All I do for Chicken Fajitas is follow the directions on the back of the McCormick Fajita Seasoning Packet. For the sake of your grocery list I'll go ahead and write the directions for ya.
Chicken Fajitas
1 pkg. McCormick Seasoning Mix
2 tbs. oil divided (optional if you ask me)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion
1 medium bell pepper
1/4 cup water
8 high fiber tortillas (high fiber- my suggestion)
Here is how I prepare the fajitas:
Mix water and seasoning packet into a ziplock bag. Add chicken to bag to marinate. Meanwhile thinly slice onion and green pepper. Saute onion and green pepper with Pam or a little bit of oil in a skillet. I usually bake or grill my chicken but McCormick recommends cooking in skillet with a little bit of oil. Once chicken is cooked cut into thin strips. Add chicken and vegetables to tortillas.
Nutrition Information: for chicken and vegetables only
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~215 Calories, 4 meats, 1 veg
I am going to serve these with black beans and guacamole.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Apple, Cheddar, and Turkey Meatballs
Ok Crockpot Lady I'm totally trusting you on this one. Meatballs in the crockpot? I'm going to give it a try. I'll tell you I might not be the best one to review this recipe because:
- I don't really like ground turkey- Yes I know some of you will be shocked that the RD doesn't usually cook with ground turkey but honestly ground sirloin is just as lean as most ground turkeys and I think it tastes better- so there.
- I have never liked meatballs.
So why did I choose a turkey meatball recipe?..... I asked myself that same question as I was forming the golf ball size meatballs. I DO like all the other ingredients found in these oh so healthy balls of turkey so I'm crossing my fingers. I'll let you know.
Go here for the recipe.
I used 2% cheddar and could have used egg substitute if I'd thought of it.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe (not sure how that equates to balls)
Meal Plan: 180 Calories, 3 oz meat, 1 fruit
Since I'm new to meatballs I wasn't sure what to serve with this so I opted for mashed potatoes and green beans.
Chicken Manicotti
This recipe is sponsored by Emily. She brought this dish to our recipe exchange party a couple weeks back and boy was it yummy. I am going to provide the recipe in it's original form with my modifications in parentheses.
Chicken Manicotti
8-10 Manicotti Shells, Cooked and Drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup (reduced fat)
2 cans of cream of chicken soup (reduced fat)
2 T. melted butter (I left out)
1 c. Monterey Jack Cheese (if you can find lite or 2% that would be ideal- I wasn't able to find)
1 c. sour cream (lite)
2 cups cooked/diced chicken
1/4 c. chopped onions (optional)
1 can sliced mushrooms, undrained (optional)
Cook manicotti shells and drain (my suggestion would be to cook until slightly soft- I cooked mine too long and then had a difficult time stuffing because they kept collapsing and breaking). Meanwhile, combine soups and sour cream and set 1/2 of mixture aside. With the remaining mixture add chicken and stuff cooked shells and place in 9x13 dish. Saute' onions in butter then add mushrooms and cook for a few minutes. Add remaining soup mixture to onion mixture and spoon over top of manicotti. Bake covered at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until heated and then top with cheese for additional 5 minutes uncovered.
Meal Plan: This is for everything BUT the manicotti shell! I know the shell is a critical part of this recipe but I threw the box away before I looked at the nutrition information and DH already took the recycle bin to the curb and it's really cold out there....... so just add the calories of the manicotti shell on top of the following nutrition information, ok.
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Calories: 209, 2 meats, 1 starch, 1 fat PLUS Manicotti Shell
Chicken Manicotti
8-10 Manicotti Shells, Cooked and Drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup (reduced fat)
2 cans of cream of chicken soup (reduced fat)
2 T. melted butter (I left out)
1 c. Monterey Jack Cheese (if you can find lite or 2% that would be ideal- I wasn't able to find)
1 c. sour cream (lite)
2 cups cooked/diced chicken
1/4 c. chopped onions (optional)
1 can sliced mushrooms, undrained (optional)
Cook manicotti shells and drain (my suggestion would be to cook until slightly soft- I cooked mine too long and then had a difficult time stuffing because they kept collapsing and breaking). Meanwhile, combine soups and sour cream and set 1/2 of mixture aside. With the remaining mixture add chicken and stuff cooked shells and place in 9x13 dish. Saute' onions in butter then add mushrooms and cook for a few minutes. Add remaining soup mixture to onion mixture and spoon over top of manicotti. Bake covered at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until heated and then top with cheese for additional 5 minutes uncovered.
Meal Plan: This is for everything BUT the manicotti shell! I know the shell is a critical part of this recipe but I threw the box away before I looked at the nutrition information and DH already took the recycle bin to the curb and it's really cold out there....... so just add the calories of the manicotti shell on top of the following nutrition information, ok.
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Calories: 209, 2 meats, 1 starch, 1 fat PLUS Manicotti Shell
Deal Alert
Go here to print your high value $2 off 1 ALL Detergent coupon. This coupon is only going to be available until 11pm tonight!!!! Then it will magically turn into a lowly $1 off 1 coupon. Thanks Thrifty Mama!
Black Bean Soup
If you didn't try this recipe last time I posted it, I'd highly recommend giving it a try soon. I think I could make this recipe every week and never grow tired of it. In fact I bet we will have this soup again the week of the Pantry Challenge.
Go here for the recipe.
I use chicken broth instead of the vegetable broth and I like to sprinkle just a little bit of Lite Mexican Blend cheese on top!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (my guess is about 1 cup)
Meal Plan: Calories: 241 (without cheese) 2 lean meats, 2 starches, 12g of Fiber!!!
Go here for the recipe.
I use chicken broth instead of the vegetable broth and I like to sprinkle just a little bit of Lite Mexican Blend cheese on top!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (my guess is about 1 cup)
Meal Plan: Calories: 241 (without cheese) 2 lean meats, 2 starches, 12g of Fiber!!!
Spicy Seafood Stew
By now you know I loooove Spicy AND I try to prepare at least 1 fish dish a week sooooo here is what I got for this week.
Spicy Seafood Stew
Go here for recipe
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 1/3 cups
Meal Plan: 199 Calories, 3 lean meats, 2.5 vegetables
I am going to serve this with cornbread.
Spicy Seafood Stew
Go here for recipe
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 1/3 cups
Meal Plan: 199 Calories, 3 lean meats, 2.5 vegetables
I am going to serve this with cornbread.
Mealtime Monday
Once again I can't give you an exact time on the meal prep today. I will tell you that I was in the kitchen for over 3 hours but a big chunk of the time was spent cutting off fat and bagging up my chicken into meal size freezer ziplocks (I bought enough chicken to last 6 meals at the Kroger sale this week) and cleaning up the ginormous mess I made during my cooking marathon. I would think that all of the recipes could easily be prepared in under an hour and a half- the only wildcard is the Manicotti- kinda tedious stuffing those shells. Here is what I did to prep and store this week's meals:
Monday: Spicy Seafood Stew. To prep I cut up vegetables and stored in a ziplock. In another ziplock I mixed the tomatoes and spices. Both ziplocks stored in fridge. Tonight I will finish up recipe and add fish.
Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas. I stored the marinating chicken in the fridge and simply cut up the vegetables for prep. Tuesday night I will saute peppers and onions while grilling the chicken.
Wednesday: Apple, Cheddar Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. The meatballs are formed and stored in the fridge. Wednesday morning I will add meatballs to crockpot, cook on low, and cross my fingers.
Thursday: Chicken Manicotti- I fully prepped this dish without adding cheese. I stored in freezer. Wednesday I will transfer dish from freezer to fridge. Thursday night I will bake.
Friday and Saturday- At Moms House
Sunday: Black Bean Soup? This dish was fully prepped and stored in a freezer ziplock in the freezer, HOWEVER.... I am thinking black bean soup, although quite yummy, is not special enough for Easter Lunch therefore I will probably fix the soup earlier in the week for lunches and go by the meat market to pick up something fun for Easter Lunch. We'll see....
Monday: Spicy Seafood Stew. To prep I cut up vegetables and stored in a ziplock. In another ziplock I mixed the tomatoes and spices. Both ziplocks stored in fridge. Tonight I will finish up recipe and add fish.
Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas. I stored the marinating chicken in the fridge and simply cut up the vegetables for prep. Tuesday night I will saute peppers and onions while grilling the chicken.
Wednesday: Apple, Cheddar Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. The meatballs are formed and stored in the fridge. Wednesday morning I will add meatballs to crockpot, cook on low, and cross my fingers.
Thursday: Chicken Manicotti- I fully prepped this dish without adding cheese. I stored in freezer. Wednesday I will transfer dish from freezer to fridge. Thursday night I will bake.
Friday and Saturday- At Moms House
Sunday: Black Bean Soup? This dish was fully prepped and stored in a freezer ziplock in the freezer, HOWEVER.... I am thinking black bean soup, although quite yummy, is not special enough for Easter Lunch therefore I will probably fix the soup earlier in the week for lunches and go by the meat market to pick up something fun for Easter Lunch. We'll see....
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Last weeks meals in review
I wanted to take just a second to give my final verdict on last week's meals- just in case you were considering any of these recipes for your menu.
Fish with Black Bean Avocado Relish: DH and eldest son raved! This was my favorite fish taco to date.
Whole Wheat Pancakes: All I can say is...... Y.U.M.M.Y. I'll never go back to Bisquick again. I can't wait to make these again, in fact... I'm thinking this would make a great Easter Sunday breakfast. I'm thinking a little Kroger $2.50 blueberries and strawberries with a dab of Reddi Whip just for fun.
Can I just interrupt this post to say that the thought of Reddi Whip just makes me smile. It is my personal opinion that it is the single best way to spend 20 Calories. Thank you.
Poppyseed Chicken: Very Good. My only complaint was that after coming out of the freezer and baking it looked... different, still good but different.
Mexican Pork Roast- We loved it. We ended up making pork tacos with the pork and beans and left over corn tortillas from the fish dish.
