Donna Reed Syndrome- one woman's battle

Deal Alert

2010-03-02T16:53:00.004-06:00

This is fun! You can enter daily (until April 6th) the Kroger March to Savings Sweepstakes for a chance to win all sorts of prizes. I just won a $5 off my next purchase coupon!!!! No joke.

I'm thinking March Madness is going to make for some great shopping at Kroger this month!

How is everyone doing? You still couponing and snagging some great deals?

Deal Alert

2009-11-03T17:09:00.002-06:00

I know it has been awhile since I have posted a deal alert but I just had to tell you about this one!

Coupons.com (you can follow the link from the good ol' DRS sidebar) just put out a $1.50 off one 2# any brand of cheese coupon!! That's right you can use it on any brand!!! But here is the most exciting part, it is only valid in 9 out of the 50 states and OURS MADE THE LIST!!!! I have never been so proud to be a Razorback! GO HOGS GO!!!

Dear Donna-

2009-10-14T22:27:00.002-05:00

Dear Donna-
Ever since Walgreen's did away with their rebate program my stockpile of free toothbrushes have dwindled. After experiencing free toothbrushes for well over a year I have had a very hard time spending even the smallest amount of cash for this essential hygiene tool. Well, Donna.... tonight my whole family shared the same toothbrush. Yep, all of us- one brush. My mind tells me it is time to fork over whatever $ amount necessary to maintain my families oral health but my heart says keep waiting for that perfect coupon match-up (and hope the match-up doesn't require a redplum coupon- oh but that's a whole other problem....anyways) that would result in free toothbrushes. Thanks for your input!
- your biggest fan, Niki

Dear Niki-
First off- ugh GROSS! Don't you know it is flu season! While I am a firm believer in having a goal price range for most/all your regularly purchased products; sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice the budget for the good of your family. My suggestion is to search out the best toothbrush deal in this week's match-ups and RUN to purchase at least 3 new toothbrushes....NOW!!!

P.S. I just remembered..... Isn't your brother a dentist? Surely he could hook you up with a few toothbrushes!
- Respectfully, Donna Reed

quick hi- nothing official!

2009-08-10T14:21:00.003-05:00

Hi fellow DRSers, I just want you to know I have sat down to jot a quick note to you a gazillion times since the start of my blog break but then.......... I chicken out! Yep, I'm scared to get started again because i have issues with obsessiveness! Yes I know this shocks some of you, but I don't know how to do things half way (I blame my DRS condition) anyways...... My friend, Gray, has told me she is sick and tired of logging on and seeing the "June 26" posting soooo Gray this post is for you!

While I have someone to write to, let me tell you about my AWESOME Kroger run yesterday!
So, after I have all my groceries loaded onto the conveyor belt I go to the check writing station to start my coupon sorting but as I pull out the official coupon ziplock, something catches my eye...... There is a neatly clipped Kroger coupon for, are you ready for this...... $12 off a $120 purchase laying at the register!!! I look up at the cashier.... he looks back at me with a knowing look and without me even having to ask he says "someone left it, they didn't spend $120." So I say, "let's do it!"
He starts to ring up my groceries and I watch as my prekroger card totals start to escalate $92....$112....$122... all the way up to $168! The cashier then asks "do you have your Kroger card because the $120 has to be after the Kroger Card and before taxes." I hand him the Kroger card as I say "I know... this ain't my first rodeo!" (ok, I didn't really say the part about the rodeo... but I did know my $120 had to be after the Kroger Card). After the discounts were taken from my Kroger Card my grand total was $118. Yikes!!! I was about to make a mad dash toward the shopping aisles to grab anything to get my total at or above the magic number when my genius cashier grabbed something out of my "other basket" (the basket of food I was going to purchase next for the other family I cook for... are you following me, anyways...) and beeped the produce across the scanner taking my grand total to..... $121.xx!!! I then proudly handed my partner in savings that glorious $12 off coupon followed by the stack of coupons I had brought from home! In the end I spent $88 and saved $80!!!!! What a day!

Oh, how I have missed having someone to share these shopping success experiences with!

PS To the Kroger Shopper who left the $12 coupon..... Thank you! You will never know how much joy your coupon has brought to my life!

Well this has been fun. Maybe I'll check in again sometime soon! Hope you are doing well!

What in the world!?!?!

2009-06-26T18:15:00.002-05:00

Once again, I had your thrifty thursday post ready to post at it's normal thursday time, and for some reason it didn't post. So I just got it up for ya- better late then never!

Thrifty Thursday

2009-06-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Well couponers- your on your own for a while. I have no doubt your gonna be just fine. Today rather then posting the deals for Walgreens, Target, and Kroger, I want to show you some of my favorite links for match-ups. As you start to search out your own match-ups just know that the coupons refrenced are not always the correct value for our region.

For Walgreens and Target I ALWAYS turn to thethriftymama.com AND moneysavingmom.com I also will sometime check in with dealseekingmom.com

Kroger is a little tricker. If I don't want to wait until Sunday (or late Saturday night) for the deals to post on thegrocerygame.com, I will go get a copy of the Kroger flyer on Wednesday or access it online at kroger.com and then go to hotcouponworld.com and look under "forums" for Kroger Delta Region. At the Delta Region Kroger forum there is sometimes someone who will kindly do the match-ups BUT sometimes no one does it. If no one does the match-ups I will go over to the coupon database at hotcouponworld and search for my own match-ups. Give it a try!

I would love to hear about some of your favorite websites for coupon match-ups/deal alerts.

As for me: I really don't ever think I could go back to my noncoupon days now that I know how much money I can save playing the coupon game (of course I never thought I would be giving up the blog....lesson: Never say Never! anyways..........) so you should still be able to find me dancing down the kroger aisles late Saturday night or Sunday afternoon.

Happy Savings!!!!

Woops!

2009-06-24T21:14:00.002-05:00

I just noticed that yesterday's tidy tuesday posts that were scheduled to post DIDN'T POST! How frustrating is that! Anyways.... there up now. Sorry about that.

Zone 5- laundry, garage, car

2009-06-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

Day 1- Tuesday

Wipe down Washer and Dryer
Organize Laundry cabinets
Sort through and toss all out of date medications

Day 2- Wednesday

Clean Laundry Floors
Clean behind washer and dryer (odd months only)
Clean out Lint trap (even months only)
Clean Trash Can

Day 3- Thursday

Clean out all of car clutter
Vacuum inside of car
Clean carseats
Wipe dust off dashboard and paneling
Wash car

Day 4- Friday

Organize garage closet
Organize tools and tool bench
Organize right side of garage (odd months)
Organize left side of garage (even months)
Sweep out garage

Day 5- Saturday

Clean up flower-beds
Change wreath on door
Sweep Porch

Tidy Tuesday

2009-06-23T10:30:00.002-05:00

Oh, how I wish my old computer was fixed so I could post a picture of the current state of my house for all of the DRS world to see..........it's bad folks! Funny- cleaning accountability was one of the MAIN reasons I started this blog and yet....it was the first to go when life got crazy.

We are set to close just as soon as the appraisal is done on the new house. By the looks of my current house you would never believe that I am actually pumped about getting into the new house and figuring out a new cleaning schedule. I am giddy just thinking about all the labeling opportunities... In fact, as soon as I get done with this post I am going to order a new shipment of labels so my label maker has plenty of backup for the task ahead.

As for the future: for those of you who have enjoyed zone cleaning know you can always come back to DRS and click on the zones in the archives. Or even better, I recommend visiting flylady.net to help you develop your own system of home management.

As for me: I think me and flylady might have a refresher course once I hit the new house.

Mealtime Monday Support

2009-06-22T20:33:00.002-05:00

For those of you DRSers who have taken advantage of the recipes and eat/prep schedule every week-know that the blog will ALWAYS be available so you can reference all the recipes used over the past 6 months- over 100 to choose from. To add to your collection of recipes I recommend the following:

As for me: I will definitely continue with my weekly marathon cooking/prep day. Sure there have been a few weeks I was not in the mood to spend 1.5 hours in the kitchen BUT I was ALWAYS glad the meals were done once the craziness of the work week began and I didn't have to worry about "what's for dinner." Although I would love to think I would plan my menu a month at a time- I betcha this will turn into a week by week task. The other family I cook for is excited they can request meals when ever they want again rather then making sure no meal is repeated within the same month!

Please leave a comment if you have any other hints/resources for helping fellow DRSers with their future Mealtime Mondays!

Southwest Eggrolls

2009-06-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

If you love Chili's Southwest Eggrolls but you don't love all the Calories and Fat they pack in- your going to love this recipe. I went ahead and attached a picture of the Athens Fillo Dough so you would know what to look for when shopping. I will warn you the box was $4.39 at Kroger! Not cheap but you will still come out ahead over paying for them at Chili's.

Southwest Eggrolls

1 bag of shredded cabbage and carrot mix (coleslaw mix)
1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or extra lean ground beef
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 can black beans well drained
1 can corn well drained
25-30 Athens Fillo dough sheets
3 Tbsp butter melted

Preheat oven to 425

Spray a deep pan with Pam, toss in cabbage, carrots, and 1/2 of taco seasoning. Put a lid on it, stir as needed. Meanwhile, combine meat with remainder of spices and brown. After the meat is cooked, combine it with the vegetables including drained corn and blackbeans. Make sure Fillo dough has thawed (otherwise very hard to roll out) Place 1/4 cup of meat/veg mix on top of Fillo sheet and roll up like an egg roll (illustration to follow) I usually use 2 Fillo sheets per eggroll. Brush the top with butter for browning and flavor. Makes about 22 eggrolls!

