Have You Ever Seen A Stove Like This?

H

Help!  Have you ever seen a stove like this?  Me either!  It is huge.... and old.  Anyway, this is the stove that is in the house we are trying to buy.  The side door is for keeping things warm... I think.  Just very peculiar, because I have never seen one like it before.

We did two inspections yesterday.... In the RAIN.  For months we have had very little if any rain and don't you know that the day we go to do inspections it is going to rain ALL week!  We all looked like drowned rats yesterday.

There are just a few things that the inspectors found during the process.  There were some small electrical issues, jut some updates of the plug in receptacles.  The french doors to the back had some dry rot around the frame, and we could not open them.  They were locked and no one had a key.. really??  There is an inspection people... come on... we need to check these things!  Who is to say that if you open the doors, they will even stay in place.  ( Okay,, they probably will, but it would be nice to know) 

The biggest issue to come out of the inspection is a small roof leak in one of the bedrooms.  (Glad it was raining so we could see it)  It is in one of the corners where the roof meets the front porch, and it appears to not be such a big deal.  The problem lies in will the seller fix it properly?  The seller signed a contract stating that he would fix it, but the Short Sale bank is stating the property is in "AS-IS" condition.  Very confusing, because if you are trying to finance a property, there really can't be these kind of issues.   With a VA loan, I believe that it will have to be fixed properly or we won't be able to purchase it.   Another wait and see moment....

So, any thoughts on the stove?


January 2013.  We have lived in this house for 18 months.  I have learned to love this old stove, it works like a champ!  Hopefully it will last a long,long time as it is so huge we will have to re do the kitchen completely when it dies. 
 

Money Saving Monday Week 12 The Saved Quarter Challenge

 

It is already week 12 of the Saved Quarter Challenge!  Where does the time and the money go? I did much better this week with my grocery shopping.  Last week I went a little crazy and spent$ 170.00.  This week, we only needed a few things, like milk, bread and dog food.  Did I mention how expensive dog food is?  Anyway, I only spent 45.00 dollars.

't think

There is no major changes in our saving this week.  We still have money taken out of both of our checking accounts that go in to our different saving accounts that we have at ING.  These accounts are necessary to cover expenses that happen once in awhile like property taxes and auto repairs. 

This week is a spendy week.  Today we have inspections on the Short Sale House:

295.00 for the house structure

85.00 termite inspection

300.00 septic tank inspection

And if all goes as planned, we will have moving expenses too, but I will be happy to pay those as well.

Next week, I will be redeeming my monthly limit ($25)  of Swagbucks in Amazon Gift cards.This will go towards Christmas Gifts and my $500 Holiday Challenge.  

Swag Bucks To Date: 2800
How I am using my Swag Bucks

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 28

Tater Tot Casserole

Last week I spent too much money on groceries.  So, this week I am trying to plan my menu based on what is left in the pantry and freezer.  The kids and our grand kids are coming over for dinner Tuesday evening so that will be a great time to have Tater Tot Casserole, a family favorite.
Check out what I made for desert yesterday.... Ooey Gooey Butter Cake!


Monday:   Cap'n Crunch Baked Chicken 

Tuesday:   Tater Tot Casserole **There are about a million different ways to make this dish** I had no idea!! Okay, on Cooks.com there is 554 ways to make this dish....which seems like a million! Here is a sampling of the Tater Tot Casserole Recipes:
Tater Tot Casserole (no beef) 
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans

Wednesday:  Scrambled Eggs, Grits, Sausage and Toast  ( We love Breakfast for Dinner!)

Thursday:   Escalloped Cabbage (Pioneer Woman Recipe)

Friday:  Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Marinated Zucchini, brown rice

Saturday:  Chili's Restaurant!  We have a gift card to use :)

Sunday:  Taco Burgers

Swag Bucks To Date: 2800
How I am using my Swag Bucks
 
this post linked to Organizing Junkie

Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Even though Easter is still a few weeks away, my family has already been requesting this desert.  Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake..... it is the best.  And it is so easy too!!  Well, we did not want to wait for Easter to have this desert, so I made one yesterday...



Let's Get Started!

Ingredients
Cake:
1 18 1/4-ounce package yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lets get started!  Cake mix, egg and butter....

Hello Harvest Gold Mixer!  30 yrs old and still going strong!

It takes no time to get to this point....

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

Pat the mix still smooth and filling bottom

Now, we can mix the filling.....

Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter and beat together.
Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.

After 45 minutes, this beautiful delicious desert is finished.

