Household Binder

So in preps for a big move, and since I just got married..I figured I should revamp my binder system.
I am one of those people that has a binder for everything.  I mean, everything.
Wedding, Bills/Budget, Christmas/Gifts, Household Items, Moving/PCS binder..you name it.

Some of my favorite websites to use to get some great ideas for these binders are:

http://www.organizinghomelife.com/

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/31-days-of-less/

and..last but not least..

http://www.pinterest.com/cassics/organizing-printables-home-managment-binders/

Some areas I am focusing on are:

• Utilities and Services Contact List (Cable/Gas/etc)
• Medical and Health Insurance Info for each family member
• Pet Info for the Vet
• User Name and Password Section
• Cleaning Lists (yearly, monthly, daily, etc)
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Menu Planner (I hate wasting food..)
• Party Planner (what supplies do I need, what do I have?)

I made my own binder instead of buying a premade binder because I want to edit as I please.  I am that OCD.  

What checklists do you use?  What works for you/doesn't work for you?  

Recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

So I am a huge fan of skinny taste, and I know I have posted this recipe on here before.  This soup is incredible.  Perfect for fall/winter, and is extremely healthy.  I didn't use the Carolina Seasoning packet, I made my own seasoning and just used wild rice.  Since I plan to use more whole grains, I bought bulk brown rice and wild rice.  Boom.  

I add the sour cream at the very end, to each individual bowl.  I get grossed out thinking about reheating sour cream.  Doesn't everyone?

Neighborhood Highlights: San Marco

So I feel like I never get out and about in Jacksonville.  Mostly because every chance I get, I fly to Chicago.  Can't blame me!!

So for my big 33, I had a friend meet me up at Taverna in San Marco.  It was December, 79 degrees outside, and pure heaven.  We sat outdoors, and just soaked up the weather, and amazing food.
Must try their caprese salad.  Best I have ever had.

Friends since 2000.  College life, ship life, real life.  Love her!

Complimentary Prosecco for my birthday.  Yesss! 

We then went out to Painting with a Twist.  We didn't do the "twist", aka, drink while painting.  My work would have been a disaster, albeit fun.

Starry Night ala Jacksonville

Finished Products

Can't wait to display this at my new house!

You may remember that I had an incredible date night with Mike last year at Matthews.  Such a great "fancy, shmancy" date spot.  Must for anniversary dinner.  Dress up, eat escargot.  Win. Win.

Rent the Runway baby!

Christmas Recap!

The holidays were a bit of a breeze for me.  I didn't exactly get a lot of time off, because I am saving my days off for "terminal" leave.

In just a few words, it was good friends, good family, good food, and good booze.  Let's face it.  No one wants to read a whole lotta blah, blah, husband got me this, yadda yadda.  You want to see pictures.  Yes.  Pictures!

Puppies!

Tiramisu

Moonshine.

Ladies lunch.  And Moonshine.

Best thing ever.  $5 Starbucks gift cards to the CPD.  From: A grateful citizen

Waiting to give Olaf to my niece.  We renamed him.  Enzo. And he loves Irish pubs!

First Christmas as husband and wife.  Love him!

Recipe: Light Beef Stroganoff

So I am a big fan of beef stroganoff.  It is awesome.  And I am not talking about the "helper" kind. You know.  That helper.  The one I will not let enter my home.  I lived off of it as a kid, and nevermore.

Ok.  So back to the recipe from Recipes.com for Cooking Light Magazine.  I made it in the crock pot the other day, and it was amazing.  I definitely had to stir it a few times, unlike most recipes, but I still loved how it turned out.

Finished product.  With my wine.  In front of some tv marathon.  Isn't that what Sundays are for?

Bordeaux.  Can't go wrong.  

2015: This is going to be a great year!!

Well folks, we are all doing it.  Stepping on the scales, scrubbing the house, spending time with the family...whatever it may be that we do after the clock strikes midnight on NYE.

This New Years, I spent the day with a good friend, and we hung out with her family.  It was just what I needed.  A change of pace from a club, or a bar..or even duty.

Mindie and Me.  Illini for Life!

I am looking forward to this year.  There will be a lot of change.  A promotion, a big move, leaving Active Duty for the Reserves, a honeymoon, a home remodel..and hopefully, expanding our family of two...:)

I get so discouraged from the "2014 sucked" posts.  Yes.  It was a rough year for many of my family, friends, and even myself.  My friend Ang said it best "2014 was a year that consistently reminded me to cherish every moment, hold each hug a little bit longer, love with every ounce of my being, and never, never take anything for granted."  Amen sister.  That sums up 2014 for us all. 

Kate Spade planner, and some water.  Planning 2015, 1 day at a time!