Meal Plan
Serving Size: 1 egg roll
Meal Plan: 140 Calories, 1 starch, 1 meat, 1 vegetable

I am going to add a little bit of the taco seasoning packet to some light Ranch dressing and use this as both a dip for the egg rolls and a dressing for a side salad! I got an avocado to add to our side salad-yummy!

Turkey Burgers with Mustard Sauce

2009-06-22T12:00:00.001-05:00

I thought this looked like a tasty twist to turkey burgers! Don't tell DH it calls for Mayo!!!

go here for recipe.

Turkey Burgers with Mustard Sauce

Nutrition Information: (based on bhg analysis- feel it can be a lot lighter with the extra lean turkey)
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 610 Calories, 4 meats, 3 starches, 4 fats

I am going to serve this chips and salsa

Stir-fry Shrimp with Cheesy Grits

2009-06-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Oh boy am I excited about this recipe. I have only had cheese grits with shrimp one time at a restaurant and my oh my was it Yummy with a capital Y (not to mention HEAVY with a capitol H.E.A.V.Y.) so I was excited to find this recipe in my Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Cross your fingers!

Go here to see recipe.

Stir-Fry Shrimp with Cheesy Grits

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 385 Calories, 4 meats, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, and 2.5 fats

I am going to cook up some green beans to go along with this meal.

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

2009-06-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

I'm telling you this smelled great while cooking! I am thinking company dish for sure!

Go here for recipe

Artichoke and Spinach Lasagna

Nutrition Information: (according to allrecipes.com)
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: 427 Calories, 3 meats, 2 starches, 2 vegetables, 2 fats

Crockpot Asian Shredded Beef

2009-06-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

I like to look for different ways to cook a roast over the traditional carrot and potato route, so I was so excited to find this recipe at crockpot365.blogspot.com

Go here for recipe

Asian Shredded Beef

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 3 oz meat (lean roast)
Meal Plan: ~260 Calories, 3 meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with cabbage and rice

Mealtime Monday

2009-06-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the last Mealtime Monday (at least for a while). I think it will end on a yummy note! It took me around 1.5 hours to make the following:

Turkey Burgers for 2 families

Southwest Eggrolls for 2 families (this took around 30 min. alone)

Asian Beef for 1 family

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna for 1 family

I chose not to make the shrimp with cheesy grits ahead of time. Here is your prep and eat schedule:

Monday- Turkey Burgers. To premade the turkey patties according to the recipe and separated each patty with foil (out of wax paper) and stored in fridge. I also premixed sauce. Tonight we will through those turkeys on the Barbie and enjoy!

Tuesday Night- Southwest Eggroll. I fully prepared eggrolls according to recipe and stored in fridge (I bet these would freeze nicely too). Tuesday night I will take out of fridge and bake.

Wednesday Night- Crockpot Asian Beef. I dumped all the ingredients into a ziplock bag and stored in fridge. Wednesday morning I will dump contents of ziplock bag into crockpot and cook on low all day.

Thursday Night: Shrimp with Cheesy Grits. Thursday night I will have to fully prepare this recipe.

Friday and Saturday Night: Leftovers and Pantry challenge

Sunday: Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna. I fully prepared recipe up until final baking and stored in the freezer. Saturday afternoon I will transfer from freezer to fridge to begin thawing. Sunday I will pop the dish into the oven after church.

Farewell to DRS week

2009-06-21T22:22:00.002-05:00

Well DRSers this is my last week (at least for a while) as your Donna Reed Syndrome Support Group Leader. The disease has taken over my life. As you know, people with advanced stage DRS are incapable of moderation and therefore when they start a new project they do it full force at a unrealistic, unmanageable pace and therefore eventually burn out. In my weight management program I call this the "All or Nothing" personality. Well folks, that is where I am.

When I started this blog January 1st of this year I really thought it would be my ultimate tool for achieving full Donna Reed status via world wide web accountability. What instead happened, was I began spending more time writing about my plan and less time implementing the plan. I dreamed of being the perfect wife and instead my DH began resenting the time I was spending on the computer-ouch! I wanted the perfect house but by the time I finished my daily posts I was too pooped to clean. I wanted to be the perfect mommy- but instead of quality time with my kids there were days I felt like my time with them was more or less something to check off my list- not good. And my quite times with the Lord- what quite times?!?! So needless to say my experiment was a bust.

Not to say, I haven't had fun. Oh I have. I will miss you all terribly. I have loved having an outlet to share all my craziness and I especially enjoyed reading your comments. I tell you it was your comments that gave me the energy to make it as far as I did on this little project.

I would love to think that I will be back on the blog in the near future BUT I need someone out there who is immune to DRS to teach me how to make it more manageable. In the meantime, this week I am going to try to give you some helpful hints and resources you can use in the future to help you cope with your DRS without me.

For ol' time sake, I'm going to put a Mr. Linky up so you can record your thoughts.

Deal Alert

2009-06-19T08:09:00.002-05:00

Happy National Flip Flop Day! In celebration of this holiday hop on over to Tropical Smoothie to get a FREE 24 oz Jetty Smoothie. The first 500 customers who enter wearing flip flops will get a free Jetty Punch smoothie. I have not called ahead to verify our T.S. is participating- but they did last year!

Kroger Deals

2009-06-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Below are the deals that stick out to me as I glance through the weekly flyer:

Sanderson Farms Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders on sale for $1.77/lb
Time to stock up!

Red Bell Peppers on sale for $0.99 each

Fresh Blueberries only $1.49

Bounty Single Roll Paper Towels on sale $1
Use $0.25 off 1 from 6/7 PG
Final Price: $0.50

Kool-Aid Drink Mix on sale 10 packages for $1
Use $0.50 off 10 from coupons.com sidebar
Final Price: 10 packages for FREEEEE

McCormick Grill Mates or Grinders on sale for $1
I am confident there are $0.50 off 1 coupons I just couldn't find them
Final Price: FREE

Suave Deodorants on sale for $1
Use $0.50 off 1 from 5/17 RP
Final Price: FREE

Washington Cameo Apples for $0.99/lb

Walgreens deal alerts

2009-06-18T11:00:00.001-05:00

Here are my favorite Walgreens deals for the week:

Maxwell House Coffee 11 oz on sale 2 for $5
Use $2 off 2 from coupons.com sidebar
Final Price: $3 for 2

Cottenelle Fresh Wipes on sale for $1.99 with Walgreens Flyer coupon
Use $0.50 off 1 from June ALL YOU magazine
Final Price: $1.49 (can you say "wet wipes for adults" I don't think this sounds pleasent at all but if you have wanted to give em a try- now would be a good time to buy!)

Right Guard or Dry Idea on sale for $0.99 with Walgreens Flyer coupon
go to coupons.com sidebar to print a $2 off 1 for Dry Idea
(make sure to hand in manufactuerer coupon before walgreens coupon!)
Final Price: FREE to $1 in overages

Bryer Ice Cream for $3.99, buy ice cream and get FREE 2 L of A&W Rootbeer or Sunkist
Use $1 off 1 Bryer Ice Cream coupon from 5/17 RP

Final Price: $2.99 for ice cream and root beer

Schick Quattro Razor for Men, on sale B1G1 FREE at $9.49
Use 2 $4 off 1 from 6/14 SS
Final Price: $1.49 for 2

REGISTER REWARDS

St. Ives Bodywash at $2.99, Get a $2.99 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: FREE

Select Unilever Products: Buy 6 get $4 RR, Buy 8 get $8 RR

Ragu/Skippy 2 for $4
Hellmann's Mayo 2 for $7
Lipton Tea 2 for $5

Best Scenario with thanks to Thrifty Mama:
Buy 4 Ragu and 4 Skippy PB
Use 2 $1 off 2 Ragu coupons here AND 2 $1 off 2 Skippy coupons from 4/5 RP
Final Price: $4 for 8 items!

Purex 3 in 1 for $5.99, Earn a $2 RR when you buy 1
Use $2 off 1 from 6/14 SS
Final Price: $1.99 after coupon and RR

Johnson's and Johnsons Baby Powder 1.5 oz for 2 for $2, Get a $1 RR when you buy 2
Use 2, $1 off 1 from 3/8 or 4/26 RP
Final Price: FREE plus $1 in overage

Thrifty Thursday

2009-06-18T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Ladies- boy will I be glad when next week is over and I can stop feeling so guilty about these sorry posts. I have always lived by my Dad's saying "If you can't do something right, don't do it at all" and here lately I don't feel I have it in me to "do it right." I do have your Walgreens and Kroger deals ready to post but I am going to ask you to head on over to nwadeals.net for your Target deals. While there check out her Walmart deals. As always I would looooove to hear about any deals you have run across!

Zone 4- Office and Playroom

2009-06-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day 1- Tuesday

Dust Playroom Furniture
Sanitize Toys
Clean Playroom Windows and Fan

Day 2- Wednesday

Organize Craft Closet
Playroom Baseboards and Floors
Office Baseboards and Floors

Day 3 - Thursday

Dust office Furniture
Organize Desk
Organize Cedar Chest

Day 4- Friday

Clean Office Window
Organize Coupon Center
Organize Window Seat

Day 5- Saturday

Dust Computer and other Electronics
Sort Magazines and File
Organize and Update all Files

Tidy Tuesday

2009-06-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well thank goodness for the air conditioner man. He was my motivation for getting my house in livable order yesterday. As soon as DH told me that someone was coming over to look at our air conditioner I kicked it into high gear and spent most of the morning cleaning all the rooms that lead up to the air conditioning unit. Maybe we can schedule the bug man next week......
I'm ready to move!!!

For the rest of you Donna Wannabes- your zone posts soon!

