This is another one of husby's favorite meals. Its super easy to make.
1 lb. ground beef (sometimes I only use 1/2 lb.)
1 (16 oz.) can Bush's Original baked beans
1/4 sweet onion, diced small (if you have it, if not, use a couple dashes onion powder)
1 can (5 ct) refrigerated biscuits (I use the cheapest ones)
a cup or so of shredded cheddar cheese
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Brown hamburger, drain.
3. Spray 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray. Add hamburger.
4. Add can of baked beans and onion to hamburger. Mix well.
5. Cut biscuits in halves. Place around the edge of the casserole and some in the middle if you have room.
6. Sprinkle generously with cheese to your cheesy preference.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden.
*Sometimes I add 1/2 to 3/4 cup bbq sauce to the baked beans. It just depends if I have any or not. Its good with or without.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Ribeyes Restaurant - A Review!
Husby and I went to Ribeyes restaurant in Beaufort last night because we'd both heard good things about it. Unfortunately, we were disappointed, more by the service than the food really.
The setup of the restaurant was a bit odd. The tables were lined against both sides of the wall with a small yet well stocked salad bar in the middle. It was 30 degrees outside last night and they sat us right by the door. There was no barrier of any type around the door to block the cold air from hitting the patrons in the back. I, who typically am sweltering, was freezing to death. A lady across the room from us was loudly complaining about the setup and how she was cold. I think if they added somewhat of a barrier around the entrance way, it would make for a much more comfortable dining experience, particularly in the winter time.
The service was pretty poor. We were acknowledged and seated right away. But it took 10 minutes for anyone to come take our drink order. I ordered a Pepsi and husby ordered a beer. He was pretty impressed with their beer selection. When the waitress brought our drinks she told us another guy would be over to take our order. It was the weirdest thing. It was like the manager was the only person in the restaurant who could take orders. I don't understand this because its not like the menu is grandiose. You get to chose mostly from Ribeye or Ribeye and you get either a baked potato or baked sweet potato. How hard could it be to screw up? But it took 10 more minutes to get our drinks and 10 more minutes after that for the manager to come over and take our order. After our order was taken we were told to help ourselves to the salad bar. It was well stocked with many different salad topping offerings and a few different dressings. Husby got the Italian dressing on his salad but said it tasted like astringent. My salad was pretty good.
30 minutes later our meals arrived. We got the special for the day which was two ribeyes, salad bar, and two potatoes for I believe it was $34.95. I didn't think this was a bad deal. We both ordered our Ribeyes medium-well (meaning the middle is a very light pink). We both got our Ribeyes medium-rare to medium. We would have sent them back to be cooked a little longer, but our waitress never came back to ask us how we liked our meal or if our steak was prepared to our liking. I ordered a baked sweet potato with my meal and it was good. They served butter and brown sugar/cinnamon on the side which I liked, because you can add however much you want. Husby got the regular baked potato and they just served it with butter on the side. I thought it was a little odd that they didn't even offer sour cream, but he was fine with it. A piece of texas toast also came served with the meal. To me, that was the highlight. The meal in itself wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. Our total ended up being $44 something and we left a $7 tip. It was less than 18%, but the service just wasn't worth anymore than that to me. We're usually very good tippers, but crappy service = crappy tip. I'm not sure if we just hit it on an off night or if this is just the way the place usually is. But we were pretty disappointed. I don't think we'll be back.
The setup of the restaurant was a bit odd. The tables were lined against both sides of the wall with a small yet well stocked salad bar in the middle. It was 30 degrees outside last night and they sat us right by the door. There was no barrier of any type around the door to block the cold air from hitting the patrons in the back. I, who typically am sweltering, was freezing to death. A lady across the room from us was loudly complaining about the setup and how she was cold. I think if they added somewhat of a barrier around the entrance way, it would make for a much more comfortable dining experience, particularly in the winter time.
The service was pretty poor. We were acknowledged and seated right away. But it took 10 minutes for anyone to come take our drink order. I ordered a Pepsi and husby ordered a beer. He was pretty impressed with their beer selection. When the waitress brought our drinks she told us another guy would be over to take our order. It was the weirdest thing. It was like the manager was the only person in the restaurant who could take orders. I don't understand this because its not like the menu is grandiose. You get to chose mostly from Ribeye or Ribeye and you get either a baked potato or baked sweet potato. How hard could it be to screw up? But it took 10 more minutes to get our drinks and 10 more minutes after that for the manager to come over and take our order. After our order was taken we were told to help ourselves to the salad bar. It was well stocked with many different salad topping offerings and a few different dressings. Husby got the Italian dressing on his salad but said it tasted like astringent. My salad was pretty good.
30 minutes later our meals arrived. We got the special for the day which was two ribeyes, salad bar, and two potatoes for I believe it was $34.95. I didn't think this was a bad deal. We both ordered our Ribeyes medium-well (meaning the middle is a very light pink). We both got our Ribeyes medium-rare to medium. We would have sent them back to be cooked a little longer, but our waitress never came back to ask us how we liked our meal or if our steak was prepared to our liking. I ordered a baked sweet potato with my meal and it was good. They served butter and brown sugar/cinnamon on the side which I liked, because you can add however much you want. Husby got the regular baked potato and they just served it with butter on the side. I thought it was a little odd that they didn't even offer sour cream, but he was fine with it. A piece of texas toast also came served with the meal. To me, that was the highlight. The meal in itself wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. Our total ended up being $44 something and we left a $7 tip. It was less than 18%, but the service just wasn't worth anymore than that to me. We're usually very good tippers, but crappy service = crappy tip. I'm not sure if we just hit it on an off night or if this is just the way the place usually is. But we were pretty disappointed. I don't think we'll be back.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Shop after Christmas for next year's Christmas supplies. Right now places like Wal Mart and Target have their Christmas wrapping, gift bags, bows, cards, and candy at least 50% off. Stock up for next year! Why pay $3 for a roll of wrapping paper next Christmas when you can buy it now for $1 and put it away. Or better yet, get plain colored paper or gift bags - green, red, blue, silver, gold - and use it year round to wrap birthday or wedding presents. Also, be on the lookout for the holiday cake mixes and frostings to be on sale also. These cake mixes typically have the Christmas sprinkles in a separate bag than the cake mix so you can use it for your everyday baking without worrying about it being "Christmas-y". Also, a lot of times they have the gift sets like Axe, Oil of Olay, Gillette, etc. on clearance also. Don't forget to pair your coupons with the deals to make the most of the clearance!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Menu Plan 12/31 - 1/7
Friday - Meat and cheese tray with Hawaiian rolls
mini pigs in a blanket
chips and dip
Saturday - spiral ham
seasoned potatoes
salad
Sunday - leftovers
Monday - jambalaya with smoked sausage
Tuesday - grilled or baked chicken
teriyaki noodles
veggie
Wednesday - hot bbq roast beef sandwiches
french fries
Thursday - cheeseburgers
baked beans
Friday - NY strip
potatoes for husby
sweet potato for me
mini pigs in a blanket
chips and dip
Saturday - spiral ham
seasoned potatoes
salad
Sunday - leftovers
Monday - jambalaya with smoked sausage
Tuesday - grilled or baked chicken
teriyaki noodles
veggie
Wednesday - hot bbq roast beef sandwiches
french fries
Thursday - cheeseburgers
baked beans
Friday - NY strip
potatoes for husby
sweet potato for me
Food Lion Trip 12/30
Went to Food Lion today to get this next week's groceries. I have two separate transactions because I needed my meat on a separate receipt to send in a rebate.
