Standing In Line At Heavenly Ham

I was at Heavenly Ham over the holidays and saw such long lines of folks trying to get their turkey and ham for Christmas. This is such a popular place to go when trying to get the perfect ham or turkey for your festivities. The prices are modest compared to some local specialty stores in town.

Did you know that Emajuan's Concierge And Errand Services will deliver that delicious bird or juicy ham for only $20 bucks right to your door? Think about it why stand in line when you can be at home relaxing. If you live in the Triangle, meaning Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill, North Carolina call for your next delivery. Don't forget the New Year and the Inauguration Celebrations coming up.

The Best Gobble Deals In Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC ?

I've done a little digging to see where the best deals are this year on the holiday turkeys. This is a sampling of the meals prepared or the turkey you can prepare at home.

Harris Teeter 29 cents a pound with a $25 dollar purchase.
Krogers 39 cents a pound no extra purchase required.
Super Target 78 cents a pound.


Holiday Meals Deals

Heavenly Ham - The Grand Buffet $129 - 7 lb Boneless Heavenly Ham, 3 lb Bonless Smoked Turkey Breast, 2 lbs Garlic Red Skin Potatoes, 2 lbs Green Bean Casserole, 24 oz Turkey Gravy, Southern Pecan Pie (9")

Lowes Foods- Gourmet Turkey Dinner $ 54.99 10- 12 lbs Fully Cooked Butterball Turkey, 2 lbs Turkey Gravy, 2 1/2 lbs Fresh Mashed Potatoes and your choice of two traditional sides.

Super Target - Turkey or Ham Dinner $69.99 Fully Cooked Butter-Basted Turkey, Side Dishes, Homestyle stuffing, Traditional Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Americana Vegetable Blend, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish, Ciabatta Rolls, Dessert, Apple, Apple Berry Rhubard, Bourbon Pecan or Pumpkin Pie, Bonus * Signature Coffee
Appetizers- Stone Ground Wheat Crackers, Pumpkin Cheese Spread.

Whole Foods - Turkey Dinner for 6 to 8 people $129.00 uncooked bird, $149 cooked bird.

HONEY BAKED MASHED SWEET POTATOES 2 LB | CREAMY HOMESTYLE MASHED POTATOES 2 LB
GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE 2 LB | CORNBREAD DRESSING 2 LB | CRANBERRY ORANGE RELISH 16 OZ
TURKEY GRAVY 32 OZ | PARKERHOUSE ROLLS 8 PACK | PUMPKIN PIE 9" Our cooked turkeys require 1 to 15 hours
of reheating.

Kroger- Turkey Dinner - $ 50.00
Harris Teeter Turkey Dinner serves 8-10 $ 49.99

Prepare To Get Less Employer Participation In Your 401-K Next Year

I was watching CNN yesterday as it reported on a recent poll conducted among businesses, which suggest employers may temporarily stop contributing to your 401- K due to the slow down in the economy and their decreasing bottom line. The poll also shows these employers may give a lower performance based cost of of living increase.

This news should remind us to be budget minded as well as, resourceful with the funds we have.

In addition, be prudent in what we invest in and continue to contribute to our 401- K.

Free Services At Your Local Library

When is the last time you visited your neighborhood library? If you are looking to save money and be frugal at the same time take a new look.

Here are some free services at your local library

Movies and CD rentals (2 Weeks)
Current Magazines and Local and Out of State Newspapers
Reading on tapes and cds
Free wireless access (check with your particular branch)
Free Internet access
Free research help from the reference department
Story Hour and miscellaneous children activities
Community Board with community services and notices
Free computer courses
Free book reviews

Make that Chicken Cluck for 10 Bucks!

Well, I thought I knew how to cook a chicken however, Valerie gets a high five on this recipe out of Hillsbourgh, NC she is a good friend of mine.

Buy Large Chicken or Roaster the key is (Large)

Bake or Boil or Use crock pot to get every morsel.

Remove legs and thighs
Remove breast
Remove wings
Save the rest
Use legs for chicken with rice
Use thighs for chicken and dressing
Breast cut into four pieces
Use for chicken tacos or enchiladas
chicken salad, chicken Sandwiches
Use wings for chicken soup
use the rest for chicken broth to season rice or pasta
the rest includes back, sides etc there is alot of meat on a large chicken
use the rest for omelets, rice , pasta or quiche, sandwich wrap, or
pizza be creative..

The key to all of this is to shred the meat by hand. With a large
chicken you can end up with eight cups from one chicken.

So what do you think of this recipe? I would love to know your thoughts.

