My latest DIY Project

I'm so bad at remembering to take before photos! This was an antique dresser that my husband picked up from the curb.(garbage) My husband loves keeping antiques in it's natural state, so to him the idea of painting good wood is a bad idea. But, this particular piece was not in the best shape, it had obviously sat out in the rain and we had to rip out the back panel. And, my husband was out of town for 3 weeks,and couldn't talk me out of it. So, I went paint happy. I decided to paint it black and scuff it up to make it look shabby. I used a half quart of Behr Premium Paint with the primer built in for efficiency and cost effectiveness,which I bought from Homedepot. It was missing two knobs, so I decided since it was a free piece, I could splurge on the knobs. I got the pretty ceramic knobs from Anthropology, one of my favorite stores, for $12.00 each. The whole project cost me around $50.

Printable coupons and digital coupons

Although I love a great deal, I've never been much of a couponer for groceries. I've signed up for saving's cards and I do buy things on sale, of course. I just never have the time to sit and cut out coupons. I found this site that has all kinds of coupons you can print or you can store digitally on your phone. NO need for scissors or paper waste. It's definitely worth checking out. I shop frequently at Wholefoods and Meijer's and it takes you right to the site for coupons. It's very convenient, a onestop shop for coupons and savings. Here's the link:



http://www.shopathome.com/grocery-coupons/shopathome.aspx?SID=11524394

Tell me what you think!

Free Children's Activities for the summer- Sign Up Now

I just signed up for this awesome free bowling program this week. www.kidsbowlfree.com is the site to register all your children 15 years and under. They will receive 2 FREE games of bowling , everyday, all summer long at participating bowling alley's in your area. GO to the site and click on your state, a page with all the cities and the bowling alley's will pop up. You pick the alley closest to you and then register your kids. After you submit, a special offer screen pops up for $24.95 a one time fee which gives the adults and your kids over the age of 15, 2 games every day as well. After a few visits, this special offer will pay for itself and then your bowling for free with the kids. The only thing you have to pay for is the shoe rental. We went to Dick's Sporting Goods and found bowling shoes for around $24.00. I'm sure little kids sizes are probably cheaper.

Another program to sign up is similiar, but involves roller skates. www.kidsskatefree.com
It's the same kind of program, but the age cut off is 10 year old and under. Check it out!
It's all about staying physically active, spending time together and saving money.

What's for dinner tonight?

Unfortunately, the picture does not do it justice. This was another great vegetarian meal we consumed for dinner. A homemade black bean burger with bits of cilantro and red onion melded into the pattie,slices of crisp green pepper, juicy tomato, creamy avocado, pepper jack cheese, tangy tomato and corn salsa all between a ciabatta bun,accompanied by sweet potato fries. Yum!

Black beans are a very inexpensive way to get your protein,fiber, folate, antioxidants, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium,copper and zinc.
Black beans have numerous health benefits and are low in calories.
I buy them dry, in a bag. Just soak them in a pan with water overnight and then boil till tender.