Thursday, January 31

Success is showing up!

Hello Friends!

WOW!  These past few weeks have been, well I'm gonna just say it - YUCK!!!!  I got the flu, then my youngest, then my oldest and back to my youngest.  Well actually my youngest got sick then seemed to get better for a short stint and then sick again.  We have been cleaning a sanitizing everything for two weeks!  The Mr. has a stomach of steel, not sure how he always manages to avoid the yuck but he is one lucky guy.






With that said, I've been trying to reserve Thursdays for health and motivation but I haven't done a darn thing in the past few weeks.  Well, unless you can count running to the rescue of little ones in the bathroom or all the extra cleaning I've been doing.

Not only have I not been hanging out with Jillian Michaels lately, but once I got my appetite back - WATCH OUT!  I mean, carb city!!!!!  I don't think there is a single day that has gone by without that guilty feeling over how badly I ate.  There wasn't a chip, chocolate, bread or baked good that was safe in my house.

Cut to today...we're all better, the appetites are back and we have no reason to be feeling carb deprived.  I am going to be successful, but first I have to show up!!!!!  I have to remind myself that if I want to be healthy, I have to be a participant.


Hugs,
      Trish





Friday, January 18

Five Dollar Family Feed: Pizza Boats

Hello Friends!

This has been a favorite among my kiddos each time I've made them.  I tend to make them on Friday night as they are easy, cheap and sets the stage for a relaxing weekend (again they are so easy to make).

You've probably made a version of this before but did you really think about how inexpensive this meal is?  Not only that, but our family of 4 made this into two meals.  We had them for dinner on a Friday night, then had leftovers for lunch on Sunday after church.  Just pop them back into the oven or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes at 400 degrees and you're set!!!




Peddi Girl's Pizza Boats

French Bread (sliced in half lengthwise)
Pizza Sauce
Pepperoni
Tomato (sliced very thin - optional)
Black Olives
Onion
Mozzarella Cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling

  •  Preheat oven to 425 degrees, rack on middle row
  • Lay french bread slices onto 9x13 pan.  Spread tomato sauce onto each slice.  Top with mozzarella cheese
  • Top with pepperoni, tomato, black olives and onion (or your favorite pizza toppings).
  • Drizzle evoo on each slice
  •  Bake for about 10 min, until cheese is melted and golden.


That's it, enjoy!!!


I will give you an update on this particular recipe.  I felt as though my french bread was a lot of bread, if you know what I mean.  I'm going to experiment with different breads to get the right one for me.  The other option would be to slice the bread, then scoop out some of the breading from the loaf.  Not a lot, but just enough to make it less thick.  This of course is a personal preference as the Mr. and kiddos loved them just the way they are.

Also, here's a frugal tip.  I like to make my own marinara sauce and freeze it in individual portions.  However, we all have crazy nights, no marinara in the freezer or just want it to be extra easy.  So for those evenings, I open a can of pizza sauce, use what I need and then freeze the extra.  I usually get 3 pizzas out of one can.  So put them in separate baggies, mark them and you're ready for the next time you make pizza boats.  They only take about 15 minutes to defrost or just put them in a bowl of warm water for quick thawing.


Hugs,
        Trish

Thursday, January 17

No Regrets.....

Hello Friends!

So today is week three of "Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30".  I have not worked out in two days and I set the alarm this morning to get up and start up my new week.  The alarm did not go off, but my hubby did wake me.  I did the typical, early morning moan and rolled over to get another 45 minutes of sleep.  Did I actually go back to sleep?  NO!  I laid there thinking about how I should get up, but I didn't.  Now it's several hours later and I wish I would've gotten my tail out of bed.  I mean seriously do I need to have the Mr. literally kick me out of bed to get up.  How is it that I went from an early morning person to just a morning person?  I used to jump out of bed, work out and get on with my day.  Now, I stumble out of bed, make coffee and try to have a little bit of time before the wee ones wake up at 7:00a.m.





I am going to workout today.  I am going to workout today.  I am going to workout today.

 I AM GOING TO WORKOUT TODAY!!!!


Apparently I need to say this over and over and over again until I get it done.  So here I am telling all of you, that it will be done.  No giving up, NO REGRETS!!!!!


Hugs,
        Trish

Wednesday, January 16

Skinny Cords are a Must

Hello Friends!

It's midweek, which means that I have a break from running kiddos to school.  No preschool on Wednesdays, yeah for me!  However, we are in swimming lessons which still has me running but not quite as early as other days.  It seems as though there really is never a day off, but I'll take it.  I love every minute of it.





