When you can't stand the heat enjoy this little treat!

You know it's hot when your toddler steps out the door and the first thing he says is "hot". I'm thankful for a little cooler temperatures this week, even though it's still in the 90s.

Growing up it was always such a great summer treat when our snack was Orange Julius. It's one of those things that accompany summer in my mind. Here's my recipe for this icy summer treat.

Orange Julius

1/c can frozen orange juice (6oz)
1 c. milk
½ c. water
½ c. sugar or less
1 t. vanilla
1 tray of ice cubes

Put all ingredients in blender and blend. Enjoy!

Some of my other favorite summer treats include:

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Layered Popsicles (using juice, yogurt or pudding)

Frozen Fruit Salad

For more great recipes check out Summer's Best Recipes over at We Are That Family

Monday Meal Plan

This week just flew by. I can't believe it's time to start a new week once again. The great news is it's a 4 day week for my husband!!!! I'm looking forward to having another day together as a family.

I'm really looking forward to spending the 4th of July with my family. It's always such a great time of enjoying each other. I'm so blessed to have a great extended family.

So I feel like I have a millon things to do this week but really hope to make some yummy blueberry muffins and a batch of blueberry waffles since they are on sale at Aldi this week.

Here's what's planned for the week:

Monday- Scalloped Potatoes & Ham (in crockpot), Steamed Broccoli, Watermelon

Tuesday-Chicken & Squash Saute with Rice, Tossed Salad

Wednesday-Hamloaf meatballs (in crockpot), Steamed Broccoli & tossed salad

Thursday-Lentil Sloppy Joes, cooked carrots

Friday- Eating up leftovers

Saturday-bringing 4th of July Cake Balls & a salad......any suggestions I'm stumped?

Sunday-Breakfast for lunch and snacks for dinner

For more great menus check out Monday Menu Plan's Home.

Weekly $ Report $45.06

I spent $46.16 this week on groceries and I didn't use a single coupon, shocking I know! Looking at my pictures I feel like I didn't get as much this week. It's amazing how much coupons will add to your buying power. I'm looking forward to next week's trip to Dillons I have a stack of coupons just waiting to be used.

For the month I came out $202.98. I was close to my $50/week food budget this month and I was able to give several meals to our family. I love to see how God provides ways for us to do that.

Aldi 31.18

Whole Milk 2.35

Skim Milk 2.30

Sugar 2.53

Baby Carrots .99

Carrots .99

Vanilla Wafers 1.19

Tomatoes .99

Sweet Corn 1.29

Nectarines and Peaches .29 each

Avocado .99

Cucumbers .49

Broccoli 1.49

Tortillas .99

Marshmallows .85

Bread 1.29

Eggs .89

Cheddar 1.29

Mozerella 1.29

Lunchmeat 2.99

Dillons 14.08

Garlic .40

Watermelon 3.99

Sweet Potatoes .95

Garbanzo Beans 1.55

Ham 6.45

Wal-Mart .90

4.64 lb. Bananas

Frugal Family Water Fun

I love that our city has these fun fountains to offer. Don't they look like so much fun? My favorite fountains are the ones at Osage Park. I love how they have two parts, one pictured above with the bells a whistles and another part containing only fountains. It makes it much easier to bring small children to this part. The best part about these interactive fountains is that they are free, you can't beat that. So go ahead throw on your suit, slather on the sunscreen and give them a try. Here's a list of all the interactive fountains in Wichita.

Happy Splashing!

Erica

Homemade Ravioli 3.21 a batch

We love Italian food around our house and I stumbled upon a recipe for Fuss Free Ravioli & Cheese Bake and couldn't wait to try it. When we lived overseas I would occasionally make ravioli and freeze it. It made a nice quick meal when needed.

Since making it was more economical than buying the fresh ravioli here in the states I decided to give it a go once again. If you aren't a fan of long cooking processes this isn't a recipe for you. But I love that I know what is in the ravioli and that I can add whole wheat to my dough. Since I was already making Ravioli I decided it would be best to double the batch and freeze the second batch.

