My Mom helped me clean out my freezer on her recent visit and we were able to eat out of our pantry and freezer for a full week! I realized how lazy I've become at this grocery thing.
I am continually inspired and amazed at how much Crystal can get for her dollar! So, over this past weekend - I decided to peruse all the local grocery ads. After that, I chose two where I could do the best and made my menu plan for two weeks. I will need some produce to supplement next week - but here is what I bought, how much I spent and what I will serve.
Note: In all fairness, I must include that my father-in-law's hobby is grocery shopping. He brings groceries over frequently and I know that my budget would have to increase if he wasn't doing this. I say this just to be honest and open.
Menu:
Monday:
B: Cereal
L: Cheese Tortillas; fruit
D: Hamburgers and Oven Fries
Tuesday:
B: Bagels
L: Honey Sandwiches; Fruit
D: Pizza with out of town family
Wednesday:
B: Cereal
L: Cheese and Crackers; Fruit
D: Grilled Chicken; Salad; Potato Packets
Thursday:
B: Apple Muffins
L: Mini Pizzas
D: Chicken Enchiladas; Chips and Salsa
Friday:
B: Apple Muffins
L: Grilled Cheese; Fruit
D: driving to NC for weekend
Saturday-Tuesday lunch - traveling
Tuesday:
D: Triple Decker Club; Chips; Fruit
Wednesday:
B: Cereal
L: Cheese Tortillas
D: Applesauce Pancakes; Bacon
Thursday:
B: Muffins
L: Macaroni and Cheese
D: Ranch Chicken; Corn; Salad
Friday:
B: Leftover Muffins
L: Honey Sandwiches
D: Calzones
Saturday:
B: Donuts
L: Wraps
D: Tacos or Enchiladas
Sunday:
B: Bagels or English Muffins
L: Steak; Potato; Veggie; Bread
D: Leftovers
Monday:
B: Cereal
What I bought this week:
CVS:2 Sure Deodorant: $2.69 each; two $1/1 coupons; mail in rebate for $2.69 = 0.69
4 Oral B Toothbrushes: $1.99 each; two $1/2 coupons; $1 Extra Buck each = 1.96
1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush: $3.99; $3.99 Extra Bucks = free
1 snack size M&M's: 0.88
Total: Used $3/$15 coupon and $11.37 Extra Bucks; spent 0.06 out of pocket and received $7.99 in Extra Bucks and $2.69 mail-in-rebate
0.06 spent
Walgreens:
3 boxes Kleenex: on sale for 0.89/box; used 0.50/1 coupon = $2.17
2 cans mandarin oranges: on sale for 2/$1
Bush's beans: 0.79
Bic Lighter (long - great for grill!): on sale for $2.99 - $1/1 coupon = $1.99
Reynolds Aluminum Foil: on sale for $2.50 - 0.75/1 coupon = $1.75
Total: Used $6 in Register Rewards and $2.29 rebate gift card
0.00 spent
Rite Aid:
Orajel Plaque Revealing Gel
got2B mousse
got2B gel
All free after Single Check Rebate
Paid with gift card from Prescription Transfer
0.00 spent
Kroger:
Hunt's Ketchup: $2.69 - $2.69 mail-in-rebate = Free
Ivory Liquid Detergent: $4.99 - $2.00 coupon - up to $3.00 mail-in-rebate = Free
Huggies Diapers: bought 3 at $9.49 - $4.00 instant savings - $5.00 in mfr. coupons - $5.00 mail-in-rebate = $14.47
Tortilla chips: $2.29
Steak: Bought 2 filets at 3/$10 for Sunday Dinner
Kraft Salad Dressing: $1.69 - free coupon = Free
Cream Cheese: $1.15
Chicken 3 lb.: $5.99
Ground Beef 5 lb.: $9.95
Turkey Lunch Meat: $3.50
Two boxes General Mills Cereal: 2/$4 - $1/2 coupon = $3.00
Total Spent: $49.38
Publix:
Huggies Baby Wash and Lotion: $3.29 each - BOGO store coupon - two $1/1 coupons = $1.29
Animal Crackers: $1.00 - free coupon = Free
Beech Nut Rice Cereal: $1.59 - free coupon = Free
Plum Tomato: 0.83 - $1 off produce coupon = free plus overage
Lemon: 0.67 = 0.50 (taking into account overage from produce coupon)
Lender's Bagels: 2/$2.03 sale price - 0.50/2 coupon = $1.53
Doritos: BOGO - bought one at $1.90
Total Spent: $5.75 paid with gift card from a previous rebate; total spent out of pocket: $0.00
Total: $49.44
Note: If you live near a Publix, please make sure to sign up for the Baby Club - they send out great coupons every few months until your baby is two years old!