[Sweater, Skinny Cords & Flats:  Old Navy] [Bag: Kohls] [Tank: Splurge] [Jewels: Stella & Dot]


I adore these skinny cords so much, I had to have them in a few colors.  They truly are the go to comfort pair of skinnies that can go with just about anything.  I've paired these with this cardigan, chambray shirt, flannel and crew neck tops.  If you haven't picked up a pair yet, get to Old Navy soon.  These cuties were a whopper deal.  This is definitely a frugal find at $9.99 in a few different colors.  Originally priced at $34.50.

Enjoy your new cords, they too are such a classic piece added to your wardrobe.  You can bet that I'll be wearing these for several years.


Hugs,
        Trish

Tuesday, January 15

What to Wear Day Trip with friends



Hello Friends!

Have you relaxed with friends lately?  I love to bop in and out of stores at the outlet malls or head to antique and boutique in neighboring towns.

What to Wear Day Trip with friends





A great way to relax and rejuvenate is to spend the day shopping with friends.  If you are like me, this could be a cardio workout.  It's about getting to the sales, getting to as many stores as possible and hopping from store to store.  You will want to have a comfy style to wear that allows for layers.  When you shop from store to store, the blazer is the perfect piece to throw on or off.  I'm loving the blazers lately, they are such a classic and timeless piece.  If you don't have one yet, add one, you'll have it and wear it for years.



Hugs,
       Trish

Monday, January 14

Mustard and Lace

Hello Friends!

I hope you had a good weekend!

I did a little shopping and found some great deals at Old Navy, Target and Sears.  I know what you're thinking....Sears?  Yes, Sears.  Just like the commercial, if you've seen it.  They have adorable stuff at very affordable prices.  I love that they carry Lands End, one of my favorites for classic pieces.


 



So are you one of those that are so organized that you stash away your spring/summer pieces and switch them out for fall/winter?  I like to think of myself as an organized person but this is one task that I do not include on my list of things to do twice a year.  Here's the reason.  Many of those spring/summer pieces can be pulled into the cold months with layering.  Here's an example of my lace tank that I wear in the summer and I've remixed it for a winter style.





 [Sweater: LOFT] [Lace Tank: Kohls] [Cream Tank: Christopher & Banks]
 [Boyfriend Jeans, Boots, Belt: Target] [Jewels: Splurge]


These booties are absolutely adorable and are the most comfortable.  They almost feel like tennis shoes, not quite but close.  I love these with straight leg jeans, boot cut and with boyfriend or skinny jeans rolled.  Super cute and super frugal find.  I got these at Target at 50% off, $17.49.  Now this may not sound like such a frugal find but you should know that these are very similar to a pair at JCrew.  The JCrew MacAlister Wedge Boot is a whopping $198.00.  I'll say it again, my Target find is a frugal find!

Friday, January 11

Peddi Girl's Spicy Tex Mex Skillet

Hello Friends!

As you know, I'm a girl who loves to save my family money.  I love to get the look for less.  In addition to that, I also love to find delicious frugal recipes to feed the family.  This is a segment I'm working on that I like to call  Five Dollar Family Feed.  I've made this yummy concoction a few times and this last time the hubs said, "I love this meal, it's so filling".  Now you may not know this but my hubby has been blessed with the thin and fit fairy.  With this point made, you should know that when he eats, he totally fills his dinner plate.  So, to hear him say how much he likes this meal and that it fills him up....all for around $5.00 makes it a hit!

This is a modified version of the Campbell's Soup recipe I found on the back of the can.  It's very good as is, but I prefer a little extra heat to it.




Peddi Girl's
Spicy Tex Mex Skillet

1 lb. ground beef or deer burger 
1 Can kidney beans (I prefer black beans) rinsed and drained
1 Can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes drained
1T Chili Powder
1/4 - 1/2 Cup chopped onion
1/8 - 1/4 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 Can Beefy Mushroom Soup
1/4 Cup Water
3/4 Cup Instant White Rice
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 Cup Shredded Cheese
Tortilla Chips



  • Cook the beef, onion and chili powder in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.

  • Stir the soup, water, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and beans in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.  Cook longer if you like it spicier.  The longer you simmer red pepper flakes in this, the hotter it gets. Remove the skillet from the heat.

  • Stir in the rice. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until the rice is tender.  Sprinkle with the cheese. Serve with the tortilla chips for dipping.

    Feeds a family of 4 for around five dollars, enjoy!



    Hugs,
             Trish

Thursday, January 10

Get Some

Hello Friends!

How ya doin' with your New Year's Resolutions?  Mine are coming along, actually I haven't really made any specific ones.  Just the same old stuff...be fit, eat healthy.  My hubby's resolution is to spend less, save more.  I'm thinkin' this was a subtle reminder of how we are living.  Thank you honey, got it!!!!

Did you workout today?  I'm on week 2 of "Jillian Micheals Ripped in 30".  So far so sweaty!!!!!  I was at Target today and you can find a number of her workouts on sale for a frugal find of $9.99.