Annual Budget Countdown-updates

2009-06-15T14:57:00.002-05:00

Wow, I think it has been 4 weeks since I last did my annual budget countdown!

So here are the results of my spending from week 21-24 of 2009!

Week 21
Kroger Spent: $72.23
Kroger Saved: $27.44

Week 22
Kroger Spent: $78.91
Kroger Saved: $46.21

Week 23
Kroger Spent: $67.89
Kroger Saved: $31.93

Week 24
Kroger Spent: $72.15
Kroger Saved: $48.41

Totals for weeks 21-24
Total Spent: $291.28
Total Saved: $153.99

Total for 2009:
Total Spent: $2142.52
Total Saved: $1624.84
Total Left for year: $2857.48

Taco Roll

2009-06-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a Family Favorite!!! Go here to see a step by step illustration from a past mealtime Monday post.

Taco Roll

2 cans of Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls
Extra Lean Ground Beef or Ground Sirloin
Taco Seasoning
2% Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
Shredded Lettuce
Salsa or Diced Tomatoes
Jalapeno Peppers (optional)
Fat Free Sour Cream (optional)

Brown beef, rinse and drain. Add taco seasoning. Unroll crescent rolls into triangles and then position triangles in a ring around a pizza pan. Pointy end of triangles sticking out of the ring. (This is where the pictures will come in handy- huh!) Spread seasoned beef around the ring. Wrap the pointy end of the crescent rolls up and over the beef. Bake in oven according to crescent roll package instructions and rolls are golden. Serve topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and if desired jalapeno peppers and/or fat free sour cream.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 triangle
Meal Plan: Calories: 155; 1 starch; 1.5 lean meats

I will serve this with Black Beans.

Tilapia Puttanesca

2009-06-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

What in the world is Puttanesca? I don't know but it sure sounds yummy! And oh so healthy, might I add. This meal is bursting with monounsaturated fat- your heart is gonna love it!!!

Visit here for the recipe.

Tilapia Puttanesca

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 182 Calories, 3 oz meat, 1.5 vegetable, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with rice and maybe a side salad.

Stuffed Green Peppers

2009-06-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

I think it was Mary who gave me the idea of adding Stuffed Green Peppers to my June Menu- so thank you Mary!!! I gotta believe that allrecipes.com did something wrong on the nutritional analysis because there is no way a vegetarian green pepper could have over 700 Calories! Is there? Just in case I made some modifications to the recipe.

Go here to see the original 700+ Calorie Recipe!!!

Stuffed Green Peppers
Recipe Modifications: I used 1 cup brown rice, I used about 1/4th cup 2% shredded Mexican Blend cheese in each stuffed pepper instead of the swiss cheese.

Nutrition Information: based on my modifications
Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Meal Plan: 250 Calories, 2 meats, 1.5 Starches, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 fat

Yum, Yum

Lemon Garlic Chicken- crockpot

2009-06-15T10:30:00.001-05:00

Got to tell ya- I have never been a lemon chicken fan. BUT for some reason this recipe looked good to me. I did not love that the recipe actually required precooking before the crockpot- but really it wasn't that bad!

Go here for the recipe.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: 193 Calories, 4 meats, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with rice and green beans

Mealtime Mondays

2009-06-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

This week's meals only took 1 hour and 10 minutes to prepare:

Tilapia Puttanesca x 2
Taco Rings x 2
Stuffed Green Peppers
Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

And at least that long to clean up- partly because I started cooking with a messy kitchen (trust me, it's bad around here!) I did not prep for the steak dinner because I want to get by the local meat market to pick up some really good steaks for Father's Day. Following is the prep/storage/eat schedule for the week.

Monday- Taco Ring- I prepped up until final baking. I stored ring in fridge covered with aluminum foil. Tonight I will take out of fridge and bake.

Tuesday- Stuffed Green Peppers- Peppers are fully stuffed and sitting pretty in fridge (covered with foil) ready for final baking.

Wednesday- Crockpot Lemon, Garlic Chicken- I followed directions according to recipe and browned chicken before placing in ziplock storage bag. I added liquid to storage bag and then stored in fridge. Wednesday morning I will transfer contents of ziplock into crockpot and cook on low all day.

Thursday- Tilapia Puttanseca- To prep for this dish I simply dumped all the sauce ingredients into a freezer ziplock and stored in freezer. Thursday morning I will transfer sauce from freezer to fridge to begin thawing. I will then cook fish/sauce according to recipe Thursday Night.

Friday and Saturday- Pantry Challenge (I am going to try to not go out to eat for the rest of the month)

Sunday- Steak Dinner. Saturday night I will marinate steaks and store in fridge until time to grill Sunday afternoon. Happy Fathers Day!!!

Steak

2009-06-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

I have not decided how I am going to prepare our steaks for Father's Day. More then likely I will just marinate in Worcestershire Sauce and sprinkle some of our favorite spices on the meat. The nutrition information will vary according to the steak you choose but the leaner cuts are gonna be the sirloin or the fillet! What a treat!!!

Kroger Deals

2009-06-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to go to Kroger.com to upload the latest coupons to your Kroger card!! Cellfire had the best coupons if you ask me: Fiber One bars $0.40 off, Crystal Light $1 off, Yo Plus Yogurt $1 off to name a few.

As far as the weekly deals, as always refer to thegrocerygame.com for a complete list of deals- but here are the deals that stood out to me as I glanced through the flyer:

Kraft Cheese B1G1 FREE
(man, I think a ton of Kraft cheese coupons just expired from coupons.com)

Pepsi or Mt. Dew 2 L on sale 4 for $5, buy 4 and get 2 FREE
Final Price: $0.84 each
(This is a great deal on 2L, if you are planning any BBQs or get togethers this summer, stock up now and then volunteer to be in charge of drinks!!!)

Various Lysol Cleaners are on sale 50% off
Use various Lysol coupons found in 6/7 SS
Final Price: Varies but I'm sure is a great deal!!!

USDA Whole Boneless Sirloin Tip at $1.99/lb

Knorr rice or pasta packages on sale for $1
Use $0.50 off 2 from 5/17 RP
Final Price: $0.50 each

Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries on sale $1.97

Let me know if your excited about anything else!

Target Deals

2009-06-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Here are my favorite Target Deals of the week!

As always, go here to print out all the "target coupons" refrenced below. Remember you can stack target coupons with manufacturer coupons for double the savings!!!

Buy any 3 Special K cereals at $2.39 and get a FREE box of Special K crackers

Here is the scenerio found on MSM website
Buy 3 boxes of Special K cereal and 2 boxes of Special K crackers
Use 1 Buy 2 Get 1 Free coupon here and 3 $1 off 1 coupons from 6/7 RP
Final Price: $4.17 for 3 boxes of cereal and 2 boxes of crackers

The following deal is the deal I am most excited about BUT I do not see it advertised in our local Target flyer so I am fearful it is not true for our area... but just in case it is an unadvertised deal I'm gonna still post it. Let me know if you try it!

Buy 2 Target Softsoap Ensemble Value Packs at $6 each, get $5 Target Gift Card
Use 2 $2 off 1 target coupons AND 2 $2 off 1 coupons here
Final Price: $1 overage after coupons and gift card!
(note: you will only be able to print 1 $2 off 1 manufacturer coupon so find multiple computers!)
FREE soap is almost as exciting to me as FREE toilet paper!

Degree men's deodorant at $2.49 (have not confirmed local price)
Buy 2 and Use 2 $1.50 off 1 target printables AND the $1 of 2 from the 5/17 RP
Final Price: $0.98 for 2

Ziplock bags at $2.49 (have not confirmed local price)
Buy 2 and use $1 off 2 from 5/10 SS AND 2 $1 off 1 target coupons
Final Price: $0.99 per box after coupons

Banana Boat Sunscreen Trial Size for $0.99
Use $1 off 1 from 5/3 RP
Final Price: FREE

Aquafresh Toothpaste at $1.99 (have not confirmed local price)
Use $1 off 1 target printable AND $1 off 1 here
Final Price: FREE

Walgreens Deals

2009-06-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

Once again a sorry week at Walgreens. Most of the deals listed below I have gotten free before so it is hard to get excited about these deals.

But before I roll out the best deals I must tell you that today (and yesterday, but we are too late for that- sorry) you can print this $5 off $25 purchase to be used at Walgreens. The $25 is before coupons! I use to love this coupon back in the ol' EasySaver catalog days.... hmmmm (that is me reminiscing)

Purex 3 in 1 at $5.99, get a $2 RR
Use this $1 off here
Final Price: $2.99

Gillette Fusion Razor at $9.49, Earn a $2.50 RR when you buy 1
Use $4 off 1 from 6/7 PG
Final Price: $2.99 after coupon and RR

Gillette Shampoo and Bodywash for 2 for $8, Get $3 RR when you buy 2
Use 2 $1 off 1 from 6/7 PG
Final Price: $3 for 2 after coupons and RR

Johnsons and Johnsons Baby Powder for 2 for $2, get $1 RR when you buy 2
Use two $1 off 1 from 3/8 or 4/26 RP
Final Price: FREE after coupons and RR

Carmex at $2.99, get a $2 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: $0.99 after RR

Ban Deodorant for 2 for $3, get a $1 RR when you buy 2
Use 2 $0.40 off 1 from 6/7 SS
Final Price: $0.60 each after coupons and RR

Thrifty Thursday

2009-06-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone else feel the deals have been slow to come by. I tell you what, I had gotten a little too comfortable getting free stuff all the time, I guess I just took it for granted. I got to the point I just expected to get AT LEAST one thing FREE every week- not anymore! I would love to hear how ya'll are doing on your savings adventures! I'll throw up a Mr. Linky for ol' time sake.