Labels: being thrifty
If there was one question I am asked over and over it is about how our daily schedule runs around here. How I get the things done that I do and what that looks like practically with three small children.I decided to track my time all week this week and will post it all week next week. I do want to say a couple of things in advance though.
Everyone has to figure out what works for them! By sharing this, I am not pretending to have it all together or even hoping to come across that way. I actually prayed that God would help my week be as realistic as possible so that what I share will reflect reality.
Also, just because I use my time in a certain way does not make it THE way or even right for me. I am accountable for how I spend my time as each of us are. This does not mean that you take someone else's schedule and assume it is how your home should operate. Each of us must come up with what works for us, and my purpose in sharing this is to be real about how I spend my time and be open about sharing it.
Of course I hope that it provides a good idea or help to someone who might want to adjust part of their schedule or just needs ideas on getting going in their home. But, please do consider what is best for your family and season.
I will say that I have struggled with a daily schedule more since Samuel was born than I have for a long time. We are just now getting things smoothed out and now that he is sleeping through the night, I am feeling more energetic - naturally!
I do not want anything about sharing my schedule to come across prideful or boastful and hope you will see my heart in just sharing openly of myself.
One last thing - I think that one reason I am asked this question so often is because I do lots of crafty things, read and like to cook and bake. I am of the opinion (not necessarily right or wrong, just my thoughts) that doing these things makes me a better mom. When I have things I can participate in, while still at home and still contributing to our family, that are refreshing and energizing ~ it simply helps me keep going in the things that aren't as fun to do!
I did not take pictures of everything like I often do - because I did not want to be worried about making everything look fun and pretty - I wanted this week to be as real as possible.
With all that said, I hope you might actually enjoy this series next week and if you'd like to contribute your schedule or what works in your home, please let me know in the comments! I'd love to visit your post and see what works for you!
Labels: family, homekeeping, mothering
The pictures and e-mails are trickling in of the things you ladies are making from these ideas! I love seeing your completed projects - keep them coming! You've also said you can't wait for the next project! Here it is!
A Crafter's Walk Through Proverbs 31: Eager Hands Thread Box“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” ~ Proverbs 31:13, NIV
Eager hands. When I think of eager – I think of a dog pulling at the leash with curiosity at what is ahead, of a child who is ready to go the very second you tell them of a coming event even it if it is still days away, of a readiness accompanied by anticipation or excitement. There is no hint of drudgery here, no wishing the work away, the attitude is one of positive motivation.
My American Heritage Dictionary describes eager this way, “marked by or full of intense or enthusiastic interest or desire.”
Can I truthfully say that I approach the work God has given me with “enthusiastic interest?” That is how the virtuous woman approaches her work. She is excited to work with her hands and considers it a joy to do so willingly.
I don’t know about you, but I do get great enjoyment out of using my hands to create. In this passage, the virtuous woman gathers her supplies and then eagerly works. The fruits of her labor benefit her family and bring glory to God!
In this project, we will make a box covered in wool, surrounded by God’s Word to remind us of His will. A bonus is that at the end you’ll have a great box to store supplies for crafting! And, a visible reminder for us as His women!
Supplies:
Pencil box: cardboard, not plastic
Scrapbook paper
Double Stick Tape
Scissors for paper and fabric
Wool sweater or craft felt
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Scraps of light colored fabric
Pinking shears or decorative edged scissors for fabric
Felt Scraps
Templates provided
Two buttons
Needle and Thread
Ribbon
Washable Ink marking pen (available in the notions section of craft supply store)
Instructions:
* Cut out patterns for flowers, center and leaf using provided templates.
