Effortlessly Saving One Recipe at a Time

January 2011 Menu

2011-01-18T08:08:00.001-06:00

2 Out

3 of

4 town

5 Hawaiian Joes, Applesauce, green beans

6 out of town

7 traveling home

8 Spinach Feta Pasta

9 Sweet-N-Sour Chicken

10 Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

11 leftovers

12 eating with friends

13 Soft Tacos

14 Chicken & Rice Soup

15 Greek Breakfast Casserole

16 Sunday's main dish: Loaded Baked Potatoes, BBQ beef, green onions, sour cream & cheese

17 Lentil Casserole and Salad

18 Italian Chicken & Potatoes

19 New Brunswick Stew & Cornbread

20 Leftovers or Tacos

21 Minestrone Soup

22 Day in the Mountains

23 Sunday meal undecided

24 Fajitas

25 Chicken & Noodles over Mashed Potatoes

26 leftovers

27 Pineapple Crock Pot Chicken

28 Homemade Pizza

29 Leftovers

30 Sunday meal undecided

31 Hamburger Stew

February

1 Garlic Spaghetti & chicken tenders

2 leftovers

3 Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

4 Pepper Steak Sandwiches

5 Meatloaf

Dupree's BBQ Sauce

2010-10-11T07:34:00.000-05:00

Such an easy BBQ sauce. If I want it spicy I usually add a little tabasco sauce or a little red pepper.

1/2 c. oil
3/4 c. chopped onion

Saute slowly until transparent

3/4 c. ketchup
3/4c. water
3 T. Worcestershire sauce
3 T. Brown Sugar, or more if you want it sweeter
2 T. Mustard
2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/4-1/3 c. lemon juice

Saute over low heat until thickened. Run through blender or use immersion blender for a smooth BBQ sauce.

Buttercream Frosting....metric style

2010-10-11T05:53:00.000-05:00

I finally figured out a decent frosting for decorating cakes. There are several things working against us when it comes to making a good frosting, non existent shortening in our part of the world and the powdered sugar is very fine, which leaves your frosting very gritty. This recipe is still a tad on the grainy side, but the best I've ever made. So before I forget here's the recipe:

Buttercream Frosting

500 grams good butter
750 grams sifted powdered sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 c. buttermilk/ayran/kefir

Cream butter, until it is a smooth consistency. Slowly add in sifted powdered sugar and mix well. (It will be dry.) Next add salt. Once that is thoroughly combined add the buttermilk and beat until it reaches a good consistency. Add desired food coloring and decorate away.

Homemade White Cake fit for a Birthday

2010-10-08T00:32:00.001-05:00

I am super excited about this new cake recipe. I've always been on the look out for good cake recipes, and when I say good cake recipes I'm talking from scratch. For some strange reason any time anyone sends us a cake mix or brownie mix I inevitably burn it. I have a few theories, but for the time being never request people to send them.

I knew I wanted a cake that called for buttermilk, because it seemed like these cakes aren't as dry, so after about 20 minutes of searching here is the recipe I settled on. The only tweaking I did was add some vanilla sugar to the flour mixture, since I'm away from my kitchen right now. ***I'm very much missing my kitchen aid mixer. Beating egg whites to a stiff peek is ridiculously hard by hand, maybe by the time we get back home my arm muscles will be a little more toned.

Bakery Style White Cake
1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup shortening (room temperature)

4 egg yolks

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 egg whites (room temperature)

Directions

Set oven to 325 degrees. Grease three 9-inch round cake pans (if desired line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper). In a bowl combine the buttermilk with baking soda; let stand while preparing the next steps. In a large bowl cream sugar with butter, oil, and shortening until very well combined (sugar granules should not remain). Add in egg yolks, almond extract and vanilla; beat until well combined. Add the buttermilk mixture alternately with the flour into the creamed mixture. In a large glass or stainless steel mixing bowl beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the creamed batter until blended, then fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain. Divide the batter between the three pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool in pans for 15 minutes then remove to wire racks to cool completely before frosting

Remember Me?

2010-10-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

I've debated about closing this site for a while, but I simply find myself returning here to find a recipes all too often. Honestly it's been a beautiful thing since we've traveled so much this past year.

Our lives look completely different than a year ago. We now live in a place where coupons are unheard of, and cooking requires basic ingredients. It takes some creativity to be frugal in how we shop for food and meal plan but I'm slowly getting the hang of it.

I'm hoping this will be a place to host our family cookbook and you're welcome to have a peek too.

Hanging it Up

2009-10-11T20:31:00.003-05:00

It's time to say goodbye to this sweet little blog. I've enjoyed my time publicly helping my family save money and finding some great deals in our area, but after returning home this afternoon and finding our house burglurized it's time to put my family's saftey first.

It's an interesting thing having your house rummaged through. Knowing that other's have seen who you are without even knowing you. It's weird, the uncomfortable kind of weird. I've gone through a wide range of emotions today from being frustrated, angry, sad, even feeling bad for the little punks. It's not a feeling I wish on anyone.

What I do know is life isn't about stuff. Even though they took some things that carry alot of memories, I know my greatest gift isn't wrapped up in stuff, it's the life I look forward to after this one. (But it does stink that they did take our computer.)

Thank you all for following me on this journey. Feel free to enjoy the archives I hope you'll be blessed by something you'll find.

It's been fun!
Erica

Frugal Family Drive In Fun

2009-10-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have wanted to go to a Drive In movie ever since I was little. When we moved to Wichita I was thrilled to find out we had a drive in movie theatre, Starlite Drive In Theatre, and I'm so bummed we've have yet to visit. Not only is a fun because it's a drive in but I love that they have two screen options one that is family friendly and the other that is geared for grown ups.

Now it wasn't awesome enough just to have a Drive In Theatre in our city but this Friday and Saturday night you can load up the family and watch 3 movies for $5.00 a carload. You can't beat that. Pop your own popcorn before you go, fill up your water bottles, get the kiddos in their pjs and you're in for a super frugal evening at the Drive In.

Go here to visit Starlite's website to see what's playing and to get directions

Birthday Boys

2009-10-08T09:39:00.004-05:00

Today is my husband's birthday and Saturday is our little guys birthday. Talk about a birthday week. I love birthdays and love to make a big fuss, unfortunately this year the fuss is going to have to wait. We'll be celebrating my husband's birthday tomorrow night. Complete with Tacos, the real kind & peanut butter pie.

This recipe was a favorite made by his grandmother growing up. It's easy to throw together and is a crowd pleaser.

Grandma Jean's Peanut Butter Pie
For a 9 inch pie
1 baked pie crust (you decide what you want to do. I tend to make my own, but store bought crusts work well too.)
1 large box vanilla pie filling
2 c. cold milk
1 container cool whip
1 c. chunky peanut butter
1 c. powdered sugar

Prepare your pie crust, make sure you prick the bottom of your crust with a fork and bake according to recipe you are using.

Once this is baked and cooled it's time for the filling. In a small bowl cut powdered sugar into crunchy peanut butter using a pastry blender. You may have to add a little more sugar, you'll want a crumbly consistency. Save 1/4 c. of this peanut butter sugar mixture and set aside. Pour the remaining in the bottom of your pie crust.

In a new bowl mix 1 large box pudding with 2 c. cold milk, then add 1/2 container of cool whip and mix well. Pour on top of peanut butter crumbs.

Allow to sit for several hours. Just before serving top with remaining cool whip and sprinkle the peanut butter crumb mixture you set aside. Enjoy!

For more great recipes check out the Recipe Swap on Friday.

Erica

Dillons Deals 10/7-10-13

2009-10-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wow there are some amazing deals this week at Dillons on staples that you won't want to miss out on. Let me know you see something I missed.

Produce
New Crop Granny Smith, Missouri Jonathan, Red or Golden Delicious .99 lb.
10 lb. Kroger Value Russet Potatoes 2.99

Meat
Farmland Whole Boneless Ham 1.39 lb.
Boneless Pork Loin 1.99 lb.
Pork Butt Roast 1.39 lb.
Hillshire Rope or Like Smoked Sausage 2/$6
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$5.00/2

Other Grocery Items
Kroger Brown or Powdered Sugar 1.00
5 lb. Kroger Flour 1.00 each
Kroger Cheese Bar or Shredded 24 oz. 3.00 each wyb3; 3.50 each wyb 2 3.99 each wyb 1
Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dips 1.00
Kroger Vegetable Oil 2.00
4 lb. Kroger Sugar 1.88
Kroger Butter 2.00
Betty Crocker Cake Mix 1.00
Kroger or Private selection spices or extracts 25% off
7 Up Products .80 each wyb 5

Pringles 4/$5
Use .50/2 Fat Free Pringles (not sure if these are included)
Total=4/$4.00

Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10
Use three .50/6 MF or IP & .50/6 Cellfire & .50/6 Shortcuts eQ
Total=$6.00/20 containers of yogurt plus $2.00 will be donated for Breast Cancer Research

Pillsbury Biscuits, Crescents or Rolls 1.77
Use .50/2 MF & .50/2 Cellfire eQ & 1.00/2 Shortcuts eQ
Total= $1.04/2

Kraft Cheese bar or Shredding 5-8 oz or Singles 1.98
Use 1.00/1 Kraft Singles (from Dillons Mailer)
Total=.98 each

Household Products
Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener, or 2 in 1 Sheets 3.49

Kotex Pads, Liners or Tampons 2.50
Use 1.00/1 MF or .75/1 MF
Total=$1.50

Huggies 9.49
Use 2.00/1 MF or 3.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 Cellfire eQ
& submit for .75 rebate from Caregivers Marketplace
Total=$5.49 before rebate $4.74 after rebate

Sauve Professionals Hair Care 1.28
Use .50/2
Total=$1.56/2

10 Mega Sale
Buy 10 products and get $5.00 off your bill. Prices reflect the $5.00 deduction. Limit of 3 $5.00 savings per transaction.

Healthy Choice or Marie Callender's Entrees 1.88 each

Freschetta Pizza 4.49 each

Breyers Ice cream or Dove Ice Cream 2.49 each
Use .25/1 Unilever eQ Breyers

Sara Lee Pies or Cakes 2.99 each

Kroger Appetizers 3.49 each
Use 1.00/1 SC
Total=$1.99

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers 1.49 each
Use .50/2 MF or .50/1 IP below
Total=.50/1 or 1.98 each

Happy Savings!
Erica

Worth Signing Up for

2009-10-06T21:47:00.004-05:00

I've always intended to sign up for Farmland coupons, but always forgot. I finally did it a few weeks ago and boy was it worth the 2 minutes it took me. They sent me these beauties. Since farmland sausage was on sale this past week at Dillons for $1.00 I was able to get 8 packages of sausage for FREE! Stop what you're doing and head on over to Farmland and sign up for their coupons.

Also I'm a big fan of Vocalpoint. They send some great coupons usually with one FREE coupons and several high dollar coupons a long with it. I've loved stocking up on cereals using vocalpoint coupons. If your not a member I highly suggest you also take time to sign up for these. It's worth the energy.

Enjoy these fabulous coupons!

Erica

Frugal Family Friday-Craft Show & Fall Festivals

2009-10-02T09:06:00.003-05:00

Aren't you enjoying these beautiful temperatures? I sure am.

This weekend is what I've been working like a crazy woman to get ready for and I'm very excited. I would love it if you would join the fun a the Lord of Life Lutheran Church Craft Fair and Fall Festival this Saturday October 3rd. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m. There will be lots of booths full of handmade crafts, including yours truly. Please stop by my booth, I'd love to meet in real life.

On top of all the yummy crafts you'll find there will also be games for kiddos as well as a bounce House to get all that energy out. Paint a Pumpkin and eat some yummy food. It's sure to be a great family event and something for everyone.

The Lord of Life Lutheran Church is located at 11215 W. 13th. Street North (Between Maize Road & 119th St.)

I hope to see you there!
Erica

Dillons 9/30-10/6

2009-10-01T10:07:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay but I've been sewing my little heart away. I finally finished last night around 2:30 a.m. and am so glad to be done. Now only little stuff left to do for my craft fair this weekend. Praise the LORD!

Here are the best deals I see this week at Dillons. Let me know if you see something I missed.

Produce
1 lb. Driscoll's Strawberries 1.99
10 lb. Kroger Value Potatoes 2.99
Ripe-N-Ready To Eat Hass Avocados or Red Peppers .99 each
New Crop Missouri Jonathan Apples 3 lb. bag 2.19

Meat
Fresh Ground Chuck 1.99 lb.
Pork Butt Roast 1.39 lb.
Farmland Whole Boneless Ham 1.39 lb. ($6.95 each)
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops 1.69 lb.
Farmland Roll Or Link Sausage 1.00 each!!!
JC Potter Pork Rib-Bits .99 lb.

Other Grocery Items
12 pack Kroger Vegetables and Tomatoes 5.99
Bar or Shredded 24 oz. Kroger Cheese 3.99 (better than Aldi)
Betty Crocker Cake Mix 1.00
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese 2/$1
Kroger Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream 1.98
7 Up products .80 each wyb 5

Pringles 4/$5
Use .50/2 Fat Free Pringles (not sure if these are included)
Total=4/$4.00

Cambell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 2/$1
Use .40/4 MF
Total= $1.20/4

Save $5.00 on Kingsford Match Light Charcoal wyb 3 Coca-Cola 12 packs 3/$12
Use 2.00/1 MF Kingsford Match Light
Save $7.00 wyb 3 coke 12 packs

Totino's Pizza Rolls .99
Use .40/2 MF
Total=$1.18/2

Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10
Use three .50/6 MF or IP & .50/6 Cellfire & .50/6 Shortcuts eQ
Total=$6.00/20 containers of yogurt plus $2.00 will be donated for Breast Cancer Research

Pillsbury Biscuits, Crescents or Rolls 1.77
Use .50/2 MF & .50/2 Cellfire eQ & 1.00/2 Shortcuts eQ
Total= $1.04/2

Kraft Cheese bar or Shredding 5-8 oz or Singles 1.98
Use 1.00/1 Kraft Singles (from Dillons Mailer)
Total=.98 each

Happy Savings!
Erica

Did you See it?

2009-10-01T09:53:00.003-05:00

As I was browsing through yesterday's Eagle I spotted a great coupon. On the back of the Sam's Club insert there is a coupon for a FREE ONE DAY MEMBERSHIP expiring October 14th. This a great way to stock up on some basics at a great price without having to pay the membership fee.

Wondering what my thoughts are about Sam's? Go here to learn more. Make sure your read the comments too. Other's had some good thoughts that aren't the same as mine.

I'm very thankful I didn't have to beg a friend to buy a few things I was needing. This free membership came at just the right time. I'm looking forward to stocking up on a few things we can't get overseas!

Erica

Cloth Diapering

2009-09-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

A few years ago I didn't think I would ever consider the idea of using cloth diapers, but I came around. Honestly it was the thought of possibly toilet training early that gave me the motivation to use cloth. From what I've read it's not uncommon for cloth diapered kiddos to train early. It's been a couple of months of using them and it's going great and not at all as bad as I once thought. It's much easier and doesn't take too much longer for diaper changes, I just change him more often.

Here are my 2 cents on cloth diapering:

Since I have been able to find some great deals on disposable diapers and we often go, go, go on the weekends I made the decision to only use cloth during the week and use disposables during the weekends and at night. I love our little system. It gives me a little laundry break and it's nice not to have to worry about bringing a wet bag everywhere we go. Remember you don't have to do it all the time.
One thing is for sure is cloth diapering takes some research and let me tell you there is a lot of information out there on cloth diapers.
At first glance we considered going with the basic prefold diapers. 2 features of prefold diapers drew me in 1. They were the cheapest option and 2. They dried the fastest. After reading a ton about these types of diapers I decided this wasn't the best fit for our little guy, even though it was the cheapest. He's very hard to change and never stops of moving. The thought of trying to use a snappy to close the diaper, and add a diaper cover was a little frightening.
I looked into All-in-one diapers but someday soon we'll be living in a land without dryers and I wanted something that didn't take a week in the winter to air dry. These are the most expensive and the most convenient, but not for us.
We went with a fitted diaper I actually found them at a garage sale. I had planned on making my own but I found a huge stack for $50 with about 10 covers of various sizes. AWESOME deal. The diapers we have can be used from birth to potty training and snap together very easily. I did purchase a few Velcro diaper covers because I felt they would be easier to use. I'm very happy with it.

The question your all wondering is, "Is it worth it?" This is a question you need to ask yourself. For us the thought of potty training early due to the awareness of what is going on under the diaper is worth the price. If my son trains at 30 months rather than 36 months that is 6 months of diapers I don't have to buy, $120 for 6 months of diapers, not counting the money we are saving using cloth diapers now. Since I found them at a garage sale they were much cheaper than if I had purchased them for full price. Plus we can use them for future kiddos without the extra expense of having purchase them again. I really haven't' seen a huge increase in our bills due to the extra laundry, it may be up a couple of dollars.

I'm not miserable using them, which a couple of years ago I thought I would be. It's working for our family. If you're wondering if you want to make the switch I'd highly recommend ordering a few and see how it goes a couple days a week, this way if you hate it you're not out a ton of money. There are various websites that do sell used diapers. (I used to think this was disgusting but then I researched how diapers were washed and sanitized and was okay with it.)

I also made my husband install a DIY diaper sprayer (he spent about $25 at Home Depot for all the parts). It's worth the extra expense to not have to touch the contents of the diaper in my opinion. Thankfully those types of diapers are few and far between. I only have to change one of those a day, sometimes two.

I'm never going to be one of those moms who are passionate about cloth diapering, but it's working for us and hopefully it will save us some money in the process. I hope this gives you a little insight into the cloth diapering world.

Erica

Quick and Easy Meals for the week

2009-09-28T11:53:00.003-05:00

This Saturday is my craft fair!!! I have a long to do list, but It's doable. So our menu is short and sweet this week.