Wildcard Wednesday- turned Wordless

2009-06-10T22:29:00.002-05:00

Sorry girls, it seems as though today's wildcard Wednesday became a Wordless Wednesday. I am still using the borrowed computer and do not understand how to upload pictures onto it, therefore I could not post pictures of a selected room this week, therefore no "Show Us Where You Live" post. Plus, can I just tell you I'm in a real funk. You've been there before... right? I think I am just completely worn out and feeling overwhelmed right now.... no biggie, I've been here before... I just felt you should know. Talk to you tomorrow.

zone 3- Bathrooms, Living Room, and Entryway

2009-06-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day 1- Tuesday

Clean Tub and Showers
Wash Rugs
Wash Shower Curtains

Day 2- Wednesday

Clean Mirrors
Clean Toilets
Clean Sinks and Counters

Day 3- Thursday

Organize and Clean Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers (inside and out)
Dust Living Room Furniture
Dust Entryway Furniture

Day 4- Friday

Dust Bathroom, Living Room and Entryway Baseboards
Vacuum/Swiffer Bathroom, Living Room and Entryway Floors
Clean all Windows and Fans in this Zone
Vacuum under coach seat cushions

Day 5- Saturday

Organize Bookshelf
Update Pictures in Frames
Clean leather furniture

Tidy Tuesday- or Not!

2009-06-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Oh ladies- now that my days in this house are officially numbered I have Zero motivation to keep it clean. Just the other night I sat in the living room with DH and said "I have no motivation to keep this house clean" to which I hoped he would say "Nik, you have worked so hard to keep this house clean for the past 3 years, why don't you just take it easy for the next couple of weeks." He said nothing..... so I said "I sure was hoping you'd say Nik, you have worked so hard to keep this house clean for the past 3 years, why don't you just take it easy for the next couple of weeks." To this, he still said... nothing. oh well!

It is a good thing I don't know how to upload pictures on this loaner computer, because let me tell you it is gross around here. I am proud to say that I swished the commodes yesterday and I plan on doing some laundry sometime this week. But other then that, can't say for sure what will get done. I should be plenty rested up in the cleaning department to hit it hard in the new house. For the rest of you, your tidy Tuesday zone schedule will post soon!

BLT

2009-06-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

This will be such a great summer time meal when our garden is fully grown in.... wait a minute.... we'll be moved before our garden is fully grown!!!!! Hmmm we are going to have to work something out with the new owners!!! Anyways...

Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwiches

Turkey Bacon (2 slices per sandwich)
Light Mayo (1/2 TBS per sandwich)
Tomato and Lettuce (piled high per sandwich)
Natures Own Double Fiber Bread

Microwave Bacon according to package. Meanwhile toast bread. Spread mayo on toasted bread, then top with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
Meal Plan: ~<200 Calories, 1 starch, 1.5 meat, 1/2 veg, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve with carrot chips/sticks and low fat ranch

Mexcian Chicken Pizza

2009-06-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of my all time favorite recipes. I always include this recipe when I do cooking demonstrations and it is a regular at recipe exchange parties. Hope you enjoy!

Mexican Chicken Pizza

4 oz Skinless Chicken Breast
2 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Garlic Pepper

Thin Pizza Crust
15 oz black beans (drained)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Jalapeno Peppers (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400◦. Marinate chicken with Worcestershire sauce, cumin and garlic pepper. Bake until done.
While chicken is baking, spread beans evenly on pizza crust. Next, top with cheese, followed by peppers. Once chicken is fully cooked, cut chicken into thin slices. Place chicken slices evenly on pizza crust. Bake until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
Meal Plan: 395 Calories; 3 starches, 2 meats, 1 fat

This is great alone, or you can top with salsa and/or light sour cream!

Catfish "N" Chips

2009-06-08T12:00:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about this recipe. Can I let you in on a little secret.... I love fried fish!!! Yep, that's right this RD gets excited about a good ol' fish fry. In fact, the day I passed my RD exam guess where I wanted to go to celebrate.... The Catfish Hole, for an all you can eat BUFFET!!! Please don't tell my secret! Anyways, lucky for me I don't know how to operate a fry daddy, so I only get fried fish maybe 2-3times per year. I'm thinking this week's fish recipe is going to be a great, healthy alternative to the real deal that will fool my taste buds into thinking we are getting some crispy fried fish (only my heart and arteries will know the truth!)

This recipe is brought to us by Better Homes and Gardens so visit here for the recipe.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 317 Calories, 3 lean meats, 2 starches, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with a can of greens.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

2009-06-08T11:55:00.002-05:00

Here is another recipe from the past. I can't really remember what I thought about it, but I'm sure I didn't hate it because I would have remembered that- remember the spaghetti squash recipe - uck!!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe
Meal Plan: Calories: 166, 0.5 starches, 1 meat, 1 veg, 1 fat

I am thinking some cornbread would be yummy with this.

BBQ Pork

2009-06-08T11:48:00.002-05:00

Last time I made these for mealtime Monday I was hesitant to use a pork loin over a pork roast because I was not sure it would shred in the crockpot like a pork roast. But after trying the pork loin, I will NEVER go back. Not only does the loin shred for the perfect BBQ sandwich, it is sooo much leaner. Yummy!

BBQ Pork Sandwich

Pork Loin (something with less then 12g of fat per 4 oz serving)
Favorite BBQ sauce
Whole Wheat Bun

Place pork roast in crock-pot. Coat roast with BBQ sauce. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Pork should shred when done. Place cooked meat on bun. That's it folks.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 4 oz meat on bun
Meal Plan: 420 Calories; 4 meats, 3 starches

I am going to serve this with baked beans and a side salad.

Mealtime Monday

2009-06-08T11:22:00.002-05:00

I am predicting that this week's meals could easily be prepped in less than an hour and a half. I don't have an accurate measurement of time from last night because DH and I got into a lengthy discussion in the middle of my cooking which totally through off my time. But I can say that all of the dishes were quick and easy and look oh so tasty. I am especially excited about the fish n chips meal. The catfish was made with "panco," a Japanese style breadcrumb. A friend had told me about panco months ago but this was my first experience with it. Looks yummy.

Here is the prep/eat schedule for this week's menu:

Monday Night: Fish n Chips- I prepped potatoes inside a large ziplock bag and stored in fridge. I also fully prepped fish in a baking dish and stored in fridge. Tonight I will transfer potatoes onto a cookie sheet for final baking with the fish. (I think this dish could have easily been frozen.)

Tuesday Night: Broccoli Cheese Soup. I dumped all ingredients (minus the broth) inside a freezer ziplock bag and stored in fridge (would freeze nicely). Tuesday night I will empty ziplock contents into stovetop pot and add broth for final cooking.

Wednesday Night: BBQ Pork. All I did to prep for this meal was put the pork in a ziplock and pour the BBQ sauce over to start marinating (could have easily done this day of in crockpot). Wednesday morning I will transfer to crockpot to cook on low all day.

Thursday Night: DH and I anniversary! We are going out. But I went ahead and made the Black Bean Chicken Pizza and stored in freezer for later.

Friday and Saturday- Family Reunion

Sunday: BLT- no prep for this meal. I will just cook bacon, snip lettuce, cut tomato, and smear light mayo on Sunday.

The future of DRS

2009-06-08T10:32:00.004-05:00

Hi DRSers its me Niki! Sooo I got some bad news today. Staples called to tell me that my computer is so ancient that they do not have the necessary....um, stuff (I can't remember the tech terminology Mr. Techy used) to remove the ucky virus from my computer. Sooooo I have run to DH's office to borrow his computer for the time being. Guess I better get a "new computer" envelope started.

I am about to get ready to post your mealtime Monday recipes but I wanted to take a few sentences to update you on what has been going on in my life over the last week.

First, and most exciting, last week we bought a house! Woopie!!! How fun is that!?! Anyways we should be closing and moving by the end of this month. And then let the fun begin... A new house means endless labeling opportunities and is the perfect time to revamp the master routine and cleaning schedule......good times ahead for this Donna Wannabe............. hmmmm.

Second, I moved offices last week. Yes, after years (7 to be exact) of operating my weight management clinic out of a local pharmacy, I decided it was time for a change. Soooo last week I packed up my office and my clients and moved to a local fitness center. Although I miss my friends and coworkers at the pharmacy terribly I think the fitness center is going to be a good fit. I mean think about the control this will afford me, I can tell my clients to exercise and then I can walk them out of my office and put them on a treadmill. ah, ah, ah (evil laugh). Just kidding!
Plus working at a fitness center just makes me want to be healthier. I found that I drank a ton more water last week then I normally do (doesn't hurt that they have sonic ice!!!! Woo Hoo) and I have an increased desire for muscles. Yep, I want the type that pop out of my arms and rip... don't know if my genes will participate in that dream, but anyways.

Already within the first week of my move, I have seen a big increase in business. This is GREAT! However, this increase in business along with the upcoming move and reorganization of my family routine has really got me concerned about when in the world am I going to have time to blog. The answer.... I'm not! This is a huge step in my DRS recovery. I have come to the realization that I can NOT do it all. Therefore, starting in July DRS will be on an extended blog break. I am hoping that once I get settled in my new house and new job and Colby starts kindergarten I will be able to start back.... we'll see! In the meantime, I am going to try to do my best to get your recipes posted and deal alerts ready for the month of June- this of course is more difficult without my home computer. Anyways....

