On Monday I was going to make homemade bread, but then realized we were out of oil and sugar. I was going to the store on Tuesday. We needed something with our Chicken Noodle Soup for Monday night. We were nearly out of saltine crackers, too...
Biscuits to the rescue!
Besides, the soup was rather un-brothy and would be better called Chicken and Noodles. We could eat it over biscuits. So I pulled out my trusty Better Homes and Gardens cookbook and made homemade biscuits instead. (Much easier than baking bread would have been!)
Drop Biscuits
2 cups flour
1 T. baking powder
1/4 to 1/2 t. salt
1/3 cup shortening (I used butter)
1 cup milk
Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening and mix with a fork or pastry blender. Add milk and stir until just moistened. Drop onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 12 biscuits.
Note: I get impatient trying to cut in cold butter, so I melted mine and poured it in. The batter sat (covered) in the fridge while we went swimming. I baked the biscuits when we returned.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
What We Really Ate - Week 4
Breakfasts:
Baked Oatmeal (1/2 the amount of white sugar, plus a little molasses for that brown sugar taste because we were out of brown sugar)
Milk
Plum
Bananas
Cheerios
Leftover Waffles
Peach
Lunches:
PB&J sandwiches
Nectarines
Yogurt
Peaches
Peanut Butter Cookies
Annie's organic mac and cheese
Leftovers
Peas
Dinners:
Sloppy Joes on buns
Corn
Chicken/Onion/Bell Pepper/Cheese Quesadillas
Rice
Peas
Tuna Salad and Crackers
Cheese Slices
Strawberry Smoothies
Chicken Fried Rice
Waffles
Steak Fajitas
Rice and Beans
McDonalds's
Baked Oatmeal (1/2 the amount of white sugar, plus a little molasses for that brown sugar taste because we were out of brown sugar)
Milk
Plum
Bananas
Cheerios
Leftover Waffles
Peach
Lunches:
PB&J sandwiches
Nectarines
Yogurt
Peaches
Peanut Butter Cookies
Annie's organic mac and cheese
Leftovers
Peas
Dinners:
Sloppy Joes on buns
Corn
Chicken/Onion/Bell Pepper/Cheese Quesadillas
Rice
Peas
Tuna Salad and Crackers
Cheese Slices
Strawberry Smoothies
Chicken Fried Rice
Waffles
Steak Fajitas
Rice and Beans
McDonalds's
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Menu Plan 6/29/09
(We'll start off the week by finishing up those dinners from the end of June list that we haven't had, yet.)
Breakfasts:
Oatmeal
Milk
Smoothies
Lunches:
PB&J Sandwiches
Fruit
Dessert
Dinners:
M - Chicken Noodle Soup and Homemade Bread
T - Egg Salad Sandwiches and Cucumbers w/ Dip
W - Tomato & Spinach Pasta Toss (use turkey sausage)
F - Leftovers
S - Buffalo Hot Dogs and Vegetable/Side
S - Homemade Pizza
Desserts:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (treats for work)
Deluxe Whole Wheat Strawberry Shortcake (daughter's birthday)
Visit the Organizing Junkie for more menus!
Our Memory Foam Mattress
I am inspired to write this post because I am noticing a difference between this pregnancy and my last pregnancy. I am sleeping better this time. I think that is partly due to our mattress.
In March of this year, we got a NovaForm Pure Comfort Deluxe queen mattress from Coscto. It was $100 off at the time and was delivery was included in the cost. We were wanting a new mattress since our current one at the time was going to our guest bedroom. It also just so happened that some friends of ours said, "Do you know anyone that needs a queen sized boxspring?" (They had just gotten a platform bed and just wanted the boxspring out of their house.) So, they let us buy their nearly new boxspring for a sweet deal. This was important to me because 1) the new mattress did not come with a boxspring, 2) none of our beds are platform beds, so we needed an additional boxspring, and 3) I like high beds - we have ours on 6 inch hidden risers.
Previously, my husband and I had slept on a Tempur-Pedic mattress for a few weeks at someone else's home, and LOVED it. The first night was a little strange until my body learned to relax on it (there is not the same counter-pressure feeling as with coils; you sort of feel like you are sinking into the foam, but you aren't). However, we knew a Tempur-Pedic wasn't in our budget.