Gas Prices Are Falling

Well, perhaps we can take a sigh of relief the gas prices are finally falling. The latest reports show gas has fallen below $78 a barrel. Now take those extra dollars that you were putting in the pump and put them aside for a rainy day.

If you are not taking advantage of using store coupons maybe you need to reconsider them. Read my previous article and take advantage of the links or log on to your favorite store and save some money.

Coming up a friend of my will share her secrets on how to make three or four meals using one chicken. Can't wait.

Feed a Family of Four for $30 Per Week

Do you want to save money on your groceries? Well there is a program available where you can purchase a weeks' worth of groceries to feed a family of four for $30. Incredible but true, it's the Angel Food Program that is available in a town near you.

If you are a Senior Citizen this program can offer you meals which are prepared for $28.00. 10 meals to dine on for a week which includes a dessert with each meal.

If you have older parents and they are not able to prepare their meals, or you want to provide nutritious meals without all the cooking due to your time restricts this program will benefit you as well.

If you live in the Durham NC area and would like to get it delivered click here.

Pains At The Gas Pump

Are you are feeling gas pains literally at the pump? So what do you do?

Here are my suggestions.

Drive Less.

Consolidate your trips.

Put the windows down and feel the fresh autumn breeze (burn less fuel).

Car pool to work.

Share expenses with a friend or coworker and combine errands in one vehicle.

Use public transportation.

Invest in a motorcycle or scooter.

Use a errand service to run around for you (benefits? resist temptation to buy or go other places).

Do you have any suggestions on how to save at the pumps? I would love to here them.

Durham NC 4th Annual Community Outreach Dinner

I had the opportunity to attend the Durham's 4th Annual Community Outreach Dinner tonight. It was a gathering of the community to come together to share as well as, reach out to the local community at large.

Various agencies and businesses shared information and enlightened the citizens to the programs available in the community.

I was impressed with the programs that we as citizens can avail ourselves to in addition to; the opportunity to get involved as well.

One program which was I unaware of was The Ten Year Plan a program that aims to end homelessness in the Durham community. The statistics which were given to the number of homeless individuals was very alarming however, I'm encouraged by the program and implore citizens to get involved to help end homelessness in our town.

This celebration of community is not over, tomorrow is Community Day hosted by W.D. Hill Recreation Department from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. come out and celebrate your community Durham, NC.

Senior Citizens in Durham County NC

ERRAND SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

ATTENTION SENIORS

Do you need a little extra help to write letters, or make telephone calls due to hard of hearing disabilities? How about some extra hands to pick up your groceries or medicines? Do you currently participate in the Angels Food Program or want to? Yet do not have a way to pick up your food? Call me today and I can do the driving around town for you. My special limited discount rate for seniors over 65 is $20.00 per trip.

Call today and we will help you today!
Emajuan’s Concierge and Errand Services can help… Let us run your errands today so you don’t have too. Do the things you enjoy leave the others to us!

Visit us today.

Concierge And Errand Services In Durham NC

EMAJUAN’S CONCIERGE AND ERRAND SERVICES


Do you ever wish there were 48 hours in each day to get done all the stuff you need to do? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra set of hands to run over to the dry cleaners, drop off that package at the post office, pickup tonight’s dinner or do your grocery shopping? How about some help with many of the small and thankless tasks you do each day?

Have you ever planned a home or office party and thought how nice it would be to call someone to pick up what you forgot or need to get from the store on short notice? Sure, we all have. Why? It saves you time and frustration, which allows you to concentrate on the more important things.

Not only does it make your life easier, you can spend quality time doing the things you enjoy such as spending extra time with your kids at their sports and school events or perhaps find some needed quality ME time. Life is stressful enough take the time to enjoy it now.

We cater to all sorts, senior citizens who could use a little extra help to write correspondence or pay bills or the new mom that requires some assistance with her errands around town while she takes care of the new baby or babies. Or the suddenly single male that needs some suggestions or instructions on how to fix tonight’s solo dinner. We won’t leave out the busy executives who need that morning java from their favorite Starbucks or McDonald’s. Call today and we will help you today!

Emajuan’s Concierge and Errand Services can help… Let us run your errands today so you don’t have too. Do the things you enjoy leave the others to us!

Emajuan’s Concierge and Errand Services
Serving the Bull City
Services start at $25 (Includes pickup and delivery)

Office: 919-638-6113
Fax: 888-732-9404

Let us do the small Stuff
While you do the Big Stuff!