Pork Chili: 4 out of 5 adults loved this. For some reason DH was not a fan, but myself and the other family along with their son all really enjoyed it. I finished up the last of the leftovers tonight.
Fish with Black Bean Avocado Relish: DH and eldest son raved! This was my favorite fish taco to date.
Whole Wheat Pancakes: All I can say is...... Y.U.M.M.Y. I'll never go back to Bisquick again. I can't wait to make these again, in fact... I'm thinking this would make a great Easter Sunday breakfast. I'm thinking a little Kroger $2.50 blueberries and strawberries with a dab of Reddi Whip just for fun.
Can I just interrupt this post to say that the thought of Reddi Whip just makes me smile. It is my personal opinion that it is the single best way to spend 20 Calories. Thank you.
Poppyseed Chicken: Very Good. My only complaint was that after coming out of the freezer and baking it looked... different, still good but different.
Mexican Pork Roast- We loved it. We ended up making pork tacos with the pork and beans and left over corn tortillas from the fish dish.
Pork Chili: 4 out of 5 adults loved this. For some reason DH was not a fan, but myself and the other family along with their son all really enjoyed it. I finished up the last of the leftovers tonight.
Deal Alert
Go here to print your $3 off 1 Huggies Swimmers Coupon. This should make for some pretty cheap swimmers once summer roles around.
Sonday Sunday- Palm Sunday
What an exciting week this is for us Christians. Just think, this day some two thousandish years back Jesus began his final walk to the cross.....
12The next day a vast crowd of those who had come to the Passover Feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
13So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And as they went, they kept shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!
14And Jesus, having found a young donkey, rode upon it, [just] as it is written in the Scriptures,
15Do not fear, O Daughter of Zion! Look! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!
16His disciples did not understand and could not comprehend the meaning of these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified and exalted, they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him. John 12: 12-16!
While Jesus was fully aware that he would be welcomed into the city with shouts of Praise he was also fully aware that in only a few short days those shouts of Hosanna! would turn to shouts of "Crucify Him" and yet he walked in anyway! Thank you Jesus.
12The next day a vast crowd of those who had come to the Passover Feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
13So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And as they went, they kept shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!
14And Jesus, having found a young donkey, rode upon it, [just] as it is written in the Scriptures,
15Do not fear, O Daughter of Zion! Look! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!
16His disciples did not understand and could not comprehend the meaning of these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified and exalted, they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him. John 12: 12-16!
While Jesus was fully aware that he would be welcomed into the city with shouts of Praise he was also fully aware that in only a few short days those shouts of Hosanna! would turn to shouts of "Crucify Him" and yet he walked in anyway! Thank you Jesus.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A Day at the Races!
Money Lost to the Horses: $9
Money Lost to the Concession Stand: $40
Money Lost to new outfit in an attempt to look cute for the Horses: $45
Good times with Great Friends: PRICELESS
Friday, April 3, 2009
Deal Alert!
This is one HOT deal if you ask me. Pop on over to thethriftymama to learn how to get some FREE paper and Quickbooks at Staples. I am all over some FREE Paper! Us couponers go through A LOT!
Familytime Friday
TGIF!
Well nothing official on the agenda for familytime today. We have several errands to run today (didn't I say I was going to do better with this?....) If we do anything post worthy I'll be sure to let you know. How about you? Got any neat ideas to do with your family you want to share?
I'm predicting a low post kind of day... But I'll surf the web real quick to see if there are any deals you should know about. Have a great day!
Well nothing official on the agenda for familytime today. We have several errands to run today (didn't I say I was going to do better with this?....) If we do anything post worthy I'll be sure to let you know. How about you? Got any neat ideas to do with your family you want to share?
I'm predicting a low post kind of day... But I'll surf the web real quick to see if there are any deals you should know about. Have a great day!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Me vs House
I have hit a Wall! I just can't get motivated to get my house in order. My laundry is piling up, I have not touched a zone since Tuesday and I'm sitting here looking at my empty bowl of pork chili (yummy! by the way!!!) that has been sitting on my cluttered kitchen table since 6:30 tonight thinking "I just don't think I have the energy to walk the bowl 12 paces to the kitchen sink, much less the dishwasher tonight." Anyone with me on this one?
Of course, I did seem to find the energy to locate my camera, snap a picture of the empty bowl of chili, upload the picture, and then write about my lack of energy to do housework.......... DARN! Guess I'd better get off this thing and clean the kitchen. Thanks for setting me straight!
Annual Budget Countdown
Last week and so far this week I have shopped a total of 5 times. 2 times at Kroger and 3 times at Walgreens
First Kroger (and this was my favorite trip!)
Total Spent: 91.98 on 76 items
Total Saved: 85.24
Second Kroger Trip (cheese run)
Total Spent: $8.18 for 10 items
Total Saved: $29.34
Walgreens first Transaction:
Total Spent: $3.32 for Softsoap Bodywash
Total Saved: $1.50
Second Walgreens Transaction:
Total Spent: $0.33 (used the FREE Bodywash coupon from above deal so just paid tax)
Total Saved: $4.49
Third Walgreens Transaction:
Total Spent: $5.86 (plus got $3 RR)
Total Saved: $22.04
Side Note: I was really hoping to keep getting FREE bodywash coupons over and over and over but when I used my FREE bodywash coupon it would not spit another FREE bodywash catalina so I am a little bummed over this deal. Because I am plenty stocked in bodywash $3.65 for 2 bodywashes is a little more then I am wanting to spend at this time SoOoOoOo I am planning on taking back Walgreens Transaction #1 and #2 tomorrow. Therefore I am not going to include them in my totals for the week.
Second Side Note: I got my February Rebate Gift Card in the mail this week.... $62.09!! Woo Hoo!!! So although I won't add this back into my budget I will start using this to pay for future Walgreens purchases so I won't have to deduct from the budget for a while- does that make sense?
Total week 13 Spent: $106.02
Total Saved: $136.62
Total Spent for year: $1296.69
Total Saved for year: $1144.68
Total Left for year: $3703.31
First Kroger (and this was my favorite trip!)
Total Spent: 91.98 on 76 items
Total Saved: 85.24
Second Kroger Trip (cheese run)
Total Spent: $8.18 for 10 items
Total Saved: $29.34
Walgreens first Transaction:
Total Spent: $3.32 for Softsoap Bodywash
Total Saved: $1.50
Second Walgreens Transaction:
Total Spent: $0.33 (used the FREE Bodywash coupon from above deal so just paid tax)
Total Saved: $4.49
Third Walgreens Transaction:
Total Spent: $5.86 (plus got $3 RR)
Total Saved: $22.04
Side Note: I was really hoping to keep getting FREE bodywash coupons over and over and over but when I used my FREE bodywash coupon it would not spit another FREE bodywash catalina so I am a little bummed over this deal. Because I am plenty stocked in bodywash $3.65 for 2 bodywashes is a little more then I am wanting to spend at this time SoOoOoOo I am planning on taking back Walgreens Transaction #1 and #2 tomorrow. Therefore I am not going to include them in my totals for the week.
Second Side Note: I got my February Rebate Gift Card in the mail this week.... $62.09!! Woo Hoo!!! So although I won't add this back into my budget I will start using this to pay for future Walgreens purchases so I won't have to deduct from the budget for a while- does that make sense?
Total week 13 Spent: $106.02
Total Saved: $136.62
Total Spent for year: $1296.69
Total Saved for year: $1144.68
Total Left for year: $3703.31
Deal Alert
Sorry so late getting these out to you. But here are my favorite Target Deals for this week. But first make sure to go here to check out all of the Target Printables.
Market Pantry Fruit Snacks Trial Size for $0.89
Use $1 off 1 Target Printable (use link above)
Final Price: FREE
Johnson's Safety Cotton Swabs for $1.38
Use $0.75 off 1 Target Printable PLUS $1 off 1 from 3/8 RP
Final Price: FREE after both coupons
Johnson's Baby Lotion at $2.18
Use $0.75 off 1 Target Printable PLUS $1 off 1 from 3/8 RP
Final Price: $0.43
Gillete Shampoos, Conditioners, and Body Washes are supposedly on sale for $2
Use $2 off 1 from 3/1 PG
Final Price: FREE
Use $2 off 1 from 3/1 PG
Final Price: FREE
Renu Contact Solution- trial size for $0.99
Go to the coupons.com sidebar to print off a $1 off 1 coupon
Final Price: FREE
Pledge Aerosol Furniture Polish or Multi-Surface on sale for $2.50ish
Use $2 off 1 printable AND $1 off 1 Target Printable (use link above)
Final Price: FREE
Deal Alert- Walmart
I have not posted Walmart deals in a while because I can not find any deal match-ups for our region. Regardless, here is a link for current Walmart Deals- just remember the prices listed might not match our prices.
PS If you do indeed find Kraft Dressings for $0.08 please let us know! That could be worth a trip to Walmart!
PS If you do indeed find Kraft Dressings for $0.08 please let us know! That could be worth a trip to Walmart!
Deal Alert- Kroger
Not too many great deals this week at Kroger (or at least not at first glance).
My favorite deal is the Sanderson Farm Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast on sale for $1.79/lb.
Time to stock up!
Wrigleys Doublement, Juicy Fruit, Spearmint, Big Red, or Winterfresh new slim pack at $1.19
Use FREE coupon in 3/15 SS
Final Price: FREE
Coffeemate Creamer is on sale for $2.50
Use recent $1.50 off 1 or $1 off 1 printables
Final Price: $1 to $1.50
Eggs are on sale for $1
stock up for Easter eggs!)
Del Monte Fruit 14.5-15.25 oz cans on sale for $1
Use $1 off when you buy 12 (is that ridiculous or what!)
Final Price: $0.92 per can
Dole Pineapple 20 oz can on sale for $1
Use $0.75 off 2 from 2/1 SS
Final Price: $0.63 each
Fresh Strawberries and Blueberries are on sale for $2.50
Cucumber and Green Onions are on sale for $0.50
Fuji Apples on sale for $0.99 per lb.
