Proud of the USMC- Who could resist the Blues?

I have been around the Military all of my adult life, I married a Marine (he has been out since '99) and have friends and family either in or out of every branch.

Hi HOOOOO!!!!!!!!

it's off to work I Go!

Selling Real Estate :) That is why I have been MIA lately! If you are in Va - Hampton Roads area , then let me help you ( yes that is a shamless plug )


Here is my Picture that will soon be added to my work page and
here is my work page:

Weichert Realtors

I will have the Realtor title as soon as my membership is approved by the National board of Realtors :)

Fun With Your name

Flicker has a page where you can spell your name ad you get a cool Picture of it!

Try it here:http://metaatem.net/words/

Here is mine:

What Parent can't relate to this?

ENJOY!

Free E-books!!!!!

Some Homemaking, Homeschool, Recipes, Budgeting A true must see! Here is the link:
http://www.livingonadime.com/septpromo/sept-thanks-102294.html
And be sure to look at my free downloads on the left! Grab a drink and browse!


NO COST!!!!!!

Enjoy!

Kitchen Tip: My Frugal Bento Part 2

For More Kitchen Tips Go here.

I just posted about bento here.
Be sure to read the first post for more frugal ideas!
This post I would like to share how to make bento lunches frugally. Now before I get started, let me tell you, there are tons of cute little character boxes, shapes etc . that you can find on Ebay. The problem is that the main reason I love bento: is 1. it is cheaper than eating out. 2. it is healthier . Hence, Buying all that stuff makes it so Non- frugal :). Although cuteness is a reason for some, it is not my main focus. I do admit to wanting some egg molds really bad. You can get them on Ebay. I have done my homework and have learned a few tricks along the way.

You can use cookie cutters to cute cute sandwiches, or to mold rice into really cute shapes, using plastic wrap or just plain balls !:
http://lunchinabox.net/2007/07/02/tip-use-cookie-cutters-as-onigiri-molds/

You can make Jello in cute shapes buy using silicone Ice cube molds or candy molds.

Here is a photo of my free or cheap Bento items:

From left to right :

The : Test Tube used to contain liquid protein. I have used it to freeze water - making a long ice pack. I have also used it to hold sauces for picnics.
The small glad ware dishes are used inside the larger container.
The Muffin cups are paper dividers.
Across the front from L to R is empty Crystal Light containers- Great to pack empty - for picnics I use these as disposable sauce dipping containers- no need to keep them, I have an abundance of them . The small bottle with a red lid is a empty spice bottle that I use for salt/pepper , A medicine cup form cough syrup also used for dipping, Food color bottles for soy sauce. ( Just pour sauce into a small cup and draw up like a dropper. next is a vanilla extract bottle and the pink silverware case was a pencil case from a Burger King happy meal! I also have found flat tooth brush travel holders that would work!
Now for Ice and drinks:

Of Course you would want a thermos for hot drinks and soups.
Keep those water bottles to refill,
Use Plastic jars like Mayo or Peanut Butter, Buy a small rubbermaid bottle .

They Crystal light tube I use for food like chips, crackers etc and should be in the other picture (oops) I also use these for damp towels to wipe my hands! Or just carry sanitizer wipes or a small sanitizer bottle.

Not shown: My reusable Blue ice packs :)

Now pack it all inside your bento bag: In My case I have used old gift bags, Wal-mart sacks,insulated bags and a freebie canvas bag. Traditional bento ether use a bandanna type cloth or a drawstring bento bag :
















Here are some post of other folk's frugal bento ideas:
Dollar store
Freaking tasty Bento (warning: Some Bad language)
Bento Box-A great site that explains it all so well

If you want to see the "Real" bento stuff look here.

Take a look at these Bento Lunches- True art !

WFMW: Bento Lunches- quick and easy prep!

Bento is the Japanese tradition of packing lunches to go into small portions in a Reusable container- This can be any small plastic container with or without dividers. The Japanese have made this into a art form by using egg molds, hot dog cutters,rice molds , decorative dividers and creativity. Now I have not gotten too fancy but I have always packed lunches, yes it is easier to eat on the run at McDonalds drive through but I have found that if I keep a few basics on hand it is not a problem it takes little time and effort, we save money and make better choices. So if I am going out I always pack food and drinks. If we don't need it then I just bring it home for later!

My staples:
cheese sticks, baby carrots, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips, small pretzels, animal crackers, grapes,dried fruits, small refillable "sauce cups" or condiment packs from the occasional drive through trip, already cut celery and other fresh veggies (fill a small container at the grocery store salad bar). Refillable water bootles, ice packs, juice pouches or boxes and a small lunch box cooler. Be sure to look at the "ethnic food aisle for cool candies and cookies!

Be creative- use leftovers that are not messy.

Now if you want to be traditional or just plain cute then by all means buy a bento and the tools. However if you are like me and have a hubby who would rather chew off an arm than to eat out of a Hello Kitty box then pick up one of the Rubbermaid divided plates.

If you are inclined to be cute- you do not have to spend much! You can use cookie cutters as "stamps" or to cut foods, paper muffin liners as dividers, Reuse small containers for sauces. I have even seen where people reused the mini bubble bottles from weddings for sauces 9by cutting off the wand)! Me I just use small tupperware containers, I reuse medicine cups from liquid meds. and yard sale tupperware!


Be sure to check out more Works For Me Wednesday ideas Here!

Here are some of my favorite links to help you get creative:

Bento TV
Check out her archives

Bento Lunches

Lunch in a Box

Cooking Cute

Laptop Lunches

Things I Love: Modest, Fashionable and Affordable clothes!

Christa Taylor

Adorned with Modesty

Now I just have to loose enough to fit these!

Be sure to take a look here :) Moms For Modesty

Things I Love: Retro And Funny things! or What I would buy if I could....

I adore retro items and even more when they are funny! If you agree then take a look at these cute sites:

Warning: Some are a little ... shall we say ... risqué :)

http://www.annetaintor.com/

http://www.plushliving.net/magnets.html

http://www.watchyourfigure.com/magnets.htm

http://www.allposters.com/-st/Retro-Humor-Magnet-Posters_c18328_s20017_.htm


and a place for some accessories:


http://www.bettysattic.com/