Archive for March, 2009

Five-Week Menu and Shopping List

Must we re-think the weekly menu and grocery list 52 times a year! What if we create a basic monthly menu and general shopping list which can be used over and over? Of course, this is flexible, and new items can be added to your menu while the ones you’re tired of can be deleted, but the idea is to MAKE a menu plan, PRINT IT OUT and take it with you when you MUST make an emergency trip to the grocery store.

Hopefully, this will prevent the problem of “I got a full basket of groceries and NOTHING to eat!” Most of these are simple meals that don’t need a lot of fuss to get to the table.

My 5-week plan has 5 dinner meals each week. This allows for one leftover night and one night out.

You can make the meals as simple or complicated as you want. For example, many grocery stores offer baked chicken in the deli. You may choose to purchase this instead of baking it yourself at home. You may choose canned green beans and instant mashed potatoes or you may have the time to make the baked chicken yourself, fresh green beans and homemade mashed potatoes.

You decide what works for you!

Week One:

- Hamburgers, lettuce, tomato, cheese, oven fried potatoes

- Baked Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy

- Macaroni and Cheese, Spinach

- Pea Soup and ham, garlic bread

- Shrimp and rice, broccoli

Week Two:

- Tuna noodle casserole, corn, chicken soup, cheese, noodles, mayo

- Polish sausage, pan-fried potatoes, red cabbage

- Veal stew, potatoes, carrots, beef bouillon

- Tacos, cheese, taco seasoning, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, ground beef

- Chicken Chinese meal, snow peas, rice, chicken breast, carrots

Week Three:

- Chicken breast, rice, spinach, mushrooms

- Spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, salad

- Pork chops, Au gratin potatoes, sauerkraut or red cabbage

- Beef Stew, potatoes, and carrots

- Lasagna, salad

Week Four:

- Hot dogs, baked beans, sauerkraut

- Steak, rice, salad

- Omelets and pan-fried potatoes

- Meatloaf, potatoes, carrots

- Soup and sandwich (egg or tuna salad), chicken noodle soup

Week Five:

- Homemade Pizza, salad

- Vegetable dinner, steamed squash, corn on cob, carrots, green beans, hot rolls

- Cabbage rolls, soft bread steaks, salad

- Chicken noodle casserole, carrots or vegetable in season

- Shrimp, red beans and rice, steamed broccoli

Focus on the weekly specials of fruit and vegetables in season; changing as needed.

Wire Cutters For Wire Wrapping Jewelry Making

I started thinking about wire cutters and what is really needed. Now remember, I am talking about what is really needed, not what we want to add to our toolbox. If you are anything like I am, I love tools and can never have too many.

It seems really for wirework; only two types of wire cutters are needed. The first one is a bevel cutter. From where I sit, a bevel cutter is really just an ordinary wire cutter that many people have in their toolboxes. These cutters work great for general all around purpose cutting. The problem with a bevel cutter is the resulting end of the cut wire has a sharp wedge shape that would need to be filed flat to use in your wire jewelry.

A better choice for a wire cutter used in wire jewelry making is either a flush cutter or a super flush cutter. Now both make a much better cut than the bevel cutter with the super flush cutter coming out on top as far as a flatter smoother cut. The super cutter cost a bit more than the normal cutter, but in the long run it is well worth the added cost.

Flush cutters work in specific directions. The wire cut facing the flat side of the cutters is the actual flush cut. The other side is really no different from the bevel wire cutters. It has a pointed cut. So you will need to turn your cutters around to make a small cut eliminating the pointed end.

If you look through any catalog, you will find many super flush cutters each with it’s own maximum wire size. You certainly do not want to use a 20 gauge cutter to cut 12-gauge wire. It will damage the cutter. So the question came to my mind, will a 20 gauge and a 12-gauge super flush cutter make the same good cut on a 20-gauge wire. Do you see where I am going here? Do I need to buy 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 gauge super flush cutters to cover my various gauge wires? At around $50 a piece that gets expensive quickly.

The Tips For Getting Coach Outlet Coupon For Shopping at Coach Outlet Stores

What is your core heart wish? Is it to hold a Coach Handbag? Can you afford to have a designer bag? If your answer to the last question is “no” then the following reading would be of great help to you.

You must know that it is not easy to obtain coach outlet coupons for shopping coach handbags and purses. Some customers who purchase purses and handbags from these outlet stores are sent these discount coupons via mail. Generally this is done at random. There are only few clients who have ever done shopping of Coach Accessories but have never grabbed a Coach Outlet Coupon.

