Monday, July 3rd 2011

Same sex marriage has been considered a controversial topic for a long time. The question is should we as a society go with the idea of same sex marriage or against it.

I say go with it because I would rather see two people who are in love be able to have a loving monogamous relationship that would certainly be encouraged by being married. Now, I'm not saying that marriage guarantees monogamy, that it just merely encourages it.

I would hate for someone to tell me that I couldn't freely be with the person I love. I would simply want to die.


Sister of Mercy
 

Sunday, July 3 2011


Traditions in my family are simple but better than good. They are great.

There's nothing like going to the snow cone place every week with Josette to get a silver fox snow cone. Silver fox taste like sweet almonds. Renting movies on the weekends with my parents when we have they money is another great one. Going grocery shopping with my mom every week is another thing I enjoy.

The first Sunday in May, my mother's side of the family comes down and we go to the homecoming at a little country church and have lunch together afterwards. The second Sunday in May, my parents and I go to another little country church for their homecoming and have lunch on the grounds there. The first Sunday in June, the church I go to has their homecoming, and my family attends that every year.

In August, my mother's side of the family gets together again to celebrate my grandmother's birthday every year. Then at Christmas, we all come together again and have a big meal and exchange gifts.

Yes, the simple things are the best for me. The things I look forward to the most and wouldn't trade for anything.


Sister of Mercy
 

Sunday, July 3rd 2011


Continuing with the Got Debt? series, I'm going to discuss how to handle creditors and bill collectors and how to repair your credit.

1. Answer their calls. The bills will not go away and neither will they.
2. Instead of just saying that you can't pay anything, try offering to pay something even if it's only a few dollars a month. They will usually take it as a sign that you're trying to work with them and not trying to welch on your obligation.
3. If one customer rep won't work with you, then hang up and call back. You will always end up speaking to someone else, and that person may work with you. You can always ask to speak to a supervisor too.


Here are some things you need to know.

1. If you tell them not to call you at work, they have to honor your request.
2. You can also write to them and tell them to only contact you in writing instead of calling you at home. They have to honor this.
3. They can not call you before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night.
4. Depending on what state you live in, if the bill in question is over 3-7 years old, they can not legally collect on it anymore. Check your state law to see how many years it is. In Mississippi, it's 4 years. Sometimes collectors known as zombie companies will try to collect on these. Just hang up on these individuals because they are just trying to scam you. Also bear in mind, these are bills that you have not made a payment on in this time frame.


How to repair your credit.

1. Check all three credit reports for mistakes first. The reports come from Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.
2. Then check for entries over seven years old. Anything over seven years old has to be removed. The exception is bankruptcy. It is removed after ten years.
3. Pay your bills on time.
4. Do not close any accounts. If you do, it will make your debt to credit ratio higher.
5. Other than that, it just takes time. Don't bother paying credit repair companies to repair your credit. You can do what they do.


In Got Debt pt4, I will discuss mortgages.


Sister of Mercy



 

Saturday, July 2nd 2011


Have you ever just looked up at the stars and felt almost invisible compared to their brillance? I have because there are so many stars up there, and I'm just me, a person who is virutally unknown by all......

There are times when I do feel like my life has an immense affect. When I look into the eyes of my babies (Josette and Gizmo), and those eyes are looking back at me. There's nothing like the bond between mother and child. Then there are those times when I'm with my love and I feel like the most important woman on Earth. There's nothing like being in love.


Well, I guess what I'm saying is...... It's okay to be just a minute part of this Earth. It's what your life is made of is what counts.



Sister of Mercy
 

Glory Days


Although the year is only half way through, I have had some “Glory Days” that I will treasure for the rest of my life.


This first one happened on Saturday, January 27. I adopted my daughter, Josette. She was only five months old. She is the light of my life and my heart.

Here’s a pic






The second one happened in Feb when I finally found out that I’m allergic to wheat and corn. I know that sounds like bad news, but to me, it has given me a new lease on life when it comes to my health. I’ve finally been able to start losing weight in a healthy way and have totally changed my eating habits for the better.


The third and dearest to my heart is April 27. I celebrated my eleventh anniversary with the love of my life and my soul mate, Big Daddy.



I know this may not sound like very many “Glory Days”, but without them, I would be incomplete as a person and a woman.



Sister of Mercy

 

Thursday, June 30 2011


In the second part of the Got Debt series, I will give tips on handling and paying off credit card debt.