This IS a little piece of heaven for your taste buds!

Here are some other variations:

Pumpkin Gooey: This variation has to be at the top of my list, especially around Thanksgiving. For the cake part, I sometimes use a spice cake mix. I have even used a chocolate cake mix, but I think my favorite is the basic yellow cake mix. Follow the original recipe, adding a 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling and an extra egg to the cream cheese filling. Bake as usual, remove from oven, and allow to cool. Cut into squares and top each square with a pecan half. Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. I promise you'll never want pumpkin pie again!


Pineapple Gooey: Add a 20-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple and an extra egg to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

Lemon Gooey: Use a lemon cake mix in place of the yellow cake. Add the juice (approximately 1/4 cup) and zest of 2 lemons to the cream cheese filling. Proceed: as directed above.

Carrot Cake Gooey: Use a spice cake mix, and add 1 cup chopped nuts and 1 1/2 cup finely grated carrots to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.
Peanut Butter Gooey: Use a chocolate cake mix. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter and an extra egg to cream cheese filling. You can sprinkle the top of batter with 1 cup chopped peanuts if you like. Proceed as directed above.
Chocolate Chip Gooey: Use either yellow or chocolate cake mix. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped nuts on top of filling. Proceed as directed above

Banana Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix. Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 2 ripe bananas and an extra egg. Proceed as directed above.
Nutty Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix, and add 1 cup chopped nuts to the cake mixture. Proceed as directed above.
Recipe credit: Paula Deen

Subscribe by Email | Subscribe by RSS | Follow on Twitter
linked to GCC
linked to today's creative 

Swag Bucks To Date: 2750
How I am using my Swag Bucks

Short Sale Adventure Continues..

The Short Sale Adventure continues..... We have had to schedule inspections of the house on Monday.  (Saturday was just too short of notice for the companies I wanted to use). This includes structures and then the Termite inspection. If both of those pass, we will have the Septic Tank inspected on Wednesday.  And then.... if that passes we wait for the VA inspection to take place and see what they value the property at.  Then, if all that goes well, all the information is sent to the Lender and they will have final approval.  Whew..... So the first of next week will be busy and costly with the  multiple inspections.  And after that we wait. We are use to the waiting.

***Prices for the different inspections***

       Structural Inspection $295

        Termite Inspection   $85

           Septic System Inspection $300

This weekend I will be cleaning out closets and packing up stuff to take to Goodwill.  I already have lots of items packed for the move, but now I am concentrating on whittling down some of my stuff.  And I have lots of stuff.  Not quite a hoarder, but definitely a pack rat.  I think if I was a hoarder, I would not be able to admit that I was a pack rat.... but maybe a collector.  Regardless, I will be getting rid of stuff!

I hope your weekend is enjoyable!!

Swag Bucks To Date: 2637
How I am using my Swag Bucks

Don't Forget, Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day!!

FINALLY!!!! AN ANSWER FROM THE BANK!!

Do you see that lavender kitchen over to the left?  It is the kitchen of the house we have a contract on.   The lavender goes with the pink counter tops...

Buying a Short Sale house is an adventure that is full of frustration and lessons in patience.

Just when you think you can't get too excited about anything regarding the house, you get a text from your Realtor to give her a call when you get a free minute.......So I do, and guess what she says?



 Our Realtor  said our offer was accepted by the Short Sale Bank!!  And Inspections are on SATURDAY!!!   Aaaaaaaaaaaaghhhhhhhhh!!


Here we go!!!  Praying for God's Will to be done. Sleep is not going to come  easy tonight. I will be dreaming about my Lavender kitchen.

Swag Bucks To Date: 2528
How I am using my Swag Bucks

Money Saving Monday Week 11 The Saved Quarter Challenge

It is actually Monday and I am posting my weekly update on time.  Barely.  So what is new for week 11 of the  Saved Quarter Challenge?  

We are holding our own financially.  My husband has not had as much overtime as we have hoped for.  In fact, due to the almost perfect weather, he barely gets his forty hours.  No service calls, no work.  But, the heat of summer will be here soon enough and it is great to be able to enjoy this perfect weather.  There has been an adjustment in my hours as well.  I have gone from 40 hours to about 37 hours per week. It will be fine..... I would prefer the 40 hours, but you take what you can get these days.

