Mom 2 Price Boys and more

Hi all were back online again WOOHOO!!!

2012-02-10T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hey people were finally back online at home so I can start documenting my menus again - for the least LOL -- plus my youngest is at it again doing online homeschooling as well I am considering some adult education - Anybody ever use Penn Foster??
OK well this week, my menu is going to run from Monday 2/13 through Sunday 2/19 I will most likely be linking it with organizing Junkie on Monday

Saturday:: Potato ham casserole - need recipe
Sunday:: Grilled cheese and cream of chicken soup
Monday:: Chicken and gravy over mashed, pears
Tuesday:: Beef and Broccoli over rice, mandarins
Wednesday:: Taquitos, mango slices
Thursday:: Stew and garlic bread
Friday:: Shrimp egg rolls, fruit salad
Saturday:: Hamburger gravy over steak fries, green salad
Sunday:: Chicken, mac and cheese, pineapple

Thanks for reading me hehehe. Hey Im having trouble getting a clip art to uploas - is this anything new here?? Again, thanks.....Julie

2011-05-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

Hi, If you read this suprise your still here LOL. I do not have a computer at home so I am never here Hope that changes soon!! Julie

My Review of Short Straight Skirt

2010-12-29T10:21:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Roamans

Woven cotton/spandex twill. Machine wash. Imported.

Side slash and back patch pockets.
Button and zipper closure.
Back vent.
Abt. 24".

Short Straight Skirt

Love It!!

By mom2priceboys from Podunk, CA on 12/29/2010

Fit: Feels true to size

Waist: Feels true to size

Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Nice Fabric, Nice Color, Easy Care, Body Hugging, Figure Flattering

Cons: I had to go up a size

Best Uses: Wear To Work, Special Occasions, Casual Wear, Christmas

Describe Yourself: Casual Dresser

Comfort vs Style: Comfort Driven

I did order up a size based on reviews I am glad I did. This skirt is great I wore it with a brown sweater and my new slouch boots and tights for Christmas,Totally cute. I am job hunting this would be a great outfit for that. This skirt lools and feels superiorly made. If there were more colors I would buy more. I washed and hung dry - some wrinlkes but not too many. It is a nice basic wardrobe piece for all seasons.

(legalese)

My Review of Double breasted skirt suit

2010-12-29T10:13:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Roamans

Woven polyester. Machine wash. Imported.

Double breasted skirt suit.
Shawl collar jacket, princess seams & mock pockets. Abt. 30'.
Back slit skirt with elastic waist; abt. 29'.

Plus size suits - double breasted skirt suit in size...

Double breasted skirt suit

lightweight material and runs small
By mom2priceboys from Podunk, CA on 12/29/2010

3out of 5
Waist: Feels too small
Sleeve Length: Feels too short
Chest Size: Feels too small
Pros: Versatile, Attractive Design
Cons: Cheap Fabric
Best Uses: Interview
Describe Yourself: Trendy, Stylish, Practical, Budget shopper, Comfort-oriented
I bought for my 17 year old as she has several college interviews this spring. I have to return it because it is too small in the jacket It seems like I should have order 1 or 2 sizes bigger than usual. Material is very lightweight but that should be OK for spring/summer uses.Price was great. I also wish the jacket welt pockets were real pockets.
(legalese)

My Review of Perfect knit tunic by All American Comfort®

2010-12-21T14:55:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at WomanWithin
Perfect plus size knit tunic flatters with ruching details at the V-neck...lengthens and slims with a fabulous fit.
Short sleeves
Straight hem with slits
30" long
Washable cotton jersey knit, made in USA
Perfect knit tunic by All American Comfort®

Wardrobe classics
By Mom2priceboys from Podunk, CA on 12/21/2010

5out of 5
Sizing: Feels true to size
Pros: Great Color, Versatile, Figure Flattering, Quality Materials
Best Uses: Going Out, Casual Wear, Work, Outdoor Activities, Travel
Describe Yourself: Stylish, Trendy, Comfort-oriented, Practical
These are the choice this year for the daily driver t's. The are nice and roomy, the classic fit I would like them a bit longer but they are long enough to cover the flabby part of my abdomen and while they are new I am wearing them as a tunic over leggings tucked into boots.
The v is deep but I am older so my chest has traveled south enough for it to be appropriate without too much cleavage.
I have washed both my white and black but did hang dry them to keep them nicer longer by the summer I will put them into the dryer for a more casual wear.
I would like to buy more colors and would recommend to a friend however, this item is already sold out.
(legalese)

My Review of Drawstring jeans

2010-12-21T12:23:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at WomanWithin
Drawstring jeans guarantee that you get a perfect, comfortable custom fit. We provide the finest plus size jeans, plus size denim and plus size pants for the price.
Back elastic waist
Front slash pockets
Drawstring
Topstitching
Ea...
Drawstring jeans

My goal is to present an upgraded image
By Mom2priceboys from Podunk, CA on 12/21/2010

4out of 5
Waist: Feels true to size
Inseam: Feels true to length
Pros: Flattering Fit, Comfortable, High Quality Denim, Stylish, Versatile Style
Cons: Irregular Fit
Best Uses: Wear to School, Casual Wear, Wear To Work
Describe Yourself: Eclectic, Bargain Shopper, Casual, Classic, Career, Trendy, Sexy
I;ve been a stay at home mom who worked in my kids' school now it's time to get a "real" job so I needed to upgrade what I had economically. The jeans are a thinner cotton but comfortable. The black twill also comfortable OK for North CA winter but run a bit smaller than the jeans. I am 5'8 equal porportion usually wear size 24R but the twill I would order a 24T.I cannot wear heels with these but I don't wear heels so it's good on the inseam. Black twill needs ironing after washing and line drying the jeans do not yet they were dryer dried.
I will be ordering these and the shorts style again
(legalese)

That smell

2010-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Can you smell it yet? Your turkey cooking in the oven? I am starting to. I love this smell it evokes such nice, warm, family time memories. It does make me miss my Mom and Grandma because we used to spend time with my Mom's family at Thanksgiving. We would run around between my Grandmas and Aunt's houses carefree and knowing that food would be plentiful.......Julie

Turkey week menu plan

2010-11-21T00:34:00.000-08:00

Well, we don't actually get to the turkey until the end of the week but it's all good LOL!! I can't wait for the sammy's. I even have a spare can of cranberry sauce to go inside the said sammy. YUM!!!
My proposed menu for this week is below but I do expect some changes mainly because we are on vacation this week and also I expect a few grandkids and my boys' friends to want to spend a few weekday night since we are on vacation.

eggs, sausage, pots, F&Y smoothie
Clara's, fruit salad
shrimp stir fry over rice
Turkey - Traditional Menu
Beefy rice, fruit slices
mixed tacos and go alongs
turkey casserole creation (1 dish wonder)

So, with my above statement, all item (except Thursday) are subject to change but also as usual they will not change much since I do plan for a month in advance since I mostly do big box store shopping once a month then using my local grocery store (Sani-Food - they have a great meat counter!!) a few other times during the month.
I have linked this with MPM I'm #148 along with over 300 other persons/families who are also planning their menu for health, finances, and convenience.
What is your reason for meal planning? Please leave me a comment on your plan and how you came to your plan this week as well how and why you came to meal planning in general. I'd love to hear from one and all, Thanks.....Julie

Whats for dinner November 15 - 21, 2010

2010-11-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

It's Monday again already,time to get my menu together. We'll see how much we follow through this week.
As usual I will be updating daily with what we did eat. Also, I will be linking this with MPM along with over 300 other meal planners.
So.....here's my menu plan for the week.....

TV Dinners, grapes
as planned - easy
BBQ Chx sammys, cole slaw
also as planned - YUM!!
mushroom ravs with meat sauce, green salad
also with garlic parm sourdough bread
mixed tacos and go alongs
big box of helper
middle school grand kids over
shrimp stir fry over rice
patties, scalloped pots, applesauce, apple pie
have 2 of the girl grandkids
chx legs,potatoes,green beans
chx legs, stuffing, green beans, pineapple
still 2 girl grandkids here fall vacation
eggs,pots,sausage and F&Y smoothies
for sure this menu item will change
still deciding what to make as I have several choices
shrimp stir fry over rice, pot roast with pots & vegs, chicken taco soup

2nd week of November 2010 meal plan

2010-11-08T23:09:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bit late but I got the rest of my month together as well as my weekly plan. Things should be eaten as planned but everything is interchangable just in case palates or plans change

WEEK 1
fast food
rotisserie chx, stuffing, peas
helper, green salad
helper, pear slices
rotisserie chx, stuffing, green beans
rotis chx burritos and fixings
LO/FFYS/beans
soup and sammys
chx veggie soup and sammys
fast food for kids
parents going to a wedding
pot roast w/pots&vegs
as planned

My plan is to be updating daily with what we do actually eat. Also I will link this with MPM. Come on over and see what others have going on over there.

Happy and healthy eating and please leave a comment that you were here.....Julie

What cooking in November 2010

2010-11-08T22:40:00.000-08:00
This is my Whats available for dinner menu for November 2010.

It should stay in this order for the most part but everything is interchangable except for the BIG dinner on the 25th and the LO's it provides on following days..

WEEK 1
fast food
helper, green salad
rotisserie chx, stuffing, green beans
LO's / FFYS
veggie soup and sammys
pot roast w/pots&vegs

WEEK 2
mixed tacos and go alongs
chx legs and pots
shrimp stir fry over rice
TV dinners, fruit slices
BBQ chx sammys and cole slaw
ravs with meat sauce, green salad
eggs,pots,sausage and F&Y smoothies

WEEK 3
chx legs, rice, peas
helper, corn
beans, rice, fruit salad
Turkey - Traditional America Menu
beefy rice, fruit salad
Clara's, fruit salad
turkey casserole (1 dish wonder)

WEEK 4
chili, rice, mandarins
pizza, busy green salad

The Grocery List to finish October 2010

2010-10-24T23:03:00.000-07:00
My Grocery Cart Challenge is creating a list and following through with the priority items
For the rest of the week we could use closer to $70 but I expect to have more like $25 so.....

at least a gallon of milk, $3* or $6
a box of cereal, $3*
a box of flavored oatmeal, $1.50*
a box of popcorn $2*
at least a loaf of bread $1.50* or $3
a package of lunch meat $1** up to $5
peanut butter $2* or 3
fruit snax $2 or $4
lunchbox goodies $2* up to $5
fruit/veggies $2** up to $10
bug spray $10
cash for lunch card $4*
* means priority ** means double it

November is upon us and I have to remeber to budget to have the kids home for an entire week at the end of the month along with the visiting grandkids I should expect almost daily and maybe a short visit from a few of the grown kids on a day or so that they have off from work and are not visiting their SO's families.
I did it!! I got my needed groceries for less than $25 to fill in for the rest of the week,till payday.
Hubs caught our 13 year old eating breakfast at school today after he ate breakfast at home 20 minutes earlier LOL Feeding teenage boys is busy work!!
I have linked this with GCC.

Rest of Oct 2010 menu plan

2010-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

What I have left for dinners this last week of October 2010::Pretty much in this order but this is blogosphere not stone so things can change.

Claras, apple slices
chx legs, rice, green beans
peperoni pizza, busy green salad
pozole, cheesy tortillas
chx veggie fried rice
fast food
chicken veggie noodle soup, garlic bread
Halloween Pizza??

I hope to be able to get Papa Murphy's Pumpkin Pizza for Halloween and I suspect that we will go out to eat either fri or sat. If the paycheck is big enough I would like to do Casa Ramos Fajita Platter instead of fast food burgers.Or, If I get to WM for some groceries I might buy some shrimps and make our own fajitas! That actually sounds even better, and cheaper!!

A month long absence

2010-09-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I realized I've been gone from here for a month. In this month I became ill, ended up in the hospital for several days, then after my release, while still recuperating, some of my test results came back and they were not good. They showed bladder cancer cells.

I go to a Dr on Monday in Napa CA and I suppose at that appointment we will decide further testing.

Upon the results of those tests/biopsies we will decide what treatment is necessary, if any.

I will update as I can.....Julie

Rest of August available menu

2010-08-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

This is actually a working list of what we have available to eat for diner the rest of August 2010. We are trying public ed again (until we have another failure). I know why predict failure, well, past tells the future right???
For the ease of us to get back into school I expect this plan to stay in place. However, as always, I reserve the right to alter any menu at any time for any reason
17 Turkey roast, oven pots, green salad
18 Clara's and cantaloupe
19 Egg Sammy, cantaloupe, sugar cookies self decorated
20 Impossible Turkey pie
21 Dad's Helper
22 Chicken stir fry with rice
23 Hamburger patties, scalloped pots, peach slices, brownies
24 Pot stickers, re fried rice, shrimp patties
25 Chicken taco soup
26 Fast food or LO's
27 spaghetti, garlic bread
28 Honey mustard Chicken rice helper. pears
29 Turkey gravy over pots
30 Chili and cornbread
31 Turkey soup or ??