So here's a step by step process of how you make Ravioli.

Ravioli Dough Ingredients (Makes 24 large Ravioli)4 eggs, plus 2 eggs, beaten, for egg wash .32
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting (I added about half whole wheat) .25
1/2 cup water (you may need to increase your water a tad if using whole wheat flour) free

Cheese Filling (see recipe below) 2.64

Let's Begin!

In an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, add eggs, 1 at a time, and mix.

Continue mixing and add all the flour and water; continue mixing until it forms a ball. Sprinkle some flour on work surface, and knead the dough until elastic and smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Cut the ball of dough in half, cover and reserve the dough you are not immediately using to prevent it from drying out.

Dust the counter and dough with flour. Form the dough into a rectangle and roll it with a rolling pin until fairly thin 1/8 inch thick. (or use a pasta machine and run through 2 or 3 times, at its widest setting.)

Dust the counter and dough with flour, and lay out the long sheet of pasta.

Cut Dough into 2 inch squares with a pizza cutter or pasta cutter.

Brush the top surface of dough with egg wash.

Drop 1 tablespoon of chilled filling about 2 inches apart on half the sheet of pasta.

Fold the unfilled half over the filling. Using your finger, gently press out air pockets around each mound of filling and form a seal and use a fork to seal the edges Check to make sure the crimped edges are well sealed before cooking. If making ravioli in advance, dust with cornmeal to prevent them from sticking and freeze.

Cook the ravioli in plenty of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Ravioli will float to the top when cooked so be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Lift the ravioli from water with a large strainer or slotted spoon. Plate the pasta, top with your favorite pasta sauce and grated cheese before serving.

Spinach & Cheese Filling: 2.64
1 cup ricotta cheese WELL DRAINED, (To drain place in fine strainer with a bowl underneath or line colander with paper towels, place a bowl underneath and let sit for several hours in the fridge.) 1.75

1 c. finely chopped spinach (free from garden)1 egg .081 t. Salt and pepper .01

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese .30

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese .50

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator a few minutes to firm up the filling.

If making the Fuss Free Ravioli and Cheese Bake, you can simply put the fresh ravioli right in the pan. If you are pressed for time, start boiling your water while you make your ravioli and toss them in the boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

For more great recipes check out the Recipe Swap on Friday over at Grocery Cart Challenge.

Dillons Deals 6/24-6/30 (Updated)

It looks like there are plenty of deals this week. I'm so glad I'm back to my normal shopping. This past week at during my grocery store trip I felt a little lost. Let me know if there is something you see that I've missed.

Produce
New Crop Yellow Peaches .99lb!
Ripe Sweet Cantaloupe 1.67 each

Meat
Fresh Ground Chuck 1.99 lb.
Bar-S Meat Franks .79
Kroger Original, Beer or Italian Brats 2/$6
Cooks Shank Portion Ham Bone In 1.19lb.
Pork Western Style Ribs 50% off
Pork Western Style Ribs 1.99 lb.
Chicken Leg Quarters .55 lb. sold in 10lb bags $5.50 each
Hillshire Rope or Link Smoked Sausage BIGI Free (Scans 50% off) regularly 4.49
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$3.49/2 ($1.75 each)

Oscar Mayer Meat Bologna or Cotto Salami 4/$10
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$4.00/2 ($2.00 each)

Other Grocery Products
Pepsi 2 liters .84 wyb 6
Kroger Cheese 6-8 oz. bars or shreds 1.77
Kroger Vegetables 10/$10
Kroger Canned Fruit 10/$10
Kroger Mandarin Oranges .44
Kroger Party Pail Ice Cream 2.99

Kraft Cheese Singles 1.47 (Cheaper than Aldi)
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total= $1.94/2 ($.97 each!)

