A yard decorated for Halloween

Cherrie and I was headed back to Marlow Oklahoma on back roads from Norman, Oklahoma. When we came across this decorated yard. I turned around so I could take a few pictures. 

Love the creativity that others share with us. 

The headless horseman was so cool to see. The owners did such a wonderful job on their outside decorations. Makes me wonder if they do the same inside the house? 

Have you seen any cool outside decorations this year.  

 

Slow cooker, chicken pot pie soup

 

With the fall season upon us who doesn’t like a quick easy crockpot meal? I have seen this recipe on Facebook for a while now and decided I’m going to make it this weekend. 

              *Ingredients*

Two large boneless skinless chicken breast

One can peas

One can whole corn

One cup chopped carrots

One celery stock, chopped

Two medium potatoes, peeled and diced

One small onion diced

4 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature)

4 cups of chicken broth

One tablespoon of chicken bouillon

2 cups of heavy cream

One tube of biscuit dough

Two cans of cream of chicken soup

                 *Directions*

And your slow cooker, combined chicken, peas, corn, carrots, celery, potatoes, cream cheese, chicken broth, chicken, bouillon. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving shredded chicken with two forks and string, heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste.

Biscuits according to package directions

Serve with biscuit on top.  

Chicken breast in bottom of crockpot. Did spray with pam for help with cleanup.

These are the ingredients I used to make the chicken pot pie. 

Food Truck Championship

 This is the 7th Annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship.  It is held in Chickasha Oklahoma in the historic downtown.  This year 37 different food trucks will be competing for the $10,000 dollar prize. 

My coworker/friend Mindy went with me.  We had so much fun walking and listening to the DJ.  1pm bands will start playing on the main stage. 

I can’t turn down a  muffuletta sandwich.  It was so good. I thought it was as good as the ones I have enjoyed in New Orleans.  I will keep The Bayou in mind and will frequent it when I can. 

I only bought a half of the muffuletta and it was more than enough for me.  I took this half  home for later.   Their line was very busy.  

How cute is this display?  It was promoting Squatchmoes BBQ.  They are located in Oklahoma City but looks like they go to many different locations in Oklahoma and Kansas

Their set up and display and truck was unique.  As I was doing some research seems like they are closing up for good in October.  What a shame.

Am doing some people watching and listening to some old school music from the DJ.  I absolutely love food trucks.  This was my second year to attend.  You can bet I will show up next year as well. 

Much better of the entire set up without people in the way!

Going to the Circus

In 1985 Robert Johnson, Jim Herbert and Curtis Cainan started a small show. The three alternated announcing, performing and selling concessions during each performance for the 1st year. They were based in Queen Creek, Arizona until 2001.  Then the new ownership moved its base of operations to Hugo Oklahoma. Hugo is known as “Circus City, USA for a good reason. It’s the 3rd active circus currently operating from the seat of Choctaw County. 

Brooks and Nana ready to watch the circus.  He is super excited to see the circus. Everything he seen he wanted to do. He wanted to do the huge inflatable slide, face painting and the horses that go in circles.  Then of course he wanted all the circus food.  He ended up being happy with a snow cone and popcorn. 

Jessica and Hattie and I enjoying the circus. 

My oldest son Blake and I.  

Hattie is our little dancer. She is in dance class and is loving it. She was moving to the fun circus music.

Sweet Kyndall and Brooks.  We were watching Leo the clown entertain us while waiting on the Circus to start. The vendors keep going around selling souvenirs and Circus food.  I did give Kyndall and Brooks down to get two bags of peanuts.  A circus isn’t complete without peanuts! 

Simone Key hanging by her hair and doing her act. I’d be in tears as I am so tender headed. She did a amazing act that was spell binding.

The Loyal family doing their horseback riding act was fun to watch. The circus is 90 minutes in length.  Brooks and Kyndall enjoyed the performers and the lion and tiger acts.

I took this picture of the truck because I was curious where the circus was located. I shouldn’t have been surprised that they were located in Hugo Oklahoma. 

The crowd came early to enjoy the face painting and inflatables as well as the horse ride.  Most everyone grabbed circus food before entering the big top.  Brooks really wanted a souvenir at the start of the circus, he finally got the light up spin toy he wanted during intermission.  

They sit the big top up in the field of Eddie Palmer ball field. The same field my boys played ball on while they were in school. 

After the last show at 7:30 pm the circus was gone as quickly as it arrived.  The workers work as a well oiled unit and get it broke down extremely fast. 

So as I was doing research on this particular circus I came across a few fun facts that intrigued me. 

In English a circus can be: 

1. A traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that give shows usually in a circular tent

2. A spectacle; a noisy fuss

3. The modern circus was invented in London by trick horse-rider Philip Astley back in 1768

4. “Bello” is the famous clown from Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus

5. What is the first Circus ever?  Circus Maximus

6. The oldest form of Circus entertainment would be juggling. 

If you get a chance go see a traveling Circus. Watching the joy on my grandchildren’s faces made me so happy.  Was a pretty inexpensive experience for me to add to my memories. 