It's been over a month since I posted my menu because during summer we found we had different dinner needs that were too variable to document other than the whole month of available menu items. We often ate big early in the day then had lunch items for dinner. Hope your summer went well also.....Julie
PS:: I have linked this with MPM

Follow me Friday

2010-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

OK so let me understand this, we just make this post then link it back to Still on the Verge and then people will come back to read my blog?
So people, if you do come and read my blog, please leave a comment of your blog name and where you come from.I want to return the favor......Thank you.....Julie

PS:: This week is FMF#8 and I'm #33

Meals for week July 12 - 18

2010-07-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Getting my menu ready for this upcoming week. I have had to change some things from my original plan because we altered some menu plans last week LOL. As we already know I reserve the right to change any menu for any reason at any time.

Mon 12 Clara's Poormans' meal, fruit salad
have you seen this video? She's a hoot!!
Tue 13 Beef and Bean Nachos, fixings, grapes
Wed 14 Turkey and gravy over rice or casserole, green beans
Thu 15 Hot dogs, can beans, corn on cob
Fri 16 CP BBQ chicken sammys, KFC coleslaw
Sat 17 Hamburger helper, green beans
Sun 18 Frozen Pizza, Hearty Green Salad

I will be linking this with MPM at orgjunkie. Come over and read what several hundred other families are preparing this week. This week, I'm #173. I also try to update this daily after we eat or while I'm preparing

Menu for the first full week of July

2010-07-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is the plan so far, I am working off the month menu from here that I created after we did our mass shopping last week. As usual all things are subject to change at any time for any reason, I hopefully will update daily.
Also as usual, I am linking this with Organizing Junkies MPM. This week I'm #223. Come on over and read what several hundred other families have planned to eat.

Sun 4:: TV Dinners and FFYS
ended up at BBQ at friends with mudslides (yum)
had TV dinners for lunch 7-5-pizza and pudding is our fav
Mon 5:: Beef and Bean Nachos, fixings, fruit slices
meatloaf, potato wedges,corn on the cob
Tue 6:: Turkey and gravy over rice, green beans
chicken nuggets, sweet pots, watermelon
Wed 7:: Hot dogs, can beans, corn on cob
Thu 8:: Pozole, cheesy tortilla chips
Fri 9:: Hamburger patties, mac& cheese, steam broccoli
guys on own so expect as planned
Sat 10:: Chili cheese fries, can mandarins
guys on own so expect as planned
Sun 11:: Chicken Italiano, egg noodles, green salad
expect as plan:: to make when I get home

Getting to know you from MannLand5

2010-07-04T12:38:00.000-07:00
Hi All I'm doing the "Getting to know you" post over at MannLand5 blog. It looks like fun!! Come see what other people said about themselves

1. What do you look forward to the most on the 4th of July? Having someone else man the BBQ all I have to do is eat. And no house mess, we'll take it with us to the BBQ party
2. Are you a hugger? YES!!! Just ask my embarassed tweenage boys
3. What is your favorite BBQ'd food? Ribs and zucchini
4. Do you like to watch parades? Macy's thansgiving is my all time fav that one I would love to see in person otherwise it's just too darn hot unless my kids are involved!!
5. Who has stinkier farts..boys or girls? Hate to admit this but I think girls when hormones are involved LOL
6. Vampires or Werewolves? Werewolves
7. Do you read your horoscope? When I see it I do
8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate Brownie

Available and Proposed Menu for July 2010

2010-07-03T23:27:00.000-07:00
OK I think I have a pretty solid plan and have arranged these items to provide variety (Biggest pet peeve is any same item 2 nights in a row - I know - how crazy!!) Anyway this seems to go with our anticipated schedule.......SO FAR!!! HAHAHA plans always change don't they??

Sun 4 TV Dinners and FFYS
Mon 5 Beef and Bean Nachos, fixings, strawberries
Tue 6 Turkey and gravy over rice, green beans
Wed 7 Hot dogs, can beans, corn on cob
Thu 8 Pozole, cheesy tortilla chips
Fri 9 Hamburger patties, mac& cheese, steam broccoli
Sat 10 Chili cheese fries, can mandarins
Sun 11 Chicken italiano, egg noodles, green salad
Mon 12 Clara's Poormans' meal, fruit salad
have you seen this video? She's a hoot!!
Tue 13 Shredded Beef Tacos, fixings
Wed 14 Onion Chx nuggets. sweet pots, cheese stix
Thu 15 Meatloaf, saffron rice, corn on cob
Fri 16 CP BBQ chicken sammys, KFC coleslaw
Sat 17 Hamburger helper, green beans
Sun 18 Frozen Pizza, Hearty Green Salad
Mon 19 Hamburgers, sweet pots, corn on cob
Tue 20 Impossible turkey pot pie
Wed 21 meatless spaghetti, garlic toast,peas
Thu 22 Potatoes and Eggs, toast,
Fri 23 CP Chili, cornbread
Sat 24 Tuna helper, corn on cob
Sun 25 Au Jus Beef sammys, green salad
Mon 26 CP Beans
Tue 27 Broccoli Beef stir fry over rice
Wed CP Chicken taco soup,cheesy tortilla chips
Thu 29 CP Breakfast for dinner (pancakes??)
Fri 30 Chimichangas, fries, mandarins
Sat 31 Hamburger Soup, bread maker bread
I will post updates to see how good I keep my plan. I spent $205 at 4 grocery stores last week. I need about $70 more for the rest of the month #1::$10 for items still needed for main menu, and #2::$15 for each of 4 weeks during the month (total $60) for things like produce, milk, cereal and bread.
Breakfast and Lunches are where I am kind of lacking in both planning and quantity. However I have to remember that we supplement those menu plans with weekly $15 stipend, 1 meal of fast food once a week and finishing off or repurposing leftovers.

Lastly, I will be linking this with::links to come...

A few Coupon thoughts...

2010-07-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

I am trying to have and keep the reasonable goal to save at least 10% off my groceries and household supplies with the use of coupons. So far, since I made this goal 2 months ago I have done it.
I am feeding a family of four - 2 adults and 2 tweenage boys who are hungry ALL the time!!! My budget for all food and household supplies is $400. To increase my goal and save over $100 is my next step, but for right now knowing that I am saving about $40 is great!!
I have joined a coupon train over at CafeMom. So far, so good. I'm sure I saved $5 with what was in there this time. Also, I have the assistance of my dear neighbor who gives me her Sunday coupons in her Sac Bee. I don't take that paper and she doesn't clip coupons so it works for both of us!!
A few things that would be nice is if #1 California stores offered doublers. I read online that is how most successful couponers really save. #2, many of the products I get coupons for are not available in my area, yet, (It shows up after the coupon expires). #3 I do some shopping at Grocery Outlet, they do not accept coupons - It would be super if they did!! And lastly #4, It would be great if more fresh products provided coupons such as dairy, meat, and fruits and vegetables.
Just a few thoughts. What are your thoughts on realistically using coupons?
I have linked this to Focus Check Friday I'm #3 this week

Menu Plan for the last 3 days of the month of June 2010

2010-06-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally is here, the end of this month. Feeding my kids all 3 meals for the last 2 months has definitely taken it's toll on my pantry but I guess thats ok since were planning a move in August, right??

As it stands right now I only have to create a menu for 3 days then I will be shopping on thursday for not only the bulk of the month but for my baby's 11th b-day on the 3rd as well as a grown son who is turning 28

Mon::Crescent dogs, canned fruit
Tue::Turkey,cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, etc...
Wed::Chicken Taco soup or leftovers
Thu::Shopping so probably fast food
Fri::Papa Murphy's (We're having a sleepover)
Sat::Sons' #11& #28 B-day BBQ hot dogs and beans, etc...
Sun::4th of July BBQ chicken,potato salad, etc...

I am linking this with MPM, This week I'm #193.

3rd week of June and cupboards are getting bare

2010-06-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

My menu this week is definitely coming from the recesses of my pantry and freezer. I need 3/4# hamburger to complete the meals I have planned for the next 10 or so days. Along with milk, cold cereal, salad makings, and some fruit. Total still needed for groceries may be $10-$15?? Gas-about the same??

Dinners
Chicken taco soup (T)
made the turkey pot pie-smells yummy!!
OMGosh!!The pot pie was delish!!!I will do again!!
ham hock and beans with sweet cornbread muffins (W)
beans are soaking-Tues night
Everything a hit - no leftovers!!
Tamale Pie (Th)
Hubs makes this-he got home late so
we had eggs on toast with yogurt
turkey pot pie (Fri)
hubs made tamale pie
ham/eggs over toast, F&Y smoothie (Sa)
chicken taco soup is now planned
frozen pizza and green salad (Su)
expect as planned

Lunches
lunch meat,tuna, sammys x 2 (T,Su)
had these Wed and??
pizza tv dinners (W)
had these Tues instead
McD's mini meals (Th)
as planned - yum and cheap
bean and cheese burritos (F)
spaghetti-o's and garlic bread(Sa)

Breakfast
cold cereal x2 days (T,Sa)
hot cereal x 2 days (Th,Su)
pancakes (Wed)
sausage gravy over sourdough (Fri)

I will be posting this on MPM I'm #268 there read what hundreds of others are making for their families this week. I try to update daily what we did consume.

Do not use Hotels.com-they lie!!!

2010-06-16T09:20:00.000-07:00
We are traveling this week, half vacation, half research. I used Hotels.com to book my room because they say they offer price match guarantee. Well people, they do not offer this in reality. I will never use this service again!!!
I was told that $48.00 was the cheapest rate we could get, so I took it. However, when we checked in the rate was $35.69.
I called Hotels.com and all they would offer me is $10 back or a $30 hotel voucher for a full price room. I am not satisfied with that. I have been over-charged well over $20 and all they will refund me is a stinkin' $10 where is the price match in that?
I called them and it took 3 calls because their agents kept "dropping" my calls, really, they didn't want to deal with my issues so they hung up on me. Great customer service, huh??? NOT!!!
I have now sent them an e0mail and am awaiting a response but I doubt i will be responded to.
Anybody have a different story to tell about this service, please leave a comment and I will post it.
I wanted this service to work, I have several other trips to make yet I will be handling all my bookings myself.
Lastly, I know I am complaining about a measly $10 but it is more of the lack of service I got when I called to get my refund that has me peeved

Vacation Week Menu

2010-06-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

We're taking a mini vacation this week and going to explore the area that we are considering relocating to. Anyway, we are having a transient menu - lot's of PBJ's,

We are staying at a Wyndham hotel for $45 a night and they serve breakfast so we'll make sammys for lunches and be dollarmenuaires for dinner.

Mon::Salisbury steaks, mashed instant, mango slices
as planned
Tue::$1 menu
Reno Buffett - it was ok not OK!!
Wed::$1 menu
brought the CP with us so we had BBQ chicken sammys
Thu::Pizza, green salad
as planned
Fri::Stew, rolls
working on it right now
Sat::Chili Cheese Fries,mandarins
guys on their own tonight
Sun::Roast Beef Au Jus sammys, steamed carrots
Happy Father's Day

There it is, the menu for the week. As usual, anything can change at any time for any reason. I usually update daily, IDK how that is going to work this week. I plan on being busy but I know I will have a few minutes to get online in the evenings with my free wifi. I sure hope it gets warm enough for us to get to use the outdoor pool.

I am linking this up to MPM, I'm #277

For fun today

2010-06-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

http://disney.go.com/charactercalls/piccolinismiles/

I'm trying this today with my kids, let's see if I really get the calls??

I wish I had taken a pic - my 10 year old was so smiley when Mickey was talking to him!! Yeah he knows it's a recording but he is also young enough to still enjoy some fantasy!!
It does also send them to go to a online game at Disney but for whatever reason my computer just does not like downloading their stuff or Nickelodeon's either. Oh well!!

Menu plan for 2nd week of June a bit late

2010-06-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

No shopping this week, just the menu that is better late than never as that seems to be my modus operendi this week. So, here's my menu plan for the rest of the week...As usual, I will update daily and alter any menu for any reason so keep coming back!!

Tue::Beef and bean Doritos nachos, mango slices
had as planned - good and easy
Wed::CP BBQ chicken over baked potatoes, green beans
In the CP already - YUM!!!
Thu::Ham and eggs over toast, F&Y Smoothie
had as planned
Fri::Salisbury steaks, rice, mandarins
will leave for guy by 5pm
Sat::Frozen Pizza, and green salad
guys on their own
Sun::spinach lasagna, garlic bread
Dad will make before I get home at 6pm

I will be liking this to MPM at Organizing Junkie, I'm #316,Focus Check Friday I'm #x, and usually I post at Grocery Cart Challenge I'm #x there

June 1st thru the 6th menu plan

2010-05-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

I don't have one yet but I am on my way to go shopping to see what special deals I can find to further reduce our food budget to less than $200 this month. So, I'll get back to y'all alter this evening maybe even with some pics??? let's hope!!!.....Julie

Have any of you seen this site?? It looks interesting I think I might spend some time there to figure it out.

