April Showers bring Paper Flowers!

What a great Easter Hostess, Mother's Day or Teacher's Gift!  And it's CHEAP!!

I LOVE papercrafting...in fact, I adore it.  It's my therapy!  I retreat down to my own personal scrapbooking/craft room and spend time with just me, myself and tons of paper. When my crafty sidekick, Kendra, introduced this latest idea to me, I fell in LOVE!  And if you have as much cardstock/scrapbook paper as I do, you can get away with spending about $3 to make this nifty little gift!

Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to make these flowers and the container.  Most scrappers/crafters will have a lot of this on hand in the first place:

*Cuttlebug/Cricut/Big Shot die cutting machine, and a flower die of your choice.  I used a Stampin' Up die that makes daisies.

*Assorted colored or patterned cardstock, your choice on colors

*Thumb tacks...one for each pencil

*10-12 pencils...I purchased mine at the Dollar Tree in a cute Easter motif

*Easter Grass to fill the bucket/vase.... I bought mine at Wal-Mart for just 24 cents!

*Ribbon for the trim on the bucket or the vase

*Rubber Stamps for the tag...optional, but oh, so cute!

*Glue or adhesive to put the flowers together

*Glass Vase or Tin Bucket...each were $1 at either The Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart.

If I were super organized and had all the time in the world, I'd have a step by step photo how-to for this.  But most of you are crafty enough, if I share the steps and some ideas, maybe you'll take off and fly with it.  If you have a Cuttlebug, Cricut, Big Shot, or any other die cutter, you're in good shape.  Use your favorite flower die and cut out as many flowers as you need for each pencil.  My flowers were a 3 part flower, so I cut out enough to make 24 flowers.  Glue the flower layers together, then use a thumb tack to secure the flower to the pencil eraser, arrange in vase or tin, using Easter Grass to secure the flowers in the vase.  You could also use Easter candy as a filler :)

I love using and making tags for the gifts that I make.  This one is hands down my all time fave!  The saying is great, and so fun!  This was made using Stampin' Up stamps and punches. 

Be sure to make a few of these for your special friends...I know I can't wait to make some more, just to have on hand for those last minute gift giving occasions :)

Here's the glass vase option...I love this...so elegant and so FUN!!

All Aboard!

Wow, gas prices are soaring...grocery prices are climbing, and we're all feeling the pinch in one way or another.  Remember I told you all to stay tuned, as there were some exciting things coming our way?  Well today I am excited to share an idea that our Coupon Diva Cassie introduced to me this past week...The Coupon Train!!   It's such an easy thing to do, and a fun way to help each other save lots of $$ at the store!  I often think about all the coupons in the paper that I won't use, and think it's a shame to throw them out if someone else could use them...the Coupon Train helps us do just that!

I'm trying to set up a Coupon Train today, as we speak.  I need about 2-3 more people to hop aboard my train, so if you live in my area, and would like to hop aboard, please send me an email at shelbarnhart@netzero.com.  We'd love to have you join us!  Here are the basics of the Coupon Train...if you'd like to start a train of your own, go for it!  What could be better than helping each other out?! 

Here are the basics, and the rules...(yes, even with the train, you need to have rules so it stays on schedule and doesn't "derail"!  lol!) 

A coupon train is an envelope filled with non-expired coupons that is sent between riders.  When you receive the "train", take the coupons out of the envelope that you will use and replace them with coupons from your personal collection that you won't use.  You then mail it to the next address on the list. 

Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth train ride:

*Pick a "Conductor"...this is the person who starts the train and sets up the route/rules.
*  Limit your group to about 5-6 riders to be sure the train doesn't have too long of a route.  This helps you share more often, and prevents lots of coupons that will expire soon.
*  The envelope should contain about 40 coupons, as well as a list of all the riders and rules.  Mail the packet to the person whose name is below yours, and they will do the same, until the packet makes it's way back to the conductor. 
*  Take only the coupons you need.
*  Replace the number of coupons you take.
*  Do not include coupons with an expiration date within 15 days unless you know the next rider can use them before they expire.
*  Provide enough postage as to not delay the train...a good rule of thumb is 40 coupons + packing list/rules = 1 stamp.
*  Each rider should remove any expired coupons in the packet when they go through it.
*  Please do not keep the envelope any longer than 2-3 days so that the coupons can be passed around before they expire.  We all know life happens, and there may be some weeks where you just don't have time to do the train.  If so, please mail onto the next rider on the list. 
*  The last person on the list will mail the envelope back to the conductor, who will sort through them, remove expired coupons, replenish the packet and start the train all over again. 

I don't know about you, but this sounds like fun, and a great way to maximize coupons!  Just last week, I  had several great coupons for products I don't use, and my sis was tickled to get them.  I hope you all have a great time with this, and be sure to comment here and let me know how it goes!  And feel free to contact me or Cassie if you have questions...we're all about helping each other save cash!!  :)  Happy couponing and saving!!! 