We spent an afternoon at a mattress store, trying out conventional mattresses, only to leave more confused about what we should get. But we knew we didn't like soft mattresses, or ones that get a lot softer over time. So, my husband assigned me the job of researching mattresses for us online. As much as I like organic things, I didn't really let that be my number one criteria. Price and comfort were. Firmness. We like firm beds, we finally decided. Our current bed was firm, and to be honest, we still really liked it. We just figured if we were going to be buying a new mattress anyways, it might as well be one that we like and enjoy in our bedroom, rather than only getting slept on ocassionally by our guests. Meanwhile, the comfort of the Tempur-Pedic was always in the back of our minds.
That's when, in my research, I came across the NovaForm Pure Comfort Deluxe. I think this review helped me a lot (although it is for a slightly different, lower-end model, I believe). I also enjoyed this review. Then, I also read the reviews on the product page on costco.com. (I can no longer find those reviews! Aargh!) My main concern was that it would be too soft for us. And only time will tell for that. For now, we are thoroughly pleased with it.
I think the reason that it is helping me sleep better is because it truly supports every inch of your body when you are sleeping on your side (as you are supposed to do when pregnant). I am not experiencing an unsupported sagging back because of the pull on my big belly that led to back pain in my previous pregnancy. (And let me tell you, my belly is about as big as it was at the very end of my last pregnancy, no kidding. ) I honestly look forward to laying in bed at night.
We are using this type of mattress protector to help keep our new mattress in as good of condition as possible. I also bought a similar one from Overstock.com for our daughter's new bed. They are not "cushy" mattress covers, but that's not what I was aiming for anyways.
I can't recommend the NovaForm for everyone. It is different than your conventional mattress. But at $649 (we paid $549 with the February Costco coupons) it has been a great purchase for us thus far. If you like Tempur-Pedic memory foam type mattresses, but like us, just don't see one in the budget, this knock-off is definitely worth considering.
In March of this year, we got a NovaForm Pure Comfort Deluxe queen mattress from Coscto. It was $100 off at the time and was delivery was included in the cost. We were wanting a new mattress since our current one at the time was going to our guest bedroom. It also just so happened that some friends of ours said, "Do you know anyone that needs a queen sized boxspring?" (They had just gotten a platform bed and just wanted the boxspring out of their house.) So, they let us buy their nearly new boxspring for a sweet deal. This was important to me because 1) the new mattress did not come with a boxspring, 2) none of our beds are platform beds, so we needed an additional boxspring, and 3) I like high beds - we have ours on 6 inch hidden risers.
Previously, my husband and I had slept on a Tempur-Pedic mattress for a few weeks at someone else's home, and LOVED it. The first night was a little strange until my body learned to relax on it (there is not the same counter-pressure feeling as with coils; you sort of feel like you are sinking into the foam, but you aren't). However, we knew a Tempur-Pedic wasn't in our budget.
We spent an afternoon at a mattress store, trying out conventional mattresses, only to leave more confused about what we should get. But we knew we didn't like soft mattresses, or ones that get a lot softer over time. So, my husband assigned me the job of researching mattresses for us online. As much as I like organic things, I didn't really let that be my number one criteria. Price and comfort were. Firmness. We like firm beds, we finally decided. Our current bed was firm, and to be honest, we still really liked it. We just figured if we were going to be buying a new mattress anyways, it might as well be one that we like and enjoy in our bedroom, rather than only getting slept on ocassionally by our guests. Meanwhile, the comfort of the Tempur-Pedic was always in the back of our minds.
That's when, in my research, I came across the NovaForm Pure Comfort Deluxe. I think this review helped me a lot (although it is for a slightly different, lower-end model, I believe). I also enjoyed this review. Then, I also read the reviews on the product page on costco.com. (I can no longer find those reviews! Aargh!) My main concern was that it would be too soft for us. And only time will tell for that. For now, we are thoroughly pleased with it.
I think the reason that it is helping me sleep better is because it truly supports every inch of your body when you are sleeping on your side (as you are supposed to do when pregnant). I am not experiencing an unsupported sagging back because of the pull on my big belly that led to back pain in my previous pregnancy. (And let me tell you, my belly is about as big as it was at the very end of my last pregnancy, no kidding. ) I honestly look forward to laying in bed at night.
We are using this type of mattress protector to help keep our new mattress in as good of condition as possible. I also bought a similar one from Overstock.com for our daughter's new bed. They are not "cushy" mattress covers, but that's not what I was aiming for anyways.
I can't recommend the NovaForm for everyone. It is different than your conventional mattress. But at $649 (we paid $549 with the February Costco coupons) it has been a great purchase for us thus far. If you like Tempur-Pedic memory foam type mattresses, but like us, just don't see one in the budget, this knock-off is definitely worth considering.