Receipt One
Smithfield bacon $3.50 (-$0.55 coupon) = $2.95
Hamburger $2.91
Lil' Smokies $2.50
Smoked Sausage $3.19
1/4 lb hard salami $0.92
1/4 lb roast beef $0.96
1/4 lb turkey $0.75
1/4 lb ham $0.86 (But the cashier didn't ring it up and I didn't realize this until I got home) = FREE!
Total - $14.47 *I'm sending in a rebate for $5 wyb $10 worth of meat or seafood
Receipt Two
Brownie mix $1.69
Potato chips $2.50
Potato seasoning $1.29
Zatarains Jambalaya $1.99
Bush's baked beans $1.99
Bag of potatoes $3.99
Bag of salad $2.69
1 Sweet potato $0.58
Gallon milk $3.59
Crescent rolls $2.00
Hawaiian rolls $3.39 (-$1/1 coupon) = $2.39
Low carb wraps $2.99
1/4 lb white American cheese $1.40
1/4 lb provolone $1.45
Cat Litter $7.99
Fancy Feast dry cat food $6.99
10 cans Friskies canned cat food $5.00
Total - $52.70
I don't typically buy this much deli meat and cheese but i'm making a deli platter for New Year's Eve for me and husby. Food Lions deli platters were on sale for $19.99. Mine cost $7.87 including the Hawaiian rolls.
Receipt One
Smithfield bacon $3.50 (-$0.55 coupon) = $2.95
Hamburger $2.91
Lil' Smokies $2.50
Smoked Sausage $3.19
1/4 lb hard salami $0.92
1/4 lb roast beef $0.96
1/4 lb turkey $0.75
1/4 lb ham $0.86 (But the cashier didn't ring it up and I didn't realize this until I got home) = FREE!
Total - $14.47 *I'm sending in a rebate for $5 wyb $10 worth of meat or seafood
Receipt Two
Brownie mix $1.69
Potato chips $2.50
Potato seasoning $1.29
Zatarains Jambalaya $1.99
Bush's baked beans $1.99
Bag of potatoes $3.99
Bag of salad $2.69
1 Sweet potato $0.58
Gallon milk $3.59
Crescent rolls $2.00
Hawaiian rolls $3.39 (-$1/1 coupon) = $2.39
Low carb wraps $2.99
1/4 lb white American cheese $1.40
1/4 lb provolone $1.45
Cat Litter $7.99
Fancy Feast dry cat food $6.99
10 cans Friskies canned cat food $5.00
Total - $52.70
I don't typically buy this much deli meat and cheese but i'm making a deli platter for New Year's Eve for me and husby. Food Lions deli platters were on sale for $19.99. Mine cost $7.87 including the Hawaiian rolls.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Copycat KFC Coleslaw
I personally don't like coleslaw, but husby likes it, especially KFC's! He says this is even better than theirs. This recipe is best if it sits in the fridge overnight so the flavors have time to meld.
1 bag of coleslaw mix
1 cup Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons Tarragon vinegar
couple dashes of onion powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
1. In a food processor, chop the coleslaw mix until it is chopped fairly fine. You want it to be about the same way as KFCs.
2. In a bowl mix together Miracle Whip, sugar, vinegar, onion powder, salt and pepper, and milk.
3. Stir dressing into coleslaw.
4. Chill overnight.
1 bag of coleslaw mix
1 cup Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons Tarragon vinegar
couple dashes of onion powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
1. In a food processor, chop the coleslaw mix until it is chopped fairly fine. You want it to be about the same way as KFCs.
2. In a bowl mix together Miracle Whip, sugar, vinegar, onion powder, salt and pepper, and milk.
3. Stir dressing into coleslaw.
4. Chill overnight.
Another Bank Account
I've been banking at the same credit union for roughly 10 years now. For the most part i'm happy with their service and lack of fees. But, I decided to open another account at a local bank. I'm having $50 of each paycheck direct deposited there and I plan on depositing any extra cash or checks I get. I plan on using this account as a sort of savings account. Its inconvenient for me to use and I plan on leaving the atm card at home at all times. I'll deposit any cash I get, gift cash, and rebate checks. I hope by the end of the year to have at least $1000.00 in there. So far I have $60. The bank deposited $10 for me joining, i've deposited $30 in rebate checks, and I deposited $20 I won from a scratch off that husby put in my Christmas stocking.
Frugal Tip of the Day
To cut down on paper napkin usage, invest in cloth napkins. I got all of my cloth napkins at thrift stores and yard sales, they were brand new. I think I paid $5 for all of them. Use these to wipe up small messes and to use at meal times. Throw in the wash with your regular laundry loads. I throw mine in with the towels.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Mama's Fried Donuts
Me and my mom used to make these once in awhile when we'd get a cravin. They're cheap and easy and taste like heaven.