Our Credit Card Balance last week was 12,883
Our Credit Card Balance this week is    12,866  (+27.00 dollars)

There is no news regarding the Short Sale house.  Several words come to mind when I even think of this subject.  Most are not ones I use often.  But this ordeal has been going on since Dec 2010...... and my vocabulary has grown exponentially, even if only in my mind.  I should probably work on having more positive thoughts about this experience.

I have blown my grocery budget for the month.  The only reason for that is I was not monitoring my spending.  I am going to make all attempts to use what I have on hand until the end of the month.  Which is not that far away, so it should be fine.  Next month, I will have to be more vigilant with my grocery money.  

I am still looking for part time employment to supplement my full time job.  If in the process of looking for part time employment I am able to find a wonderful super duper full time job, I would not hesitate to take it.  But for now, I will be happy to find a part time job.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!

Swag Bucks To Date: 2439
How I am using my Swag Bucks

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 21

It has been awhile since I have posted a menu for "Menu Plan Monday".  And my budget reflects the lack of control in my planning skills.  For instance, today I went to Target and spent 170.00  dollars..... on groceries, personal care items and four bottles of wine.  Which would be fine if the rest of the weeks this month were about 50.00 dollars.   And there were not.  Definitely over budget in the grocery area this month.




Monday :  Lemon Garlic Trout
Tuesday:  Baked Spaghetti
Wednesday:  Scrambled Eggs and Grits, Bacon
Thursday :   Grilled Chicken
Friday:  Red beans, Rice and and beef sausage
Saturday:  Grilled Hamburgers and baked sweet potato fries
Sunday:  Pot Roast in the Crock Pot


This post linked to Organizing Junkie

Saturday Work and Play

The day started out as a work day in the yard.  We went to the Lawn and Garden Center and over the course of 6 trips, we picked up enough mulch to do all of the beds in our yard.   The weather was great and the yard is  looking a thousand times better. The picture to the left is the front end loader dumping the mulch in the back of the truck.




This picture is after the loader dumped the mulch in the truck.  

After the yard work was finished, my grandson came over. He is an active almost two  year old!  I had bought some bubbles and he had a great time trying to catch and  pop them.

Chasing the bubbles...................................

Catching the bubbles with his mouth.............................

 It was more like the bubbles catching him.

It was a great day!  

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Cupcakes

 This is where the journey of the green Cup Cakes ended. I was off today and wanted to do something green for tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day. There were other options for green food items, like Green Eggs and Ham, but I went with the Cup Cakes.       

 The cake mix was handy and I had a bottle of green food coloring left over from Christmas.  Yeah.. I dye food for all Holidays.  Keeps your family and friends entertained.
                                                                                                              

This is the before.  Cake mix, eggs, oil and water.Looks a little plain, don't you think?

 Mix it up with your 30 year old hand mixer.  It is a collectible for sure.  Harvest Gold??  Who makes that anymore?

So.. in goes the green dye.  Looks black..... or even blue.   Trust me. It is definitely green. 

Let the mixing begin!!   The green is added a little bit by little bit.  Nah!!   Not true.  I could not stop myself....
 

 I always think more is better.  In in this case... it definitely is better!!  Look at that lovely green color. 

The cupcakes are a lovely shade of green after baking per the box directions.  Absolutely perfect!

Well, let me rephrase that.  Perfect is when the cupcake is iced and decorated for St. Patrick's Day. 

This is the final outcome of my baking fun.  A beautiful green cupcake, with Cream cheese frosting and of course, Shamrock Sprinkles.  Tomorrow is now complete. 

How will you be celebrating St. Pat's Day? 

Pin It

$500 HOLIDAY CHALLENGE UPDATE

I am joining Sharon at  My Year of Spending Less and Living More  as well as Penny at "The Saved Quarter" in  the $500 Christmas Challenge.  Now, if you checked out the links you will see that Penny did a remarkable job at only spending $100 dollars for Christmas.  I am more comfortable with using Sharon's benchmark of $500 for my challenge limit.


I will be incorporating money saving techniques that Penny has used such as Swagbucks, Groupon, Living Social and My Coupon.  For the month of January, using my earned Swagbucks, I  have already earned $25 in Amazon Gift Cards.   I hope to do that every month,so by the end of the year I will have  $325 dollars in Amazon Gift Cards.


Penny at The Saved Quarter has managed to put together an impressive gift giving list that is definitely worth more than $100 dollars.  She has managed to strategically use her gift cards, mystery shopping and thrifty ways to acquire great gifts for her friends and family.
 