* Cut one of the larger flowers, two of the smaller flower, two centers and four leaves using desired colors of craft felt.
* Layer one large flower, one small flower and one center. Put a button in the middle of the center and stitch through all layers. Now, repeat for the second small flower and center with a second button.
* Place wool sweater (mine came from a thrift store) in the washer and wash in hot water. Dry on high heat to felt the wool.
* Line inside of box lid with scrapbook paper. Attach with double stick tape. Line the inside bottom of the box and the side just below the lid with scrapbook paper also attaching with double stick tape.
* Now, line the three remaining inside pieces as well, but cut your paper a bit longer than needed and fold it over the top edge of the box. Secure with double stick tape and hold in place with clothespins.
* Glue a length of ribbon to the top of the lid – centering it in the middle. Add a second length of ribbon just below the lid on the front of the box so that it matches up with the top piece. This will form your tie for closing the box.
* Using pinking shears, cut felt pieces to fit the box. You will need five pieces total – one for each side and one for the lid. Run a line of hot glue around the edges and attach the felt to the box.
* On a light colored piece of fabric, use your washable pen to write the word, “Thread” or other word as desired. Stitch on your writing with coordinating thread. Use a damp cloth to wash away ink. Let dry. Cut out the word using pinking shears or decorative edged scissors.
* With a drop of hot glue at each end, attach the “Thread” fabric to the top of the box. Glue two felt leaves and the largest flower as desired.
* On a long piece of fabric measured to fit around your box, write out Proverbs 31:13 with the washable pen. Leave an inch or so at the back with no writing to glue your smaller flower and leaves. Stitch around these letters as well and wash away ink. Let dry. Trim edges with pinking shears or decorative edged scissors if desired. Glue verse on around sides of box.
* Finish off the back with the two remaining leaves and small felt flower.
* Enjoy storing some of your supplies and going about your work with eager hands!
As always, please come back and let me know if you make this project - I am so enjoying seeing what you come up with!
Labels: crafting, Prov 31 crafting
Emily singing in bathroom, "I may never march in the apple treet..."
Recognize the song? I may never march in the infantry...I'm in the Lord's army!
*************
Last summer we started working on her Bible verses. One day David was trying to get an answer from her and said, "Emily, answer me yes or no?"
She replied, "A soft answer turns away wrath."
Why yes, yes it does!
**************
Monday morning:
Emily: "What is this piece of foam for?"
Me: "I don't know, that is Daddy's - let's leave it alone."
Emily: "Oh, I know what it's for - it erases the dust!" (as she is swiping it along the top of the computer.)
Maybe I should get her a bigger one and let her loose on all the dust in our house - erase away, my dear!
Labels: family
Samuel broke the crying trend (Emily and Rachel had both cried at their parties) and was as content and happy as could be for his party! I loved this idea at the Inspired Room to make the table look like a bed!
We all put on our pj's, listened to lullaby music and dimmed the lights. I made pizza with moon and star shaped cheese on top - but the cheese melted into unrecognizable oblivion. Then we read the Sleep Book and had moon and star shaped sugar cookies - sprinkles courtesy of Emily. After cookies, the girls piled on the couch and watched Sleepytime Songs and Stories courtesy of Sesame Street!
Mama is happy that he is sleeping all night!
Rachel, Princess of Sleepyland
Emily, Princess of Sleepyland
Samuel poses on the pillow on our table:
We love you, Samuel - hope you enjoyed your first party!
Labels: family, family night, mothering, traditions
Dear Lord,
As I was reflecting on what to post for this "big" post ~ you brought it to my mind to offer a prayer of thanks.
Lord, I am so thankful for the wonderful friendships I have made here. It has been such a blessing to meet so many kindred spirits as we are journeying on the same path of striving to live for You and have our homes be reflections of You.
I thank You for the lovely ladies who visit here. I pray a special blessing on them today. Thank You for using them in my life and for showing me Your love and kindness through them.
I also want to offer this place for Your use. I pray that all I say here, all I represent would honor You. I pray You would be glorified and that our words to and about one another would be edifying and encouraging.