Low Carb Cooking

So you want to lose weight and feel healthy? yet find it hard to stay on a diet? Well, sometime ago I posted that I was going to lose this stubborn weight and become healthier. I been on this plan for over four weeks and I am happy to report that I have lost weight and inches. I feel full after eating and my appetite has decreased which allows me to go from meal to meal without that I gotta eat feeling.

I found two sites that feature low carb cooking recipes and the recipes are downright awesome. Try them today! If you are doing Atkins these menus help you through the Induction stage.

Low Carb Menus

http://genaw.com/lowcarb/
http://www.eatinglow.com/

How to Obtain Free Legal Advice

Legal Advice with little or no cost.

If you have limited income there are various agencies, which can assist you with the legal issues you have.

Whether you need to get a will, change your name, get a divorce or file bankruptcy they are available to help you. Agencies such as Rural Legal Services, Legal Aid, or Self Help Centers through your local county government offices are available by checking your local white pages.

Don’t stress out or become immobilize due to your inability to pay an attorney to assist you with your problems.

The American Bar Association also has a referral service available where you can seek advice for any problems as well.

Steam Cabbage Recipe

I love to steam vegetables instead of boiling them to preserve the nutrients; here is a slim down version of my steam cabbage recipe. I hope you enjoy it. Do you have any low fat recipes?

Steamed Cabbage

Ingredients

1 small head of cabbage
1/2 cup of mixed vegetables(frozen or fresh)
1/4 cup of yellow onions
2 slices of bacon (optional)
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper

In medium size pot add two cups of water, place metal vegetable steamer in pot. Allow for water to heat up and start steaming. Add cabbage, mixed vegetables, onions, seasonings and olive oil in steamer cover. Let steam for 15-20 minutes for crisp vegetables. If you prefer your cabbage soft allow an additional five to ten minutes. Monitor the water levels so you do not scorch the vegetables.

Optional meat alternatives for a complete meal are canned corned beef, cooked sliced beef or chicken, add when the cabbage is about five to seven minutes from being done. If you add corned beef eliminate the mixed vegetables in the original recipe.

Tell me what you think of my Steam Cabbage Recipe Article.

Weight Loss Diets

Just Do It!

We’ve heard that familiar phrase made famous by the Nike commercials. So why don’t we just do it? Well, actually it sounds a lot easier to say then to do it. Don’t you agree? Well I have tried countless weight loss products over the years and frankly, I have never stuck to any that amounted to a significant amount of weight loss.

However, I made the decision today to really make a difference in my life and set out on a plan to choose to eat healthier and incorporate an exercise program I can live with.

Mulling over the decision to do this was not easy, over the years I have loss weight to gain it back however; now that I am getting older it's imperative to maintain my health.

To lose weight over the long haul you need to lose the weight consistently, so I am aiming for two pounds a week. This may not seem like much but think about it, 40 lbs over 5 months. Not bad for a slow and steady weight loss.

Why not join me on my weight loss adventure; if you need to lose a few pounds or many pounds. Along the way I will share my recipes and you are welcome to share yours too.

No crash diets please we want to keep it healthy.

Bottled Water Or Tap Water

Which One Are You Using?

I was so afraid to drink my tap water due to the hype of toxins and pollutants, which could be found in the drinking water. Earlier last year my city came under fire due to improper water treatment reporting. So naturally I was skeptical of drinking my own tap water. In my distressed state I purchased water at Sams Club or the local grocery store, amid all the local reports of various communities finding lead in their water.

When I first begin to use bottled water the price was $3.49 to $3.99 for a 24 pack. As of the June the water is now around $4.50 to $ 6.50 for a 24 pack. It’s getting very expensive to use bottled water.

Being a little fed up with these prices and trying to maintain a budget; I called the city about getting my water tested to see if there were any harmful toxins in the water. They offered to test it for free, after two weeks I got the all clear.

So guess what? I stopped buying bottled and use my own tap water. If you are using bottled water and are fed up with the raising cost get yours tested. Call your local city or government office office to find out where it can be tested.

Extra Income Can You Use Some?

Work Part-Time From Home

I’ve been working with an online company that offers employment in many areas for people who need to make some extra money. I have made at times one to two hundred dollars per assignment working the various programs. It does not matter if you have a job or due to circumstances need to work from home this is a great way to earn extra income.

This company does the hard work for you offering eight different ways to earn money. Do you like to do surveys but not all the fees some companies charge? They research all the companies they list and there is no fee to join these companies.

The programs are so simple to do this company gives you step by step instructions.

It does not matter where in the United States you live there are opportunities in every state.

