Cooking at home is a cost effective way to save money.

For anyone on a budget, home cooking is less expensive option than ready-to-eat meals. There are none of the problems of portion-controlled packets, and you can also make extra and freeze the rest for later. Leftovers can be made into satisfying soups. Some of the cheapest foods, such as pulses, rice, pasta, potatoes and other vegetables are also among the most nutritious and filling, allowing you to create substantial meals at little cost.

If you go to the markets for your fruit and vegetables it will be cheaper than shopping at the supermarket. It is also healthier as you control what goes into the meals.

Not just any Sunday roast

Not just any Sunday roast, mind you – this was actually the first time I’d cooked roast beef. Got the cut from an actual butcher this afternoon. Even made gravy the old-fashioned way.

Didn’t skimp on the veges either: onion, garlic, peas, carrot, swede, parsnip, potato, broccoli, cauliflower. I timed them reasonably well, and nothing was left hanging (though the potatoes could have been slightly crunchier).

I’ve cooked roasts before – but only vegetarian ones. This was, as far as I can recall, my first

How often do you try new restaurants?

I tried a new restaurant today and WOW i was impressed. I'd totally go there again.

I'm really not one for change - especially where i eat. I like the tried and true restaurants...the restaurants i KNOW don't serve something that will kill me.
So that being said... when i decided to try this new place (open 3 weeks now) I stood like a dummy and stared at the menu for a good 10 minutes trying to decide what to get (and making sure it was safe to order food there).

I was very impressed because I was overwhelmed with choices and the waitress was VERY helpful...the prices were reasonable and the food was AWESOME. I left a tip.

How often do you try new restaurants? do you feel overwhelmed with all the new choices? or do you stick to the familiar?

The big Turkey Day has come and gone.

It was very quiet and relaxed here. I baked Bill and I a turkey, made stuffing, mashed potatoes and cooked some corn. Bobby was at work all day as he always is. Michael was with Terry and all the kids, as it should be. I was not feeling up to a crowd of people having just buried my mother in law.

No Black Friday shopping either!! I may be crazy, but I am not that crazy. Getting up at 3 or 4 AM or earlier is just plain nuts. I have better things to do at that time of day, mainly sleep!!!

While we were in Missouri we stopped in for a surprise visit to my old friends Jack and Donna. We had a nice short visit which was so nice. We spent the night with another old friend, Mike Hill and his wife, Saundra. They have a beautiful home that Mike built, nestled in 90 acres of woods with a lane 3/4 of a mile long!! Rest assured, no one will be making a wrong turn on that lane. He also built a huge pond that he fishes out of. In the garage he has a 1954 Blue Chevy Truck that he has completely restored. Oh Baby Oh Baby!! Mike also does some deer hunting and had a couple legs in the front yard that the kitties were busy chewing on. They sure seemed happy.

It is now Saturday. We did a bit of shopping, and now we are home. Monday we need to begin calling about getting the roof on the dining area repaired and then the ceiling repaired on the inside. Thank heaven for insurance!! Enough of my rambles.

Bonjourno!!!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just love Italian food. I can already cook just fine- no disasters in the kitchen or anything. I just want to learn to cook more Italian dishes. One of the most mouth-watering dishes I have ever made is a white sauce enhanced by gorgonzola cheese over pasta (tortellini), scallops, shrimp and crab meat.

How about you? Are you an Italian food lover? How would you like to go for an exclusive Italian Culinary Weekend with your love-one or partner? Yes, it's possible and I'm talking about the most electrifying entertainment capital of Branson, Missouri...

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel brings Italy to Branson, Missouri with their exclusive Italian Culinary Weekend Friday, February 26th through Saturday, February 27th. You can experience hands-on cooking demonstrations on Saturday and a fabulous meal on Saturday evening tasting many of the foods you saw cooked earlier. You can get this great deal starting at $429.00 (excluding tax and gratuity) for two people. This gets you a deluxe king or double queen accommodations Friday and Saturday night, Friday evening reception, Saturday cooking school, and later on a five-course dinner, and a goodie bag filled with items for the home chef.

You should also explore Branson itself. It is a small nice city with beautiful sights. Branson is home to more than 49 live entertainment theaters, featuring over 100 shows and productions – try to visit at least one! Branson also is home to more than 10 museums. The perfect way to relax after a long day at the Convention Center or after exploring many of Branson, Missouri's attractions is a delectable dining experience at Trofi restaurant. The restaurant offers Mediterranean style cuisine and a view of Branson Landing.