Skim or 1% Milk on sale $2.39 per Gallon!
Kroger Sour Cream on sale $1
There is also a P&G Promotion- Buy any 3 participating products and get $3 off instantly.
I have not done the match-ups but make sure to load Kroger card with P&Gesaver coupons and I think P&G inserts are scheduled to go out in this Sunday's paper so there is probably some good deals to be had.
Check back this weekend to see if I ran across any other great deals while shopping.
Deal Alert- Walgreens
It's a new month, so that means it's time to pick up your new Easy Saver Catalog! Remember the coupons found at the front of the catalog can stack with manufacturer coupons for double the savings. Then your final Rebate Deals.... EVER sniff sniff ... are found near the back of the catalog.
The following are my favorite deals of the week with thanks to thethriftymama for providing the match-ups!
Equal Sweetener on sale 2 for $5
Use $1.50 off 1 from 1/4 SS
Final Price: $1
Reynolds Foil on sale for $0.89 with Walgreens Flyer coupon
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS (other coupons available but they exclude this size)
Final Price: FREE
Mentos Gum on sale 2 for $2
Use 2 $1 off 1 from 3/1 SS
Final Price: FREE
Buy a 20 oz Coke Product Get a FREE Candy bar!
Use the B1G1 coupon I told you about last week here.
Final Price: $1.39 for 2 cokes and 2 candy bars
Register Reward Deals (RR)
Buy 1 Softsoap Bodywash at $3.99, Get a coupon for a FREE Softsoap Bodywash
Use $1 off 1 coupon from March ALL You magazine or from recent mailer
Final Price: $2.99 for 2 (after coupons) or $1.99 for 2 if have 2 $1 coupons (I think you could stack the RR coupon with another $1 off manufacturer coupon as long as you had at least 2 items in your purchase)
Chapstick 100% Natural or True Shimmer on sale for $1.99, Get $1.99 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: FREE after RR
Skintimate and Edge Shave Gels on sale for $2.99, Get $3 RR
Final Price: FREE after RR
APRIL FREE after Rebate Deals
One a Day Multi-Vitamin Drink Mix 2 ct at $1.49
Submit for ES Rebate #1
Final Price: FREE after rebate
Other Rebate Deals
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Origin Tinted Moisturizer at $12.99
Submit ESR #6 to get $10 Rebate PLUS $1 off 1 from 2/22 SS
Final Price: $1.99 after coupon and rebate.
Printer Cartridge Refill on sale for $7.50
Submit ESR #28 to get $7.50 Rebate
Final Price: FREE after rebate
Wal-ltin Allergy Relief 30 ct on sale for $6.99
Submit ESR #10, get back $6.99
Final Price: FREE
You can also go here to learn how to get a free glucometer and toothpaste.
Walgreens News
Well it has been confirmed... this truly is the last month for Walgreens Rebate Program! Still no word on what the new program will look like but I have heard rumors (or maybe it was just wishful thinking) that maybe they are going to start a reward program similar to CVS Pharmacy. Oh My! This gets my heart racing just thinking about it..... I have not shared this with you but it has been a life-long (or at least 15 month long) dream of mine to one day get to coupon at a CVS. I long to be a CVSer (yes people who coupon at CVS have their own pronoun!) I have even written CVS corporate to ask them to please consider putting a store in our area. They wrote me back and politely said "no." So now I just carry my coupon boxes with me when we travel out of town- just in case our final destination is home to a CVS Pharmacy. I think I'll log onto CVS.com and use the "store locater" to plan our next family vacation.... why didn't I think of that before!Anyways, Back to the topic at hand.......... I am sad to see Walgreens Rebate program go. This has been a very rough year for us couponers.... first the toilet paper and now the rebate program.......what's next, FULL price toothpaste?!?!?!
Your weekly Walgreens Deals are coming soon.......
Thrifty Thursday
Welcome to Thrifty Thursday! I got a late start in compiling your lists last night so I apologize if they are a little rough. If you know of a deal that I didn't catch please pass on the wealth. How did you guys do last/this week? As promised I have left you a regular Mr. Linky as well as another Mr. Linky that you can link up to your blog. Have a good day!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Can I just tell you I have been sitting here looking at a blank screen trying to figure out what to say as I wrap up this fingerless Wednesday.
First let me say, a big THANK YOU to Jamie, within 30 minutes of my original post this morning she had called to check on me.... uh huh.... and where was all my other phone calls..... I guess I know who my true friend is! Just kidding- I know the rest of you were just too clever to be tricked. Poor Jamie already new about my missing finger and was just so sad to think I had lost another one!!!!
Second- today was a record comment day for DRS! To me that is totally worth the missing appendage and I am not beyond getting rid of at least 2 more if it means I could get to hear from more of you.
Third- This was a HUGE day for me. In fact, when word got back to my brother that I had chopped off my finger he really thought it was true because he NEVER thought I would share my real finger on the WWW. Big Step!
Fourth- WELCOME! All those new to the site today. Today was a record hit day. To all you newbies- I don't usually post pictures of freaky fingers.... lint- absolutely, dirty kitchen- you can count on it, but fingers that was a first, and probably a last.
Fifth- I end with one more finger story..... When I was in sixth grade my friend and I decided to play a joke on this other girl. Soooo before class started the three of us were standing around and here is what happened:
Friend: Hey Niki, what's wrong with your finger?
Niki: Nothing
Friend: No really Niki, I think somethings wrong with your finger.
Niki: What are you talking about? Nothings wrong with my finger (then Niki looks down at her finger to see what friend is talking about)
Niki: SCREAM!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FINGER!!!!!! WHERE DID IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Other girl: SCREAM!!!!!! Almost faints!
good times, good times!
First let me say, a big THANK YOU to Jamie, within 30 minutes of my original post this morning she had called to check on me.... uh huh.... and where was all my other phone calls..... I guess I know who my true friend is! Just kidding- I know the rest of you were just too clever to be tricked. Poor Jamie already new about my missing finger and was just so sad to think I had lost another one!!!!
Second- today was a record comment day for DRS! To me that is totally worth the missing appendage and I am not beyond getting rid of at least 2 more if it means I could get to hear from more of you.
Third- This was a HUGE day for me. In fact, when word got back to my brother that I had chopped off my finger he really thought it was true because he NEVER thought I would share my real finger on the WWW. Big Step!
Fourth- WELCOME! All those new to the site today. Today was a record hit day. To all you newbies- I don't usually post pictures of freaky fingers.... lint- absolutely, dirty kitchen- you can count on it, but fingers that was a first, and probably a last.
Fifth- I end with one more finger story..... When I was in sixth grade my friend and I decided to play a joke on this other girl. Soooo before class started the three of us were standing around and here is what happened:
Friend: Hey Niki, what's wrong with your finger?
Niki: Nothing
Friend: No really Niki, I think somethings wrong with your finger.
Niki: What are you talking about? Nothings wrong with my finger (then Niki looks down at her finger to see what friend is talking about)
Niki: SCREAM!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FINGER!!!!!! WHERE DID IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Other girl: SCREAM!!!!!! Almost faints!
good times, good times!
April Fools!!!!
I DID NOT chop my finger off!!!! Ahhh what a relief right?!?! Sorry for the drama BUT I had been looking for a way to tell you.... and then about a month ago the whole April Fools idea came to me.... and well, the rest is history. Soooo many of you are probably wondering "How did she make her finger LOOK like it was missing? Was her finger bent back? Some type of clever optical illusion?" NO! The reason my finger looked like it was really missing is because..... IT IS!! Unfortunately I don't have a cool story to go along with the missing appendage (like I chopped it off while making a fruit salad, or I lost it in a bowling ball, or it got caught in a fan, etc...) I simply was born that way. Yep, lucky me!
Mom says that I was very fortunate because the bands that wrapped around my right ring finger while swimming in her womb typically result in missing limbs sooo I feel very blessed to just be missing a finger. The finger.. I get; But what's up with my fat middle finger and the head on my pinkie? Sorry, but I'm going to show you another picture so you know what I'm talking about....
Forgive me while I take a minute to pretend like my finger deformities are the most fascinating thing you have run across today on the World Wide Web and answer some questions that I might want to know about a girl with a missing finger:
Question: What was it like growing up without a finger?
Answer: Great Question... First let me just tell you that I was painfully shy as a child- so naturally anything that would make me stand out in a crowd was not only embarrassing but also terrifying. So I got real good about hiding it. I knew how to hold my hand just right so that no one would notice. I can remember one time, however, that a girl in my class noticed my finger and backed away from me like she was scared of me..... Yeah, that'll scar a kid! No really, I'm over it!... Really! However, that isolated incident did contribute to my fear of boys. I can remember being scared to death of "going out" with a boy because he might want to hold my hand....oh don't feel too bad for me, my fear of boys had a whole lot more to do with my fear of kissing then hand holding. (More on my kissing woes in February 2010).
Question: What did your husband say when he first noticed your finger?
Answer: Oh that's a funny story... I'll tell you my FULL love story in February 2010
Question: Does your missing finger affect (or effect, whatever..) your activities of daily living?
Answer: Not at all. I write with my missing finger hand, I type with my missing finger hand, and luckily my wedding ring goes on the other hand... so it's all good. The only thing is I stink at throwing a football, but luckily the NFL does not recruit women so again, It's all good.
Question: What do your kids think about your missing finger?
Answer: Well this is where I am at a real advantage. Whenever my boys start to do anything the least bit dangerous I just tell them.... "Don't _____, (fill in the blank: run with scissors, climb on the lawn mower, play with knifes, cross the street without holding mommy's hand, etc.) How do you think Mommy lost her finger?" (Technically this question is not a lie, however, I agree it is a questionable parenting tactic). Unfortunately, my almost 5 year old is getting a little too smart. A couple of weeks ago I told him to "stop playing with Daddy's drill gun because he could really get hurt. Just look at what happened to Mommy." Colby just looked at me and said "I thought you lost your finger when you fell off the trampoline" BUSTED!!