Big Girl Room
This weekend we are transitioning our daughter from her crib to a twin sized bed. What goes along with that is lots of removing and reassigning furniture to new spots: guest bedroom furniture to basement, baby furniture to guest bedroom, and new (to us) furniture to our daughter's room. Whew! That is what we did yesterday. Here are some snippets from the new "big girl" room...
Just a warning, I am not a fan of matchy-matchy and I like things to have meaning... whatever that means to you...
Details: a new Sealy mattress from Costco, headboard from my sister-in-law, quilt from my mother-in-law (she sews a baby quilt for each grandchild), gingham dust ruffle from my parents (from my college days), new pale pink sheets from Bed Bath and Beyond (these are SO soft), pillows from Wal-Mart, embellishment by me. I will probably need to get some form of larger blanket or coverlet to go under the quilt when the weather turns cooler.
I was inspired by this post. Pillow, $5 clearance at Wal-Mart. Felt, 29 cents per color at JoAnn's.
I love this bear and rocking chair she received from my parents at Christmas. Can you believe this chair was from a consignment store, but was brand new?
This is the dresser my in-laws purchased from a used furniture store and helped refinish. The picture doesn't do it justice. I am still brainstorming ideas for the raised circle - an initial or some other form of embellishment so it doesn't look like a large wart? And ideas? It is not as noticeable in person. I could also move that drawer up one spot... My favorite aspects of this dresser are the detailing along the back edge and the new glass knobs I put on. This dresser and headboard we painted in the same creamy white as our indoor trim (Sherwin Williams 7042 - Shoji White).
They are hard to see, but the flowy white drapes are a soft finishing touch.
For the time being, we are keeping the toys out of her room, so there are less distractions. She prefers to play out in the living room, kitchen, or basement, where we usually hang out, anyways.
Now, for the walls... they are next on the list. I have a shelf to hang, her wooden name letters, and am also thinking maybe a place to display art??? If you have any great ideas, let me know!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Groceries I Bought - Week 4 & 4 1/2
Aldi, trip #1:
I stuck to my list (minus one milk because we still had 3/4 gallon of skim left).
-$20.36
Aldi, trip #2:
Milk, more fruit
-4.92
Door to Door Organics produce delivery:
Apricots
Avocado
Grapefruit
Mango
Nectarines
Peaches
Cucumbers
Green Beans
CO Romain Lettuce
CO Red Leaf Lettuce
CO Spinach
Zucchini
Red Bell Peppers
-$32.66
Total for this week: $57.94
Monthly total so far: $232.36 + $57.94 = $290.30
Can we make it until Wednesday without going to the store again? I may need to pick up another gallon of milk...
Update: I spent about 6 more dollars when I went to Costco on Saturday to get the mattress - we needed milk and bread. That should do it, though.
I stuck to my list (minus one milk because we still had 3/4 gallon of skim left).
-$20.36
Aldi, trip #2:
Milk, more fruit
-4.92
Door to Door Organics produce delivery:
Apricots
Avocado
Grapefruit
Mango
Nectarines
Peaches
Cucumbers
Green Beans
CO Romain Lettuce
CO Red Leaf Lettuce
CO Spinach
Zucchini
Red Bell Peppers
-$32.66
Total for this week: $57.94
Monthly total so far: $232.36 + $57.94 = $290.30
Can we make it until Wednesday without going to the store again? I may need to pick up another gallon of milk...
Update: I spent about 6 more dollars when I went to Costco on Saturday to get the mattress - we needed milk and bread. That should do it, though.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Coming Up...
Some reviews coming soon:
Soap nuts (I actually won something -thanks, Lindsay! I can't wait to try them!)
Our mattress (I love it. Especially being pregnant. And it was a reasonable price.)
Brief update:
This week has been busy getting back into the swing of things after vacation (it always is that way!) With the heat, I have not felt much like cooking, but have still wanted to eat of course. So we've had some easy meals. We have made progress on the summer to-do list, but not everything is completed, yet. Next week is our daughter's 2 years old birthday. I have 7 weeks left until the baby boy's due date... I think he is going to be much bigger than our daughter, who was just under 6 pounds at birth. Besides the normal aches, pains, and varicose veins (ew! didn't have those last time) I am doing great so far.