Handling Credit

1. Don't apply for too much credit at one time. For example, if a person applies for 5 different credit cards in a period of under six months, it tends to make creditors think that you're a credit risk because they will think that you are planning to rack up a bunch of debt.
2. Keep your debt to credit ratio low. For instance, if you owe more than 30%-50% of your credit availble, it will hurt your credit score. This is also known as your FICO score.
3. Check your credit report and FICO scores often. You can get a free credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com once a year for free. You can also get a free credit report within 60 days after being turned down by a lender. Some lenders are even providing the FICO scores too.
4. Do not have too much revolving credit. This will also appear as a red flag on your credit report and will lower your FICO score.
5. Pay on time! Every payment you miss will appear on your credit report.
6. Try to pay off the balance every month!


Paying off Credit Card Debt

1. There are two ways a person can do this. Paying off the smallest debts first, then applying those payments to the next lowest debt you have. Another way is to pay off the debt with the highest interest, then applying that payment to the debt with the next highest interest.
2.Always pay more than the minimum. Even paying only five dollars over the required payment will save you tons of money in interest over the long run.
3. If you see that you are going to fall behind with your payments, call your creditors to make other arrangements. Most will be willing to work with you if you call them before you fall very far behind.
4. If your debts are already in collections, try calling the collection agencies to make arrangements. Many of them will work out a payment plan, but the payments will be much higher because they are on a deadline to collect the full amount for their client. Some may offer a settlement. If you can afford the settlement, go for it because it will appear on your credit report as being paid. It also looks better than having an unpaid bill on your credit report.


In the third installment of Got Debt?, I will discuss how to deal with creditors and how to repair your credit report.

Sister of Mercy





 

Wednesday, June 29 2011


Debt is something that most of us seem to land in after we turn 18 years old.

The first type of debt I would like to address is student loan debt. It's usually one of the first debts we get into as a result of attending college.

Here are some tips on how to handle it properly.

1. Only borrow what you need.
2. Go for substized loans (where the government pays the interest) first (if you qualify)
3. Perkins loans are also good because there isn't any interest while in school and the interest rate is lower than a Stafford loan. (however, not everyone qualifies for this loan)
4. Try not to take out private educational loan unless you do not have any other options. They usually don't have forbearance or deferment options.
5. Consider consolidating your loans after graduating. Instead of paying several payments and interest rates, you will only have to pay one payment and one interest rate. You will save money on the interest you will pay over the long run. William D Ford Direct Loans is a great loan company for consolidations.
6. Remember to report the interest you pay on your student loans on your tax return. You don't have to itemize to do this. Just file a 1040A.
7. Do not default! This is a debt that can't be discharged in bankruptcy. You income tax refunds can also be seized until your loan is paid. Your wages will also be garnished.
8. If you see that you are having financial difficulty, call the loan company (s) immediately. Most of them have alternative payment plans, but you have to call and ask. Also the lenders would rather work with you before you fall far behind.


My next Got Debt? entry will discuss credit card debt.


Sister of Mercy



 

Tuesday, June 28 2011

I'm continuing the discussion about being a movie buff.

I also have DVDs besides fantasy/horror.

Here's a list.

1. Mamma Mia
2. Letters to Juliette
3. Once Upon a Texas Train
4. Beulahland
5. North and South I-III
6. Dallas Seasons 1-4
7. Dynasty Season 1
8. House season 1
9. Memoris of a Geisia
10. It's a Joke, Son!
11. Otherside of the Mountain
12. Otherside of the Mountain 2
13. Open Range
14. Pride of Jessie Hallam
15. Blue and the Gray
16. T-Men
17. Walk the Line
18. Best Laid Plains
19. Unfaithful
20. American Beauty
21. Cat Ballou
22. Molly and the Lawless
23. True Grit (the original one)
24. Beautiful
25. Stagecoach (1988 version staring Johnny Cash)
26. McClintock
27. Proud and the Damned
28. Son of Lassie
29. Happy Ending
30. Legally Blonde 1-2

These are just some of them..... I have way too many to list here........

I got to go now!

Sister of Mercy

 

Friday, June 24th 2011


One of my hobbies is watching movies. I have so many DVDs that I could probably open up my own rental store. LOL!

I love fantasy/horror, musicals, westerns, and tv mini-series. I also have a collection of tv shows on DVD too. I would have to say that movies and tv shows in the fantasy/horror genre are my most favorite.


Here are some of the many fantasy/horror movies and shows that I have in my collection.