Comment: Niki, I can't believe I never noticed your finger before!
Answer: That's what they all say.
Question: Why did you decide to blog about your finger?...
Answer: Well, it is a part of my life so I knew it would eventually come up on DRS so I thought April Fools would be a fun way to do it. Plus, with so many oh so cute blogs out there, I thought maybe just maybe a missing finger could make mine stand out just for today... what do you think? PLUS! I'm always looking for ways to get comments........ Just kidding! (kind of- I really do love comments!)
Comment: Niki, You are AWFUL! You scared me so bad when I thought you cut your finger off- I did not stop praying for you all morning.
Answer: I truly am sorry for any stress I caused anyone over my April Fools Joke-but prayers on my behalf are always appreciated and never go to waste.
Ok, I am going to stop having this pretend interview with myself now.
You never know what your going to get on Wildcard Wednesday.... Maybe next week I'll show you my 6th toe!
DRS Accident!
Wel;l ladies last night while cho[pping up my fruit for our fruit sa;lad, I had a bit of an accident...... Everything was going just fine... the strawberries, grapes, and bananas were a;ll nice;ly sliced into choke [proof bite sizes and the on;ly fruit ;left to add was the A[pp;le! Whi;le I washed the a[pple and sat it on the cutting board, Colby told me a;ll about his day. Well I guess I was rea;lly into his story because the next thing I knew the apple sli[pped and my finger was laying beside the cutting board! At that point I fainted, and thank goodness DH was home to take me and my finger to the Emergency Room...........
Unfortunate[ly my finger didn't make it....
P[;lease don't worry! I have made [peace with my missing finger AND the medication is contro;lling the [pain for the most [part. The hardest thing is trying to type! I am struggling the most with the Ps and Ls.
Do you want to see my finger, oh... excuse me- lack there of? I asked myself- "would I want to see a picture of a missing finger?" In the end I decided my curiosity would definet;ly make me want a [peak. So.... here it is...............................
At ;least I didn't show you "the finger"!
Unfortunate[ly my finger didn't make it....
P[;lease don't worry! I have made [peace with my missing finger AND the medication is contro;lling the [pain for the most [part. The hardest thing is trying to type! I am struggling the most with the Ps and Ls.
Do you want to see my finger, oh... excuse me- lack there of? I asked myself- "would I want to see a picture of a missing finger?" In the end I decided my curiosity would definet;ly make me want a [peak. So.... here it is...............................
At ;least I didn't show you "the finger"! Make sure to check in later for u[pdates on life without a finger!!!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Deal Alert
Shortcuts.com has some new coupons available to load onto your Kroger Card. My favorite coupon is the $1 off 1 4-pack of Yoplait Yo Plus Yogurt. That will stack nicely with the $0.50 off 1 from 3/29 SS for some possibly FREE Yogurt. Gotta Love it!
Tidy Tuesday Tip
Can I just tell you that when I clean my shower curtain, I don't bother removing the curtain from the rings. I toss the curtain and the rings into the washing machine!! Yep, sure do! I then just hang it back on the rod to drip dry over the tub. Try at your own risk!
Zone 3- Bathroom, Living Room, Entryway
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
Day 5- Saturday
- Organize Bookshelf
- Update Pictures in Frames
Tidy Tuesday
You ready to clean some toilets?!?!?! My favorite thing about Bathroom week is I get to see how much toothpaste waste has accumulated in the boys bathroom drawer. By the time bathroom week rolls around the boys don't even need to squirt any paste on their toothbrush they can just dip their brushes into the drawer. NICE
Anyone out there doing any cleaning this week?
Anyone out there doing any cleaning this week?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Deal Alert
If you haven't already got a 2009 Entertainment Book- it's not too late! In fact right now you can get yours 50% off!!!
I have TWO Books! My all time favorite coupon found in this book is the $5 off $75 purchase EVERY month KROGER Coupon. With my TWO books I am guaranteed at least a $10 savings every month. I used my book this weekend to get FREE admission into the Museum of Discovery AND I have used my book for discounts to many restaurants and even got additional savings on my flight to Colorado back in February. Needless to say it has been well worth the purchase price!
Click on the banner above to order yours- sorry I just found this deal- it expires TODAY- March 31!!!
PS How fancy is that- my banner is animated. I'm catching on to this blog world....... slowly!
Pork Chili
I was soo excited to get this recipe from Carri at last week's recipe exchange party. It is the ideal recipe to help use up some of the leftover pork and beans from the previous recipe. Uneaten food stresses me!
Pork Chili
2 cups cooked shredded pork loin (or 1 lb pork loin)
2 cups Salsa
1 can pinto beans (or leftover pinto beans from Mexican Pork Roast)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1-2 TBS chili powder
4 green onions
Water
Combine all ingredients. Stir. Add enough water to your desired consistency.
Simmer 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~190 Calories, 3 lean meats, 1/2 starch
I am going to sprinkle 2% cheese and light sour cream on chili and serve with cornbread!
Pork Chili
2 cups cooked shredded pork loin (or 1 lb pork loin)
2 cups Salsa
1 can pinto beans (or leftover pinto beans from Mexican Pork Roast)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1-2 TBS chili powder
4 green onions
Water
Combine all ingredients. Stir. Add enough water to your desired consistency.
Simmer 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~190 Calories, 3 lean meats, 1/2 starch
I am going to sprinkle 2% cheese and light sour cream on chili and serve with cornbread!
Crockpot Mexican Pork Roast
This is a super easy recipe AND it makes a ton! We will be using the leftovers from this meal to make the Pork Chili. Way to use our resources, huh!
Mexican Pork Roast
1 lb. dry pinto beans
1 tsp. salt
1.5 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1 Jalapeno Pepper
3 lb Pork Loin Roast
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Cumin
2 cloves garlic
Rinse and soak beans 8 hours or overnight in water. Drain water and place beans in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season pork on all sides with seasoning. Place pork roast on top of beans and put enough water in crockpot to cover the beans only. Add jalapeno pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Remove pork roast and shred.
Side Note: When I have made this before I did not presoak my beans but just added more water to the crockpot (at least 1.5 inches above beans). It turned our fine for me but if your not sure about your crockpot go ahead and presoak.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 4 oz Pork Loin and 1/2 cup pinto beans
Meal Plan: 300 Calories, 5 lean meats, 1 starch
I am going to serve this with a side salad
Could also serve this with tortillas, 2% cheese, and light sour cream!
Mexican Pork Roast
1 lb. dry pinto beans
1 tsp. salt
1.5 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1 Jalapeno Pepper
3 lb Pork Loin Roast
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Cumin
2 cloves garlic
Rinse and soak beans 8 hours or overnight in water. Drain water and place beans in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season pork on all sides with seasoning. Place pork roast on top of beans and put enough water in crockpot to cover the beans only. Add jalapeno pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Remove pork roast and shred.
Side Note: When I have made this before I did not presoak my beans but just added more water to the crockpot (at least 1.5 inches above beans). It turned our fine for me but if your not sure about your crockpot go ahead and presoak.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 4 oz Pork Loin and 1/2 cup pinto beans
Meal Plan: 300 Calories, 5 lean meats, 1 starch
I am going to serve this with a side salad
Could also serve this with tortillas, 2% cheese, and light sour cream!
Poppyseed Chicken
Although I have made poppy seed chicken many a time in the past- this is a new, slightly different version of the recipe. This recipe is brought to us by Stacy from last week's recipe exchange party. Her recipe calls for the Ritz Crackers to be in the chicken mixture as well as on top- sounds pretty yummy!
Poppy Seed Chicken
4-6 chicken breasts
2 cans healthy request cream of chicken soup
4 oz light sour cream
1 tube of reduced fat Ritz Crackers, crushed
1 TBS poppy seed
Topping
1/2 tube Ritz Crackers (my modification, original had another whole tube)
2 TBS light butter, melted
Poppy Seed for garnish
In large bowl combine chicken, soup, sour cream, crackers, and poppy seed; mix well. Turn into 12 inch casserole dish. Top with Ritz Cracker, Butter, and Poppy Seed. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~250 Calories, 2 lean meats, 2 Starches
I am serving this with Green Beans (I am not using the ham bouillon for a while in my green beans because the Kroger Green Beans I bought in that case sale a couple of months back taste like a gallon of salt was dumped in them and when I add the extra sodium from the ham bouillon WOW talk about major bloating!)
Poppy Seed Chicken
4-6 chicken breasts
2 cans healthy request cream of chicken soup
4 oz light sour cream
1 tube of reduced fat Ritz Crackers, crushed
1 TBS poppy seed
Topping
1/2 tube Ritz Crackers (my modification, original had another whole tube)
2 TBS light butter, melted
Poppy Seed for garnish
In large bowl combine chicken, soup, sour cream, crackers, and poppy seed; mix well. Turn into 12 inch casserole dish. Top with Ritz Cracker, Butter, and Poppy Seed. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~250 Calories, 2 lean meats, 2 Starches
I am serving this with Green Beans (I am not using the ham bouillon for a while in my green beans because the Kroger Green Beans I bought in that case sale a couple of months back taste like a gallon of salt was dumped in them and when I add the extra sodium from the ham bouillon WOW talk about major bloating!)
Whole Wheat Overnight Pancakes
I'll admit I have never made pancakes from scratch BUT when I ran across this recipe I just had to try it. The whole "yeast" thing has got me intrigued. I am picturing extra fluffy pancakes. I'll let you know what we think.
On a side note: I would love to think one day I would be the type of Mom who gets up extra early to prepare a hearty breakfast for her family. I'm sure Alex, Mary and Jeff Stone never got cold cereal served to them by Donna Reed. Oh, I have so far to go!
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 Low Sugar Syrup.
On a side note: I would love to think one day I would be the type of Mom who gets up extra early to prepare a hearty breakfast for her family. I'm sure Alex, Mary and Jeff Stone never got cold cereal served to them by Donna Reed. Oh, I have so far to go!
