This last Saturday was my mother-in-law's birthday and we wanted to do something special for her. We were thinking it would be cheaper to just do dinner at home, but in the end (thanks to small town prices), all we saved was the gas money and some stress on my part with keeping two toddlers and a baby happy in a restaurant for an hour.
The menu for grandma's birthday party:
Steaks
Baked Potatoes
Broccoli
Birthday Cake
Dinner Rolls
The shopping trip.
I did this in town since hubby decided last minute to stay home.
Cream cheese 8 oz 2.19
Broccoli cuts (frozen) 1.69
Powdered Sugar (2) 1.69 each 3.38
Ball Tip Steak (not the best, but it's what they had) 3 steaks for 19.83
Top Sirloin Steak (for daddy and grandma-I had to mix and match what I bought) two steaks for 22.44
Baker Potatoes .59/lb at 2.32 lbs 1.37
We were also running low on a few things, so had to buy some stock up items..
Coconut 1.65
Pretzel snacks 1.19
candy (I'm a sucker lol) .24
Deli meat 4.00
Hot Dogs 2.00
Total of this trip was 63.56
Two days later I realized I forgot the rolls...so back we go
Grands Biscuits 1.99
Cinnamon Rolls 2.45
Rootbeer .99
Nut roll (told ya, I'm a sucker) 1.00
because of store policy I had to get enough to be over $5 to run a debit card....
Total 6.82
So I spent $70.82
But we were ready to have a good little party with yummy food.
Triple Clicks
Monday, August 18, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Homemade Taquitos
Years ago Taco Johns came out with an awesome (what I'm assuming) Tex-Mex food. Taquitos. Oh my goodness those things were yummy. :D
I fed them to my youngest when she was little, the perfect taco food for a toddler once they cool off.
So since i bought corn tortillas for the littles when we have taco night, i decided to use some leftover taco meat and some refried beans and make my own.
I looked and looked for a recipe, and every recipe I found had shredded steak meat. I can't afford steak, let alone steak to just shred and use in other meals. So I used other ingredients.
I got about 3 cups of coconut oil going in a small pan for frying, mixed a can of refried beans and about a cup of leftover taco meat. In hindsight, I should have heated them, but I didn't.
Once the coconut oil started bubbling, I started warming up corn tortillas on another burner. I have a gas stove, so I just put them straight on the burner until they got bubbly. Getting them warm helps them not to break. I scooped a little of my filling into the tortilla, rolled and held it together with a toothpick.
You want to do this in batches of two, they keep each other together. the instructions I found said this, but I didn't listen-I should have. Put the ends so they face each other and run a couple toothpicks through. (Sorry, I completely forgot to take pictures until the end.)
You fry until the shells are hard. Put on a paper towel to drain the oil and done. It only took about 20 minutes to fry up about 2 dozen. If I wasn't avoiding cheese, I would have melted some cheese to dip. Salsa or guacamole would work great, too.
The kids didn't much like them, but they are pretty good, and easy to eat with a grumpy baby (which I have right now).
I fed them to my youngest when she was little, the perfect taco food for a toddler once they cool off.
So since i bought corn tortillas for the littles when we have taco night, i decided to use some leftover taco meat and some refried beans and make my own.
I looked and looked for a recipe, and every recipe I found had shredded steak meat. I can't afford steak, let alone steak to just shred and use in other meals. So I used other ingredients.
I got about 3 cups of coconut oil going in a small pan for frying, mixed a can of refried beans and about a cup of leftover taco meat. In hindsight, I should have heated them, but I didn't.
Once the coconut oil started bubbling, I started warming up corn tortillas on another burner. I have a gas stove, so I just put them straight on the burner until they got bubbly. Getting them warm helps them not to break. I scooped a little of my filling into the tortilla, rolled and held it together with a toothpick.
You want to do this in batches of two, they keep each other together. the instructions I found said this, but I didn't listen-I should have. Put the ends so they face each other and run a couple toothpicks through. (Sorry, I completely forgot to take pictures until the end.)
You fry until the shells are hard. Put on a paper towel to drain the oil and done. It only took about 20 minutes to fry up about 2 dozen. If I wasn't avoiding cheese, I would have melted some cheese to dip. Salsa or guacamole would work great, too.
The kids didn't much like them, but they are pretty good, and easy to eat with a grumpy baby (which I have right now).
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Shopping Trip July 31
Well....apparently I need to reset the algorithms on my spreadsheet because they aren't working right. :/
We went to Sam's and HyVee this time. The kids were actually good, so that was a nice treat for mommy.
Sam's Club
Dog Food 50lb 17.98
Beef Patties 19.88
Quaker Oats 7.98
French Fries 6.98
Flour Tortillas 2 at 2.67 each 5.34
Vinegar 2 at 3.68 each 7.36
Puppy Pads 15.38
Velveeta 12.20
Flour 4.69
Deli Meat Ham 6.98
Deli Meat Turkey 6.98
Deli Meat Roast Beef 9.98
Canola Oil 8.48
Bacon (4 lbs precooked) 11.74
Chicken Breast 11.74 and 12.20
Granola Bars 7.93
Corn Tortillas 3.57
Spinach Ravioli 9.98
Hamburger Buns 2.38
Combos 7.68
Whole dill Pickles 2 at 4.62 each 9.62
Alfredo Sauce three pack 5.38
Chips 50 pack 11.98
Total of 235.51
HyVee
Sour Cream 8 oz 1.38
Sour Cream 2 pounds 3.59
Lunch Pail Cookies 3.99 (+ .10 gas rewards)
Cottage Cheese 16 oz 1.49
Sweet Cream Butter Quarters 4 at 2 for $6 12.00 (+.04 gas rewards)
Yogurt 40 at .29 each 11.60
Fettucine Pasta 2.39
Toilet Paper 6 pack 3.29
Cinnamon Spice Tea 2 at 1.99 each 3.98
Spicy Brown Mustard 1.49
Refried Beans 3 at .99 each 2.97
Nutty Bars 2 at 2 for 7.00 7.00
Orowheat Pocket Things 7 at 2.99 20.93
Q-Tips 2.48
Hot Dogs 2 at 1.19 2.38
Egg Roll Wraps 3.29
Total of 89.31
Grand Total of $324.82
I told you my algorithms needed reworked. My spreadsheet told me I would come in $6 under. Well. We have enough food to last a month and probably then some.
And we'll save $0.14 off per gallon of gas next time we get gas. That's always a plus. On the other hand, I realized why I shouldn't talk and count at the same time-I got more yogurt than I intended. :/ Oops.
We went to Sam's and HyVee this time. The kids were actually good, so that was a nice treat for mommy.
Sam's Club
Dog Food 50lb 17.98
Beef Patties 19.88
Quaker Oats 7.98
French Fries 6.98
Flour Tortillas 2 at 2.67 each 5.34
Vinegar 2 at 3.68 each 7.36
Puppy Pads 15.38
Velveeta 12.20
Flour 4.69
Deli Meat Ham 6.98
Deli Meat Turkey 6.98
Deli Meat Roast Beef 9.98
Canola Oil 8.48
Bacon (4 lbs precooked) 11.74
Chicken Breast 11.74 and 12.20
Granola Bars 7.93
Corn Tortillas 3.57
Spinach Ravioli 9.98
Hamburger Buns 2.38
Combos 7.68
Whole dill Pickles 2 at 4.62 each 9.62
Alfredo Sauce three pack 5.38
Chips 50 pack 11.98
Total of 235.51
HyVee
Sour Cream 8 oz 1.38
Sour Cream 2 pounds 3.59
Lunch Pail Cookies 3.99 (+ .10 gas rewards)
Cottage Cheese 16 oz 1.49
Sweet Cream Butter Quarters 4 at 2 for $6 12.00 (+.04 gas rewards)
Yogurt 40 at .29 each 11.60
Fettucine Pasta 2.39
Toilet Paper 6 pack 3.29
Cinnamon Spice Tea 2 at 1.99 each 3.98
Spicy Brown Mustard 1.49
Refried Beans 3 at .99 each 2.97
Nutty Bars 2 at 2 for 7.00 7.00
Orowheat Pocket Things 7 at 2.99 20.93
Q-Tips 2.48
Hot Dogs 2 at 1.19 2.38
Egg Roll Wraps 3.29
Total of 89.31
Grand Total of $324.82
I told you my algorithms needed reworked. My spreadsheet told me I would come in $6 under. Well. We have enough food to last a month and probably then some.