Please continue to make this little spot on the internet a place of peace and refreshment. I am so thankful for this opportunity, Lord. Thank You!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Labels: blog fun, reflections
First of all, let me say that I am still very new at this Sunday dinner idea. I've only been doing it for about two months. There are a couple of things I've learned that are helpful - but I would also love for some of you who are more seasoned at this to chime in also!
Here's our scenario: we go to the 9:15 service at church. This puts us home at around 11 am. We usually eat around noon. Sometimes earlier, sometimes later. When we finish the girls go directly to their nap time. We do not have a Sunday evening service, so until our children are old enough for Awana, we don't have anything in the evening.
I do as much prep as I can ahead of time. This is HUGE in getting a big meal on the table for me. What this means practically is that I bake a pie on Saturday, cut up veggies, etc... Let me get more practical.
After dinner on Saturday night, I clean up our dinner dishes and start prep on our Sunday dinner. I want to start the day on Sunday with a clean kitchen. I gather all recipes and think through the timing of everything. I've even been known to set out the pans, dishes and ingredients (non-refrigerated) that I will be using on Saturday night. I also like to set out our Breakfast dishes and anything that can be set out ahead of time. And, set out the pieces of china I'll need for the next day.
Now, on Sunday morning, I almost always start the meat before we go to church. This usually only takes a few minutes and goes a long way toward having a great meal ready! We eat breakfast and I tidy up those dishes and then set the table for dinner. I don't make this goal every week - but to walk in from church with a table set and the main dish smelling good is a GREAT start!
When we get home, I put on an apron and get to work completing the meal. After we have finished eating, the girls go down for their naps and I clean up. I'm usually all done by 1pm and then have time to play a game with David, read, craft, relax, or whatever.
Here are a couple of examples:
* When we did the Olive Garden dinner I made Pasta Fagioli soup in the Crock Pot - I had browned the meat and chopped the carrot and onion in advance so all I had to do was dump everything in. Garlic Herb Chicken and Broccoli: I marinated the meat overnight and it was ready to go in the skillet. I used frozen breadsticks in effort to save time. The dressing for the salad was made the day before and I used a bag of salad. It pulled together pretty quick after church.
* For our Mitford meal I made Cynthia's Roast Chicken - started before church. Puny's Creamed Corn: cut off of cob night before. Stir Fry Green Beans: cut up night before. Biscuits: made after church. Roasted Red Potatoes: Set out of fridge to come to room temp, washed before. Cut up quickly after church and they went right in the oven. Pecan Pie: made the day before.
This book offers some great suggestions along with the recipes of what can be done ahead.
Now, let's think about some ideas for those of you who go to a later service or who go back to church in the evening and don't want a lot of work in the afternoon:
* Maybe your tradition could be to have a nice Sunday breakfast before you go to church. It would still be something special for Sunday and you would not have to worry about it when you got home.
* Have your big meal at a different time: Sunday or Saturday evening - whatever suits your family and situation.
* Stick to a simpler big Sunday dinner. For example: put a roast with carrots and potatoes in the crock pot. Serve with salad, bread and/or fruit. Everything in the crock pot is ready when you walk in the door and the salad and bread can be set out in just a couple of minutes.
Still not sure how to create this tradition in your home? Leave a comment with your scenario and let's offer suggestions together!
Labels: family, from my kitchen, traditions
First, I decided to get out this yummy fabric from ReproDepot and make an apron for a swap I recently signed up for. You can find two great apron tutorials here and here (note: I am not endorsing everything on her site, but these are great patterns and I thought some of you might enjoy the tutorials.)
Next, I wanted to make some more hair bows for my little ladies. Target has some great ribbon in their Dollar Spot section right now - all these bows cost $2 for ribbon and I still have some leftover! I made nine bows all together from the ribbon. You can only get two loops on each side with the 18 inch pieces, but I was still pleased at how they turned out. Also, I wanted to let you know that these can be safely put through the washer and dryer. Several of ours have made their way into the laundry without my knowing and came out just fine!I also started on the next Proverbs 31 project! Any of you up to anything crafty? I'd love to hear your project ideas!
Labels: crafting
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