03 June 2020

OVER THE MOON (saying goodbye to debt)

I am OVER THE MOON because this past weekend ... drum roll please ... we paid off $5,000.00 worth of debt.

5K people. GONE. Gone, gone, gone.

We still have more to go but we're getting closer and I cannot wait to scream from the rooftops, "WE'RE DEBT FREE!"

What helps the most? Working together. Work together, work together, have a plan, work together. Without Tim doing this with me, forget it Buster, it'd be a no flippin' go.

Another big thing is, saying no. Saying no to stuff like NetFlix, Hulu, Prime. Saying no now, so we can say yes later to things like, owning our own land, a used truck, more efficient video/photography gear and living a debt-free life.

We don't say no to everything. We still order the occasional pizza or veggie burger. We still have one service, Amazon Music. But on the whole, it boils down to doing the work and that often means, saying no. BUT ... that's not a bad thing. As much as I want a prime lens for my Canon M50, I'll enjoy it FAR MORE when we're debt free.

Just feels so good.

Up next ... BROWNIES!!!!! These come from Dani Spies and I added her link to video show notes (see end of post). I've made these brownies many times and each time I swapped out cashew butter for peanut butter. Simply because peanut butter costs me less money to make. After all, it's all about becoming debt-free and using cashews on a regular basis, not in the budget. But that's okay because these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies were SO GOOD!

And that, my Boogerbutts, is about all that's fit to print. I still haven't been in the garden because work has sucked up MOST of my day. Add to it there's a pile of laundry so high that if it falls on me, I may not survive. All you'll see is my little feet poking out, and the slight mumble of the word, "heeeeelp". But I'm planning on getting outside Friday. All day. Me. Garden. No work. Wireless headphones. Paint. Dirt. Seeds. Fun.

Until next post, thank you for stopping by. Cheers and boogie boogie. Whisk, out.



97 comments:

  1. That's wonderful news! Congratulations on your milestone! It's encouraging, isn't it? Your peanut butter chocolate chip brownies look fantastic!

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    1. Oh my gosh, Leigh. So encouraging. And if I can say, also, refreshing. I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it feels like FREEDOM. Thank you on the brownies. They were yum. Though I forgot to mention that they were EVEN better the next day cold from the fridge. Thanks for stopping by today. Boogie boogie.

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  2. Congrats, that is AWESOME! And you are SO right -- "Saying no now, so we can say yes later" to meeting your long-term goals. That's what it's all about. And I enjoyed your brownie video too -- yum, yum.

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    1. Thank you, Debra. It feels like heaven to have made that big of a dent in May. Thanks on the video. Was super fun to make and edit.

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  3. Well done you. Consider me doing happy dances with and for you.

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    1. Much, much thanks, Sue. Happy Dancing right there with you.

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  4. Good for you! Other than our house, we owe nothing, and that's almost gone as well. You will feel so free soon, you won't know what to do with yourself.
    It is about working together and living within ones' means.

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    1. Very, very cool that your house is almost done. How wonderful. True freedom. Love that. Thanks for sharing that good news with us. Happy Weekend to you and the Mrs.

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  5. First of all CONGRATULATIONS on paying off that money, that really is a weight from the soul! Well done, happy dance! But those peanut butter brownies look totally decadent, you shouldn't have showed them to me because they will not leave my head till I have tried them. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thank you, Valerie. We were over the moon about it. True, my soul does feel lighter. If you want to see Dani's recipe it's in the show notes of the video. She used cashew which probably taste AMAZING! Thank you for watching and stopping in. Hugs, back.

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  6. Yay, Ivy! I'm happy for you too! Your hard work is paying off. And those brownies - man, it's a good thing I can't reach into the computer screen because I'd be hoovering them up :)

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    1. lololololol. If it were possible, I'd get in the TARDAS and bring you some.

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  7. Congratulations on the debt paid off, what a feeling. Every day I wake up and think "Today I will eat sensibly" well that lasts until after breakfast!! These brownies are a 'must try' :-)

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    1. Hi Polly. These are pretty yummy. Lots of protein too. But also a lot of maple syrup so there's that but very fun to make and eat. Happy Weekend and thank you for visiting.