And we'll save $0.14 off per gallon of gas next time we get gas. That's always a plus. On the other hand, I realized why I shouldn't talk and count at the same time-I got more yogurt than I intended. :/ Oops.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Ads are out! Shopping Trip for Jul 31
After last month and the terror of my four year old, I'm getting a little intimidated about taking him shopping again. So yes, I'm completely dreading tomorrow an the inevitable three hours of shopping. On the plus note for my sanity (though not my budget), the sales aren't great unless you are buying school supplies.
I'm just shopping at HyVee, Sam's and Dollar Tree this month. Here are the ads for the rest. Happy Ad Shopping!
Sunshine Food Stores
Fareway Food Stores
Hy-Vee
We have also been changing how we are eating. Trying to take out, if not eliminate, the majority of the tomato sauce/cheese combos. Husband has not been feeling well, having some stomach issues we, nor the doctor, are just not sure of what's going on.
My meal plan this month includes a chicken taco bake, lasagna, burritos, sesame seed chicken, tacos, ravioli with alfredo sauce, chicken alfredo, egg rolls, and meat loaf.
I'm using something new to help get my months and meals planned out. I was in the process of looking for refill pages for my planner I used many years ago and found free calendar pages from an awesome blogger on Pinterest. I printed these off and put them in my household folder. These are just for 2014, so only four months more, but you can find them here at I Heart Nap time blog.
I'm just shopping at HyVee, Sam's and Dollar Tree this month. Here are the ads for the rest. Happy Ad Shopping!
Sunshine Food Stores
Fareway Food Stores
Hy-Vee
We have also been changing how we are eating. Trying to take out, if not eliminate, the majority of the tomato sauce/cheese combos. Husband has not been feeling well, having some stomach issues we, nor the doctor, are just not sure of what's going on.
My meal plan this month includes a chicken taco bake, lasagna, burritos, sesame seed chicken, tacos, ravioli with alfredo sauce, chicken alfredo, egg rolls, and meat loaf.
I'm using something new to help get my months and meals planned out. I was in the process of looking for refill pages for my planner I used many years ago and found free calendar pages from an awesome blogger on Pinterest. I printed these off and put them in my household folder. These are just for 2014, so only four months more, but you can find them here at I Heart Nap time blog.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Preschool Planning
I decided we are taking the jump this year.
Andrew is trying to write letters on his own, he can recognize most letters and numbers and other milestones. I am gathering plans and getting ideas together to get things printed off and ready for preschool.
I plan on doing two to three days of school a week. If we don't get that many, we don't. If we get more, we do. He's only four, so we are still early and don't have to buckle down.
We will do a letter a week or every two weeks, that part we will play by ear. I have collections of free printables for letters, letter books and bible stories and coloring pages to go along with. You can find most of those on my Pinterest boards. I'm working on getting all the preschool pins consolidated into one board, but haven't gotten there yet except with new pins.
I plan on doing blog posts for the different because a lot of my resources I have gotten from many wonderful bloggers who are kind enough to share their worksheets and I want to give them credit as I share, this will be done much easier if I do a week by week blog of what we are working on. I also have a preschool activity workbook that you can pick up at pretty much any major retail for around $15. I'm honestly not sure where mine came from, but it's here and unused.
We will do a Bible story with each letter, a coloring page to hold Andrew and Eva's attention while I read the story. Letter work will include learning letters, names and fun activities. Numbers will include the same along with shapes and colors. I will also print off worksheets to help him learn how to write his name, phone number, address-the repetition will also help him learn it.
My greatest resource for art supplies will be Dollar Tree. They have a great variety of everything-including containers to keep it all in, so when I get my supply list together and I have checked my craft cupboard to see what I already have, it's off the Dollar Tree we go.
Andrew is trying to write letters on his own, he can recognize most letters and numbers and other milestones. I am gathering plans and getting ideas together to get things printed off and ready for preschool.
I plan on doing two to three days of school a week. If we don't get that many, we don't. If we get more, we do. He's only four, so we are still early and don't have to buckle down.
We will do a letter a week or every two weeks, that part we will play by ear. I have collections of free printables for letters, letter books and bible stories and coloring pages to go along with. You can find most of those on my Pinterest boards. I'm working on getting all the preschool pins consolidated into one board, but haven't gotten there yet except with new pins.
I plan on doing blog posts for the different because a lot of my resources I have gotten from many wonderful bloggers who are kind enough to share their worksheets and I want to give them credit as I share, this will be done much easier if I do a week by week blog of what we are working on. I also have a preschool activity workbook that you can pick up at pretty much any major retail for around $15. I'm honestly not sure where mine came from, but it's here and unused.
We will do a Bible story with each letter, a coloring page to hold Andrew and Eva's attention while I read the story. Letter work will include learning letters, names and fun activities. Numbers will include the same along with shapes and colors. I will also print off worksheets to help him learn how to write his name, phone number, address-the repetition will also help him learn it.
My greatest resource for art supplies will be Dollar Tree. They have a great variety of everything-including containers to keep it all in, so when I get my supply list together and I have checked my craft cupboard to see what I already have, it's off the Dollar Tree we go.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Shopping Trip July 17
So I started making my shopping list..and hubby kept adding to it... So it's his fault! LOL
In all fairness, we did get some good sales, so yes, I went over.. And at the two week mark I'm going back to shopping for a month.
Fareway Food Stores
Red Grapes 2.24 lb at .99 a lb 2.22
Green Grapes 1.51 lb at .99 a lb 1.49
Hormel Little Sizzler Sausages 4 for $5 5.00
Oscar Meyer Bacon two at 5.79 each 11.58
Nutty Bar 3.89
Yogurt .50 each 14 7.00
Sweet Cream Butter 2 at 3.99 each 7.98
Spaghetti Sauce 1.49
White Grape Juice 3 at 3.29 each 9.87
Apple Cider Vinegar .99
Parmesan Cheese 2.99
Ground Beef at 1.99 a lb One tube of about 10 lb was 19.97, one tube was 20.04
Pepperoni 3.29
refried beans 2 at 1.69 each 3.38
Total of 107.25
Bakery Outlet
6 loaves of bread .75 each
3 packages of hamburger buns 1.15 each
Total of 7.95
Dollar Tree
Paper Towels 3.00
hot Tamales 1.00
Chocolate Covered Raisins 1.00
Whoppers 1.00
Spaghetti Noodles 1.00
Coffe Filters 1.00
Tortillas 2.00
Animal Crackers 2.00
Total 12.72
Total for the Day was 127.92
Total for the month was 375.88
And that is why we decided to go back to once a month-although, in my defense, hubby added yogurt and we got some meat sales.
Happy shopping!
In all fairness, we did get some good sales, so yes, I went over.. And at the two week mark I'm going back to shopping for a month.
Fareway Food Stores
Red Grapes 2.24 lb at .99 a lb 2.22
Green Grapes 1.51 lb at .99 a lb 1.49
Hormel Little Sizzler Sausages 4 for $5 5.00
Oscar Meyer Bacon two at 5.79 each 11.58
Nutty Bar 3.89
Yogurt .50 each 14 7.00
Sweet Cream Butter 2 at 3.99 each 7.98
Spaghetti Sauce 1.49
White Grape Juice 3 at 3.29 each 9.87
Apple Cider Vinegar .99
Parmesan Cheese 2.99
Ground Beef at 1.99 a lb One tube of about 10 lb was 19.97, one tube was 20.04
Pepperoni 3.29
refried beans 2 at 1.69 each 3.38
Total of 107.25
Bakery Outlet
6 loaves of bread .75 each
3 packages of hamburger buns 1.15 each
Total of 7.95
Dollar Tree
Paper Towels 3.00
hot Tamales 1.00
Chocolate Covered Raisins 1.00
Whoppers 1.00
Spaghetti Noodles 1.00
Coffe Filters 1.00
Tortillas 2.00
Animal Crackers 2.00
Total 12.72
Total for the Day was 127.92
Total for the month was 375.88
And that is why we decided to go back to once a month-although, in my defense, hubby added yogurt and we got some meat sales.
Happy shopping!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Ads are out! Shopping Trip July 17
Ads are out and I'm loving these sales!
Normally I would just stay in town and save the gas, but since I went shopping on a holiday I couldn't go to the bakery outlet. So we are in need of bread.