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 Low Sugar Syrup.
Fish with Blackbean and Avacado Relish
I know this recipe looks pretty similar to the fish taco recipe BUT this one called for avocado! I love me some avocado and it is on sale this week at Kroger ($1). The recipe calls for catfish but I went ahead and used the tilapia I already had. Remember talipia and catfish are very low in the heart healthy Omega 3s soooo if you are going to try this recipe and will need to purchase fish I recommend trying halibut, orange roughy, or even cod.
Go here for the recipe.
Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: 273 Calories, 3 lean meats, 3/4 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1.5 fat
I am going to serve this with corn tortillas and maybe a side salad.
Go here for the recipe.
Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: 273 Calories, 3 lean meats, 3/4 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1.5 fat
I am going to serve this with corn tortillas and maybe a side salad.
Mealtime Monday
I forgot to look at the clock when I finished up the meals but my best guess would be somewhere around 1 hour 12 minutes and 42 seconds (time included lots of interruptions and distractions). In that time I prepared the following:
Monday Night: Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish. I seasoned the fish and wrapped them in foil and prepared the relish according to recipe but left out the avocado. The fish and relish are stored in the fridge. Tonight I will Grill the fish and add avocado to relish.
Tuesday Night: Whole Wheat Pancakes. The only prep I did for this dish was to mix all dry ingredients into a ziplock bag. Tuesday morning I will mix liquid ingredients and add yeast according to recipe. The pancake batter will then go back into the fridge for at least 8 hours before I fire up the electric griddle for cooking.
Wednesday Night: Mexican Pork Roast. To prep for this dish I simply rubbed all spices onto pork and then wrapped it in foil and stored in fridge. Wednesday morning I will add pinto beans to crockpot along with pork to cook on low all day.
Thursday Night: Pork Chili. I dumped all ingredients except pork and beans (which will come from Wednesday's meal) into a ziplock bag. I stored bag in fridge. This chili can easily be heated on stove top BUT if my crockpot is clean from the night before I will probably cook on low all day with a little extra water.
Friday and Saturday- Out or leftovers
Sunday: Poppy Seed Chicken. I fully prepped this dish up until final baking and stored in freezer. Saturday morning I will transfer from freezer to fridge to begin thawing. I will then bake this dish up Sunday afternoon.
2 Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish Dishes
3 Poppy Seed Chickens
2 Mexican Pork Roasts
2 Pork Chilis
1 Whole Wheat Pancake Mix
3 Green Beans
2 Cornbreads
I am excited about this week's menu because it really stretches the buck. I love the fact that the Pork Chili is made from the Mexican Pork Roast leftovers. NO starving children in Africa on my account! (Did that make sense to anyone besides me.... anyways...) The whole wheat pancakes, pork roast, and pork chili could have easily been assembled the day of BUT I went ahead and did some prep work simply for the sake of the blog. Here is a description of my prep work as well as my storage plan for this week's meals:
Monday Night: Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish. I seasoned the fish and wrapped them in foil and prepared the relish according to recipe but left out the avocado. The fish and relish are stored in the fridge. Tonight I will Grill the fish and add avocado to relish.
Tuesday Night: Whole Wheat Pancakes. The only prep I did for this dish was to mix all dry ingredients into a ziplock bag. Tuesday morning I will mix liquid ingredients and add yeast according to recipe. The pancake batter will then go back into the fridge for at least 8 hours before I fire up the electric griddle for cooking.
Wednesday Night: Mexican Pork Roast. To prep for this dish I simply rubbed all spices onto pork and then wrapped it in foil and stored in fridge. Wednesday morning I will add pinto beans to crockpot along with pork to cook on low all day.
Thursday Night: Pork Chili. I dumped all ingredients except pork and beans (which will come from Wednesday's meal) into a ziplock bag. I stored bag in fridge. This chili can easily be heated on stove top BUT if my crockpot is clean from the night before I will probably cook on low all day with a little extra water.
Friday and Saturday- Out or leftovers
Sunday: Poppy Seed Chicken. I fully prepped this dish up until final baking and stored in freezer. Saturday morning I will transfer from freezer to fridge to begin thawing. I will then bake this dish up Sunday afternoon.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Mealtime Monday- accountability
What's on the menu at your house this week? Tell Mr. Linky. If you have blogged about your mealtime Monday feel free to leave a link.
Kroger Brags!
What a Kroger Run!!! Can I just tell you that this week I spent $100.16 on 86 items and saved... are you ready for this.......... $114.58 Cha Ching!!! The above is the mountain of plastic bags that grew on my floor as I put away groceries last night. For all you Earthy people- I do have reusable bags I just keep forgetting to bring the darn things, but never fear plastic bags are recyclable.
PS Make sure to get to Kroger before midnight tonight to take advantage of the Kraft 2% cheese deal- Kraft cheese is B1G1 Free this week. Buy 4 Kraft 2% Cheese and get a $3 Catalina. Final Price: $5 for 4 bags of 2% Cheese! I love a good cheese deal! ($3 Catalina deal expires 3/29- that's Today!!!!)
Prayer Request
I spoke with Sara this morning and got permission to share Bradon's caringbridge site with all of you. I ask that you please spend some time reading Bradon's story and then commit to putting this family on your daily prayer list. After visiting with Sara and Donny this morning I can not imagine how one family has experienced so much and manages to still have a smile on their face, let alone simply stand to face another day. BUT they will be the first to tell you it is only by the GRACE, STRENGTH, COMFORT, PROTECTION, PEACE, PROVISION, Etc, Etc, Etc. of their God and Father. He is truly their All in All and Great I AM. Thank you for your prayers.
Sonday Sunday- Guest Post
“Be true to yourself”…boy that’s one statement we hear over and over in Hollywood. The question is, can you be true to just yourself and experience the peace and joy you long for…the kind of peace and joy God intends for us to experience?
Growing up I was always told that the acronym for JOY is Jesus, others, yourself. And that if you prioritize this way, you will experience peace and joy through and through. Well, as minute and simple as it sounds, the World has convinced us much the contrary. They are selling us this “lemon” if you will, that it’s all about “me”.
Through the many experiences in my life I have learned that without Jesus joy is absolutely impossible. Through the loss of my sister’s physical movement (quadriplegia), the death of my dear aunt and all 4 grandparents, infertility, my son’s health issues, and recently my mom’s lymphoma diagnosis, I have managed to find peace and joy in the midst of these trials…with Jesus by my side. Yet those times that seem almost perfect (except my walk with the Lord), my peace and joy is non-existent and anxiety seems to overwhelm me. Looking back it’s crazy how I have had just as much anxiety from tasks unaccomplished and worrying about the future as I did walking with God in the midst of true hardships.
My question for you today is…Are you anxious and joyless? If so, you may need to check and see who your being most true to…You? or Our Heavenly Father? No matter where you look to find that Peace and Joy, unless it’s upward you will be searching a very long time. Stay focused on God and you too will have that Peace Like a River, and you can say “It is well!”
Growing up I was always told that the acronym for JOY is Jesus, others, yourself. And that if you prioritize this way, you will experience peace and joy through and through. Well, as minute and simple as it sounds, the World has convinced us much the contrary. They are selling us this “lemon” if you will, that it’s all about “me”.
Through the many experiences in my life I have learned that without Jesus joy is absolutely impossible. Through the loss of my sister’s physical movement (quadriplegia), the death of my dear aunt and all 4 grandparents, infertility, my son’s health issues, and recently my mom’s lymphoma diagnosis, I have managed to find peace and joy in the midst of these trials…with Jesus by my side. Yet those times that seem almost perfect (except my walk with the Lord), my peace and joy is non-existent and anxiety seems to overwhelm me. Looking back it’s crazy how I have had just as much anxiety from tasks unaccomplished and worrying about the future as I did walking with God in the midst of true hardships.
My question for you today is…Are you anxious and joyless? If so, you may need to check and see who your being most true to…You? or Our Heavenly Father? No matter where you look to find that Peace and Joy, unless it’s upward you will be searching a very long time. Stay focused on God and you too will have that Peace Like a River, and you can say “It is well!”
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Super Saturday Wrap Up
Here is your official "Fill Envelopes" reminder for those that follow the envelope system of budgeting.
Project of the Month- Hmm... I am going to start researching blog designers and hopefully start working on the blog transformation during the Month of April. (in case your wondering... I have NOT hit my personal blog goal yet, but I have decided to go forth with the new blog design regardless! I'm going with the whole "If you build it they will come" thinking on this one.
What about you? I have spent all day rambling about "MY" plan, and didn't even put up a Mr. Linky to give you a chance to share your plan for April- please forgive me! Anyone thinking about joining me for Mealtime Mondays? What about Tidy Tuesdays.... You know you wanna! Go ahead.. tell Mr. Linky your April Aspirations and we'll be sure to hold you accountable!
Project of the Month- Hmm... I am going to start researching blog designers and hopefully start working on the blog transformation during the Month of April. (in case your wondering... I have NOT hit my personal blog goal yet, but I have decided to go forth with the new blog design regardless! I'm going with the whole "If you build it they will come" thinking on this one.
What about you? I have spent all day rambling about "MY" plan, and didn't even put up a Mr. Linky to give you a chance to share your plan for April- please forgive me! Anyone thinking about joining me for Mealtime Mondays? What about Tidy Tuesdays.... You know you wanna! Go ahead.. tell Mr. Linky your April Aspirations and we'll be sure to hold you accountable!
Sonday Sunday
Sonday Sunday's continue to be one of my FAVORITE days of the week.
I have loved the scripture memorization and how the Lord has spoken His words to me throughout my weeks. He is so faithful! My prayer for April is that I would be more faithful to spend more purposeful, quality time with my Lord. I'm tired of just saying "God is number 1 in my life"- I'm ready to live it! I ask that the Holy Spirit just take over my whole being and guide my every move- lead me right to God and guide me on His path for my life. Yep that's my prayer.
