as pennies become millions....

here lately I have been doing all my blogging from my iPhone. it's a lot easier than trying to use the computer and appease a baby. one of these days I will sit down and blog normally with cutesy links and more pictures that are placed within my post how I like. but for now, iPhone it is.

our little family is under going some changes, which hopefully I will get to divulge in soon when we have all the details ironed out and those close know first. and you sick minded folks, baby number two is not on the way.

but for now, being a new mom and family of three, one whom is growing by the second, have decided to start living more consciously. before Benjamin, we lived just us, easy and carefree. now I find our grocery cart with at least a $25 can of formula and super box of diapers. and if we've had an exceptional week, some shiner bock to celebrate a week of pluses and a couple nights of good rest.

I've suddenly become obsessed with coupons and sales ads. now I'm no extreme couponer, but I strategically plan my menu each week to maximize my dollar. its amazing how much money can be saved by doing just a little work.

with that a new blog segment was born.. budget living and maximizing that dollar. the segment will include great coupon sites, budget friendly recipes, and so much more. I'm hoping someone besides myself will benefit and enjoy this segment as much as me.

a recipe: crock pot beef tips

being a new mommy, meals have been out on the back burner. no pun intended. unless benjamin's feedings are scheduled to a tee then it will typically interfere with cooking.

so I go for simple yet delicious and wholesome meals until our routine smoothes and becomes more regular. thus my crock pot is my favorite. a new favorite recipe that I have discovered thanks to Pinterest is Beef Tips Over Butter Noodles.

Ingredients:
1-3 lbs stew meat
1 can sprite, 7up or other lemon lime soda (soda can be regular or diet)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package onion soup
1 package brown gravy mix
Mushroom pieces (optional)

Put all items in crock pot and mix thoroughly. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Before serving, prepare butter noodles as instructed on package. Serve. Enjoy!!

This was delicious! So delicious we ate it all! A modification that was thought of was serving over rice rather than noodles for a change or if you don't have noodles on hand.

I hope you and yours enjoy this recipe as much as we did.

Want to follow along on Pinterest? Find me under cheersbethani.

its been a life changing four weeks.

can you believe it's been four weeks since I had Benjamin?? I can't believe how quickly it flew by. Next thing I know he will be asking me to buy him a car. Yikes!

During these four weeks I have learned so many things about myself that I was not prepared for.

I learned patience. Excessive amounts of patience. No one really knows how hard being a parent is until you are home, on your own and your child is crying and you can't figure out why. You have tried everything and nothing consoles them. It's the worst feeling in the world to not be able to console your child. It makes you feel like the worst parent in the world. But it's times like this that you have to take a deep breath and tell yourself it's going to get better.

I've learned that postpartum depression is no joke. I cried everyday for what seemed like for days. The hormone roller coaster makes you feel completely crazy on the inside. It makes you want to just walk away from everything. Without my supporting family and husband, i could have easily become one of those stats. But luckily those feelings have subsided. It was just the baby blues that we all experience for the first weeks after birth. But I do have a much deeper sympathy for those moms who aren't so lucky. And if you think you have postpartum depression don't fret, just talk to your doctor and get help. You aren't any less of a mom. I promise.

Ive learned love. Real love. The love I have for my husband and Benjamin are much stronger than I ever thought possible. It's amazing how that feeling hits you once your child gets here. And how it gets stronger everyday.

And just one more thing. I have decided to share photos of Benjamin on my blog. Enjoy!