Fiesta!! Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream

As promised, here's the recipe for Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream.  The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to fit your tastes.  Next time I may try it with some grilled carne asada inside...yum!  Serve with homemade refried beans (the recipe is here on the blog, and it could not be any easier!  or cheaper...even better!) The nicest thing was that I assembled to flautas earlier in the afternoon, put them in the fridge and was able to take them out and start deep frying them when we were ready for dinner.  So convenient, and what a hit..delicious!!  Oooh, you know what else would taste just perfect with this?  An ice cold mojito or Margarita!  Have a fiesta at your house tonight!

Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream

3 cups shredded, cooked chicken  (Can use rotisserie chicken, or cook the chicken breasts in a crock pot with water and adobo seasoning like I did, then shred)
1 3/4 cups fresh salsa
16 corn or flour tortillas, your choice
Shredded cheese of your choice, or use Queso Fresco for an authentic flavor!

Avocado Cream:
1 fresh avocado
1/2 fresh lime, juiced
salt
1/2 cup sour cream

Assemble your cream first...puree the fresh avocado until smooth, add lime juice, sour cream and salt to taste.  Set in fridge until ready to serve.  Don't do this too far in advance, or your cream will turn a lovely shade of brown/green...it will still taste fine, but the color is not very appetizing.

Next, assemble your flautas.  First, mix chicken and 3/4 fresh salsa in a bowl. Microwave tortillas to soften, this makes them easier to fold.  Place 2-3 T. of chicken mixture down the middle of the tortilla shells. Sprinkle cheese over chicken mixture, then fold up burrito style, then secure with a toothpick.  Heat 3/4" of oil in a large skillet.  When the oil reaches 375, place 3-4 flautas in the oil and deep fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning frequently.  Remove to a platter lined with paper towel and remove toothpicks.  Continue to fry in batches, then serve with avocado cream and remaining fresh salsa. 

Go Bananas!

It's Spring here in the great white North, but you'd never know it if you went outside...it still feels/looks like October.  I hate it...it's cold, wet and gray.  So, what do I do when it's gloomy and cold?  I bake!  I found a wonderful recipe for Banana Bread recently and since there were 3 sad little bananas turning a scary shade of brown in our fruit basket this morning, I decided today would be a perfect day to bake.  This is really, really delicious, probably because the recipe includes a chocolate glaze for the bread....so much for a healthy version!  I also love that it made 3 small loaves, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Try this the next time you have some bananas ready to go bad.  And if you don't have time to that, did you know that you can peel the bad bananas, pop them into a freezer bag and freeze them for future use?  Super nice to have on hand for days like this when you're itching to bake up some comfort food!  Happy baking!

Remember the last post when I talked about the giveaway???  We grew our followers that day from 5 to 10...Come on girls, let's spread the Domestic Diva Diaries word and get the 50 followers we're aiming for!  I'm ready to make that custom card set for our winner.  As soon as we hit 50, I'll draw a name randomly to win!!!   Keep sharing the link with friends and tell them to sign up to follow us.  There's some exciting things coming that you and your friends won't want to miss...trust me on this!  Good stuff, good stuff!!!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Chocolate Glaze

Bread:
1 cup mashed ripe banana, about 3-4 bananas
2 eggs
1/2 sour cream
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter or oil
1 1/4 flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 c. chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
3/4 c sugar
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. almond extract (optional)
1/4 t. orange extract (optional)

Mix dry ingredients together.  In another bowl, whisk eggs, butter or oil, sour cream, extracts and banana together.  Fold into dry ingredients and pour into lightly greased loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 55 minutes for standard loaf pan, 35 minutes for mini pans or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.  Let cool 30 minutes in pan, then remove to cooling racks.  Next, make the glaze....

Glaze:
1 c. powdered sugar
2 T. baking cocoa
2-3 T. milk
1/2 t. vanilla
Whisk together until smooth and pour over cooled loaves of bread.  Yum!!!!

Cheap Thrills and a Giveaway??!

Good morning my friends!  It's Spring Break week here in our corner of the world, and boy, do  I have a lot on my money saving mind to share today!  So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy today's tips and tricks, and stay tuned for an exciting giveaway possibility!!

This weekend, I'd had it with my hair...for some unknown reason, I go through goofy phase every couple years where I think I should grow my hair out and try to have long, flowing locks.  Well, that's never gonna happen...genetics are NOT on my side for long flowing locks.  I'm cursed with fine, thin hair and no matter how hard I try or what magical products I try, when my hair is long it has no body and looks stringy...ick!  The good lord above did bless me with the knack for cutting hair though, and I figured that if I cut both kids' hair and Curt's, why not attempt to cut mine in the cute style I'd envisioned.  After all, it's only hair and if I screw it up too badly, I can always call the salon.  I'm so tickled to report that the haircut was a huge success, and it's just what I wanted and the best part....it was FREE!  Love that.  Check out the pic and tell me what you think.... 