1 can cheap biscuits (10 ct)
1 tub chocolate frosting
vegetable oil for frying
1. Add enough oil to go up to the oil line in your deep fryer.
2. Preheat oil to 350 degrees.
3. Remove biscuits from tube and make a hole in the middle with your thumb and forefinger.
4. Deep fry a few at a time, make sure not to crowd the fryer.
5. When browned on one side, turn over.
6. When biscuits are golden brown on both sides remove from the fryer and drain on paper towels.
7. When the biscuits have cooled slightly, slather on a good amount of chocolate frosting. I like to do mine right out of the oil so the frosting is good and runny. You can also toss these in powdered sugar. Thats the way my daddy likes them.
1 can cheap biscuits (10 ct)
1 tub chocolate frosting
vegetable oil for frying
1. Add enough oil to go up to the oil line in your deep fryer.
2. Preheat oil to 350 degrees.
3. Remove biscuits from tube and make a hole in the middle with your thumb and forefinger.
4. Deep fry a few at a time, make sure not to crowd the fryer.
5. When browned on one side, turn over.
6. When biscuits are golden brown on both sides remove from the fryer and drain on paper towels.
7. When the biscuits have cooled slightly, slather on a good amount of chocolate frosting. I like to do mine right out of the oil so the frosting is good and runny. You can also toss these in powdered sugar. Thats the way my daddy likes them.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Don't like leftovers? Try to "repurpose" them! Tonights baked chicken can be cubed or shredded and used for pot pie or soup tomorrow. Make roast beef for dinner last night? Use it to make bbq beef sandwiches for lunch. I can't really stand leftovers but I find that its easier to use them if they're sort of "hidden" in a new dish.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Honey Chicken
This is one of my favorite chicken recipes! Get your chicken breasts on sale or markdown for a cheap, delicious dinner!
2/3 cup butter
1 cup honey
1/2 cup mustard
4 bone-in chicken breasts with the skin on
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a 9x13 inch dish, combine the butter, honey and mustard.
3. Put pan in oven to melt butter. Once butter is melted, wisk everything together.
4. Roll the chicken in the butter mixture.
5. Place the chicken in the pan with the skin side down.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the sauce.
7. After 45 minutes turn the chicken skin side up and bake for another 30 minutes until the skin is crispy.
2/3 cup butter
1 cup honey
1/2 cup mustard
4 bone-in chicken breasts with the skin on
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a 9x13 inch dish, combine the butter, honey and mustard.
3. Put pan in oven to melt butter. Once butter is melted, wisk everything together.
4. Roll the chicken in the butter mixture.
5. Place the chicken in the pan with the skin side down.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the sauce.
7. After 45 minutes turn the chicken skin side up and bake for another 30 minutes until the skin is crispy.
CVS Trip 12/27
I went to CVS this afternoon and picked up quite a few things. They were having some really good ECB deals. Here's what I bought:
2 Pantene 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner $6.97
2 Always Feminine Products $6.00
2 Secret Deodorants $5
1 Tide $5.97
1 Bounty 8 roll $6.99
2 Dawn Hand Renewal $1.88
2 Colgate Total Toothpaste $5.98
1 12pk Charmin Basic $4.99
1 Tone body wash $3.88
1 Fushion Proglide Razor $9.99
Total before coupons and ECBs - $57.65
I used a $5/$20 CVS coupon, $6.79 in ECBs, and $14.48 in manufacturer coupons.
Total after coupons and ECBs (including tax) - $35.46
ECBs I got to use for next time - $19
I got $1 ECB for the Tide, $3 for the Tone, $4 for the Gillette Razor, $1 for the Charmin, $1 for the Bounty, $2 for the Pantene, $1 for the Secret, $4 for the Colgate, and $2 for the Always.
Probably not as good as most CVS'ers do, but I dont think I did too shabby!
2 Pantene 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner $6.97
2 Always Feminine Products $6.00
2 Secret Deodorants $5
1 Tide $5.97
1 Bounty 8 roll $6.99
2 Dawn Hand Renewal $1.88
2 Colgate Total Toothpaste $5.98
1 12pk Charmin Basic $4.99
1 Tone body wash $3.88
1 Fushion Proglide Razor $9.99
Total before coupons and ECBs - $57.65
I used a $5/$20 CVS coupon, $6.79 in ECBs, and $14.48 in manufacturer coupons.
Total after coupons and ECBs (including tax) - $35.46
ECBs I got to use for next time - $19
I got $1 ECB for the Tide, $3 for the Tone, $4 for the Gillette Razor, $1 for the Charmin, $1 for the Bounty, $2 for the Pantene, $1 for the Secret, $4 for the Colgate, and $2 for the Always.
Probably not as good as most CVS'ers do, but I dont think I did too shabby!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Frugal Tip of the Day
Make sure to clean the lint screen on your dryer after every use. A clogged lint trap will make your dryer use more energy, plus it is a fire hazard.
Menu 12/25 - 12/31
Quite a few items didn't get made this past week that were on my menu. I got overwhelmed with some things and we ate out a couple of times.
Saturday: I ain't cookin! We'll have leftovers or cereal
Sunday: Chicken and dumplings (I'll eat this for lunch at work during the week too)
Monday: BBQ chicken
macaroni and cheese
veggie
Tuesday: meatloaf
buttered noodles
veggie
Wednesday: NY Strip
side TBD
veggie
Thursday: leftovers/sandwiches
Friday: Cheesey ranch shells (new recipe i'm trying out)
Saturday: I ain't cookin! We'll have leftovers or cereal
Sunday: Chicken and dumplings (I'll eat this for lunch at work during the week too)
Monday: BBQ chicken
macaroni and cheese
veggie
Tuesday: meatloaf
buttered noodles
veggie
Wednesday: NY Strip
side TBD
veggie
Thursday: leftovers/sandwiches
Friday: Cheesey ranch shells (new recipe i'm trying out)
Lemon Ice Box Pie
I made this for Christmas Eve dessert. Its super easy and tastes and looks great!
2 egg yolks
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (3-4 lemons)
1 graham cracker crust
Cool Whip
1. Zest your lemons, reserve zest for later. Cut one slice from the middle of the lemon and reserve for later.
2. Combine the egg yolks, milk, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined and light yellow in color.
3. Pour into graham cracker crust. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Spread Cool Whip (about half of the container) evenly over the top of lemon mixture. Sprinkle zest evenly over the top of Cool Whip. Twist lemon slice and place in the middle of the pie.
5. Keep refrigerated.
*Don't worry about the raw egg yolks in this dish, the lemon juice "cooks" them.
