Last week’s fruit tart was delicious – I’m thinking about making one for the New Year’s party this week! I can’t believe that the year’s almost over – this is my last meal plan of 2009! Things are going by fast, but here are a few special recipes that I’ll be making this week…
Posted in Just for Kicks
Everyone loved the chicken tenders I made last week, I’m thrilled! I’ll definitely be making them again – they’re not only great for groups of people (to serve at a party), but kids love them, too. Here’s what I’ve got for this week…
Posted in Just for Kicks
The sloppy joes from last week were great! Things are getting pretty busy around here now, preparing for the holidays and such, but I’m really excited to try the coconut chicken tenders this week, they look delicious.
Posted in Just for Kicks
I’ll admit it: I’m have an overpacking problem. It doesn’t matter if I’m gone three days or three weeks, I’ll bring way more clothing than I need to. But since most airlines started charging to check your first bag, I’ve learned to simplify and condense my packing.
Posted in Just for Kicks
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and overcrowded malls for the next three weeks are a great reminder of how much we need to buy for the holiday season. Special food, clothes, and, of course, gifts. Even if you get little presents for all of the people on your list, it adds up pretty quickly and can be surprisingly expensive!
Here’s my family’s solution: Picking names! We each (randomly) choose someone’s name and get a gift just for that person. That way, everyone gets to participate in the gift exchange, but it’s not quite as overwhelming and expensive. Plus, with only one family member to shop for, buying and shopping becomes so much less stressful! (It also works well in groups of friends and co-workers.)
A couple of suggestions:
Garmin GPS and other hot gadgets
Clue, Harry Potter edition and other gifts under $30
Julie and Julia and other books
Desk zen garden and other co-worker gifts
What are your holiday gift-giving tips?
Posted in Just for Kicks
I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was great – and delicious – I know mine was! Even though December doesn’t start until Tuesday, but more of the week’s in December than it is November! Plus, I love the month of December – it’s the best of the holiday season. So this week, because I’m embracing the (near) start of winter, I’ve got a bunch of warm, delicious recipes to try!
Posted in Just for Kicks
Because Thanksgiving’s on Thursday I’m trying recipes the rest of the week that have nothing to do with the holidays… until after Thursday, when we’ll be living off of leftovers for ages. I’m excited to try a couple new recipes, and I do love this holiday!
Posted in Just for Kicks
Even though last week’s salad was delicious, I’m pretty much transitioned into winter foods now. I’m sad to see the warm weather officially go, but my recipes this week look fantastic, so I’m still pretty excited!
Monday
Bruschetta chicken 
Spring the recipe!
Tuesday
Butternut squash, sage and parmesan pasties Spring the recipe!
Wednesday
Chicken cilantro pot sticker veggie soup Spring the recipe!
Thursday
Open-face grilled goat cheese panini with sundried tomatoes and herbs
Spring the recipe!
Friday
Chipotle mac and cheese Spring the recipe!
And for a special treat
Luscious caramel banana pie Spring the recipe!
Posted in Just for Kicks
Quick Idea: Make smaller mortgage payments every other week, shortening a 30-year mortgage to only 24 years.
How it works: If your mortgage payment is $1500/mo, instead pay $750 every other week. At the end of the year, you will have paid 1 full extra mortgage payment. You will also have “prepaid” every month directly toward the principal, which will save a bundle in the amount of interest you pay over the life of the mortgage. Calculate exactly how much you’ll save by paying bi-weekly.
What to do: 
Spring the task list!
1. Be sure you can afford it – I recommend always having one full month’s mortgage payment in your checking account to cover the 2 months when you will make 3 (half) payments.
Spring a household budget planner!
2. Contact your mortgage company to find out if they offer a bi-weekly payment. Most either offer it themselves or contract with a service.
3. Set up automatic payments for every other week or create a repeating reminder for yourself to write the checks.
Spring a bi-weekly alarm!
Resources
Mortgage Calculators Plus Why Does A Bi-Weekly Program Help You?
Wisebread DIY Mortgage Acceleration
My Money Blog Biweekly Mortgage Payment Plan: BiSaver vs. DIY
About.com Save Tens of Thousands of Dollars But Avoid the Scams
The Simple Dollar Extra Mortgage Payments Versus Investments: Which Is The Right Move?
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