Thoughts:
I am thinking I might be making a lot of large dishes, or casseroles, this fall (if all goes well with the baby and all). Because, I remember after the birth of our daughter, I was not inspired to cook for several months. On top of that, dinnertime was the fussiest time of the day, of course. But with a husband and toddler (and myself) who like to eat, I am going to have to have stuff planned and ready before dinnertime or we will all be super cranky. So I might be giving a weekly or monthly cooking session a try! We'll see!
Soap nuts (I actually won something -thanks, Lindsay! I can't wait to try them!)
Our mattress (I love it. Especially being pregnant. And it was a reasonable price.)
Brief update:
This week has been busy getting back into the swing of things after vacation (it always is that way!) With the heat, I have not felt much like cooking, but have still wanted to eat of course. So we've had some easy meals. We have made progress on the summer to-do list, but not everything is completed, yet. Next week is our daughter's 2 years old birthday. I have 7 weeks left until the baby boy's due date... I think he is going to be much bigger than our daughter, who was just under 6 pounds at birth. Besides the normal aches, pains, and varicose veins (ew! didn't have those last time) I am doing great so far.
Thoughts:
I am thinking I might be making a lot of large dishes, or casseroles, this fall (if all goes well with the baby and all). Because, I remember after the birth of our daughter, I was not inspired to cook for several months. On top of that, dinnertime was the fussiest time of the day, of course. But with a husband and toddler (and myself) who like to eat, I am going to have to have stuff planned and ready before dinnertime or we will all be super cranky. So I might be giving a weekly or monthly cooking session a try! We'll see!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What We Really Ate - Week 3
We were at the lake last week. We were with family and friends and all cooked and ate together most days.
Breakfasts:
Oatmeal
Bagels
Fruit
Milk
Juice
One day we were treated with homemade waffles.
Lunches:
Sandwiches
Chips
Fruit
Carrots/Celery
Yogurt
Dessert
Leftovers
Dinners:
Hamburgers & hot dogs
Lasagna
Salad
Garlic bread
Steak
Pasta Salad
Potatoes
Taco Salad
Salmon
Fish
BBQ Shrimp
Grilled vegetables
BBQ beef
Cole slaw
Cheesy potatoes
Watermelon
Cantelope
Pizza
Desserts/Snacks:
Pop
Brownies
Cookie cake
Twizzlers
Popcorn
Banana bread
Chocolate chip cookies
Blackberry cobbler w/ ice cream
Breakfasts:
Oatmeal
Bagels
Fruit
Milk
Juice
One day we were treated with homemade waffles.
Lunches:
Sandwiches
Chips
Fruit
Carrots/Celery
Yogurt
Dessert
Leftovers
Dinners:
Hamburgers & hot dogs
Lasagna
Salad
Garlic bread
Steak
Pasta Salad
Potatoes
Taco Salad
Salmon
Fish
BBQ Shrimp
Grilled vegetables
BBQ beef
Cole slaw
Cheesy potatoes
Watermelon
Cantelope
Pizza
Desserts/Snacks:
Pop
Brownies
Cookie cake
Twizzlers
Popcorn
Banana bread
Chocolate chip cookies
Blackberry cobbler w/ ice cream
Menu Plan 6/22/09
Well, we are back from our week at the lake now! We ate well: grilled salmon, steaks, veggies, potatoes, blackberry cobbler, and more. Mm-mmm! Now, it is time to streeeetch the budget until the end of the month... Our produce order will resume this Friday ($32.66) I am hopeful that with that, plus one or two small trips to Aldi, to make it to July still under the $300 mark.
First up, here is my Aldi shopping list:
Milk (2)
Fruit
Veggies (corn, peas)
Rice
Tortillas
Cheese (2)
Sour Cream
Eggs
Oatmeal
Tuna (2)
First up, here is my Aldi shopping list:
Milk (2)
Fruit
Veggies (corn, peas)
Rice
Tortillas
Cheese (2)
Sour Cream
Eggs
Oatmeal
Tuna (2)
I haven't shopped yet, so I don't know exactly what the total will be, but I estimate about $24. This, with the produce order, will put the monthly total at just under $290.
Next, here are the dinners we can make, in random order:
Chicken, Onion, & Cheese Quesadillas
Chicken Fried Rice
Bean, Rice, & Cheese Burritos
Scrambled Eggs and Muffins
Soup (from the freezer) and Bread
Steaks and Broccoli
Fajitas
Tuna Cheesies and fruit
Turkey Bratwurst
Sloppy Joes
Once we get our produce delivery on Friday, the dinners can include those veggies, as well.