I have three stores on the list this week-the bakery outlet, Fareway Foods and Dollar Tree.
Fareway had some awesome sales on ground beef-$1.99 a pound with the coupon in the ad-so make sure you grab that ad on your way in the door!
Here's the ad links. Have Fun!
HyVee
Fareway Foods
Sunshine Foods
Normally I would just stay in town and save the gas, but since I went shopping on a holiday I couldn't go to the bakery outlet. So we are in need of bread.
I have three stores on the list this week-the bakery outlet, Fareway Foods and Dollar Tree.
Fareway had some awesome sales on ground beef-$1.99 a pound with the coupon in the ad-so make sure you grab that ad on your way in the door!
Here's the ad links. Have Fun!
HyVee
Fareway Foods
Sunshine Foods
Monday, July 14, 2014
Shopping Trip July 4
I know I'm way late with this post. You were probably wondering where it went.
I didn't get to it last week because I was out of town, and my parent's don't have unlimited internet so I didn't take my computer to be able to write a blog post or two while I was down there.. So, here it is, a few weeks late lol.
As expected, there were many stores closed on July 4th. A good thing about this is that you know what stores actually care about their families and employees of such, makes me want to shop at Fareway and the bakery outlet all the more.
Also a side note to my readers who use coupons. Please-for your sanity and the store's, read the coupon policy and adhere to it. Don't ask the clerk checking you out to violate this policy 'just once', don't make a big deal out of it. Just follow their policy. That clerk violating that policy 'just once', could make them loose their job.... We were unfortunate witnesses to a disgruntled blogger who was also ad shopping with coupons-she threatened the clerk that she would leave a bad review, all because SHE wouldn't follow the store's coupon policy and wanted the store to waive the policy just for her. Those extreme couponing shows have made stores set many limits-that is one of them. So if you use coupons, make sure you know the policy and follow it. That's all, it's not that hard.
I was able to go to Sunshine Foods, Sam's Club and Hy-Vee.
Sunshine Food Stores
Cottonelle 12 pack 5.98
Mozzarella Chunk 2 at 1.67 each 3.34
Cheddar Chunk 2 at 1.67 each 3.34
Old Orchard White Grape Juice 2 at 3.99 each 7.98
Marshmallows 1.50
Bar S Franks 4 at .88 each 3.52
Marinara Sauce 1.99
Baking Soda 16 oz 3 at .89 2.67
Nutty Bars 3.99
Baking Cocoa 3.59
Big Buy Bacon 4 lbs at 2.99 a pound 11.96
Rice 9.46
Ground Beef at 2.39 a pound. I got two family packs which were around 4 pounds each. Total of 18.72
Lettuce Head 1.99
Total of $84.85
Hy-Vee
Sweet Cream Butter 2 at 1.98 each 3.96
Hungry Man Meals (hubby needed something to eat while I was gone) 6 at 3.28 each 19.68
Whipped Cream 2 at .88 each 1.76
Tortilla Shells 2 at 1.98 each 3.96
Hamburger Buns 3 at 1.28 each 3.84
White Bread 4 at 1.28 each 5.12
Popcorn kernels 3.58
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 16 oz 4.98 (plus a .01 off per gallon of gas)
Total of 49.69
Sam's Club
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 10.23
Sun Chips 11.66 with a 3.50 off coupon 8.16
Angus Hamburger Patties 16.98
Chicken Patties 10.98
Shaved Ham 5.98
French Fries 6.98
Vinegar 4 gallons at 3.58 for 2 gallons 7.16
Sugar 3.98
Chili Powder 5.28
Eggs 3.59
Flour 4.69
Hamburger Buns 2.99 with a 1.00 off coupon 1.99
Pop Tarts 6.15
Mayonnaise 2 pack 5.78
Granola Bars 7.93
Total of 112.48
Grand Total of $247.02
That leaves me $52.98 to spend at the two week mark.. Since I couldn't go to the bakery outlet I do plan on spending the gas and going this week, I just have to finish my meal plan and go from there.
I didn't get to it last week because I was out of town, and my parent's don't have unlimited internet so I didn't take my computer to be able to write a blog post or two while I was down there.. So, here it is, a few weeks late lol.
As expected, there were many stores closed on July 4th. A good thing about this is that you know what stores actually care about their families and employees of such, makes me want to shop at Fareway and the bakery outlet all the more.
Also a side note to my readers who use coupons. Please-for your sanity and the store's, read the coupon policy and adhere to it. Don't ask the clerk checking you out to violate this policy 'just once', don't make a big deal out of it. Just follow their policy. That clerk violating that policy 'just once', could make them loose their job.... We were unfortunate witnesses to a disgruntled blogger who was also ad shopping with coupons-she threatened the clerk that she would leave a bad review, all because SHE wouldn't follow the store's coupon policy and wanted the store to waive the policy just for her. Those extreme couponing shows have made stores set many limits-that is one of them. So if you use coupons, make sure you know the policy and follow it. That's all, it's not that hard.
I was able to go to Sunshine Foods, Sam's Club and Hy-Vee.
Sunshine Food Stores
Cottonelle 12 pack 5.98
Mozzarella Chunk 2 at 1.67 each 3.34
Cheddar Chunk 2 at 1.67 each 3.34
Old Orchard White Grape Juice 2 at 3.99 each 7.98
Marshmallows 1.50
Bar S Franks 4 at .88 each 3.52
Marinara Sauce 1.99
Baking Soda 16 oz 3 at .89 2.67
Nutty Bars 3.99
Baking Cocoa 3.59
Big Buy Bacon 4 lbs at 2.99 a pound 11.96
Rice 9.46
Ground Beef at 2.39 a pound. I got two family packs which were around 4 pounds each. Total of 18.72
Lettuce Head 1.99
Total of $84.85
Hy-Vee
Sweet Cream Butter 2 at 1.98 each 3.96
Hungry Man Meals (hubby needed something to eat while I was gone) 6 at 3.28 each 19.68
Whipped Cream 2 at .88 each 1.76
Tortilla Shells 2 at 1.98 each 3.96
Hamburger Buns 3 at 1.28 each 3.84
White Bread 4 at 1.28 each 5.12
Popcorn kernels 3.58
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 16 oz 4.98 (plus a .01 off per gallon of gas)
Total of 49.69
Sam's Club
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 10.23
Sun Chips 11.66 with a 3.50 off coupon 8.16
Angus Hamburger Patties 16.98
Chicken Patties 10.98
Shaved Ham 5.98
French Fries 6.98
Vinegar 4 gallons at 3.58 for 2 gallons 7.16
Sugar 3.98
Chili Powder 5.28
Eggs 3.59
Flour 4.69
Hamburger Buns 2.99 with a 1.00 off coupon 1.99
Pop Tarts 6.15
Mayonnaise 2 pack 5.78
Granola Bars 7.93
Total of 112.48
Grand Total of $247.02
That leaves me $52.98 to spend at the two week mark.. Since I couldn't go to the bakery outlet I do plan on spending the gas and going this week, I just have to finish my meal plan and go from there.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Ads are Out! Shopping Trip For July 4th
Yes, you read that right, I'm shopping on the 4th of July. Am I crazy? Yes. But, in all fairness, it's mostly my husband's fault. LOL He's getting extra hours in at work Friday so we are shopping while he is working.
I was really hoping for some good deals seeing as it's a holiday, but I guess good deals are out the window anymore. HyVee has a great deal on ground beef at $2.99 for a pound chub-hopefull they won't put a limit on it before I get there. Sunshine beats that deal at $2.49 a pound. Fareway and Sunshine are having two day sales on the 2nd and 3rd, but not the fourth.
My biggest hurdle this week is seeing if Eva will get over the pox by shopping day. She still has a few blister that haven't popped.
Here's the links for the ads. Enjoy!
HyVee
Fareway
Sunshine Foods
I was really hoping for some good deals seeing as it's a holiday, but I guess good deals are out the window anymore. HyVee has a great deal on ground beef at $2.99 for a pound chub-hopefull they won't put a limit on it before I get there. Sunshine beats that deal at $2.49 a pound. Fareway and Sunshine are having two day sales on the 2nd and 3rd, but not the fourth.
My biggest hurdle this week is seeing if Eva will get over the pox by shopping day. She still has a few blister that haven't popped.
Here's the links for the ads. Enjoy!
HyVee
Fareway
Sunshine Foods
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Chicken Pox!