Shopping went ok. I always overspend when I have a hubby helper LOL. We spent $70 at WinCo, $12 at Dollar Tree, $50 at Grocery Outlet. and $20 fast food. I probably need another $20 for tp, fruit, milk and cereal to get us through 2 weeks. Then another $100 for the rest of the month would be optimal but I think it may be more like $50. This summer my family may need the services of the food bank. IDK yet but I did not make the money I thought I would before my job ended. :(

Don't forget to go over to MPM at Organizing Junkie. I'm #161 this week. Also, link over to Grocery Cart Challenge this week I'm #4 at the shopping round-up. This week over at Focus Check Friday this post is #2. I put this post up because one of my focuses is to keep a tight lid on our menu and, my pantry,it has to last us through the summer until we hopefully move.(Reno or bust??)

My menu is subject to change at any time for any reason but it should go as follows::

Mon::Fast Food&FFYS
as planned
Tue::Salsa Chicken over rice
chicken was too dry so made it into chicken tacos
try my trick it got great raves!!
Wed::Hamburger helper,watermelon
as planned
Thu::BBQ Chicken over pots
traveling today - fast food - YUCK!!!
Fri::Salisbury steak,rice,broccoli
will leave this ready for guys to eat
Sat::Fish sticks, fries, mandarins
Guys can open bags and cans - simple
Sun::beef,rice and bean burritos,salad
Easy to prepare when I get home at 6pm

May 24 til the end.....

2010-05-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hi gals, It's the end of May already.Today I've been reading others' blogs and I hope y'all have fun camping this Memorial Day. I however will be celebrating my 40 somethingeth birthday that day with my close friends and immediate family (maybe drinking a bit of champagne-he he he) My menu is pretty set this week as the food is getting limited or I should say less options...

Mon::Zatarain's Dirty Rice and orange slices
Zatarain's and pineapple pieces
Tue::BBQ chicken legs, mac and cheese, broccoli
Cheater Chicken Pot Pie my way
Wed::beef burritos,spanish rice, fruit salad
spaghetti,corn,garlic bread
Thu::chicken stir fry fry over rice
ham and eggs with f&y smoothie
Fri::spaghetti,corn,garlic bread
chicken stir fry over rice
Extra:: ham hock and beans (for weekend lunches)
Sat::cheater chicken pot pie
pork steak, mac&cheese, can fruit
Sun::ham and eggs over toast, f&y smoothie
Round Table Hawiian Pizza

Monday May 31 is my B-day so we will be going to Hula's --my special choice
I will be linking this with MPM at Organizing Junkie I'm #267 this week.
BTW:: This brown shows what we did have for dinner that night
From the store I need 4 more chx legs, a box of mac and cheese, a cake mix with frosting (I have a coupon for that!) and maybe a can of cream chx soup??

I could kick myself

2010-05-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

While cooking dinner tonight the chicken legs were still a bit frozen so I figured I'd parboil then BBQ so I did! When they were parboiled I had Hubs drain them BUT...I forgot to put a bowl under the strainer and Hubs poured all that yummy broth down the sink.............And I so wanted chicken noodle soup tomorrow for lunch it's been cold and rainy here in Northern Cali. Oh well.....A can it is

BTW::I'm participating in Focus Check Friday over at A Slob Comes Clean.I'm #1 (well, at least there I am LOL)

Menu Plan May 15 - 23

2010-05-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Once again, life is beating me up so I have not kept up with documenting my menu planning. I will try to get back on track, albeit a bit early so at least this way I can check it off my done list LOL

Mon::chimichangas, fruit salad
CP chili, rice,milk&cookies
Tue::chx legs, mac&cheese,broccoli
Panda Express (disappointing)
Wed::CP Chili, cornbread, apple slices
Chx legs,mac&cheese,watermelon
Thu:: eggs on toast, f&y smoothie
frozen pizza and watermelon slices
Fri::frozen pizza, green salad
CP beef veggie stew,dinner rolls
Sat::soup and sammys
FFYS
Sun::fast food or??

Don't forget #1-to come back for updates as I reserve the right to change or alter the menu at any time for any reason-and I do, #2-to link up at Menu Plan Monday over at Organizing Junkie, with hundreds of others, I'm #244, and #3-I'm linking this up to A Slob Comes Clean's Focus Check Friday there, I'm #1.....Julie

May 3 to 9 2010 Menu Plan

2010-05-02T20:00:00.000-07:00
First week of May. We did big shopping this week going to 4 stores. The local Walmart for basic household items $150.oo it was $180 I saved $30 using coupons. Dollar tree was $27 WinCo was $130. It was $160 something I saved over $35 using coupions. At my local food for more butcher shop for $20 for meats. I still need to supplement about $100 to finish making meals for the month including milk and cereal for weekend AMs, and a few snacks.

:::::::::The menu plan for this week is:::::::::

MON::hot dogs, mac salad, apple slices
TUE::McD's at 4 pm the oatmeal at 8
WED::turkey paprikas over egg noodles and cheese bread
THU::ham and eggs on sourdough, f&y smoothie
FRI::tuna helper, can veg
SAT::tamale pie
SUN::BBQ chicken over pots, broccoli

Kitchen Gourmet Omelet Maker (Fake GTXpress)

2010-04-29T18:24:00.001-07:00
Hi friends,
Hubs just picked one of these up at the local thrift store for $2.50. It of course did not come with any instructions so I am wondering if anybody else has this or something similar and what and how do you prepare in it.

I am kinda thinking to treat it a bit like the GT Express and not only making omlets but cooking breakfast rolls and pancake type items also. Any ideas would be helpful, Thanks.....Julie

It makes life easier when you want omelet's but you are lazy - Kitchen Gourmet Omelet Maker - Viewpoints

Posted using ShareThis

Menu estrangement

2010-04-28T18:18:00.000-07:00
My menu this week has been a bust. We have had some different events happen on different days so everything has changed. I am glad however that I still did create a menu and now when I go shopping Saturday I will not have to get as many meals since I didn't follow the menu and have several items still available.
Payday is this week so I have to make sure we do not spend all our "disposable" (ha ha ha) income on fast food except for what I already have planned on Saturday when we are gone shopping for the afternoon.
.
Mon:: spaghetti, corn
In & Out burgers,fries and shakes YUM!!
Tue:: chicken taco soup, cheesy tortilla crisps
Hot dog sammys, potato chips and apple slices
Ended up needing dinner in under 10 minutes so
hot dogs and chips it was LOL
Wed:: LO's, FFYS, clean out the freezer of ???
Chicken taco soup and cheesy tortilla crisps
Thu:: out to dinner-family event
Event cancelled so IDK yet maybe LO buffet??
Fri:: out to dinner with friends
Don't have $$ for this event so pizza??
Sat:: shopping so probably fast food
this should stay the same
Sun:: depends on what I got at the store
More likely CP Chx noodle soup

I participate in MPM over at OrgJunkie and this post is #389. Link over and see what hundreds of other women are feeding their families this week

Menu Plan for the last week of April

2010-04-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all, it's down to the wire for the month and our options are VERY limited. Well, truthfully we could go another 2 weeks with dinners but all the goodies are gone (no desserts) I am glad it is not my chocolate crave week - what am I saying, it's always my chocolate craving week. well, without further ado...here's our menu...

Mon:: spaghetti, corn
Tue:: chicken taco soup, cheesy tortilla crisps
Wed:: LO's, FFYS, clean out the freezer of ???
Thu:: out to dinner-family event
Fri:: out to dinner with friends
Sat:: shopping so probably fast food
Sun:: depends on what I got at the store

I really am only creating dinner for 3 nights this week since we are going out 2 nights. Shopping on Saturday-for most of the month-so we'll probably pick up fast food later in the afternoon then make something lite like soup and sammys around 8 or so.

I have my coupons ready for shopping. I am starting to create my list. I again am aiming to the $200 limit on groceries with this pay period then I should have another $100 to supplement our menu in the middle of the month($50 each on the 10th and the 20th seems to work well for us). As a bonus, I am doing better with keeping produce in the fridge since I have been neurotically budgeting.

I need to start preparing for summer meals. June is upon us and I have no income for July and August maybe even longer,IDK. Our school district is taking 4 furlough days this year,so far. No school, no work. No work, no money. I would say "Taco Bell, here I come", but even those jobs are hard to get around here.:(

Well, thanks for listening LOL. I am going to be #374 on Organizing Junkie, come over and read what others are creatively feeding their families this week. And please leave a comment you were here so I can come over and read what you have to say.....Julie

1 cooking~1 cleaning

2010-04-19T19:31:00.001-07:00

I am trying to figure out pictures so I thought I'd share this one of my boys. It was taken tonight 4-19-10 and I loved that I had one cooking and one cleaning. I mean what else could your Mom fantasy be?? Oh yeah, A's and B's on the report card, well, ya can't have it all!! HA HA HA
This post is a work in progress so things may be added and/or changed\

OK ladies, here I was showing you a positive pictures of my guys now let me show you them when they are left to their own devices LOL this is semi-disturbing but I'm sure you can appreciate it he he he Julie's boys and yes, please leave comments

Cheese, glorious cheese

2010-04-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Once again I was privy to the word of mouth sale at my local cheese factory, Rumiano Cheese Company. I got 8 pounds of cheese for $8. Yep, you read that right $8. So yummy!! I picked up 2 - 2 pound packages of jack already sliced, 4-4oz of Motz, 6-4 oz sliced Colby jack, 2-4 oz of sliced Swiss and 4 of medium cheddar. Grilled cheese is so on the menu especially since I have sourdough french bread for $1 a loaf at the dollar tree and it usually has about 30 slices. My neighbor called us at 7 am to tell us today was the day so before 10 am after my first shift I was there!!! I am so glad. They do this once every 3 months so the next one should be towards the middle of July which will come in handy because that is when all the kids and grandkids will be home from school for summer and feeding everybody gets so expensive (like I need to tell y'all that, right?? ha ha)

Menu Plan April 19th - 25th

2010-04-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hi people, It has been a few weeks since participating in the weekly menu posting because we had spring break and 2 school furlough days off so I did not get to use the computer much as the kids took control of all electronic devices LOL, then it came down with a virus, again thanks to the kids' games. I am hoping that I finally got it but I was without the 'puter for over a week LOL serious withdrawals!!! So, onto the planning of the menu.

Mon:: porcupine balls and rice with green beans
Tue:: turkey veggie soup and garlic bread
Wed:: ham and eggs over toast
Thu:: turkey veggie casserole
Fri:: chili and cornbread
Sat:: CP BBQ chicken over rice
Sun:: pozole and cheesy tortillas

Last time shopping (on the 9th) I got a HUGE turkey for $8 so we have had turkey and potatoes for a few dinners, sammys for lunches and tonight burritos. I am trying to make a stock for soup but I used too much water and it is very plain. I have added in a few chicken bouillon cubes to help it and I will be making a full meat, veggie and pasta soup Tuesday afternoon for dinner that night. Ya know, just add in some veggies for a few hours then add back in the meat and some noodles then voila dinner is served!!

This is the part of our month where we eat from our cupboards. I have spent about $280 on groceries so far this month and have $20 next Friday to get us some more milk, cereal and fresh produce OK, OK and I will admit a few 2 liters of soda and some dessert makings also.

We are getting used to shopping without food stamps, but I am not having much luck with couponing, any hints?? Please leave comments

Another dinner for under $5 for 4

2010-04-08T18:04:00.000-07:00
I know y'all do this but I haven't in awhile and had forgotten how good and cheap it is. Yep, basic BBQ chicken in the crock served over white rice and broccoli.
I used 2 boneless, skinless breasts from a bag $6 for 6 nice pieces so $1 each, right?? and then 1/2 a bottle of BBQ sauce they were $1 so 1/2 is 50 cents, I shook in about 1T honey, 1t dried onions, 1t chopped garlic so for the meat $2.75.
The rice was 2.50 for 25 1/2 C servings. making it 10 cents per 1/2 cup serving. We used 2 C so 40 cents plus maybe 10 cents for the butter and salt I added in to cook so that is 50 cents for the rice.
Then the broccoli was $1.15 for 2 smaller heads. another 10 cents for the oil and salts in the steaming water. So $1.25 for the steamed broccoli.
Totals, $2.75 meat, 50 cents for rice and $1.25 for broccoli so $4.50 for all and all my guys loved it and asked for it again AND, it was easy!!!
We also had a 2 liter soda with dinner which was 90 cents for soda and taxes and CRV and I made a chocolate chip cookie pie for about $2.10 so actually need to add in another $3

I've linked this with Pennywise Platter on 6/10/10 it looks fun there.