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  8. A simple "congratulations" just doesn't seem enough, but well done, you guys, that is truly incredible.

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    1. Much, much thanks, Tim. We are happy. Still more to go but it feels good.

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  9. Congrats Ivy, and Amazon music is worth it I think. Your brownies look amazing!!!

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    1. Hey Christine. Tim uses it a lot at work because he's allowed to wear headphones and listen as he works. I enjoy it at home. Something fun to boogie too. Thank you about the brownies. They are fun to make and eat. Happy Weekend and boogie boogie.

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  10. Well done. I so remember that feeling. Another milestone. Not long now.

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    1. So cool that you did it too. I can't wait to scream it from the rooftops when we're done. Happy Weekend!

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  11. Congratulations! We got rid of all of our debt years ago (and now pay every charge card bill in full each month). It feels good.

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    1. Hi Kathy! Congrats on getting paid off. Woohoo!

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  12. Congratulations! Isn't it a great feeling? We were in debt for years but did finally get completely out of debt before we retired. Actually, it was the only way we could afford to retire!

    Brownies - Yum! Those look great!

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    1. That is so cool, Bonnie. Woohoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! to you guys.

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    1. Much, much thanks. We're getting there. Happy Weekend.

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  14. Congratulations!! I know you were very determined, and made sacrifices. The brownies look awesome. Happy Friday!!

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    1. Sooooo determined. That's a good word for it. We want out. Out, out, out. Thank you on the brownies. Happy Friday to you too!

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  15. Congratulations, Ivy! You are an inspiration.

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    1. Hi Becki! Much, much thanks. Happy weekend.

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  16. Congrats! Glad you're doing well!

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    1. We are getting there. How's the wife. I haven't seen her in bloggerland. Please tell her I said hello. Is she on Instagram by chance?

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  17. Yum, Brownies! I haven't made any in so long, I can't remember when. I have just the regular recipe, with butter and brown sugar, flour and cocoa powder, but Wondering now if I could substitute peanut butter for the regular butter. Maybe I'll give that a try one day.
    I love the graniteware, it has a different name out here, but don't remember what that is. I don't have any cake pans made with it but do have a couple of pie plates and a tray or two for cookies. I remember when I was very young, we had a graniteware coffee pot that sat on the top of the old woodburning stove, I think we just used it to heat water to make tea or coffee.

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    1. Oh yeah, I never bake with cow butter but I find that peanut butter or almond butter work great as a replacement. So yummy. Usually though, I just add a little nut butter. This recipe called for 265g and that was a fun lesson because it showed me just how far I can go with nut butters. Love that.

      The back of the pan reads this is enamel cookware and then they have Granite-Ware registered trademarked with the following words, Is made by fusing porcelain to a steel core at 1500F.

      To me, I think of this as an enamel baking dish. I have a few other enamel things and some work real well. One though, a warming pot, has faded drastically but I still use it.

      Oh cool that you have pie plates and cookie trays. Yes ... the coffee pots. I still see those now. Very fun classic piece.

      Thanks, River. Fun to read your comment. Happy Weekend.

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  18. P.S. I've been debt free since 1998, it's a great feeling.

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    1. Woooohoooo! That is WONDERFUL! Thanks for sharing that good news. I love hearing it.

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  19. Congrats is a wonderful new!! love yours brownies look delicious Ivy!!

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    1. Hi Gloria! Much, much thanks. So fun to bake.

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  20. Congrautulations. I know what a great feeling that is. I paid my mortgage off last year and it was the best feeling ever.
    Those brownies look amazing.

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    1. Hi Ann! Wow! Congrats on getting that mortgage paid off. We did that awhile back with the trailer and it was great feeling. I love that you did the whole house mortgage and it's gone. What a nice thing each month NOT to have to pay. Thanks for sharing your story! Thank you about the brownies and happy weekend.

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  21. Hooray for the big chunk of debt that no longer exists. Life is always about choices, and choosing to go without to accomplish something always feels better in the long run.
    The brownies look fantastic!!