Well We've got them. Good ol' chicken pox. It's just my two year and baby, but my boy is gettin fever sweats, so we are waiting to see if he is going to get them or not.
I had planned on going to get calamine lotion to help with the itch for the girls, but Eva discovered that coconut oil works just great-plus we already had it in the house, so we are happy that it works for more than one reason.
Eva has probably gone through a cup of coconut oil in the last day betwee putting it on the blisters and eating it, she's my little coconut addict.
So we found another use for coconut oil. At any rate, I'm glad she's getting some relief from the itchies..
After some family fireworks, my sister found this site.. At a risk of starting a debate.. I'm posting the statistics on contagious period..
CDC Chicken Pox Information
I find it very interesting that the vaccine that they say is supposed to protect us from this, makes those who get it contagious for longer than the actual disease.
At any rate, if you are faced with the chicken pox, get some coconut oil and let them go to town.
And from the words of my two year old 'Mommy, I have chicky dots on my butt'. :D
I had planned on going to get calamine lotion to help with the itch for the girls, but Eva discovered that coconut oil works just great-plus we already had it in the house, so we are happy that it works for more than one reason.
Eva has probably gone through a cup of coconut oil in the last day betwee putting it on the blisters and eating it, she's my little coconut addict.
So we found another use for coconut oil. At any rate, I'm glad she's getting some relief from the itchies..
After some family fireworks, my sister found this site.. At a risk of starting a debate.. I'm posting the statistics on contagious period..
CDC Chicken Pox Information
I find it very interesting that the vaccine that they say is supposed to protect us from this, makes those who get it contagious for longer than the actual disease.
At any rate, if you are faced with the chicken pox, get some coconut oil and let them go to town.
And from the words of my two year old 'Mommy, I have chicky dots on my butt'. :D
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Cherries Cherries Cherries!!!
I think I have mentioned before that we order from a Fruit of the Month Club.
Well, technically my mother-in-law is the member, so we give her the money and then sometimes take her to get the fruit.
This month the fruit was cherries. We got 12 1/2 pounds of fresh picked cherries. We picked them up Sunday after church and I was in a hurry to get them taken care of so they didn't mold on us and didn't get a picture.
I scrubbed the sink then soaked them all in a vinegar and water solution, about 1 cup vinegar to a half a sink full of water. I let them all soak for about ten minutes, then started working on them. I read somewhere that they remain juicier when they are frozen whole (that, and I had a grumpy baby so was just trying to get them done).
I froze ten pounds of destemmed cherries in one pound increments in freezer bags, labeled, of course. The rest was destemmed and stuck in a bucket lined with paper towels with paper towels in about three layers throughout the bucket to catch water drips to keep moisture out.. I need to redo this today to help keep moisture away. This method worked with the strawberries we got and I was able to keep fresh strawberries in the fridge for a week and a half. The vinegar soak kills bacteria any fruit fly eggs that might be lingering on the fruit.
The kids have been enjoying them-although Eva is very unhappy to find that her shares are limited as she has an allergy to beta carotene.
Now what I'm going to do with those cherries still remains to be seen. I know I'm saving some for cherry pies when it gets colder out.
Also on the menu is mulberries, we have at least two known mulberry trees in the yard, one we are pretty sure is a mulberry, but not positive. My husband is not sure about this, but I plan on winning him over. :)
Well, technically my mother-in-law is the member, so we give her the money and then sometimes take her to get the fruit.
This month the fruit was cherries. We got 12 1/2 pounds of fresh picked cherries. We picked them up Sunday after church and I was in a hurry to get them taken care of so they didn't mold on us and didn't get a picture.
I scrubbed the sink then soaked them all in a vinegar and water solution, about 1 cup vinegar to a half a sink full of water. I let them all soak for about ten minutes, then started working on them. I read somewhere that they remain juicier when they are frozen whole (that, and I had a grumpy baby so was just trying to get them done).
I froze ten pounds of destemmed cherries in one pound increments in freezer bags, labeled, of course. The rest was destemmed and stuck in a bucket lined with paper towels with paper towels in about three layers throughout the bucket to catch water drips to keep moisture out.. I need to redo this today to help keep moisture away. This method worked with the strawberries we got and I was able to keep fresh strawberries in the fridge for a week and a half. The vinegar soak kills bacteria any fruit fly eggs that might be lingering on the fruit.
The kids have been enjoying them-although Eva is very unhappy to find that her shares are limited as she has an allergy to beta carotene.
Now what I'm going to do with those cherries still remains to be seen. I know I'm saving some for cherry pies when it gets colder out.
Also on the menu is mulberries, we have at least two known mulberry trees in the yard, one we are pretty sure is a mulberry, but not positive. My husband is not sure about this, but I plan on winning him over. :)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Natural Remedies
We have been learning a lot about natural remedies around our house.. and are still learning.
Magnesium helps chocolate cravings, depression and tooth decay among many other things.
Tooth decay is something we are dealing with around here. Eva has bad teeth and I can't find a dentist who will look at her without putting her under... So I'm on a last attempt to try and heal her teeth without intervention (like pulling).
So after some research and recommendations from knowledgeable people on a Facebook page, I bought some cod liver oil. For the first few days, Eva and Andrew asked for it. They love their vitamins.. Now they run and hide. :/ Plan fail. I got it from Vitacost, can't say as it smells very good so I can't blame them any.
Another plan I have is Earthpaste. Earthpaste is an all natural toothpaste-also sold on Vitacost. It basically consists of bentonite clay, salt and essential oils. We chose lemon, it's pretty good. If the kids swallow it, it won't wort them. The clay would latch on to any toxins and take them out of the body with it. The kids were a little leary of it as it's brown-but they like it.
And the final plan which has been in action for awhile is to put magnesium in her baths.. Epsom salt is full of magnesium, so I have been putting some of that in the baths with her. Certainly can't hurt.
So now we wait and see what will happen.
Magnesium helps chocolate cravings, depression and tooth decay among many other things.
Tooth decay is something we are dealing with around here. Eva has bad teeth and I can't find a dentist who will look at her without putting her under... So I'm on a last attempt to try and heal her teeth without intervention (like pulling).
So after some research and recommendations from knowledgeable people on a Facebook page, I bought some cod liver oil. For the first few days, Eva and Andrew asked for it. They love their vitamins.. Now they run and hide. :/ Plan fail. I got it from Vitacost, can't say as it smells very good so I can't blame them any.
Another plan I have is Earthpaste. Earthpaste is an all natural toothpaste-also sold on Vitacost. It basically consists of bentonite clay, salt and essential oils. We chose lemon, it's pretty good. If the kids swallow it, it won't wort them. The clay would latch on to any toxins and take them out of the body with it. The kids were a little leary of it as it's brown-but they like it.
And the final plan which has been in action for awhile is to put magnesium in her baths.. Epsom salt is full of magnesium, so I have been putting some of that in the baths with her. Certainly can't hurt.
So now we wait and see what will happen.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Slow Cooker Sesame Seed Chicken
We love Chinese food about as much as we love pizza. We always say it's a good we don't live in the city because we would be tempted to have food delivered more than we should. But there's barely any good places to eat here, none that deliver. So last summer I started looking for recipes that are typical take out food that I could make at home.
The first time I tried this, I also tried fried rice. I was told to keep the chicken recipe but never try fried rice again. :) We just eat regular rice with it.
This was a recipe that I found on Pinterest, but I'm not sure who wrote the recipe, so thanks to that person because it's AWESOME. I looked for my pin but can't find it.
Slow Cooker Sesame Seed Chicken
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (I have used bone in and thighs before, take the skin off first. The boneless skinless is the easiest)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 TBSP dried onion (I typically use onion powder)
4 TBSP ketchup
2 TBSP oil (recipe recommends olive or vegetable, but it's awesome with machine pressed coconut oil.. not so much with hand pressed, the coconut flavor just makes it taste funny)
1 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp corn starch dissolved in 6 tablespoons water
Sesame Seeds
The first time I tried this, I also tried fried rice. I was told to keep the chicken recipe but never try fried rice again. :) We just eat regular rice with it.
This was a recipe that I found on Pinterest, but I'm not sure who wrote the recipe, so thanks to that person because it's AWESOME. I looked for my pin but can't find it.