2010-04-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

April 2010 Dinner Plans and Ideas

Dinner Plans

F/burgers, potato chunks, canned pears
SA/chicken nuggets, box pots, green salad, fruit slices
SU/turkey roast, gravy, rice, cranberry, green beans
M/Corn dogs, French fries, fruit slices, green salad
T/CP BBQ chicken, white rice, broccoli
W/burgers, fries, fruit
TH/tuna helper, can veggie
F/fast food - dollar menu or??

Dinner Ideas

ham and eggs on toast, f&y smoothie
chicken noodle soup and rolls
CP chicken taco soup, cheesy tortilla crisps
pozole, rolls
spaghetti, garlic bread, corn
hamburger helper, corn
tuna helper, can fruit
burritos, rice, fixings
burgers, rice, corn
tamale pie
CP chili, corn bread
stew
pancakes and eggs
LO spaghetti soup, garlic bread

I need 4 more of all 3 meals plus 5+ snack items (granola bars, fruit snax, poptarts), 5 desserts, 4 gallons milk, 2 to 3 boxes cereal and $40 for produce to complete out my month healthily, or more likely, I'll have $20 towards produce and $30 more grocery monies to plan wisely. I also need to plan for Dollar tree on the 9th for maybe $20 to include bread, milk, bologna, sweets, snax and misc. Also, I planned for $50 at the end of the month for milk, cereal, fast food lunch, and gas. This makes $90 total see breakdown listed below Payday for May is on a Friday April 30th so we should be good!!

Breakfasts are:: cereal, oatmeal, eggs, leftovers,
Lunches are:: sammys, top ramen , pizzas, salads, canned ravs and leftovers

Grocery list for remainder of April

1 bag chicken breasts or big pan of legs $ 6
fruit and veggies $20
milk x 4 $12
chocolate milk - opt -----
hot cereal - opt -----
frozen pizza x 4 $ 4
frozen entree $ 4
8 grain bread x 2 $ 3
sourdough bread x 2 $ 2
lunch meat x 2 $ 3
canned veggies x 2 $ 1
desserts x 4 $ 9
fruit snax x 2 $ 5
poptarts x 2 $ 5
WM garlic bread 1 - 2 $ 2
granola bars x 2 $ 2
misc $ 7
TOTAL $$ 90.00

End of March 2010 Menu Plan

2010-03-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Phew!! It's finally here, the end of this long month.There were 5 weeks in this month to feed my family fabu dinners. and, I did it!!! OK, so not all were Fabu but we have all eaten, and eaten well. My family did complain a bit about my milk secret (adding in a can of evap with equal water) but they don't quite know what the difference is so I will keep doing it until I run out of the free evap because I know they will become accustomed to it!! So to get us through tis week, this is what I have planned..

Sun:: CP salsa chicken over rice
had as planned rice was undercooked:(
Mon::meatballs and gravy over noodles
ham/egg quiche,steamed broccoli
Tue::ham/egg quiche, broccoli
Subway samwiches $10-AWANA's
Wed::some kind of soup*see below*
R/T pizza-forgot it is open house
Thu::fast food and shopping
kids gone, parents artichokes YUM!!
Fri::probably pizza ($5 coupons)
hamburgers, oven fries, watermelon
Sat::IDK must feed 7, probably tacos
chicken strips, boxed pots, grape juice
Sun::Easter (Turkey and goodies??)
meatball strogonoff over rice, mixed fruit

For soups, I can create at least 3 different kinds-pozole, chicken noodle, or LO spaghetti soup. I will take a vote and the most popular one will be created. Also, thur and fri are kind of interchangeable since we have to go out of town for both.

As usual, all items can be exchanged for any reason at any time (hormones be da*ned) and I will be linking this up with MPM at orgjunkie and GCC as well as any others that catch my interest.

This week of the month can be fun because I am collecting coupons, making menus then breaking down into my shopping list. I can't wait to go shopping I think we have $300 this month YIPPEE!!!
And, lastly, I will be updating as the week goes along with the planned meals in dark gold and what we consume in green. Thanks for reading my blog and please leave comments, suggestions or questions. I love hearing from y'all!!!

Looking for a reader

2010-03-23T19:22:00.000-07:00
Hey Fairfield reader, who are you? I know you come here and read (lurk-LOL) but please identify yourself
Thanks.....Julie @ mom2priceboys@yahoo.com - but you already know that don't you???

Monday 3/22 Dinner Surprise

2010-03-22T17:18:00.000-07:00
I am semi-struggling with the menu for the rest of the month. We are eating from our pantry and it is emptying fairly quickly. I am using what I have and was thinking that I was being weird about my menu when in fact, I am serving my family a Middle Eastern feast and I didn't even know it.
No, I am not feeding them camel tongue or anything, I am serving a 9 spice chili over couscous.
The chili was on the available menu and we didn't have cornbread so I thought, "Why not use up that couscous I got 2 months ago in the bulk food aisle at WinCo?", "I can serve the chili over thus making the couscous look a bit more like rice!"
You see we have never had couscous before. Live and Learn!!
Well, after a bit of swagbucks research (Why not earn some points?) I found a basic couscous recipe, then I found out that unintentionally, I am serving my family a different ethnic food than we have ever had before. Yippee!!
Now the test, will they enjoy??Will they complain?
Tune in same bat time, same bat channel and we will find out tomorrow.........

OK, couldn't wait, We Loved It!!!! So, we are 2 for 2 on ethnic eating.
Last night we made pot stickers created from several different LO's that I had - Pork & rice, then added grated carrot, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and fold, pinch, pleat away to make 60 pot stickers another yummy one coming from my pantry.
Tomorrow IDK yet but I now know we will have couscous again soon and also I want to use the pot sticker wrappers for sweet treats (package recipe says to bake the wrappers in a sprayed muffin tin and create a cup shape to fill as you please Yes, please, with chocolate, please!!

Menu Plan March 22-28

2010-03-21T20:38:00.000-07:00
Here we go again, another menu to plan.....
Can y'all tell that I'm not too excited to be doing it??? Well, I'm not!! I am tired of having such limited choices.Having no money to get more groceries and having the fear that we might run out of groceries before we run out of month. I know I will be able to create something but OMGosh this $200 thing just is not working for us,well, maybe it can work, it is just tough!! I have used up most of my pantry stockpile except for the 7 cans of generic tomato soup that has a very off flavor and 6 cans of evaporated milk. I do add a evap milk and equal water into the milk at 3/4 gallon and have had no complaints (they don't know-he he). So without further ado (about nothing) let's get to that menu plan or more likely what I have available to create this week.....

Chicken noodle soup X 2
Pozole and breadmaker rolls
LO potstickers and green salad (3/21/10)
pork and gravy over mashed
tuna helper and canned fruit (3/23/10)
meatballs and gravy over noodles
spaghetti
my famous LO spaghetti soup
chicken taco soup
chili with couscous (3/22/10)
blueberry pancakes a no meat meal
chicken stir fry over rice

So as you can see I can get through, just tough, and...all these items are mine so Hubs will not be able (willing) to help cook. this sux LOL.
OK, usual disclaimer, all items can change at any time for any hormonal reason and come back as I will be updatine what we actually do consumne and the day we do
Also, I will be linking this with MPM at Organizing Junkie and with no shopping to report I will probably not be linking at GCC this week or next but I will be reading what everybody else saved on.

Mealtime.org :: Search our Free Online Recipes for Healthy Meal Ideas

2010-03-16T21:01:00.000-07:00
Mealtime.org :: Search our Free Online Recipes for Healthy Meal Ideas

Have you been here? I have found some great idea to use some challenging items that I have found in my pantry. Some of them in in great abundance like generic tomato soup, canned apricots and evaporated milk

OK, OK, so I know, I already told my deepst darkest secret here that I have been adding a can of evaporated milk along with a can of water into our gallon milk container when it gets to half a gallon and they do not notice. I only do it once per gallon but I have been doing it for about the last 5 gallons and it has helped extend our milk. I feeding 2 tweenage boys .

What to do, What to do...

2010-03-14T15:28:00.001-07:00
So,Here I thought that today my biggest challenge was going to be changing the clocks in my house but that was not to be. My Daughter in law the one that provided us with 4 grandkids .....just broke her shoulder.....My Hubs is currently driving her and our son over to the hospital in the next county over because our local hospital is a mere band aid station and they cannot help her and of course, the kids are coming to me.
I have already started the food scramble. I have 2 big chops that I put in the CP today to cook and then make a gravy to serve over mashed potatoes. I have 4 pots not 8, I do have half a box of instant mashed though.
I have to figure out how to make a dinner we were already stretching for 4 into hearty for 8.
At least the youngest 2 are smaller eaters (they are 5 and 6) but the older 2 are 9 and 12. I only have 8 eggs so that is not an option.yet. We did LO's last night along with hot dogs so there are few loose items to create from.

I'm thinking, I'm thinking.

Taco's? Well, I do have 7 shells, me, my 2, grand kids 4, that equals 7 since Hubs is gone for awhile. add some re fried beans and rice too, maybe??

Any ideas? Please comment.....Thanks.....Julie

Menu Plan March 15 - 21

2010-03-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Menu, Menu, gotta make my menu.What do I have? What can I create? What sounds good?
This $200 a month thing is tough. My kids expect more processed stuff and can you believe it but by cooking from scratch that I am gaining weight? Yep, gaining!! I know it is from all the taste tests that I must do, I am sure! It will all balance out soon I hope, cuz even 5 pounds feels icky and all around my mid section to boot.
OK so here is what I have planned so far and as y'all know I can change any menu for any hormonal reason and trust me at my age there are many!!! So, here goes.....

Sun::Pork chop and gravy over mashed,veg
ended up with tacos see this post
Mon::Chicken taco soup or salsa chx
made Tues menu due to sore throat
Tue::French toast and sausage, fruit slices
Beef and bean nachos, orange slices
Wed::CP Beef and bean Chili,tortilla chips
Chicken patty/veggie sammy, tator tots
Thu::Creamy chicken noodles and steamed carrots
Expect as planned
Fri::out to dinner?? for Wimpy Kid Movie
$2 at fast food&home FFYS-no movie :(
Sat::Chicken nugget salad with rolls
IDK probably chili and chips
Sun::Beef nachos and orange slices
pork and gravy over mashed with corn

As usual I will be linking this with MPM at organizing Junkie with several hundred like minded persons. Come back to see what we really did consume.....Julie

The yellow color is what I had originally planned at the beginning of the week. The blue color is what we really did have and what I expect to have during the week.

Menu Plan March 8 - 14

2010-03-08T09:14:00.000-08:00
Still adjusting to the no food stamp thing. We are into month 2. I expect this budgeting change to be tough for another month or so, then my job is over in June and we will have to again adjust to even less income yet still too much for assistance. It could be worse I know!!!
So I have done some shopping this past weekend. We went to WinCo over in Yuba City. Spent $50 there and another $7 at Dollar Tree( We love their $1 loaf of sourdough bread). My best deal over at WinCo was the tuna helper for 98 cents with a $1 off coupon wyb a can of tuna so, we got 2 and 2 cans generic tuna for 50 cents each that makes it 50 cents for a tuna helper dinner. We can do that!!!!! My boys love to eat it so...even better!!!My menu for this week is variable. These are the items that we have available to eat.

chicken nuggets, tator tots and fruit salad
Kids loved thesse Hubs not so much oh well, will make again!!
ham and eggs on toast with fruit and yogurt smoothie
having Friday without the ham as Hubs ate it all
impossibly easy cheeseburger pie
As usual, a successful dinner for a Thursday night
chicken tacos with beans and fixings.
didn't get to this dinner yet this week maybe Sunday??
soup and sammys
had Wednesday when we got home from shopping
pork and gravy over mashed with green beans
Defrosting as we speak for Saturdays main event LOL
Leftovers FFYS dinner or chicken taco soup??
Look for this again on next weeks menu

This if course will change some but I don't expect it to change much as we are out of money for the month. All things are paid though and I can walk to work so gas should be minimal.
I will be linking this with MPM, and GCC have you been reading these great posts??

Menu Plan for March 1 - 7 2010

2010-02-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have planned for this week after my shopping and what I still have in supply. My usual disclaimer, this menu plan can and will change or alter for any hormonal reason at any time so keep coming back for updated choices.