1. Troll
2. the first 6 Harry Potter movies
3. Motel Hell
4. Dark Crystal
5. A Whisper Kills
6. Phantasm 1-4
7. Soylent Green
8. V
9. The Fly (the orignial staring Vincent Price)
10. Return of the Fly
11. Night of the Living Dead (both the original and the 1990 remake)
12. Carnival of Souls
13. The Tingler
14. The Last Man on Earth (the one staring Vincent Price)
15. Dementia 13
16. Face of Evil
17. Charmed seasons 1-3
18. Supernatural season 1
19. The Stand
20. It
21. Tommyknockers
22. Desperation
23. The Langoliers
24. Resident Evil 1-3
25. She Wolf of London
26. Dominque is Dead
27. Dark Shadows (the complete remake series)
28. Shaun of the Dead
29. Bay Coven
30. Cry of the Banshee

I have many, many more............ In my next blog entry, I'll tell y'all my other favs.

Sister of Mercy
 

Tuesday, June 21st 2011


I love watching cooking shows, and I love to cook. I feel as if I have grown as I home cook by watching them. I've also learned more about different types of food.

The cooking shows I watch are the following (the most often).

1. Master Chef
2. Chopped
3. Dinner Impossible
4. Iron Chef America
5. Next Food Nextwork Star
6. Hell's Kitchen
7. Restaurant Impossible
8. Kitchen Nightmares
9. Paula Dean's Best Dishes
10. 30 Minute Meals
11. Everyday Italian with Giada
12. Cupcake Wars


I also watch other shows too since my tv is often on Food Nextwork.

I'm just as crazy over reading and collecting cookbooks. I have cookbooks by Paula Dean, Rachel Ray, and ones on southern cooking, Italian cooking, cooking for diabetics (my grandmother is diabetic), ones on appetizers, desserts, casseroles, ect. I also have cookbooks put out by Taste of Home and the popular red gingham printed Betty Crocker one.

I started cooking when I was 18. I started with desserts. The first cake I made was a strawberry cake with a cream cheese icing. I got the recipe from a Duncan Hines cookbook. From there, I went to making homemade cakes and icings, pies, cookies, pastries, ect.

The next step in the cooking journey was pizzas. I made the crust and sauce from scratch very often. I would often play with cheese and herb combinations on the pizzas too. From there, I graduated to pasta. I took to pastas quite easy. You would have thought I was Italian from the way I cooked.

I have went through some ebbs and flows in my cooking. There have been times when I haven't cooked very much and lost the desire to cook almost completely. However, my desire has returned full forced. I would have to say it's because of my food allergies and my overall knowledge of foods. I've had to learn a lot about food since I found out that I'm allergic to wheat and corn. I'm also mildly lactose intolerant.

Here's a recipe that I want to share with everyone.

Cheesy Chicken Rotini

1-1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups water
3 cups rotini pasta (gluten-free pasta works too)
1 pkg (16oz) frozen broccoli, cauliflower, carrot blend (if you only like one or two of these, that's fine. Just use according to your taste.)
1 can (10oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
1/2 lb. velveeta cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Cook and stir chicken in large skillet sprayed with a no cal cooking spray on medium high heat for 5 min or until no longer pink.
Stir in water. Bring to boil. Add pasta; Cover; simmer on medium low for 10 min or until tender.
Add remaining ingredients, stir; Cook, covered 5 to 7 minutes or until velveeta is completely melted and vegetables are crisp tender, stirring frequently.

Enjoy!


It's time for me to make another attempt at going to sleep. I came down with a bad cold today, and I'm trying to get well.

Have a good one!

Sister of Mercy
 

Monday, June 20th 2011

I have so much that I want to talk about..... I just don't know where to start! I guess I'll start with some good news....

The love of my life, Big Daddy, who is the most important person in my life, gave me the most beautiful diamond earrings. They are the most gorgeous earrings in the world!!!!!!!

Josette (our daughter) and I wished we could have been with Big Daddy on Father's Day.... However, Josette and I were with my dad on Father's Day.

I did have a great meal yesterday. You see I have to cook special foods because I'm severely allergic to wheat and I'm also allergic to corn.

I had a hamburger without the bun. I cooked it using a no cal cooking spray, and the meat was extra-lean ground beef. I also melted a fat-free slice of cheese on top of it. Then I cooked some carrots with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a little lactose-free/fat-free butter. I also had some baked potato salad that I bought from the deli section of the grocery store.

I've made a daring decision .... I've decided to take the plunge and start sending query letter and ect to agents to see if my novel even has a chance on being accepted.

Here's the link to my novel

ID: 1717052   (Rated: 18+) When the Sun Sets on Deacon, Mississippi  Twin cowboys embark on a mystical journey that takes them to a little town called Deacon. by CountryGourmetHome

Here's a yummy glutten free dessert that anyone can cook that will put a smile on your families' face!


No Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 F. Combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla; thoroughly blend. Drop by teapspoo 2 inches apart onto cookie sheet (I roll them into balls). Flatten with fork or glass dipped in sugar. Cook 14 to 16 minutes until lightly browned on top. Cool on rack. Makes 2 dozen.

Your friends who are allergic to wheat (gluten) will thank you for this dessert.


Have a good one!

Sister of Mercy


 

Wednesday, June 1st 2011

In this economy, everyone wants to save money. Here are some tips that will help.

1. Limit eating out. If you must eat out, try eating out a lunch time. Prices are often cheaper for the same items or order an appetizer as your meal. Order water with your meal instead of soda or tea when possible. This alone will save you up to $2.50. Also, if you go to a restaurant that offers 2 for $20, bring a friend along and split the bill. Applebees and Chill's participates in this. Be sure to join e-clubs too. Applebees, Chill's, Captain D's, Ryan's, and many others participate in this.

2. When going to the grocery store, try going either when the store first opens or during the last two hours before closing. Most discounted meat is brought out during the early morning and discounted bakery items are brought out during the evening. Also, some stores will place their coupons on certain items shortly before closing. Kroger is good about doing this.

3. Sign up for rewards programs at the stores you shop regularly. K-Mart, Kroger, and Rite Aid have good rewards programs.

4. If you travel often, sign up for hotel points programs. You can get free nights through many of these.

5. Remember, there isn't any shame in checking out the clearance racks. Great finds can often be found here.

6. Check books out from the library instead of buying them or purchase them from a used bookstore. Many bookstores have discount programs too that are either free or low cost.

I've got to motor now and fix supper.

Have a good one!

Sister of Mercy
 

Sunday, May 29th 2011


I thought I would extend the couponing blogs for this entry to cover a topic that I didn't touch on in the previous parts.

Things not to do when trying to save with coupons.

1. If you see a blinkie or tear pad, don't take all of the coupons. Only take a few because there are others who need these saving opportunities too. People who do this are known as smashers.

2. Don't try buying up everything on the shelves. Leave some for everyone else. People who do this are known as grabbers. Plus doing these first two will get you noticed at the stores in a way you don't want to be noticed.

3. Don't try photocopying coupons. This is illegal!

4. Don't try selling coupons. This is illegal too!

5. Don't try using expired coupons. This will only cause you embarrassment at the check out line. (However, there are a few states where stores will accept coupons up to 3 months after the expiration date. Also, military commissaries accept expired coupons up to 6 months after the expiration date.)


I also wanted to share a link to another coupon clipping service I found the other day.

www.couponmaster.com


I've got to make like a library and book!


Until we meet again,

Sister of Mercy





 

Friday, May 27th 2011


I've been eating gluten free since February because I found out that I'm allergic to wheat and corn.

If you have this problem, here are the foods you need to stay away from.

1. Bread, pasta, bagels, flour, pie crust, cakes, cookies, brownies

2. most sodas (except for ginger ale and fresca)

3. oatmeal, cereals made from wheat or corn, cream of wheat, grits, and yogurt (except for Yoplait)

4. pizza, most condiments unless they are organic, candy

5. canned soups (except for the organic ones)

6. ice cream and most chips


Foods you can eat.

1. vegetables and fruit

2. meat and seafood (watch for the breading)

3. herbs and seasonings

4. gluten free pastas

5. rice and potatoes

6. dairy products (however, I stick with lactose-free milk and butter)

7. pasta sauces (I do stick with gluten free alfredo sauce. Classico is a good gluten free alfredo sauce. I also stick with sugar free spaghetti sauces.)

8. nuts and peanut butter

9. tea and juice

10. gluten free cereals (rice krispies, gluten free Chex, Fruity Pebbles)

11. Welch's fruit snacks (look for the ones that say gluten free)



I hope this guide helps!


Sister of Mercy









 

Tuesday, May 24th 2011


Here's the other part of my couponing series.

Where to get coupons

1. Your local Sunday paper

2. All About You magazine and the magazine put out by Kraft Foods (I forgot the name.) You may also find a coupon or two in other magazines too.

3. Ask family and friends since they may not even use the coupons in their paper or might have coupons that they didn't use

4. Tear off pads and blinkies in stores. Blinkies are the little machines that have a tiny blinking red light on them and spit out coupons.

5. Store websites: Kroger, Fred's, Dollar General, and Family Dollar are good examples. Kroger's coupons are e-coupons that are downloaded to their saver's card.

