Is there a spa in Radiator Springs?

Today was a long day and for no good reason. Bub had school this morning, we had a fun outing with friends for lunch, Bub had a good-as-gold playmate over this afternoon, but still . . . Little Bit bricked his afternoon nap and the day was just long and was one of those days when I never managed to pick up enough stuff to have a sense of order and calm for even a minute.

Enough whining though. Watch me focus on the positive:

1. Decluttering, though a huge project, is going pretty well. Though I mostly neglect my other blog, Just Use It Or Lose It, I have posted a few times in 2010 if you are interested.

2. Cooking more real meals at home and spending less money at the grocery store are both going quite well, NTB. I have designated Monday as "grocery day" and have risen to the challenge of trying to spend less each week than I did the week before by planning ahead. I am 2 for 2 on successful recipes this week (though we had leftovers and Lean Pockets tonight--today was so long I didn't have any time to cook). I tried Chicken Tamale Casserole (thanks to E. . . for bringing the recipe to my attention) and Turkey Mini Meat Loaves (thanks LAP for inspiring me to track down a muffin tin meat load recipe) from Cooking Light. Hubby and I enjoyed both recipes, and they were very easy! My only recommendation is that if you make the tamale casserole, mix the enchilada sauce in with the chicken instead of puncturing the cornbread crust and pouring it inside. I want to note that both recipes come from myrecipes.com, my very favorite online source for recipes. The website is a database with all the recipes published in magazines like Cooking Light, Southern Living, and Real Simple.

3. I am starting to prepare content for the cool tabs you see above. In case you've been wondering "Who's MEP?" and what's "Worth The Trip," rest assured you will soon know. If any NTB readers have any favorite NTB posts, please mention them in the comments as that data will help me finalize my content above.

4. I have been asked by a super cool blogger and friend to participate in a new blog venture. I'm really excited about it. Stay tuned for details . . .

5. Even though today was not my day and not Bub's either for that matter, he did find some stroke of artistic inspiration. Sure, he moved a chair and reached up on a high shelf and got out his paints without my permission to do so, but I have to show off the results. NTB, but I think he captured Lightning McQueen just beautifully. I really do.

How was your day?