"Transformation is not a future event." -  Jillian Michaels 


Hugs,
         Trish

Wednesday, January 9

Gettin' A Little Wild

Hello Friends!

I didn't realize my love for animal print until I really started blogging about style.  I love a hint here and there.  A little peaking out from a leather jacket.  A ballet shoe with any kind of pants and I adore it with turquoise.  Most of our leopard prints can be considered neutral because of the black, gray, white and tan.  So play with it by adding a fun colored denim or a statement necklace.





 Once again, the kiddos snuck in their toys into this shot.  I didn't even notice until I added this to my post.  Can you find the toy that doesn't belong in the picture?  

A friend that had her kiddos a few years before me, once told me something that has stuck with me for years.  My home may be messy but it is clean.  So true!!!  Anyone with kiddos can relate to having things here, there and everywhere.








[Top, Tank & Skinnies:  Old Navy] [Vest: Dress Barn] [Necklace: Purse-N-ality]




Hugs,
          Trish

Tuesday, January 8

What to Wear: Animal Print Style

Good Morning Friends!

I know we all have the beloved sweat pants that are oooooh so comfy!  These are wonderful but I do try to limit myself to wearing these at home or the gym, exclusively.  This doesn't mean that I don't find myself in them at grocery store a time or two.  But, you will rarely find me out and about in them.  I just decided, that even though I'm not heading to an office as of lately, I can still be stylish and comfy at the same time.

Here's an adorable outfit that is topped off with a hint of animal print for fun!






The skinnies are a simple pair from Old Navy and the rest can be found at Target - affordable and accessible.


Hugs,
         Trish

Monday, January 7

CHANEL or Not

Hello Friends!

This was actually my outfit of yesterday.  I wore this outfit to church and then changed into jeans for the rest of the day.  First and foremost, now is the time to be shopping some of my favorites...
Old Navy, Gap, JCrew, and Target.  If you're wanting fall/winter style for nearly 70% off, get there quickly!   This classic, winter white coat is on sale for under $40.





I love this coat as it can be dressed up but mostly it can be worn for everyday.  Now onto my outfit of the day, uh hum, other day.  If you see me in person or on this blog, you have seen me wear this chambray shirt more times than not.  I wear it under sweaters, sweatshirts, over tanks and alone.  It truly is the most versatile piece.  I added it to this adorable CAbi sweater jacket.  This piece was an investment piece that is undeniably close to a beautiful CHANEL sweater jacket circa 1990.









 I know, crazy close huh?  I don't even know how much this is but the fact that it's a CHANEL sweater jacket says enough for me.  It's not in my budget.....PERIOD!!










[Sweater Jacket: CAbi] [Chambray Shirt: Old Navy] [Cafe Pant: CAbi]
 [Watch: Target] [Boots: Dress Barn] [Earrings: Lia Sophia]



Have an amazing day!



Hugs,
           Trish

Sunday, January 6

It's A Green Thing!

Hello Friends!

January is upon us and it feels like all the hype of the holidays have wrapped up and now we're left to wait for the next big thing - Spring!!!  But before we get too excited for what's to come, we can get excited about what's here.




Pantone's color of the year is the most beautiful Emerald Green.  This is one of the richest and most flattering colors.  I love this jewel tone like no other, and yet looking at my closet I have just a few pieces.  Luckily one of my favorite affordable stores, Old Navy, is already stocked with some great pieces to add to my wardrobe.

Will you be wearing Emerald Green this year?



Hugs,
         Trish

Friday, January 4

Pretty Plaid

Hello Friends!

It's been quite a while since posting and I'm feeling withdrawals from my blog.  My apologies for the absence.  Truth be told, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with back to school, volunteering for both the school and church, exercise, and blogging.  Most of all, I felt as though I was not doing a good job at any of them, I was just trying to get the job done.

Now it's a new year, new focus and new attitude.  I'm cutting out the fat, well not all of it.  I still partake in some of my mindless television and relaxing but not as much.  A girl's gotta have her Housewives, but the reruns have got to go.  I am also learning the much needed skill of saying "No", it's harder than it sounds.

Today's outfit was inspired by a great blogger that has a knack for taking a piece from her closet and remixing in a number of different ways.  You can find her at Putting Me Together.  I love this vest as you've seen me wear it here, and I'm finding more ways to wear it.  Check it out with this fall/winter plaid trend....LOVE IT!




 





[Shirt, Vest & Jeans:  Old Navy] [Boots & Belt:  Target] [Earrings:  Forever 21]


My hubby knows my love of photography and got me a new camera for Christmas.  I LOVE it!!!!!!  BUT, I don't know how to use it.  I'm working on learning all the new bells and whistles and still need a few more accessories (love my accessories).   Stayed turned friends, the pics will only get better.


Hugs,
        Trish