Company sends the discount coupons for using in their stores after the person have done shopping at least once. The coach accessories in regular malls are entirely different from the range found in outlet stores. Generally these malls contain those accessories that are not doing good business in the regular boutiques or which are sold at discounted price.

In few cases these coupons can also be purchased. The customers can also enjoy the merchandise credit. However these types f credit are offered to only those clients who have received the Coach Accessories as gift but are unable to do so at regular stores for cash. These clients then are offered Coach Store Credit. This credit is of the same value as of the price.

All those who are willing to purchase Coach Purse, bag or clutches should try to find the discount vouchers that ranges from 10 % to 25 %. Such vouchers enable the client to save hundred dollars on purchasing the handbag.

Another idea for reaping the benefit of coach coupon is to visit a store or the website during off-season.

There are few coach websites on internet that offer outlet coupons that can be printed as well. These outlets also offer some shopping programs that enable the access of the clients to many promotions and exclusive sales. The winner of coach coupon has the choice of using these discounts at any coach store.

Another idea of grabbing these coupons free is from internet. The person just have to sit on the computer chair and type coach discount coupon, coach outlet coupon, discount coach handbag, discounted coach item or any such related terms. He will easily get a promotion code or the address of the site from where he can print a discount coupon.

These coupons help the client to save hundreds of bucks at the same time he can also enjoy the designer bag. These branded bags, accessories and other coach items increase the look and style of the carrier at a reasonable cost.

Home Accessories – The Key to Personalizing Your Home

Home accessories really can make a home and are a great way to decorate your home and to add a personal touch. There are so many unique options to choose from you are bound to find the perfect matches for your unique style. There are plenty of vendors that specialize in both designing and selling home accessories to both the public and to home decorators/designers.

Home accessories are the items that are used to at a personal touch to a home. They can be as simple as a vas and as complex as ornate wall hangings. Each type falls into a sub category of home décor.

Traditional, modern, eclectic, colonial are all home design styles and each category has their own special accessories that focus on that particular design and enhance the design elements that are already present. Depending on the style on the home will largely dictate which accessories are best suited.

For example colonial style homes have a lot of deep colonial blues in their design the job of the accessories is to capitalize on those colors to add a bit of pop to the décor. A great option for a colonial style home is eagle motifs and other patriotic symbols that bring home the idea of the colonial days.

Modern style homes rely heavily on metallic accessories like stainless vases and clean lines. A great option for the modern styled home is anything that is metallic with a simple line.

Traditional homes are more varied in their styling, but a great option is floral prints and other lively looking home accessories.

A great option for finding unique home accessories is to shop online. There is a world of options and it is far easier to find one of a kind pieces than it is hitting up the local shops where just about everyone in your town can purchase the same items.

You can shop online any time of the day or night and have your items delivered right to your front door. This is an ideal way to shop and find unique pieces.

Home accessories are the perfect way to tell visitors a little bit about the person that lives in the home; they are the perfect way to dress up the home with personal touches. The goal is to make a home your own by adding pieces to it that reflect your personal taste.

Bean Bag Chairs – The Many Shapes, Sizes and Eco Friendly Materials Will Amaze You

Bean bag chairs are available in a myriad of heights, styles, and designs. Primarily, beanbag chairs have traditionally been available in three shapes, the traditional and most common round sack style, the teardrop, and the pear shaped

The teardrop shape, staying true to its name, is in the shape of a teardrop, round at the base while tapering to nearly a point at the top of the bean bag. This style of chair was most common in the 1960’s for those involved in the counter culture movements of the time. However, teardrops have recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Today beanbag enthusiasts consider the teardrop shape highly desirable, classifying it as an “elite”.

The pear shaped beanbag is similar to the teardrop style. The only difference is at the top near the point. The pear shaped style has a wider taper than the teardrop variety, simply put, not as pointy. Those preferring the pear shaped style often cite its general practicality and superior neck support to the teardrop.

The most common shape of beanbags is the traditional round style. This variety has proved to be the world’s most useful solution. Round bean bag chairs have seen usage as sofas, beds, and even board room meeting chairs. Currently, the round style is the most widely one available.

Generally speaking, the teardrop and pear shaped styles are more commonly found to be owned by beanbag chair collectors. However, the tried and true round shape is more favored by those who own fewer beanbag chairs.

Designer Handbags – Golden Shopping Tips and Tricks

Purses and bags are some of the most famous accessories for women. Every woman desires to have them because they make them look elegant, classy and fashionable. A perfect outfit is incomplete without a perfect bag.