6. Internet sites

www.couponmom.com (this is a great database that will take you to other couponing sites)
www.bettycrocker.com (check this at the 1st of each month)
www.pillsbury.com (check this at the 1st of each month)

7. Coupon clipping services

These services do not charge for the coupons (that's illegal) but for their time to collect and send them to you.

www.mycouponhunter.com (charges a subscription fee for so many coupons, I have a 100 coupon subscription for ten dollars. )

www.thecouponclippers.com (charges a handling fee per coupon and requires a minimum of 5 coupons on most)

www.coupondede.com (charges a handling fee and requires a $5 minimum purchase)


I hope this has been of some help!

Sister of Mercy
 

Monday, May 23rd 2011

Hi Y'all!

These next few blogs will be about couponing. Today will be a general discussion about them.

Coupons can save you money if they are used correctly.

1. Don't buy something just because you have a coupon. Still only buy things you will need and can use. Many people make the mistake on going wild just buying things because they have a coupon.

2. Try buying a product when it's on sale, then use a coupon. You save more this way.

3. Look for places that double coupons. Kroger doubles coupons. Fred's doubles them on Saturdays.

4. Know a store's coupon policy. Some accept internet coupons, but many don't. Wal-mart does. Some put limits on how many they will double or even accept during a transaction.

5. Read your coupons carefully. Make sure it hasn't expired. Look at abbreviations like DND or DNT. DND means do not double. DNT means do not tripple. Also, make sure it's actually for the product that you want to purchase. Some specify a particular product within a brand other say any product within that brand. Look at the size restrictions. Many often restrict trial sizes.

6. Buy the smallest size allowed. Bigger isn't better in this case. For example, if you have a 50 cent off coupon on dishwashing detergent, and the smallest one is only $1.00. As long as the coupon doesn't restrict the size, the product will only cost you 50 cents. If the store doubles coupons, it's free. If you have 2 coupons, just buy 2 small ones and you'll have just as much or maybe more than the next size up. You will only be out at the most a dollar or maybe even nothing.

7. Sign up for rewards cards. These savings can be used with your coupons. Some even have options where you can download coupons on your card. Kroger has this option. However, some stores will not double these coupons or let you combine these with other manufacture's coupons on the same item.

8. Going for generic brands aren't always cheaper. Generics rarely issue coupons. A name brand will often be the cheaper option after a being put on sale and using a coupon.


Next week I will let y'all know where to get them

Sister of Mercy





 

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Who is Sister of Mercy

That is a good question. Sometimes, I don't even know myself. That's what this new blog is going to be about. Finding myself...

This is what I do know to be the truth.

My first name is Penny.
My middle name is Sue.

Penny Sue (Doesn't that sound like the name of a Hee Haw Honey Isn't it a typical Southern name)

I was born April 15th 1976. (Yep, that makes me 35! Old isn't it!)

I've been with the love of my life for 11 yrs Our anniversary is April 27th. I call him Big Daddy. I love him with all my heart and soul

I have two children: a 9 month old black and tan Min Pin named Josette and a 7 year old orange striped cat named Gizmo.

I'm from a small town in Mississippi. I attended college in Alabama. I haven an Associates degree in Accounting. I am close to having enough hours to obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Social Science, History, and General Business. I'm also close to having an Associates degree in English. When I was in college, I was in the Univeristy choir and solo group along with participating in the Theater department for a year. I had both a Vocial and Theater scholarship.

I love to read Harry Potter and have read all of the books even the Tales of the Beatle Bard. I also love to read horror novels. My favorite authors are Stephen King, Ray Bradburry, Bentley Little, HP Lovecraft, and VC Andrews.

I love classic country music. My favorite singers are Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Waylon Jennings, Jessie Colter, Kris Kristoferson, and Merle Haggard. I also have favorite singers outside of the classic country genre. They are Leonard Cohen, Lee Hazelwood, and Nancy Sinatra.

I also love watching movies in the following genres: horror, western, historical dramas, and musicals. My favorite actors/actresses are (in no particular order) June Lockhart, Anne Lockhart, Barbara Billingsley, Jean Simmons, Reese Witherspoon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chuck Connors, Rory Calhoun, Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Barbara Steel, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Peter Cushing, Robert Mitchum, Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan, Stephen Collins, Keri Russell, Kris Kristoferson, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and Amanda Seyfield.

I have several allergies: very allergic to wheat, corn, and also sensitive to dust and dust mites. I have to eat gluten free food and foods that do not have very much corn syrup in them. I can't eat anything with high fruitose corn syrup at all.

I'm really into keeping up with personal finance stuff. I love watching Suze Orman and the lady on Debt to Us Part (I can't remember her name.).

I guess this is a start to figuring out who I am. I will continue this later. I welcome your comments

Sister of Mercy