Monday-Pigs in a Blanket, Salad & Steamed Veggies & grapes

Tuesday-BBQ Pork Roast in the Crock pot, Salad, Steamed Veggies & Watermelons

Wednesday-Dinner at Church

Thursday-Sweet & Sour Pork over Rice, Broccoli & Watermelon

Friday-My sweet husband is taking my son out so I can focus.

Saturday-Eating at the CRAFT FAIR & pot luck for dinner I'm bringing Spanish Rice & ???? Fruit or Salad

Sunday-HUBBY'S BIRTHDAY MEAL Fried Tacos, Chips & Salsa, Spanish Rice

Project Kitchen Aid

2009-09-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

So I have a little secret for you. Well it's not really a secret anymore, we're moving in December! After spending a year and a half in the states it's time for us to return back overseas. We had really anticipated a move next spring, but more funding came in and we'll be able to return sooner than we expected. We're pretty excited and now I have a to do list longer than I've ever had in my life.There have been a few things that we have been saving up for but just haven't saved enough for all of them. This little beauty is one of them a 220 Volt Kitchen Aid! Since our electricity runs on 220 V we'll have to special order this one, which means they cost about twice as much, yikes. But it's worth it. I'm hoping to do well at my craft fair next weekend, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church Craft Fair & Fall Festival, and try to make more etsy sales. I'd be happy to custom create something for you. Just email me or convo me at my etsy shop.

So now you know why my posts have been a little bit more infrequent. I've been working on a slew of post for the next month so I won't be silent, you'll just have to bear with me. Blogging is too big a part of my life to just up and quit cold turkey. I'm excited to see what the future holds.

Dreaming of my beautiful Kitchen Aid!
Erica

Dillons 9/23-9/29

2009-09-24T13:28:00.003-05:00

I see some great sales on meat this week at Dillons and the Mix and Match sale is still going on. I hope you find some good deals this week, sorry for posting a day late. Yesterday was a full day. Let me know if I missed something.

Produce
3 lb. bag Jonathan Apples 2.19
Seedless Watermelon 3.99 each
Fall Acorn, butternut or spaghetti squash .99 lb.

Meat
Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken breast fillets 1.99 lb.
Boneless Pork Loin in Bag 1.99 lb.
Boneless Chuck or Arm Roast 1.99 lb.
Pork Butt Roast 1.39 lb. (bone in, in bag)
HoneySuckle Whole Bone In Turkey breast 1.49 lb.
Pork Cube Steak 1.79 lb.

Other Grocery Items
Kroger Cheese 3.99 for 24 oz.
Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream 1.88

Kroger Delux Ice Cream 1.88
Use .75/1 Shortcuts eQ
Total=$1.13!

Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10
Use three .50/6 MF or IP & .50/6 Cellfire & .50/6 Shortcuts eQ
Get coupon back for 3.00 off your next purchase wyb 20 (look for a little red and white sign under the yogurt to verify that your store is running this catalina. Our dillons is running this deal)
Total=$6.00/20 containers of yogurt plus you'll get $2.00 towards your next purchase ($.30 ea)

Mix & Match 10 Nestle or Kraft Sale
Save .50 per item wyb 10 products in sale. You must buy 10 products in a single transaction. Prices here reflect discount being taken assuming that you have purchased 10 products

Digiorno pizza 3.97
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$2.97

Kraft cheese 1.79
Use 1.00/2 MF Kraft singles
Total= $1.29/1

Hot Pockets 1.49
Use .50/1 MF
Total= $0 .49

Lean cuisine 1.79
Use 1.00/5 MF
Tota= $1.59 each

Oscar Meyer bologna, salami or hot dogs 1.49
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$0.99 each

Philadelphia cream cheese .99/1
Use 1.oo/2 MF
Total= $0.49/1

Nabisco snack crackers 1.87
Use .75/2 coupon
Total=1.37/1

Velveeta 3.99

Jello Pudding or gelatin .77
Use .50/2 MF
Total=$0.27/1

Planter's peanuts 1.99

Nestle Morsels 1.99
Use .50/1 MF
Total=$0.99!!!

Coffee Mate Creamer 2.49
Use .50/1 MF
Total= $1.49

Oreo Cookies 2.49

Kraft Salad Dressing 1.49

All prices refect coupon doubling. Dillons doubles coupons up to $1.00 in amount.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Recipe Review

2009-09-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

I only have a few recipe reviews for you this week, since our life got a little hectic I haven't been in the kitchen as regularly trying new recipes. For the most part all of the recipes I tried were winners.

Grilled Pizza! YUM. My husband and I had a blast tag teaming this dish (It really takes a couple of people). It seriously reminded us of Pide, turkish pizza. We loved it. The first batch burned, but then we lessened the length of time we needed to cook them. We were using a charcoal grill and it was very hot, we also weren't able to close the lid as the recipe suggests because we found this led to the pizzas burning.

We also used the suggestion other had made about this recipe and placed the shaped dough in the freezer for 10 minutes before putting it on the grill and this helped a lot. it was much easier to work with this way. We seriously had all the pizzas finished in 10 minutes and it made a lot of pizzas (I think around 8). This will certainly be a fun summer dish in our house.

Kristie's Magically Moist Chicken got the approval of both my husband and myself. I really loved this meal because my husband made it, all I did was lay out the recipe. I did forget to mention to my husband that our oven heats up much hotter than normal so it was a little drier than I think it would have been if we would have lowered the heat a bit. But I was impressed, who would have thought of combining mayo and spaghetti sauce? Chicken Breast is very hard for me to keep moist and I like the idea of coating it in something to keep the juices in.

The Blueberry Overnight Coffecake was a great change in the breakfast pace in our house. I don't think I've made coffeecake for breakfast since our first year of marriage. Since it had blueberries it was a big winner in my son's eyes.

There you have it. A big thanks to those who originally posted them. Our family loved trying them and I hope you do too.

Erica

Clean Dishes when you travel

2009-09-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here's my little secret of how we do dishes while traveling. I squirt a bit of dish soap on a thick paper towel, fold it up and place it in a Ziploc bag. When it's time to wash something I simply grab a paper towel, get it wet and wash away. When I'm finished I simply toss the paper towel away. I've washed too many sippy cups using this technique in airport bathrooms, gas stations, hotel rooms and now hospitals. It's an easy way to avoid having to bring a stack of paper products with you whenever you travel. (Plus it doesn't count as a liquid on airlines) Lighter, greener, traveling works for me!

Meal Plan

2009-09-21T13:43:00.003-05:00

It's another odd week for our family, we're in two cities for a few days, but we're making it work.

Here's the plan:

Monday- Chicken Parmesan Fingers over Garlic Spaghetti, Cooked Carrots & Salad

Tuesday- (Breakfast) Blueberry Overnight Coffee Cake
Veggie Hamburger Soup in the crockpot for my husband & biscuits (take a little with us for dinner)

Wednesday- Leftover Soup for hubs (Spaghetti for us)

Thursday-Hubs enjoying dinner with friends (Grilled Cheese & Canned Soup for us)

Friday-Eating at a football game, I'm assuming it will be burgers.

Saturday-My husband's 10 year reunion!

Sunday- With Family

I told you it was a little weird week. I'm looking forward to some normalcy, but from the looks of the next month this might be normal. I hope your meal plan looks better than mine this week. Need some ideas check out Meal Plan Monday's Home over at Org Junkie.

Erica

Being a Family

2009-09-18T13:24:00.002-05:00

As much as I love doing things together as a family, today I was reminded once again of how important it is just to BE family. This morning as I was cleaning up the morning dishes my son came and set up a little "picnic" in the middle of the kitchen floor. He brought two bowls, two cups and two plastic peach slices. He set everything up, folded his little hands and started naming off the list of people to pray for. I glanced over and his little eyes met mine and then he asked me to sit down, he even said please! So for the next 5 minutes we had a little picnic. It was a precious part of my day and such a great reminder that being a family involves me engaging him in his world. I want to BE more of a family and DO less this weekend. How bout you?

Enjoying those gifts God has given me!
Erica

Dillons this week

2009-09-16T19:50:00.002-05:00

I planned on posting the Dillons deals this week but then life happened. I am completely overwhelmed right now, my to do list is longer than I'd ever imagine, I'm trying to get so much done while I'm home but I feel like I'm sinking. So instead of spending an hour figuring out the best coupon match ups check out this site. Most of it is the same, but there are a few variations on meat and produce prices for the Wichita area. The Mega Sale looks the same though, you should be able to stock up on several useful items through this sale. What a blessing!

Happy Savings!
Erica

Catching Those Fruit Flies

2009-09-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

In our rush out the door last week I forgot to throw the ripe bananas in the freezer. We were greeted by a swarm of fruit flies when we returned. So I made my fruit fly catcher, here's what you do.

Take an empty glass jar, I'm sure plastic would work too, but I've always used glass.
Create a funnel with a piece of paper and trim it as needed. Place it in the jar and make sure it is a good fit.
Fill your jar with water till it is about 1 inches from your funnel. Add a little dish soap and a piece of fruit.
Add you funnel back on and tape it on.
Sit back and watch how this magic device attracts your fruit flies.

Beautiful, this Works for Me Wednesday!

Enjoying a lot less Fruit Flies! Erica

Back to the Kitchen

2009-09-14T10:05:00.002-05:00

The last few days we have been enjoying "tasty" microwaveable meals in the waiting room of the hospital. I am very thankful there was a microwave for visitors, it certainly was a blessing. But I think we are all dying for some real food, the kind that the veggies are not rehydrated.

Since my dad had his transplant he has been doing very well. We have felt the hand of God working the past few days. He truly has taken our worries away. Since our toddler cannot go into my dad's room we returned back home and I'm very thankful for this little break.

This week's menu will reflect a few things I picked up at my parent's house that needed to be eaten before they spoiled. Which include lots of produce!!! I had to change up my original menu a bit, but thankfully don't have many things to pick up this week at the grocery store.

Breakfast:
Bagels &Fruit
English Muffins & Fruit
Toast & Fruit
Cold Cereal & Fruit

Lunch:
Leftovers

Dinner:
Monday-Sausage Cheese Balls, Zucchini, Side Salad & Watermelon
Tuesday-Hot Dogs, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob
Wednesday-BBQ cups, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob
Thursday-Tuna Burgers, Peas, Side Salad
Friday-Kristie's Magically Moist Chicken, side salad & peas
Saturday-Wedding
Sunday-I have no idea, hopefully I'll have some leftovers around

Now I better go tackle that heaping mountain of laundry. For more meal plans check out Org Junkie.

Happy Meal Planning!
Erica

It's Go Time

2009-09-09T22:19:00.002-05:00

I'll be out of the blogging world until next week. We are headed to the hospital for my father's liver transplant. I'm not feeling nearly as prepared as I would have hoped to right now. I had to make an emergency trip to Target and Dillons but looks like I have enough snacks to make it through the weekend.

I better go finish packing my suitcase.

I'd love it if you could pray for my dad and our family right now!
Erica

Dillons 9/9-9/15

2009-09-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

Here are the deals I see this week at Dillons. Let me know if you see something I missed.

Produce
New Crop California Green Seedless Grapes .99 lb.
Red Ripe Roma Tomatoes .99 lb.
Home Grown DeVore Farms Seedless Watermelon 3.99 each

Meat
Kroger IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin 2.33
Farmland Bologna, Cotto Salami, P&P Loaf or Meat Hot Dogs 1.10 each
Farmland Roll or Link Sausage 2/$3
Farmland Pre-Sliced Turkey or Ham or Turkey or Ham Cubes 2/$7
Kroger Value Pack Chicken Thighs 1.19 lb.
Fast Fixin' Chicken $1
Farmland Fresh Ground Pork 1.99 lb.
Bumblebee Tuna 2/$1

Other Grocery Items
Kroger Marinades $1
Frito Lay Snacks $1
Kroger Frozen Vegetables $1
Duncan Hines Brownie Mix $1
Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dip $1
Sun Chips 2.48
Cheetos 2.20

Kellogg's Cereal 3/$9 & FREE Gallon Milk
Use 1.50/2 IP below on frosted Mini Wheats
Total=$7.50/3 boxes & Milk

Keebler chips Deluxe or Sandies Cookies 3/$6 & FREE Gallon Milk
Use $1.00/2 IP below
Total=3/$5 & Gallon of milk

Kroger Deluxe or Breyers Ice Cream 2.27
Use .25/1 unilever eQ Breyers
Total=$2.02

Simply Potatoes .99

Kroger Cheese 1.88
Use .45/1 SC from mailer
Total=$1.43 (cheaper than Aldi)

Big K 12 packs 3/$6
Use .50/1 shortcuts eQ
Total=$1.50/1

Reese's or Hershey's Chocolate Candy 2/$1
Use .55/1 Reese's or BIGI FREE
Total= 1 FREE or .50/2

Betty Crocker Cake Mix 2/$2.50
Use .50/cake mix & frosting
Total=$2.00/2

Country Crock Margarine Spread 2/$3
Use .50/1 unilever eQ & .55/1 IP here
Total=1 FREE

Household Products
Bounty Paper Towels $1
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver eQ
Total=$0.25

Charmin Bath Tissue 1.88
Use .25/1 MF
Total=$1.38

Pampers Jumbo Diapers or Easy Ups 9.47
Use 2.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver eQ
Total=6.47

Purex Detergent 3.49

Renuzit Adjustables

Happy Savings!
Erica

Look before your Leave

2009-09-08T09:46:00.003-05:00

Mistakes happen, and they also happen while ringing up your purchases. I can't tell you how often I've had to jump into the customer service line because of an error in how things rang up. I've been charged for the wrong type of produce, charged twice for purchasing only one item or full price when the item was marked down. I try to check my receipt before I head out the door to eliminate any return trips. Inevitably when I don't check my receipt there is a problem. Just last week I purchased a baby item on clearance at Target, my toddler was hungry and we were in a hurry and I didn't check my receipt. Later that evening as I glanced at my receipt of course there was an error, I was charged full price instead of the clearance price, which forced me to make another trip to Target. Even when the error is not in my favor it's my responsibility to correct it, because it works both ways! I defiantly want to pay for what I purchase and not cheat stores out of the money due them. Most of the time they look at me like I am crazy, but they always appreciate the honesty, which helps build a healthy relationship with the stores I frequent often.

Visit WFMW for more great tips this week.
Erica

Recipe Review

2009-09-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

I found a great new way to cook a roast, the Mexican Pot Roast is the way to go! I'm usually not a fan of roast, they are palatable and an affordable cut of meat but don't care for the roast flavor, anyone with me on this one? I'm in love with this recipe, check out my modifications to transform this into a crockpot meal. It was so tender and the best part is my toddler also gobbled this up and he's not a big meat eater.

The Quick Crescent Bake was also yummy. I didn't add the chips and it tasted great, but I can see how the chips would give it a little more crunch. For all my friends abroad, this would be a great way to make a Mexican meal without going to the trouble of making tortillas. I think it would also be just as good use a thin layer of biscuits instead of crescent rolls. Two thumbs up from all members of our family for this recipe.

The Slow Cooker Ratoutille was a great way to use up some veggies and a great meatless summer meal. I did add more salt than recommended and I added dried herbs to the top of the veggies as I cooked it in the crockpot. We enjoyed this with some grated mozzarella cheese on the top and served it over some steamed brown rice. As expected my toddler wouldn't touch it. I think he has a veggie radar or something. He poked around at the rice and drank his milk, that was dinner.

The Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo was awesome. I added some spinach to sneak in some additional veggies and for the first time in a long time my toddler gobbled it up the spinach too. I took a chance and used reduced fat cream cheese and it turned out fine. Word to the wise wait until your noddles are just about finished to start your sauce, this recipe cooks fast. Loving adding this new quick meal to the the mix.

The Zucchini Crisp was better than I anticipated and my toddler actually ate a piece of zucchini, he was enticed to try it by the blueberries, but he the boy ate zucchini. Let me pause to remember such monumental moment. If I make it again I'd cut the zucchini into smaller pieces to resemble sliced apples and I'd use all the crisp topping for the top. I'm not a big fan of mushy crust and the juice made the crust very mushy. It was great with a little dollop of ice cream on top too.

Those are all the new recipes I got to this past week and I think I found some winners. Thanks for all the fabulous people who I've linked up to. Our family enjoyed your recipes. Thanks for sharing.

Erica

This Week's Menu

2009-09-06T20:41:00.003-05:00

I'm loving 3 day weekends, which means a short work week too. Our week's kind of goofy but I'm excited for it none the less. I'll admit I've not put any thought into what we'll have for breakfasts or lunches. I guess I better get thinking, let me know if you have any good ideas.

Monday-Grilled Pizza! (Can't wait to try it!) w/corn and side salad and watermelon
Tuesday-Eggplant Parmesan, over spaghetti noodles, salad & watermelon

Wednesday-Dinner at church to kick off kids program

Thursday-Sausage Cheese Balls, Cooked Carrots, zucchini

Friday-Leftovers or breakfast for dinner

Saturday-Going to a dear friends wedding.

Sunday-Muffaletta (we usually toast ours and since we're not big olive eaters I use capers), chips, peas

For more great menus check out Org Junkie!

Weekly $ Report

2009-09-05T11:06:00.003-05:00

No pictures again this week, I still haven't figured out what is going on with our photo program. I'm hoping to get it solved very soon.

I spent $47.99 between Target and Aldi this week and $10 at the farmer's market. Which brings my total to $57.99. I'll have to watch my budget a little closer the rest of the month.