2 egg yolks
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (3-4 lemons)
1 graham cracker crust
Cool Whip
1. Zest your lemons, reserve zest for later. Cut one slice from the middle of the lemon and reserve for later.
2. Combine the egg yolks, milk, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined and light yellow in color.
3. Pour into graham cracker crust. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Spread Cool Whip (about half of the container) evenly over the top of lemon mixture. Sprinkle zest evenly over the top of Cool Whip. Twist lemon slice and place in the middle of the pie.
5. Keep refrigerated.
*Don't worry about the raw egg yolks in this dish, the lemon juice "cooks" them.
Grocery Trip 12/24
Went grocery shopping at Food Lion for next weeks groceries yesterday and the only thing I got was cat food! Me and the husby will be eating out of the pantry this week and we're pretty much stocked up on everything else. If it doesn't snow tomorrow I am hoping to go pick up some good deals at CVS though.
Bag of Fancy Feast dry cat food $2.69 (I usually buy Taste of the Wild from Terrific Pets, but I figured they were closed so this will do until I can get to New Bern)
16 cans of cat food $6.40
Total: $9.79
Bag of Fancy Feast dry cat food $2.69 (I usually buy Taste of the Wild from Terrific Pets, but I figured they were closed so this will do until I can get to New Bern)
16 cans of cat food $6.40
Total: $9.79
Merry Christmas!
I hope you all have a safe and very Merry Christmas! Cherish the times you have with your family this holiday, you never know if they'll be around for the next one.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Grocery Trip
I had to make a somewhat unplanned trip to Food Lion the other day to get some supplies for the desserts i'll be making for Christmas and Christmas breakfast. Here's what I bought:
Vegetable oil $2.49
Syrup $2 (had a $1 coup) $1
2 cans apple pie filling $2.68
Sweetned condensed milk $2.00
2 Yellow cake mix $1.88
Chipped pecans $3.25
Marshmallows $1.00
Graham cracker pie crust $1.59
Bacon $3.99 ($0.55 coup) $3.44
Sausage links $2.50
4 lemons $3.96
Orange juice $5.49
Cool whip $1.00
Butter $2.49
Pie crusts $1.79
Eggs $1.89
Total - $39.31
Vegetable oil $2.49
Syrup $2 (had a $1 coup) $1
2 cans apple pie filling $2.68
Sweetned condensed milk $2.00
2 Yellow cake mix $1.88
Chipped pecans $3.25
Marshmallows $1.00
Graham cracker pie crust $1.59
Bacon $3.99 ($0.55 coup) $3.44
Sausage links $2.50
4 lemons $3.96
Orange juice $5.49
Cool whip $1.00
Butter $2.49
Pie crusts $1.79
Eggs $1.89
Total - $39.31
Frugal Tip of the Day
This frugal tip of the day comes from the January issue of All You magazine and was submitted by a reader. "When you look at a coupon, you should disregard the photo you see printed. Many manufacturers will run a picture of the most expensive items in the product line in hopes that you will spend the most money."
This is very true and just happened to me with a Nabisco crackers coupon. Pictured were Ritz and other brands. Not pictured were the cheaper Cheese Nips. So pay attention to the coupon and what Brand it is for and not just what is pictured.
This is very true and just happened to me with a Nabisco crackers coupon. Pictured were Ritz and other brands. Not pictured were the cheaper Cheese Nips. So pay attention to the coupon and what Brand it is for and not just what is pictured.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Frugal Tip of the Day
Use your library! You can borrow books, movies, magazines, etc. Not to mention a lot of libraries have different events going on like story time for your children and such.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
CVS Trip 12/9
CVS had Thermacare 1ct patches for $2.79 and you get $2.79ECB back. So I got one of those and a bottle of Windex that we needed. I had ECBs totaling $3.99. So I spent $3.32 and got back $2.79 in ECBs. Not the best trip but I had to use my ECBs and we really needed the Windex. That Thermacare patch will also come in handy when the cold starts making the arthritis in my elbow start flaring up.
Grocery Shopping Trip 12/19
Went to Food Lion today and bought:
1 $50 Food Lion gift card (I'm sending in a rebate for $10 back when you buy $50 in giftcards)
I used the gift card to buy:
Smithfield 1/4 spiral ham $10.63 (I have a rebate to send in for $6 back when you buy $10 in ham)
I also used the gift card to buy:
Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ sauce $3.37
2 boxes of Cheese Nips $3.00 (Used $1/2 coup)
Merita Bread $1.84 (Used $0.55/1 coup)
Kraft mac and cheese $0.99
Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips $2.60
Stove Top $1.25
Hamburger $2.66
Hamburger $2.09
Grannysmith apples $2.99
1/2 gal Organic Milk $2.79
Gallon Skim Milk $3.59
Biscuits $0.79
12 cans Friskees $4.80
Total was: $32. 14
Went to Harris Teeter and bought:
Rogue Dead Guy Ale (Xmas present for husby) $11.99
2 Turkey Tenderloins ($8.99 each, both had coupons for $5 so I paid $3.99 for each of them)
Total was: $21.06
I'm sending in a rebate for $5 when you purchase $10 of any meat or seafood. So the hamburger and the turkey tenderloins are for this.
1 $50 Food Lion gift card (I'm sending in a rebate for $10 back when you buy $50 in giftcards)
I used the gift card to buy:
Smithfield 1/4 spiral ham $10.63 (I have a rebate to send in for $6 back when you buy $10 in ham)
I also used the gift card to buy:
Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ sauce $3.37
2 boxes of Cheese Nips $3.00 (Used $1/2 coup)
Merita Bread $1.84 (Used $0.55/1 coup)
Kraft mac and cheese $0.99
Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips $2.60
Stove Top $1.25
Hamburger $2.66
Hamburger $2.09
Grannysmith apples $2.99
1/2 gal Organic Milk $2.79
Gallon Skim Milk $3.59
Biscuits $0.79
12 cans Friskees $4.80
Total was: $32. 14
Went to Harris Teeter and bought:
Rogue Dead Guy Ale (Xmas present for husby) $11.99
2 Turkey Tenderloins ($8.99 each, both had coupons for $5 so I paid $3.99 for each of them)
Total was: $21.06
I'm sending in a rebate for $5 when you purchase $10 of any meat or seafood. So the hamburger and the turkey tenderloins are for this.
