happy Wednesday everyone! Loving that it is already Wednesday today! Loving that the week is already coming to an end soon!

Today I thought I would share with you some formal wedding pictures that we took with family! Our whole “theme” of the wedding was Because Two People Fell In Love. Basically, to us, that represents our past and the ancestors before us. We wouldn’t be here and be the people that we are without our families. 

Love this picture of my Aunt (great) Elaine, Nana and Grandma Hamilton!

My side of the family

My parents

Always a Daddy’s girl!

Our church family. With our student minister, Nancy.

Ryan’s Grandma and parents.

Ryan’s parents.

Ryan and his mom.

We are both so blessed to have an amazing backing of great family. Now, as husband and wife, Ryan and I are our own family.

Happy Wednesday!

xo

Welcome To Shawvegas! Shawville Fair 2012

 

Happy TUESDAY everyone! There’s still a pep in my step even though the long weekend is over! The best part of a long weekend? The next week is short! Woo hoo!

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend! It was a happening little spot around these parts. Everyone and their dog were up at the Shawville Fair. Hundred’s of people come from all around to our little part of the world for one of the greatest fairs around!

Being that we haven’t had a lot of rain lately Ryan and I had to stick pretty close to the farm to change irrigation every 6 or so hours. But that doesn’t mean that we didn’t get up to the fair!

Friday night, after doing irrigation, we decided it be best to stay in rather then venture up the the fair.

Saturday, we did chores around the house and moved irrigation again before we started to get ready for the fair! You know it’s Shawville fair time when your outfit consists of blue jeans, cowboy boots and a bright green bracelet.

We picked up Jilly and ventured though the midway and exhibits. We grabbed a quick supper at Billy T’s pizza and then Ryan left to go home.

Jill and I met up with her family for some fun with a couple of excited kids who had just spent their afternoon at the fair!

We then transitioned closer to the “big white ride” to start listening to some music. We chatted and hung around until the big show started! Chad Brownlee!

It was an amazing show! The crowd was pumped! And it was back to the big white ride for more bud lights and dancing!

One of my favorite parts of the fair is getting to see friends old and new! One of my old high school buddies and I! (Hi Meagan!)

It was a wild one on Saturday! Tons of people! At one point Jill and I even lost each other! But after a quick search we were found!

Things were beginning to get a little fuzzy so I called our handsome DD (THANKS RY!) to pick us up! It was a fun ride home recapping the night’s events to Ryan.

Sunday morning was a little rough as I had not been up that late and had that many beers in a long time! Not to mention, I had COMPLETLY lost my voice! It was a peaceful day for Ryan! :-)

That evening I broke out the cowboy boots again and we headed up the fair again!

After a beavertail we watched some of our friends kids on the rides and then took our place to watch Terri Clark perform!

I still wasn’t in great form and without a voice I felt bad not being able to chat with anyone! So, we hit the road to home pretty early!

Monday we decided to stay home and catch up on things around home while doing irrigation. Between laundry, canning tomatoes and Friday Night Lights, our day flew by!

How was your long weekend?

xo