Here's how I spent our grocery money this week:

Publish Post

Dillons $31.06
2 Green Peppers .71 each
Red Bell Pepper 1.42
Head of Lettuce .99
Tomatoes 2.25
Chicken Breasts 6.77
Angel Hair Pasta .97
Linguine 1.50
Penne Noodles 1.50
Organic Grape Juice 3.59
Bread .74
Cinnamon Toast Crunch .99
Trix Cereal .44
Spiderman Fruit Snacks .50
Fiber One Bars 1.29
Nature Valley Bars 1.19
YoPlus FREE
2 Boxes BC Brownies 2.23/2
Warm Delights FREE
Nature's Valley Clusters .49

Aldi $16.93
Zucchini 1.79
2 jars Spaghetti Sauce 1.09 each
Tomato Paste .39
Butter 1.89
Frozen Corn .95
2 bars of Cheese 1.49 each
Margarine .69
Grapes 1.58
Cantaloupe .99
Watermelon 2.49

Farmer's Market $10.00
2 eggplant 2.00
1 large zucchini 1.00
1 dozen eggs 2.00
1 small jar of honey 4.00
Cucumbers 3/1.00

Have A Great 3 day weekend!
Erica

Frugal Family Photography

2009-09-04T14:44:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine recently pointed me in the direction of Masterpiece Studio & Gallery. If you are looking for some fun pictures of your kiddos here is a great way to do it. Every other Saturday he is running a special promotion on Children's photo sessions for $36. Your session will last about 10 minutes and a few days later you will receive a disk of touched up photos for TOTAL-FREEDOM usage. Which means you get to print the ones you love and have a variety, wherever you want. These photo shoots will take place in Yoder, Kansas, every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9am to 1pm. You get the images burned to CD for TOTAL-

Here are the upcoming themes:

Sept. 5: Grandparents Day special - kids with grandparents

Sept. 19: Dough Boys & Girls - taken at the Yoder bakery. Lots of dough and flour to play with (and fly in the air!)

Oct. 3: Balloons galore - colorful balloons all around

Oct. 17: Boxcar Blues- On location in the boxcar at the end of Yoder main street... dress in hobo gear

Oct. 31: Monster Cuties - Halloween costumes

Early Dec. :Santa in the studio

Sounds fun and a great deal at that. If you decide to take advantage of this great deal make sure you tell them you heard about it from Effortless Savings!

Erica

Leeker's 12 Hour Meat Sale-Valley Center

2009-09-03T20:46:00.002-05:00

I just found out about this amazing meat sale going on tomorrow at Leeker's in Valley Center.
801 S. Meridian

The sale starts at 8:00 am and ends at 8:00 pm and it looks like there are many great deals to be had.

Here are some of the ones I see:
Boneless Whole Pork Loin 1.49 lb.
80% Lean Fresh Ground Beef 1.59 lb.
Bone-In whole Pork Butts .99 lb.
Fresh Pork Spareribs 1.29 lb.
Whole Boneless Beef Brisket 1.79 lb.
Farmland Pork Sausage 1.09 each

I hope a few of you can catch some good deals on meat through this sale.

Happy Freezer Stocking!
Erica

Mexican Pot Roast-Crockpot Modifications

2009-09-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Oh my stars, this is a great recipe. I'm usually not a fan of pot roast, I have bad memories of the bland dry after church roast growing up. Mom I was thankful for it, and still am, but never really crave a roast.

Here is the original recipe. This is how I made it into a crockpot dish.

Crockpot Mexican Pot Roast

4 lb. lean, boneless chuck pot roast (mine had a bone and I trimmed off some of the fat)
1 large can stewed or whole tomatoes (I just pulled out 5 frozen whole tomatoes covered them with water and microwaved them for several minutes. I drained some of the water, but left enough to cover them and them mashed them.)
Jalapeno Peppers to your liking (I added 5 and you could hardly taste them)
3 T. dry taco seasoning mix
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 c. boiling water
2 T. tomato paste
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 t. Pepper

Wash your roast and add it to the bottom of the crockpot. Next heat your water and dissolve 1 bouillon cube, then add your 2 T. tomato paste and mix breaking up the paste. Pour this over your roast.

Add your can of stewed or whole tomatoes. I used frozen tomatoes so I had to heat those up so they could defrost. I poured off some of the water before I removed the skins. Then I smashed them. Pour this over the roast.

Add jalapenos, onion, taco seasoning and garlic powder and pepper to top of roast.

Add enough water to barely cover your roast then put the lid on. Cook on low for several hours. I cooked it on the low 10 hour setting. I served it with tortillas but it would be great over rice too.

Enjoy!
Erica

Dillons 9/2-9/8

2009-09-02T09:26:00.002-05:00

I hope you were able to stock up during the Mega Event. This week looks like a good week to stock up on meat. Let me know if I missed anything.

Produce
Fresh Nebraska Sweet Corn 3/$1
Home Grown Seedless Watermelon 3.99 each
Ripe Sweet XL Cantaloupe 1.67 each

Meat
Ground Fresh Fresh Ground Chuck 1.99 lb.
Farmland Whole Boneless Ham 1.59 lb. sold in 5 lbs. 7.95 each
Fresh Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets 1.99 lb.
Boneless Pork Loin Chops BIGI FREE regularly 5.49 lb.
Boneless Pork Tenderloin in Bag 1.99 lb.
Chicken Leg Quarters .55 lb.
Honeysuckle Fresh 85% Lean Ground Turkey 1.59 lb.

Ball Park Meat, Beef or Angus Franks BIGI Free Regularly 3.79-5.19
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$2.79-4.19/2

Other Grocery Items
Pepsi Cola 12 packs 2.40 wyb 4, get 1 free

Kellogg's Cereal 3/$9 & get gallon milk FREE wyb 3!
not sure if these are a part of the deal ??? Kellogg's Rice Krispies UseBIGI FREE & 1.00/1
Total=$5.00/3 & Gallon of Milk

Keebler Chips Deluxe or Sandies Cookies 3/$6 & get gallon milk FREE wyb 3!

Breyers or Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream 2.27
Use .25/1 Breyers unilever eQ
Total=$2.02

Kroger Vegetables 10/$10

Kroger Marinade 10/$10
Use .35/1 SC from Dillons mailer
Total=$0.65

Hunts Ketchup 10/$10

Simply Potatoes .99

Sunny Delight 1.00
Use .25/1
Total=$.50

Wonderful Pistachios (10 oz.), Walnuts or Almonds (1 lb.) 3.99

Household Products
Charmin Bath Tissue large roll 4 pack 1.88
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 p&g esaver eQ
Total= $1.13

Kotex Pads, Liners or Tampons 3.00
Use B1G1 Kotex produce receive one Kotex Overnight Pads FREE or 1.00/1 MF
& 1.00/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$2.00/2 or $1.00/1

Happy Savings!
Erica

August Recipe Review

2009-08-31T14:02:00.003-05:00

I tired several new recipes this month and a few will make it into our family favorite cookbook. Here's to expanding it by a few more pages, cheers!

I now have a new go to summer salad. The Cuban Chicken Salad was very good. I loved how all the seasonings and spices combined to create this yummy tangy dressing. Then you pour it over your crunchy lettuce topped corn, black beans and grilled chicken. It melded beautifully. It was also a very pretty salad. I even poured the extra dressing over the corn and black beans and mixed it all together and it made a great little salsa. That we enjoyed for lunch the next day.

The Italian Squash Boats were good, but not great reheated. I always struggle with finding meatless meals besides salads in the summer. This is one I'm going to hang on to, especially since gardens tend to produce a bunch of zucchini every summer.

The Frosty Orange Creme Dessert is a keeper too. I agree with Ashley you need another layer of orange sherbet to offset the sweetness of the cream layer. I made mine in a 9x13 inch Pyrex and it worked well. When making this again I plan on sandwiching the layer of cream goodness between two layers of sherbet making this divine.

The crockpot rigatoni was a flop. It was incredibly dry and I even added more sauce than it recommended. (To be fair my crockpot cooks a little on the fast side.) I didn't start it until 1:00 cooking it on low (8 hours) and the noodles on the outside were pretty crunchy by dinner time. My toddler wouldn't touch the noodles. I did however add some more sauce and water to it the next day and it was better than the first night we had it. If you make this add some water to your sauce and I recommend using 2 jars of spaghetti sauce, one for each layer and make sure you cook it on low, the next time I'll use the 10 hour low setting and only cook it for 4 hours.

I hope to do weekly recipe reviews from here on out. Right now I have the Mexican Pot Roast cooking away and it smells so good. I'm pretty sure my husband is going to be so happy when he walks in and smells what's for dinner. I sure hope it tastes as good as it smells.

Better late than never

2009-08-31T13:39:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry to all the allergy suffers out there right now. I'm in the same boat, sneezing constantly, miserable and hating ragweed with a passion. So I didn't get to my $ report this weekend. The weather was beautiful and we took out little guy to the farmer's market and then to the air show and when I got home I was exhausted from sneezing. There will be a day when these allergies will be gone, I'm looking forward to that day.

So in light of this I'll keep this $ report short and sweet. This past week I spent $47.42 on groceries and I spent $197.66 for the month on groceries. Right on target and a smidgen under!

I did stock up on milk at target, 4 gallons @ 2.09 each= a great deal. I was also able to get some more lunch box goodies and a few boxes of brownie mixes. I love these in case there is a church funeral or I am asked to bring a dessert and I don't have time to do something from scratch. My hunch is that the Mega Event will continue another week because I received some coupons promoting the mega event and they expire the 19th. I think I'm stocked on all the junk our family can handle for a while.

Excuse me while I get another tissue.
Erica
P.S. Sorry no pictures but we're still working on the computer problems.

Menu for the Week

2009-08-30T20:14:00.005-05:00

Here's my meal plan for the week. I do have several new recipes (asterisks beside them) including sourdough bread, I can't believe I've never made it before. I'm really excited to give it a go. I'd appreciate any tried and trusted sourdough recipes you'd like to share with me. I'm a little intimidated by what I've read, but that's half the fun, right!

I'm also still plugging away with my 30 day shred, level three. I'm hoping to add some 2 mile jogs in this week. I've really missed them.

Breakfast: Same old, same old, might make some homemade yogurt again this week. We really enjoyed our smoothies and I really enjoyed the variety of mustache colors on my toddler's face each morning.

Lunch: Salad, leftovers, and sandwiches

Dinner:
Monday- *Mexican Pot Roast (modifying for Crockpot), mashed potatoes & salad

Tuesday-(Doubling for friends w/ a new baby) *Quick Crescent Taco Bake, Rice, Fruit & Amish Friendship Bread
Wednesday- * Slow Cooker Ratatouille over Steamed Rice & fruit

Thursday- BLTs on *homemade sourdough, steamed zucchini (I'm using this starter for the sourdough, but using potato water)

Friday-Leftovers or *Kristie's Magically Moist Chicken, Rolls Baked Sweet Potatoes, Salad
Saturday- Pasta Party: Garlic Spaghettii, Marinara Sauce, & Alfredo Sauce, penne noodles & another fun noodle(maybe bow ties) with tossed salad & French Bread (I'll freeze my leftover sauces) & either zucchini crisp or chocolate peanut butter pie

Sunday-*Zucchini, Corn & Tomato Saute w/ leftover bread and salad

For more great meal plans check out Org Junkie.

Happy Menu Planning!
Erica

Frugal Family Fun-Wichita Flight Festival

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm loving this weather and getting pretty excited for fall! What better way to spend Saturday than outdoors and at the Wichita Flight Festival, it starts at 10 am and also is going on Sunday at Jabara Airport.

photo courtesy of Free Foto

Since there are planes flying over our city constantly my little guy loves them. Just this morning he was clapping as one flew overhead. This weekend's flight festival will be an event sure to please and the best part is the day events are free. I know there will be other things that include a price tag, but if you just want to go out and check out the planes and watch some fun air shows you can do that all for free. What a great way to celebrate the Air Capitol!

Happy Flight Trails!
Erica

Preserving Summer's Bounty-Part 2 Canning Peaches

2009-08-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness have peaches just been amazing this year or what! My toddler has been in love and has requested peaches almost every morning for breakfast. I wanted to make sure we still had a few when they were no longer in season, so I decided to try canning a few. This is the first canning I had done by myself and I was little nervous. But it wasn't too bad and it was very satisfying hearing the pop of the seals once my work was complete.

you'll need:
Peaches
Canning Jars & lids (I used 12 lb. of peaches and it filled about 9 pint size jars)
Sugar
Water
or pineapple juice
Large Pot or Canning Pot
Something to lift your jars out of the water, they sell specific tools and chances are you know someone who has one.

First thing first is to get your water bath going. I don't have a canner so I used a large pot. Bring your water to a boil and add your jars using this cool little jar picker upper. Let these jars sterilize in the boiling water for about 10 minutes. Add your rings and lids for 5 minutes to not quite boiling water. Make sure you set a timer so you won't forget about them. If you have a dishwasher with a sterilize feature you can simply do this, unfortunately I don't.

While those are sterilizing wash your peaches and boil another pot of water. Fill an additional bowl with COLD water, I added some ice cubes to make sure it was COLD.

Drop several peaches into your boiling water for about 30-45 seconds.
Then use a slotted spoon and add them to the cold water and let sit for about 2 minutes. This process shocks the peaches making them very easy to peel.

Once you shock the peaches remove the skins. It's very important to let them sit for a few minutes in the cold water. Trust me if you try to peel them before this point you'll have problems. I finally figured this out 8 lbs. into peeling my peaches. The last 4 lbs. went much better. If you want to maximize the entire peach, save the peelings in a little bowl and make some peach honey with them later.

Once you've peeled your peaches it's time to slice them as you desire. You can half them and remove the pit, slice them, or dice them it's up to you. I sliced them. Then add some lemon juice or Fresh Fruit over your peaches to prevent them from browning. Give it a good stir coating all your peaches.
Now it's time to prepare your syrup or your juice you will pack your peaches in. Add 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Slowly add your sugar and bring to a boil then allow to barely boil for a few minutes, so you'll need to lower your heat.

Next you'll add your peaches to the barely boiling syrup and barely boil for 5 minutes.

Now you're ready to fill your jars. Use a nifty little canning funnel and you'll avoid some spills. Add your peaches to your jars and fill them tightly, leave about 1 inch to 1/2 inch of the jar unfilled. Once you've added your peaches. Make sure to cover them with syrup.

Next run a knife or the little canning tool along the sides of your jars to release any air bubbles.

Wipe the lip and threads of the jar clean with a wet clean cloth and add your sterilized lids and tighten the ring on the jars.

Add filled and closed jars to a boiling hot water bath. You need enough boiling water to covers the jars by 2 inches, as you add your jars the water will rise so don't fill your pot will boiling water, don't ask me how I know this. Boil covered for about 20 minutes if you live above sea level, 30 minutes if you live below sea level. ( I have no idea why this is underlined, I can't seem to fix it, so just ignore it)

Remove jars with your handy little jar grabber and allow them to cool untouched. You'll hear the beautiful clicking of the seals as your jars cool. It's a very satisfying sound. Store your jars in a dark cool place and enjoy these tasty treats all winter long.

Make sure you check out the Recipe Swap on Friday over at GCC.

Happy Canning!
Erica

Dillons 8/26-9/1

2009-08-26T10:11:00.002-05:00

It appears I am having some computer issues. After spending several hours yesterday trying to figure out what was wrong I gave up. I'll save yesterday's post for next week assuming I can figure out how to get my pictures and videos off of my camera.

In the meantime here are the best deals I see this week at Dillons. The mega Event is continuing another week so take advantage of the new cellfire coupons. It's been nice to have something special to add to my husband's lunch box. It's been a long time since we've had granola bars at our house. Even though they aren't the healthiest thing in the world it's nice to be able to mix up the lunch box with them.

Produce
New Crop California Red Seedless Grapes .99 lb
Red Ripe Seedless Watermelon 3.99 each
New Crop Colorado or Eastern Peaches 1.49 lb.
Colorado or California Bartlett Pears 1.29 lb

Meat
Kroger IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin 2.59 lb.
Pork Loin Assorted, Center Cut or Loin Cut Chops BIGI FREE regular price $3.29-$4.19 lb
Farmland Fresh Ground Pork 1.99
Pacific Salmon Fillets 2.99 lb.

Other Grocery Items
Simply Potatoes .99

Breyers or Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream 2.27
Use .25/1 Unilever eQ
Total=$2.02

Kroger Cheese 1.77
Use .45/1 Dillons Mailer
Total=$1.32 (cheaper at Aldi)

Kraft Cheese 2/$5
Use 1.00/2
Total=$4.00/2

Big K 12 packs 1.77
Use .50/1 shortcuts eQ
Total=$1.27

Household Products
Cottonelle Bath Tissue 5.99
Use .50/1 MF & .25/1 cellfire eQ

Tampax Pearl 3.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver eQ
Total=$2.49

Kitchen Towels or Dishcloths 1.00

Mega Savings Event!

Mix and Match any 10 items and save $5.00 instantly off your order. You must purchase multiples of 10 products in order to save $5.00 and use your Dillons card. Prices reflect 5.00 instant savings.

Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, Crescents or Cinnamon Rolls .99
Use .50/2 IP Crescents from coupon wigdit at bottom of page & .50/2 Crescents shortcuts eQ
.35/1 Grands MF or .40/3 Grands MF & 1.00/2 Grands shortcuts eQ
.75/3 Cinnamon Rolls, Grands or Crescents .40/2 Cinnamon Rolls shortcuts eQ
Total=.49/2 crescents; .28/2- FREE Grands' 1.47/3 Cinnamon Rolls

General Mills or Quaker Cereal 1.99
Use .50/1 Total IP below & .75/1 shortcuts eQ
Use .55/1 Trix MF & .55/1 Trix shortcuts eQ
Total=$0.24 Total & .44 Trix

Betty Crocker Helper .99
Use .75/3 MF or .75/3 IP below & .75/3 shortcuts eQ
Total=$1.22/3

Pepsi Cola .88

Green Giant Vegetables .65

Totino's Pizza Rolls 2.69
Use .55/2 shortcuts eQ & .40/2 MF or .55/2 IP below
Total=$3.83-$4.03/2

Nature Valley Granola Bars, Quaker Instant Oatmeal 2.49
Use .40/1 IP Nature Valley Granola Bars (print below) or .70/2 MF & .40/1 shortcuts eQ
or .50/1 MF & .75/1 Nature Valley Pomegranate & Cranberry or Dark Chocolate & Nut Bars
Total= $1.29 Granola Bars; $0.74 Pomegranate & Cranberry or Dark Chocolate & Nut
Valid 8/14 – 9/6 Nature Valley Granola Bars: Buy 3 and receive a $1.50 Catalina; Buy 4 and receive a $2.50 Catalina; Buy 5 or More and receive a $3.50 Catalina.