Slow Cooker Sesame Seed Chicken
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (I have used bone in and thighs before, take the skin off first. The boneless skinless is the easiest)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 TBSP dried onion (I typically use onion powder)
4 TBSP ketchup
2 TBSP oil (recipe recommends olive or vegetable, but it's awesome with machine pressed coconut oil.. not so much with hand pressed, the coconut flavor just makes it taste funny)
1 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp corn starch dissolved in 6 tablespoons water
Sesame Seeds
Put chicken in crock pot. This is the chicken and our honey raw honey-notice the funny looking patch at the bottom-I had to pick out a few bees, you know it's fresh when your honey has some dead bees. :D
Combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil and garlic. Pour over chicken. Cook on low 3-4 hours or high 1 1/2- 2 1/2 hours. (I was distracted by children and just started dumping instead of stirring together first-it tasted the same.
Remove chicken, leave sauce.
Dissolve corn starch and pour in crock pot. Stir to combine. Cook for 10 minutes or until thick.
Cut chicken into bite size pieces, return to crock pot.
Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds-The kids don't like theirs touching...
Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Beef Enchiladas (Or Burritos)
Hubby calls these burritos, I call them enchiladas-you pick. :)
2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 32 oz can refried beans
1 16 oz jar sour cream
1 lb cheddar cheese
1 jar picante sauce or salsa
Enchilada Sauce-I just buy the stuff in the can next to the refried beans
1 package tortillas
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While it's browning, warm up the refried beans, mix in sour cream, half the cheese, half the jar of picante sauce.
When the beef is brown, mix in the refried bean mixture.Preheat oven to 375
Grease two casserole dishes (I use coconut oil)-but trust me, you don't want to forget this step, I've done it too many times.
On a plate, place your tortilla shell, take a ladle and spoon in a spoon full of the beef mixture.
Wrap tortilla up, place in casserole end down so it stays together.
Keep on going until tortillas are gone.
Top with the enchilada sauce or salsa and cheese.
...This is a fire I decided to start. It WAS one of those little rubber things to keep my cutting board from slipping. it started a fire. This is what happens when I'm talking and cooking at the same time.
Bake for 30 minutes.
This makes about 10 enchiladas with some leftover. I put that in pyrex dish for dipping for the next day.
Looks pretty good, doesn't it? :) The extras in the pyrex dish came about because the kids weren't able to eat the tougher baked tortillas...so I started putting some fillings in a dish without the shell. Now they want the shell.
2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 32 oz can refried beans
1 16 oz jar sour cream
1 lb cheddar cheese
1 jar picante sauce or salsa
Enchilada Sauce-I just buy the stuff in the can next to the refried beans
1 package tortillas
Brown beef with the onion and drain
Grease two casserole dishes (I use coconut oil)-but trust me, you don't want to forget this step, I've done it too many times.
Keep on going until tortillas are gone.
My extras
This makes about 10 enchiladas with some leftover. I put that in pyrex dish for dipping for the next day.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Shopping June 5
Well.. It seems no matter what I do lately, I just can't make the food we need fit the budget.. On the lucky side.. I should come in under the $300 for the month despite spending $270 this time. Who woulda thunk it?
Sunshine Foods
Keebler Townhouse Crackers 1.98
Keebler Club House Crackers 1.98
Ground Beef 9.61
Ground Beef 11.58
Best Buy Bacon 4 at 2.99 each 11.96
Sliced Swiss Cheese 2.99
Mozzarella Chunk Cheese 2 at 5.09 each 10.18
Cheddar Chunk Cheese 2 at 5.09 each 10.18
Total of 64.09
Sam's Club
Sunny D 2 at 2.38 each 4.76
Mayonnaise two pack 5.78
Vinegar two gallons 3.58
Tuna 60 oz 8.98
Velveeta two pack 12.48
Jensen Angus Beef Packages 16.98
Tomato Sauce 12 pack 7.68
Breaded Cod Fillets 11.98
Vitamin C 11.96
Brown Sugar 3.90
Yeast 4.78
Flour 4.68
Egg 2 36 count at 4.49 each 8.98
Whole Dills 4.62
Hamburger Buns 2.38
Chips 50 pack single serve 9.98
Total of 130.91
Earthgrains Bakery
Bread 6 loaves at .90 each 5.40
Hamburger buns 2 at 1.19 each 2.38
Relish 1.29
Dill Pickles 1.29
Pecan Pie 5 at .99 each 4.95 (little, single serve pecan pie)
Total of 15.16
Walmart (UGH, I really don't like Walmart, but I needed freeon and didn't want to stop at an auto part store..and it was on sale)
Sunny D single serve 3 at 1.00 each 3.00
Gallon ziploc bags 1.97
Quart ziploc bags 3.78
Great Value Fries 2 at 2.00 each 4.00
Frozen Ravioli Meal 8.97
Refried Beans 1.38
Taco Salad Tortilla Bowls 4.58
Lettuce 2 at 1.48 each 2.96
Granola Bars 4.98
Breaded Chicken Patties 3.82
Butter 2 lbs 5.48
Canned slices mushrooms 1.54
Roma Tomatoes 1.21 lbs at 1.68 per pound 2.03
Soy Sauce 1.88
Tortilla shells 2 at 2.98 each 8.94
Charmin 5.47
Nursing Pads 7.97
Freeon 2 at 6.88 each 13.76
Sour Cream 1.25
Gravy Mix 2 at .54 1.08
Pullups 6.97
Total of 98.40
We also went to the local thrift store Wednesday. The kids got some books and I picked up 4 skeins of yarn for a project for $8.50.
Sunshine Foods
Keebler Townhouse Crackers 1.98
Keebler Club House Crackers 1.98
Ground Beef 9.61
Ground Beef 11.58
Best Buy Bacon 4 at 2.99 each 11.96
Sliced Swiss Cheese 2.99
Mozzarella Chunk Cheese 2 at 5.09 each 10.18
Cheddar Chunk Cheese 2 at 5.09 each 10.18
Total of 64.09
Sam's Club
Sunny D 2 at 2.38 each 4.76
Mayonnaise two pack 5.78
Vinegar two gallons 3.58
Tuna 60 oz 8.98
Velveeta two pack 12.48
Jensen Angus Beef Packages 16.98
Tomato Sauce 12 pack 7.68
Breaded Cod Fillets 11.98
Vitamin C 11.96
Brown Sugar 3.90
Yeast 4.78
Flour 4.68
Egg 2 36 count at 4.49 each 8.98
Whole Dills 4.62
Hamburger Buns 2.38
Chips 50 pack single serve 9.98
Total of 130.91
Earthgrains Bakery
Bread 6 loaves at .90 each 5.40
Hamburger buns 2 at 1.19 each 2.38
Relish 1.29
Dill Pickles 1.29
Pecan Pie 5 at .99 each 4.95 (little, single serve pecan pie)
Total of 15.16
Walmart (UGH, I really don't like Walmart, but I needed freeon and didn't want to stop at an auto part store..and it was on sale)
Sunny D single serve 3 at 1.00 each 3.00
Gallon ziploc bags 1.97
Quart ziploc bags 3.78
Great Value Fries 2 at 2.00 each 4.00
Frozen Ravioli Meal 8.97
Refried Beans 1.38
Taco Salad Tortilla Bowls 4.58
Lettuce 2 at 1.48 each 2.96
Granola Bars 4.98
Breaded Chicken Patties 3.82
Butter 2 lbs 5.48
Canned slices mushrooms 1.54
Roma Tomatoes 1.21 lbs at 1.68 per pound 2.03
Soy Sauce 1.88
Tortilla shells 2 at 2.98 each 8.94
Charmin 5.47
Nursing Pads 7.97
Freeon 2 at 6.88 each 13.76
Sour Cream 1.25
Gravy Mix 2 at .54 1.08
Pullups 6.97
Total of 98.40
We also went to the local thrift store Wednesday. The kids got some books and I picked up 4 skeins of yarn for a project for $8.50.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Menu Plan June 6-June 20
Here's my menu plan. Dennis is getting tired of Italian food, so we are trying to find other meals.