Or maybe you like to type or participate in focus groups they offered that as well. Once you pay for the program everything else is free, all the resources and research is done for you all you need to do is sign up. Have you every seen the ads that say you can make $300 to $500 week typing ads? Well you can do it for free once you sign up.

Click Here to go their website.

Extra Income Can You Use Some? Try it, I highly recommend them!

I Did It Again!

Losing Weight Or Least Trying To

Have you ever decided you were going to cut back on all the junk food and go on a real life style type diet? Well, I have said it many times, purchased the food and mentally was all set. I even thought to myself, this is going to save me money too. I will not be wasting money on fast food. Then what happens? I either forget my lunch or whatever excuse I can come up with and everything goes out the window.

I am so tired of the commercials of juicy burgers or hot crispy fries leaping off the television screen when I am trying hard to do the right thing.

So people what does it take to stick to a diet to lose extra weight or improve you health?

What are your comments on my Losing Weight Or Least Trying To article? I would to know.

Clipping Coupons Are They Worth The Effort?

You Decide

Times are tight right now and I am a firm believer you do what must done in order to get through the tough times.

If you shop at places that double and triple coupons the savings add up. Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Kroger, Publixs these stores offer at least double coupons savings.

Here’s a new spin on couponing I recently discovered, coupons clipping companies they do all the hard work for you. Here is one company that does a great job. The Grocery Game check them out and save the headache.

In my opinion it works, I have saved quite a bundle by clipping coupons. I use to think it was a waste of time getting the Sunday paper and spending the time cutting and sorting.

To get the most use out of your coupons instead of filing them by item or category instead file them in a box or do as I have done use a small photo book that has clear sheets on both sides. This way you see them at a glance. I also file my coupons by the month they expire so I can take advantage of them all. If you are a stickler for details file according to the day they expire as well.

My willingness to take a second look at coupons has changed due to the spiraling out of control prices of food and groceries. I admit I am a lazy girl sometimes and at times would rather not take the extra time to do all the labor involved. So decide for yourself is it worth it.

Do you clip coupons or know of some other money saving methods we could use? If so tell us we would love to hear about it.

Thanks, for taking a look at my Clipping Coupons Are They Worth The Effort article.

Happy 4th of July!

Celebrate Responsibly

I know, I know, we will be cooking, grilling, driving, dancing, drinking and having a good old time.

Lets not forget the service men and women overseas and at home who risk their lives everyday to keep us safe.

Remember to keep it safe and have a great Fourth of July weekend and don't spend too much money!


Debra J

Why Now?

Emajuan's blogspot is dedicated to the two women who greatly influenced my life Juanita, my mother and her mother Emma. These two women who are both now decease have guided the decisions I make even on today.

Is there a special person who has influenced you or shaped your life to help you become the person you are today? Some of the memories perhaps are happy and some sad yet, can we really shake the influence these powerful personalities has on us?

While that person is alive take the time to tell them how you feel and spend quality time now, we all know tomorrow is not promised.

Sticking To That Dang Budget

A Simple Method To Budgeting

Have you ever attempted to save for a special goal only to use the money for another purpose? Or have you put money in your checking account earmarked for a bill and spent it on a whim?

Well here is one solution perhaps may work for you. Try setting the money aside by putting it in envelopes marked with the intended use such as, cable bill, trip to the Bahamas or whatever the money is to be used for. Every time you get paid or get some extra money put it inside your special envelopes.

Another ideal is to stay away from the atm machine or obtaining money from the grocery store using your debit card. Establish how much money you need to get by on for the week and withdraw that amount and stick with it. This one technique will allow you to find out whether you are sticking to your budget or overspending on things you really don’t need.

Using cash for your everyday purchases may seem old fashion but it works. If you are concerned about carrying around a lot of cash only take what you need for that particular day and leave the rest at home. Don’t be tempted to use it for anything else other then what it is intended for. In doing this you practice self discipline in addition, how to live within your means.

Have you ever try this method before? Let me know what you think of my Sticking To That Dang Budget article.

Looking To Make Some Extra Cash?

Ways to Earn Extra Cash

Do you need to earn some extra money to make ends meet? Do you want a part-time job but not the commitment? Here are a few ways to raise some extra cash in a hurry.

Hold a yard sale and sell items you no longer use.

Do odd jobs such as running errands or lawn work.

Sell items on EBay.

Search for gigs on advertising sites such as craigslist look under ETC and part-time employment.

Sign up to be a test subject cash can be obtained on the spot.

Sell your blood to researchers.

Mystery Shopping (sign up for free at Volition)

Contact your local county of residence for a peddler’s license and sell bake goods or etc. out of your car or set up a tent with permission from an area business.

