January 23

Claire is enjoying her new-to-her highchair.  We bought it 10 years (!) ago for Madeline and the original seat cover had seen much better days.  The vinyl was ripped and stained even though the rest of the chair was still in nearly perfect condition.  I really did not want to buy another high chair!  Fortunately I found a lady through etsy who makes custom covers for discontinued high chairs.  Much cheaper than a new chair and it came out great.  Frugality!

January 20

 Today Claire and I visited Aunt Angela who is on bedrest for her pregnancy.  We were able to exchange Christmas presents before Easter - that must be a Shallooper record!  I looked at Angela's 365 album for last year (10 months of it anyway!) and I can't wait to get my own album kit started.

Sunrise over Charlotte Place, 7:24 am.

January 8

Game Day!

January 6

People say to me all the time, how do you feed your growing family on such a tight budget?  I currently budget $125 for food and extras every week - and most weeks I stick to it!  Well, here is one cheapo meal that my family loves.  Pasta Fagioli!  Cook pasta according to directions.  Meanwhile in a skillet, heat some oil and garlic, add one can of tomato sauce and one can of water.  Add one can of cannellini beans and heat through.  Blend everything together and serve with hot pepper flakes and some parmesan cheese.  I believe my girls can eat their own weight in pasta fagioli.

And for the people who couldn't care less about cheapskate suburban recipes, here is a gratuitous cute baby picture from this morning.