2011 Budget
So, for the new year i've made out a new budget to follow. We're trying to save as much money as possible this year to put towards a down payment on a house in 2012. These are the bills I have and how much they are and how much the portion I pay for them is. I've overestimated on some of them as they can vary month to month. The first column is the type of bill, the second column is how much it normally runs, the third column is how much my portion to pay is.
I'm hoping to have the Visa card paid off by May in which point I will start putting the money I was paying on it towards the Mastercard bill.
If I stick with this budget I should be able to save at least $250/month if not more. If i'm able to save that much a month then I should have at least $3000 saved by the end of the year.
| Lot Rent | $265.00 | $125.00 | ||
| Car Payment | $330.00 | $330.00 | ||
| Electricity | $200.00 | $100.00 | ||
| Water | $30 | $15 | ||
| Phone | $130.00 | $130.00 | ||
| Trash | $15.00 | $7.50 | ||
| Cable/Internet | $50.00 | $25.00 | ||
| Insurance (Car) | $180.00 | $180.00 | ||
| Insurance (Home) | $100.00 | $50.00 | ||
| Visa ($850) | $150.00 | $150.00 | ||
| Mastercard ($3985) | $150.00 | $150.00 | ||
| Gas | $75.00 | $75.00 | ||
| Food | $250.00 | $125.00 | ||
| Medical (Incl. Meds) | $250.00 | $250.00 | ||
I'm hoping to have the Visa card paid off by May in which point I will start putting the money I was paying on it towards the Mastercard bill.
If I stick with this budget I should be able to save at least $250/month if not more. If i'm able to save that much a month then I should have at least $3000 saved by the end of the year.
Bert's Macaroni Salad
This is my friend Kimberly's husband's recipe. Or at least a take on it. I'm not sure if my measurements are the same as his, but I believe I have all of the ingredients down that he uses. This stuff is awesome!
1 pound elbow macaroni noodles
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
1 can Mexi-corn
1 boneless ham steak (diced into small chunks)
3/4 - 1 cup Miracle Whip (more if it looks dry)
salt and pepper to taste
1. Boil your macaroni noodles according to the directions on the box. Drain.
2. Let cool slightly and add to a large bowl.
3. Add 1/2 can pineapple chunks, 1/2 can Mexi-corn, diced ham, Miracle Whip, and salt and pepper.
4. Mix well. If the pasta looks dry, add more miracle whip. If it looks like you'd like more of the pineapple and/or corn, add more of that too.
5. Keep refrigerated.
1 pound elbow macaroni noodles
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
1 can Mexi-corn
1 boneless ham steak (diced into small chunks)
3/4 - 1 cup Miracle Whip (more if it looks dry)
salt and pepper to taste
1. Boil your macaroni noodles according to the directions on the box. Drain.
2. Let cool slightly and add to a large bowl.
3. Add 1/2 can pineapple chunks, 1/2 can Mexi-corn, diced ham, Miracle Whip, and salt and pepper.
4. Mix well. If the pasta looks dry, add more miracle whip. If it looks like you'd like more of the pineapple and/or corn, add more of that too.
5. Keep refrigerated.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Take advantage of stores like Harris Teeter that double and sometimes triple coupons. Try to make a list of the items you want to buy before hand. A lot of times these stores mark up their merchandise so much that even using a tripled coupon on the item would still make it more expensive if you were to buy it at Wal Mart or a regular run of the mill grocery store. You don't want to get stuck paying more for an item than you normally would have. I'll usually just make a list of the items I know I'll get for free or for a few cents, that way I don't get suckered into buying the more expensive stuff. You can usually find coupon matchup lists easily on the web by going to Google and typing in (for ex.) Harris Teeter coupon matchup 12/19/10.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Amaretto Sour
My favorite!
1 oz. Amaretto
2 oz. sours mix
1. Put ice in a shaker.
2. Add amaretto and sours.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Serve and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
1 oz. Amaretto
2 oz. sours mix
1. Put ice in a shaker.
2. Add amaretto and sours.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Serve and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Grow your own food. Many fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow very well in Eastern NC. Check online resources or books at the library to see which ones grow best in your area. Even if you don't have a large yard, or a yard at all, you can grow some of the vegetables in pots on a balcony or in windows in your home.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Menu Plan 12/18 - 12/24
Saturday: chicken and dumplings
corn bread
Sunday: pancit
I might make a cookie tray – coconut macaroons, cake mix cookies, and brownies
Monday: bbq beef cups
veggie or fruit
Tuesday: leftovers
Wednesday: breakfast for dinner
Thursday: bbq chicken
macaroni and cheese
Veggie
Friday: going to my in-law's house for Christmas Eve dinner, not sure what i'm taking yet
BBQ Beef Cups
This is one of my husby's favorite meals! Its quick and easy.
1 pkg refrigerated biscuits
1 pound hamburger
1/2 cup bbq sauce (we use Sweet Baby Rays)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1. Brown hamburger, drain.
2. In a bowl mix hamburger and bbq sauce well.
3. Separate biscuits. Flatten each one with a rolling pin into a 5 inch circle.
4. Press each one in the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin cup.
5. Divide the hamburger mixture amongst the biscuit lined muffin cups (about 1/4 cup meat for each biscuit cup).
6. Sprinkle each cup with cheese.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
1 pkg refrigerated biscuits
1 pound hamburger
1/2 cup bbq sauce (we use Sweet Baby Rays)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1. Brown hamburger, drain.
2. In a bowl mix hamburger and bbq sauce well.
3. Separate biscuits. Flatten each one with a rolling pin into a 5 inch circle.
4. Press each one in the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin cup.
5. Divide the hamburger mixture amongst the biscuit lined muffin cups (about 1/4 cup meat for each biscuit cup).
6. Sprinkle each cup with cheese.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Use CFL light bulbs. Though they're a little more expensive than regular light bulbs, they last a really long time and save you money on your electric bill.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Frugal Tip of the Day
Instead of stopping by the local Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks in the morning, purchase your own ingredients, make the coffee or hot chocolate at home, and take it to work in a travel mug. For the cost of one large drink at one of these places you can purchase coffee or hot chocolate at the grocery store and make a ton of servings for the same price.
Mini Pigs in a Blanket
These make for a delicious appetizer!