Tostitos Tortilla Chips or Salsa or Queso Dip 2.28
Use 1.00/2 MF Chips (received from Dillons mailer)
Total=$3.56

SoBe Life Water .50

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks 1.99
Use .50/1 fruit shaped snacks shortcuts eQ & .40/1 cellfire
.50/2 shortcuts eQ fruit by the foot, stickers, gushers, rolls ups & .50/1 cellfire
Total= .59/1 fruit shaped snacks or $2.49/2 fruit by the food, stickers, gushers, & roll ups
Valid 8/14 – 9/6 General Mills Fruit Snacks (Fruit By The Foot, Shapes, Gushers, Roll-Ups, Stickerz): Buy 3 and receive a $1.50 Catalina; Buy 4 and receive a $2.50 Catalina; Buy 5 or More and receive a $3.50 Catalina.

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel 1.99
Use .55/2 MF & .50/2 shortcut eQ
Total=$2.48/2

Yoplait Yogurt 2.19
Use .75/2 MF Kids Yogurt or $.40 IP below & .80/2 shortcuts eQ & 80/1 cellfire
1.25/1 IP Fiber One here or .75/1 IP below; 1.00/1 Fiber One Yogurt cellfire eQ
1.00/1 IP YoPlus below or Use .50/1 MF & 1.00/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$1.78/2 Kids; .06 overage-.19 Fiber One; $0.19 YoPlus

Cascadian Farm 3.99 cereal or 3.29 granola bars
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$2.99-2.29

Hershey Supreme Brownie Mix 1.99
Use .75/2 MF & .75/2 shortcuts eQ
Total=$2.23/2

Betty Crocker Warm Delights 1.39
Use .50/1 MF & .50/1 shortcuts
Total=FREE plus $0.11 OVERAGE!!!

Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes 1.69
Use .40/1 MF & .40/1 shortcuts eQ
Total=$0.49

Fiber One Muffins 2.69
Use .50/1 MF &

Kroger or Aunt Jemima Syrup 2.99

Baked Lays 3.29

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters 2.89
Use 1.00/1 MF or IP below & 1.00/1 cellfire eQ & 1.00/1 shortcuts eQ
Total= FREE & .11 overage!!!

Chex Mix Bars 2.49
Use .50/1 MF & .60/1 shortcuts eQ & .60/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$0.29

All Prices reflect coupon doubling. Dillons doubles all coupons under .50 and coupons over .50 "double" to $1.00.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Meal Plan

2009-08-23T20:00:00.001-05:00

The weather lately has been amazing. I just want to stay outside all day long. I had expected August to be a bit warmer, but I'm not complaining. I have several crockpot meals this week and they are already making me very hungry.

I forgot to add my workouts last week but I'm still plugging away at the 30 day shred and I think I'll be ready for level 3 this week, how scary.

Breakfast

Banana Bread (making extra to freeze)

Smoothies

Homemade Yogurt

Cold Cereal

Breakfast Cookies (making extra to freeze)

Lunch

Leftovers or Sandwiches

Dinner

Monday-Pork Carnitas (modifying to put in the crockpot) served with tortillas, blackbeans, salsa, & rice

Tuesday-Baked Potato Bar (cooked in the crockpot) with pork as topping, broccoli & cheese served with a side salad

Wednesday-Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, didn't get to this a few weeks ago, salad, squash

Thursday-Tamale Pie in Crockpot (didn't get to it last week), tomato wedges, salad & fruit

Friday-Leftovers

Saturday-Grilling Pork Chops, some sort of veggie and salad

Sunday-Pizza Omlets & steamed veggies (Salad for dinner)

For more menu ideas check out Org Junkie.

Happy Meal Planning!

Erica

Weekly $ Report

2009-08-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

I spent $56.46 this week on groceries. I would have come in under budget but decided to head to Dillons for a second trip and get some snack food in light of the big surgery this week and not knowing if we would be home. With that said here's what I purchased this week. Sorry no pictures this week, I'm have some computer issues. I told you it's been one of those weeks.

Aldi $24.53
Skim Milk 2.30
Whole Milk 2.35
Onions 1.29
Zucchini 1.79
Sliced Pepperoni 1.99
Flour Tortillas .99
Parmesan Cheese 2.39
Large Eggs 1.09
Graham Crackers 1.29
Iceburg Lettuce .79
Tomato Paste .39
Chips .99
3 bags frozen corn 2.85
Cheese 1.29 each

Dillons trip one 19.13
Peaches 4.03
Romaine Lettuce 1.58
Cilantro .99
2 jars of Ragu 1.82
Popcorn 1.39
Pasta 1.69
Cornmeal 1.09
Blackbeans 1.89
Ground Turkey 1.74 each

Dillons trip two $12.80
2 MS Organic Whole Milk 1.49 each (froze for next week)
Closeout Sweet Potato Fries 1.59
Bread .78
2 pkgs. Crescent Rolls .02 overage
2 pkgs. Grands Biscuits .24 each
3 pkgs. Nature's Valley Granola Bars 1.33 each
2 pkgs. Fiber One Bars 1.09 each
Fiber One Yogurt FREE

Erica

Frugal Family Fun-Yoder Heritage Day

2009-08-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have been wanted to visit Yoder, an Amish Community outside of Wichita, since we moved to Wichita last year. It seems like our weekends have filled up and we have yet to make it there. I've heard amazing things about the food at Carriage Crossing so I was very excited to see that Yoder Heritage Day is this weekend. The event if free and there will be activities all day long including a parade, several musical preformances, buggy races, tractor pull and many more. If you don't have plans this weekend I suggest making the trip, maybe we'll bump into each other. To find out more information about Yoder Heritage Day check out this website.

Coming Up for Air

2009-08-20T10:24:00.002-05:00

This week has been one of those weeks, you know the kind when everything breaks and life hands you a million things that weigh heavy on your heart. So rather than finishing my post on how to can peaches this morning I prayed.

Right now my father-in-law is in the middle of a quadruple bypass surgery. My husband made the 5 hour trip to be there while the little guy and I sit here and pray. I'd appreciate your prayers for our family right now. On top of this my father is waiting on a liver transplant.

Before my husband left last night we joked that it would just make the week complete if my dad got a call today saying it's to book it to the hospital for his transplant.

Thanks for understanding. I do have a couple of posts that are scheduled so I won't be completely silent for the rest of the week.

Erica

Dillons 8/19-8/25

2009-08-19T10:16:00.003-05:00

Here are the deals I see this week at Dillons. I'll check out the Mega Event later today and find out the other products a part of this deal and share them with you. Let me know if I missed any coupon match ups.

Produce
Fresh Colorado or Michigan Green Beans .99 lb.
Home Grown Nebraska Sweet Corn 3/$1
Home Grown DeVore Farms Red Ripe Seedless Watermelon 3.99
Fresh XL Green Bell Peppers .77 each
New Crop Colorado Peaches 1.19 lb.

Meat
Fresh Ground Round 1.99 lb.
Tyson Fresh Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs .99 lb.
Oscar Mayer Original, Bun Length, Lite or Jumbo Meat Franks 4/$10
Farmland Boneless Pork Loin Chop 10 chops for $10

Other Grocery Items
Breyers or Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream 2.27
.25/1 Breyers unilever eQ
Total=$2.02

Coca-Cola 10/$10

Simply Potatoes .99 each

Household Products
Always Pads or Tampax Tampons 14-60 ct Pads or 20 ct Tampons 2/$6
Use .50/1 MF & .50/1 esaver eQ
Total=$1.50-2.00 each

Mega Savings Event!

Mix and Match any 10 items and saving $5.00 instantly off your order. You must purchase multiples of 10 products in order to save $5.00 and use your Dillons card. Prices reflect 5.00 instant savings.

Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, Crescents or Cinnamon Rolls .99
Use .50/2 IP Crescents from coupon wigdit at bottom of page & .50/2 Crescents shortcuts eQ
.35/1 Grands MF or .40/3 Grands MF & 1.00/2 Grands shortcuts eQ
.75/3 Cinnamon Rolls, Grands or Crescents .40/2 Cinnamon Rolls shortcuts eQ
Total=.49/2 crescents; .28/2- FREE Grands' 1.47/3 Cinnamon Rolls

General Mills or Quaker Cereal 1.99
Use .55/1 IP below.50/1 Honey Nut Cheerios shortcuts eQ 1.00 Honey Nut Cheerios cellfire eQ
Total= .49-FREE

Betty Crocker Helper .99
Use .75/3 MF or .75/3 IP below & .75/3 shortcuts eQ
Total=$1.22/3

Pepsi Cola .88

Green Giant Vegetables .65

Totino's Pizza Rolls 2.69
.55/2 shortcuts eQ & .40/2 MF or .55/2 IP below
Total=$3.83-$4.03/2

Nature Valley Granola Bars, Quaker Instant Oatmeal 2.49
.40/1 IP Nature Valley Granola Bars (print below) or .70/2 MF & .40/1 shortcuts eQ
.50/1 MF & .75/1 Nature Valley Pomegranate & Cranberry or Dark Chocolate & Nut Bars
Total= $1.29 Granola Bars; $0.74 Pomegranate & Cranberry or Dark Chocolate & Nut
Valid 8/14 – 9/6 Nature Valley Granola Bars: Buy 3 and receive a $1.50 Catalina; Buy 4 and receive a $2.50 Catalina; Buy 5 or More and receive a $3.50 Catalina.

Tostitos Tortilla Chips or Salsa or Queso Dip 2.28
Use 1.00/2 MF Chips (received from Dillons mailer)
Total=$3.56

SoBe Life Water .50

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks 1.99
Use .50/1 fruit shaped snacks shortcuts eQ & ..40/1 cellfire
.50/2 shortcuts eQ fruit by the foot, stickers, gushers, rolls ups & .50/1 cellfire
Total= .59/1 fruit shaped snacks or $2.49/2 fruit by the food, stickers, gushers, & roll upsValid 8/14 – 9/6 General Mills Fruit Snacks (Fruit By The Foot, Shapes, Gushers, Roll-Ups, Stickerz): Buy 3 and receive a $1.50 Catalina; Buy 4 and receive a $2.50 Catalina; Buy 5 or More and receive a $3.50 Catalina.

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
Use .55/2 MF & .50/2 shortcut eQ
Total=$2.48/2

Yoplait Yogurt 2.19
Use .75/2 MF Kids Yogurt or $.40 IP below & .80/2 shortcuts eQ & 80/1 cellfire
1.25/1 IP Fiber One here or .75/1 IP below; 1.00/1 Fiber One Yogurt cellfire eQ
1.00/1 IP YoPlus below or Use .50/1 MF
Total=$1.78/2 Kids; .06 overage-.19 Fiber One; $1.19 YoPlus

All Prices reflect coupon doubling. Dillons doubles all coupons under .50 and coupons over .50 "double" to $1.00.

Happy Savings!
Erica

What time is it????

2009-08-18T09:20:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure about you but I'm terrible at knowing what time it is. I haven't owned a watch in over 4 years and most of the time I rely on my cell phone for a quick check at the time. Occasionally problems will arise when I must get something done for dinner and I just plain forget leaving not enough time to get it done.

One day I decided to set the alarm on my phone for things that needed to get done during the day and I've been doing it since. It's especially helpful when I have to start bread for dinner in the middle of the afternoon. I will confess there have been many times I have forgotten and it's too late to get it going in time for dinner. This new little reminder has saved the day and helped get dinner on the table as planned.

photo courtesy of www.freefoto.com

This definitely Works for Me this Wednesday! Now I'm off to set my alarm for some homemade yogurt.

Erica

Menu for the Week

2009-08-16T20:10:00.005-05:00

I'm excited to try quite a few new recipes this week. It's very strange to go almost 2 weeks with only 1 new recipe. New recipes I'm trying have an asterisk beside it so I can't vouch for them yet, but they looked pretty tasty when I found them. There have only been a couple of recipes I've tried over the past year that didn't make it into our cookbook. I love adding to our family favorite cookbook and hope these will be keepers.

Here's the game plan is this week:

Nothing special for breakfast or lunches. Cold cereal, leftovers, pretty boring.

Monday: *Crockpot Rigatoni, Homemade French bread, Garden Salad & Cooked Carrots

Tuesday: *Italian Squash Boats, w/ leftover loaf of french bread, & side salad

Wednesday: *Cuban Chicken Salad w/ chips & fruit

Thursday: Tamale Pie (modified and cooked in crockpot), tomato wedges (hopefully from garden) & fruit

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: (Our for lunch) Grilling Pork Chops, Side Salad, Deviled Eggs & steamed zucchini

Sunday: *Greek Zucchini Pie & fruit (Popcorn and snack food for dinner)

For more great meal plans check out Org Junkie.

Weekly $ Report

2009-08-15T08:00:00.004-05:00

I spent a little more than I thought I would this week, but wanted to freeze some more jam and can some peaches. I couldn't pass up these sales on fruit. So in light of that I spent $50.78 this week on groceries. Here's what I bought!

Dillons
$19.10 Food & $15.58 on Household items

2 flats of Ball Jars $13.08
$1.49 on funnel
Lettuce 1.58
Garlic .40
Peaches $11.65

MS Salad .69 (not pictured)

2- MS Wheat Bread .39 (not pictured)

MS Skim Milk .88 (not pictured)

Annie's Mac & Cheese 1.14 (not pictured)

Aldi
$29.13

Cottage Cheese 1.99
Ketchup 1.19
Cheese 1.29
Lunch meat 2.99
Flour 1.45
Milk 2.30
Cantaloupe .89
Margarine .69
Jello .33
Evaporated Milk .75
Sweetened Condensed Milk 1.39
Strawberries .99 each
Frozen Corn .95
Peanut Butter 1.29
Chips .99
Hamburger Buns .79
Bread 1.29
Hot Dog Buns .79
Eggs 1.09

Walmart $2.55

Bananas .88

Brown Rice 1.52

Blessings!
Erica

Get Ready Dillons Shoppers!

2009-08-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

Did you get some coupons in the mail from Dillons recently? I was pretty pumped to see the Mega Savings Event will start on Wednesday. Get ready for some good coupon match ups. Make sure you load those cellfire and shortcuts coupons too. I'll be patiently waiting on next week's ad to come out. I just wanted to give you a heads up.

Blessings!
Erica

Frugal Family Organization

2009-08-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

My little guy knows how to make a mess. Recently I've been trying extra hard to help him focus on putting his toys away after he is through with them. It's slow progress but he's been doing a great job consider he's not even 2 yet.

One of the things I've done since he was little was hide a few of his toys and rotate them out. I was amazed once I dumped out his toy box last week at how much stuff was actually in there and some of it was still hidden. I quickly understood why he was a little overwhelmed and didn't really play much with what was in there. He had WAY TOO MANY CHOICES.

So I broke out a box of ziplock bags and started sorting everything into categories. Similar items were grouped together. Now I had a group of music instruments rather than a random assortment of things all over the house.

I filled another plastic tub with items that were too big for ziplock containers.

I also happened to find some fabric cubes at the Dollar Tree and knew they were perfect to help us organize his things. So while the little man was napping I took pictures of all of his toys that I had grouped. Then I added a label to the pictures.

I printed them on cardstock and covered them in contact paper. Next I added a piece of velcro to fabric cubes and placed the opposite side on the laminated picture card.

My plan is to swap out toys every two weeks. Currently he only has 5 cubes of toys and one cube of books in the play room. I've already noticed that he plays with the toys he has more and there has been a lot less wondering around looking for something to do. Another perk is there is less to clean up now. I'm very thankful I put the work into this project I can see it .

P.S. You might have to remove the labels until it's time to pick up as they might seem like great toys. You just never know.

Preserving Summer's Bounty Part 1-Freezer Jam

2009-08-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

If you are like me the thought of canning can be a little bit intimidating. It seems like a long process to me, but I decided it was about time I learned how. The equipment can be an investment at first but it's something that can be used for years and years, and many times can be picked up at a garage sale or borrowed from friends when it's time to can.

This is the first in several attempts at preserving Summer's Bounty. I hope to talk you through each step as we learn together. I'm not a seasoned canning expert but merely a mom showing you it's not as intimidating as we once thought.

This week we'll start with something VERY easy FREEZER JAM!

You'll need about 4 c. crushed fruit. (I used about 3 lb. fresh strawberries, the package suggest 4 lb. but I had left over strawberries that I just added to our pancakes for dinner.) $3.00
Freezer Jam Fruit Pectin 1.85
1 to 1 1/2 c. Sugar .25
Containers to freeze in (I used Ball Freezer Jars 2.50)

1. Wash and hull strawberries
2. Combine sugar with the packet of freezer jam fruit pectin.

3. Crush your fruit. I used a food processor (I'm so in love with this machine) and pulsed it until the fruit was chopped. You'll want some fruit pieces so you don't want to puree it. If you don't have a food processor dice up the fruit and use a potato masher to crush the fruit. I've done this before and it turned out great.
4. You'll want this consistency.

5. Add 4 c. of your crushed strawberries to your pectin/sugar mix.
6. Stir for 3 minutes, making sure you scrap the edges as you stir.
7. Fill your jars using a ladle and leave about 1/2 inch at the top, it will expand in the freezer and you'll need the extra space. (These jars have a fill to here mark.) Leave your jam filled containers on the counter for 30 minutes so jam can thicken up.