Sun 2/28:: Turkey roast, roast pots, canned green beans
had as planned green beans
Mon 3/1:: Chicken cordon bleu sammys with lettuce and tomato
had deli sammys - I was low energy (getting sick)
Tues 3/2:: Ham & Egg with F&Y smoothie
had Mon menu with cantaloupe slices-good dilaudid!!
Wed 3/3 ::Chicken nugget salad, breadmaker rolls
Dad made Tue menu still under weather but getting better
Thu 3/4:: CP Chili with tortilla crisps
made beef/bean enchilada casserole, mandarins (xtra kid)
Fri 3/5::Creamchx soup and pbj sammys
simple dinner needed here, it's Friday after all LOL
ended up having Sani Food deli sammys
Sat 3/6:: Beef tacos, refried beans, fixings
Sun 3/7::Chx, Chz, Veg, Bean Enchilada casserole, mandarins

I will be linking this to: MPM, GCC, others to be listed as linked!

1st paycheck of month is gone!!

2010-02-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

We get paid 3 times during the month once at the end (which was yesterday) the bulk by the 3rd and once on the 10th. Our EOM check was $499.59 not bad for one of my part time jobs right?? Well, it's gone!! and I mean all of it LOL.

The boys have new shoes for $75 for 2 pair buy one get one half off at the Van's outlet. I figure if I got them WM shoes it would be $60 so why not spend a few bucks more and let them be shoe snobs, right?? Actually they are a better quality for what my guys are into and have lasted until they have been outgrown. Well, now they wear men's 10 and 11 so how much more can they grow!?!?
We paid $120.00 pharmacy bill-Hubs co pay.
I paid back the $50 we borrowed from one of my BFF's Gina (thank you Gina)
$100 at WalMart for groceries and household supplies for a good part of the month.
$60 for pizza we ordered last night - I know this is expensive but all we have is Round Table so we are captive to their prices. Well, there is a pizza oven in a local liquor store but they have questionable health practices and the 2 times we've tried, well, it didn't go so well.
$40 for fast food today breakfast(McD's) and lunch (Long John Silvers)
$40 in the gas tank
$10 Dollar Tree
$5 misc, soda, change left, etc...

I was very happy with our WM groceries. I did make a specific list and followed it pretty well. We definitely have enough groceries(see menu here) for 10 days and house supplies for the month. My best purchase was a frozen turkey roast for $3. My guys like those and they are enough to feed us 4 and with some instant mashed potatoes and a canned veg, that is dinner for under $5. I splurged and got us a half gallon of chocolate milk. We love that stuff! My purchase for me was a box of hair color for $2.50 on the clearance aisle. I can't wait, my wisdom is showing on the top of my head and alongside my ears. (OK, OK!! I really mean grey).

this post is linked to The Grocery Cart Challenge. Go see how great she did this week with her food dollar!! here

Cookie Binge

2010-02-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

Some of you may already know this but I have a new to me oven after not having one for about a year. It is wonderful, keeps a honest temp! However, with this appliance I have been a bit crazy with the casserole creating and cookie making. I know big deal but over our vacation last week, I think I made about a dozen dozen cookies and consumed the better part of them along with 5 casseroles LOL. Oh well, I can always go to the gym tomorrow, right?? Well, tonight while making a ziti casserole (thank you $5 dinner from Northwest Coupon Lady) I also made PB Cookies. Linked is the original recipe from Allrecipes Michelle's Peanut Butter Dots but here is what I used.

1 stick margarine
1/2 C white sugar
1/4 C brown sugar
3/4 C crunchy peanut butter
2 T milk
1 t vanilla extract
8/9 C flour almost a cup
1/4 C cornstarch

mix together margarine, sugars, pb, milk and vanilla, add in dry ingredients in 2 - 3 sections,roll into balls then do the usual fork crisscross, bake in 350 preheated oven for 12-13 minutes. this portion makes about 30 smaller cookies. Well, we got 28 cuz of all the taste tests I had to perform. Also, I know weird about the cornstarch but I found that I like the consistency in my cookies while I was creating my shortbread delights. These cookies are crunchy on the outside yet creamy on the inside. give em a try they are very simple to make and even easier to eat.

Menu Plan for the last week of Feb 2010

2010-02-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

This is what I have planned for this weeks menu::

Hamburger Helper and can corn had Sat 2/20
out to dinner sat 2/27
Chicken stir fry over rice wed 2/24
Spaghetti,can veg, garlic bread thur 2/25
CP ham, oven fries & veggies Sun 2/21
Ham and Eggs on toast, fruit and yogurt smoothie Fri 2/26
Cheesy chicken, bean, and veggie quesadillas Tues 2/23
Alfredo tortellini with ham, steamed broccoli Mon 2/22

If needed, I can still make 2 chili's, 2 - 3 other soups, more canned baked beans and rice and another breakfast for dinner. However, payday is Feb 27 (next Sat) so we are more than ok with food this month. YIPPEE!!
I will link this to MPM with over 400 similar minded smart women

Shortbread cookies

2010-02-13T20:37:00.001-08:00

One of the bloggers that I follow posted about making easy shortbread cookies and it got my sweets craved PMS mouth to watering so I did a bit of research and finding Joy of Baking (once again,) I came up with a easy recipe.

1/4 C cornstarch
3/4 C flour
1/8t salt
mix these together in small bowl

cream together in another bowl
1 stick butter
1/4 C confectioners sugar (powdered)
1/2 t real vanilla

beat together wet ingredients for about 2 minutes then incorporate the dry ingredients wrap in saran wrap in a log shape and put in refer.
I am still at the refer stage. My plan is to cut into 12 then sprinkle with sugar and place in 350* pre heated oven on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until browned.
I will update my families responses after we consume.

I have linked this with:
And Baby Makes Five Colleen's Kitchen Recipe Swap, GCC Recipe Swap, Simply Sweet Home Sweet Thursday

And the rolls are.....

2010-02-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

And here's the rolls that I chose. They were the first ones on the list when I put in Bread machine rolls at (again) Allrecipes. I also made a few changes. first I only made 8 rolls worth. Also, I added in some Italian seasoning, parm cheese, and garlic and onion powders. It is mixing in the bread machine right now. I have never used the dough cycle so this is a fun learning experience.
These rolls were a hit. I will be using my bread maker to make more rolls in the future. I want to try a sweet hawaiin type to go with some chili that is on the menu next week.

Bread Machine Rolls from AllRecipes.com
Prep Time:1 Hr 20 Min
Cook Time:15 Min
Ready In:1 Hr 35 Min
Original Recipe Yield 1 dozen rolls
**This recipe should yield 8 rolls**

Ingredients
2 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons dry milk powder
2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon butter, softened
2/3 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2/3 egg white
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon water

Directions::
This recipe's Ingredients were scaled to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 1 dozen rolls, however, I chose to only make 8 rolls tonight

Place the bread flour, sugar, salt, milk powder, water, butter, and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.(I also added parm cheese, garlic and onion powders, pepper, and italian seasoning) Set on Dough cycle; press Start.
Remove risen dough from the machine, deflate, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces, and form into rounds. Place the rounds on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small bowl, mix together the egg white and 2 tablespoons water; brush lightly onto the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

Split Pea for me.....

2010-02-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

This is what I'm making tonight. The milk sounds interesting to make this a creamier recipe. As I'm sure you can tell I cut and pasted this right off Allrecipes after I changed the serving size to 7 because that is how many split peas I had Also I used bacon bits and pieces that I bought this month instead of regular bacon. We got 3 lbs for $3 instead of 12 oz for $3 when it is sliced. BTW I did make some extra bacon that well, I guess I'm just gonna have to nibble on LOL My other change is I also added in a celery stalk chopped with the carrots. So, Lastly, I will post back later tonight the results of how my family enjoyed this dinner. I am also going to mix up some rolls in the bread maker dough cycle and bake off at about 5 pm for dinner by 5:30 YUM-O I can't wait!!!
This was ok, good, not great. Ended up being a bit thick for our taste even with adding 1 cup of chicken broth halfway through. The milk does not take away from the traditional type flavor so I would add it again however, my picky guy do not eat much food that has color so.....the rolls have it!!! See here for the roll recipe.

Prep Time:5 Min
Cook Time:4 Hrs
Ready In:4 Hrs 5 Min
Servings (Help) US Metric Calculate
Original Recipe Yield 9 servings

Ingredients
11 ounces dried split peas
1-1/3 cups diced fully cooked lean ham
2/3 cup diced carrots
2/3 medium onion, chopped
1-1/3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/3 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3-1/3 cups boiling water
2/3 cup hot milk

Directions::
This recipe's Ingredients were scaled to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 9 servings.

In a slow cooker, layer the first nine ingredients in order listed (do not stir). Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in milk. Discard bay leaves before serving.

This recipe is linked to Dining with Debbie's Crock Pot Wednesday although I created it on Thur

MPM week #3 Feb 2010

2010-02-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well, were home this week - school is off, so I am responsible for all meals my starving, growing boys consume.
For breakfasts, I plan simple stuff like cereal and milk, eggs on toast and cream of wheat that I make the night b4 and leave on the stove
Lunches will mainly be either LO's or self serve sammys with fruit slices and chips
Dinners should go somewhat as follows::::::::::

Sun::Ziti casserole, green salad had chx legs, mac salad
Mon:: IDK maybe leftovers??or Sun Menu??or helper
Tue::CP beef sammys, fruit salad
Wed::pork chop soup and rolls
Thu::hamburger helper, corn
Fri::hash brown casserole, fruit salad or slices
Sat::beans and rice with fruit salad

As usual all items can change at any time for any reason as well, Iposting what we did eat for dinners as I go along

Lastly, I have linked this to the following: GCC, MPM, others to be listed when linked

MPM for week #2 in Feb 2010

2010-02-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time again to get my menu plan ready for this upcoming week. It is kind of a push week because we have next week off school so, many assignments need to be completed and turned in for the kids, also school library books returned etc...
I also have created my menu with spending only $350 this month on groceries and household stuff vs. the usual $500 as I am learning to live without dedicated food money. However, years of keeping a pretty good pantry will come into play this month and next while I learn more new budget options
Here is what I have planned::::::
Sun::tuna helper, fruit salad
Mon::Beef tacos and fixings
Tue::ham, stuffing, green beans
Wed::hamburger patties, fries, applesauce
Thu::French toast and bacon with orange slices
Fri::split pea soup and rolls
Sat::ham and potato casserole, fruit slices
My usual disclaimer, all items can be changed at any time for any hormonal reason.
Also, I will be linking this menu with MPM, GCC, Dining with Debbies Crockpot Wednesday, and others I will list and link as I go along.

Taa Daa!!! I have an oven!!!

2010-02-03T10:31:00.001-08:00
Hi gals, it's been almost a week since I've been here. My life has been hectic. On Saturday my little baby turned 12 when i say little baby I mean my one that was born at 1 1/2 pounds 13 inches long. Yep, he was that little!!! He now is about 5'6" 145# not so little anymore!!!
Another great thing that happened was I got an oven. It has been close to a year since our oven went out. I changed many things, used my roaster, became friendly with my crock pot, made a cake in my breadmaker and fully utilized my 2 working stove burners. Sometimes doing all simultaneously LOL Well, now many nights will be some type of oven baked one dish casserole hope they love em"
I did go shopping this weekend also and spent about $110 for the next 2 weeks and more. I hope to have another $100 in 2 weeks because the kids will be home from school for a week the 3rd week of this month. I also need to work on my menu plan. I always struggle with this issues the first week f the month and we tend to eat out a bit more. I know this and am working on reigning this in to only 3 times a month. Hubs has a different perspective LOL
Thanks GCC for hosting this linky

Successful dinner-recreating LO's with pantry staples

2010-01-26T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a successful creative dinner tonight and I am pleased. In fact DH took his plate into his room and I have not heard from him for almost 5 minutes. such sweet silence LOL

I made a Pasta e Fagioli, so simple, in the CP, using frozen LO spaght sauce-maybe 2 cups.

Cut up 1/2 big onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 celery stalks, and a dozen or so baby carrots, cut all veggies similar size. Brown up 1/4# ground sausage in 2T EVOO then add veggies and soften a few minutes, pour into crock then add frozen sauce, also add 4 C water and 3 beef bouillon cubes along with pepper, garlic and onion powder, and italian seasoning. cook on low a few hours, add in 1 can white beans along with 1 good T worschteshire and maybe some more seasonings. cook another hour or so. finally add in 2/3 C ditalini pasta cook at most a half hour.

Serve with garlic bread for dipping and green salad. This was a crowd pleaser all my kids ate it!!!

Also, I have linked this with Dining withh Debbies Crockpot Wednesday So, Enjoy!!!

Cheese, Cheese, wonderful cheese

2010-01-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my sage neighbor- Becky (of the infamous Will and Becky) -who has her fingers in every pie here in our little town d' Podunk, told me that Rumiano Cheese was having a word only back door sale of their cheeses for $1 a pound various varieties. I got about 4 pounds of different cheeses such as Colby-jack, provolone slices, American slices, and good ol motz. While there I asked how often they did this and how I would know they said about every three months and to keep my ear to the pavement to hear about it as there is no schedule. So, I will. I will also be researching allrecipes to find some scrumptious meals that use provolone.This one sounds good, don't ya think?? I can also tell lasagna is going to be on our menu again in Feb so, if you read this and live close by - GO!!!

