Keeping Your Budget and Sticking To It

Keep a daily log of everything you spend. This keeps you in check and you will be so much more responsible about the little things you may have been spending only a little money on but it adds up so quickly. Do not cheat yourself by spending more money than you can afford. Writing your expenses down make you accountable to yourself. You will see within six month that you are doing a better job at managing your financial life. Do you realize that even just one little luxury you may give yourself or a loved one could be thousands of dollars a year that you could have saved so choose wisely. That does not mean you have to say no every time but once you see it written down you may think twice before spending for the small things and later will be able to afford something very special. The next rule always, always pay yourself minimum of 5% to 10% of any money you make. Do not spend it. It does not matter how rich or poor you are it will make you feel so much better to know exactly where the money you do have has saved. The benefit will be rewarding. Coupons are a great way to save money and even if your not the queen or king of coupons use them to purchase some of your favorite things from food, tires, clothing, pet foods or almost any products can make a difference in your life style. Check the Internet for companies that give coupons. Restaurant coupons and special can make a real difference in how often you can go out and have a nice meal. Put yourself on a restaurant’s  e-mail list for specials.  Ask for water and lemon instead of soda or beer. Choose a meal that includes a drink or maybe even dessert.

Having a  garage sale is always fast cash for things you may have and never use.  How many times have your heard that someone made a half a million dollars from something they found at a garage sale and took to an auction so check your own things carefully. I remember seeing on TV a guy on his way to an auction (true story) saw a chair in someone’s trash took it to the auction it was worth a fortune. Budgets are not made to see results in a month or two, give it six months or so. Do not get lazy and not follow through. If your married you need your partner to understand this is for the good of the whole family. A budget is not your enemy it is to make you and your family financially secure.Go online or go to the library to find the budget basics and get started today. We would love to see you free up some money for that financial goal in your life even in this tough economy. (we confess we are not always able to live by the budget rules either but we do wish you great success) This newly earned money may even get you a weekend away at a lovely Bed and Breakfast where they have great Specials and Packages.
Have Fun  . The Aardvark Team

Visiting Alabama

A visit to Alabama in the “Heart of Dixie” for a day or extended family vacation you will find an abundance of attractions in the cities, outdoor camping areas or at the beaches. An Alabama adventure is what your looking for we know because of it’s beauty and history. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Birmingham has great concerts, Gulf Coast Beaches with white sand are not only beautiful but the perfect spot for sun worshippers. A paradise for fisherman and golfers. Artists find this the perfect state for inspiration from painting to singing and playing music. Camping and hiking in the Bear Creek Lakes to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast region is a fantastic adventure. Some of the camping facilities even have tv connections to stay in touch with civilization. The history of Alabama is amazing.
Events throughout the year are fun filled what ever your interests are today and maybe you will find something new to excite your mind for tomorrow. Bed and Breakfast Inns found on www.BedandBreakfastNetwork.com will pamper you with comfortable beds, delicious breakfasts and some information and direction of the area. Should you need and intimate or even large Alabama Wedding just ask and the kind Innkeepers I am sure they provide everything from Honeymoons, business meeting retreats and facilities, weddings, bridal and baby showers, catering, luncheons all in beautiful surroundings.
Visiting your son or daughter at one of Alabama’s Universities, Colleges, or at one of the Military Bases choose a Bed and Breakfast Inn close by for your comfort.
Here a just a few of the cities in Alabama that will make your life a little happier: Alexander City, Birmingham, Cullman, Florence, Guntersville, Oneonta, Prattville, Mobile, Montgomery, Oneonta and Prattville.

Irish Lamb Stew

Irish Lamb Stew

1 pound lamb cubed
1 cut in half a large onion
1 pound baking potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
1 large stalk
1 celery stick chopped
2 tlbs chopped parsley (fresh)
use salt and pepper to your taste
2 cups beef stock
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees In an oven proof casserole dish put in the lamb meat, onion, potatoes, carrot and celery. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Pourthe beef stock over the lamb and vegtables. Now cover tightly to bake. It should take 1 1/2 to 2 hours until vegetables and meat are very tender. The perfect St. Patrick’s Day Stew. Served at your finest Bed and Breakfast Inns on St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

A true holiday in almost every country in the world where you will find this patron saint’s day celebrated. Drinking green beer, wearing a shamrock somewhere on your clothing and everyone looking for a good time. Parades and events on March 17th are abundant and everyone claims to be Irish for one day out of the year

A Celebration prayer for St. Patrick’s Day

“Bless you and yours As well as the cottage you live in. May the roof overhead be well thatched And those inside be well matched.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day

 

Refresh Your Home

 

  • Open a box of Baking Soda if the room needs a fresh aroma.
  • Indoor plants good
  • Take out your trash often
  • Simmer cinnamon, cloves, fresh ginger or any herbs. These are all natural scents and make your home smell delicious. Pure essential oil is good too

 

Natural Homemade furniture polish

1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 lemon juice mixed in equal part or 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon juice. Shake in a spray bottle, clean and wipe. That will clean almost everything in your house. Not only your kitchen and bathroom but also your clothes for stains and odor.

Another Green household hit brought to you from BedandBreakfastNetwork.com

An Irish Wedding

An Irish Wedding is a dream wedding. Preferably  in an older church or even an outdoor wedding is traditional. A Celtic knot cross on green paper is perfect for your invitations. The wedding party the men should wear green vests and bridesmaids in shades of green. Lots of green flowers, candles decorating the room or area are beautiful. Green almonds and four leaf clovers as favors are appreciated. The wedding cake of white and green make a beautiful statement Celtic music is a must. Corned Beef Brisket or just Corned Beef and Cabbage and Mixed Vegetables will be a hit. Your Claddagh rings make a truly Irish Wedding.

May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children’s children. May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

Basil Baby Carrots

Basil Baby Carrots, Baby Carrot Recipe, How to cook Baby Carrots

BASIL BABY CARROTS

I went to a friend’s house for dinner a number of years ago and they made these carrots and they were so delicious, and my young kids at the

time just loved them and gobbled them up. They’re super easy to make, and absolutely delicious. And you know they’re a winner when you can get

your kids to love their veggies!
I serve these carrots often at my house, but always at holidays with our Christmas Prime Rib or our Easter Cranberry-Burgundy Glazed Ham.

Enjoy!
2 lbs. baby carrots
water
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. dried basil flakes
Place baby carrots in a medium sized saucepan and cover with water. Cook on medium heat until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain water and add

butter, brown sugar and basil. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.

Serves 6-8