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    1. Hi Anne! Big chunk out of the way, now onto the rest. I agree. That feeling of making the right choice and getting the debt gone. Feels amazing. Thank you on the brownies. So yummy.

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  22. The day we paid off our credit card debts was the BEST DAY EVER! We have never gone back, either. Now, the only loans we have are either for the car, house, or interest free (I'll use their money before I need to use mine). Good luck in reaching your goal.

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    1. Hi Stacy! That is wonderful! We have the car at zero interest still left and another loan at zero interest but even with those kinds of loans, I'm done. I am on a cash-only (or debit card), path. I don't care about the zero interest camera deals anymore. If I don't have the cash, I don't want to item. I just don't want to owe anyone anything or have any extra bills at the end of the month ever, never, ever, never again. Well, after this.

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  23. If a child can learn delayed gratification, it is a big help in life!

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    1. Hi Marie. So important I find. Thanks for the visit and for posting your videos on The YouTubes. Fun to see them pop up in my feed. Happy Weekend.

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  24. Congratulations! Paying off debt is a huge big deal. Well done!

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    1. Hi Jeanie! Such a good feeling. Almost there. Happy Weekend.

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  25. Yay, yay, yay!!!! Big congrats, now that screams for a well-deserved pizza!
    I am so thankful both families and our saying "no" before helped us to pay the condo in one piece. We still say "no" a lot, so we can go to Perth hopefully again every two years.
    It helps we both hate going to the cinema, can´t dance, hate crowds... ummm.
    "YES" to the really important thing, freedom!

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    1. Hi Iris! Much, much thanks. Very excited. Happy. Still more to go but getting closer. Do you like to watch movies at home? We enjoy movies at home. We used to go to the discount 5 dollar movie but since the zombie Apocalypse, we won't go out. Happy Weekend to you!

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  26. That is awesome, Wonder Woman! I agree...saying no now makes room for things in the future that you can say yes to.

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    1. HiYa, Martha! Saying no is such a good thing. I love it. Not just for that but for other things like, no, I won't do laundry today because I have to film all day. Or no, I won't work today because I have other things that need done. No. Powerful word.

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  27. Congratulations! A debt free life is truly wonderful - it has given us so much security in this pandemic time, especially with our business sucking right now. We don't need that much money to live (no extras right now but lots of groceries) so life is pretty good that way. Well done!

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    1. Yeah, I can see that for sure during this pandemic. We started this back in December before all this hit but it was nice that we already changed our thinking and ways, before all this Big Mess. But I told Tim, never before has it been even MORE important to not owe anyone ANYTHING.

      Same, groceries here too. We were on a 60 dollar a week grocery run but now we shop for more than one week at a time so it's a little all over. Though we still take out our variable weekly cash spending and put the food money aside for trips.

      So sorry that your business is sucking right now. That's not an easy thing but wow, so much better that you don't OWE anyone anything. Here's to your business getting back up and running.

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  28. Well done on paying off that much … I'm doing a happy dance for you :)

    Your brownies look fabulous.

    Have a great Friday and a good weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hi Jan! Thank you. We are getting there! Happy Dance. Happy Dance. Thank you on the brownies. I think the 150ml of maple would be too much for you guys, sadly. But I'm thinking there's gotta be a lowcarb brownie that tastes just as good. Happy Weekend, Jan! Boogie boogie.

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  29. Well done ! It feels so good when you have one less bill to pay.
    Your brownies look so good, must try soon.
    parsnip

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    1. Hey Gayle! So good. I can't believe just the difference since we started this journey. It feels like a lighter life. Less clutter money and home. Good stuff. Brownies are good. Does your daughter make vegan brownies?

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  30. Paid off debt I bet it feels great

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    1. So good, Dora. So good. Thank you. Happy Weekend.

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  31. Huge congratulations to you and Tim! $5000.00 is amazing! Go you guys!

    Elsie

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    1. Much, much thanks. We've paid more than that off total but this was the BIGGEST payment amount in a single month. Pure joy. Pure joy. Are you still podcasting? I gave it up for now to focus on food, food, food. But I'll probably do one last goodbye podcast down the line. Happy Weekend.

