Could this be Love?

This is one of the Valentine gifts that Geno got me. I know what you are thinking:

Oh no he didn't!

Oh yes, he did! And I LOVE IT! I actually asked for it. I have been inspired by Rachel Ray lately (and the loss of a job causing us to be more frugal!) We have fixed the job issue, so we will attribute it all to Rachel. I didn't care for her before. I don't really have any good reason. I just didn't. Then when my friend, Missie, had her son and was on maternity leave, Geno and I went over and took her lunch one day. She was watching Rachel and said that she really enjoys how realistic her meals are. Which is really funny, because by her own admission MISSIE DOESN'T EVEN COOK! In any case, Rachel pulls everything out of the cabinet or refrigerator and actually prepares and cooks it right there on the show. I have been watching the last part of her show to catch what she is making and she seems to be having so much fun. Of course, I would be too if I were making the kind of money she is, but that is beside the point. I have been enjoying chopping the fresh veggies and preparing these different meals for my family. I have been finding recipes where you can use those small amounts of celery, carrots, peppers or whatever you might have left from another recipe, and we haven't thrown away any fresh veggies due to ruin. It feels really good to save like that!

(I also had a big skillet and good set of knives on my list, but that is way out of our budget right now!)

That wasn't all he got me though:

He got me an 8-pack of little bottles of Diet Coke, the movie "No Reservations", flowers, and a can of SELECT mixed nuts. I always pick out the almonds, cashews and other good stuff and end up throwing away the peanuts, so this was a very thoughtful gift! He also made me a chocolate cake-FROM SCRATCH!! The recipe is on the back of the Hershey's Cocoa can and I would recommend it to all. Not good for the diet, but he did use Splenda instead of the sugar.

Back to my scrapbook room to finish up my Valentine gifts for my friends and family. I am bad about getting things mailed, so Noodle will get his cookies late. Apparently, he can say cookie very plainly now, so he must have some ;o) I also got him a Sweetheart Spud, a sand bucket (he is in Hawaii after all) and some Valentine candies. I also needed to send a box to Mark, so I am adding some cookies in his, too. Derrick is getting some money and Chuck E. Cheese coupons to go out on a date. He is at school today handing out his Hannah Montana valentines and Little Debbie Valentine treats (gotta love that outlet-50 cents a box!)

Side note: I did 14 days of Valentines for Geno. Actually, a group of my friends each created 14 of one treat and then we got together and exchanged. He got a little stuffed alligator with a tag that said "Kiss me later, Alligator", a light bulb full of candy hearts that said "You Light Up My Life", some Lifesaver gummies that said "You are my Lifesaver", and adorable little Chinese take out box filled with York Peppermint Patties and a foam fortune cookie on the side with the fortune "We were mint to be together" and lots more. I didn't want you to think that I was a getter and not a giver! I always enjoy giving!

Second side note (since I tend to get off topic so much!): I got the potato masher because I saw Rachel using it to grind up hamburger, ground turkey, or ground pork when it is cooking. What a great idea! I am always using the spatula and chopping like a crazy woman. She also uses it to mix the roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes together. I am going to be doing that and I will post when I do!!