Tomorrow you are in for a real treat! My dear friend Sara was so sweet to write a guest post for our Sonday Sunday. Sara is not only a talented writer but her life is such a testimony of faith and the Awesome power of prayer (you should hear her story)! Sara wrote this devotional about a month ago but I have saved it for this Super Saturday weekend. I ask that as you read her heartfelt devotional you let it be a reminder to be in prayer for her family. They have just spent the last couple of days at Children's Hospital running tests on their precious little boy. For those of you who know this family- you know what a miracle child baby B is and the all too many health battles he has already had to fight in his short life. Please pray for complete peace, comfort, guidance, and healing as they await test results and seek answers for baby B's latest health scare.
I have loved the scripture memorization and how the Lord has spoken His words to me throughout my weeks. He is so faithful! My prayer for April is that I would be more faithful to spend more purposeful, quality time with my Lord. I'm tired of just saying "God is number 1 in my life"- I'm ready to live it! I ask that the Holy Spirit just take over my whole being and guide my every move- lead me right to God and guide me on His path for my life. Yep that's my prayer.
Tomorrow you are in for a real treat! My dear friend Sara was so sweet to write a guest post for our Sonday Sunday. Sara is not only a talented writer but her life is such a testimony of faith and the Awesome power of prayer (you should hear her story)! Sara wrote this devotional about a month ago but I have saved it for this Super Saturday weekend. I ask that as you read her heartfelt devotional you let it be a reminder to be in prayer for her family. They have just spent the last couple of days at Children's Hospital running tests on their precious little boy. For those of you who know this family- you know what a miracle child baby B is and the all too many health battles he has already had to fight in his short life. Please pray for complete peace, comfort, guidance, and healing as they await test results and seek answers for baby B's latest health scare.
Super Saturday Conclusion
Sorry for the break in posting. Coming up the conclusion of SUPER SATURDAY.....
Familytime Friday
I am looking for ideas for Familytime Fridays. I know craft times will focus on all things "Imagination Movers" in an effort to get ready for the big 5 year old birthday party- although I am still trying to convince Colby that a Jump Zone party would be soooo much more fun (and easy).
What I need help with is devotional time and learning time. I would love a suggestion for a great devotional book appropriate for kids 1 - 5 years old. Any ideas?
As far as learning time- I need all the help I can get! I have to tell you last weekend we showed our house to a family that home-schooled their 2 children. When the mother saw all my scrapbook/craft materials she said "You must home school your children?" Without even thinking, I just laughed and said "Are you kidding!" I sometimes forget not everyone I come into contact with knows about my DRS or my Learning Time failures. I certainly did not mean any disrespect with my response so after I realized what I had said I quickly followed it up with "Even though I will not be homeschooling, I sure do have a respect for those that do" ........... Don't think we'll be hearing from them again!
What I need help with is devotional time and learning time. I would love a suggestion for a great devotional book appropriate for kids 1 - 5 years old. Any ideas?
As far as learning time- I need all the help I can get! I have to tell you last weekend we showed our house to a family that home-schooled their 2 children. When the mother saw all my scrapbook/craft materials she said "You must home school your children?" Without even thinking, I just laughed and said "Are you kidding!" I sometimes forget not everyone I come into contact with knows about my DRS or my Learning Time failures. I certainly did not mean any disrespect with my response so after I realized what I had said I quickly followed it up with "Even though I will not be homeschooling, I sure do have a respect for those that do" ........... Don't think we'll be hearing from them again!
Thrifty Thursday
Of course my Big Goal for April is to get back on budget- REALLY!
I also have a couple of more lessons I hope to get out in our DRS Couponing 101 series.
As always I have loved hearing your stories of your savings, deals, and coupon highs. This month I am going to TRY to do better about posting the Mr. Linky's so you can share your stories with everyone. I also will TRY to put up a special Mr. Linky on Thrifty Thursday that will enable you to link to your own blog if you decide to write about your deals on your own blog.
I also have a couple of more lessons I hope to get out in our DRS Couponing 101 series.
As always I have loved hearing your stories of your savings, deals, and coupon highs. This month I am going to TRY to do better about posting the Mr. Linky's so you can share your stories with everyone. I also will TRY to put up a special Mr. Linky on Thrifty Thursday that will enable you to link to your own blog if you decide to write about your deals on your own blog.
Wildcard Wednesday
I have nothing to write.... because even I don't know what Wildcard Wednesday will hold in April.
Setting the Record Straight
I feel it is VERY important to address a certain issue. I have had a number of people come up to me or write me telling me "I don't know how you do it all?!" This completely shocks me every time someone says this to me! I hope everyone who reads DRS knows and understands that I DON'T do it ALL! EVER!!! The last thing I want anyone thinking is that I have it all together! Because that is soooooo far from true. The purpose of DRS is for me to make fun of all my insane "plans" to become the perfect wife, mother, friend, cook, maid, or in other words Donna Reed. I feel most women do suffer with some degree of Donna Reed Syndrome in that we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves and this blog is just a compilation of all my "good intention" plans that I have come up with over the years to achieve the impossible. Some have worked for me in the past BUT I have NEVER been able to do ALL the plans at one time.
My great desire for this blog is to always be 100% REAL that means I want to share my few successes and my MANY failures. I love knowing that I can tell you about when my kitchen is a wreck or when I can't find my dining room table and it keeps me humble to have to admit that I stink at "learning time" or that I lost my patience with the boys. Really- My hope is that by looking at my life you feel better about yours! :)
So in summary- I am NOT in any way Donna Reed!
My great desire for this blog is to always be 100% REAL that means I want to share my few successes and my MANY failures. I love knowing that I can tell you about when my kitchen is a wreck or when I can't find my dining room table and it keeps me humble to have to admit that I stink at "learning time" or that I lost my patience with the boys. Really- My hope is that by looking at my life you feel better about yours! :)
So in summary- I am NOT in any way Donna Reed!
Day Task Reminder
Day Tasks are weekly chores or activities, not included in the zone work, that are assigned to specific days of the week.
Monday: Library Day, Pay Bills and Office Filing
Tuesday: Vacuum or Swiffer floors throughout house
Wednesday: Clean inside Microwave and Mop Kitchen Floors
Thursday: Date Night (in my dreams!), Swish Toilets (swish v. 1. the action of inserting the toilet brush into the toilet bowl and swirling it around thus cleaning the toilet bowl)
Friday: Errand Day, Project Day, Feather Dust House
Saturday: Change Bedsheets, Family Fun Day, Clean out Refrigerator, Grocery Shop (if grocery game posts early enough)
Sunday: Cut up fruit and vegetables for snacks, Iron clothes for coming week, REST
Monday: Library Day, Pay Bills and Office Filing
Tuesday: Vacuum or Swiffer floors throughout house
Wednesday: Clean inside Microwave and Mop Kitchen Floors
Thursday: Date Night (in my dreams!), Swish Toilets (swish v. 1. the action of inserting the toilet brush into the toilet bowl and swirling it around thus cleaning the toilet bowl)
Friday: Errand Day, Project Day, Feather Dust House
Saturday: Change Bedsheets, Family Fun Day, Clean out Refrigerator, Grocery Shop (if grocery game posts early enough)
Sunday: Cut up fruit and vegetables for snacks, Iron clothes for coming week, REST
Daily Routine
Here is the New and Improved Daily Routine designed to help me "Get it ALL done." I highlighted the "NEW" part.
Morning Routine- usually 7am - 8am (Please note I am NOT a morning person, therefore I try to keep my morning routine as light as possible):
Morning Routine- usually 7am - 8am (Please note I am NOT a morning person, therefore I try to keep my morning routine as light as possible):
- Quiet Time
- Breakfast
- Take Vitamins (Got to refill vitamins!)
- Get dressed for day (wear clothes that match and that are NOT inside-out. Sad, that I have to put this in my routine but you should see how I leave the house looking some days- must do better..... Donna would NOT approve neither does DH!)
- Get kids dressed (see above)
- Dishwasher emptied and refilled
- Clothes in dryer
- Crockpot turned on (if applicable)
- Kitchen and Bathroom counters wiped down
Afternoon Routine- usually take 1-2 hours (this is done during rest time for boys or after work on days I work)
- Zone Work (Flylady says to spend no more then 15 minutes on this)
- Day Tasks
- Fold laundry
- Prepare Dinner
- Straighten up all rooms
- Return phone calls and check emails
- If time- BLOG!
Bedtime Routine- this starts after supper
- Clean up supper
- Pack lunches, backpack and diaper bag for next day (only on work days)
- Start Dishwasher
- Boys bathtime
- Start load of laundry (I do one load a day and alternate between permanent press and regular- but NEVER take laundry advice from me- I am horrible!!!)
- Wipe down toilet (this is done everyday because I live with 3 boys), sink, counters and Spray Shower Cleaner
- Bedtime routine with boys
- Here comes the BIG Change..... 8pm - 9pm SIT ON COUCH!!! This is a biggy for me. Usually the second the boys go down I finish up the house work (IF I finish up the housework) and immediately begin my marathon blogging session trying to get ready for the next day's posts. This means NO quality time with DH*! Well if you remember, this was not sitting well with DH, and I completely agree. Therefore, I have planned in QUALITY time into my master plan. Enter Couch Time- my 1 hour, no excuses, sit if it kills me, couch time! So don't bother checking the blog from 8-9 every night because I will be sitting on my couch with my DH talking or just chilling. (Probably talking- I don't do "chilling" to well..)
- Gather up stuff for next day ex: phone, planner, etc.
- Lay out clothes for next day (work days only- I totally wing it on days I am home:)
- Plan for next day
- BLOG
- Reading time
* I know what all you married women are thinking- And don't worry...... DH has not been completely deprived...... that's all I'm saying.