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  32. Congrats on your financial accomplishment! That's a huge chunk to pay down! Thanks to covid, we've saved a ton of money this year by not having extras to waste our money on like concerts, dining out, or travel (though the travel on kills me).

    Unlike Tim, I prefer the ooey, gooey middle part of the brownies. Jason would prefer the corner pieces because he does like the crisp edges, so that works out well for us since we both get what we want. I'd rather go your route and use peanut butter over cashew butter, because here, peanut butter is life LOL. Just made my daughter a pb cheesecake for her birthday and it was devoured in minutes.

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    1. Thank you very much. We are excited to see the number go DOWN. We stopped doing the out and stuff before Covid because of the debt, not that we went out much but enough that we pulled back on a bunch of things like NetFlix and all that. Amazing where we were able to find money.

      I love that there's enough good brownie bits for our hubby's too. Everyone wins. Yum.

      Love the idea for the peanut butter cheesecake pie. Thank you for giving me that idea. I think I'll be able to come up with one that doesn't close my throat when I eat it (that's what diary does to me, so not fun).

      Thanks, Theresa!

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    2. Ugh to the dairy allergy! I hope you can come up with a suitable recipe that works though. I am not a huge dairy fan myself because it causes my autoimmune disorder to flare. I still eat cheese sparingly, but cow's milk was replaced with almond milk here years ago and was a lifesaver! I found my family actually likes almond over regular milk, so I was glad we didn't have to fight over that switch!

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    3. There is nothing that would get me to eat dairy. Too many problems with it like you mentioned, and I agree. Hubby is lactose anyway and I wasn't raised on dairy. Almond here too for cereal. Yesterday I made an ice cream cake using Aldi's no-dairy ice cream. Fun stuff. Happy Tuesday!

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  33. wow, good for you!! I remember a few times in my life in the past raising four young guys and the debt we could get in withi car repairs, etc... when things were paid off it felt so free. Waiting for that to happen again... congrats to you.

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    1. Hi Sandy. Thank you. Yeah, the car repairs. OY. Not fun. Are you guys working on getting debt free again now? I have to be honest, I'm enjoying the heck out of the process to remove debt. How about you? Do you find it fun? I won't find paying for my upcoming new tooth fun, but it won't go on a card so for that, I'm thankful.

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    2. you know - we definitely are but we have one large debt on a card that we let our son use to start a business. He pays on the card every month - so that's not a problem but the fact that it's in our name..yikes. We are now retired and live a very frugal (kind of) life but a very enjoyable life in the mountains hiking and such and I have all the time I ever wanted to do things after a busy busy life raising four sons and working at medical transcription. So that's it in a nutshell, lol. I so love your humor - i always laugh when I read you and glad I found your site.

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    3. Hi Sandy. I loved reading your comment and learning more about you and your family. And living in the mountains and getting to hike and such. Pure heaven.

      I can understand that about it being in your name. I get that for sure. Here's to a fun and successful business for your son. What kind of business did he open?

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  34. Congratulations!! If feels soooo good doesn't it? several years ago we were able to pay everything off. we had a few years before that when we were surviving with the help of credit cards.
    so now I do use my credit cards because I get cash back to pay towards the bill but they are always paid in full now.
    thanks for the recipe-Happy Friday Kathy

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    1. Hi Kathy! Oh my gosh. It feels very good. Getting there. I am going 100 percent card free though. No more Amazon points to buy stuff. They can keep their points. But I get that fun of the cash toward the bill, zero interest and bonus points. I just don't want that anymore so we moved to 100 percent cash-only diet. Or debit card but same idea cash. Thanks, Kathy. Hope you're having a groovy weekend.

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  35. I just watched your brownie video- the recipe looks great but who cares about the recipe- you are so entertaining. I felt uplifted just listening to you. On a more serious note, I am so blown away with your commitment to getting out of debt.We never were in debt, but when we first got married at age 21, my husband was a new immigrant and we had NADA- we did what you are doing and it paid off.. Today over 48 years later ( yes I'm 69) we have a very nice lifestyle. The many sacrifices ( and no name brands) when we were younger really paid off today! Thanks for a great post

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    1. Hey Judee! Oh my gosh. What a nice thing to say. Thank you. I had a great deal of fun doing the baking video. Tim cracked me up at the very end, too. Fun stuff. Thank you for watching.