Handbags are considered as a fashion statement nowadays. Introduction of fashionable bags has increased the scope of fashion designers in the fashion industry. These are inalienable and vital accessories that boost a woman’s personality. Designer fashion hand carry bags are luxurious accessories, which give women a very elegant and stylish look.

A perfect designer hand carry bag can make or break the overall outfit of a woman. So, it is very important to select the appropriate designer bag for yourself. To purchase the right designer handbag for yourself, the following tips and tricks will help you.

Price:

Designer hand carry bags can be very expensive; especially the classic and trendy ones. Before purchasing one, make sure that the price suits your finances.

Size:

Consider the physical size of the bag. If you are tall and stocky, buy it in a big size and if you are tiny and petite, go for small ones. Lofty hand carry bags look good on tall and slim women; whereas, small and lean ones look good on short women.

Shape:

It is not necessary that a nice looking bag will look good on you too. The shape of the bag has a lot to do with your body structure. Tall and skinny women should go for less constructed and rounded bags. This will help to cover up their flaws. On the other hand, short and heavy women should stay away from rounded bags and go for long and rectangular well outlined ones.

Color:

Buying designer bags of colors you wouldn’t wear is wastage of money. Don’t buy handbags just because their vibrant colors attract you. You might get sick and tired of it after some time. Stick to the ones that suit your clothes.

Length:

Pick the right length of the hand carry bags. Designer handbags are available in both long and short straps. There are also convertible bags so that you can easily adjust their length. Skinny and thin ladies should go for the ones that fit under the arm at the breast level. Oversized and fat women should go for middle sized ones that go below breast area but above waist line.

Style:

Choose the style of your bag according to the occasion.

Handbags add glamour and beauty to your appearance; they give you a look of perfection. Always choose the right designer bag to represent your style and fashion statements.

Impeccable Fashion Tips For Women’s Clothing

Fashion and women are almost inseparable. Mostly all women tend to have the innate sense of fashion which is why they are likely to go wrong with their dressing sense. However, sometimes even the best of fashion divas tend to mess up with their clothing style. The primary reason for such fashion blunders is complete ignorance about their body type and shape.

Women need to be well aware of their figure type in order to dress appropriately and aesthetically. Every woman tends to have some positives and negatives about their body. However, with proper clothing and dressing women are able to accentuate their figure highlights and cover up their flaws. In order to accomplish this objective, women need to know what type or shape they belong to. Here are few tips that would enable women to categorize them in these figure types.

  • Pear shaped women are in plenty. These women tend to be rounded that are heavier on their hips and lower part of the body. These women however do not have a broad upper portion. Rather they are lighter on their upper portion. It is therefore feasible for such women to choose particular clothing that would accentuate their upper portion and take the eyes off from their heavier thighs and hip area. In order to tone them a little, darker colors would be really great as these colors would give a slimming effect. Wrap dresses are suitable for such a structure as it tend to hide the fat on the lower part of the body. Printed shirts, tops, straight skirts and V-necks are ideal for such women.
  • Apple shaped women are just the opposite of the pear shaped. This is due to the fact that these women tend to have a heavy upper body with bulky waistline and heavy bust line. These women need to be extremely careful with their shirts, tops and other piece of upper clothing. V-necks are the most suitable necklines that would really suit these women. Trendy jackets can be worn to hide tone down the waist area thereby making them look slightly thinner. Women can also go for A-line dresses that really proportionate their figure giving them a pleasing appearance.
  • Petite figured girls and women are extremely short and therefore it is important to pick clothing that would make these women look taller and elongated. The most preferred types of necklines that would really suit them are the V-necks and U-necks. The fabrics used for their clothing should be flowing and extremely light in weight. Short skirts are a complete”NO” for short women as they do not possess long slender legs. Avoid flashy jewelry and accessories on the clothing as it would only make these women look out of place and a complete fashion disaster.
  • Rectangle shaped women tend to have quite good figure. Some may even say they look like athletes owing to their slim built and slender appearance. Gypsy skirts, full skirts, patterns and dresses are perfect for these women.
  • Hourglass shaped women have the best looking figures. They are perfectly toned and curvaceous. It is the body type that all women crave to have. These women have nothing to worry as all kinds of dresses and clothing suits them really well. Fitted jeans, halters and straight trousers tend to highlight their figure.

Tips For Purchasing Gifts Online

When purchasing gift products it can be somewhat confusing as to what is best to purchase for your loved one. I came across a similar issue a few months ago and I have decided to write the following article to help people who are in a similar situation. When I had the same problem I decided to become more knowledgeable to make sure I made the right purchase.