8. Then place them in the freezer. This keeps frozen for up to a year, but I don't it lasts that long. It also keeps in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It's so much better than store bought and once you try it there's no going back. So go ahead give it a try and let me know how it turns out.
For more great recipes check out the recipe swap over at GCC.
FYI these are directions on the back of the package of pectin I wanted to show you it's not as hard as you think it is. The price turned out to be around $1.50 a jar. The next time you make these it will drop to closer to $1.00, since you don't have to add the containers in the price. It's even more economical if you grow your own fruit or are given some from friends or family.
Enjoy!
Erica

Dillons 8/12-8/18

2009-08-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here are the best deals I see this week. I'm very excited about yet another eQ compatable with your Dillons card. Make sure you check out Unilever and add some eQs to your Dillon's card. Let me know if I missed any other coupon match ups.

Produce
New Crop Tree Ripe Colorado Peaches 1.19 lb.
Ripe Sweet DeVore Farms Home Grown or Rocky Ford Cantaloupe 1.67 each
New Crop California Red Seedless Grapes 1.67 lb.
Red Ripe Tomatoes on the Vine 1.99 lb.

Meat
Honeysuckle Fresh 93% Lean Ground Turkey BIGI Free reg. 3.59 each
Bar-S Meat, Garlic & Turkey Bologna or Meat & Turkey Franks 1.00

Other Grocery Items
Kroger Frozen Vegetables 1.00
Kroger Frozen Potatoes 1.66
Kroger Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream 1.99 (same as Aldi)

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter 1.77
Use .25 unilever eQ
Total=$1.52

Kroger Cheese Bar, Shredded, Sliced 1.88
Use .45/1 SC from Dillons Mailer
Total=$1.43 (Aldi has a better price)

Yoplait Yogurt 2/$1
Use .40/6 MF $ .50 wyb6 cellfire eQ
Total=$1.50/6

Pillsbury Biscuits, Rolls or Pizza Crust 1.00 wyb4
Use .40/2 MF Pizza or .40/3 MF Grands
Total=2.00/4 pizza crust or 3.00/4 Grands

Kellogg's Cereal, Fruit Snacks, Kebbler Chips Deluxe Cookies, Town House Crackers 2.00 wyb 4
There are various Kellogg's coupons out there. Check out the coupon printer at bottom of page for a few. I'll have to check out which exact products are a part of this sale.

Knorr Rice or Pasta Sides 1.00
Use two .60/2 MF & 1.00/4 unilever eQ
Total=$1.00/4

Ragu Pasta Sauce 1.66
Use 2/.75 MF & .75/1 unilever eQ
Total=$1.57/2 (.79 each)!!!

Hellmann's Mayo 2.99
Use .50/1 MF & .25 unilever eQ
Total=$1.74

Household Products
Maybelline Lip and Mascara 40% off
Speedstick or Lady Speedstick .88
Sharpie Markers 1.00
Top Flight Filler Paper .69

All prices reflect coupon doubling.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Cheaper Ink

2009-08-11T14:19:00.004-05:00

Wow is a replacement ink cartridge expensive or what! I always cringed when the levels on our printer ink were running low because I knew I needed to replace them soon, which meant spending an extra $20 for a black cartridge and close to $30 for a color cartridge.

Then I discovered refillable ink. I didn't know of anyone who used refillable ink so I didn't know what I was getting into, but since the price was half as much as a new one I decided to try. With coupon in hand I headed over to Cartridge World. Everyone was so friendly and they even set me up with a punch card so I could earn a free refill after I refilled 9 times. How beautiful, plus the total for a refill of a color and a black refill was less than what I would have paid for a new cartridge.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of ink and I have not noticed a difference for the printing we do. We have done a lot recently including packaging materials for my Etsy Shop and everything has turned out the color and brightness I've wanted.

Refillable ink has won me over. Not only do we save money, but you we are reusing materials that would other wise end up in the landfill. This is the store I have used and you can find out through their site where the closest location is near you. I know there are others out there but this one just happens to be the closest and most convenient to us.

Happy Savings!

Erica

For more great ideas this week check out WFMW's home.

The Winner is......

2009-08-09T23:00:00.000-05:00

Comment #35 La Core Femme!!!

"Lovely apron. Great colors too.I love to bake so I would have to say cakes or cookies or treats are my fav. things to make in the kitchen. :)Thanks so much for the opportunity to win. I have my giveaway listed also. Hope you stop by and enter."

Congrats you are the winner of the Strawberry Limeade Half Apron. You have 24 hours to claim your prize or I'll draw a new winner. Please make sure you reply to my email with your shipping address and full name so I can get it in the mail ASAP. (You can email me at effortlesssavings(AT)gmail(DOT)com)

Thanks to everyone who entered last week's giveaway. I hope to have more in the future. Giving things away is too much fun. I was so hungry every time I read your comments. It looks like bread and sweets were common favorites. I'd have to second those.

If you are bummed you didn't win and are in love with this apron. I still have one available to purchase in my Etsy Shop for $15. I have been wearing mine this week and just love it. It makes dusting much more tolerable when you look cute while doing it.

Blessings!

Erica

Weekly Menu Plan

2009-08-09T20:00:00.001-05:00

This week is another non adventurous week in the kitchen because after a week off from sewing it's time to get started again. I have several projects waiting for some attention, so I thought I'd keep meals simple this week and stick to things we already have ingredients for.

I also decided that since the Food Pyramid includes exercise I would start adding it to my menu plan too. I've been a little on the unmotivated side the last few weeks, and since it's too hot to run I bought a new DVD . I'm testing it's claims, so if anyone else is up to do the 30 day shred with me, we'll be in pain together. I love it already and it's nice that it's a killer of a workout in less than 30 minutes. (I got mine at Target.)

Kitchen To Do List This Week:

Replenish my mixes!

Freezer Strawberry or Peach Jam!

Maybe canning some peaches??? I'm still in the air about this one. I'm a little nervous even after reading a book about preserving fruits and veggies.

Breakfast:

Yogurt, Smoothies, Cinnamon Toast on Homemade Wheat Bread, Cold Cereal & Waffles (from the freezer)

Lunch:

Leftovers like usual

Dinner:

Monday-(Rescheduled to this week) Crockpot BBQ meatballs, potato salad, Cooked Carrots & Frosty Orange Cream Dessert

Day 5 of The Shred (level One)

Tuesday-Blueberry Pancakes, little smokies, Garlic Skillet Potatoes

Day 6 of The Shred (level one)

Wednesday-Manwiches on Homemade Texas Toast, Potato Salad, Garden Salad

Day 7 of The Shred (moving on to level two!)

Thursday-Red Beans & Rice, Corn on the Cob & Watermelon

Day 8 of the Shred (level two)

Friday-Leftover Night

Day 9 of the Shred (level two)

Saturday-Grilling burgers & hotdogs, oven fries & baked beans

Day 10 of the Shred (level two)

Sunday-Spaghetti Carbonara, Tossed Salad, Peas

Rest day

For more great meal plans check out Org Junkie!

Weekly $ Report

2009-08-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

I've had an off week and I blame it all to lack of preparation. Usually before the month starts I have a nice little list of meals to make that I've seen on various blogs. This month I had nothing and we left to go out of town without even a thought about our menu. I felt rushed in menu planning even more so as I made my list. I even went to the grocery store with my shaky list still at home.

Thanks to my poor planning I've had to go back to the store twice this week. Despite this shaky ill prepared week I still came in under budget, $43.00. I'm hoping to do a lot of pulling from the pantry this coming week, we'll see how little I can spend since there aren't any great deals I feel I must stock up on.

Dillons $15.84 groceries

MS Little Smokies 1.99
MS Spinach 1.29
2 big boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios 4.98 combined (bummed my cellfire Q didn't work)
Plain Yogurt .50
Sherbet 1.79
Whipping Cream 1.39
MS Activia Yogurt FREE
Green Onions .64
Cheese 1.88

Aldi $25.23

Milk 2.35
1/2 gallon milk 1.41
Cucumbers .59
Seedless Watermelon 3.99
10 lb. bag potatoes 2.99
Cantaloupe .99
Eggs 1.09
Cabbage 1.09
Tortillas .99
Carrots .99
Cottage Cheese 1.99
Bread 1.29
2 cans Mandarin Oranges .45 each
Fudge for Ice Cream 1.89
Grape Jelly 1.19

Walmart & Target 1.92

.92 Bananas (Wal-mart)
1.00 Clearance Annie's Mac & Cheese (Target)

Frugal Family Fun

2009-08-07T13:53:00.004-05:00

I heard about this event taking place at Sedgwick County park on the radio this morning and thought I'd pass it on to you today:

Children’s Mental Health Day Saturday August 8th!

Hosted by The KU School of Medicine-Wichita Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department

Saturday, August 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st North

to help raise awareness about mental health issues affecting children.

The event is free with a suggested donation of $3 for adults and $1 for children and there will be
moonwalks, dunk tanks featuring area school leaders, a fire truck to keep everyone cool, balloon animal demonstrations, face painting, various contests, and more.

What a great way to support an area that often receives little attention. Since my background is in Early Childhood Special Ed I know there are a lot of needs that the public is often unaware of.

So if you're scratching your head about what to do this weekend. Why not stop by.

Happy Friday!
Erica

SOOO GOOD!

2009-08-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

These were a treat we discovered when we lived overseas, SOUR CREAM ENCHILADAS. Now I'm not going to lie they are sinful filled with enough butter to last you for the month but once you try them I know you'll know it's worth the extra workout.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 lb. cooked chicken chopped or shredded and seasoned with fajita or a little taco seasoning (I used a little bit over 2 c. and it worked fine since I added some black beans)
1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. flour
1 ½ cups milk
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
1 large white onion, chopped
2 c. sour cream
10-12 tortillas
Grated cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 green onion, chopped, for garnish

1. Prepare chicken with taco or fajita seasoning. (I added some black beans because we had some in the fridge.) And preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Start the sauce by melting butter over medium heat in saucepan. Once melted add flour and stir until smooth.

You'll want this consistency

3. Add milk and crushed bouillon cubes. Give it a good stir until it's nice and incorporated

4. Add chopped white onions. Stir and simmer for a minute or two. (It will start to really thicken up)

5. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.

6. In tortillas, place desired amount of grated cheese, cooked seasoned chicken, a spoonful of sauce and some salt and pepper.

7. Roll tortillas and place side by side in 9x13 inch pan. After filling tortillas, pour remaining sauce on top of enchiladas. Sprinkle with more grated cheese.

8. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes uncovered. When ready to serve sprinkle chopped green onion on top as garnish.

Enjoy!

For more great recipes this week check out the Recipe Swap on Friday over at GCC.

Blessings!

Erica

P.S. Don't forget about my apron giveaway this week. I'll select a winner on Sunday so make sure you enter.

Dillons 8/5-8/11

2009-08-05T10:10:00.003-05:00

The P&G sale is still happening this week, so if you haven't taken advantage of this deal be sure to do so. I especially loved the price on Cascade. I'm stocked for the next couple months now. Let me know if you see anything I missed!

Produce
Northwest Sweet Red Cherries 1.99 lb.!!!
Fresh Green Beans .99 lb.

Meat
Fresh Ground Chuck 1.99 lb.
Kroger Value Pack Chicken Thighs .95 lb.
Tyson Fresh Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs .99 lb.
Pork Loin Assorted Chops 2.19 lb.
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna 2/$1

Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Beef, Turkey or Ham Tubs 3/$9.99
Use .55/1 MF
Total=$2.33/1

roger IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin 2.33 lb.
Use 1.00/1 Dillons Coupon
Total=5.99

Other Grocery Products
Kroger Frozen Vegetables 10/$10

Betty Crocker Helpers 10/$10
Use .75/3 cellfire eQ
Total=$2.25/3

Post Cereal 3/$6
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$3.00/2

Pillsbury Biscuits, Rolls or Pizza Crust 1.00 each wyb4
Use .75/3 MF or .35/1 MF Grands or .50/1 MF from dillons mailer ex. 8-9 or
.50/2 IP found at bottom of page
Total=varies with coupon combo. I suggest using either two .50/2 IP making these $2.00/4
or using a combo of coupons using .35/1 MF, .50/1 MF & 1.00/2 IP making these $1.30/4

Household Items
24 ct. Crayola Crayons .59
Maybelline Mascara & Lip 40% off
Speedstick or Lady Speedstick .88
Top Flight Notebooks 4/$1
Top Flight Filler Paper .59

10 pack Bic Crystal Pens .50
Use 1.00/2 IP at bottom of page
Total=FREE!

P&G Mix and Match Sale

Purchase 4 P&G products and receive $4 off your order on non grocery items! It's very important that you have at least $4 worth of groceries to make this deal work. Prices reflect the $4 discount

Puffs Facial Tissue .99
Use 1.00/3 esaver Q
Total=$1.97/3

Charmin Bath Tissue 6.99
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver
Total=$6.24

Tide 4.88
Use 1.00/1 MF & .35/1 esaver
Total=$3.53

Downy Fabric Softener 4.88
Use 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver
Total=$3.38

Cascade Dish Detergent 2.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver
Total=$1.49!!!

Bounty Paper Towels 7.99
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver
Total=$7.24

Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 4.99
Use 1.00/1 MF Expressions or Restoratives
or 2.00/1 MF Full and Thick
or 1.00/2 any & 1.00/1 restoratives esaver
Total=$2.99 Restoratives or Thick and Full or $8.98/2 for any

Herbal Essences Hair Care 1.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver
Total= FREE and $0.01 overage!!!

Natural Instincts Hair Color 7.99
Use 1.00 esaver
Total=6.99

Always or Tampax 1.99
Use .50/1 MF or 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver
Total=$0.49!

Secret Flawless or Scent Expressions Deodorant 3.49
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$2.49

Gillette Disposable Razors, Mach 3, Venus, Sensor or Daisy Disposable Razors 5.49
Use 1.00/1 MF any Gillette
or 2.00/1 Venus & 2.00 Venus esaver or 2.00/1 esaver Mach 3
Total=$1.49 Venus or $2.49 Mach 3

Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner 5.49
Use BIGI FREE or $2.00/2 MF
Total= $5.49/2 or $8.98/2

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Training Pants 18.99
Use 2.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver
Total=$15.99

Prilosec OTC Heartburn Relief 23.99
Use 2.00/1 or 3.00/1 MF or 7.00/2 MF & 4.00/1 esaver
Total=$16.99, or 17.99/1 or $36.98/2 ($18.49 each)

Duracell® Value Packs 8.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver
Total=$6.99

I know there are tons of other offers out there. I'd pull all your p&g product coupons that you use and see if it's a part of the sale, chances are they will be.

*All totals reflect coupon doubling. Dillons doubles coupons up to the amount of $1.00.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Cooking for a busy school day

2009-08-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Last week I shared an easy go to recipe that is on the table in 30 minutes, Chicken Fried Rice. I know when school begins life starts picking up again. Evenings are now comprised of a variety of things and many of these involve evening practices and activities. It's easy to pick something up for dinner on the way home from practice, but that adds up in a hurry and some simple planning can reduce the amount of take out your family consumes during the school year.

Here are a few things I like to do to make sure we aren't tempted by takeout:

Build quick meals into your menu plan every month. I like to highlight the quick meals so if I'm crunched for time unexpectedly I can rearrange what we are having so that dinner is ready by 6:00.
Use your crockpot. I try to use my crockpot as much as possible during busy times of the year. It's just so easy to throw everything in and let it go.
Use freezer meals. If you have time fix a few simple meals every month and store them in the freezer till you are ready to use them. Just pull them out of the freezer and once its thawed and reheated you'll have an instant meal.
Always have simple meal ingredients on hand! I always keep ingredients around for Spaghetti and Brinner (Breakfast for dinner). These are two of my most frequented go to meals when I'm in a pinch. Did you even know you can cook ground beef while it's still frozen. It will take a little longer but it's possible because we've all forgotten to take the meat out of the freezer before.
Make sure you have prechopped veggies ready to be added. I like to freeze mine in ziplock bags and so I just have to dump the onions, peppers, or carrots in the dish I'm preparing. It cuts prep time in half when you already have the ingredients ready.

(And just so you don't think we never pick up dinner on the way home, we did that yesterday, Little Ceaser's pizza. This is because I had a dead gross thing in a trap in the kitchen and I refused to go in there until it had left. Life happens and sometimes take out is necessary!)

For other great ideas check out WFMW School Edition.

Make sure you enter my giveaway this week for an sweet apron. Entering is as simple as leaving a comment. Go here to enter.

Monday Meal Plan

2009-08-02T21:23:00.005-05:00

We had such a fun and relaxing weekend being around family and enjoying some time out on the water. Thankfully we even brought home a few leftovers, which we will add to our meals this week!

You'll want to check out my giveaway this week too. I am giving away an apron from my etsy shop, From Head 2 Toe. Entry in this giveaway is as simple as leaving me a comment. Go here to enter. The giveaway closes Sunday at 10:00 p.m.

Back to meal planning, here's what I came up in the car ride home today. Since I didn't have a computer or cookbooks it's very simple. I can't wait for a low key week in the kitchen.

Breakfast

Banana Bread

Homemade Yogurt

Toast

Cold Cereal

Smoothies

Lunch

Leftovers like always

Dinner

Monday- Tamales (given to us by my parents), Chips & Homemade Salsa, Spanish Rice & Grapes

Tuesday-Spaghetti, Green Beans, Salad & Homemade French Bread

Wednesday- Doubling to bring to friends with a newborn BBQ meatballs, Cole slaw, tossed salad & Frosty Orange Cream Dessert

Thursday-Sour Cream Enchiladas (recipe to come), tomato wedges, side salad

Friday-Leftovers

Saturday-BBQ Pork Loin (marinating in Teriyaki sauce, then grilling), veggies & fruit

Sunday-Baked Potatoes with cheese and broccoli and a side salad

Stumped at what to fix, check out hundred's of menu plans over at The Happy Housewife.