      I love the story of you and your husband. This is wonderful to read. I love that people are sharing their stories and I think for me, this is really what makes blogging wonderful. Thank you!

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  36. Congratulations!!! Paying off debt gives a person a warm fuzzy feeling. I know I did a happy dance in the backyard when we paid off the house.

    God bless.

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    1. Hi Jackie! Thank you so much. It really is a warm fuzzy feeling. Happy dances in the back yard for paying off debt. Sounds WONDERFUL!

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  37. It feels good to pay off a credit card or pay down the debt.

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    1. Hi Mary! Oh my gosh. Yes. Thank you and Happy Raturday!

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  38. Congratulations on your accomplishment!!

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    1. Thank you so much. How goes things on your end? Long time no talk.

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  39. Hi Laurie! Thank you for stopping in and welcome to my page. Happy to have you. Also, I just went over to your page and I LOVED your recreation painting. Super well done and I love the outlook of one mom, no dad, one dad no mom, two dads or two moms. It matters not. Excellent, excellent.

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  40. I'm giving this recipe straight to my daughter Aimee, she is the baker in the family, my baking is abysmal 😉 I loooove cooking but baking.. it just doesn't happen for me. So I will enjoy them via Aimee 💛 I spent most of the day in my garden HW, was backbreaking but so good 😉

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    1. Thank you. Sounds like you had a good day though sorry about the back breaking. That's not as fun. Hope you were able to rest after. We mowed and weed whacked yesterday and this morning it was nice to see the yard. More to do but later. Thank you for stopping in. Happy Baking to Aimee and Happy Cooking to you. PS: Why does baking not work for you?

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  41. Well done, you. And those brownies look delicious. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Much, much thanks. Happy Sunday in London. Hope all is well on your side of the world.

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  42. Hi Ivy :)) I'm so happy and proud of you for reducing your debt! Good job! Those brownies look yummy! I hope you enjoy your day out in the dirt. We all need that once in a while. I'm just waiting on the rainy days to turn sunny and I'm back out there!! :)

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    1. Hi Rain! I never made it out there on Friday but I did enjoy a nice chilled out cleaning day inside and then yesterday we were able to mow and weed whack. More to do but I'll save that for another time. Thanks! We are getting closer and closer to a debt free life. It feels AMAZING.

      Here's to the rain passing and you getting back out there. How cool is it that YOU OWN YOUR LAND?! OMG so so so so sooooooo cool.

      Thanks for stopping by today and boogie boogie.

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  43. I'm so happy for you; chipping away at it little by little. IT does take a lot of thought and you guys are killing it.
    The brownies LOOK AMAZING!!
    I hope your Friday in the garden was joyous.

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    1. I never even made it outside on Friday but I did have a super chill cleaning day followed by a lazy kitchen weekend. Back in action today. How went your weekend. Thanks on the brownies. They are fun to make and eat. Yum.

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  44. I'm thrilled for you, it's a goal I'm trying to achieve too! Slow goes it, but still, we're making progress! Oh, brownies...if only I could!!!!

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    1. Woohoo! Here's to us both getting the heck OUTTA DEBT!

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  45. Congratulations on chipping away at debt. I feel ya sister! Common goal between you and the hubby [single ;-) ] is the best plan. Thanks for sharing recipe for brownies. Anything peanut butter is heaven/kryptonite to me. Been a baking fool during this crazy time. Shamed to say I haven't been active at all, not ever reading blogs so this was my first time hearing your voice. I had to chuckle at your growly voice. I am a bigger fan now!

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    1. Wonderful to see you back and Happy Birthday. I saw your blog post. Very cool to see you back and here's to lots more fun posts. We love peanut butter too. So yummy. Very cool that you've been a baking fool. What are you loving baking the most? Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to watch my foodie videos. Happy Baking!

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