When purchasing on the high street there are often companies who will offer vouchers and gift tokens for people to decide at a later date what they would like to purchase. This is great for people who are fussy or have particular clothing, jewellery or food shop that they love. This shows that you care deeply about pleasing them. It also means that you cannot make a mistake on your purchase.

If you make a purchase on the high street make sure you retain the receipt so that if you or the recipient feel it is not suitable it can be exchanged. This is particularly sensible when purchasing clothing or footwear. Take note that often food companies will not allow you to do this.

If you are purchasing online there are many options out there for you to choose from. I would strongly recommend purchasing from a reportable company as you will often get better service and better value for money. They may also offer a wider range of products and gift ideas. Don’t forget to keep your order number or confirmation details to allow you to return or dispute any ordering information.

Don’t forget that you can often retrieve voucher codes and cash back options when purchasing online this can be easily done by using your favourite search engine or comparison site. You can often save further money online and you don’t even have to leave you house!

Shopping For Cars With Bad Credit Car Loans

Most people need a car in order to meet basic needs such as getting to and from work, shopping for groceries, and just getting around in general. If you’re already strapped for cash, buying a car can take a huge chunk of your money, unless you take out a loan. But before you agree to any auto loan, you need to do your homework. Most people think that it will be hard to apply for one especially if they have bad credit. If you need to apply for bad credit car loans, it is best to know your way around car dealers and car financing companies.

The first thing you need to know is that car dealerships mark up the inventory price of cars. You may already be aware of this, but did you also know that they can also mark up the rate of the interest if you finance through them?

So what happens is, they will submit your credit application to their preferred lenders. Let’s just say that the lenders approve your credit for a rate of 10%. Then, the car dealers, knowing that you have a bad credit history, will tell you that your application has been approved for 12%. This 2% mark-up will be pure profit for the dealers while they are also getting the full commission on the sale of the vehicle. You are left with no choice if you really need the car and can’t come up with the full purchase price. That’s the cost of having a bad credit.

The first thing that you need to remember is to review your credit history. You should check the annual reports and see if there are any errors or missing information, as this is of vital importance if you are applying for bad credit car loans. Also, it is never too late to change the quality of your credit scores. Credit scores can be improved if you take the necessary steps to clean up your finances and work out a budget before choosing the type of car that you want to have.

You should also know the amount that you can afford to pay for your car. Don’t just look at the monthly payments. Instead, look at the overall selling price of the cars. Viewed in this way, you can pare down the ongoing cost of the vehicle in addition to avoiding high interest rates. Shop around first – check vehicle ratings and reliability, invoice prices, maintenance costs, etc. Then visit several dealers to compare prices and negotiate your best price. This will help you find the best deals around.

Once you’re satisfied with your choice of car and the selling price, it’s time to shop for car loans. There’s no law that says you have to finance through the dealership, so don’t be tempted to sign on with them without first checking independent car financing companies. These companies will have better deals on bad credit car loans and you’ll have the benefit of knowing that you’ll be getting the best price for the car without the need for paying extra fees at the dealership.

The Shoe Series – Rain Shoes

Life becomes comfortable and convenient when you have a pair of waterproof, solid rain boots. Durable rain boots keep weather blues at bay.

Most modern rain boots feature dotted print rubber. Adding to its high finish is a strong contrast waffle sole, which offers high traction on icy, extra slippery days.

Fabric interior lining and adjustable side tab detail make the boot easy to slip off and on. Light padded insole offers great comfort as you walk to the office from your car. The top to sole length of an average rain shoe is around thirteen and a half inches.

Types of Rain Footwear

Some rain shoes have casual style and round toe. With printed screen detail, the exotic shoe has heads turning, even under umbrellas. Cushioned insole and soft fabric lining not only make the rain shoe sleek looking, but also comfortable. Featuring durable rubber traction in the exterior, rain shoes have a textile pull on the loop area for convenient pull off and on.

Composed of molded rubber, other rain shoes feature round toe design. Multicolored print pattern, cushioned insole and textile lining make the boot attractive, flexible and durable. With adjustable rubber buckle, it is a wonderful fit for anyone.

For the trendy ones, high rain footwear featuring latex rubber with checked print are also available. Its expandable calf offers snug fit for cold, wintry days. Its micro-fiber lining offers a soft touch, while it keeps moisture away. Its rubber sole also offers wonderful traction on wet or icy surfaces.

Cowboy Rain Footwear

Special Cowboy rain shoes are a favorite the adventurous ones. They feature an EVA insole and waterproof, stylish outer leather. With pointed close toe and a rubber sole, this shoe is available in various colors. It also has a two inch heel.

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