Sunny Delight 1.00
Use .25/1 MF or .55/1 IP for Sunny D Smoothies here (thanks Tiffany!)
Total=$0.50/1 or FREE Sunny D Smoothie

Van Camp's Pork and Beans 2/$1
Use .30/3 MF
Total=$.90/3 ($.30 each)

Household Products
Huggies Corrugate Wipes or Diapers Sizes Newborn-6 Jumbo Pack 11-56 ct 9.49
Use 3.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 Cellfire eQ & 1.50/1 Shorcuts eQ & .75 Caregiver's Marketplace MIR
Total=$3.24

Kingsford Charcoal 7.49
Use Free KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce MF or 6.00/Pork wyb Kingsford Charcol & one of the following products:
Ball Park Franks, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Glad Product, KC Masterpiece Produt of Vlasic Pickles or Relish
Combine with some great pork deals this week!
Total=a great deal

Daytona 500 Mix and Match Sale

Buy 10 Participating Products recieve $3.00 off instantly at the register. Prices reflect instant savings assuming you have purchased 10 products. Remember these deals you must mix and match 10 to recieve the savings. My best buys picks are in italics.

Hunt's Manwich .70
Use .40/2 MF
Total= $0.60 (.30 each)

Banquet Entrees .70

Chef Boyardee Pasta .58
Use .35/3
Total=$1.04/3 ($.35 each)

Gatorade Sports Drink .70

Kraft Barbecue Sauce .69
Use .50/1 MF
Total=FREE and .31 overage!!!

Cheetos 1.38

General Mills Cereal 2.36
Use 1.00/2 Cheerios MF & .75/1 Shortcuts Multigrain eQ & .50/1 Shortcuts Honey Nut eQ
Total=$2.47/2 ($1.23 each)

Oscar Mayer Beef Franks 2.49
Use 1.00/2 MF & 1.00/2 Cellfire eQ
Total=$2.98/2 ($1.49 each)

Oscar Mayer Meat Franks 1.49
Use 1.00/2 MF & 1.00/2 Cellfire eQ
Total=$.98/2 ($.49 each)

Ragu Pasta Sauce 1.36
Use .75/2
Total=$1.72/2 ($0.86 each)

Banquet Brown'N Serve Sausage .99

Kroger Salad Dressing 1.19

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks 1.99
Use .50/2 MF & .50/2 Shorcuts eQ & .50/1 Fruit Roll Up Cellfire eQ
Total=$2.00.2 ($1.00 each)

Breyers Ice Cream 2.69
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$1.69

A big thanks to Tiffany who let me know that the following items are also a part of the Daytona Deal!

Betty Crocker supreme brownies 2.20
Use .50/2 MF & .75/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$2.65/2

Pedigree dog food
Use 2.50/1 shortcuts eQ & ??? I'm sure there are more out there but since we don't have an animal I tend to not cut those out.

12 ct. Pop Tarts 2.49
Use 1.00/2 Bringing Hope to the Table (expires 6/27)
Total=$3.98/2

Oreos 2.64

Kroger Coffee 5.69

Ritz Crackers 2.45

Betty Crocker Muffin Mixes 2.20

Kroger Sliced Cheese 1.47


Happy Savings!
Erica

Summer Frugal Air Travel

Summer is often high travel season for many families. Perhaps your family has planned a vacation in which you will travel by air. Our trip this past week reminded us once again of how you can do this smoothly and economically.

Before you book your flight.

There are a variety of things to consider when choosing your flight. Price is usually something that is a major deciding factor in booking our family's flights but it is not the only thing we consider. Weigh your options of the time your depart and the time you arrive. We often do not rent a car when we travel and instead utilize public transportation. This option requires our family to travel light and we are limited to travel within the times that public transportation is open. A simple google search of the city you are visiting will give you all the info you need.

