I Don't Even Like Hats

I am not a hat person; however, I wear many different hats throughout my day and I have several jobs that keep me pretty busy. One of my favorite employers is Uppercase Living. This company has gone through many changes lately and it just keeps getting better.

I said all of that to say this.....I am offering a Christmas special, a set of 4 ceramic coasters with a monogram or a personalized decal (fleur de lis, sunburst medalion, snowflake) all nicely giftwrapped for $15. These will be here the week before Christmas. They make GREAT gifts for teachers, co-workers, and also make great stocking stuffers.

If you're interested, let me know and I'll order you a set and have them wrapped and ready to go. :)http://www.uppercaseliving.com/

Muffin Tops Are Best Eaten, Not Worn

Muffins are one of my favorite snacks and I try to keep a packaged mix in my pantry at all times. However, recently I have decided to venture into baking "made-from-scratch" instead of using ready made mixes....whenever time permits that is. Not only is it healthier, but it's cheaper too. Today's treat was the result of having too many over-ripe bananas laying around that needed to be eaten asap. You can use blueberries or strawberries or whatever fruit you like.

Banana Muffins
1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 egs
5 over-ripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla
2 c. self-rising flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
dash salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all of these ingredients together using a mixer on the lowest speed. You do not want to over-mix this, so just mix until everything is mixed together. And, for those of us who are not pros, the good news is....you want lumpy batter! Woo Hoo!!!

When you finish mixing, pour batter into your muffin pan and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This recipe actually made 6 regular sized muffins as well as 2 petite loaves of bread (perfect for giving as gifts).

REVIEWS--
I took little pieces of butter and stuck inside the warm muffins. Carter said they were "absolutely delicious"....and 3 muffins later, I have to agree. ;) Enjoy!

The "B" Word

The word budget usually condures up images of suffering and misery. I, however, am determined to try to dispell the myth that living on a budget is horrible. I currently have found myself in a sitatuion where I am in desperate need of finding ways to save money, especially considering I have a 6 year old and one on the way and I have just been laid off from my job! With all that being said, life goes on. Christmas and Birthdays still come and dinners still have to be served.

So, follow me as we learn together how to prepare inexpensive, yet yummy meals; find ways to entertain children without breaking the bank; shop on a limited income, etc. Hopefully this will not only save me money, but you as well!!!!