June 6-Lunch: Tuna salad sandwiches
Dinner: Taco Salad
June 7-Lunch: Hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries
Dinner: Pizza
June 8- Lunch: Ham and Cheese sandwiches with chips
Dinner: Leftovers
June 9-Lunch: Chicken patty sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: Shepard's pie
June 10-Chicken Patty sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: leftovers
June 11-Chicken Patty sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: burritos
June 12-Chicken Patty Sandwiches, pizza bites
Dinner: leftovers
June 13 (we have a trip to take today)-Lunch: chicken patty sandwiches, pizza bites
Dinner: eat out
June 14-Hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries
Dinner: tacos
June 15-Lunch: ham and cheese sandwiches with chips
Dinner: fish fillets with potatoes and veggies
June 16 (another trip out of town today)-tuna salad sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: eat out
June 17-Tuna salad sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: sesame seed chicken
June 18-tuna salad sandwiches, free lunch for the kids and I as one of the banks is having a picnic lunch at the park.
Dinner: leftovers
June 19- eat out for lunch as we are going shopping again
Dinner: pizza
June 20- tuna salad sandwiches, homemade lunchables
dinner???
June 6-Lunch: Tuna salad sandwiches
Dinner: Taco Salad
June 7-Lunch: Hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries
Dinner: Pizza
June 8- Lunch: Ham and Cheese sandwiches with chips
Dinner: Leftovers
June 9-Lunch: Chicken patty sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: Shepard's pie
June 10-Chicken Patty sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: leftovers
June 11-Chicken Patty sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: burritos
June 12-Chicken Patty Sandwiches, pizza bites
Dinner: leftovers
June 13 (we have a trip to take today)-Lunch: chicken patty sandwiches, pizza bites
Dinner: eat out
June 14-Hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries
Dinner: tacos
June 15-Lunch: ham and cheese sandwiches with chips
Dinner: fish fillets with potatoes and veggies
June 16 (another trip out of town today)-tuna salad sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: eat out
June 17-Tuna salad sandwiches, homemade lunchables
Dinner: sesame seed chicken
June 18-tuna salad sandwiches, free lunch for the kids and I as one of the banks is having a picnic lunch at the park.
Dinner: leftovers
June 19- eat out for lunch as we are going shopping again
Dinner: pizza
June 20- tuna salad sandwiches, homemade lunchables
dinner???
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Ads are out!! Shopping Trip for June 5
Why do I get so excited when ads come out versus the actual day? I DREAD shopping day...
We are doing things a little different for a few months-going to shop every two weeks.
We are also looking into getting a Costco membership-they are campaigning (for lack of a better word) at my husband's work today,so maybe they are going to offer a discount. I have to wait another month because car tags were due this month.
A family discount we seem to forget about is that offered through his job. There are a ton of local businesses that will give employees of companies discounts, all you have to do is show your employee id. Check with your employer to see if that's an option. I also remembered my parent's insurance had the same type of benefit because of the plan they were on.
I started off my ad search this morning finding a truck load sale at Sunshine Foods. YAY! I like those!
Sunshine Truck Load Sale
Sunshine 4 Day Sale
Sunshine Weekly Ad
Then on to HyVee-make sure you find the HyVee you are going to before looking at the ad as the sales vary.
HyVee Weekly Ad
We are doing things a little different for a few months-going to shop every two weeks.
We are also looking into getting a Costco membership-they are campaigning (for lack of a better word) at my husband's work today,so maybe they are going to offer a discount. I have to wait another month because car tags were due this month.
A family discount we seem to forget about is that offered through his job. There are a ton of local businesses that will give employees of companies discounts, all you have to do is show your employee id. Check with your employer to see if that's an option. I also remembered my parent's insurance had the same type of benefit because of the plan they were on.
I started off my ad search this morning finding a truck load sale at Sunshine Foods. YAY! I like those!
Sunshine Truck Load Sale
Sunshine 4 Day Sale
Sunshine Weekly Ad
Then on to HyVee-make sure you find the HyVee you are going to before looking at the ad as the sales vary.
HyVee Weekly Ad
Fareway didn't have anything I was interested in this week, but here is the link.
However, I am adding Walmart-but only because I need air conditioner freeon for the van. So I might as well check out food sales while I'm there.
Happy Ad Hunting!!!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Menu Plan
We are doing something different for a few months with grocery shopping to hopefully save some more money in at least the grocer category. We are going to try shopping every two weeks instead of once a month. This will give me $150 every two weeks.
My husband helped with the meal plan for the next two weeks and decided he didn't want as many Italian foods.. So he had to come up with other foods.
Breakfast is pretty much a constant around here.. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, cereal (we buy corn flakes and add craisins or raisins), waffles or coffee cake with OJ and coffee for me.
Lunches vary from here to there, and there's some days I will pull stuff out of the fridge for the kids and I and just make something. For Dennis we are going to do a week of tuna salad sandwich and a week of chicken patty sandwich. He gets chips, fruit, granola bar and popcorn for snack during the day. The kids and I, I am planning on pizza bites (sort of a mix between a recipe I found on Pinterest and a recipe from Modern Alternative Mama) and homemade lunchables.
Dinner is always a tricky one. None of the kids like their food to touch..but food that touches (casseroles) is what helps food stretch.. So we compromise... This month we have planned, taco salad, ravioli (frozen, but hey-it works), shepherd's pie, burritos, tacos, fish fillets with potatoes and veggies, sesame seed chicken and pizza.
My husband helped with the meal plan for the next two weeks and decided he didn't want as many Italian foods.. So he had to come up with other foods.
Breakfast is pretty much a constant around here.. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, cereal (we buy corn flakes and add craisins or raisins), waffles or coffee cake with OJ and coffee for me.
Lunches vary from here to there, and there's some days I will pull stuff out of the fridge for the kids and I and just make something. For Dennis we are going to do a week of tuna salad sandwich and a week of chicken patty sandwich. He gets chips, fruit, granola bar and popcorn for snack during the day. The kids and I, I am planning on pizza bites (sort of a mix between a recipe I found on Pinterest and a recipe from Modern Alternative Mama) and homemade lunchables.
Dinner is always a tricky one. None of the kids like their food to touch..but food that touches (casseroles) is what helps food stretch.. So we compromise... This month we have planned, taco salad, ravioli (frozen, but hey-it works), shepherd's pie, burritos, tacos, fish fillets with potatoes and veggies, sesame seed chicken and pizza.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Sewing
I started on some sewing projects yesterday.
To figure out my 'new' sewing machine, I made me a skirt from a few old pairs of pants. My sewing machine is a hand-me-down from my mother in law made around 1925, but at least it has electric. :)
So I cut up some pants and going off pictures I saw on Pinterest, I started pinning pieces together and sewing them on. If I had been able to do it all in one sitting, it would have been done in a few hours. As it sat, I couldn't do that. So I did most of it last night and finished this morning.
It has a few rough places, but doesn't look too bad and should be pretty comfortable. Anything has to better than hot jeans and I've been wanting skirts..so here's my solution.
I have material and some nicer capris I plan on making a nice skirt out of.
To figure out my 'new' sewing machine, I made me a skirt from a few old pairs of pants. My sewing machine is a hand-me-down from my mother in law made around 1925, but at least it has electric. :)
So I cut up some pants and going off pictures I saw on Pinterest, I started pinning pieces together and sewing them on. If I had been able to do it all in one sitting, it would have been done in a few hours. As it sat, I couldn't do that. So I did most of it last night and finished this morning.
I have material and some nicer capris I plan on making a nice skirt out of.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Fun Shopping Trip
The kids and I went shopping yesterday.
Not quite sure I would call it fun, but I got a few things I needed.
My husband decided we need another potty chair for downstairs, we are working on potty training our 2 1/2 year old.. I also needed some sewing supplies, a part for the lawn mower and wanted to go to Dollar Tree, just because. I did have a few other stores on my list, but Andrew started throwing fits and those stores did not get gone to.
Our lawn mower (I truly have no idea how old it is) decided it was going to have a cracked fuel line... Very nice. Filled the gas tank up, and out pours gas. Thankfully a neighbor helped pull the fuel line off the carburetor and we got the majority of the gas. (I only look like I know what I'm talking about because I called my dad!) So... I went the local parts store (Sturdevants around here) and got a new fuel line.. According to the guy at the store, I just need some muscle and it's pretty easy to fix. Since I really don't like the small engine mechanic here in town, I am doing this on my own. Thank you YouTube videos and a daddy a phone call away. And possibly the neighbor-we'll see if he sees me. That part cost $1.60.
I decided to hit Walmart so I didn't drag my toddlers through 4 different specialty stores.
Potty Chair $9.88
Elastic for sewing 2 at 1.77 total of $3.54
Three White thread spools at $2.27 each $6.81
One Beige thread spool at $2.27
Bra extender $1.77
Total of $27.04
I realized I forgot nursing pads. So I'm going without disposables for another week, I only use them when I go to the city, anyway.