Happy Menu Planning!

Erica

Apron Giveaway

2009-08-02T20:00:00.004-05:00

Most of you spend plenty of hours in the kitchen every week. Many of us also have the pleasure of having some pint sized helpers as well. My latest sewing creations are something I know you'll love. A few aprons are finally finished and ready to be purchased from my etsy shop From Head to Toe. I have one women's half apron finished just like the one featured in this week's giveaway and several aprons for children ready to be shipped. This week I'm also offering free shipping. So take advantage of it now. All aprons are $15.

I was tickled to see it was Apron-fest over at one of my favorite sites Apronista. I decided to join in the fun and to create an apron just for this occasion. This little beauty, a half adult women's apron, which I like to call Strawberry Limeade and could be yours.

You have three ways to enter this giveaway. Please make sure you enter them in three separate comments, and give me a way to contact you if you are not a blogger. I will choose a number and the more comments you post the more chances to win.

1. Leave a comment telling me one of your favorite things to create in the kitchen.

2. Visit my Etsy Shop From Head 2 Toe then come back and comment about what you like, or what you'd like to see.

3. Become a subscriber to Effortless Savings or add me to your blog roll, if you are already a subscriber or I'm on your blog roll just post a comment telling me so.

This giveaway will close Sunday August 9th at 10:00 p.m. central time. I can't wait see who wins! Check out Apronista for more giveaways this week.

Good Luck!

Erica

P.S. I also have a few Baby Topichiki's (shoes) and nursing covers still available. If you live in the Wichita area and would like to pay cash for anything you see send me a message and we can certainly arrange a place to meet.

Weekly $ Report

2009-08-01T20:00:00.001-05:00

I was slightly over budget ($50 week) this week, but thankfully I was under last week. This week I spent $ 54.78 on groceries bringing our total for July (5 weeks) to $246.58. I'm loving coming in under budget this month.It's neat to watch and see how the Lord provides for our needs, and for a few extras.

This week half of the people at the company my husband works for lost their job, so you'll probably notice me trying extra hard to make sure we come are in the black each month. We've been considering several options in light of this economy about my returning to work. I'm not at peace at it, but I would love to do childcare in my home.If you know of anyone in the West Wichita area looking for childcare I'm very interested in providing a loving place for them to spent their days. Plus my toddler loves playmates. Email me effortlesssavings @ gmail.com if you or someone you know are interested in childcare.

Dillons

$24.56 food & 4.79 housing

Unfortunately several eQs didn't work & I didn't get as good of deals as I thought I was going to get. Oh well you win some you lose some.

Sunny D .50
Trix Yogurt 1.00
Fiber One Yogurt FREE
Fiber One Yogurt 1.00
Kraft Cheese 1.29
2- Smart Balance butter 1.49
Daisy Sour Cream .69
5 bricks Cream Cheese .89 each (plan to make a cheesecake soon!!!)
2-Jiff 1.79
2-Ziplock Containers 1.00 each
Duracell Batteries 1.50
Cheerios Snack Mix .99
Keebler Cookies .99
Chocolate Chips 1.99
2-Ivory Bodywash 1.00

Aldi $27.24

Skim Milk 2.30
Whole Milk 2.35
Canola Oil 2.49
Red Grapes 1.58
Diced Tomatoes .49
Lunchmeat 2.99
Flour Tortillas .99
Baby Carrots .99
Cantaloupe .99
Sweet Corn 1.29
Stuffing Mix .89
Oregano 1.24
Powdered Sugar 1.24
Avocados 1.39
Cheese 1.29
Chips .99 each
Bread 1.29

Walmart $2.98

Bananas .88 & Syrup 1.92

Blessings!

Erica

Frugal Family Friday--something I love

2009-07-31T10:08:00.005-05:00

How do you keep your children occupied while running errands? I have various tricks I use: certain toys, recently a small tape measure works wonders, spotting things in the store (Elmo & Cookie Monster), etc., etc.... These things work well but the best trick I've found is to give my little guy a snack. I typically use snack time to run errands just for this reason because we can kill two birds with one stone (Side note: when we are at home we reserve eating to the table.) But if you are like me you've had several crackers fall from those not quite developed little hands. I've picked up many bowls full of crackers in the past year.

I had seen these snack catchers at Target when my son was little and at first thought they were silly. It wasn't until we reached the toddler years did I see how genius this product was. I fbroke down and bought one and haven't regretted it. It really works and reduces our spills while we are out, which in turn reduces how much food we waste. I'd highly recommend one, and no one is paying me to say that.

So what's your favorite product for your children? I'd love to hear from you.

Blessings!

Erica

Recreating with Leftovers

2009-07-30T13:38:00.006-05:00

I'm always trying to find new recipes to use up meat or veggies we have remaining from previous meals. Chicken Fried Rice is one of my go to meals when I have chicken and rice leftovers. It's ready in less than 30 minutes, so it's a fast meal to prepare too.

Chicken Fried Rice

Here's what you'll need:
Enough Rice Cooked Rice to feed your family(leftover rice works better than freshly cooked rice for this recipe)

Cooked Chicken ( I usually use around 1 c. add more for a larger family)
Oil
Veggies of your choice (Onion, carrots, zucchini, peppers, broccoli all make excellent choices)
A couple Eggs
Soy Sauce

Here's what you do:
1. Cut up your veggies
2. Heat small amount of oil in skillet and add your veggies. Cook until the onions are translucent and veggies are tender stiring frequently. (When using a variety of veggies it may be necessary to start things at various times. On this day I cooked my carrots first then added zucchini later since it doesn't take as long to cook.)

3. Once your veggies are tender add your rice, and chicken and a little more oil to coat the rice. Stirring constantly mix together. Meanwhile heat a small pan and scramble a couple of eggs. After you've done this add some soy sauce to your rice. I generally pour it over the rice mixture until I think it's had enough, but you probablly use 1/4 c. or less. Mix this together

4. Add the scrambled eggs and combine well.

5. Sit down and enjoy this easy tasty meal.

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

Yum!

Erica

Dillons 7/29-8/4

2009-07-29T09:09:00.003-05:00

Dillons just keeps the good deals rolling again this week. The mega event has passed but the P&G Mix and Match sales looks like a great way to stock up on some essentials. These are the best deals as I see them, let me know if you see something I missed.

Produce
10 lb. bag Kroger Value Russet Potatoes 2.99
New Crop Fresh Colorado Green Beans .99 lb.
Red Ripe Seedless Watermelon 3.99
Northwest Sweet Red Cherries (includes organic) 2.99 lb.
New Crop California Bartlett Pears 4lb. for $5
Red Ripe Tomatoes on the Vine 1.99 lb.

Meat
Ground Beef 1.49 lb. sold in 5 lb flavorseal $7.45
Boneless Pork Loin 1.99 lb (I like to buy at this price)

Other Grocery
General Mills Cereal 2.99
Use 1.00/1 cellfire eQ & 1.00/2 MF
Total= $1.99 each

Kraft Easy Mac, Velveeta or Stove Top Cups 10/$10
Use BIGI Free Veveeta Cups
Total=$1.00/2

Household Products
Crest Toothpaste 10/$10
Use .50/1 MF or 1.00 MF
Total=FREE

Speedstick or Lady Speedstick .88
Use 1.00/1 cellfire eQ Men's Speedstick
Total=FREE

P&G Mix and Match Sale

Purchase 4 P&G products and recieve $4 off your order on non grocery items! It's very important that you have at least $4 worth of groceries to make this deal work. It doesn't say how many times you can do this deal in one transaction. I'll make some calls and let you know. Prices reflect the $4 discount

Puffs Facial Tissue .99
Use 1.00/3 esaver
Total=$1.97/3

Charmin Bath Tissue 6.99
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver
Total=$6.24

Tide 4.88
Use 1.00/1 MF & .35/1 esaver
Total=$3.53

Downy Fabric Softener 4.88
Use 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver
Total=$3.38

Cascade Dish Detergent 2.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver
Total=$1.49!!!

Bounty Paper Towels 7.99
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver
Total=$7.24

Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 4.99
Use 1.00/1 MF Expressions or Restoratives or 2.00/1 MF Full and Thick or 1.00/2 any & 1.00/1 restoratives
Total=$2.99 Restoratives or Thick and Full or $8.98/2 for any

Herbal Essences Hair Care 1.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver
Total= FREE and $0.01 overage!!!

Natural Instincts Hair Color 7.99
Use 1.00 esaver
Total=6.99

Always or Tampax 1.99
Use .50/1 MF or 1.00/1 MF & .50/1 esaver
Total=$0.49!

Secret Flawless or Scent Expressions Deodorant 3.49
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$2.49

Gillette Disposable Razors, Mach 3, Venus, Sensor or Daisy Disposable Razors 5.49
Use 1.00/1 MF any Gillette or 2.00/1 Venus & 2.00 Venus esaver or 2.00/1 esaver Mach 3
Total=$1.49 Venus or $2.49 Mach 3

Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner 5.49
Use BIGI FREE or $2.00/2 MF
Total= $5.49/2 or $8.98/2

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Training Pants 18.99
Use 2.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver
Total=$15.99

Prilosec OTC Heartburn Relief 23.99
Use 2.00/1 or 3.00/1 MF or 7.00/2 MF & 4.00/1 esaver
Total=$16.99, or 17.99/1 or $36.98/2 ($18.49 each)

Duracell® Value Packs 8.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver
Total=$6.99

*All totals reflect coupon doubling. Dillons doubles coupons up to the amount of $1.00

Happy Savings!
Erica

No fuzzy things growing in my fridge

2009-07-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

If your family is like ours we are living on a tight budget. It's something we don't really think about any more, we've adjusted to making the most of everything we've been given. When we came back to the states it was very easy to overbuy at the grocery store. We had become accustomed to shopping throughout the week picking up things as we needed them (very easy to do when the produce stand is on your way home from work). It was a challenge to figure out how much our family could really eat each week. I was amazed at how much food we were throwing away. I could see the dollar signs add up each time I had to throw away more produce.

So after some mental notes of how much food we were tossing, I decided to get serious and figure out how much we really eat each week. I knew I had to plan more wisely. If you're like me and love spontaneity, planning a menu is a stretch, but after seeing how much we were wasting it was big motivator to start planning our side dishes as well.

I plan our main dishes monthly but I leave the side dishes, fruits and veggies, till I prepare my grocery list. I base this off of what's on sale for the week. I simply add in a few veggies to each meal so that I know how much our family will eat. Typically I try to include 2 veggies at dinner and one at lunch. We typically have fruit at breakfast and snack and occasionally dinner or lunch. I relied heavily on food pyramid when making this adjustment. This site is a great one for helping you figure out how much your kiddos need each day.

After doing this simple step it has worked well cutting out a lot of our waste. But there are times when our menu changed and we didn't get to all those fruits and veggies so I try to freeze most of it or toss it in a recipe. For example if I'm making spaghetti or something else requiring tomato sauce I'll dice up the tomatoes that are about to go bad and throw them in the sauce. If I don't have time I'll wash them, cut out the bad spots and put them in the freezer.

Here are a few ways I commonly freeze a variety of produce:

Spinach (cut up and placed in ziplock bags, make sure it's well dried)
Green, Red or Yellow Peppers (Sliced and placed in 1 c. ziplock bags)
Green onion (usually 1/2 c. placed in ziplock bags)
Onions (Diced, sliced or minced in 1/2 c. bags)
Carrots (Shredded or sliced, uncooked placed in 1 c. bags)
Celery (Sliced or diced in 1 c. bags)
Sweet potatoes (pureed and place in freezer containers or pour into ice cube trays, pop them out when frozen and place in a ziplock bag)
Zucchini (Shredded and placed in 1 c. bags)
Berries & peaches (Sliced peaches, most of the time I leave berries whole and place in a ziplock bag)
Apples or Pears (Turn it into Applesauce or Pearsauce then freeze in containers)

There are a few exceptions that do not freeze well such as potatoes and cucumbers. Although Gayle figured out a way to freeze her own hashbrowns. She's such a genius!

My best piece of advice for you to reduce what goes to the trashcan is keep an eye out on what's in your fridge. Because we've all found that fuzzy piece of fruit that is almost unidentifiable.

Best Wishes!

Erica

For other great tips and ideas check out WFMW over at We are That Family.

Meal Plan for the Week

2009-07-26T20:00:00.003-05:00

I have a few new recipes planned for the week and oddly enough they all involve chicken. I bought a 10 lb. bag of chicken a while back and have been needing to use it up so it will free up some space in our freezer. I didn't really think about the lack of variety until I took a peek at our menu this week, oops. My husband is either going to enjoy every meal or be craving some red meat this week. We shall see.

Monday-Bruschetta Chicken Bake, garden salad & corn

Tuesday-Rotisserie Chicken in the crock pot over rice & squash

Wednesday-Chicken Fried Rice loaded with lots of veggies (using up chicken & rice from the night before), & fruit

Thursday-Chicken Blackbean Nachos with all the fixings and fruit

Friday-leftovers

Saturday-Family reunion and I'm bringing hummus with veggies and crackers & homemade salsa (our family likes to eat when we get together)

Sunday-more reunion time I'm bringing Blueberry muffins & Reeces Squares.

Stumped at what to fix this week? Get some inspiration from several menus around the country. Go to Org Junkie to check it out.

Happy Menu Planning!

Erica

7 Years of Fun

2009-07-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

7 years ago I GOT to marry this wonderful guy! It's been such an amazing blessing, even in the tough times. I'm so thankful the Lord has allowed me to be a wife. My prayer is that I may be my husband's crown as long as God allows us to live. If your marriage has hit some bumpy times let me encourage you today, it's worth it and fight for it!

Blessings!

Erica

Weekly $ Report

2009-07-25T14:30:00.001-05:00

We have enjoyed some special treats at our house this week due to the Mega Event at Dillons. I rarely buy juice and it's something that my husband really loves. The best part is I came in underbudget, $40.46 which is always nice, but I did forget to pick up a few things, so they will make to make it on this week's list.. Here's how I stretched my grocery budget this week.

Aldi $15.52

Whole Milk 2.35

Skim Milk 2.30

Unsalted Butter 1.85

Flour 1.46

Plums 1.74

Baby Carrots .99

Chocolate Chips 1.69

Bread 1.29

Eggs .89

Dillons

groceries $21.07 & household products $4.55

2 boxes Ziplock bags 1.14 each

Ritz Crackers 2.75

Wheat Thins-Free

Red Grapes 3.29

Sugar 1.78

2 Velveeta Cups FREE

4 Ears of Corn 1.00

Green Grapes 2.52

*2 bags Chex Mix 1.00 each

*Sunny D Smoothie FREE

*Sunny D OJ FREE

*2 bags Kraft Shredded Cheese 1.29 each

*Keebler Cookies .99

*Fiber One Yogurt FREE

*2 packagesZiplock Containers 1.00 each

Braums 2.97

Whole Milk

Walmart .90

Bananas

Frugal Family Fun Outdoors

2009-07-24T09:49:00.003-05:00

Can you believe the weather we've been having? Is it really the end of July? This calls for some serious time outdoors. Our family has planned a visit to the Sedgwick County Park this weekend. I recently found a bike seat at a garage sale and can't wait to try it out. They have some great bike/running trails that we like to do together.

If you haven't check out this Boundless Playground you need to. Make sure you bring an extra change of clothes as your child will love playing in the water tables. It's located at 6501 West 21st North on the other side of the zoo, and of course it's free!

I also plan on washing our windows this weekend (not so fun), but while I clean our toddler will be painting the sidewalk using this easy sidewalk paint! It looks like we're in for a great weekend, something my little heart needs right now.

Happy Friday!

Erica

No Bake Desserts

2009-07-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

This summer it seems I've been asked to bring a dessert to several different functions. Since I haven't wanted to use my oven much I've been trying to find no bake summer dessert recipes. I've stumbled on some keepers this year.

We've enjoyed the following this summer Reeces Peanut Butter Squares, Homemade Twix Bars, Homemade Thin Mints and French Silk Pie. I highly recommend all of these.

Today I thought I'd share how easy it is to make French Silk Pie, it's finished in about 20 minutes and will wow your guests every time. If you do take this to a picnic I'd suggest you keep some ice packs around the pie to keep it cool.

French Silk Pie

1-8 inch graham cracker pie crust

1/2 c. unsalted butter softened

3/4 c. sugar

2 oz. unsweetened chocolate squares

1 t. vanilla

2 eggs

Cool Whip

Hershey or other Chocolate Bar-room temperature

1. Prepare graham cracker crust. Combine 1 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers, 1/3 c. melted butter & 4 T. Sugar mix together then press in pie plate. Pop in freezer while you prepare your french silk pie.

2. Melt Chocolate in microwave on half power, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool

3. In your mixing bowl combine cream butter then gradually add sugar.

4. Combine Chocolate & vanilla to your butter and sugar mixture. Combine until mixed.

5. Add 1 egg and beat for 5 minutes.

6. Stop frequently to scrap the edges of your bowl. After 5 minutes add your second egg and continue beating an additional 5 minutes, stopping frequently to scrap the edges of your bowl.

7. Mix until all granules have dissolved.

8. Pour & smooth into pie crust and allow to chill for at least 1 hour.

9. Shave your chocolate bar, add cool whip to pie and top with chocolate shavings.

Enjoy! Check out other great recipes at the Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap this week.
Erica

Dillons 7/22-7/28

2009-07-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's another Week of the Mega Event! I took time to check out most isles to see what was included in the sale, but I'm sure I've missed something. Let me know what I missed or if you see any other coupon match ups.