Chicken, Onion, & Cheese Quesadillas
Chicken Fried Rice
Bean, Rice, & Cheese Burritos
Scrambled Eggs and Muffins
Soup (from the freezer) and Bread
Steaks and Broccoli
Fajitas
Tuna Cheesies and fruit
Turkey Bratwurst
Sloppy Joes
Once we get our produce delivery on Friday, the dinners can include those veggies, as well.
Breakfast and lunches can be the normal routine - Cheerio's, baked oatmeal, smoothies, sandwiches, fruit, etc.
There's the menu plan for the rest of June! To see more, visit the Organizing Junkie.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Groceries I Bought - Week 3
For the lake and a beyond...
Price Chopper:
2 Skippy natural peanut butter
2 Ragu pasta sauce
6 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- $13.63
(saved $19.60)
Costco:
3 lb. bananas
5 lb. pears
2 milk
2 bread
2 jelly
veggie chips
Stacy’s Pita chips
2 lb. Wild Alaskan salmon filets
1 lb. Organic salad greens
-$54.37
Total for this week: $68
Monthly total so far: $164.36 + $68.00 = $232.36
Original monthly goal: $260 or less
Revised June monthly goal: under $300 as much as possible
Price Chopper:
2 Skippy natural peanut butter
2 Ragu pasta sauce
6 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- $13.63
(saved $19.60)
Costco:
3 lb. bananas
5 lb. pears
2 milk
2 bread
2 jelly
veggie chips
Stacy’s Pita chips
2 lb. Wild Alaskan salmon filets
1 lb. Organic salad greens
-$54.37
Total for this week: $68
Monthly total so far: $164.36 + $68.00 = $232.36
Original monthly goal: $260 or less
Revised June monthly goal: under $300 as much as possible
Monday, June 15, 2009
What We Really Ate - Week 2
Breakfasts:
Peanut butter toast
Nectarines
Peaches
Grapefruit
Cheerios with milk
Lunches:
Leftovers
Saltines and cheddar
Salad
Saltines with peanut butter
Crackers and Cheese
Oranges
Chocolate Beet Cake
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Yogurt
Peach
Carrots and Celery Sticks
Snacks:
Homemade popcorn with salt and parmesan
Dinners:
Leftovers
Salad
Fish (husband - some he caught)
Dinner meeting - we all got treated!
Turkey brats on buns
Salad
Chipotle cheddar burgers on buns
Salad
Yam frieds
Dessert:
Chocolate Beet Cake
Breyer's Ice Cream
Peanut butter toast
Nectarines
Peaches
Grapefruit
Cheerios with milk
Lunches:
Leftovers
Saltines and cheddar
Salad
Saltines with peanut butter
Crackers and Cheese
Oranges
Chocolate Beet Cake
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Yogurt
Peach
Carrots and Celery Sticks
Snacks:
Homemade popcorn with salt and parmesan
Dinners:
Leftovers
Salad
Fish (husband - some he caught)
Dinner meeting - we all got treated!
Turkey brats on buns
Salad
Chipotle cheddar burgers on buns
Salad
Yam frieds
Dessert:
Chocolate Beet Cake
Breyer's Ice Cream
Friday, June 12, 2009
Groceries I Bought - Week 2
Door to Door Organics Produce Delivery - $32.66
Avocado
Grapefruit
Nectarines
Valencia Oranges
White Peaches
Broccoli
Bunched Beets
Carrots with Tops
Yams
Colorado Spinach
Red Leaf Lettuce
Celery
Target: Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap, 2 frozen orange juice, 2% milk, 18 lb. charcoal - $23.07 (not the best place to buy OJ and milk, but I was trying to be efficient)
Whole Foods: 2 lb. turkey bratwurst, 3 lb. ground beef, 2 lb. chipotle cheddar burgers, hot dog buns, hamburger buns, 15 yogurt, 3 Annies' Mac & Cheese, 12 cans soda - $46.38 (picture and details)
Total for this week: $102.11
Monthly total so far: $62.25 + 102.11 = $164.36
Goal for the month: $260 or less
Avocado
Grapefruit
Nectarines
Valencia Oranges
White Peaches
Broccoli
Bunched Beets
Carrots with Tops
Yams
Colorado Spinach
Red Leaf Lettuce
Celery
Target: Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap, 2 frozen orange juice, 2% milk, 18 lb. charcoal - $23.07 (not the best place to buy OJ and milk, but I was trying to be efficient)
Whole Foods: 2 lb. turkey bratwurst, 3 lb. ground beef, 2 lb. chipotle cheddar burgers, hot dog buns, hamburger buns, 15 yogurt, 3 Annies' Mac & Cheese, 12 cans soda - $46.38 (picture and details)
