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One sweet golden egg!

Here's what I got: (20 lbs. sugar, 5 lbs. flour, 2 dressings, 1 BBQ sauce)

Here's what I paid: $7.12

Here's how:

1 $1 off coupon for dressing

1 $.045 off coupon for dressing

1 $0.99 off BBQ sauce w/purchase of 2 dressings coupon

*Always check the bargain bin!

Crock-Pot Potatoes

I've discovered a way to have delicious baked potatoes in the summer without heating up my kitchen by using the crockpot. Here's how to obtain baked potato bliss:

1. Wash and prick potatoes
2. Wrap in foil and toss into crockpot
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 2 1/2-4 hours.

*You can also make perfectly cooked sweet potatoes by washing them and tossing the wet potatoes into the crockpot. Cooking times are the same.

Golden Egg

My golden egg from last week's yard sales is a lovely antique bed frame that matches our daughter's for $35.00. I was interested in the frame, but the lady was selling it in a set. I asked if she'd take my name and number in case it didn't sell. I got a phone call the next day from her saying it was still for sale. The moral of the story: it never hurts to ask! Happy yard-saleing this weekend!

Here's a tip and it's no lemon!

I have a problem with cleaning my kitchen with chemicals. The thought of using a cleaning product with "Call poison control immediately if swallowed!" written on it anywhere near my food just feels wrong. You might as well ask your dinner guests if they'd like a side of ammonia! Well if you're with me, try out this easy chemical-free method.

1. Place a bowl or mug full of water and a slice or two of lemon in your microwave.

2. Turn it on high for 2 minutes.
3. Do not open the door. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Wipe clean with a wet cloth.
The steam naturally loosens the stuck-on food and the lemon helps deoderize.
*I just want you all to know that I resisted cleaning my microwave for many weeks to obtain such a dramatic before and after shot!

The Pit of Despair!

I don't know about yours, but my bathroom drawer tends to end up more like the pit of despair despite my constant attempts to organize it. Pawing through a jumbled heap in search of the toothpaste every morning and night is enough to drive a person crazy! As I was setting the table a few months ago, I came up with a solution: use a silverware organizer! I am proud to say that I have tested this for these past few months, and I'm very happy with the results: a neatly organized bathroom drawer!

*You can find silverware organizers at any Wal-Mart, drug store, or dollar store for around $2.50. I often see them at yard sales for much less too. The plastic kind works just as well as the wire.

This one's for the guys!

This post is in honor of my dad, who is currently overseas doing construction on an orphanage. What a great guy! The miracle you see below is his ingenious creation. My sister wanted a clothesline, but lived in a neighborhood that wouldn't allow a "permanent clothesline". So, our clever dad came up with a removable one. He made the pole out of aluminum so it's extremely lightweight- even I can pull it out and store it! (In case you're wondering, my sis had to move and I inherited the clothesline- for which I am eternally grateful!) So here's to all of you dads: happy father's day!

Using post-hole diggers, dig till' you reach the desired depth. Sink a piece of PVC pipe into the hole. Make sure it falls slightly below the ground so that when the pole it out, you can mow over it.

Drop your aluminum clothesline pole into the PVC pipe in the hole. Screw an eye bolt into each arm of the pole. Attach line to eye bolts.

Drill 2 more eye bolts into other end. The other end can be another removable pole, or the side of a deck, tree, etc. Mine is attached to our deck. Attach clips to the other ends of the line and clip onto the eye bolts that are anchored into your deck, tree, etc.

When you need the extra space for that outdoor party, or when winter rolls around, just pull the pole out and unclip the lines! *You may want to place a rock or PVC cap over the hole so that little ones don't step in it.