What works for me:

Spicy spaghetti seasoning &
my garlic press!

There was some discussion recently about a recipe I posted for chicken spaghetti in the crockpot.

What I failed to mention is the spice that I have been buying for as many years as I can remember, I know it’s been with me all my married life

I use this spice in spaghetti sauces, goulashes, any recipe that I would use basil and oregano. It really gives a kick of flavor.

I buy it at Sam’s wholesale club, it’s about $5 for a pretty big container and lasts me about 6 months.

Another use is to slice up a loaf or baguette bread, melt some butter, press in some garlic cloves and then stir in a little of this spice… pour over the bread down the slices, top with grated parm and wrap in foil… bake until hot. Very good! If you like things a bit spicier, add a packet of those red peppers from the pizza place (we always have those in the drawer).

The other thing that is necessary in my kitchen is my garlic press. I always keep a couple of garlic heads on hand so I can press fresh garlic into everything, yummo!

Head over to Rocks in My Dryer for more great ideas!

I keep an excel file for my budget/bills. I have a section for each pay period, I put the bills that I will pay. When I pay them (online) I put the confirmation code next to it. I always have those numbers if needed and it is easy to look and see what I am paying. I am able to shred paper bills as soon as they are added to the budget. I also put little reminders to the side of the budget. I have the columns totalled and can see what is left over after bills are paid. Each section is highlighted a different color so it is easy to read. I shared this plan with Julie and it is working for her too, yea!

Anyway, this works really well for me and I’ve been doing it for years.