Well, there it is. I hope you all understand. I am going to go ahead and end this post now before I change my mind, because I am already getting sad thinking about the day I no longer pretend someone out there on the world wide web might care or benefit from what I might have to write........it's like saying good bye to a long time imaginary friend... not that I know what that's like. Anyways....

Computer Update

2009-06-05T17:41:00.002-05:00

Niki asked me to tell all of you that her computer is in the shop, but she wanted me to pass on this deal alert: Staples is currently offering half off tech support. So if any of you have a computer virus, you can take it there and get it fixed for half price.

Blog out of commision

2009-06-04T18:58:00.002-05:00

Niki asked me to let you know she is unable to get on her computer because of a virus. She is sorry for not posting deal alerts tonight. Signed Niki's mom

Deal Alerts- Walgreens

2009-06-04T11:00:00.001-05:00

Man- do I miss the Walgreen's Rebate Program. I can't remember the last time I was excited about a Walgreens deal alert. Oh Well!

Crystal Light on sale for $1.99
Use $1 off 1 from coupon.com sidebar
Final Price: $0.99

Chinet Plates on sale 2 for $3
Use 2 $1 off 1 from 5/3 SS
Final Price: $0.50 each

One a Day Vitamins 100ct for $9.79, get $4 off at checkout
Use $2 off 1 from 4/19 RP
Final Price: $3.79 after coupon and checkout discount

Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent at 2 for $4
Use $2 off 1 SS 5/31/09 (I do not have my 5/31 coupons yet so can't confirm this deal!)
Final Price: FREE

Register Rewards

Revlon Ionic Styler Dryer (1875-Watt in pink), $12.99, get $10 RR
Fina Price: $2.99 after RRs!

Buy 1 Bayer Breeze 2 or Contour Blood Glucose Meter at $10.00, Get $10 RR
Use $30 off 1 from 3/1 or 3/22 RP (coupon will adjust down)
Final Price: FREE plus $10 in overage from RR

Bic Soleil Disposable Razor at $4.99, get a $1 RR
Use $3 off 1 from 5/17 SS
Final Price: $0.99 after coupon and RR

Big Thanks to thethriftymama.com for help with the match-ups this week!

Thrifty Thursday- hold

2009-06-04T08:27:00.003-05:00

Well yesterday my computer got a virus- a PORN virus!!!! Agh!!!!!! Anyways I don't really understand how computer viruses work but I know Donna (nor I) would not approve of PORN so I was hesitant to get on last night and work on your thrifty Thursday posts so they are not going to post at their normal time today. Currently I am at work, but I am hoping to get by the store and purchase a virus cleaner sometime today- so maybe I can get your deal alerts out later this evening. I think your Walgreens deals are already scheduled to post. Have a GREAT day!

PS We got the computer virus from Facebook- so be VERY VERY VERY hesitant about what you open. DH had opened a message from our friend and then once he opened it, it sent the message to all of his "friends" on facebook so yesterday when I saw that DH had written on my wall, I decided to check it out- BAM virus! Beware!

Show Us Where You Live

2009-06-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

So it's not Friday here at DRS BUT I am going to link to Kellys Korner on Friday so I went ahead and used her cute button. Maybe one day I'll have a cute button.... anyways.

So our first stop on our tour is our office! This happens to be my FAVORITE room in my current house. It sits in our dining room which connects to the kitchen so it is gets lots of action. I love it when my fam is chilling in the little sitting area while I'm finishing up dinner or cleaning up the kitchen.

The above picture features curtains that my very talented Mom made (thanks Mom!) and a desk from Unpainted Furniture Store (love that place) and I made the Bulletin Board above the desk out of fabric and a picture frame I got at a garage sale. I got my lime green file folders at the Container Store and they are hanging on the wall from a plate rack.

In this picture you get to see the cedar chest my Dad made when he was a little boy and the window seat DH made for me. The window seat and cedar chest both hide away office files and supplies. The chair is a burnt orange and coordinates with the back wall of my kitchen (you'll just have to trust me on that one- the kitchen is in no shape for a picture tonight!). I found the lime green furniture piece at a garage sale and DH put the trim on it and I painted and distressed it. I also found the lamp at a garage sale.

And there you have it- my office! Can't wait to take a tour of your office!!!!! For those of you with a blog feel free to post your pictures on your blog and then link to Mr. Linky.

Wildcard Wednesday

2009-06-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

In the words of Ms. Piggy "Yippie Skippie"! Today is our first "Show Us Where You Live" day on Wildcard Wednesday. Oh, I sooo hope someone out there on the world wide web will play with me and post a picture or two of their office! My office and a Mr. Linky are coming soon! Have a great hump day!

Deal Alert

2009-06-02T21:45:00.000-05:00

Sonic is offering FREE Root Beer Floats tomorrow Night (June 3rd) from 8pm to midnight! I called the closest Sonic to my house to confirm that they were participating in this deal and it was a BIG yepper from them! I am not really a Fan of Root Beer but I'm betting my 1996 Permanently Buckled Honda Civic will be parked out front of a Sonic around 8ish pm tomorrow evening.

My Car- the saga continues

2009-06-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

For those of you have been following the Chronicles of "My Car" you are going to get a real kick out of this one.....

So this morning I had to take both boys for well child Dr. Visits in the neighboring town. Neighboring town? you ask. Yes, I was already significantly late getting both boys in for their well child appointments and the soonest they could be seen was today (scheduled 1 month ago) if we agreed to go to their other clinic location. Anyways...... So the three of us were loaded up in the death trap, I mean "my car," driving in the June heat (note the date: my car's air conditioner chooses to hibernate from the months of June- August so it will be fully rested for the winter months. Anyways....) So we pull into the clinic's parking lot and I turn off the car and then naturally go to unbuckle my seat belt...... It won't unbuckle!!!!! Yep! I'm stuck!!!! In that moment I don't know if I should laugh or cry.......... I choose to laugh, after all it is "my car." Through my laughter and sweat I manage to tell Colby my situation and to shoot a text to some of my cars biggest fans. Colby volunteer's to yell for help and I frantically look for scissors to cut my way to freedom. No such luck. I finally inch by inch loosen the belt and wiggle myself free of the safety strap. Freedom never felt sooooo good.

On my way home I squeezed back in through the lap and chest strap BUT I won't lie, the rest of the day I just sat on top of the buckled strap. Gotta love my car!

Zone 2- Bedrooms and Closets

2009-06-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

Zone 2- Bedrooms and Closets

Day 1-Tuesday

Dust Master Bedroom Furniture
Dust Master BR Fan
Clean Master BR Windows and Blinds

Day 2-Wednesday

Dust Kids Bedroom Furniture
Dust Kids BR Fans
Clean Kids BR Windows and Blinds

Day 3-Thursday

Organize all Master BR drawers
Organize Master BR closet

Day 4-Friday

Organize all kids BR drawers
Organize Kids BR closets

Day 5- Saturday

Mop/Vacuum All Bedroom Floors including under bed
Clean Bedroom Baseboards
Flip Mattress (Odd months only)
Organize Hall Closets

Tidy Tuesday

2009-06-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

The house is still coasting on the pre-Baby Shower deep cleaning from this weekend so it is still sanitary and livable at this moment. I am still on my zone freeze so I can' say for sure what the house will look like by the end of the week. I am excited tomorrow is the Wildcard Wednesday "Show Us Where You Live" event and so sometime today I will make sure my office is in tip top shape for it's photo session. Till then your zone schedule will post soon.

Deal Alert- Red Box Code

2009-06-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

The Free Monday rental redbox code is: FM63H7 Remember this code is good until midnight tonight. And you must return your rental by 9pm on Tuesday or you will be charged $1 each additional night.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-06-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

I have tried many different Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes and this one is my favorite. The recipe makes quite a bit so it is a good dish to share with another family or to have as leftovers!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Go here for recipe.

Recipe Modifications: The recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken. I like to prepare the chicken for this dish by putting the chicken in a crockpot with a can of rotel. From frozen- it took the chicken about 3 hours to cook in my crockpot on high. I then transferred the chicken with rotel into the soup. I also like to add a can of chili beans and a can of black beans to the recipe- to beef up the fiber! We use baked Doritos instead of the corn tortillas.

Nutrition Information for original recipe:
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: 267 Calories; 2 meat, 1.5 starch, 1 veg, 1/2 fat

Squash Casserole

2009-06-01T12:15:00.001-05:00

I discovered this recipe last summer when we had squash coming out our ears from my DH's vegetable garden! This was one of our favorite ways to cook up the squash. Must say it was a lot thriftier of a dish when it came from the garden! Squash is expensive in the dead of winter- sorry!

Squash Casserole

Go here for the recipe.

Recipe Modifications: I used reduced fat Ritz crackers, 2% cheese, egg substitute, I used buttermilk (only because I had it leftover from the chicken recipe) and left out the butter! I will use some spray butter to top the dish once cooked.

Nutrition Information with modifications:
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: 130 Calories; 1 veg, 1 meat, 1 starch

Oven Fried Chicken

2009-06-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most requested meals I get from the other family I cook for. I hope you enjoy it too. Great way to get that fried chicken taste without the fat!

Oven Fried Chicken

Go here for the recipe

Recipe Modifications: I used low fat buttermilk instead of the milk, egg substitute, and boneless skinless chicken breasts. I also omitted the butter altogether.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 4 oz chicken
Meal Plan (using my modifications): ~250 Calories; 4 lean meats, 1 starch

I will serve this with squash casserole (recipe to follow) and my green beans.

Fish Tacos with Black Bean and Corn Salsa

2009-06-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

To keep it simple- this time instead of making the homemade salsa found in the original recipe, I am just going to use store bought salsa.

Visit allrecipes.com for the original recipe.