Economy parking can be affordable but you'll need to factor this into your budget. If possible have someone drop you off at the airport and you'll easily save $50 on parking. Our most recent trip we became aware of a coupon that gave us a free day of parking. It was nice only to have to pay for 5 days of parking instead of 6. Check your airport's website to see if there are any coupons for your city.

Also if traveling with children consider their schedule when debating on times. It is best to choose a time where you child is not cranky or tired. Although it is ideal to have a sleeping child through the entire flight chances are likely that won't happen. I've been THAT mom everyone is staring at and trust me it isn't fun for anyone.

Booking your flight

There are a variety of companies to choose from when booking your tickets COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE. We've used a variety of companies over the years. Before you book make sure you are familiar with that company's cancellation policy & baggage restrictions. Even though sitting in airports isn't the most comfortable thing to do, we like to leave at least an hour in between flights. This way it gives us some wiggle room if our connecting flight is a bit late.

The Frugal Flier

Since most airlines are charging for baggage ($15-20 bag) this can add up and can be an unexpected fee. Make sure you calculate this into your vacation budget. Try to check as few bags as possible and utilize carryons. If traveling with children take this into consideration when thinking about what you will need to carry throughout the airport. When I've flown with my son alone I tend to only bring a backpack, purse and his stroller. The less I have to worry about the less I'm likely to forget.

Bring food and empty water bottles/cups. Be prepared for sticker shock when looking at the menu in airport food courts. If money is pretty tight consider packing PBJ sandwiches and bringing your own fruit and other snacks. You cannot take any liquid over 3 ounces past security (other than sippy cups and bottles) but you can fill up your empty water bottle once you are through security. Take advantage of the water fountains we have in America. It's much nicer than paying $2.50 for a bottle of water. We've flown several airlines that are now charging for snacks, so you'll want to be prepared to bring your own, unless you feel like forking over $4 for a tiny cookie.

Traveling with kids can be tricky thing at times. Kids will need some wiggle room between flights, so be prepared to spend some time up while waiting on the next flight. In fact encourage it, try to play games that encourage movement. Bring toys, books that you know will entertain your child for an extended amount of time. Some great ideas are crayons (or our favorite Color Wonder markers), Slinky's, busy books. For older kids consider creating some fun games with word searches and crosswords about the place you are going to visit. Although I'm not a big electronic game/DVD fan sometimes these will save your sanity. It's up to your family and you can always borrow them from friends. I always like to consider the time of the flight and bring enough activities that will last twice as long. This might be the time to introduce a new toy, as long as it is quiet. You'll be surprised at how long something new can entertain a child.

After your flight

If you have a frequent flier program don't forget to enter your flight so you can accumulate more points. Check if your hotel has a shuttle service and utilize it. If using public transportation your best bet it to choose something that you can easily get to from the metro/bus stop. We've hauled luggage up and down stairs, through a busy metro, and dragged it several miles before we found our hotel. I highly recommend you finding someplace close.

I hope these tips will help cut a few costs this summer and help make your air travel a little bit smoother. Check out other great tips over at Works for Me Wednesdays.

Happy Jet Trails!

Erica

Monday Menu Plan

We are home! Yesterday was a great day of napping, unpacking and celebrating Father's Day. We had a great trip and we'll find out more in the next month about when we can start a new job.

So here's our menu for the week:
Monday-Chicken Tettrazini, Mixed Veggies & Salad

Tuesday-Fuss Free Ravioli & Cheese Bake (check back on Thursday for recipe for homemade ravioli), Steamed Broccoli & Salad

Wednesday-Mexican Lasagne, Cooked Carrots & Salad

Thursday-Leftovers

Friday-It's my Birthday so I'm hoping for a free day in the kitchen

Saturday-Headed to a Reunion: Bring your own picnic lunch and I may make Sour Cream Enchiladas or we'll grab something with friends for dinner.

Sunday-Pot Luck Family Reunion I'm bringing hummus, pita bread, cut up carrots & homemade Twix Bars (I tried this recipie two weeks ago and oh boy are they yummy)

For other menu plans please check out Org Junkie.