And next time I will be better prepared and bring about $15 and STOCK UP!!! Today I only spent $4. Hopefully, a wisely spent $4.

BTW::She is the great neighbor that gives me her Sac Bee coupons every Sunday. So once again, thanks Beck!!!

Lastly, I have linked this post to the following bloge : Grocery Cart Challenge,

Last week of Jan 2010 menu plan-Pantry challenge

2010-01-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

This has been fun - creating from what is on hand and using up packages that had been opened that were just sitting in my small pantry. Thank You Pantry Challenge.

Here is what I have learned::: I do have a small pantry - holds about 1 1/2 months of 2+ meals a day groceries. I need to gain more control and organize this situation to create more space. For this, I need to help hubs get the garage cleaned out and have a better shelving/storage system. I want to plant a garden this year and can some things this summer/fall. I will need that storage by then.

I do have a pretty good shopping system in place,we shop twice a month at big box stores that are out of town, it fits our family and our budget, but I can reign it in a bit more to make the weekly food allotment for us 4 (and usually a guest) to $75 from $100.,We can sustain that price reduction, just need to reduce more prepared foods, stockpile some more loss leaders, and let my older picky tweenaged eater go without snackies a few nights if he chooses not to eat what has been prepared for the family dinner. (I do not make him something special he just snacks later on in the night)

So without further ado, here is what is left of the menu for this month :::
fish sticks, french fries, orange slices Sat dinner 1-30
Au Jus French Dip sammy, green salad Sun dinner 1-31
pork steak, scalloped pots, greenie beanies Wednesday 1-27
pancakes, sausage and mandarins Tuesday 1-26
helper and corn or peas Monday 1-25
CP roast with pots and veggies Thursday 1-28
canned beans and rice with fruit slices Friday 1-29
pork chop broccoli soup, rolls Sunday dinner 1-24
chicken noodle veggie soup, garlic bread exchange menu item
ham and eggs over toast, fruit/yogurt smoothie Sunday brunch 1-24

These menu items are what I originally created I could squeeze so much more from what I still have in my pantry. At this point in this working menu no days are specific meals (the green dates are tentative) I will be determining this as the week goes on. However, as usual most will stay the same because choices are getting limited.

I need about $10 for this week to get some more breakfast and lunch things such as cereal, milk, bread and maybe some produce. Our tree still has a few oranges so those are incorporated in our menu however, a little fruit variety might be a nice change!!

Our lemon tree is also brimming this year and was wondering if anybody has ideas on how to store the lemon juice for more lemonade in the summer. Do you think the regular pectin type canning would work? Please reply!

Lastly, I will be linking this with the following blogs::: Grocery Cart Challenge, MPM at Orgjunkie, life as mom and money saving moms as they become available.

Shopping for this week (and next)

2010-01-22T05:12:00.000-08:00

Well, we made our car purchase so that took up almost all the tax money (well, that and 3 years of payments that were more than I wanted-for this car DH has to and I do mean HAS to quit smoking - there is no other way!!!)with the rest we got $28 in gas, $35 in fast food on 2 trips, and $28 on groceries also in 2 trips

!st grocery trip - DH went to WM and got some junk food $8

Trip #2 we got milk, cereal, bread, salami, chips, yogurts, cheese - this was kind of the last run of the month for breakfast and lunch stuff. spent $20

Fast Food was #1 for me and DH on our way to work the other morning $7 spent at McD's and #2 was $21 taking all 4 of us out to BK while we drove the new to us car.

I can tell by my buyers remorse frustration I need to find some biblical passage. Do you have any to suggest?

This post is being linked with the following blogs:: Grocery Cart Challenge

Pantry Suprise

2010-01-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

While digging through the pantry, which yes, I can see through to the back of them, I discovered a box of Quaker Oatmeal Pancake mix that I had gotten at Grocery Outlet about 3 months ago for about a dollar. We tried it and it was good but...well, so here sits a box of pancake mix that needs to be used so I created this::

2 1/3 C pancake mix
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t ginger
2/3 C milk - well, 1/3C milk, 1/3C water - ran out of milk
1/3 C Molasses
1/3 C sour cream (light)
1 egg
good dash of vanilla - loves me the vanilla LOL
Topping ingredients listed below

Mix dry together in larger bowl - put aside about 1/2 C, whisk wet in medium bowl, pour wet into dry, mix together

Put into 8X8 or so size pan these ingredients probably too small for a 9 X 13 but a bundt?? I may try that next time! (That's for you Gina-my friend) And in a bundt, I would put the topping (listed below) in first then the cake mix on top.Yum!!

Mix together set aside dry ingredients with 1/2 C brown sugar, 1/4 C butter (and nuts??) crumble over tops of cake.
Cook 350 a good 30 minutes. Let sugar cool on top then enjoy, it's crumbly at first then soft and spongy a day later.

My boys asked for seconds - they had a 1/8 size piece for their after school snack with some hot cocoa - it was really raining today yet Hubs and I walked to get taxes done. We get a small return, Yippee!!More money for the car down payment savings. Walking to work in the rain stinks!! Silver Lining:: I have a job to walk to, I can walk to my job, My job is close enough to walk to - take your pick I know I am blessed!!

As usual, I have this linked to the Panty Challenge I love reading what everybody is doing with their challenges.

Please help alter recipe for pantry challenges

2010-01-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pork-Chop-Soup/Detail.aspx

I have most all these items and this sounds good but, I have no potatoes. However I do have pasta so I am thinking I add maybe 1 1/2 cups noodles when I add in the broccoli in at last 10 minutes of cooking to replace potatoes? Here's where I'm stuck do you thik 1 1/2 cup noodles is about volume equivelent as 3 chopped potatoes? Please reply Thank You

Also, No broth but I do have bouillon so I will add 3 cups water to 3 cubes to equal broth needed. However, I may put in 2 chicken and 1 beef give it a heartier flavor or never know 2 beef and 1 chicken???

Lastly, to alter this to crockpotting I will start the meat around noon, add other veggies in at 2 then noodles at 4:45 broccoli at 5 and in bowls by 5:15 served with some nice brown and serve dinner rolls for dipping - yummy this sounds good, I just want to make sure my alterations will be OK.
Also, I will be linking this to life as mom and money saving mom and any other pantry challenge links in search of ideas and/or confirmation that I am headed in the right direction.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

This is one of my weeks with no shopping, no money = no shopping but really, we did BIG shopping last week at the Shopping Olympics so for 2 weeks we are eating out of our freezer/pantry.

Also last week, I created the menu plan for the remainder of the month from what we got while shopping, and what we already have, so these are "what's for dinner".
ham and eggs on toast, fruit/yogurt smoothie Sat 1-23-10
chicken tacos, fixins, fruit slices Wed 1-20-10
Chili cheese dogs, mixed fruit Sun 1-24-10
tamale pie, green salad Thur 1-21-10
SOS, steamed carrots Sun 1-17-10
beans and rice, apple slices Fri 1-22-10
pork chop noodle soup and biscuits Tue 1-19-10
chicken stuffing casserole, green beans Mon 1-18-10
These are in no particular order (the blue date is tentative) and can be changed or altered at any time for any reason. However with this being one of our pantry weeks most things will be pretty close to what is scheduled. I will be adding and changing this post during the week while I use the items.
Go here to read about why my Hubby is my hero. It's cute!! Also, please go here to help me with pantry challenge recipe alterations.

I have (or will when available) link this post to the following blogs click on the link for all the other exciting posts that they are offering:: Grocery Cart Challenge, MPM at OrgJunkie, Saving our cents, Money Saving Moms,

Reason # 4972 that My hubby is my HERO!!

2010-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00
This is icky, so if you're squeamish - click to another blog ha ha ha.

Well, last night about 11 pm, all was quiet in my house. The cookies had been baked, the dishes were done, the kids in bed and My Hubs was in the recliner with a blanket gettin a snore on. So, I quietly went into the kitchen to hard boil some eggs for breakfast. (Being homemakery) anyway, I open the oven to get the pot that I needed that I keep stored in there and a mouse started to run out of the oven. I scream, slam the oven door and start hyperventilating lol. I practically barfed. Hubs yelled "WTH???" I scramble into the living room tell him. He kinda made fun of me at that point. Tells me to "shut the lights off", then we went to bed.

So forward to this morning:::I still have to make breakfast, right?? so I brave myself up, open the door to get the pot and BAM!! there he is, the mouse - squished by the oven door. Man-0-man I guess when I slam a door, I really slam a door ha ha ha

Now to the hero part or can you already guess, yep, Hero Hubs to the rescue, he got rid of the mouse without me having to see the remains, or even know he did it. And, the kids had cereal and milk. So, now I've set the oven to clean, and Pizza has been ordered - vegetarian, not into eating meaty protein for dinner (sorry, told ya it was gross!!)

Menu items that keep hanging around

2010-01-14T00:04:00.000-08:00

Chicken Noodle Soup has been on my menu for awhile yet I am struggling to make it. It is one of the issue I have with too much food available hehehe.
To "force" myself to make it I did start the chicken in the CP around noon Wednesday so I have cooked chicken and broth ready to add the goodies too yet Wed night I just could not bring myself to make it. I guess we will be having it Thursday, right??

How do you make you chicken noodle soup? What's your tricks?

Edit:: made this tonight and it turned out well, used 1/2 a bag of mixed frozen veggies, chopped up the 2 pcs chicken and about 1/4 box fettuccine noodles cut into fourths - my biggest mistake is I burned the garlic toast - had to scrape off a few tops lol

My other menu item that has appeared and not been prepared for SEVERAL weeks is a beef roast with veggies and potatoes. Your basic CP faire. It just doesn't appeal when it is the night ot cook, or I forget and then it's too late to start it, or, or, or...you get the drift...too many excuses.

Do you suffer from this malady? How to you deal with it? Please comment

I'm linking this to Grocery Cart Challenges Recipe Swap

2010-01-10T03:52:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Joe's Special

Some say this famous San Francisco specialty was devised by a San Francisco chef as a variation on the Italian frittata. Others insist it was created as an after-hours snack
by dance-band musicians of the 1920's. A third theory attributes the dish to miners who frequented the city's riotous Barbary Coast district in the 1850's. Whatever its origin may be, this hearty mixture of beef, onions, spinach and eggs makes a satisfying meal any time of the day or night.
Joe's Special
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dry oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; or 1/2 pound fresh spinach, rinsed, stems removed, and leaves chopped (about 4 cups)
4 to 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
Heat oil in a wide frying pan over high heat. Crumble in beef and cook, stirring often, until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onions, garlic and mushrooms; reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in salt, nutmeg, pepper, oregano and spinach; cook for about 5 more minutes. Add eggs. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, just until eggs are softly set.
Makes 6 servings.

Menu Plan for this week and a guide for the rest of the month

2010-01-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I did my shopping on Saturday (see this post) and then,while putting it away, I created a menu for the rest of the month. I will post this menu plan with those from many other of us bloggers at Menu Plan Monday when it opens up.
::This weeks plan::

Meatloaf, scalloped pots, green beans - Sunday 1-10-10

chicken noodle soup, garlic toast - Thursday 1-14-10

beef tacos, fixins, mango - Tuesdsay 1-12-10

pancakes, sausage, ?eggs? and mandarins Still available

tamale pie, green salad - Thursday 1-21-10
alfredo tortollini, steamed brocolli - Monday 1-11-10

spaghetti, corn - made lasagna Saturday 1-16-10

BBQ pork steaks, BBQ pots, applesauce still available

::Guide for the rest of the month::
spaghetti noodle soup and biscuits ++wk3
fish sticks, french fries, orange slices

beef tacos, fixins, pineapple slices

chili cheese dogs, mixed fruit++wk3

SOS, steamed carrots ++week 3

chicken enchiladas, green salad

Au Jus French Dip sammies in CP, fruit salad

ham and eggs on toast, fruit/yogurt smoothie++wk 3

chicken tacos, fixins, fruit slices++wk3
PBJ and canned soup

helper, green beans
beans and rice, apple slices ++wk3
CP beef roast, vegs and pots
pizza, salad, Round Table on payday??

I am excited that I got this done and as usual it comes with my disclaimer that Ican change at any time for any reason. I will be changing/updating this as I use the menu items.
I again need to clean out/organize my freezer and pantry for better access and availability. DH put away the canned groceries.
I am looking for a Joe's special recipe(found one) with GB, spinich, & eggs, & a pasta e' fagioli recipe that I like and is easy and is with what I have in my pantry.
Lastly, remember to go see what is going on in Crock Pot Exchange at CafeMom and there as here, I am mom2priceboys.