Fish Tacos with Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: Calories: 370, 4 meats, 2.5 starch

I am going to serve this with a pepper foil packet.

Baked Sweet Potatoes and Vegetable Salad

2009-06-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing special about this weeks vegy meal. For the salad I just walked through Kroger and picked out a few of my favorite salad vegys to add to our garden lettuce.

For the sweet potatoes I am going to wash them, then pierce them with a fork. Next I will spray them with Pam and then sprinkle a few spices on the skin of the potato. Last I will wrap in foil and add the foil wrapped potatoes to my crockpot to cook on low all day. Should me nice and soft by meal time.

Nutrition Information will vary depending on salad ingredients and size of sweet potato

Beef Stroganoff

2009-06-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

Beef Stroganoff. What a great idea for the crockpot! I went to allrecipes.com and selected this recipe because it had the highest rating. The recipe analysis scared me a little bit but I lightened it up a bit using the light cream cheese and lean stew meat. I also think you could easily cut back on the serving size. Hope it's good!

Beef Stroganoff

Nutrition Information: (based on allrecipes.com original recipe analysis)
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 505 Calories, 4.5 meats, 1/2 starch, 6 fats!!!! ouch

I am going to serve this with whole wheat pasta and green beans.

Mealtime Monday

2009-06-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well it took me 1 hour and about 15 minutes to cook 7 meals and 3 sides and totally destroy my nice neat kitchen. This week I only prepared 2 meals for the other family because they are going out of town for half the week and I chose not to prep the salad and baked potato meal until tonight. Let me just confess I was not in the cooking mood last night, and if it weren't for you I might have skipped the marathon meal prep all together BUT now that it is done I am sooooo happy that I won' have to worry about "what's for dinner" for the rest of the week- so thanks!

Following is the prep/storage/eat schedule for the week:

Monday: Baked Sweet Potatoes and Vegetable Salad- This morning I will prep the baked potatoes and toss them in the crockpot to cook on low all day. Tonight I will snip the lettuce from the garden and toss with the other vegetables.

Tuesday Night: Oven Fried Chicken and Squash Casserole- I fully prepped the chicken and squash casserole up until final baking and stored both in the refrigerator. Tuesday night I will remove from fridge and bake.

Wednesday Night: Beef Stroganoff- I prepared the recipe in a ziplock storage bag (minus the cream cheese) and then stored ziplock in fridge. Wednesday morning I will dump contents of ziplock in crockpot and cook on low all day. Once home from work I will stir in the cream cheese and finish the recipe.

Thursday Night: Fish Tacos- I seasoned frozen fish and wrapped each fish in a foil packet. I then stored fish in the freezer. Thursday morning I will transfer fish to refrigerator and then Thursday night I will grill the fish packets.

Friday and Saturday Nights: Out or Leftovers

Sunday Night: Chicken Tortilla Soup- I prepared this recipe in a large freezer ziplock bag. I stored ziplock in freezer. Saturday I will transfer soup from freezer to refrigerator. I will dump in crockpot Sunday morning and enjoy soup after church.

Sonday Sunday

2009-05-31T19:31:00.002-05:00

I absolutely hate it when I tell you that I am going to do something and then I don't follow through..... but it looks like I'm going to do it again. I know just yesterday, not even 24 hours ago, I told you I was going to continue our Captivating Review but after an incredibly busy day of showers, house looking, cooking, etc., etc. etc. (excuses, excuses, excuses) I have decided to put off the chapter 2 review until next week. Let me just tell you that chapter 2 was awesome so I just pray the Lord will help me to narrow down a few key points for next week' review that not only were helpful/meaningful to me but that will speak to your heart too.

In the meantime I would like to share a scripture from my Sunday School Class today.

As for me, I look to the Lord for his help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7

I love that!

2009-05-30T22:57:00.002-05:00

And there you have it! Was that the wimpiest Super Saturday ever, or what! I think my DRS is going through a slight remission period- that, or I am so beyond busy that I have had to slack up in my blogging lately.......... or maybe a little of both. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Sonday Sunday's in June

2009-05-30T22:56:00.002-05:00

Sundays will continue to focus on the Captivating review.

Familytime Friday in June

2009-05-30T22:53:00.001-05:00

Where to begin?...... I have GOT to do better with this one! Yep, that's my plan- do better. enough said

Thrifty Thursday in June

2009-05-30T22:51:00.002-05:00

My plan for Thirfty Thursday's in June is to get at least Kroger, Target, and Walgreen's Deals posted every week. I am also hoping to do a better job with deal alerts throughout the week.

Wildcard Wednesdays in June

2009-05-30T22:24:00.003-05:00

So today we took the For Sale By Owner sign out of the Yard because we found a sweet young couple who want our house- woopie!!! Anyways... with the sign out of the yard I officially have NO motivation to keep this house neat and clean. Sooooooo I have come up with a plan.... a plan that I am pretty darn excited about..... it is not an original plan......... no, I stole the idea from a really famous Arkansas Blog- KellysKorner.com. You see, currently every Friday kellyskorner.com is hosting "Show Us Where You Live" where she provides a Linky on her blog for readers to post pictures of their homes. And let me tell you she had over 400 people link to her blog last week alone!!!!

So here is my thought: If every week I commit to posting pictures of at least one room in my house, then at least one room of my house will get clean each week. PLUS, it is only a mater of time before I am no longer living in this home, and this will serve as a nice scrapbook of pictures to help us remember our old home.

Now here is the really exciting part.... YOU CAN PLAY TOO!!! Each week I will announce the theme room early enough in the week to give you plenty of time to straigten up (or not, whatever), grab your camera and take some pictures. Then use the Mr. Linky to post your pictures on Wildcard Wednesday. Doesn't that sound like fun!?! Oh, I do hope at least one person will play with me!!!

For a while I am going to go with KellysKorner theme room so that I can link to hers on Friday sooooo the first Wildcard Wednesday Room will be: Office

June's Master Cleaning Schedule

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

Effective Dates (Tuesday - Monday); Zone; Supplies

June 2-8; Bedrooms and Closets; Windex, Dusting Spray, vacuum, Wet and Dry Swiffer (we have stained concrete in our bedrooms), paper towels

June 9-15; Bathroom and Living Room, Windex, All-Purpose or Bathroom cleaner, Toilet Cleaner and Brush, Tilex or other soap scum and mold killer, Mr. Clean Dry Eraser, Swiffer Wet or mop, Dusting Spray, vacuum, paper towels

June 16- 22; Office and Playroom, Windex, Dusting Spray, Electrical Appliance Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner or other Sanitizer, Swiffer Wet and Dry or mop and broom, vacuum, paper towels

June 23- 29; Outside, Garage, Laundry Room; All-Purpose cleaner, broom, mop, leaf blower (optional), windex, coins for the car wash, vacuum, trash bags, containers to sort: donate, garage sale, keep, etc., paper towels

Remember to check out flylady.net for the ultimate cleaning plan.

Tidy Tuesdays in June

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

Last week I confessed my lack of motivation for keeping the house in "zone" order. Well, I'm afraid that is not going to get any better until I am moved in to our next house BUT I have thought up a clever little plan to get at least one room in order every week.......... I'll tell you all about it on the Wildcard Wednesday post. In the meantime, I am still planning to post the zone cleaning schedule each week so those that have remained "in the zone" can keep it up.

June's Month of Meals

2009-05-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

Week 1

Beef Stroganoff over Whole Wheat Noodles with Green Beans (crockpot)
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Vegetable Salad
Fish Tacos with Pepper Packet
Oven Fried Chicken with Squash Casserole and side salad
Chicken Tortilla Soup

Week 2

BBQ Pork Sandwich with Baked Beans and Side Salad (crockpot)
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Catfish N Chips with Greens
Black Bean Chicken Pizza
BLTs with Carrot Chips and Ranch

Week 3

Lemon Garlic Chicken (crockpot) with Rice and Green Beans
Stuffed Green Peppers
Tilapia Puttanesca with Rice
Taco Roll with side salad
Steak with Baked Potato and Side Salad

Week 4

Asian Shredded Beef with Cabbage and Rice (crockpot)
Artichoke and Spinach Lasagna
Stir-fry Shrimp with Cheesy Grits
Southwest Egg Rolls with side salad
Turkey Burgers with Chips and Salsa

Mealtime Mondays

2009-05-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mealtime Monday's in June are going to incorporate some recipes from past months as well as some new ones. I also gave more thought in planning each week's menu to ensure that I am out of that kitchen in an hour and a half or less. Hope ya think it looks tasty!

Super Saturday

2009-05-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today is Super Saturday and boy am I not prepared! Currently I am writing this intro post at midnight Friday night and I have a metabolism party in the early morning so I'm not sure how many posts will get prepared before I poop out and go to bed. But before the weekend is up- You will have the complete June Master Plan! So hang in there.....

Learning Time

2009-05-29T14:30:00.000-05:00

For Learning Time today we SHOULD go to the library because our books are soooooo overdue. BUT I know we won't make it to the library because we are going to jump zone instead. So basically I wrote the previous two sentences as both a confession and a reminder to eventually get by the library. thanks

What I am thinking we will really do for learning time today is good ol' flashcards. Yep, what says learning time more then flashcards. Colby has some basic reading cards and we will just keep reviewing animals and shapes with Cohen.

Craft Time

2009-05-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend I am throwing a shower for my sister-in-law (same baby you all helped pray over earlier this year) Sooo I am having a "garden themed" shower and thought the boys and I might try making tissue paper flowers. Not sure these will be a part of the official decor......but I'm not ruling it out.

Go here for the directions.