1 pkg Lil' Smokies sausages
1 can crescent rolls
parmesant cheese
garlic salt
1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the crescent rolls package.
2. Unroll but leave intact two triangles of the crescent rolls.
3. Pinch the seams together and cut lengthwise into five strips and then cross-wise to make ten strips.
4. Roll each strip around one sausage and place on a greased cookie sheet.
5. Sprinkle each pig with parmesan cheese and garlic salt.
6. Bake according to the directions on the crescent rolls package.
1 pkg Lil' Smokies sausages
1 can crescent rolls
parmesant cheese
garlic salt
1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the crescent rolls package.
2. Unroll but leave intact two triangles of the crescent rolls.
3. Pinch the seams together and cut lengthwise into five strips and then cross-wise to make ten strips.
4. Roll each strip around one sausage and place on a greased cookie sheet.
5. Sprinkle each pig with parmesan cheese and garlic salt.
6. Bake according to the directions on the crescent rolls package.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Happy Birthday Mama
My mom was a wonderful woman. She was a caring, smart, hilarious, generous, giving, beautiful person and she was my hero. She wasn't only my mother, but she was my best friend. We shared secrets, tears, and many many laughs. She passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 28th of this year. It was the worst day of my life. I miss her more than anyone could ever know. Today, she would have been 47 years old, or as she liked to tell people, 29. So, I'd just like to wish a happy "29th" birthday to the most wonderful person i've ever known. I love and miss you Mama.
Grape Salad
I got this recipe from a lady I work with. I don't know how frugal it is, but its delicious and great for potlucks or bbqs.
4 pounds seedless green grapes
8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
1. Wash and stem grapes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended.
3. Stir grapes into mixture.
4. For topping - combine the brown sugar and nuts.
5. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the grapes covering completely.
6. Chill overnight.
4 pounds seedless green grapes
8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
1. Wash and stem grapes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended.
3. Stir grapes into mixture.
4. For topping - combine the brown sugar and nuts.
5. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the grapes covering completely.
6. Chill overnight.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Do your own manicures/pedicures. For half the cost of a professional manicure you can buy your own nail polish, files, and skin scrubs. I've found that my own pedicures and manicures end up looking just as nice if not nicer than ones by professionals. Make it a social time and invite your girlfriends over and give each other mani/pedis while catching up on the latest gossip and sipping some wine.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Cake Mix Cookies
1 (18 1/4 oz.) box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
1. Combine cake mix, oil, and eggs in a large bowl.
2. Stir in chips.
3. Drop by teaspoons on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake at 350 degrees 8 to 10 minutes. Let cookies stand on cookie sheet two minutes and then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
* You can really use any flavor cake mix or chips you want. Be creative!
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
1. Combine cake mix, oil, and eggs in a large bowl.
2. Stir in chips.
3. Drop by teaspoons on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake at 350 degrees 8 to 10 minutes. Let cookies stand on cookie sheet two minutes and then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
* You can really use any flavor cake mix or chips you want. Be creative!
Frugal Tip of the Day
Use the water you used to boil pasta, eggs, or potatoes to water your household plants.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Target Trip
So I went to Target tonight because my BFF Susie told me they had cat treats on sale for $0.89 each and there were coups from the newspaper insert for $2/2. So I went and got four bags of Purina Cat Treats (Tuna flavored tarter control) and paid $0.28 OOP. My two boys will be very happy cats!
Island Kielbasa
This is a good dish for potlucks or it can be served over rice and with a vegetable for a meal. You can find the kielbasa/smoked sausage on sale quite often.
2 pounds kielbasa or smoked sausage (I prefer the smoked sausage)
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, undrained
1. Slice kielbasa into 1/2 inch pieces (or smaller if serving a crowd) and place in crockpot.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until thoroughly blended.
3. Cook on high in crockpot for 2 to 3 hours.
2 pounds kielbasa or smoked sausage (I prefer the smoked sausage)
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, undrained
1. Slice kielbasa into 1/2 inch pieces (or smaller if serving a crowd) and place in crockpot.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until thoroughly blended.
3. Cook on high in crockpot for 2 to 3 hours.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Reuse those plastic grocery bags. We use ours for a multitude of things: bathroom trash can liners, a bag to hold our recycling before we take it outside, we use it to put the cat "presents" in when we sift the cat box, etc.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Grocery Trip 12/12/10
Went to Food Lion this morning to pick up a few things I needed for the week. You can tell I went shopping hungry as the only thing on my grocery list was cat food, cat litter, bread, and toilet paper.
Cheez It Snack Mix $3.29
Wise Natural Ridgies Chips $1.89
Merita Old Fashioned Bread $1.84
Del Monte Pineapple Chunks (2) $1.38
Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy (2 pks) marked down to $0.87 each
Deans French Onion dip $1.89
Heluva Good White cheddar bacon dip $1.99
Cottonelle Ultra $6.99
Arm and Hammer Cat Litter $7.99 (and I had a $2 off coup)
Wet cat food $3.99
10 cans of Friskees wet food $4
Total - $37.05
I feel like I could have done better on this trip since I only used the one coupon and Im pretty sure I had a Cottonelle coupon floating around somewhere and those dips always have coupons.
Cheez It Snack Mix $3.29
Wise Natural Ridgies Chips $1.89
Merita Old Fashioned Bread $1.84
Del Monte Pineapple Chunks (2) $1.38
Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy (2 pks) marked down to $0.87 each
Deans French Onion dip $1.89
Heluva Good White cheddar bacon dip $1.99
Cottonelle Ultra $6.99
Arm and Hammer Cat Litter $7.99 (and I had a $2 off coup)
Wet cat food $3.99
10 cans of Friskees wet food $4
Total - $37.05
I feel like I could have done better on this trip since I only used the one coupon and Im pretty sure I had a Cottonelle coupon floating around somewhere and those dips always have coupons.
CVS 12/12/10
CVS is having a couple of really good deals this week. A lot of their Kellogg's brand cereals are on sale for $1.88 (Limit 4) and the Crest Pro Health toothpaste is on sale for $2.99 and you get $2 ECB back (Limit 2). My friend Rosie gave me a coupon for $1/3 Kellogg's cereals so I got 4 boxes for $6.52 which I think is a pretty good deal. When I scanned my card at the coupon kiosk it printed a coupon out that was $2 off any Advil pain relief. This did not exclude travel sizes, so I went and got two of the 4ct Advil tablets ($0.99 in the travel section) and got those for free. So all together my total was $13.25 and I used $11.99 in ECB's. I ended up paying $1.26 out of pocket (OOP) for my entire purchase. Not too shabby!