Produce
Cantaloupe 1.67
Kroger Russet Potatoes 2.99 (10 lb. bag)
Northwest Sweet Red Cherries 2.29 lb.
New Crop Red Seedless Grapes 1.77 lb.
1 lb. Strawberries 1.88
Monterrey Whole White Mushrooms 2/$4

Meat
Fresh Ground Round 2.19 lb.
Honeysuckle Fresh 85% Lean Ground Turkey in 3 lb. roll 1.59 lb.
Cook's Shank Portion Ham (Bone In) 1.19 lb.
Kroger Shrimp BIGI FREE (Scans 50% off)
Kroger IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin 2.33 lb.
Use 1.00/1 Store Coupon from Mailer
Total=$5.99

Other Grocery Items
Huggies Jumbo Diapers or Training Pants 9.49
Use 3.00/1 or 1.50/1 MF and 1.00/1 cellfire and 1.50/2 shortucuts eQ
submit for .75 rebate at Caregiver's marketplace
Total=$8.98/2 packages-$11.98/2 packages

Speedstick & Lady Speedstick .88
Use .75/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$0.13

Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel 2/$4
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$1.00

Neutragena & Clean & Clear Face Care 1.00 off

Aussie or Herbal Essence Hair Care 2.99

Buy 10 participating items, get $5 off instantly at checkout. No Limits on Rewards per transaction. You can Mix/Match from the list to get 10 products. Prices listed here reflect the final price after coupons and the mega event $5 instant reward. Best deals are in italics.

Sunny Delight Juice .50
Use .25/1 MF
Total=FREE

Sobe Lifewater .50
Use .50/1 IP
Total=Free plus .50 overage

Coca Cola or 7-Up 2 liters .88

Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread 1.49

Edy's Ice Cream 2.49

Kraft Cream Cheese .89

Chex Mix Snacks 1.99
Use .50/2 MF & .50/1 cellfire eQ & .50/1 shortcuts eQ
Total=1.98/2

Keebler Fudge Shop Cookie 1.99
Use 1.00/2 or .55/1 IP from bottom of page
Total=$0.99-1.50

Jif Peanut Butter or Welch's Jelly or Jam 1.79
Use .55/1 MF Reduced sugar Jelly
Total=$0.79

Aquafresh Premuim Toothbrush or toothpaste 2.00
Use .1.00/1 MF toothbrush or .75/1 MF toothpaste
Total=1.00

Colgate Navigator or Angle Edge Toothbrush 2.00
Colgate Total Toothpaste 4-6 oz 2.00Use .75/1 MF and .75/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$0.25

Kellogg's Cereal 2.49
Use 1.00/1 IP at bottom of page
Kellogg’s Rebate (buy 10 items in one transaction)
Total= $1.50

Doritos 2.27

Brawny Paper Towels 5.97
Use 1.25/1 6 pack MF
Total= $4.72

Advil Pain Relief 2.50
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$1.50

Duracell Batteries 2.50
Use 1.00/1 MF & p&g esaver & 1.00/1 p&g esaver
Total= $.50

Healthy Choice or Marie Callender's Entree 1.79
Use 1.00/2 MF or 1.00/2 IP here
Total=$2.58/2 ($1.29 each)

Oscar Mayer Ham or Turkey Lunchmeat or Beef Bologna 2.49
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total= $3.98/2 (1.99 each)

Simply Orange or Minute Maid Juice 2.99

TRESemmé Shampoo or Conditioner 3.00

Ken's Salad Dressing 1.99

Kraft Salad Dressing 1.19

Kroger Cake Mix 2/$2.50

Betty Crocker Brownies (not supreme) 1.99

Pepperidge Farms various cookies 2.29

Ziplock Containers 2.00
Use 1.50/2 or .55/1 MF
Total=$2.50/2 or $1.00/1

Welches Juice 2.99

Juicy Juice 2.05

Eclipse gum 1.99

Nutrigrain bars 1.49

Special K Bars 1.49
use .75/1 IP Chocolatey Pretzel Bars from coupons.com at bottom of page
total= $0.49

Quaker Dipps & Granola Bars 1.70

Frosted Mini Wheats 2.49

OCelo Scrub sponge 3.50

Scotch Brite Scour pads 1.50

Gain 10.20
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=9.20

Cheer 10.49

Kraft Cheese bars or shreds 2.29
Use 1.00/1 MF Naturals
Total=$1.19

Fiber One Yogurt 1.99
Use 1.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 cellfire eQ or shortcuts eQ
Total=FREE

YoPlus 1.99
Use .50/1 MF
Total= .99

Yoplait Trix 1.99
Use .35/1 MF & .80/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$0.49

Daisy Sour Crea 1.69
Use .50/1 MF from Dillons Mailer
Total=$0.69

Kotex $2.50
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$1.50

Carefree 2.00

Cheerios Snack 1.99
Use .50/1
Total=$0.99

Snyders Pretzles pieces and pretzles 2.19

Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts 3.09
Use 1.00/2
Total=$5.18/2

Happy Mega Savings!
Erica

Decluttering Round these Parts

2009-07-21T13:25:00.004-05:00

I'm giving our house some organizational TLC this week. This afternoon I have hired a baby sitter to come and watch our toddler while I put in a little elbow grease. I have hefty goals this week which include washing windows, dusting baseboards and cleaning carpets. I didn't get to my spring cleaning so we'll call it summer cleaning.

I the midst of being busy often organization takes a back seat, so I end up hunting through things two or three times before I find what I'm looking for. I've come to the realization that it's stealing too much of my day. I'm hoping to adopt some new habits to help me combat the clutter.

Here are some of my ideas:

Laundry

I really struggle with putting it away. I usually have stacks of laundry cluttering the ironing board making it impossible to use. So they get shifted and before you know it I'm surrounded by clean laundry. I've made a commitment to put it away after it's folded and you won't believe how well it's working. I also committed to doing a little at a time, 2 loads a day max, this way I'm not overwhelmed. This one has been easier than I thought.

Dishes

I really hate having a sink full of dirty dishes and since I LOVE our dishwasher I rarely do them by hand. The problem is I often forget to start the dishwasher. This usually happens because I'm waiting on a dish or two. My solution is to use the delay feature. This also worked well when we were going out of town and I wasn't quite ready to start it, but I knew I wanted it to run while we were gone. What a clever invention, no more waking up to a dirty dishwasher.

Catch All basket

I keep a basket in our kitchen that I use to gather items that don't belong in the kitchen, since that is our gathering point. It usually is overflowing with everything from bills to toys and typically takes me a good hour to get everything in it's place. I'm going to commit to put these items away every other night so it doesn't pile up.

Tackle the Storage Boxes

We are in the process of purging things we don't need to keep, our garage sale pile grows daily. We've saved a couple large tubs of keepsakes along with a lot of our college text books and to my horror all of my core curriculum notes from undergrad and graduate school. Since I don't foresee me teaching in the next 10 years I really don't see a need for these things and so much has probably changed I don't know what good they will do me. I'm imagining we'll have to make a trip to the recycling center this weekend. The goal is to get everything into fewer plastic tubs and labeled.

So that's what I'm up to. I'd love to hear how you declutter or how you organize your life because it's not my strength. For more great tips check out WFMW's home.

Off to Clean!

Erica

Meals for the Week

2009-07-19T23:08:00.003-05:00

We had such a great weekend with family. Our newest little family member is sure a sweetie. I'm starting to think that there is never a normal week, last week was VBS and this week we have a lot of random things going on, so our menu will include more eating out than we usually do.

Breakfast
Biscuits
Smoothies & Toast
Waffles
Cold Cereal

Dinner
Monday- Biscuits and Gravy, Garlic Potatoes & Cantaloupe

Tuesday-Dinner with my MIL, she'll be in town any suggestions on where we should go?

Wednesday-Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak & Italian Herbed Bread (I didn't get to this last week, but I'm soooo looking forward to trying it) with some steamed veggie

Thursday-Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Friday-Leftovers

Saturday-Grilling Chicken Legs, baked beans & Corn

Sunday-Celebrating 7 years of marriage to an amazing man. I'll probably fix him one of his favorite meals for lunch sour cream enchiladas or fried tacos, but shhh don't tell him.

Dessert of the week: Homemade Thin Mints

Check out other great menus this week over at Org Junkie

Weekly $ Report

2009-07-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

I had $40 to spend this week and I'm officially under budget this week by .04! Whew...$39.96 I DID IT. It's always a stretch when I have to make up ground in our budget and a nice little juggling act of figuring out what our true needs are for the week. Here's how I spent my grocery money this week.

Aldi $21.97

Skim Milk 2.30

Whole Milk 2.35
1 lb. lunch meat 2.99
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup .59
Bread 1.29
Tortillas .99
Strawberries .99 each
Cheese 1.29
Mustard .69
Green Peppers 1.69
Eggs .79
Nectarines .29 each
Cantaloupe .99 each

Walgreen's $4.07 food & $3.61 household products

Mac & Cheese .51 each
Honey Nut Cheerios .99 each
3 pads of paper .99
Markers 1.99

Dillons $10.58

Pringles $1.14 each (bummed I didn't have another coupon for these but I needed the cans for VBS this week)
Sausage 1.50 each
Bread .78
Graham Crackers 1.38
Milk Chocolate Chips 1.99
lunch meat .59

Walmart $1.75

Bananas .88
Maragarine .77

Blessings!
Erica

Frugal Family Zoo Fun

2009-07-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

If you don't have a zoo membership and have been wanting to visit the zoo you'll want to take advantage of the B98 Listener Appreciation Day this Saturday July 18th. If you pick up a discount pass from various area businesses you can enter the zoo for $2 a person all day long. This is quite a discount as a regular adult admisson is $11.

Go to the following places to pick up a discount pass. You must have this discount pass to enter the zoo at the $2.00 rate.

Freddy’s West 8621 W 21st Street North (21st and Tyler)Wichita, KS 67205

Freddy’s Plazzio11525 East 13th (by Warren East Theatre) Wichita, KS 67206

Freddy’s East310 N Rock Road (South of Central on Rock ) Wichita, KS 67206

Freddy’s El Dorado1809 W CentralEl Dorado, KS 67042

Sports Time Fan ShopEAST - Cambridge Market

9747 E. 21st St. Wichita, KS 67206

(316) 264-6655

Sports Time Fan ShopWEST - New Market Square

2441 N. Maize Rd. Wichita, KS 67205

(316) 722-3000

One Day Jewelry and Repair Harry & Oliver 1547 So. Oliver

One Day Jewelry and Repair Maple & West 240 So. West St.

*Those entering without a discount ticket will be charged FULL admission. Discount tickets will not be available at the Sedgwick County Zoo so you'll need to get them ahead of time. The zoo allows you to bring in your own food, so pack a picnic and make it a day trip.

Happy Animal Adventures!

Erica

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork

2009-07-16T08:00:00.004-05:00

I bought this massive pork shoulder because I had a coupon for $6.00 off any pork product and it was the best price I saw on pork, but unfortunately and had no idea what to do with it. I haven't cooked much pork since it was hard to find where we used to live, but I'm rediscovering the deliciousness of pork once again. Thanks for all your recipes. I look forward to trying some of them in the future.

I was set to make this into a Mexican dish but unfortunately I remembered I didn't have cheese and in our house that won't fly. I didn't have the car the day I made this and was rushed for time before I had to get to VBS, so I went to plan B, Kalua Pork. I poured in some apple cider vinegar and some apple juice to cover the roast (thanks to the convenience store across the street) and a smidgen of liquid smoke, maybe a teaspoon.

Cooked it on low for about 8 hours. It came right off and shredded beautifully. It's the most meat my toddler has EVER consumed and he ate it plain. I made up some plain brown rice in the rice cooker and by this time I was craving BBQ sauce, so I served the pork over the rice I added some BBQ sauce on top.

The verdict: Yum and it was excellent on sandwiches tonight. This is such a great recipe and one that is easy to throw together in less than 5 minutes. It gets 5 Stars from us, try it and see how many stars your family would give it.

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

Enjoy!

Erica

Dillons Deals 7/15-7/21

2009-07-15T20:00:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited about the Mega Event going on right now at Dillons. It looks like a great week to pick up a few extras that help change up my husband's lunch box. Please let me know if you see something I've missed.

Produce
New Crop Green Seedless Grapes .99 lb
Northwest Sweet Red Cherries 2.99 lb.
Northwest Golden Rainier Cherries 3.99 lb.

Meat

Boneless Pork Loin Chops BIGI Free
Pacific Salmon Fillets IQF 50% off

Kroger IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin 2.59 lb.
Use 1.00/1 SC from Dillons Mailer
Total=$6.77 (okay price, I like to buy when it's around 2.00/lb.)

Ball Park Original, Lite or Bun Size Meat Franks 4/$10
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$2.00 each

Other Grocery Items
Pringles 1.39
Use .50/2 MF & .50/2
Total=$1.28/2 ($0.64 each)

Kraft Cheese Singles 1.47
Use 1.00/2
Total= $1.94/2 (.97 each)

Kroger Sugar 1.78/4 lb.
Use 2.00 off any sugar when purchase 10 Kool-aid
Total=$1.28 for 10 packets of Kool-Aid and 4 lb. sugar

Household Products

Ball Canning Products 25% off
Use 2.50/two cases of ball or Kerr Jars or .75/2 packages lids

Huggies Jumbo Diapers or Training Pants 9.49
Use 3.00/1 or 1.50/1 MF and 1.00/1 cellfire and 1.50/2 shortucuts eQ
submit for .75 rebate at Caregiver's marketplace
Total=$8.98/2 packages-$11.98/2 packages

MEGA EVENT

Buy 10 participating items, get $5 off instantly at checkout. No Limits on Rewards per transaction. You can Mix/Match from the list to get 10 products. Prices listed here reflect the final price after coupons and the mega event $5 instant reward. Best deals are in italics.

As seen in our ad

Sunny Delight Juice .50
Use .25/1 MF
Total=FREE

Sobe Lifewater .50
Use .50/1 IP
Total=Free plus .50 overage

Coca Cola or 7-Up 2 liters .88

Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread 1.49

Edy's Ice Cream 2.49

Kraft Cream Cheese .89

Chex Mix Snacks 1.99
Use .50/2 MF & .50/1 cellfire eQ & .50/1 shortcuts eQ
Total=1.98/2

Keebler Fudge Shop Cookie 1.99
Use 1.00/2 or .55/1 IP from bottom of page
Total=$0.99-1.50

Jif Peanut Butter or Welch's Jelly or Jam 1.79
Use .55/1 MF Reduced sugar Jelly
Total=$0.79

Aquafresh Premuim Toothbrush or toothpaste 2.00
Use .1.00/1 MF toothbrush or .75/1 MF toothpaste
Total=1.00

Colgate Navigator or Angle Edge Toothbrush 2.00

Colgate Total Toothpaste 4-6 oz 2.00
Use .75/1 MF and .75/1 cellfire eQ
Total=$0.25

Kellogg's Cereal 2.49
Use 1.00/1 IP at bottom of page
Kellogg’s Rebate (buy 10 items in one transaction)
Total= $1.50

Doritos 2.27

Brawny Paper Towels 5.97
Use 1.25/1 6 pack MF
Total= $4.72

Advil Pain Relief 2.50
Use 1.00/1 MF
Total=$1.50

Duracell Batteries 2.50
Use 1.00/1 MF & p&g esaver & 1.00/1 p&g esaver
Total= $.50

Healthy Choice or Marie Callender's Entree 1.79
Use 1.00/2 MF or 1.00/2 IP here
Total=$2.58/2 ($1.29 each)

Oscar Mayer Ham or Turkey Lunchmeat or Beef Bologna 2.49
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total= $3.98

Simply Orange or Minute Maid Juice 2.99

TRESemmé Shampoo or Conditioner 3.00

I also saw this site and this site earlier this week that had additional products that are a part of the Mega Event at Kroger this week. I'm not sure if they carry over to Dillons, I"ll check it out and let you know what I find out.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Dillons Deals Up Later

2009-07-15T11:13:00.002-05:00

Hi Frugal Friends,

I have been working on the Dillons deals but unfortunately I didn't have enough time this morning to finish. There are some great coupon matchups this week. It will be up this evening.

Thanks for understanding. I'm off to VBS.
Erica

Flubbery Fun

2009-07-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

I try to add some sort of sensory play with my son every week and I've been putting off making flubber for quite some time and decided to give it a go, since school supplies are very cheap right now. This is so simple to make and your children can even help make it.

Here's what you need:

4 Bottles liquid School Glue (please, please, please to remember to use washable school glue)

Liquid Starch (not the spray kind)

Food coloring if you wish

Bowl

Spoon

Ziplock bag

Pour 2 bottles of glue in a bowl, if you want to add some food coloring do so now. I left mine white because you can also color on it with markers and it turns it an interesting color and is lots of fun.

Next dump in 1/4 c. liquid starch and start mixing it with a spoon until it's combined. It will be very runny, add another bottle of glue to your mixture.

Once it starts to glob together touch it and see if it is sticky. If it sticks to your hand add another 1/8 c. of liquid starch and this time use your hands to squish it together. You'll need to work the mixture till it isn't wet and doesn't stick to your hands.

A rule of thumb when making flubber: if it's sticky add some more starch, if it's runny add more glue. (Even though you technically only need three bottles of glue I like to have an extra bottle of glue around just in case I need it.)

That's it. Now the fun begins. My favorite things to do with flubber is to color it or use scissors to practice cutting skills.

Since glue is cheap right now I'm guessing this whole project was $1.00 or less to make one batch. it will keep for several weeks in an airtight ziplock bag, toss it when it gets sticky, or you can always try adding a little more starch. I've never had a problem with this coming out of clothing, as longs as you use Elmer's school glue.

This Sensory goo definitely works for me! Check out other great Ideas at WFMW.

Enjoy!