Dollar Tree
Horse Toy
Animal Crackers-2 (kids say they taste like ginger, pink bag of frosted)
Rubber Ball-2
Little Girl Hair Clips-2
Dish Soap
Cookies for mommy
2 4 pack juice boxes
The kids got toys before Andrew decided he was going to be naughty. He lost his shortly after for a few hours.
Total of 11.66
We stopped at Subway and got lunch for everybody-the kids got some awesome reusable little back pack things with their meals.
I wanted to get me an ice coffee... But thanks to construction and traffic I couldn't get to where I wanted to go.
On the list for today is fixing the lawn mower, laundry, walk, dishes, lunch in crock pot at noon (Sesame seed chicken), plant tomatoes and cucumbers-I know, I'm LATE..might get some pots and plant them inside since I caught the dog digging up my potatoes. That's all I can think of for now, but I know I have a ton more to do.
Not quite sure I would call it fun, but I got a few things I needed.
My husband decided we need another potty chair for downstairs, we are working on potty training our 2 1/2 year old.. I also needed some sewing supplies, a part for the lawn mower and wanted to go to Dollar Tree, just because. I did have a few other stores on my list, but Andrew started throwing fits and those stores did not get gone to.
Our lawn mower (I truly have no idea how old it is) decided it was going to have a cracked fuel line... Very nice. Filled the gas tank up, and out pours gas. Thankfully a neighbor helped pull the fuel line off the carburetor and we got the majority of the gas. (I only look like I know what I'm talking about because I called my dad!) So... I went the local parts store (Sturdevants around here) and got a new fuel line.. According to the guy at the store, I just need some muscle and it's pretty easy to fix. Since I really don't like the small engine mechanic here in town, I am doing this on my own. Thank you YouTube videos and a daddy a phone call away. And possibly the neighbor-we'll see if he sees me. That part cost $1.60.
I decided to hit Walmart so I didn't drag my toddlers through 4 different specialty stores.
Potty Chair $9.88
Elastic for sewing 2 at 1.77 total of $3.54
Three White thread spools at $2.27 each $6.81
One Beige thread spool at $2.27
Bra extender $1.77
Total of $27.04
I realized I forgot nursing pads. So I'm going without disposables for another week, I only use them when I go to the city, anyway.
Dollar Tree
Horse Toy
Animal Crackers-2 (kids say they taste like ginger, pink bag of frosted)
Rubber Ball-2
Little Girl Hair Clips-2
Dish Soap
Cookies for mommy
2 4 pack juice boxes
The kids got toys before Andrew decided he was going to be naughty. He lost his shortly after for a few hours.
Total of 11.66
We stopped at Subway and got lunch for everybody-the kids got some awesome reusable little back pack things with their meals.
I wanted to get me an ice coffee... But thanks to construction and traffic I couldn't get to where I wanted to go.
On the list for today is fixing the lawn mower, laundry, walk, dishes, lunch in crock pot at noon (Sesame seed chicken), plant tomatoes and cucumbers-I know, I'm LATE..might get some pots and plant them inside since I caught the dog digging up my potatoes. That's all I can think of for now, but I know I have a ton more to do.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Some New Recipes
Here's some of our favorite recipes straight from my recipe box. I'll make a new section on the right hand side for these so they will be easier to find.. I'm really bad about remembering to take the camera to the kitchen when I cook to take pictures, so no pictures of these.
Lasagna-this recipe I got from my mom, so I'm not sure where it came from.
2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 tsp oregano
1 quart tomatoes
16 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Mix all together and bring to boil, then turn down to simmer while gathering the rest.
24 ounce cream cheese, ricotta cheese or instant rice
1 cup parmesan cheese (I usually use way more than that, but don't measure)
3/4 pound mozarella cheese, shredded or grated (again, usually use more)
1 package lasagna noodles (enough for two full layers)
Layer: meat, noodles, cheeses. End with meat and cheese on top. With the cheese I don't measure, we like cheesy lasagna so I just put on until it looks good.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or 200 for 3-4 hours. Let set 15 minutes before serving (or just enough time to use the broiler to make garlic bread).
Easy Taco Tamale Pie-I got this recipe when Andrew was a baby, It was probably from Kraft, but I'm not sure.
2 lb ground beef
1 bag whole kernel corn
16 oz jar picante sauce
1 bag shredded taco cheese
2 boxes corn muffin mix
Heat oven to 375. Cook beef in skillet and drain. Put the meat in a 9x13 casserole dish, mix in Picante sauce, corn and cheese. Prepare corn muffin mix and drop on top of beef mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until corn muffin topping is golden brown.
Sloppy Joes-this is another one from my mom
8 oz drained tomato sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon mustard
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tablespoon BBQ sauce
2 tsp salt
Mix and simmer for 20 minutes, serve
My husband really likes rice to eat with this instead of or along with hamburger buns.
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken in the Crock Pot-This was one that was circulating around Facebook and Dennis wanted to try it. The jury is still out on it.
2 lbs chicken tenderloin, diced
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 soy sauce
Marinate overnight.
Cook 6-8 hours. Serve with rice.
The first time I cooked this, I used completely frozen chicken, so I had to shred it when it was done cooking instead of starting with diced.. This last time I diced it and it was dry. So...we are still deciding if we like this.
Lasagna-this recipe I got from my mom, so I'm not sure where it came from.
2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 tsp oregano
1 quart tomatoes
16 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Mix all together and bring to boil, then turn down to simmer while gathering the rest.
24 ounce cream cheese, ricotta cheese or instant rice
1 cup parmesan cheese (I usually use way more than that, but don't measure)
3/4 pound mozarella cheese, shredded or grated (again, usually use more)
1 package lasagna noodles (enough for two full layers)
Layer: meat, noodles, cheeses. End with meat and cheese on top. With the cheese I don't measure, we like cheesy lasagna so I just put on until it looks good.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or 200 for 3-4 hours. Let set 15 minutes before serving (or just enough time to use the broiler to make garlic bread).
Easy Taco Tamale Pie-I got this recipe when Andrew was a baby, It was probably from Kraft, but I'm not sure.
2 lb ground beef
1 bag whole kernel corn
16 oz jar picante sauce
1 bag shredded taco cheese
2 boxes corn muffin mix
Heat oven to 375. Cook beef in skillet and drain. Put the meat in a 9x13 casserole dish, mix in Picante sauce, corn and cheese. Prepare corn muffin mix and drop on top of beef mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until corn muffin topping is golden brown.
Sloppy Joes-this is another one from my mom
8 oz drained tomato sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon mustard
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tablespoon BBQ sauce
2 tsp salt
Mix and simmer for 20 minutes, serve
My husband really likes rice to eat with this instead of or along with hamburger buns.
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken in the Crock Pot-This was one that was circulating around Facebook and Dennis wanted to try it. The jury is still out on it.
2 lbs chicken tenderloin, diced
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 soy sauce
Marinate overnight.
Cook 6-8 hours. Serve with rice.
The first time I cooked this, I used completely frozen chicken, so I had to shred it when it was done cooking instead of starting with diced.. This last time I diced it and it was dry. So...we are still deciding if we like this.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Menu for May
It's been a little crazy around here. We all had some sort of sinus stuff, baby Grace is still congested and just not feeling well. After our shopping trip I cracked my head on the freezer door putting groceries away.. That one hurt. My head is still a little tender in that spot a week later.
The menu this month is more detailed than it usually is. I'm hoping it will help me keep dinners and lunches straight. I also gained some inspiration from posts on Pinterest on how to menu plan. Next month I might even type it up on excel..we'll see. For now it's just on a notebook paper with a column for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each line is a day.
Our breakfasts barely vary-eggs, bacon, toast, grits, cereal, OJ, coffee and pancaked or french toast on the weekends.
Our lunches I have a space for Dennis' lunch-which we will switch back and forth from egg salad to tuna salad sandwiches and a space for our lunches-everything from tuna salad, to grilled cheese to pizza bites.
The dinners I planned a dinner for about every third day, spaghetti and pizza are one night dinners around here. I'll keep putting recipes under a page, so if you want a recipe, keep an eye out on the extra pages, I'll try write a post on them, but I don't always get there. :) We did have a free dinner this week, Dennis did a survey and we got to review some pizzas. :) We love a supper we get paid for eating. And the pizzas weren't bad either.