Nana's Peach Cobbler
1/2 to 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted) or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup self rising flour
1 (15 1/4 oz.) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained
cinnamon sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put butter in a 9x13 inch baking pan and put in oven while the oven is heating up. You want to melt the butter, but make sure not to burn it.
3. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, and milk until smooth with no lumps.
4. Once the butter is melted take the pan out of the oven and pour the batter on top of the butter. DO NOT STIR IT!
5. Pour the peaches over the batter. DO NOT STIR IT.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the peaches. DO NOT STIR IT.
7. Bake for 30 to 60 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup self rising flour
1 (15 1/4 oz.) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained
cinnamon sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put butter in a 9x13 inch baking pan and put in oven while the oven is heating up. You want to melt the butter, but make sure not to burn it.
3. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, and milk until smooth with no lumps.
4. Once the butter is melted take the pan out of the oven and pour the batter on top of the butter. DO NOT STIR IT!
5. Pour the peaches over the batter. DO NOT STIR IT.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the peaches. DO NOT STIR IT.
7. Bake for 30 to 60 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Frugal Tip of the Day
When you use up a stick of butter, save the wrapper in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator. There's still bits of butter left on the wrapper and you can use the wrapper next time you need to grease a pan.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Menu Plan for 12/11/10 - 12/17/10
A couple of meals didn't get made last week. Wednesday we got take out from Mario's and Friday my husby took me bowling at Mac Daddy's so we ate there. This week I'm going to try to make meals from what we have here so I don't have to buy much at the grocery store. Its a tight week due to my paycheck being short from going on vacay to Kansas City in November.
Saturday: meatballs in gravy
egg noodles
Cracker Barrel green beans
peach cobbler
Sunday: NY strip (me and husby usually split one steak)
some kind of side
veggie
Monday: Brown sugar chicken
rice
veggie
Tuesday: hamburger helper
fruit
Wednesday: sandwiches
Thursday: ham slices (me and husby will split one ham slice)
side TBD
veggie
Friday: going out for my friend Amy's birthday dinner
Saturday: meatballs in gravy
egg noodles
Cracker Barrel green beans
peach cobbler
Sunday: NY strip (me and husby usually split one steak)
some kind of side
veggie
Monday: Brown sugar chicken
rice
veggie
Tuesday: hamburger helper
fruit
Wednesday: sandwiches
Thursday: ham slices (me and husby will split one ham slice)
side TBD
veggie
Friday: going out for my friend Amy's birthday dinner
Frugal Tip of the Day
When your dishwasher is done washing and rinsing your dishes, open the door and pull out the racks to let the dishes air dry instead of using the heated dry option.
Strawberry Fruit Dip
This was my Nana's recipe. Its easy to make and tastes heavenly! I like to serve this with green grapes, strawberries, and fresh pineapple chunks.
8 oz. strawberry flavored cream cheese, softened
7 oz. tub of marshmallow fluff
1. Using a blender, mix cream cheese and fluff until its light pink in color and fluffy.
2. Serve cold with fresh fruit of your choice.
8 oz. strawberry flavored cream cheese, softened
7 oz. tub of marshmallow fluff
1. Using a blender, mix cream cheese and fluff until its light pink in color and fluffy.
2. Serve cold with fresh fruit of your choice.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Breakfast and Lunch
I’m pretty good about sticking to a dinner menu, but breakfast and lunch is a totally different story. So in the New Year I plan on getting more diligent about making mine and husby’s lunches and breakfasts. This will help us to save money since we won’t be having to go out for these meals or raid vending machines.
Husby is pretty good about making his own breakfast during the week. He’ll usually make toast, Eggos, or cereal. I, on the other hand, am not so great about making breakfast. Typically I’ll swing by BK and get a croissanwich or run by Dunkin Donuts and get a croissant and a hot chocolate to eat at work. I’m just not really a breakfast person and I don’t function well in the morning. On the weekends breakfast varies. Sometimes it’s a fend for yourself deal. Other times I’ll make a nice breakfast with pancakes and bacon, and sometimes we just run to McDonalds or Bojangles.
Lunches are opposite to the breakfast schedule. I’m pretty good about taking leftovers or tv dinners to work. But if I don’t pack my husby’s lunch, he hits the nearest drive-thru.
My goal for the New Year is to have us eating out breakfast or lunch at the most once a week. So in order to make the meal planning a little easier on me I’ve come up with a list of things for we both like for breakfast and lunch. Husby works in his car, so the stuff I make him for lunch has to be able to be kept cold with ice packs.
Husby Breakfast – Eggos, toast, cereal, pop tarts, bagels with butter, fruit
My Breakast – Oatmeal, cereal, homemade croissants, bagel with cream cheese, fruit
Husby Lunches – Main : Sandwiches (on White, Pumpernickel, or some type of specialty roll) – salami, pepperoni, cheese, chicken salad, tuna salad, pb&j. Soup – chicken noodle or tomato (I’m thinking about getting him one of those thermoses that plugs into the car lighter). Sides: pasta salad, cheese and crackers, lettuce salad, fruit, carrot sticks, popcorn, chips, pretzels, chips and salsa or dip. Desserts: muffins, cupcakes/cakes, candy, pie, etc. Beverages (typically I pack water and something else): water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, Pepsi, juices (like Capri Suns).
My Lunches – TV dinners, leftovers, or sandwiches. I have access to a microwave and refrigerator so that leaves me with a lot more options.
Frugal Tip of the Day
Save the ends of your bread. You know, the ones nobody eats. Put these in a freezer bag in the freezer and anytime you need breacrumbs, take out a couple slices and grate them. Or, make homemade croutons out of them. Just add whatever spices you like.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Frugal Tip of the Day
When you’re finished using your oven in the winter time, leave the door slightly ajar to let the oven cool down and help heat your house at the same time. Be wary if you have small children or pets though.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Frugal Tip of the Day
When you buy a new box of fabric softener, cut each sheet in half. Use only 1/2 sheet per load of laundry you dry. I find it works just as well as using a full sheet and your fabric softener lasts twice as long!