Total for this week: $102.11
Monthly total so far: $62.25 + 102.11 = $164.36
Goal for the month: $260 or less
This was an expensive week, but I have a plan. I did some figuring as well, and have my grocery lists for the remainder of the month, give or take pending some sales, already planned out. Given that I want to buy some "fun food" for our trip, I don't think it is going to be feasible to be $40 under budget for the month of June. BUT, I do still think I can be underbudget some. And some is better than none. And, my rationale is that if there is money left from other areas of our budget (entertainment and clothing), that can go towards the coconut oil to make up for what is lacking. I am not giving up!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Whole Foods Trip
I caught the last day of some sales at Whole Foods this afternoon:
2 lb. chipotle cheddar burgers
2 lb. turkey bratwurst
3 lb. ground beef
15 organic yogurts
3 Annie's organic macaroni and cheese
6 pack root beer
6 pack cherry-vanilla soda
8 whole-wheat hamburger buns
8 whole -wheat hot dog buns
Total: $46.38
I went especially for the meat, specifically the bratwurst which was $2.99/lb., normally $5.99/lb. All other items were also on sale except for the sodas (which are store brand). I got the yogurts because they are were on sale for cheaper than the organic yogurt at Costco. The buns were half off. I saved $22+ off of the total bill, all in all.
Puree and Freeze
Kitchen tip for today:
If you have fresh vegetables that you are not going to get around to eating before they spoil, go ahead and cook and puree them. Then, freeze the puree to be used later in various recipes (like those from Deceptively Delicious). Or just improvise on your own! Katie acutally sneaks kale into her pasta sauce. I have not tried that one! I have made beet puree. This tip is especially helpful for those veggies that come in a CSA box that you don't really think you'd EVER eat on their own.
Of course, if you have extra fruit, prepare and chop. Then, freeze until later for use in smoothies! I have done this several times recently with mangos.
This is kind of a no-brainer tip. But, it is a good reminder to me to try to find a way to use everything and let nothing go to waste! Visit Tammy for more tips.
Monday, June 8, 2009
What We Really Ate - Week 1
As part of the challenge I've given myself, I said I would post what we actually ate each week. So, each day, I just added to the list if there was something new. We stuck pretty well to our menu plan last week, just didn't get to the sloppy joes - I used the ground beef in spaghetti sauce instead.
Breakfasts:
Peanut Butter Toast and Kiwi
Milk, OJ
Coffee
Oatmeal with Milk
Peach
Banana
Cheerios with Milk
Orange -Strawberry-Mango Smoothies
Coffee Cake
Snacks at Church
Lunches:
Peanut Butter and Banana or Jelly Sandwiches
Apples
Milk
Cheese
Chips
Cookies
Carrots and Celery
Kiwi
(husband ate out 3 times*)
Salad
Leftovers
Peach
Snack:
Homemade popcorn with salt and parmesan cheese
Dinners:
Tacos and Salad
Leftovers
(husband had a dinner meeting 2 times)
Salmon Cakes
Baked Potatoes
Zucchini
Spaghetti
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Mashed Yams
Broccoli
Quick and Easy Alfredo
Angel Hair Pasta
Chimichangas
Salad
Desserts:
Breyer's Ice Cream
Leftover No-bake Cookies from MIL
Free Sonic RB Floats
Chewy Jolly Ranchers (hubby brought home from work)
*Depending on his schedule, my husband sometimes eats a snack/lunch out. He does it on the run, and as cheap as possible, so I would say that he spends $10-15/week or less on this. (Sometimes it is just a quick $1.50 polish sausage and drink from Costco.) Then he comes home ravenous! This comes from a separate budget line item, so I don't include it in our grocery budget. I do try to pack him food as often as possible.