Shopping Olympics have come and gone for the month of January

2010-01-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well, It is done. My $250 is spent!! This included lunch at Sani Food deli for $6 (Congrats Ella she and her hubs are expecting after a few years trying) and JIB dinner for $6 also $15 for gas to get to and from Willows to Chico. It was my first experience truly using coupons. Found some great deals,(Yo-Plus yogurt 4 pack was $1.38 had $1 off so 38 cents) trying some new products (JIF crunchy - WinCo out of smooth - had $1 off and we need pb) total coupons saved $6. Well, I guess 6 is the number of the day hahaha

We learned that Grocery Outlet does not accept manufacturer coupons. that was disappointing.(I returned the items - lol) however, when we went to WinCo the items that I did not get at GO were even cheaper at WinCo so I actually saved even more money.

My tally breakdown for this week is:::::::::::::Drum roll please

Sani Food:::$27.60 all food - $21.33 MEAT,misc & 2-99 cent choc chips
Local Food for More but they can have good sales so I appreciate them, oh yeah and the staff is so friendly and the meat guy is cute and funny hahaha-tell em' Julie sent ya

Dollar Tree:::$16.41 - $11 food, $5.41 misc (cleaning items)

Grocery Outlet:::$36.98 - $22.39 food, $14.59 misc (cat food $10)

WinCo:::$132.61 - $127.37 food, $5.25 misc (detergent, incense, dog biscuits)

So I am trying to do this coupon thing, trying to plan better for my family, Focus Julie Focus!!!, all attention is on the prize, when low and behold here comes my boss doing her shopping. (She's so provisional, she brings her own bags, lol)

My Golden Ticket of coupons that I got last week was 75 cents off McCormicks spice, well, I got to use it on a big bottle of Real Vanilla extract - YIPPEE!! One of my frugal budget consessions has been to buy imitation extracts and off brand seasonings so this is such a fun luxery.

There are a few things that I would like from the store (Fresh milk and produce) but if I can't get there we'll be OK!! (Canned fruit and condensed to reconstitute)

Please go here to read and post about this weeks shopping experiences over at GCC.

Now to go complete my menus for the rest of the month and more.....

Redbox code

2010-01-08T04:23:00.000-08:00

We had redbox issues here in Podunk over the holiday season, We had a movie and the doors were closed to WM when it was time to return it so we got stuck with a 2nd day rental. (big deal $1.08) but other people in my area got stuck with their movies for 3 and 5 extra days because I guess it was full or something and wouldn't accept the returns. So, Redbox sent me a code to use for a free movie. Give it a try for yourself and see if it works.....Good Luck.....

Redbox cod::::RBX2NITE

If it works for you, great, send me a comment so I can know it was used.

ill tody

2010-01-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hi all who may read this. I am ill today, with some pain on my left side. Hoping it's not stones again!!! So, I take pills and sleep. My homeschooler is taking advantage and not getting his work done independently so now he climbed in bed with me to read his health and science.

Silly sidenote::In Heath it's a small unit on the excretory system, Well, we are getting a good example of it right now hehehe.

2010-01-04T21:38:00.000-08:00
http://www.lifeasmom.com/2010/01/pantry-challenge-progress-reports-share.html working on linking

Doing the coupon thing this morning.

2010-01-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the advice and the gift of the Sunday coupons from my neighbors Sac Bee, I am going to give couponing a serious try. I have them organized per my WinCo aisles.
So, to decide which coupons to pick:: I usually only get the coupons that are for 1 product. For example, we had a choice for $1 off 1 or $3 off 2. I know the $3/2 is a better deal as far as discount but I don't need that 2nd product it tends to create clutter in my house. We do not have a lot of storage, or rather I should say, we are not using our storage wisely.
For food items I tried a few name brand products like Fiber 1 cottage cheese, well, I know that the store brand is cheaper but it is $1 off so that will make it the same as the store brand so why not try it??
Loved the face lift in a box coupon $5 off. I did cut it out because I might find that on sale then I won't feel so bad spending money just on myself hehehe - silly mom guilt
Well, my golden ticket coupon this week in the MANY that I saw was 75 cents off a McCormick's seasonings. I am going through my seasonings as we speak deciding what extravagant one I should get. I love seasonings!!!
So I will be using these coupons some this next week at WM then my big grocery shopping with payday on the 9th. and yes, this time I will be taking and posting pics
Silly sidenote::I was wondering if cutting coupons was the reason my mom gave us when they locked the bedroom door on Sunday mornings?? Just a thought

Shopping for this week $40

2010-01-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Oops, I got it all put away before I thought to take a pic so this week I will just write but I will be working on getting pics for next weeks big shopping. Today, we went to 3 stores 1st:: Dollar Tree, 2nd:: WinCo, & 3rd::Hostess Outlet

Dollar Tree:::batteries, ritz(2/$1), bologna(2/$1), french bread(2/$1), candy, mustard, clippers&baked beans, it was $11.25 total

WinCo::::meat $9, apples, banans, salad mix, cucumber,grape tomatoes$5, milk,marj, cheese, sour cream $5, fresh salsa $1.78, mayo, gravy pkt, brownie mix, bread $6 it ws $26.83 total

Yes, We had a few dollars left over so we stopped at the Hostess Outlet Store and each of us got a special treat choice in the 5 for $3.89 bins and I got 4 for $1 single cupcakes for desert tomorrow at lunch. Shopping for this week is done and rather thorough. DH an I got the extra little cupcakes that we split last midnight. so yummy!!

Fun experience, I was at the Dollar Tree in Chico today and a fellow savy, frugal,shopping lady, notices my list and we started talking about the Pantry Challenge she is following it also this month. We had a quick talk about what to do with excess noodles and tomato soup. Nice to know I'm not alone on the West Coast with this project. hahaha So if you read this you will know it is me..... Julie

PS:: OK trying to do this...to see other grocery shopping experiences go here
PSS::I am still working on learning links and will be trying some ideas out to see if I can follow directions. haven't had luck yet.....J

Menu Plan Monday - Welcome 2010 with weekly Pantry Challenge Meanderings

2010-01-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

Hi all, How is your new year starting out? Are you still working on your new goals? I am getting my menu ready for next week and I have a few things that are regular menu items but they may have a few glitches with alternate ingredients exchanged. For instance, I swore I got 3 cans of Rotel last shopping trip but what got home were 3 cans of Italian flavored tomatoes well, anyway, they must are what we have so my menu may have a Guido marries Juanita flavor.
While starting to get my pantry more organized I found over 10 cans of off brand tomato soup. Not my fav for sure but DH acquired them and since we are using what we have well, they must get used. So I ask the following question

Do any of you have ideas for condensed tomato soup and pasta?What would you do with these? Please, oh please leave a comment!!

My menu is looking like what is listed below with my usual disclaimer, I an alter at anytime for any reason yet, limited quantity means limited choices therefore less alterations.....

Mon::hamburger patty, Alfredo noodle, fruit slices
Papa Murphy's pizza - DH paid from small paycheck
Tue::chicken noodle and gravy with steamed carrots
Burger King - Dollar menu I had side salad w/nuggets
Wed::CP Mexican pork, rice and tropical fruit salad
spaghetti, peas, DH cooked forgot garlic bread
Thur:: spaghetti, peas, garlic bread
mexican pork tacos, lettuce/tomato
Fri::beans and rice, orange slices
ham and eggs on toast with fruit slices
Sat:: fast food and shopping day then soup and sammys
expect as planned
Sun::CP roast, potatoes, veggies - been on menu plan for 3 weeks lol
expect as planned or some type of CP meal
For more menu plans here or go to http://www.orgjunkie.com/ - still working on my linking skills Instead of the big bulky link I want to be able to use the words without the www stuff Thanks.....Julie

::::::::::Pantry Challenge Meanderings::::::::::2nd, 3rd& 4th thoughts

Wow, with this menu planned I just realized that I will be doing my WinCo shopping this next weekend. I am afraid if I do not do it when I get food money then I will nickle and dime it at my local Food for more store. Thus, I am thinking that I can actually reduce my original plan of $40 for the next 2 weeks shopping to $25 this week total.Edit:: went grocery shopping for this week and well, it was $40!! there were some expenses that I forgot to calculate see next blog... Again, My biggest goal is to keep DH out of the fast food drive thru at 9 pm for "just a hamburger and soda." This expense costs us maybe $30 a week lol but that is $120 a month and that could be half a used car payment, right?? Now, If I could only get him to quit smoking hehehe
So far I have failed at keeping DH out of the drive thru when HE gets a check...We ate out both Monday and Tuesday--pizza, $15 for take and bake (and cookies) and $10 for burgers and fries (and my salad and nuggets lol) I will not give up and it will be easier as all bills are paid with $8 leftover. I hope I get my paycheck on the 10th but IDK since time card was turned in later because of holidays so we may only have the $8 for groceries. That would cover 2 gallons milk, a pound of margarine, and a few apples.

Pantry Challenge in January...

2009-12-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am still thinking how I can modify this project from (links to go here-HELP!!if you read this I cannot make links - please leave a comment on how - please!!!! ) with how I have to shop because of our income. This (I'm sure) is the last month that my family gets dedicated food money and from Feb on out it is spending cash. In the past few years I have spent about $200 cash per month and $200 SNAP benefits - the new name for Food Stamps - lol - therefore, if I do receive these benefits I want to spend them like I did in December spending $$ to stock up my pantry even more with staples, seasonings, and flavorings.
From Feb on I also spend around $25 each month stocking up my pantry because I work for the school district and am off school for 2 1/2 months in the summer and that is when we really live off our pantry. So suffice it to say perhaps Jan in not the best month for me to be taking this project on??
What I am for sure going to do is to follow others so when do use my pantry as planned so I will have many other ideas to fall back on and the wisdom of other peoples experiences to gleen from.
What I will be doing in Jan is organizing and cleaning out my pantry taking out items that have expired or items that we will just not eat.

Menu Plan Monday - Last week of the year

2009-12-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hello all, I just got an image uploaded. I know for some no biggie but I am learning this as I go and computers are not natural to me. My kids well, it's in their DNA but I am old as dirt and definitely before computers!!! Anyway here we are the last week of 2009 to do some simple menu planning. I want to remember to link back to http://www.orgjunkie.com/ for more meal plans also http://www.cafemom.com/ in Crock Pot Moms, mommythree0508 has a great week (week 126) of meals planned and in Frugal and Thrifty moms, TonyaLea never fails with her choices.
As for me and mine here is what I have planned as of now and as usual I will update daily what we actually did eat. This is because I reserve the right to alter or change my planned menu for any reason at any time. However, with this being the last week of the month (payday on Thursday) most items will be consumed as planned since choices are a bit more limited.
Mon:: spagheti, peas and garlic toast had soup and popcorn since we had a later hearty lunch and McD treat at 5
Tue:: chicken enchilada casserole another late hearty lunch so had ham and eggs with toast and fruit
Wed:: chili dogs and fries or pizza chicken taco soup in CP-already together in CP in refer
Thu:: Fast food and party faire late night as planned also having extra kids??
Fri:: depends on what is on sale at the grocery tonight pizza??
Sat::soup and sammys, or?? same as friday or LO's
Sun::CP pot roast, veggies and potatoes expect as planned
Also, anybody have any insight onto Super Cook?? I want to be able to use it but am finding some limitations because I do keep a fairly complete pantry and freezer. If you read this, GREAT, please follow me and/or comment so I know I'm not alone out here in the great big blogosphere Thanks.....Julie
PS::looks like I am having challenges linking this with MPM I'll keep trying until I get it done...J
PSS:: I got it done and you guy are coming by, please feel free to leave a comment.....J

menu plan monday

2009-12-22T14:02:00.000-08:00
This menu,as usual, is a work in progress. I just did my freezers inventory so I have a little better idea of its contents. These next 2 weeks are a bit challenging since both kids are home from school all meals as well the grandkids who are becoming frequent visitors as their independance increases.(They can now ride bikes the few blocks by themselves) Also as usual, I reserve the right to alter or change this plan at any day and any time for any reason--hehehe--however with it being the end of the month most things will be consumed as planned.