Devotional Time

2009-05-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

Today we are going to look at "Being Cheerful and Kind" in our Our Together-Time Bible.

The memory verse for this lesson:
Do not forget to do good to others. And share with them what you have. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16

The bible story that illustrates this lesson is found in Genesis 24: 15-20. This is the story of Rebekah when she cheerfully and kindly gave water to Abraham's servant and his camels.

Familytime Friday

2009-05-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

Seems like it has been a looooong time since we have had a real quality Familytime Friday. Not sure that today will be the day that turns around for us, but we do have some fun things planned. For one, we will be attending play group at Jump Zone today, that should account for at least 1.5 hours of activity and should sponsor a GREAT naptime for CoCo. I am also hoping (not promising) to get in a little devotional time, learning time, and craft time with the boys..... we'll see. I'll go ahead and post a game plan for these times, just in case!

Super Saturday is Coming! maybe?

2009-05-28T21:08:00.003-05:00

Wo, I just remembered that this Saturday is SUPER SATURDAY!!!! AGHHHHHHH it has totally snuck up on me. Not sure what is in store or when exactly the full June Master plan will post but I'll be sure to get busy on it- might end up being a Super Weekend instead of just Saturday (good thing ya'll DRSers are so forgiving).

I'd love some ideas for our June Menu. Any favorite recipes you'd like to share. Any ideas to get me motivated to clean my house in June.... yeah that would be nice.

Deal Alert- Target

2009-05-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

Go here to print the Target Printables I reference below:

Here are my favorite Target Deals this week:

Vitamin Water on sale $1

Use $1 off 1 from 4/5 SS

Final Price: FREE

remember this deal is also available at Walgreens this week.

Kashi GoLean Crunch Cereal and Granola Bars on sale for $2.88

Use $1.50 off 2 from a recent coupons.com printable (no longer available)

Final Price: $2.13 each

Kelloggs Cereal on sale $1.99

Use $1 off 1 from a recent coupons.com printable (no longer available)

Final Price: $0.99

Quaker True Delights Granola Bars on sale for $2.50

Use $1 off 1 from 5/10 RP

Final Price: $1.50 each

Quaker Fiber and Omega Granola Bars for $2.50

Use $1 off 1 4/19 RP

Final Price: $1.50 after coupons

Note: This is one of my favorite high fiber bars these days, just thought I'd share!

Gift Card Deal:

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you purchase a combo of 5 of the following products: Kellogg's Pop Tarts, Cheez-it Crackers, and Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies at $2.33 each

Coupons available:

Poptarts: $0.50 off 1 Target Printable AND $1 off 2 in 4/5 RP

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies: $0.55 off 2 in 4/5 RP

Best Scenerio (from a $ standpoint NOT nutritional standpoint, anyways...):

Buy 5 poptarts, Use 5 Target Printables and 2 RP coupons

Final Price: $2.15 for 5 boxes after all coupons and $5 gift card

Other Deals

Banana Boat Sunscreen Trial Size for $0.99
Use $1 off 1 from 5/3 RP
Final Price: FREE

Plus go here to learn how you can get one of these movies PLUS a ticket to see Disney's UP AND 2 packages of Rayovak Batteries for just $10.99!

Deal Alert- Kroger

2009-05-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

Last week I think I only used 4 coupons so I was excited to see a few more deals this week.

Here are the deals that stand out to me this week at Kroger. As always, check in with thegrocerygame.com on Sunday (or late Saturday night) for a complete list of match-ups.

Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries on sale for $1.97

Gala Apples on sale for $0.99 lb

Green Beans, Yellow Squash, and Zucchini on sale for $0.97/lb

Kroger Grade A Eggs on sale for $0.88

Kroger Milk or Orange Juice 1/2 gallons on sale for $1.29

USDA Choice Boneless Chuck Pot Roast on sale for $1.97/lb

Kroger Bar or Shredded Cheese on sale B1G1 Free

All Laundry Detergent on sale for $3.99

Use $0.40 off 1 from 5/10 RP

Final Price: $3.19

10 for $10 Sale (remember you don't have to buy 10)

Cool Whip

Use recent $1 off 2 from coupons.com (no longer available)

Final Price: $0.50 each

Country Time Lemonade

Hurry and Print your $1.50 off 2 coupon from the coupons.com sidebar

Final Price: $0.50 for 2 BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE:

Catalina promotion: Buy 2 Country Time drink mixes between 5/29 and 6/11, and you will get a $1 Catalina good on you next order.

Therefore Final Price: FREE plus $0.50 overage!!!

Green Giant Vegetables

Use $0.50 off 2 from 4/5 SS (expires on Saturday!) or this $0.50 off 1 printable

Final Price: FREE or $0.50

Cattleman's BBQ Sauce

Use this $0.50 off 1

Final Price: FREE

Dial Bar Soap or Pumps

Use this $0.55 off 1

Final Price: FREE plus $0.10 overage yeah!!!

Deal Alert- Walgreens

2009-05-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

Not too impressed with the deals this week. Not only that but I also found that some of the coupons used in match-ups found on other coupon blogs were not found in our regional newspaper inserts- bummer! Here are the confirmed BEST match-ups for our neck of the woods.

Vitamin Water at $1 each

Use $1 off 1 from 4/5 SS (can't confirm value of coupon in our paper because I already used it but there is for sure a coupon in the 4/5 SS)

Final Price: FREE

Dial Soap on sale 2 for $3

Use this $0.55 off 1 printable

Final Price: $0.95 each

Note: this would double nicely at Kroger, personally I think I will hold on to it and use it at Kroger.

Adidas deodorant on sale for $1.99

Use $1 off 1 from 4/5 RP

Final Price: $0.99

Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care line is on sale B1G1 FREE (prices start at $8.49)

Use 2 $2 off 1 from here

Final Price: $4.49 for 2

Buy 2 Reach Ultra Clean Toothbrush or Floss at $2.50 each, Get $3 RR

Use B1G1 from 4/26 RP AND $.50 off 1 from 3/15 SS

Final Price: FREE plus $1.00 overage with coupons and RR

Buy 1 Colgate Wave Total Toothpaste at 2.49, Get $1.50 RR

Use $1 off 1 from here OR $1.50 off 1 from March All You (pg. 41)

Final Price: FREE and possible overages with RR

Buy 1 Tropicana Orange Juice at $2.99, Get $1 RR

Use $1 off 1 from 3/15 RP

Final Price: $0.99 after coupon and RR

May RR

Buy 1 Bayer Breeze or Contour Blood Glucose Meter at $14.99, Get $5 RR

Use $30 off 1 from 3/1 or 3/22 RP (coupon will adjust down)

Final Price: FREE plus $5 in overage from RR

Buy 1 Bayer Quick Release Crystals at $2.49, Get $2.49 RR

Final Price: FREE after RR

Big Thanks to MoneySavingMom for help with the match-ups this week!

Thrifty Thursday

2009-05-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well DRSers the coupon usage has been pretty dry the last couple of weeks for this girl BUT I'm feeling pretty good about some of the deals this week. Have you found any good deals lately?

Deal Alert

2009-05-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

After spending so much time in the hot sun with your garden why not treat you and a buddy to a Frosty at Wendys. And how about using this B1G1 FREE coupon!

Once a Year Gardener

2009-05-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Last year when I ordered Blogging for Dummies off Amazon.com I also purchased Landscaping for Dummies. That book has remained unopened BUT I have high hopes of cracking it open at our next home. As for now, the only gardening this girl does is once a year I put flowers in our porch pots. I checked this task off my to-do list this past weekend:

Can I let you in on a little secret? The tall plant.... it's not real! Don't tell.. ok? The other plants are real but I have no idea what they are called.

Donna, Donna- How does your garden grow?

2009-05-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know! DH is the gardener in this family. BUT I thought for this Wildcard Wednesday I would show you some pictures of our Garden. Although I have NO advice on how to grow a garden, I do highly recommend you getting one. Last year was the first year for our garden and let me just tell you, it was so much fun. It was so exciting to see the first blooms of our vegetables and my oh my how much better home grown vegys taste!

Every night while I prepared supper I would put out a relish tray of all of our garden grown vegetables for the fam to munch on while dinner cooked. It was because of this Colby developed a love of tomatoes and green peppers. Maybe it will work on Cohen this year......

Last year DH started the garden from already partially grown plants (not sure what the official term for this is called, but anyways....) BUT this year all but the blueberry bush were started as seeds! Talk about a thrifty tip. Each packet of seeds cost less then $1 and contained tons of seeds.

What's up with the fuzziness in all the pictures?

This is our leaf lettuce and Spinach.

This is a picture of the corn popping out of the ground. How cute is that!

Our lowly blueberry bush. Don't think we'll get any out of her this year.

DH also planted: tomatoes, green beans, squash, zuchinni, green peppers, and jalepeno peppers.

Woops!

2009-05-26T21:04:00.002-05:00

Ok, all you DRSers who checked in between the hours of about 3pm till about 5 minutes ago- you walked in on a HUGE mistake. I accidentally posted the Target Deal Alerts today, on TIDY TUESDAY!!!! instead of Thrifty Thursday. Wow! I sure hope that didn't mess with your heads. Don't worry the issue has been resolved. Once the mistake was brought to my attention I swiftly removed the post from the blog. Life can resume as normal.......

For those of you who did not get a chance to print a copy of Target Deals they are scheduled to repost on it's proper day at around 1pm.