Breakfasts:
Peanut Butter Toast and Kiwi
Milk, OJ
Coffee
Oatmeal with Milk
Peach
Banana
Cheerios with Milk
Orange -Strawberry-Mango Smoothies
Coffee Cake
Snacks at Church
Lunches:
Peanut Butter and Banana or Jelly Sandwiches
Apples
Milk
Cheese
Chips
Cookies
Carrots and Celery
Kiwi
(husband ate out 3 times*)
Salad
Leftovers
Peach
Snack:
Homemade popcorn with salt and parmesan cheese
Dinners:
Tacos and Salad
Leftovers
(husband had a dinner meeting 2 times)
Salmon Cakes
Baked Potatoes
Zucchini
Spaghetti
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Mashed Yams
Broccoli
Quick and Easy Alfredo
Angel Hair Pasta
Chimichangas
Salad
Desserts:
Breyer's Ice Cream
Leftover No-bake Cookies from MIL
Free Sonic RB Floats
Chewy Jolly Ranchers (hubby brought home from work)
*Depending on his schedule, my husband sometimes eats a snack/lunch out. He does it on the run, and as cheap as possible, so I would say that he spends $10-15/week or less on this. (Sometimes it is just a quick $1.50 polish sausage and drink from Costco.) Then he comes home ravenous! This comes from a separate budget line item, so I don't include it in our grocery budget. I do try to pack him food as often as possible.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Menu Plan 6/8/09
Keeping my challenge in mind, here is the plan. I think I am going to cancel two weeks of produce orders since one would arrive right before we leave, and one would arrive right before we return. That will help even more to be under budget. (By the way, the last one in May I counted as June, since we ate it in June. So that means 3 weeks of delivery will still be counted in the June budget.) Also, as far as our week at the lake, I've decided to shop ahead of time so that I can buy things at the price I want. I'll just contribute what I buy to the group stash if that's ok with everyone.
Breakfasts:
Cheerios with Milk
Smoothies
Lunches:
PB&J Sandwiches
Carrots and Celery
Yogurt
Fruit
Dinners:
M - Chimichangas, Salad (Sunday's leftovers)
T - Turkey Brats on Buns, Salad
W - Leftovers
Th - Hamburgers on Buns, Yams
F - Leftovers
S - ?
S - ?
Dessert:
More Menu Plan Monday...
Hot Shopping List
I guess I'm on a roll with the posting this afternoon!
A couple things caught my eye as I as looking through the ads. I am not necessarily going to go out and buy all these things - gotta stick to the budget, ya know? But there are some fun things on sale...
If you don't have another place to get these kinds of items, or if you are going to be at Target anyways, check out their eco-friendlier products on sale this week:
EcoTools Make-up Brush Set $8.99 Bamboo handles. A quality gift idea.
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Peppermint Soap 32 oz. $9.99 All kinds of uses.
Method Handwash $2.49 Gentle on the hands.
Niman Ranch Bacon or Sausage 12 oz. $4 No antibiotics or nitrates added, from independent, sustainable U.S. farms.
Also, CVS has a crazy Pampers ECB deal going on... I may have to stop in and see, even though I'm 100% CERTAIN they will be COMPLETELY wiped out of stock as they always are on the good deals it seems. (I say that *hoping* there will be some left by the time I get there midweek.) If we don't end up using them, they are always good for gifts! (If you go to buy these at CVS, you might want to verify that they are honoring this deal first, since it is only shown online and not in the weekly ad. You could print it out and take it with you, though.)
Ok, I've decided now to not even bother. $4 for Pampers (which is only after you take into consideration the ECB's which you have to spend at CVS within the month) or $6 for generic if I need them... I'll save myself the headache, I think.
A couple things caught my eye as I as looking through the ads. I am not necessarily going to go out and buy all these things - gotta stick to the budget, ya know? But there are some fun things on sale...
If you don't have another place to get these kinds of items, or if you are going to be at Target anyways, check out their eco-friendlier products on sale this week:
EcoTools Make-up Brush Set $8.99 Bamboo handles. A quality gift idea.
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Peppermint Soap 32 oz. $9.99 All kinds of uses.
Method Handwash $2.49 Gentle on the hands.
Niman Ranch Bacon or Sausage 12 oz. $4 No antibiotics or nitrates added, from independent, sustainable U.S. farms.
Also, CVS has a crazy Pampers ECB deal going on... I may have to stop in and see, even though I'm 100% CERTAIN they will be COMPLETELY wiped out of stock as they always are on the good deals it seems. (I say that *hoping* there will be some left by the time I get there midweek.) If we don't end up using them, they are always good for gifts! (If you go to buy these at CVS, you might want to verify that they are honoring this deal first, since it is only shown online and not in the weekly ad. You could print it out and take it with you, though.)
Ok, I've decided now to not even bother. $4 for Pampers (which is only after you take into consideration the ECB's which you have to spend at CVS within the month) or $6 for generic if I need them... I'll save myself the headache, I think.
Why Coconut Oil?