My latest additions to my $500 Holiday Challenge were found last week at Ross.  ( I love Ross!!)  I have been struggling with what to get my dad for Christmas.  Not this year, but every year is it a struggle.  At a certain point, your parents have everything that they want, so trying to figure out what to get them can be just plain difficult.
My dad stays in most of the day.  He has difficulty getting around and uses a walker to get from point A to point B.  When he is in his chair/lazyboy he likes to keep a blanket on him at all times.  At Ross, I found a lovely, masculine blanket.  It has golfing scenes on it and I am pretty sure he will enjoy it.  Cost: $5.95!

Have you started thinking about Christmas yet?

Money Saving Monday Week 10 The Saved Quarter Challenge

  

Happy Tuesday! I ( Yes, I know I am a day behind as I should be posting this on Mondays)   It is already week 10 of the  Saved Quarter Challenge.  It has been a hectic, busy weekend that carried over to the beginning of the week.   Saturday, my husband and my son put in the new central AC unit into our current home.  The picture is of my son working on the inside part of the unit.  He is an electrician so he was in charge of the wiring in of the new unit.  My husband was outside replacing the outside part... you know.... the part with the fan.  I know nothing of AC, so my input about what actually was done is going to be limited. 

The unit was bought and paid for last year, and my husband has been waiting for mild weather to replace the old one.  The unit was bought at wholesale price, around 1300.00 dollars.  We saved a huge amount on the labor to install the unit.  I think we estimated that we saved close to 3000.00 dollars (this includes the discount for the wholesale price).

Last week we did receive our tax refund.  After applying most of the balance to our credit cards, we are about 186.00 less in debt this week.

Credit Card Balance 12,883

The job interview went well.  But....... It is a night position.  From 1PM to 11PM.  My husband and I talked about it, and we both decided that this is not the position for me.  I am a morning person.  I get so much more done in the morning than the evenings.  And I would never see my husband, except for weekends.  The job is just not a good fit for me. 

My friend's mother that was in hospice, did pass away last week.  It was a very sad time for her family.  The memorial was this weekend, with the church service yesterday.  My friend did get out of the hospital on Friday, and her heart is fine.  It was the stress that triggered her heart to beat so fast that she had to be hospitalized.

So, yep, this was a busy weekend.  I am hoping that the rest of the week will be a little more manageable.

Swag Bucks To Date: 1989
How I am using my Swag Bucks

A Few Updates

:::Short Sale House: "Unofficially" our Realtor was told by the seller's broker that our offer was accepted by the bank.  Nothing in writing yet.  Sooooooo, we once again extended our offer to April 10th, with an expected closing around that time.  So they say. 

:::I received a call from my best friend, the one who's mother is in hospice.  She called to tell me that she (my friend) had to be taken to the ER in the middle of the night.  Her heart rate was 200+ and the paramedics could not get it to slow down.  AT the hospital, she was given an injection of adenosine to slow her heart rate down back to normal.  The injection did the trick, and she is resting comfortably,  More tests today to see how her heart is doing. 

:::Why am I up at 3:00AM?  Going back to bed and trying to get another couple hours of sleep. 


:::Job interview went well.  A second interview next Monday.

Money Saving Monday Week 9 The Saved Quarter Challenge

I am a day late (again) in posting my weekly update for the Saved Quarter Challenge.  Better late than never!!  Since the weather has warmed up, my husband has been able to get his 40 hours per week, plus a little overtime.  This will be reflected in next week's check.  Until we hear about the Short Sale house, we are getting this house ready to be a rental.  The  leaky bathtub is now repaired, with just the drywall to finish. We did have to spend about 200 dollars to repair the tub, but at least it is now in good working order.  This coming weekend, my husband will be installing a new AC system into this house.  We already have the unit, but no doubt, there will be a few more expenses when all is said and done.

That being said, I have not been as successful as I wanted to be with reducing out debt.  In fact, the debt level has increased about 1000.00 dollars when compared to January 2011.
After the dust settles when and if the Short Sale house actually becomes ours, we can be more diligent with our debt repayment.  My husband's hours will increase and the overtime will definitely come in handy.

Swag Bucks To Date: 1683
How I am using my Swag Bucks 

CC debt  13,069

A Quiet Morning

Sunrise at Cocoa Beach

Happy Saturday!  I is a peaceful morning, the sun is out and the birds are chirping. I did finish most of my housework last night, so today is pretty much open.  A co-worker and myself are going to stop by a close friend's house to day for a visit.  Her mom is ill with Multiple Myleoma and Hospice has been called in.  We are going to be picking up some food for the family and give love and hugs to our friend and her family.    Do you have any suggestions on what kind of food to take?  What else would be appropriate?