Zone 1- Kitchen

2009-05-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

Odd Months
Day 1- Tuesday

Clean Fridge inside & Out
Clean Light Fixtures
Shine Sink (I use the turtle wax to shine my sink)

Day 2- Wednesday

Clean and organize all cabinets
Clean and organize all drawers
Clean outside of cabinets

Day 3- Thursday

Clean oven
Clean stovetop
Clean all knick knacks (everything that sits on top of the counters ex: coffee pot)
Clean Microwave

Day 4- Friday

Clean and organize pantry
Clean Floors
Clean behind Fridge
Clean baseboards

Day 4- Saturday

Detail highchair
Dust Buffet and Cookbooks
Clean inside and out china cabinet
Dust of polish table

Sunday and Monday- OFF

Tidy Tuesday

2009-05-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Can I just tell you that for now, zone cleaning is on hold at my house. It is only a matter of time before my family moves to our next home (first have to find one, but anyways....) but my heart has already moved on. The only time I am motivated to clean this one is when a potential buyer wants to see it, which lucky enough has been at least once a week so the house hasn't gotten too out of hand...... yet. I am still going to post the zone schedule just in case some of you are still following it, I am just not going to join in. BUT let me tell ya- nothing fuels the zones like a new (new to me) house, so just you wait, in a matter of months I'm going to be on fire for cleaning again. Aaaaaand a new to me house means TONS of labeling opportunities, oh I can hardly wait!!! Good times, up ahead ladies!!!!!

California Roll Salad

2009-05-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

Remember when I was in Vegas and I tried California Rolls? Wouldn't it be fun if we could make our own?!?! Well, that is a little out of my culinary comfort zone but I found this recipe that I thought might fool my taste buds into thinking they were getting the real deal!

Update: I wrote the intro to this recipe before grocery shopping. Lump Crab Meat was priced at around $16.99 and Wasabi Powder was priced at $11.99........... we are NOT having this salad at our house this week! But if you are interested below is the link for the recipe and a nutritional analysis. If someone out there tries it let us know!!!

Go here for recipe

California Roll Salad

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: 264 Calories, 1 meat, 1.5 starches, 1.5 veg, 1.5 fats

Chicken Enchiladas

2009-05-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Chicken Enchiladas? Sounds yummy! Tons of recipes to choose from. I chose this one but if you have a recipe you love please share!

Go here for recipe

Chicken Enchiladas
I used light sour cream, fat free cottage cheese and only 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese.

Nutrition Information: (provided by allrecipes.com and does not reflect modifications! I bet you could easily knock off at least 100 Calories with modifications)
Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
Meal Plan: 550 Calories, 4.5 meats, 2 starches, 4 fats (less fat with modifications!)

I am going to serve these with black beans and a side salad.

Lean Hamburgers

2009-05-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing special here folks. Just thought my family might enjoy hamburgers and having them at home is a much much healthier option!

Lean Hamburgers

1 lb Ground Sirloin (or extra lean ground beef)
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
Cavenders to Taste
Whole Wheat Buns
Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, other

Mix all of the above together and then form 4 patties. (The breadcrumbs help hold the extra lean beef together, otherwise might fall apart on grill) Grill to desired doneness. Add bun and fixens

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 burger with bun
Calories: 390, 4 meats, 2.5 starch, 1/2 vegetable

I am going to serve this with Baked Sweet Potatoe Fries.

UPDATE: DH is wanting to stretch his culinary skills this evening so he has gone to Kroger to gather ingredients to doctor these burgers up a bit! No telling what he'll bring home- but I did hear him mention something about an avocado- yummy!

Whole Wheat Overnight Pancakes

2009-05-25T16:20:00.000-05:00

These were really yummy last time, so I am excited they are on the menu again this week. I recommend making extra to freeze so you can have your own frozen pancakes ready to microwave on any given morning.

Whole Wheat Overnight Pancakes

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe (I have no idea how much this makes but I'm sure 8 is a minimum)
Meal Plan: ~180 Calories, 2 starches

I am going to serve this with fresh fruit and Redi Whip. Yum Yum!

Mealtime Monday

2009-05-25T15:05:00.002-05:00

Well it took me about 40 minute to prepare this week's menu. Now before you get too excited about that prep time I must confess two things. One I did not preprep the burgers- I knew today I would have extra help around the kitchen so I did not bother preparing them last night. Second, I ended up not making the California Roll Salad- the other family was not adventurous enough to want to try it AND when I went to purchase the ingredients for the salad I realized I could easily order real California Rolls for less then it would cost me to make the salad! Sooooo all I prepared last night was:

2 Pasta Fagiolis
2 Chicken Enchiladas
2 Dry Ingredients for Whole Wheat Pancakes

Here is the prep and eating plan for this week:

Monday- Memorial Day cookout. I am going to prepare the lean hamburgers for our cookout.

Tuesday- Whole Wheat Pancakes. To prep I went ahead and mixed the dry ingredients and stored them in a ziplock in the fridge. Tuesday morning I will finish recipe and store in fridge until time to cook the pancakes (remember the batter needs to sit in fridge at least 8 hours)

Wednesday- Pasta Fagioli- I dumped all but the pasta sauce, beef broth, and pasta into a ziplock bag (simply because it wouldn't all fit) and stored in fridge (this recipe could have easily been frozen). Wednesday morning I will transfer to crockpot and add broth and pasta sauce. Instead of cooking pasta in crockpot I think I will prepare on stovetop and then add to soup before serving.

Thursday-Chicken Enchiladas- I fully prepped this dish and stored in freezer. Wednesday I will transfer to fridge to allow thaw time. Thursday night I will pop into oven to finish!

Friday and Saturday- Out or leftovers

Sunday- Question Mark! (This is when I was suppose to have the California Roll Salad) Sounds like a good day for a pantry challenge.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hope you have a great day with your family. Food is cooked I just haven't had time to write about it yet, but I tell you what...... Your recipes and prep schedule will post before the clock strikes midnight tonight!

Sonday Sunday- Captivating Reflection

2009-05-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

I have only read chapter One of Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge and I can already tell this book was written specifically for the woman with DRS! I mean just read what Stasi Eldredge confesses within the first few pages of chapter one:

I somehow believed that upon saying, "I do," I would be magically transformed into Betty Crocker (we know she meant to say Donna Reed, but anyways). I imagined myself baking fresh bread, looking flushed and beautiful as I removed the steaming loaves from the oven. No matter that I hadn't cooked but five meals in my entire life, I set about preparing dinners, breakfasts even, with determination and zeal. After two weeks of this, I lay on the couch despondent, announcing that I didn't know what was for dinner and that John was on his own. Besides, the kitchen floor was dirty. I had failed.

Hello! Is that not a textbook description of DRS. Anyways....

I felt a real connection to this author when she went on to describe the guilt and shame all Women feel in the shadow of that infamous Proverbs 31 Woman. And how most women feel a "nagging sense of failing to measure up."

The authors challenge us to take our focus off the actions of what we feel a woman ought to do and be and rather focus on the heart of a woman. For the heart represents the core of who we are. In Genesis we learn that "God created man in his own image... male and female he created them." therefore if we understand the heart of a woman we will better understand the heart, or desires, of our God.

This book is going to look at three desires that are common to every woman and show how they reflect God's own heart: To be Romanced; To play an Irreplaceable Role in a Great Adventure; and to Unveil Beauty.

Isn't it neat to think about the fact that our deepest desires that are unique to women are not only given to us by our God but also shared desires of our King.

This week as I dive deeper into the study I am going to reflect on what it means to be made in the Lord's image and specifically I am going to look for passages that mention the heart. Do any verses come to mind?

Annual Budget Countdown

2009-05-23T23:20:00.002-05:00

And now the most anticipated post of the week:

I only grocery shopped once since last A.B.C. post:

Kroger Spent: $80.67 (on 45 items)
Saved: $33.49

Totals for year:
Total Spent: $1851.24
Total Saved: $1470.85
Total Left for year: $3148.76

Blog Break- Over!

2009-05-23T23:07:00.002-05:00

Well, that was a nice little break. But it's good to be back. Anyone notice I was gone? Don't answer that, I don't want to know. In my little world it is best if I just imagine that people were pining away at their computers wondering "when will she ever come back." If I really knew that this blog was only read by my Mom and myself I might stop and I can't stop because it is critical therapy in the treatment of my DRS. Come to think of it.... Mom never mentioned the blog break........

Blog Break

2009-05-20T11:09:00.001-05:00

Hey DRSers- I'm pooped! Hope you don't mind but I am going to take a few days off from the computer. Talk to ya soon!

Tonights the Night

2009-05-18T19:50:00.003-05:00

Well tonight is the big Ford American Idol Watch Party!!!! Are you coming? Oh, I sure do hope so. Can you imagine how much fun it would be to get a whole bunch of women together with DRS! Wow! Good times!

I know UCA is having a HUGE watch party at Estes Stadium but if you would like to attend a smaller event with just as much excitement then come on over (Second Baptist Church Gym behind Quiznos on Oak street.) The festivities start at 6pm. I really have no idea how many people to expect but I have real food for about 50 and then unlimited hot dogs (well anyways about 200).

We'll dim the lights at 7pm to watch the finale competition between Kris and the other guy. During commercial breaks I'll do the Ford party-favor give aways (Ford totes NOT cars) and of course you'll have a chance to check out the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

So stop by if you can and bring the fam. I'm so excited about getting a chance to meet some of my blog family!

(oh and I do apoligize I did not get a jump around for the kids because 1) it would have been too loud during the show and 2) they didn't call me back. Hope your kiddos won't be too disappointed!)

Deal Alert

2009-05-18T19:42:00.003-05:00

You know how I love a good cheese sale. Well, go here to print 2 $1 off 1 coupons for 2% Kraft Cheese. Hey, why don't you combine it with your Target $1 off 2 coupon for some really cheap cheese. Woo Hoo!