OK, OK, I know not everyone can or will cut their own hair, but I just had to share my happiness over the haircut experiment's success :)

Now, onto other cheap thrills that you can all do.  First of all, I hope you're all getting a kick out of Cassie's coupon tips and tricks.  She's teaching me to really be coupon savvy!  I saved $24 at the store on Friday with coupons, and I was so thrilled.  I've found a website that I just adore for coupons and free samples...check out www.allyou.com.  Just like the magazine, it offers daily free samples and printable coupons as well as lots of easy, do-able money saving ideas.  I love love love it!  Sign up for the daily email reminders regarding the daily free samples, then you won't ever miss out! 

This weekend was "Freezer Stocking" time for me.  Every now and then, I make a big ol' crockpot of my refried beans (recipe is here on the blog!) and a stockpot full of my  Homemade Pizza/Marinara Sauce.  Once both are done, I divvy up the goodies into quart size freezer bags and lay them flat for freezing.  This way, they take up less space and stack nicely in the freezer.  It's all about the organization girls!  The pizza sauce is the result of playing around with several recipes until I came up with a recipe that we all loved.  It's a sweet marinara, so if you prefer a more savory sauce, just play around with the ingredients and cut down on the sugar added.  I suggest you leave some of the sugar, as it helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes.  Having this in the freezer makes homemade pizza night a snap!  I simply mix up my crust in the Kitchen aid mixer, let it rise and then defrost the sauce.  So easy, and so yummy!! 

With Spring comes the urge to purge...closets, cabinets, you name it.  I started my Spring purging this weekend in Jack's room...wow...4 totes of garage sale stuff and 2 large trashbags later, I'm ready to move onto the next room.  Do this every Spring/Fall and you'll be amazed at how your clutter levels will start to drop dramatically.  Here's how to do it....First, pick a room to start with.  Gather totes for garage sale items, trash bags for Goodwill items and trash bags for actual trash.  Do it one room at a time, or even on closet/drawer at a time.  Each time you finish a task, you'll be so fired up to continue..I promise!  And onto garage sales...People often ask me how I price my items.  I follow a simple rule I read about years ago.  Try to price items at least 75% off retail.  Of course, if the item is damaged or dented, scratched, etc...knock more off.  And be reasonable!  If you've made the decision to get rid of it, price it to go.  Do you really want to put it away and drag it out again?  Nope!!  Another great tip that I personally do and love is that at the end of your sale, go through everything and donate a TON of it to Goodwill, Salvation  Army, or your local women's or homeless shelter.  The less you have to store for the next sale, the better.  Good luck, and happy garage sale sorting!

And now...the most exciting cheap thrill this blog has ever offered.....A GIVEAWAY!  Yes friends, you read that right.  But here's the catch...you're gonna have to help me on this one.  I know many of you read this, but not many of you are "followers" here on blogspot.  My goal is to get at least 50 followers by the end of the month.  If we hit that number, yours truly will be giving away something super fun and cute.....a handmade set of 6 Note Cards in your choice of colors, made my moi!  These have been a hit with those nearest and dearest to me, and I've even sold some sets recently.  So spread the word...get your friends to follow this blog.  Put links on your FB pages, shout from the rooftops, take out ads in the paper....OK, kidding about the ad...:)  One of you will be chosen at random at the end of the month if we can hit 50 followers.  And after that, each milestone we hit will be accompanied by another giveaway...fun, huh??!  This pic shows one of my designs...and it could be YOURS!! 

Cute, huh?  And making these is my creative therapy :) 

OK, get out your stockpots and whip up a batch of the Homemade Pizza/Marinara.  It's super cheap, super easy and super yummy.  I will tell ya, I'm a dump and cook kind of girl, so measurements are a guess.  Do what I do...I taste it as I cook it and add seasonings as I see fit.  You can't go wrong! 

Homemade Pizza/Marinara Sauce

3 small cans of tomato sauce (.39 cents each at Meijer!)

3 small cans of tomato paste (.25 cents each at Meijer!..told ya this was cheap!)

4-5 cups of water...depending on the thickness you prefer

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

3 T. basil

3-4 T. Italian Seasoning

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/2 cup white or red wine, optional

Mix all ingredients in a large stockpot and stir until smooth.  Simmer over medium low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Make sure you taste test and get the seasoning to your tastes.  Let cool and package in 2 cup portions in quart size freezer bags.   Be sure to remove all air from bag, then lay flat to freeze.  Makes about 5 freezer bags of sauce.