In the Peculiar household it seems January 3rd is a day for snowshoeing. We went once last year - on the exact same day. It stands to reason. It's a new year. We're feeling frisky. We're ready to take on the world. And take it on we did. The family hiked 4.1 miles with a very long uphill haul near the end of our journey. Little Sis, who just turned six, hiked the entire distance all on her own. Of course we were treated to a touch of whining and a pinch of moaning but hey - she's six!

Three hours stomping through the snow works up an appetite. Tonight it's breakfast for dinner. For the kids - bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and toast. For the adults - Rosti Casserole with Baked Eggs. Fresh eggs. From our very own chickens. Have I told you lately that I love our chickens?

And now it's time to take the food from the oven. I hope you all had a weekend as wonderful as we did! This has been an excellent start to 2010!

Frugal Friday the Valentine's Addition

I'm sitting in my favorite chair watching the snow come down; gigantic fluffy flakes -- perfect for catching on your tongue. Perfect for dancing in; arms out, palms to the sky, deliriously spinning, spinning. And when the snow settles, when it forms fluffy nests on the ground, it will be perfect for snow angels.

Tonight the hub and I are going out in the fluffy white wonderland. We'll bundle up, knit hats and scarves, gloves and woolen jackets. Tonight we're celebrating Valentine's. And yes I know it is the 13th. Friday the 13th to be exact. One thing I've learned from working emergency -- celebrations are about sentiment and not a date on a calendar. So, even though I don't have to work tomorrow, we are celebrating a day early. Tonight we won't need reservations, we won't be fighting crowds and we won't be paying for overpriced meals. Instead we're going to happy hour at a local hot spot. Then we're going to walk around town for Winterfest. There's even a wine walk to get people into local businesses. Hey if recession = free wine then bring it on!

As for gifts ... still the simple frugal route.

I'm knitting the hub his very own pair of fuzzy feet.

Clearly they still need to be felted. He's a big guy but not that big!

From the hub I'll be getting a pedicure (no, no he won't be painting my nails himself - that would be a frightening endeavor). Our neighbor is a manicurist and does inexpensive pedicures from home. An awesome foot rub and pretty toes nails? Can't beat it! For a week or two I'll even look presentable in yoga class.

As for the kids we got them treasures from the Goodwill; a crystal growing kit for the boy and shabby chic room decor for the girls.

Holidays are about family. They're about love and caring and togetherness. They are not about money or gifts. Many think Valentine's is a hallmark invention. And indeed it may be but you don't have to buy their pitch. Instead go out on Friday the 13th and fill the world with love!

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How to Spend a Winter's Day

# 1 - Sleep in late but get up before the kids
#2 - Have ghetto* mochas or lattes with the hubbie
#3 - Make rosemary red potatoes and scrambled eggs
#4 - Wake children and eat breakfast
#5 - Pack five peanut butter sandwiches, two sliced apples, oranges and pretzels
#6 - Fill camelback with water
#7 - Have kids scurry about for their winter clothes
#8 - Load everyone up in the car
#9 - Buy a winter snow pass ($22.00)
#10 - Go snoweshoing!
#11 - Come home and warm up with hot tea/OJ and rum (mmmm!)
#12 - Feed the family homebaked mac and cheese
and finally ....

Confiscate the remote from the sleeping husband and switch from "the game" to HGTV - he'll never know!

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I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

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Ghetto Mochas:
* Heat milk, put it in a french press coffee maker and froth, mix with coffee, add chocolate as desired.