Happy Menu Planning!
Erica

Weekly $ Report

Well I couldn't resist taking advantage of a few deals this week at Dillons. So before we left I stopped by Dillons. I spent $15.44 after rebate.

Annie's Graham Crackers 2.00 (after )

Vanilla Soy Milk .29 (after Q)

4 package of Kraft Sliced Cheese 1.27 each

2 packages cheese cubes 2.54

Graham Crackers 1.38

Chocolate Chips 1.99

Milk Boxes FREE after Rebate

Happy Savings!

Erica

Frugal Family Garage Sale Fun

Is it just me or are you finding some steals at garage sales this year? I've also noticed an abundance of sales to choose from, so if you don't like the price and they won't budge you'll probably find it else where. I finally found a blender for a $1, mine bit the dust. In the past weeks I saw a couple and were $5 and wouldn't go down any farther. My patience paid off and I was happy to hand over a $1.00. After a thorough scrub it's looking good as new.

My toddler has grown accustomed to playing with toys at a garage sale and saying goodbye to them when it's time to leave. But we've been able to pick up a few items that have been such a blessing, and boy am I stocking up on clothes for the little man.

My favorite finds this year in clude:

Play Shopping Cart.

Water Table

Dora DVDs and books (my son's in love with her, I'm trying not to push the Dora thing but he's certainly taken a liking to her)

A Whole Set of Cloth Diapers

And my favorite find of the season.......a food processor, my life just got a whole lot easier!

So what have you found this year? I'd love to hear all about it. I guarantee I'll be excited for you.

Patiently awaiting your comments!

Erica

10 places I find my coupons

Since I left my coupons in the car, which is parked at the airport I won't be able to post the Dillons deals this week, instead I thought I'd share a little bit about where I find coupons.

Maybe you're new to coupons, maybe you're a pro, or maybe you might want to start using these paper beauties. One thing is for sure they are a blessing and can be found in a variety of places.

Here are the places where I usually get my coupons.

1. Sunday paper. This one is pretty obvious. We got an awesome deal and subscribed to the Wichita Eagle. I've found they have a good supply of coupons each week, although some are better than others. I usually only get one paper a week, unless there are some hot high dollar coupons and then I usually head to the newsstand and purchase another copy. I've heard you can buy a Sunday paper for $1.00 at the Dollar store throughout the week. I've never tried it, so this is pure rumor. Give your store a call before you rush over there. If you live in a smaller town try to get a larger newspaper on Sunday. They tend to carry a better selection of coupons.

2. Family. My mom is awesome about giving me diaper coupons. I always have an abundance of these thanks to my mom.

3. Non Coupon Users. If you know someone who has a subscription to the Sunday paper but just tosses their coupons ask if you can have them. Volunteer to come pick them up from them, and make sure you do so in a timely fashion so it's not causing them clutter.

4. Mailing lists. It pays off to join Huggies and Pampers programs because you'll receive some valuable coupons in the mail. Dillons (Kroger) has been sending out some amazing coupons pretty regularly these days. I've enjoyed the added coupons they are providing on top of the coupons that they send out several times a year based on what you've purchased and what they want you to purchase.

5. Vocal Point. If you haven't signed up for this, you need to. It's awesome and they tend to send some high dollar coupons your direction. Often I get coupons for Free products on top of a handful of high dollar coupons for that same product. Usually every couple of months I get a nice envelope from them and I'm always so giddy about opening it. Go here to sign up.

6. Freebies. I often sign up for Freebies, on top of getting a free sample most of the time they tend to come with a high dollar coupon. It pays off to have a junk email as you'll get quite a few emails from signing up for these.

7. Magazines. I subscribe to several magazines that I have gotten for free from Reward Gold. There are usually several coupons in each magazine. Another great magazine for coupons is All You. I've only purchased this a couple of times. You can browse through it at Walmart and make the call if they coupons in the magazine are worth it to you. Usually I don't shell out the dough to buy a magazine just for the coupons, but that's just me.