Erica

Menu for the Week

2009-07-12T21:52:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much for all the great ideas of what to do with the hunk of pork I had taking up too much room in my freezer. All of your ideas made me very hungry. I wish I could make every single one of them this week, but I now have plenty of ideas for the future. This week I only have $40 for groceries so I had to do something I already had ingredients for, which is all of the things you've suggested. Whatever I'm in the mood for that day will grace our plates. I'll share on Thursday what we had.

Breakfast
We've been having lots of cold cereal and toast for breakfast recently and I'm feeling the need to change it up a bit. I made some blueberry muffins along with banana muffins this morning, which will help give us a little variety this week. I'm also hoping to make smoothies and toast. My toddler hasn't tried these yet and he's doing great drinking from a big boy cup so we will see how it goes.

Dinner
VBS is this week so it's crockpot week! Perfect timing because it's stinkin' hot out.

Monday-Crockpot Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole, Steamed Corn on the Cob & Strawberries

Tuesday-BBQ Pulled Pork or Carnitas or Kalua Pork??? (let me know which one you would choose. See comments in the post below for more info)

Wednesday-Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak on Italian Herbed Bread

Thursday-Dinner for VBS

Friday-Leftovers

Saturday-Getting to meet my newest niece

Sunday-Out

Dessert for VBS Workers
No Bake 5 Ingredient Reeces Peanut Butter Bars

For more great menus be sure to visit Org Junkie.

Happy Menu Planning!
Erica

What do I do with this hunk of pork?

2009-07-11T11:51:00.003-05:00

I bought this at Dillons a couple weeks ago and it's been taking up a huge space in the freezer. I'm hoping to do something with it this week, but I don't have a clue how I'm going to fix it. I really would like a crockpot recipe for this beast. It's a Pork Shoulder Picnic, and I have no clue what that means. I'd love some ideas, because right now I'm clueless.

Thanks for the Help!

Erica

Weekly $ Report

2009-07-11T11:03:00.005-05:00

I've been misplacing things recently: the checkbook, my library card and now my receipts. Thankfully I wrote down how much I spent at each store but unfortunately I don't know how much I spent on each item. It's no surprise I was overbudget since I bought soda and a bunch of blueberries at Aldi. I guess I'll have to pull from what we have this coming week. This week I spent $64.67, since I was under by about $5 last week, this means I'll have about $40 to spend on groceries this coming week.

Dillons $36.96

Aldi $20.73

Blueberries were .99, so I couldn't pass up that deal. Unfortunately my toddler broke out into hives due to them. He loved them and I'm really sad about this little allergy. So I've had to enjoy these when he's asleep, or else he starts begging for some blueberries.

Braum's $6.98

2 gallons whole milk

1 dozen eggs

Have a great Saturday!

Erica

Technical difficulties

2009-07-10T13:56:00.004-05:00

I want to apologize that my post have been a little varied recently. I've been busy working on sewing projects for my Etsy shop and preparing for VBS. I have tried to schedule my posts, meaning they post automatically. Unfortunately this little feature has not been working, I'm hoping to check into this, but in the meantime I'll try to get on in the mornings to make sure my posts have actually posted as I have told Blogger to do so.

Erica

Frugal Family Fair Time Fun

2009-07-10T13:48:00.003-05:00

What a great way to spend some time outdoors this weekend than to head on over to Cheney for the Sedgwick County Fair. Admisson is free for your typical fair stuff and you can purchase a fair button in advance for $2 at any Legacy Bank location in Wichita. Click here to find a location closest to you. For more a schedule of the festivities check out the official Sedgwick County Fair website.

Lovin' Me Some Sedgwick County Fair!
Erica

Manicotti

2009-07-10T13:22:00.008-05:00

This is one of my all time favorite meals. Couple this is a nice warm homemade loaf of french bread & a crisp garden salad and I'm a happy girl.

Manicotti

1-8 oz. pkg. Manicotti
1 T. vegetable Oil
1-15 oz. carton part skim Ricotta Cheese or 15 oz. low fat cottage cheese (blend it a bit so it has more of a ricotta texture)
1 c. grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 c. grated Parmesan Cheese
1 t. Salt
¼ t. pepper
1 T. chopped fresh Parsley
2 eggs
2 ½ c. spaghetti sauce

Boil Manicotti according to pkg. Add oil to water. Meanwhile Mix Ricotta Cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, parsley and eggs.

Drain Manicotti and run cold water over it. After you have drained your manicotti use a knife and make a slit the bottom half of the manicotti shells open.

Place the cheese mixture in the middle of the opened pasta noodle and wrap the pasta back around the cheese forming a tube once again. Place the filled manicotti noodle seam side down in a 3 qt. Casserole dish, and pour sauce around Manicotti.

**Or you can skip the boiling part and fill the uncooked ricotta shells using a spoon and a knife. Add 1 c. water to your sauce and boil it before preparing as the instructions above state. Increase your baking time to 400 degrees. Follow the same baking time as cooked pasta.

Bake in covered and preheated over of 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes. Add a little mozzarella cheese on top and enjoy!

And just because I love you so much, here's my make ahead secret:

I like to fill these uncooked shells and put them in the fridge till I'm ready to use them. All that's left is to heat up the sauce with a bit of water. It makes it very easy to throw this meal together when it's time to get it in the oven. Which usually is a needy time of day for my toddler.

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

Enjoy!

Erica

Dillons Deals 7/8-4/14

2009-07-08T08:34:00.002-05:00

Here are this week's Dillons Deals. Let me know if you see something I didn't.

Produce
Northwest Sweet Red Cherries 1.99lb
Ripe Sweet Cantaloupe 1.67
Driscoll's Strawberries 1.88 each
Red Ripe Arkansas Slicing Tomatoes 2/$4

Meat
Pork Loin Assorted, Center Cut, Loin Cut Chops or Pork Steak BIGI FREE (reg. $2.69-4.19 lb.)
Honeysuckle Fresh 85% Lean Ground Turkey 1.59 lb sold in 3 lb.
Kroger Original, Thick or Low Salt No Sugar Sliced Bacon 4/$10
Chicken Leg Quarters .55 lb sold in 10 lb. bags
Farmland Roll or Link Sausage 2/$3 (good price)
Farmland Bologna, Cotto Salami or P&P Loaf or Meat Hot Dogs 10/$10

Ball Park Beef Franks 2/$6
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$5.00/2 (2.50 each)

Farmland Smoked Rope Sausage 4/$10
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total=$4.00/2 ($2.00 each)

Other Grocery Items
Kroger Value Cereal .99
Kroger Value Frozen Dairy Dessert .99
Coca-Cola 10/$10
Kraft Cheese Singles 1.47
Kroger Canned Fruit .88
Kroger Peanut Butter 2/$3

Sunny Delight 1.00
Use .25/1 or .55/1 IP
Total=.50-FREE

Gatorade Sports Drink 4.98
Use 2.00/2
Total=$7.96

Pringles 1.39
Use .50/2 MF & .50/2
Total=$1.28/2 ($0.64 each)

Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies 2.50 wyb3

Lay's Potato Chips 2.99
Use .55/1 wyb 1 jar of Frito Lay dip

Household Products
Pampers Jumbo Diapers 9.49
Use 2.00/1 MF & 1.00 esaver Q on Swaddlers, Sensitive, Cruisers or Extra Protection
Total=$6.49

Cascade Dish Detergent Gel or Powder 3.99
Use 1.00 MF & .50 p&g esaver Q
Total=$2.49 (great deal)

Always or Tampax 5.79
Use .50/1 MF & .50/1 esaver Q
Total=$4.29

Gillette Clear Shield Deodorant 3.99
Use 1.00/any Gillette MF & 1.00/1 esaver Q
Total=$1.99

Gillette Fusion Razor 8.99
Use 4.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver Q
Total= $3.99

Herbal Essences or Aussie Hair Care 2.99
1.00/1 MF & 1.00/1 esaver Q Herbal Essence or
2.00/1 esaver Aussie
Total= $0.99

Puffs Plus Facial Tissue 60 ct 4/$5
.25/3 easaver Q
Total=$3.50/3 ($1.17 each)

Bounty Paper Towels 4/$5
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver Q
Total=$0.50

Charmin Ultra Bath Tissue 6.99
Use .25/1 MF & .25/1 esaver Q
Total=$6.24

All prices reflect coupon doubling.

Happy Savings!
Erica

Cheap & Easy Cards

2009-07-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

I don't remember the last time I actually purchased a Hallmark Card. I used to love that place, but I've been a bit taken back by the prices recently. I can think of several other things I would rather spend $5 on than on a card that will most likely be thrown away.

Instead I tend to make my own cards. A few weeks ago I was working on sending a package to our niece who was having a birthday and as I went through my stash of finished cards I realized I didn't have a single card for a child's birthday. I was pressed for time and needed to run the package to the post office so this is what I did....it's so simple.

Using the same wrapping paper that I wrapped her gift in I traced a blank card (or you make your own by cutting a piece of card stock in half and folding in in half). I cut out the rectangle and glued it to the front. Added a 'wish' sticker from my scrapbook stash on the front. Just like that my card was ready to go.

For more great ideas check out Works for Me Wednesdays over at We are THAT Family.

Deals you don't want to miss

2009-07-06T13:42:00.003-05:00

I received an e-mail about this awesome offer. If you need to print some pictures here's a great way to do so inexpensively. I've been very pleased with snapfish and I'm looking forward to getting a few photos printed.

K-Mart is doubling coupons up to and including $2 once again. You are limited to 10 coupons per coustomer/day and your total must add up to $25 before coupons. Money Saving Mom has compiled a nice list of freebies.

Weekly Meal Plan

2009-07-05T19:00:00.003-05:00

I hope you guys had a great 4th of July Weekend. We had a blast seeing family once again this weekend, and am thankful to have today to recover from all the festivities.

This week I'm trying quite a few new recipes I can't wait. The new recipes have an asterisk beside them. I'll let you know how they turn out. Feel free to try them and let me know what you think.

Monday-*Garlicky Pasta w/ fresh tomato & Basil, green beans & fruit

Tuesday-Manicotti, Salad & zucchini, & French Bread

Wednesday-*Chicken and Squash Saute with Rice (didn't get to this last week)

Thursday-Leftovers

Friday-*Sliders & Oven Fries & Steamed Veggies

Saturday-*Grilling *Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin, biscuits w/ honey butter, zucchini & fruit

Sunday-Leftovers or Hot Dogs

For more great meal plans check out Menu Plan Monday's home.

Weekly $ Report

2009-07-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

I went to Dillons twice this week. The first one I sort of cheated and did my shopping a little earlier than this week, because I had a few coupons that were set to expire and I wanted to be sure I got the 10 items that I had planned on. Sometimes when I wait until Monday the best coupon match ups are gone. With this being said I spent $46.71 this past week on groceries & $14.50 on household products. I love coming in underbudget!

Dillons Trip #1 approximately 8.00 (I lost my receipt)

Breyers Icecream 1.69
2 packages Hot Dogs .49 each
2 boxes brownie mixes 1.35 each
2 jars Ragu .86 each
1 bottle of kraft BBQ sauce .31 overage!
2 cans of manwich .30 each

Aldi 15.04

10 lb. Potatoes 2.99
Cinnamon Rasin Bagels 1.39
Bread 1.29
Onions 1.19
Cheese 1.29
4 pack Strawberries .99 each
Frozen OJ 1.25
Hamburger Buns .79

Dillons trip #2 $22.67 groceries & $14.50 household Products

Match Light Charcol 8.99
3 Cans Van Camps Pork & Beans .30 each
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce 1.59
2 packages Kraft Singles .97 each
5 lb. Pork Shoulder 4.66
MS Silk Soy Milk .49
Horizons Organic Milk 1.79
Butternut Squash 2.?
Duncan Hines Cake Mix 1.69
Pillsbury Frosting 1.39
3 lb. Peaches 3.00
Huggies Diapers 5.49

Walmart approximately $1

5 lb. Bananas

Frugal Family 4th of July Fun

2009-07-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

'Tis the season to have your slept disturbed by pre-teen boys. 4th of July is upon us once again. I am so thankful for the freedoms we have in our country. Thankful that we can travel from state to state, city to city without have to stop at police/military checkpoints. I am thankful for the men and women who fought to defend our freedoms we too often take for granted. If you know someone who has served our country give them a big hug for me.

For those of you who live in Wichita I've been hearing about a fun celebration taking place in Wichita's West Bank Delano Park. I pulled this from the K-Love Website:

"Join 99.1 K-LOVE for the fantastic fourth of July celebration "Freedom 2009." a FREE way to get your families out of the house and have a FREE fun filled evening that the whole family can enjoy with Skydivers,pony ride, inflatables and popcorn, bring your blankets/lawn chairs and sit on the River Banks of Wichita while you enjoy the entertainment of Mobsters Of Light, Aaron Guthrie and the Mananatha band. We will have military honors and the big finale of awesome fireworks to end your wonderful family filled evening. The gates open at 4:45pm. Join 99.1 K-LOVE for this awesome evening on July 4th on Wichita's West Bank Delano Park."

I do say that sounds awesome. The best part is it's free. I'm not sure what food venders will be available but it sounds like a great opportunity for a picnic to me.

If you do plan on purchasing some fireworks the best day to purchase them is Saturday. Most places I have been to offer more discounts on the 4th. So if you don't really care about choosing from the best selection you might hold out until Saturday to buy your fireworks.

I hope you guys have a great safe 4th of July.
Erica

Hamloaf or hamballs you decide

2009-07-02T08:00:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to find ways to use up the ham I bought at Dillons last week. So I snatched my mom's recipe for Ham Loaf it can also be turned it into Ham Balls with some slight modification. The other great thing about this recipe is that it can be easily frozen.

1 1/2 lb. Cooked Ground Ham (3 and 3/4 c.) (I ran it through the food processor, my mom uses her blender)
3/4 c. Ground Beef
2 Eggs
2 1/2 t. Prepared mustard
1/2 t. Salt
1 c. Milk (reduce to 1/4 c. if making hamballs)
3/4 c. Crushed Ritz Crackers

Combine until well mixed. If freezing to use as a loaf pour mix and pour into a heavy ziplock bag. If making hamballs shape mixture into balls, if freezing place on cookie sheet and freeze until they are hard, then transfer into ziplock bag.

When ready to make your hamloaf make sure your mixture has thawed and place it in a loaf plan. Turn your oven to 325 degrees F. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes drain juices and pour glaze over the top and continue baking for 45 more minutes. If baking hamballs place in 9x13 pan and allow to bake about 15 minutes, drain juices, pour glaze over top and continue baking an additional 30 minutes.

If using crockpot:
When ready to prepare place thawed meatballs in your crockpot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Add water if you notice there is not enough juices coming from your hamballs. About an hour before serving drain juices from hamballs, leaving them in the crockpot cover the meatballs with the glaze. Baste 1-2 times before serving.

Glaze ( do not prepare until ready to cook your hamballs)
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. prepared mustard
2 t. water
1 T. white vinegar or lemon juice

Stir and pour over Ham loaf.
For more great ideas check out the recipe Swap at Grocery Cart Challenge.

Dillons Deals 7/1-7/9

2009-07-01T08:21:00.006-05:00

The Daytona Deal is hanging around another week, so if you didn't get the items you wanted you have another chance. I hope you can find some deals to match your budget this week. Like always let me know if I missed something.

Produce
Ripe Sweet Cantaloupe 1.67 each
Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob 4/$1
Sweet Red Northwest Grown Cherries 2.99 lb. (best price I've seen for cherries this year)
Red Ripe Arkansas Slicing Tomatoes 1.49 lb.
Driscoll's Strawberries 1 lb. 1.88
Red Ripe Seedless Watermelon 3.99 each

Meat
Pork Spareribs (previously frozen) 1.69lb.
Fresh Ground Chuck 1.99 lb.
Bar-S Meat Franks .79
Chicken Leg Quarters .55 lb. sold in 10 lb. bags 5.50 each
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops or Pork Steak 1.99lb.
Kroger IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin 2.29lb. (not the greatest price but if you need chicken breasts this week it's the best price around)
Pacific Salmon Fillets 50% off

Other Grocery Items
Kroger Canned Fruit .88
Kroger Mandarin Oranges .44
Kroger Party Pail Ice Cream 2.99
Pepsi Cola & Coca Cola 12pk/12oz cans or 6pk/24oz btls 2.40 wyb4 get 1 free
Lay's Potato Chips or Nabisco Crackers 1.97
Kroger Frozen Novelties 4-16 ct or Deluxe Ice Cream 48 oz Select Varieties 1.88
Kroger Value Frozen Dairy Dessert .99
Kroger Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream 1.99

Pringles 1.39
Use 1.00/2 MF
Total= 1.78/2 (.89 each)

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

Twizzlers 3/$5
Use 1.00/3
Total=$4.00/3

Household Products
Huggies Jumbo Diapers 9.49
Use 3.00/1 MF or 1.50/1 MF & 1.50/1 Shortcuts eQ & 3.00/2 Cellfire eQ
& .75 pack rebate from Caregiver's marketplace
Total= $6.98-9.98/2 after rebate

Coppertone, Banana Boat, Kroger and Bullfrog Suncare 25% off
Use 5.00/1 IP here for Coppertone NutraShield or 1.00/1 MF any Banana Boat Suncare Product
or 2.00/1 Banana Boat IP here

Daytona 500 Mix and Match Sale

Buy 10 Participating Products receive $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 receive 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 or .50/1 Cheerios & .75/1 Mulitgrain IP from coupons.com use coupon printer at bottom of page. 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

Betty Crocker supreme brownies 2.20
Use .50/2 MF & .50/2 cellfire eQ & .50/2 shortcuts eQ
Total=$2.40/2 (1.20 each)

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

Grands Biscuits 1.29 each
Use
Total=

Happy Savings!
Erica

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

2009-06-30T18:10:00.004-05:00

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

2009-06-28T22:20:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

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

2009-06-25T09:30:00.001-05:00

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.