Mon::created chicken,noodles, and gravy with brocoli side-as planned
Tue::chicken fajita pitas and a banana-as planned
Wed::corn dogs and fries with canned fruit had pizza
Thu::pozole,rolls and appetizers, creative desserts done
Fri ::pot roast veggies and potatoes included, creative desserts
going to be stew, rolls, and desserts
Sat::LOs, sammys, brocoli potatoes,etc... may exchange with friday
Sun::chicken noodle soup in crock salsa chicken over rice

While doing my freezer this A.M. I discovered I have several opened bags of chicken pieces that I need to fully utilize so I will be having more chicken recipes than normal.I will also be looking for some creative budget friendly recipes as well, so if you read this please send any suggestions. Again, as usual, I should update as the days get done.....Julie

PS::Almost forgot, Don't forget to find other menu plans at http://www.orgjunkie.com/, I know I'm enjoying reading others ideas at MPM.....J

menu plan monday

2009-12-13T22:54:00.000-08:00
Meal planning, I am struggling with this issue right now. I am not being very creative thus frugal because I just use instead of use with a purpose. My menu needs to be adaptable to feed 4, 5, or 6 as this may be changing (due to friends forclosure-upside, she brings a working stove with her, and her son, hehehe) just don't know when. I need to take stock of what is in the freezer and put my food dates in order. As of now this is what I have planned. This is always subject to change.I try to update daily both here and CafeMom.

Mon 12-14 CP beef fajita and go alongs, pineapple
ate as planned pineapple was fresh & yummy
Tue 12-15 ham and eggs on toast with fruit and yogurt smoothie
had as planned smoothie was real good!!
Wed 12-16 chicken nugget salad, garlic bread
made taco soup with chips&cheese and choc ice cream
Thu 12-17 taco soup, rolls may exchange for 12-16
12-18 menu
Fri 12-18 corn dogs,fries,fruit salad
leftovers and whatever u find
Sat 12-19 chicken fajita pitas, orange slices
steak and gravy over mashed, corn
Sun 12-20 sliced beef and gravy over mashed, corn
chicken fajita pita, orange slices

PS::::: I am so proud of myself, I finally was sucessful in getting this post on the MPM Mr Linky. I have been trying for a few weeks and I finally figured it out!!! I am so dense sometimes lol yet persistant to a fault and I got it done!!! might not always be right but it gets done.....Julie

meals week of December 7 to 13

2009-12-07T11:39:00.000-08:00
This is my main shopping week for the month and the last month that I will get food stamps that I know of (I may get jan-still up in air)so while shopping I need to get as many staples as possible.
To make matters worse our only car broke down and it is at least $200 more to fix. I am trying to save up for a newer car but life keeps chopping away at anything I get put away.

Mon 12-07 helper,green beans, garlic bread
had Moms nacho supreme
Tue 12-08 chcken burritos and pineapples
had tv dinners & misc snacks
Wed 12-09 sani food deli
had beef stew in can and bread
thu 12-10 fast food-out of town
had chili dogs, corn & orange slices
fri 12-11 veggie soup and rolls
undecided shopping sales were different than expected.
Sat 12-12 creamy chicken/mushroom strogonoff
expect as planned as already have
sun 12-13 CP pot roast and trimmings
expect as planned church day!!!!!

As usual, there is a disclaimer that I reserve the right to alter/change the planned menu at any time for any reason.Hormones be damned

Meal Plan for this week 11-30 to 12-6-09

2009-11-29T19:06:00.000-08:00
OK time to get started back to the routine of things for the next 3 weeks then it's a string of Saturdays again. My menu should be as follows

Mon 11-30 tuna helper, peas, garlic toast-as planned
Tue 12-1 sani food deli samwiches(still~out to dinner)
Wed 12-2 BBQ steak, pototoes,steamed carrots-Papa Murphy's
Thu 12-3 ham,egg&potato burritos,fruit salad-as planned
Fri 12-4 out of town-as planned
Sat 12-5 corn dogs, fries,mixed fruit-as planned
Sun 12-6 salibury steak, rice,grapes-as planned

This week of the month is always so hard as we tend to have to travel to see out of town relatives and DH has a thing about taking his family out to dinner on payday. (Who am I to fight such an atrocity??lol)
In the recent past our dedicated food money was on the 9th and my payday on the 10th but times are a'changin' and I need to alter our budget without these benefits. This is a mixed blessing and I know with great study I will learn how to further reduce our grocery spending.I can do this, I can do this, chugga chugga chug chug my caboose is draggin'. Silver lining is I have $200 food money this final month to stock up my pantry.

Grocery Coupon's Coupons in Chico, California - Valpak.com

2009-11-28T19:16:00.000-08:00
Grocery Coupon's Coupons in Chico, California - Valpak.com

stuffing try outs

2009-11-18T09:39:00.001-08:00
OK, so i am creating a stuffing for thanksgiving. Let's be truthful I am craving the turkey day goodies. anyeay, I make a loaf of bread in the breadmaker the other day. It fell and the kids were not fans of the flavor but I thought what great bread cubes these would be so here we are. i cut them, seasoned with poultry seasoning, italian seasoning, S&P, garlic and onion powder, let sit overnight, im am melted butter added 1/2 chop onion, 1 celery, 4 mushrooms, 1/2 apple pour over cubes, cook 2 chx breast in 2 cup water till poached add water to stuffing chop up chx add in, soak 4 dates and apricots chopped in 1 c water to boiling, sit 10 min add in. mix together in 9x13 put in roaster at 250 for 4 hours oh and dots and shreds of butter throughout. It smells good I am waiting!
Well, mixed results, I think it had too much poultry seasoning and that was my doing I believe I used T instead of t and bread cubes needed to be a bit smaller. The guys did like the chicken piecess flavor so see mixed. I liked the dried fruit.

November menu

2009-11-11T22:13:00.001-08:00
Well, it's done, the mass once a month shopping that we do at the out of town stores. All groceries are put away and the menu for the rest of the month is completed, ready....

11/12-BBQ chicken legs, fried rice, corn on the cob as planned
11/13 egg rolls (meal in one) coconut shrimp menu from the 29th
11/14-CP pot roast tuna/pbj,chips&dip,mixed fruit
11/15-pozole and rolls chicken, pot&gravy,peas, mixed fruit
11/16-hamburger helper veggie soup & garlic toast JIB tacos YUM!!!
11/17-ham and eggs on english muffins with fruit and yogurt smoothie ate 11/20 menu
11/18-chicken patty,mashed potatoes, mixed fruit had 11/16 menu
11/19-porcupine balls, rice, green beans bacon and egg burritos, pineapple slices
11/20-bean/cheese burritos and pineapple slices spaghetti and corn
11/21-CP BBQ shredded pork sammys, cole slaw as planned
11/22-tacos(meat, beans, and fixins) as planned beef and chx
11/23-tuna helper,peas, and garlic bread egg rolls, fried rice
11/24-yogurt pancakes,sausage patties,kiwi as planned
11/25-CP pot roast-moved from 11/14 or fast food pizza
11/26-Thanksgiving traditional menu
11/27-leftovers spaghetti, green beans and bread
11/28-BBQ steak,potatoes,steamed carrots LO turkey,brocoli,rav soup
11/29-tuna helper, peas and garlic bread expect as planned or CP roast
11/30-chicken fajita pitas can't wait for these

this menu is not hard and fast but I try to follow the plan because I spread apart the meat items (no same meat 2 nights in a row) Monday and Tuesday menus are usually followed because we are busy those nights so I choose easier preparation items. Sundays, I do try to do crock-pot menus since we are in church 10 am & 6 pm. and for Fridays I do try to plan items that do not include meat - not religious just how we did it growing up.Normally I don't have leftovers as we eat them for lunches and this will be even more so since I am homeschooling for awhile while DS#8 (child #)changes psych meds and hopefully becomes more stable.
I still have some things I need to pick up at the store maybe around $25 including 3 more gallons of milk to get through the month.Oh yeah and I got the wrong hot cereal so I may have to pay retail to get the right stuff since it is not economical to go back to Chico Grocery Outlet to get the right stuff and we do not eat this wrong stuff.(saved receipt for next trip to return next month)
I have to plan this month for breakfasts and lunches as we all have a week off for holiday.

Nov 9th thru 16th menus

2009-11-08T21:28:00.000-08:00
well, this is what I have so far
Monday 11-9 Honker meals (deli sammy's)
Tuesday 11-10 tuna helper and corn with ciabatta roll.
Wednesday 11-11 will be fast food since it will be shopping day then I will come home, unload all the groceries, put away and create meals/menus from sales I got this is the downfall of shopping at stores (WinCo and Grocery Outlet) that do not have too much advertisement My Walmart doesn't have a meat dept so no $20 turkey dinner however, I may pick up 2 smaller birds if I can get to a Safeway then have the butcher cut then in half for meals throughout the year I will update this after Wednesday with the remainder of my menu plans

last week of october menu

2009-10-17T19:41:00.000-07:00
so for this last week of October I have left in my monthly menus salisbury steaks, 1/2 and 1/2 rice and steamed carrots, new pork CP recipe with fruit over egg noodles, tuna helper and fruit, BBQ drummies, couscous and canned veggie, a CP chicken entree with stuffing, CP pot roast with potatoes and veggies. I see that I plan on keeping my crockpot busy this week.

Su-CP pork with fruit over egg noodles
M-tuna helper and fruit
W- CP chicken and veggies with stuffing
Th-BBQ drumssticks, couscous and veggies
F- slalisbery steak, rice and steamed carrots
Sa- halloween out to dinner

This is definatley going to change

meal plan october 18 to Oct 24

2009-10-17T18:49:00.000-07:00
Here goes my 2nd week of menu planning after a time off. It did seem to help to get back on the horse again in the meal planning arena. So this weeks I have planned so far to include

Su- BBQ pork ribs and potatoes with canned apricots (from last weeks menu)
M- canned veggie soup and pbj sammies(Church choir for Mom)
T- orange chicken over 1/2 and /12 rice, with steamed veggies
W- very banana pancakes and sausage(may exchange for T if AWANA)
Th- hamburger helper and green beans
F- chicken taco soup and rolls
Sa-BBQ salmon and lil corn, with fried rice

For this next week I will need a gallon or 2?? of milk, a box of cereal and some fresh fruits and veggies. I really want some cabbage but lets see if I can afford it this week since I shop at the local food for more store. I'm trying a no bake from scratch cheesecake for desserts and looking for a brownie from a mix recipe in a crockpot without a coffee can~~these choices are since I don't have an oven (We're saving right now....to fix or replace that is the question!!!)

Creatively Domestic: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

2009-10-11T03:22:00.000-07:00
Creatively Domestic: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan put this here so I could find it again it sounds simple and good

meal plan monday October 12 - 18

2009-10-10T22:59:00.001-07:00
Heres what I created after our day-long-together-time-mass-shopping-event.

Su-BBQ pork ribs, BBQ baked potatoes, applesauce
had CP chicken parm over noodles with pears
M-tuna helper and corn
had as planned
T-beef tacos and fixins with pineapple slices
had porcupine balls with rice, spinich, and applesauce
W-egg muffin ham sammy with fruit & yogurt smoothie
time will tell but thinking lentil/rice burritos with pineapple slices
Th-porcupine balls with rice and green beans
so then tonight would be the egg muffin menu
F- tilapia, alfredo noodles, pear slices
still researching recipes but will probably do this fried since I don't have an oven yet
Sa-salsa chicken over rice
if not cold then BBQ the ribs,potatoes, and green beans

I noticed in my shopping I missed some fruits and veggies I still need some brocolli, cabbage, lettuce, pineapple slices, refried beans, and peach salsa. Also to round out the month I will need another round of fresh F&V($5) and milk and cereal ($5) so probably another $17.50 total.

Todays grocery shopping and together time

2009-10-10T18:53:00.001-07:00
OK so poor planning on a saturday but we did our rest of the month grocery shopping today however, I think we did rather well. It was our together time as we left the kids with older siblings for the afternoon.We spent about $215 on food and $250 total. In that was 2 adult sized fruit of the loom hoodies from Grocery Outlet for $5 a piece one for hubby and one for son who grows out of everything all the time. We spent $79.92 $58.56 being food at Grocery Outlet $28.99 at Dollar tree $16 being food. $57.19 at Wal-mart $54.48 being food. This visit was exciting because my WM is changing from a store to a center and they got most of their freezer stuff in.Then Winco~the worst of it~we spent over $100 so I made DH take stuff back it was embarrassing but it needed to be done (we don't need grapes at $2 a pound) - (or 4 cans of chili)our final total came to $84.44 all being food. All this covers dinners for family of 4, snacks for a family 4 breakfasts and lunches for mom and dad all week but weekends for kid through the end of October. Also, stocked up on sugar, some seasonings and spent $20 at butcher getting some pork chops, ribs, and hamburger. what I still need for the month is a head of cabbage, milk and maybe another box of cereal like rice crispies so now the hard part after putting it all away is menu planning we start back to school on Monday and hit it hard through November so I need to be on the top of my game plan for best success I should soon figure out how to post in on meal plan mondays!

Hello all

2009-10-09T20:03:00.000-07:00
Hi fellow blogspotters I have been lurking for awhile and have finally decided to try out the blog thing. I am here to get meal ideas, budgeting tips, and housekeeping skills. Maybe also keep up on some keyboarding skills since I am mainly a stay at home mom with nothing to do except my 2 hour a day job.