Think of something you are good at and offer it to others.

If you are interested in doing store demonstrations e-mail me your name and phone number I have two companies who work in local grocery and area Wal-Mart’s paying $55-$85 per demo.

Let me know what you think of my Looking To Make Extra Money Article

Nickel and Dimed To Death!

Ok, enough already! Several days ago I was reading in the USA Today paper the local police in a North Atlanta suburb are going to start charging a fuel surcharge when you are stopped for a speeding or moving violation. They claimed this is a necessity due to the increased cost of fuel. So speeders beware you know every town in America will be doing the exact same thing. The article stated this town was flooded with phone calls from law enforcement agencies wanting to know how they got this approved.

I suspect with the copy cat mentality which some of these companies follow such as, major airlines charging for our first and second piece of luggage, cities and towns across the country charging extra for water usage we are in for some challenging days ahead.

How to Prepare For Hard Times

Stretch Your Paycheck or Lack of One

In today’s economic down times how do you survive? What steps should you take if the situation is whether you eat or put gas in the car? Who could imagine $5.00 gas prices at the pumps as well as, soaring food prices at the grocery store.

In these economic hard times penny pinching has become a way of life. Here are a few ways to save money and cutback on expenses.

• Cut off the premium cable channels pay for basic cable and reduce your bill by at least $50.00 a month.
• Disconnect your home phone and use your cell phone.
• Shop grocery store brands instead of name brand save at least 50 cents to $1.00 on each item.
• Go to bakery outlets and buy discounted breads and pastries.
• Shop at thrift stores for bargains on furniture and gently use clothing.
• Prepare meat in smaller portions use it in your vegetables and starches instead of individual large servings.
• Serve your family more vegetables instead of meat every night experiment with other protein sources such as beans, eggs, and tofu.
• Use coupons religiously and only use them for what you normally buy this is how you save money. Double or possibly triple your savings when you shop where they offer double coupon days.
• Mow your lawn instead of paying someone to do it or make it a family affair.
• Group errands together to save gas.
• Grow a garden if you have no space use pots.
• Cut off the clothes dryer and hang dry your clothes outside.

Click on these websites to enjoy free movies and your favorite television shows.

www.hulu.com
http://www.television.aol.com/video

Tainted Tomatoes Scare

Tainted Tomatoes Scare

What better way to scare you then to say the tomatoes you put in your salad can kill you? This is the latest news being circulated on the media outlets and internet. How is it that something which is designed to nurture your body can harm it?

This is why I am an advocate of growing your own vegetables where you can control what you grow, how you grow it in addition to, who touches it.

Whether you grow your veggies in the ground or in a pot you know you are eating healthier.

I am growing my own vegetables this year in a pot opposed to the conventional method of planting them in the ground.

My plants are doing quite nicely. I put them in pots about 45 days ago and have eaten fresh veggies already. I’ve enjoyed collards, green peppers and jalapeños so far. I am still waiting for the cucumbers, squash and tomatoes to produce. The plants are either budding or have vegetables ready to enjoy.

How To Grow Vegetables In Pots

Growing Vegetables In Pots

Planting vegetables can be a rewarding experience which can be enjoyed through out the year. Growing your own vegetables is not only healthier, it can be empowering to grow them organic and apply natural pesticides.

Gardening is viewed as a form of relaxation in addition; it's an alternative to purchasing vegetables by growing your own. Whether you live in the city or suburbs you can grow your own vegetables.

Planting in pots can be fun and is easy to achieve. The plants can survive on your patio,windowsills or moved from one area to another to take full advantage of the sun.

There are a number of vegetables which grow successfully in pots such as beans, onions, peppers, squash, herbs, tomatoes, cabbage and cucumbers.

Starting a garden can be accomplished in one afternoon by visiting a local Wal-Mart, Home Depo or local garden center to purchase seeds and garden supplies. If you want to get a head start purchase plants already  sprouted and growing.

The garden department personnel are usually very knowledgeable concerning the plants and would be happy to answer questions.  The seed packets and description info on the starter plants will provide planting and care instructions.

When growing your vegetables make sure to use a good fertilizer such as, Miracle Grow and use additional topsoil to give your plants a healthy start.  Remember not to over water them this may lead to root system decay if too much moisture is present. 

To learn more about how to grow your own fruits and vegetables GO HERE

How to start a organic garden GO HERE

How to plant without using soil GO HERE

Limited space to grow plants Go HERE

More information on vegetable gardens GO HERE

Happy Gardening!

This is my How To Grow Vegetables In Pots Blog let me know what you think.