8. Internet Printable Coupons (IP). Now we're rolling. It seems like there are more and more sites offering Internet printables. Some of these sites work differently. Some may only release a certain amount every month after they are taken they are gone (Coupons.com). Others allow everyone to print off throughout the month. Generally you are limited to print two coupons per computer.

Some of my favorite places to find Internet coupons are

Coupons.com (link found at the bottom of the page) Coupons.com releases new coupons at the start of each month. Make sure you check these out at the beginning of the month because they only release a certain number of each coupon, once that has been met you are gone.

Red Plum Grocery and Household coupons

Mambo Sprouts Organic food coupons

Eat Better America

Smart Source

Kraft Community

Betty Crocker

****Word to the wise about IP coupons. I tend to print only products I know I can find on sale, or high dollar coupons that I know will disappear fast. It's not worth my ink to print all of them off and never use them. Since I've followed this system I've only kicked myself a couple of times for not printing off a coupon.

9. Grocery store. I always keep my eyes peeled for tear pads and coupon dispensers at the grocery store. Even if I don't buy the product that day I usually grab a few, usually three. (Don't be a coupon snob and grab the whole pile, that's very inconsiderate.) Dillons also usually has a free magazine in the organic foods section. Be sure to pick one of these up as there are some good coupons in there for organic products. And you just never know if you'll find a stack of coupons someone didn't want near a product. I've seen this quite often, usually around diapers and usually because these are about to expire. People are very sweet in our neck of the woods.

10. Coupons you can load to your grocery loyalty card. Cellfire, Shortcuts.com, P&G esaver, and Bringing Hope to the Table are 4 different ways to bring even more savings to your grocery bill. Check these site to see if they are compatible to the grocery stores nearest you. All of these work at Kroger stores. You can load a max of 50 coupons at one time per card.

That's it, those are the 10 places I tend to find my coupons.

Happy Coupon Hunting!

Erica

Welcome to Our Day

I thought it would be fun to document our day in pictures so that you know a little bit more about who I am. This isn't a typical day as we don't really have those around here, but it's the closest we come. We were at home all day since my husband had the car for the day. Enjoy this little glance

7:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Kitchen Clean up and unloading of the my favorite kitchen appliance.

8:30 am Dressed

8:45 am Time for a Jog. This day I did 2.75 miles. I'm training for a 10 K, but honestly don't see how my body is going to do it.

9:30 am Dora, while I showered and got dressed.

10:00 am Threw dinner in the crockpot.

10:30 am Outside time. While my son is playing I usually can get a good quiet time in, I love the great outdoors.

11:30 am Picked some goods from our garden before we head in for lunch.

11:45 am Lunch time

12:20 pm Read books and had a blast trying to take a picture of ourselves. (We both laughed so hard.)

12:30 pm Nap time

12:30 pm Laundry
12:45 pm Blog, Email and Facebook Time.

3:00 pm Playtime
4:00 pm Outside again. It was too nice to stay inside. This day I pulled the weeds from the cracks in our patio. It looks great but I paid for it the next two days, I was a sneezy mess.

6:00 pm Dinner Time

7:00 pm bath, jammies, Bible & bed!

8:00 Kitchen clean up once again, yuck! Usually I do this while my hubby gets my son ready for bed, but he got home late this night.

8:30 Time to put my feet up and enjoy a nice bowl of watermelon and snuggle up next to my honey. I was tired this day. Most night I try to do at least 1 hour of sewing, while my husband works on his class stuff. (He's working on his Master's right now.) I seriously think I was asleep at 9:30 this day.

There you have it, I hope you've enjoy a peek into our lives .