Swag Bucks To Date: 1529 (Yesterday I earned 315 Swag Bucks for a "Living Social" Purchase)

How I am using my Swag Bucks 

Happy Friday

Yesterday afternoon, I went to have my eyes checked.  I thought my vision was getting worse and since I did have Lasik Eye Surgery in 2003, I needed to get them checked out.  The Lasik was the best thing I have every done, and would do it again in a heartbeat.  I had worn glasses since fourth grade, without corrective lenses, I was blind as a bat. 

The eye exam went well, The doc said my eyes are healthy.  My vision has not changed too much and there is room for a corrective enhancement.  My biggest concern is night time driving.  If I am driving at night in unfamiliar areas, I can't see the street signs that well.  I may have to get glasses for night time driving, as the corrective enhancement would not help that.  Definitely a lot to think about. 

 It is not payday for me today, so I don't have a lot of plans for the weekend.  Just the usual which is to catch up on the housework, yard work and sneak away to the beach Sunday morning. And a nap.  I always look forward to a Sunday Afternoon nap.

Hope you all have a great Friday!

SwagBucks To Date: 1605 - 450 (for Amazon $5.00 Gift Card) = 1555 balance

How I am using my SwagBucks 

Are Changes Coming?

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a new potential employer.  It is about a full time teaching position.    I would be teaching Ultrasound at an accredited school nearby.  We meet on Monday to discuss the possibilities.  I do love my job, ( not necessarily my employers)  but  I do want a new and exciting challenge. Did I mention that the other two ultrasound techs are seeking other jobs too?  What does that tell you?   This may be it.  I am excited and nervous!!   ( Big Sigh!!)

My Realtor called last night and left me a message saying that the broker handling the Short Sale will be contacting the bank today and that we should have some sort of word about the house.  Okay... I want to be excited, but I am just going to wait and see.  ( Another BIG sigh!)

Looking forward to positive news on all fronts!

Hope you all have a great Thursday!

SwagBucks To Date:  1556

How I am using my SwagBucks

$500 Holiday Challenge Update

I am joining Sharon at  My Year of Spending Less and Living More  as well as Penny at "The Saved Quarter" in  the $500 Christmas Challenge.  Now, if you checked out the links you will see that Penny did a remarkable job at only spending $100 dollars for Christmas.  I am more comfortable with using Sharon's benchmark of $500 for my challenge limit.


I will be incorporating money saving techniques that Penny has used such as Swagbucks, Groupon, Living Social and My Coupon.  For the month of January, using my earned Swagbucks, I  have already earned $25 in Amazon Gift Cards.   I hope to do that every month,so by the end of the year I will have  $325 dollars in Amazon Gift Cards.


Penny at The Saved Quarter has managed to put together an impressive gift giving list that is definitely worth more than $100 dollars.  She has managed to strategically use her gift cards, mystery shopping and thrifty ways to acquire great gifts for her friends and family.


By tomorrow, I will have cashed in enough Swag Bucks to reach  my monthly limit of Amazon Gift Cards.  Yep, another $25 dollars of Amazon Gift Cards towards my  $500 Holiday Challenge.  My Swag Buck Balance today is 1555.  I have got to get busy to acquire enough for next month's Amazon Gift Cards. This month I successfully completed a survey for 100 Swag bucks, so I will try that at least once a week.

I have another way to make Christmas gift giving easier too.  My Coke Rewards lets you accumulate points to use for different prizes.  You can find the codes on coke products and submit them  at the My Coke Rewards website.   I will be using the points for Magazine subscriptions to use as Christmas Gifts.  My daughter likes work out magazines and she will be getting  a"Fitness" subscription which is only 133 points.  The twelve packs of coke products "codes" are worth 10 points each, so with the help of other family members I will have this in no time.  I am also going to get a "cooking" magazine subscription for my mom.  Coke has a great selection of magazines, so check it out.  This will definitely help you  in your Christmas Shopping! 

You might also like:

TOP REFERRING SITES FOR FEBRUARY

Here are my Top Referring Sites for February:
 

The Saved Quarter

My Year Of Spending Less and Living More

IT'S ME, SAM

GRACEful Retirement

Days Of An Ordinary Life

Frugalicious Fun  Life DOES Not Begin at Retirement  Mortgaged Life

Life's Sweet Ingredients Won't Go Down Without a Fight  Thanks for the Link Love!  Take time to visit these great blogs!