April Tidy Tuesdays Cleaning Schedule
Effective Dates (Tuesday - Monday); Zone; Supplies
March 31 - April 6; 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
April 7 - 13, 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
April 14- 20; 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
April 21 - 27; Kitchen and Dining Room; Windex, All-Purpose cleaner, Oven Cleaner (I have an older oven with no automatic oven cleaner), Turtle Wax (to shine sink), broom, mop or Wet Swiffer, vacuum, paper towels. Dusting Spray or Furniture Polish (ex. Pledge)
April 28 - May 4; Bedrooms and Closets; Windex, Dusting Spray, vacuum, Wet and Dry Swiffer (we have stained concrete in our bedrooms), paper towels
March 31 - April 6; 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
April 7 - 13, 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
April 14- 20; 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
April 21 - 27; Kitchen and Dining Room; Windex, All-Purpose cleaner, Oven Cleaner (I have an older oven with no automatic oven cleaner), Turtle Wax (to shine sink), broom, mop or Wet Swiffer, vacuum, paper towels. Dusting Spray or Furniture Polish (ex. Pledge)
April 28 - May 4; Bedrooms and Closets; Windex, Dusting Spray, vacuum, Wet and Dry Swiffer (we have stained concrete in our bedrooms), paper towels
Tidy Tuesday
Oh how I enjoyed my ONE Week or should I say 5.25 days of a clean house last week. As I write I am very sad to say that once again my house has started it's rapid snowball to complete chaos. How does this happen?!?! I mean I worked so hard all week to keep it clean... and then ONE DAY of slacking up just slightly and back to PIT! Oh Well....... At least I have a plan to get it back in shape...... The Tidy Tuesday Schedule will post soon!
I am also excited to unveil my NEW daily routine that will enable me to "get it ALL done" AND spend time with my hubby! Yes that's right..... I have penciled DH into my schedule!
I am also excited to unveil my NEW daily routine that will enable me to "get it ALL done" AND spend time with my hubby! Yes that's right..... I have penciled DH into my schedule!
April Month of Meals
I think were in for a pretty Appetizing April!!!
Week 1
Week 1
- Fish with Black Bean Avocado Relish with Corn Tortillas
- Whole Wheat Pancakes and Fruit Salad
- Poppyseed Chicken over Rice and Green Beans
- Mexican Pork Roast with Pinto Beans and Side Salad
- Pork Chili and Cornbread
Week 2
- Spicy Seafood Stew
- Black Bean Soup
- Chicken Manicotti with Side Salad
- Apple Cheddar Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
- Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions and Black Beans
Week 3
- Pecan Crusted Fish with Peppers and Squash over Rice
- Vegetarian Chili and Cornbread
- Taco Beef Pot Pie with Side Salad
- Dixie Pork Chops with Wild Rice and Sweet Green Beans
- Omelets
Week 4
- Shanghai Pasta
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Grilled Asparagus and Rice
- Crockpot Tamale Pie
- Sausage and Rice Casserole with mixed vegetables
- Traditional Pizza with Side Salad
Week 5
Stockpile Creations
Mealtime Mondays
There's something fun about this month's Mealtime Mondays! (Anyways, I think it'll be fun, but then again, I'm easily entertained.....anyways.....)
Because this month holds 5 weeks I have decided to use the 5th week to have a "Stockpile Creations" Challenge!!! I have NOT planned a menu for the fifth week in April because I want to challenge myself to use ingredients found in my pantry, refrigerator, freezer, etc. to come up with meals for one week. I am pretty pumped about this challenge because it will motivate me to use up some of the items in my pantry and freezer that have been collecting dust or freezer burn. PLUS I think this will be the ticket to getting me back on track with my BUDGET!
Here is what I'm thinking........ I am only going to allow myself to spend $35 that week. The $35 will allow me to still pick up some fresh produce, milk, and maybe even take advantage of a few sale items from that week. Sounds like fun- huh! Oh, I do hope someone out there will join me in this challenge!!
PS I do feel it is only fair to tell you that I will only be in town for half of the challenge week! BUT I promise to attempt this challenge every 5 week month!
The April Month of Meals Menu is scheduled to post in the next half hour!
Because this month holds 5 weeks I have decided to use the 5th week to have a "Stockpile Creations" Challenge!!! I have NOT planned a menu for the fifth week in April because I want to challenge myself to use ingredients found in my pantry, refrigerator, freezer, etc. to come up with meals for one week. I am pretty pumped about this challenge because it will motivate me to use up some of the items in my pantry and freezer that have been collecting dust or freezer burn. PLUS I think this will be the ticket to getting me back on track with my BUDGET!
Here is what I'm thinking........ I am only going to allow myself to spend $35 that week. The $35 will allow me to still pick up some fresh produce, milk, and maybe even take advantage of a few sale items from that week. Sounds like fun- huh! Oh, I do hope someone out there will join me in this challenge!!
PS I do feel it is only fair to tell you that I will only be in town for half of the challenge week! BUT I promise to attempt this challenge every 5 week month!
The April Month of Meals Menu is scheduled to post in the next half hour!
Super Saturday!!!
Can you believe another month has come and gone! Wow! how time flies when your having fun!... right? Anyways...... It's time for SUPER SATURDAY!!! As I write this introduction to the day, I only have one post ready to go; soooooo to be honest, I have no idea what our day holds. BUT I do know I have a lot of ideas for April it's just a matter of getting those ideas onto this here blog....... we'll see what happens....................
Friday, March 27, 2009
Updates
I keep thinking of things to tell you guys and then forget to post. So here is a hodge podge post to get you all caught up.
- I took the sweet and sour mango chicken wraps to the recipe exchange party and...... they were just ok. I think if I had had them at home I would have really enjoyed them (although still not as much as the cherry chicken wraps) but at the recipe party they were sitting next to some fabulous chicken manicotti and taco beef pot pie not to mention chocolate chip cheesecake and a mounds cake. For some reason chicken wrapped in lettuce just didn't do it for me last night.
- So if your mouth was watering when you read the above bullet you'll be excited to know the chicken manicotti and taco beef pot pie will be a part of our April month of meals!
- Speaking of April Month of meals.... Tomorrow is SUPER SATURDAY!!! Wow! It has really sneaked up on me! Normally by Friday night I have most of the posts ready to go for the big day BUT I didn't even start the posts until 8pm tonight..... It's going to be either a loooong night or a not so "Super" Saturday!
- You know my fantastic Familytime Friday I was supposed to have today? Well it got slightly derailed. Besides praying for patience, not one thing that I had written about doing got done! And yes I know once again I did not post a learning time activity today But by lunch time I could tell it just wasn't going to happen. Now don't get all nervous that I deprived my boys of a familytime kind of day... Oh no!; we just ended up doing different stuff: playing at the fitness center, treating ourselves to Quiznos at lunch with Daddy, visiting with Uncle Randy and Aunt Christian, and attempting to go fishing as a family (I write attempt because it was too cold and the fish just weren't biting).
- 2 Full Rolls and 3 Half Rolls of FREEE Toilet Paper Left! This just hurts my heart!
- I feel like there was more I wanted to tell you but I can't remember what. So I better get back to Super Saturday business... See ya tomorrow!!!
Craft Time
My big Boy is turning the big 5 this April and is wanting a birthday party at home this year. Every other year we have kept his party low key by hosting the event at the park or last year at gymnastics BUT this year he wants the full 9 yards complete with theme food and party decor! I think this has a lot to do with the fact that Cohen's 1 year birthday was in September and we had his party at the house because it was too cold for the park and he wasn't old enough to appreciate a gymnastic or jump zone etc. party. Of course being that it was Cohen's first birthday I tried to make it extra special and did make a few cute theme related decorations and snacks. Soooo ever since September Colby, my mini Me, has been "planning" his Birthday Bash.
We have known for months that the theme would be "Imagination Movers." Lucky for us, playhousedisney.com has a link called "celebration center" that gives you all sorts of ideas on how to throw a disney themed party. Now of course I have a budget for the boys birthdays (each member of our family has a birthday envelope- the money saved throughout the year goes toward both the party and gifts). Sooo to stretch that budget further we are going to make most of the party decor and favors. And THAT is going to be the focus of most of our craft times from now until the Big Event!!!
Today we are going to make "idea emergency" hats for all of the guests. That is. if Colby likes the idea. He is very opinionated and likes to take control of the craft ideas..... Wonder where he gets that from?
Devotional Time
Today during Devotional Time we are going to look at Ephesians 5:1
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Because my oldest loves activities with devotional time here is the plan:
We are going to play follow the leader where the followers (Mommy and Cohen) have to do everything the leader (Colby) does. We'll play a couple of rounds so everyone gets to be the leader.
After we play follow the leader for a little while I am going to read our verse and hopefully we will talk about how we are told to "do what God does" and how we can read our Bible to know how to imitate God.
Throughout our day I am going to try to talk about our verse and try to remember to ask the boys what they think God would do or how God would act in different situations. Should be interesting :)
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Because my oldest loves activities with devotional time here is the plan:
We are going to play follow the leader where the followers (Mommy and Cohen) have to do everything the leader (Colby) does. We'll play a couple of rounds so everyone gets to be the leader.
After we play follow the leader for a little while I am going to read our verse and hopefully we will talk about how we are told to "do what God does" and how we can read our Bible to know how to imitate God.
Throughout our day I am going to try to talk about our verse and try to remember to ask the boys what they think God would do or how God would act in different situations. Should be interesting :)
Familytime Friday
TGIF!!!
Although Mondays and Fridays are "Mommy Days" (days I am at home- not at work), it always seems that by Friday I am worn out from the week, my house is a complete wreck from lack of time and/or energy from my work days, and I have tons of errands to run which usually means lack of attention or patience for my precious boys ................. But not today! Today I have all the necessary ingredients to bake up a great Familytime Friday.
Here is the recipe:
Although Mondays and Fridays are "Mommy Days" (days I am at home- not at work), it always seems that by Friday I am worn out from the week, my house is a complete wreck from lack of time and/or energy from my work days, and I have tons of errands to run which usually means lack of attention or patience for my precious boys ................. But not today! Today I have all the necessary ingredients to bake up a great Familytime Friday.
Here is the recipe:
- A Clean House (woopie! I can't remember the last time I had a clean house on a Friday!)