If you are wondering why I am wanting to buy a gallon of coconut oil, read on...
Ever since I read this article (and some of it's enclosed links), I've been intrigued. I have bought some small jars of coconut oil occasionally at Whole Foods, but that really isn't very economical in the long run. I have found good results using it as a replacement for vegetable or canola oil. I'd like to have enough to use it as a skin moisturizer, as well. So, after trying it out in small portions, I like it enough to go for the gallon, which is a better price in the long run. (Yes, there is coconut oil at Wal-Mart. But I tried it once, and it just wasn't the same quality. It made me want to barf. But maybe that's because I had morning sickness.)
Additionally, what I've learned from these books also supports the use of coconut oil over other more processed, manufactured oils.
Basically, it is another step our quest to eat more whole, natural foods. Or another step in being weird, as my husband says :)
(And if any of you that know you live close want to go in on an order with me, let me know, maybe we can save on shipping??)
Ever since I read this article (and some of it's enclosed links), I've been intrigued. I have bought some small jars of coconut oil occasionally at Whole Foods, but that really isn't very economical in the long run. I have found good results using it as a replacement for vegetable or canola oil. I'd like to have enough to use it as a skin moisturizer, as well. So, after trying it out in small portions, I like it enough to go for the gallon, which is a better price in the long run. (Yes, there is coconut oil at Wal-Mart. But I tried it once, and it just wasn't the same quality. It made me want to barf. But maybe that's because I had morning sickness.)
Additionally, what I've learned from these books also supports the use of coconut oil over other more processed, manufactured oils.
Basically, it is another step our quest to eat more whole, natural foods. Or another step in being weird, as my husband says :)
(And if any of you that know you live close want to go in on an order with me, let me know, maybe we can save on shipping??)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
An Experiment: Rhubarb Coffee Cake
I made 2 8x8 pans of this Big Crumb Coffee Cake with Rhubarb to take to church tomorrow. The only thing I've ever made with rhubarb before is strawberry-rhubarb pie, which both my husband and I like a lot. (His grandma freezes bags of fresh, chopped rhubarb every year and gives us some for our freezer, which is great.) I just hope other people at church besides me like rhubarb!
Groceries I Bought - Week 1
Produce from last week's Door to Door Organics delivery - $32.66
Avocado
Bananas
Fuji Apples
Kiwi
Peaches
Carrots with Tops
Broccoli
Colorado Spinach
Baby Lettuces
Colorado Green Onions
Colorado Red Radish
Yams
Zucchini
Target: 30 rolls toilet paper - $15.07
Aldi: sour cream, tomato paste, bananas - $2.71
Costco: 2% milk, bread, Cheerios - $11.81
Monthly total so far: $62.25
Goal for the month: $260 or less (so I can buy coconut oil)
Next week: need to buy some meat!
Avocado
Bananas
Fuji Apples
Kiwi
Peaches
Carrots with Tops
Broccoli
Colorado Spinach
Baby Lettuces
Colorado Green Onions
Colorado Red Radish
Yams
Zucchini
Target: 30 rolls toilet paper - $15.07
Aldi: sour cream, tomato paste, bananas - $2.71
Costco: 2% milk, bread, Cheerios - $11.81
Monthly total so far: $62.25
Goal for the month: $260 or less (so I can buy coconut oil)
Next week: need to buy some meat!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
In Progress...
This past weekend, my husband's parents came up and brought us a dresser/chest of drawers that they helped me refinish for our daughter's "big girl" room. Or I should say I helped them, because they were the ones who knew what they were doing. We scraped, sanded, primed, and painted the dresser, a headboard, and some wall shelves. Now they are all just sitting in the garage waiting for some final touches. I will post pictures of the final products in a week or so. I can't wait to see it with the new hardware and all. It is pretty quaint and girly, which is not usually my style, but with a few other modern and eclectic touches in her room, I think I will really like it. I can't wait to see it all together! Ok, now that that's nearly checked off the list (#2), we have to get a mattress for her and then the furniture quest will be over!
(Also, I found a $5 clearance pillow that is just waiting to be decorated!)
(Also, I found a $5 clearance pillow that is just waiting to be decorated!)
Fingerpaint Recipe
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Here's a project I'd like to try with my almost 2 year old this summer:
If I get around to it, I am going to have her fingerpaint on paper on a cookie sheet with edges (like my friend Meredith did with her daughter) to help contain the mess. Brilliant!
This post is part of the WFMW - the "Mom, I'm Bored" summer edition.
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