Dinner meals are spaghetti, Lasagna, Pizza and breadsticks, enchiladas (my husband calls them burritos), Sweet Hawaiian Chicken, sloppy joes, taco tamale pie, sesame seed chicken. And most of those are repeated at least twice throughout the month.
I'll do a post on Lasagna soon, but right now I a very unhappy Grace because big brother just woke her up...AGAIN.... :(
The menu this month is more detailed than it usually is. I'm hoping it will help me keep dinners and lunches straight. I also gained some inspiration from posts on Pinterest on how to menu plan. Next month I might even type it up on excel..we'll see. For now it's just on a notebook paper with a column for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each line is a day.
Our breakfasts barely vary-eggs, bacon, toast, grits, cereal, OJ, coffee and pancaked or french toast on the weekends.
Our lunches I have a space for Dennis' lunch-which we will switch back and forth from egg salad to tuna salad sandwiches and a space for our lunches-everything from tuna salad, to grilled cheese to pizza bites.
The dinners I planned a dinner for about every third day, spaghetti and pizza are one night dinners around here. I'll keep putting recipes under a page, so if you want a recipe, keep an eye out on the extra pages, I'll try write a post on them, but I don't always get there. :) We did have a free dinner this week, Dennis did a survey and we got to review some pizzas. :) We love a supper we get paid for eating. And the pizzas weren't bad either.
Dinner meals are spaghetti, Lasagna, Pizza and breadsticks, enchiladas (my husband calls them burritos), Sweet Hawaiian Chicken, sloppy joes, taco tamale pie, sesame seed chicken. And most of those are repeated at least twice throughout the month.
I'll do a post on Lasagna soon, but right now I a very unhappy Grace because big brother just woke her up...AGAIN.... :(
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Shopping Trip May 8
Well, we just did another shopping trip. I'm not sure having three young ones on a morning long shopping trip will ever get any easier.
It's certainly not getting any easier on the budget. We had to increase the budget by $50 out of necessity, which means we drive the van less-that's almost a tank of gas for the van. Pork is going up just like everything else, so since Sam's bacon is no longer the cheapest (at least for this month), I decided to get GOOD stuff since I had to pay full price. So I went to the local butcher and got the good stuff, and now I'm second guessing myself because I'm worried it won't last the month-they slice theirs thicker.
I went to three stores this time. I skipped Dollar Tree because Andrew was grumpy and my patience was thinning.
Fareway Food Stores
Fiora toilet paper 12 pack 6.49
Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce 3 at 1.38 each 4.14
Olive Oil 8.99
Clabber Girl Corn Starch 1.39
Mild Cheddar Chunk Cheese 2.89
Mild cheddar Chunk Cheese 3.21
Mozarella Chunk Cheese 3.35
Mozarella Chunk Cheese 3.11
The chunk cheese was cheaper than buying the pre shedded from Sam's as I have been doing. Looking at my receipt I can tell I had mommy brain even with a list in front me, I was supposed to get $10 worth of each cheese. OOPS.
Pepperoni 3 at 2.99 each 8.97
Sweet Cream Butter 4 at 2.99 each 11.96
Ground Beef 10 lb tube 2.99 a lb 30.06
Cayenne Pepper 2 at .75 1.50
Yeast 3.99
Sour Cream 1.88
Lipton Tea Bags 3.69
Ziploc Bags 2 at 1.50 each 3.00
Pineapple Orange Juice 6 pack 2.69
Ricotta Cheese 1.99
Sweet and Zesty Famous Dave's BBQ Sauce 2.99
Refried Beans 1.39
Jolly Time Popcorn Seeds 3.49
Tortillas 2.49
Lettuce Head 1.29
Pineapple 2.68
Onions 2.07
Easter Candy on sale 2 at .99
Total of 128.98
Sam's Club
Cat Food 18.5 lbs 9.98
Vinegar 2 gallons 3.58
French fries 6.98
Sun Maid Raisins 7.67
Ham for Sandwiches 6.98
Sunny D 24 pack 5.97
Minute Maid 2 at 5.48 10.96
Frosted Flakes 6.58
Premade Hamburger Patties 6 lbs 16.98
Garlic Powder 6.38
Onion Powder 4.38
Chicken Breast 6 pounds 11.98
Oats and Honey Granola Bars 7.93
Whole Dill Pickles gallon 4.62
Velveeta 2 pack 10.88
Tuna 60 oz 8.98
Hamburger Buns 2.38
Chips single serving variety pack 9.98
Total of 151.78
Salem Farmer's Market (Our local grocery store actually had good deals!)
Large Eggs one dozen 6 at 1.58 each 9.48
Apple Juice 2 at .99 each 1.98
Fun Dogs 7 at .69 each 4.83
Watermelon .39 per pound 10.28 lb 4.01
Total 21.52
EarthGrains Bakery Outlet ( I didn't get a detailed receipt from here, so I'm just going to list what I got and the total)
8 loaves bread
Cookies
Donuts single serve 2 at .50
Juice 2 at .99
Eich's Meat Market (our local butcher)
Approximately 4 pounds of bacon 24.49
I will share my meal plan next week. Have a Happy Mother's Day!
It's certainly not getting any easier on the budget. We had to increase the budget by $50 out of necessity, which means we drive the van less-that's almost a tank of gas for the van. Pork is going up just like everything else, so since Sam's bacon is no longer the cheapest (at least for this month), I decided to get GOOD stuff since I had to pay full price. So I went to the local butcher and got the good stuff, and now I'm second guessing myself because I'm worried it won't last the month-they slice theirs thicker.
I went to three stores this time. I skipped Dollar Tree because Andrew was grumpy and my patience was thinning.
Fareway Food Stores
Fiora toilet paper 12 pack 6.49
Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce 3 at 1.38 each 4.14
Olive Oil 8.99
Clabber Girl Corn Starch 1.39
Mild Cheddar Chunk Cheese 2.89
Mild cheddar Chunk Cheese 3.21
Mozarella Chunk Cheese 3.35
Mozarella Chunk Cheese 3.11
The chunk cheese was cheaper than buying the pre shedded from Sam's as I have been doing. Looking at my receipt I can tell I had mommy brain even with a list in front me, I was supposed to get $10 worth of each cheese. OOPS.
Pepperoni 3 at 2.99 each 8.97
Sweet Cream Butter 4 at 2.99 each 11.96
Ground Beef 10 lb tube 2.99 a lb 30.06
Cayenne Pepper 2 at .75 1.50
Yeast 3.99
Sour Cream 1.88
Lipton Tea Bags 3.69
Ziploc Bags 2 at 1.50 each 3.00
Pineapple Orange Juice 6 pack 2.69
Ricotta Cheese 1.99
Sweet and Zesty Famous Dave's BBQ Sauce 2.99
Refried Beans 1.39
Jolly Time Popcorn Seeds 3.49
Tortillas 2.49
Lettuce Head 1.29
Pineapple 2.68
Onions 2.07
Easter Candy on sale 2 at .99
Total of 128.98
Sam's Club
Cat Food 18.5 lbs 9.98
Vinegar 2 gallons 3.58
French fries 6.98
Sun Maid Raisins 7.67
Ham for Sandwiches 6.98
Sunny D 24 pack 5.97
Minute Maid 2 at 5.48 10.96
Frosted Flakes 6.58
Premade Hamburger Patties 6 lbs 16.98
Garlic Powder 6.38
Onion Powder 4.38
Chicken Breast 6 pounds 11.98
Oats and Honey Granola Bars 7.93
Whole Dill Pickles gallon 4.62
Velveeta 2 pack 10.88
Tuna 60 oz 8.98
Hamburger Buns 2.38
Chips single serving variety pack 9.98
Total of 151.78
Salem Farmer's Market (Our local grocery store actually had good deals!)
Large Eggs one dozen 6 at 1.58 each 9.48
Apple Juice 2 at .99 each 1.98
Fun Dogs 7 at .69 each 4.83
Watermelon .39 per pound 10.28 lb 4.01
Total 21.52
EarthGrains Bakery Outlet ( I didn't get a detailed receipt from here, so I'm just going to list what I got and the total)
8 loaves bread
Cookies
Donuts single serve 2 at .50
Juice 2 at .99
Eich's Meat Market (our local butcher)
Approximately 4 pounds of bacon 24.49
I will share my meal plan next week. Have a Happy Mother's Day!
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