Erica

No Menu This week

Since we are out of town this week for our big interview and our meals are provided I don't have a menu . I'm so excited for a little respite from the kitchen, I do enjoy cooking but it's always nice to have a little break. I'm especially looking forward to not having to do kitchen clean up for an entire week. What a blessing.

Don't worry this respite isn't too long. I'll be back at it next week. I've have quite a few post scheduled for this week, so keep checking back this week for more Effortless Savings goodness.

Blessings!
Erica

Mega Shopping Trip

Prepare yourself I spent $86.91 this week on groceries, but I have a reason for this shocking number. Next week we will be out of town. While my husband and I are gone we are leaving our toddler with his Aunt and Uncle, sniff sniff. I bought some things that never appear on my shopping list, of the convenience variety. I wanted to make it as easy on them as possible this next week.

I'm also making some freezer meals so I don't feel like I have to transition back to the kitchen when we get back. I'm actually making a triple batch of three main dishes one batch is for us but the other two we are delivering to my brother-in-law and sister in law who are expecting a baby very soon. The other trio of meals will be given to my amazing brother-in-law and sister-in-law who are watching our son all week, while we are off to an important job interview. Thankfully all our meals next week are provided so we will won't have any additional grocery expenses. Whew. We'd appreciate your prayers for our family's future this next week. We are excited and nervous about the big interviews.

Dillons $52.76

4 Gerber Graduates Ravioli Meals 1.15 each!
two large tubs of Ricotta Cheese 3.79 each
3 packages whole wheat spaghetti 1.29 each
4 Horizons individual milk boxes 1.00 each
Raisin Boxes 1.79
Individual Applesauce cups 1.69
Kroger Colby Bar Cheese 1.24 (use Q)
3 cans spaghetti sauce .99 each
Hot Dog Buns .88
5 Ears of Corn 1.00
Sweet Potatoes 1.94
Sargento Cheese .99 (used Q)
Chicken Breast 5.97
2 Lipton Pasta Packets FREE
Onion Soup packet .75
Squash 1.30
2 cans of Pringles 1.50/2 (used Q)

Aldi $34.15

Whole Milk 2.34
Skim Milk 2.30
Whole Chicken 4.77
Whole Chicken 4.47
2 package Tortillas .99
2 dozen eggs .67 each
String cheese 2.49
Bar of Cheese 1.29
3 cans cream of mushroom soup .59 each
6 cans diced tomatoes .49 each
3 plums .29 each
Blueberries 1.49
Crackers 1.49
Bread 1.29
Cooking Spray 1.29

Frugal Family Reading Fun

Have your kids registered for the summer reading program at the Wichita Public Library yet? If they haven't done so yet, make sure they do so soon. When you sign up you're child will need to create a goal, and these books don't necessarily have to come from the library. The goal is to get your child reading.

The best part is children from birth can participate and they also have a teen program (for teens up to 17) years old. There are fun little prizes for reading, even for the little tikes and the best part is your child also wins food coupons! This mama can't wait for those!!! The program started last week and ends July 31st. So stop by the closest library and get reading.

If this program isn't great enough the library has a ton of fun free programs this summer. Most are geared toward specific ages, so you'll want to check out this site for full details. Please note that some programs require registrations and I've been told they fill up fast. So you'll want to check it out soon. If you don't live in Wichita, make sure you contact your local library chances are pretty good that they have some sort of program too.

We're excited about nursery rhyme time starting once again. We'd love to see you there.

Happy Reading!

Erica

Favorite Banana Bread Recipe

I've tried several banana bread recipes over the years and this one is by far my favorite. I've even used it in a bundt cake pan and often make muffins with using this same recipe.

Banana Bread1 c. sugar (if your bananas are very ripe cut this down to 3/4 c.)
½ c. butter
2 large eggs
1 ½ c. mashed very ripe bananas (3 medium)
½ c. buttermilk (or add a T. vinegar to regular milk and allow to sit for 5 minutes.)
1 t. vanilla
2 ½ c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt

Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat to 350. Grease bottoms of 2 loaf pans.