- No errands (Well besides the library to return an over-due DVD and the fitness center)
- Prayer. This is by far the most critical ingredient to the success of our day. This morning I prayed that the Lord would help me keep HIM first and my family second and that I would be patient with my boys and to appreciate and treasure each moment I get to share with them today.
- And of course "A Plan".................. stay tuned for Devotional Time, Craft Time and Learning Time!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Coming Soon to a Walgreens Near You
The following coupon match-up will take place in April but I wanted to let you in on it now so you can be sure to print your coupon before the print limit is reached!
Print a B1G1 Coca-Cola product by following these instructions:
Final Price: 2 Cokes and 2 Candy Bars for the price of 1 coke
(I dedicate this deal alert to my new couponing friend who is giving up cokes as part of her new budget but who loved the idea of getting some FREE chocolate!)
Thanks to DealSeekingMom for this deal alert!
Print a B1G1 Coca-Cola product by following these instructions:
- Register at My Cokes Rewards
- Enter Code: 100869373819
- Click on "Submit", then "Done", then click on Walgreens B1G1 coupon, then "Get It" and finally "Continue."
- You will be allowed 1 coupon
Here is what you will want to do with your coupon
In April Walgreens is going to offer a "Buy 1 20 oz Coke product Get a Free Candy Bar" deal
Use your B1G1 couponFinal Price: 2 Cokes and 2 Candy Bars for the price of 1 coke
(I dedicate this deal alert to my new couponing friend who is giving up cokes as part of her new budget but who loved the idea of getting some FREE chocolate!)
Thanks to DealSeekingMom for this deal alert!
Annual Budget Countdown
I shopped at 3 places this last week- Walgreens, Target and Kroger. BUT I also got 2 rebate checks back- totaling $8.68!!!! Yea!!! I tell you what- Rebates are FUN!
Not only do I get to add the Rebate total back into my budget I am also crediting the budget another $5 for my ebay profit on the coupons I sold ($6.05 minus postage and any ebay fees). Woo Hoo, I should be back on track with the budget before we know it!
I know you'll sleep better once I do. I do it all for you:)
Week 12 Damages:
Walgreens:
Total Spent: $0.71
Total Saved: $6.60
Target:
Total Spent oop: $12.93
Total Saved: $18.90 PLUS a $5 Target Giftcard
Kroger:
Total Spent: $79.39 on 54 items
Total Saved: $62.33
Week 12 Summary
Total Spent: $93.03
Total Saved: $87.83
YTD:
Total Spent: $1190.67 - rebate and ebay
Total Saved: $1008.06
Total Left: $3795.65 + $13.68 (rebate and ebay) = $3809.33
Now only about $25 over budget for year!!! I'm getting closer...........
Not only do I get to add the Rebate total back into my budget I am also crediting the budget another $5 for my ebay profit on the coupons I sold ($6.05 minus postage and any ebay fees). Woo Hoo, I should be back on track with the budget before we know it!
I know you'll sleep better once I do. I do it all for you:)
Week 12 Damages:
Walgreens:
Total Spent: $0.71
Total Saved: $6.60
Target:
Total Spent oop: $12.93
Total Saved: $18.90 PLUS a $5 Target Giftcard
Kroger:
Total Spent: $79.39 on 54 items
Total Saved: $62.33
Week 12 Summary
Total Spent: $93.03
Total Saved: $87.83
YTD:
Total Spent: $1190.67 - rebate and ebay
Total Saved: $1008.06
Total Left: $3795.65 + $13.68 (rebate and ebay) = $3809.33
Now only about $25 over budget for year!!! I'm getting closer...........
Deal Alert- Target
As always go here to see a list of Target Only printable coupons. Remember you can print as many Target Printables as you want!
PS I have not been able to look at our actual Kroger Flyer this week YET to confirm all these deals are true for our region. So make sure to double check prices before purchasing!
This is the last week to take advantage of the Motts Applesauce deal.
Motts Apple Sauce priced at $1.69
Use $1 off 1 target printable AND $0.55 off 1 from here
Final Price: $0.14 after both coupons
Gillete Shampoos, Conditioners, and Body Washes are supposedly on sale for $2
Use $2 off 1 from 3/1 PG
Final Price: FREE
Use $2 off 1 from 3/1 PG
Final Price: FREE
Note: I DID find these last week. They are on a special display near the face wash at the end of the aisle. Note: It is NOT on an endcap- it is in the aisle but it kind of sticks out near the end of an aisle. Can anyone else describe the location better?
Renu Contact Solution- trial size for $0.99
Go to the coupons.com sidebar to print off a $1 off 1 coupon
Final Price: FREE
Pledge Aerosol Furniture Polish or Multi-Surface on sale for $2.50ish
Use $2 off 1 printable AND $1 off 1 Target Printable (use link above)
Final Price: FREE
Buy 2 Shick Intuition or Quattro Razors at $6.99- Get $5 giftcard when you buy 2
Use 2 $4 off 1 from 3/22 SS
Final Price: $0.98 for 2 after both coupons and gift card
Note: Some people are reporting finding $3 peelies on some of the Intuition Razors!
There are other deals available you can check out here and here BUT I think most of the other deals are for Super Targets- can you imagine if we had a SUPER Target!!!
Deal Alert- Kroger
Here is a list of my favorite deals for the week of 3/25 - 3/31
There is quite a big selection of 10 for 10 deals. For those new to Kroger Shopping- You DO NOT have to buy 10 items to get the deal!
Here are a few of my favorite 10 for $10 Deals:
White Seedless Grapes $1 per lb
Del Monte Fruit Naturals for $1
I found a $1 off 2 recent printable
Final Price: $0.50 each
Fuji Apples $1
Slicer Tomatoes $1 per lb.
Avocados $1 each (yummy)
Hunts Pasta Sauce on sale $1 (I recommend the Zesty Spicy!)
Use $1 off 2 from Kroger 3/22 insert
Final Price: $0.50 each
Hunts Snack Pack Puddings
Use $0.50 off 2 from Kroger 3/22 insert
Final Price: $0.50 each
Rotel and Kroger Chips are on sale for $1 each
Use $1 off when you buy 2 Rotel and 1 Chip coupon from 3/22 Kroger insert
Final Price: $2 for 2 cans of Rotel and a bag of chips
Pillsbury Golden Layers and GRANDS Biscuits on sale $1
There are TONS of coupons available for these for example I found a $o.30 off 2 in 3/15 SS and a $0.50 off 3 in another 3/15 SS
Final Price: $0.67 to $0.70 per can depending on coupon
Ronco Pasta on sale $1
Use $0.55 off 2 from 3/15 SS
Final Price: $0.45 each
Kroger Sour Cream on sale $1
(a lot of my recipes call for low fat sour cream)
Kroger Cottage Cheese on sale $1
Kroger Canned Fruit on sale $1
Kroger Frozen Vegetables on sale $1
Other Deals:
Kroger or Kraft shredded or Bar Cheese on sale B1G1 FREE
If Kraft 2% Cheese is part of this deal there is an additional promotion going on: Buy 2, Get $1; Buy 3, Get $2; or Buy 4 and Get $3 off your next Order catalina will print!
Coca-Cola or Sprite products Buy 3 for $12 get 2 FREE boxes of 13.6 - 16 oz boxes of RITZ Crackers.
Read the fine print on this deal below:With Card LIMIT 3-12 PACKS WITH $10.00 ADDITIONAL PURCHASE EXCLUDING ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FUEL, LOTTERY & PRESCRIPTIONS. FREE* RITZ Crackers with purchase. Redeem Instantly *Buy three (3) 12-pack 12 oz cans of any Coca-Cola product and get two (2) FREE boxes of (13.66-16 oz) RITZ Crackers. USE YOUR SHOPPER'S CARD TO REDEEM INSTANTLY. PRODUCTS MUST BE PURCHASE IN A SINGLE TRANSACTION. LIMIT 1 REWARD PER TRANSACTION. OFFER GOOD 3/25/09-3/31/09 While supplies last.
Kroger Milk or Orange Juice 1/2 gallon on sale $1.29
PS You can Freeze Milk!
Kroger Canned Vegetables: $0.50
Quaker Breakfast Bars, Bites, Cookies, or Select Cereals on sale for $1.50 each when you buy 4 (4 for $10 and receive $4 off your final price with Kroger Card- hint- make sure you get your $4 credit on your receipt!)
Look for Quaker Coupons in your 3/8 RP, 3/1 RP, 2/8 RP, 1/4 RP to name a few
Final Price: Most of the above coupons will knock your final price to $1 or less
Quaker Simple Harvest or Instant Oatmeal on sale $1.50 each when you buy 2 (must buy 2 to get the deal)
Use $1.35 off 2 from 1/4 SS or $1 off 2 from 2/8 RP or go here for a $1 off 2 coupon
Final Price: $0.83 to $1 each when you buy 2
PS I don't know why my posts get stuck on double spacing sometimes like on my Quaker Cereal/Bar deal! (it won't let me single space!) If you are a blogger and know how to fix this please help!
Thrifty Tip
Guess what I did this week?........ I EBAYed. Guess what I sold on ebay?........ COUPONS!!!!
I had received some Enfamil catalina coupons from Kroger and hated to see them go to waste so I put them on ebay! AND THEY SOLD!!!! I listed the 3 coupons below with an opening bid of $0.99 and free shipping on a 3 day auction and made $6.05!!! Well technically I haven't been paid YET..... but I am sure the winner will step up soon... right?
I am soooo putting my profits back into my grocery budget to help me get closer to being back on track. Woo HOO!
I had received some Enfamil catalina coupons from Kroger and hated to see them go to waste so I put them on ebay! AND THEY SOLD!!!! I listed the 3 coupons below with an opening bid of $0.99 and free shipping on a 3 day auction and made $6.05!!! Well technically I haven't been paid YET..... but I am sure the winner will step up soon... right?
I am soooo putting my profits back into my grocery budget to help me get closer to being back on track. Woo HOO!
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