 

Mr and Mrs Trevor Grigsby

Can’t believe these two finally got married today.  They just went before a judge and got it done. I was really surprised that they didn’t tell me.  

Love this little family so much! 

Congratulations to my younger son and his new bride Mellisa.  They have been together for 6 years or more.  Do believe it was probably time to make it official. 

 

Budget planning

 

I haven’t blogged about budgeting in quite a while. Today I will be sharing some new and  old changes in my budget. 

I’m excited to focus on my finances for the last quarter of 2024, including setting a budget that aligns with my priorities and avoids over spending on gifts. 

I’m proud to have started my 401(k) and Roth plans, and I’m committed to contributing 10% and 5% respectively. Well, it may require some adjustments. I’m confident that I can manage my disposable income and maintain a tight budget to achieve my financial goals. 

Have started back using my cash envelope system. Which helps me stay on track with my expenses. I am prioritizing my emergency fund, Car, maintenance and medical expenses. I have not been current with saving my cash, Today is the day to get it started. 

We are trying to cook more homemade meals.  That’s a struggle for us in several ways. Mr.C. Isn’t in great health and standing for a period of time really hurts him.  He has been using our air fryer more and more.  I also have been trying to find crockpot meals to throw in before work.  

Our monthly grocery and household budget is $400.00.  If we run out of dairy, produce and fruits I pick up when I get paid.  So add another $100.00 to that figure. This total doesn’t include our fast food budget. Honestly I am not sure how much goes to eating out. Especially with the price of food rising everyday. Can you believe 18 eggs are now $5.57.  Yikes!   

I’ve had to take a step back from shopping online.  I found myself spending money on items that I really didn't need. This money would be better used going to my emergency fund.  Am working on putting back money for 3 months of bills.  My goal is to have 6 months of bill money put back for life’s emergencies. I have a binder with clear envelopes in it.  I have an envelope for each household bill with the projected amount I need for my goal.

I also pack my work lunch everyday.  Normally take leftovers or something easy such as sandwiches or homemade adult snack packs.  I like Turkey pepperoni, cheese cubes, crackers and grapes.  I also like pinwheels.  My lunch is only 30 minutes long, so I prefer quick lunches. 

This is just a few ways I am trying to figure out my budget and not overspend.  What ways do you save money for your budget? 

Autumn morning routine

 Morning mindset

I start my mornings with a prayer of gratitude and protection every morning before my feet hit the floor. I I believe this sets the tone for the day. Incorporating in your morning routine when the house is quiet and cold, put on your cozy socks, grab a throw and go to your comfy spot. I’ll bring my Bible and bible journaling book. This way I can reflect and study the Bible before the hectic day.  Trying not to be on social media during this time. I feel like phones kill the morning routines for me. I get caught up reading all the post on Facebook and do not get to my Bible journaling. True story. 

Remember your home is your sanctuary this fall! Do little things in the morning to make it inviting, cozy, and comforting all day. Make your bed every morning. Then pick up the dirty clothes and wipe up sinks and counters in the bathroom and kitchen. When you return home after work, it’s clean and sparkling for your nighttime routine.

Make your home, your Haven. Perhaps get a simple morning routine for your fall home like setting a tassel throw blanket over the edge of your sofa before you head to work that way in the evening you can get comfy after being in the cool evening air. Sometimes the little touches in your house makes all the difference. 

Fall Skin Care

It’s important that we nourish our body, mind and soul. Preparing for the fall does include the correct skin care.  During the cold temperatures, my skin gets very dry. I had to remind myself to drink plenty of water and eat hydrating fruits and vegetables to keep with the spirit of the season fall scented facemask.  It might take a few tries to get the right moisturizer for your face. Do not forget using the correct sunscreen as well. I tend to always go with a lot foundation for fall. 

Positive affirmations

Fall is a time for rest and transitions, why not practice affirmations that aligns with the season for example you can recite like the leaves I release what no longer serves me.

Save your affirmations as screensavers, Or write them on sticky notes and place where you can see them. 

Gratitude journal

Seasonal changes can greatly affect our mental health. Riding down what you’re grateful for can help lift your spirits and center your focus on the good things in your life. I tried to write three things that I’m grateful for every day in my planner. Just looking for the small blessings and makes the difference with my mindset. 

A few tips for a morning routine

Make a healthy warm warm breakfast. Warm food is easier to digest.

Fall scented candle, and journal your thoughts

Make a list of what you’re grateful for

Meditate or breathe deeply

Read an inspirational book

Do not forget self-care

Whatever you choose to do make sure that it makes you happy and you’re enjoying what you’re doing. Fall season is a great time to start new routines and new thoughts.