Mix sugar and butter in large bowl. Stir in eggs until well blended. Stir in bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt until moistened. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake loaves about 1 hour. (If making muffins bake them for 20 minutes.) Cool 10 minutes in pans. Loosen and remove from pans and place on wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.

Check out other recipes at this Friday's Recipe Swap.

Enjoy!

Erica

Dillons Deals 6/10-6/16

These are the best deals I see this week at Dillons.

Produce
New Crop Tree Ripe Yellow Peaches .99 lb.
Ripe Sweet Cantaloupe 1.88 each
Washington Fresh Red Rhubarb 1.99 lb.
10 lb. Kroger Value Russet Potatoes 2.99

Meat
Tyson Chicken 6.99
Use 1.00/1 Bring Hope to the Table eQ (Grilled Chicken Breast Strips)
Total=$5.99

Pork Loin Assorted, Center Cut or Loin Cut Chops BIGI Free (scans 50% off) regularly 3.29-4.19lb.

Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy or Armour LunchMakers 10/$10

Tennessee Pride Fresh Roll or Fully Cooked Link or Patty Sausage 4/$10

Oscar Mayer Beef Franks 2/$6
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=2/$5

Oscar Mayer Meat Wieners or Bologna or Cotto Salami 4/$10
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=2/$4.00

Oscar Mayer Tub or Wallet Pack Lunchmeat 2/$6
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=2/$5.00

Other Grocery Products
Daisy Sour Cream 1.69
Use .50/1
Total= $0.69

Sara Lee Classic White or Classic Wheat Bread 1.68
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total= .68!

Kraft Cheese Bars or Shreds 6-8 oz or Individually Wrapped Slices 12 oz Select Varieties 1.77
Use 1.00/2 IP (mine expire soon)
Total= $2.54/2 or 1.27 each!

Pepsi Cola .84 wyb

Pillsbury Grands, Crescents or Sweet Rolls 1.88
Use .50/1 any or .30/2 Grands Biscuits or .40/2 Crescants
Total= $0.88/1 or $3.16/2

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter 1.69
Use .60/2 or 1.00/2 MF
Total= $2.38/2 or $1.19 each

Hot, Lean or Croissant Pockets 1.77
Use .40/1 Hope to the Table eQ
Total=$1.37

Knorr Noodle or Rice Side Dishes 10/$10
Use .60/2 MF and .75/2 cellfire eQ
Total=$0.25/2

Kroger Value Cereal .99

Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10
Use .40/6 MF & .50/6 cellfire eQ & .40/6 shortcuts eQ &/or 1.00/10 Bring Hope to the Table eQ
Total=$1.30/6 or .22 each
iI you buy 12 use two .40/6 MF making these $2.50/12 about .21 each

Household Products
Pampers Jumbo Sized Diapers 9.49
Use 2.00/1 MF and 1.00/1 p&g esaver (if you haven’t used it yet.)
Total= $6.49

Let me know if I missed something.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Homemade Jewlery Cleaner

I looked down at my wedding ring the other day and I was appalled at how dirty it was. It was definitely ready for a good clean. Honestly I can't remember when it was cleaned last. (Sorry poor neglected ring.)

I was relieved to find out how to make your own homemade jewelry cleaner. From what I've read you must be very careful at what solutions you use with your gemstones. For example do not use this solution on opals or pearls. Before you use this please check this site to see how to care for your gemstones.

Here's the solution I used to clean my gold and diamond ring.
1 c. warm water
1 t. ammonia
1 t. dish soap

1. Mix it together

2. Drop your ring into solution

4. Let it soak for 10 minutes
5. Scrub ring with a soft tooth brush


6. Rinse it in clean warm water.
7. Polish with jewelry cloth (I used a microfiber towel)

8. Be amazed at how shiny your ring is again!

This definitely Works for Me! Check out other tips on Wednesday over at We are That Family.

Erica