Restaurant Review: Osaka Grill in James City, NC
Went to Osaka Grill this evening with my friend Liz from work. I was pleasantly surprised. The service was friendly and prompt. The menu wasn't long, but had just enough variety - sushi, hibachi, yakisoba, spring rolls, soups, etc. The pricing was very reasonable. The food came out well within 10 minutes of ordering. For my appetizer I ordered the fried cream cheese and the spring rolls. The spring rolls were delicious, I believe they had pork and various vegetables and were fried to a golden brown and came with duck sauce. The fried cream cheese wasn't what I imagined it would be, I thought more crab rangoonish, but it was actually just cream cheese fried in a wonton shell. It was good, just not what I thought it would be. For the entree I ordered the hibachi steak and mushrooms which came with fried rice and carrots and you could chose from soup or salad. I chose the soup. It was a delicious clear soup with mushrooms. The hibachi steak was tender and flavored just right. The fried rice was good as well and the carrots were TDF. They were sweet and maybe even slighly cinnamon-y(?). Im not sure, but they were wonderful. And I had a Pepsi to drink. All together it was $18.46. I thought that was very reasonable for the amount of food and the quality of product and service you got. I will definitely be going back! I highly recommend this restaurant.
Grocery Trips
I'm going to start posting the items I purchase when I go to the grocery store and how much it was. At some point I hope to get to start posting pictures of my grocery shopping trips. I figure this will help make me accountable. This shopping trip was for the week. I went on Monday. I didn't have any coupons for this trip, unfortunately. As you can see there wasn't really any meat purchase, that's because i'm pretty well stocked up on meat.
Mini oreo snacks $2.49
Bread $1.84
Munchies $2.99
Goldfish $1.99
Elbow noodles $0.79
Mexicorn $0.69
Bush's baked beans $1.99
Ham steak $2.99
Bacon $3.99
Milk $3.59
Break and bake cookies $2.50
Frozen french fries $2.19
Dozen large eggs $1.89
Frozen corn on the cob $1.67
Total: $34.77
Mini oreo snacks $2.49
Bread $1.84
Munchies $2.99
Goldfish $1.99
Elbow noodles $0.79
Mexicorn $0.69
Bush's baked beans $1.99
Ham steak $2.99
Bacon $3.99
Milk $3.59
Break and bake cookies $2.50
Frozen french fries $2.19
Dozen large eggs $1.89
Frozen corn on the cob $1.67
Total: $34.77
Copycat Cracker Barrel Green Beans
I made these green beans for Thanksgiving and they were freaking delicious! A good frugal side to any good meal.
3 cans cut green beans, with liquid
1/4 onion, diced
1/4 pound bacon, sliced into about 1 inch pieces
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until lightly browned, not crisp. Cook onion along with the bacon.
2. Add the cans of green beans, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Cover pot with a lid and bring to a light boil.
4. Turn heat to low and simmer, with lid on, for 45 minutes.
3 cans cut green beans, with liquid
1/4 onion, diced
1/4 pound bacon, sliced into about 1 inch pieces
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until lightly browned, not crisp. Cook onion along with the bacon.
2. Add the cans of green beans, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Cover pot with a lid and bring to a light boil.
4. Turn heat to low and simmer, with lid on, for 45 minutes.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Money Saving Challenge 2011
Over at http://frugalmakescents.blogspot.com/ (one of my favorite blogs) Precious is doing a money saving challenge for 2011. Pretty much every day she talks about the things she's done to save money. If she has spent money that day she says why and typically how much her purchases were.
I think i'm going to try to do this as well. It sounds fun and will make me accountable for my spending. The ultimate goal for MSC 2011 is for me to save as much money as possible towards the down payment for our home in 2012.
What are your financial goals for the New Year? Feel free to leave me a comment!
I think i'm going to try to do this as well. It sounds fun and will make me accountable for my spending. The ultimate goal for MSC 2011 is for me to save as much money as possible towards the down payment for our home in 2012.
What are your financial goals for the New Year? Feel free to leave me a comment!
Peanut Butter Sandwich Chippers
I got this recipe from a free Pillsbury Favorite Recipes booklet. Its easy to make and fairly inexpensive and the people I served it to seemed to enjoy it.
1 (16 oz.) package of Pillsbury ready to bake chocolate chip cookies (24 count)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Peter Pan)
2 tablespoons honey
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place dough rounds on an ungreased cookie sheet.
2. Bake according to package directions (10 min.). Cool 1 minute, remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix peanut butter and honey until well blended.
4. For each sandwich cookie, spread about 1 rounded teaspoon of peanut butter mixture between two cooled cookies.
*Makes 12 sandwich cookies
1 (16 oz.) package of Pillsbury ready to bake chocolate chip cookies (24 count)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Peter Pan)
2 tablespoons honey
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place dough rounds on an ungreased cookie sheet.
2. Bake according to package directions (10 min.). Cool 1 minute, remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix peanut butter and honey until well blended.
4. For each sandwich cookie, spread about 1 rounded teaspoon of peanut butter mixture between two cooled cookies.
*Makes 12 sandwich cookies
Frugal Fun Night
My friend Kimber and her husband invited us over for a dinner party last night. It was us, Kim and her husby Bert, and her neighbors. Kim and Bert prepared a delicious spread, jerk chicken, macaroni salad, beans, and smoked sausage, it was TDF. Her neighbors brought the alcohol, we brought the dessert, Peanut Butter Sandwich Chippers. After dinner we played Catchphrase which was hilarious (the girls won!). It got me to thinking though, instead of going out to dinner with friends all of the time, why not have a dinner night at your house? You could even do it potluck style so that not all of the financial burden of dinner is on the hosts. Make dinner, have a few drinks, play some board games or even video games. To me it was more fun that going out to eat, and the food was much more delicious.
Weekly Menu Plan
I like to write out a weekly menu plan for our dinners each week. Usually I do this on Friday evening. I write this out on a magnetic dry erase board I keep on my refrigerator. I find that if I make a menu plan, i'm not left staring in the refrigerator or freezer each night wondering "What's for dinner?", and since I dont know, ordering out expensive take out or running to the drive-thru.
This is my menu plan for December 5 through December 10.
Sunday: pancakes and bacon (a very inexpensive meal, and one of my husby's favorites!)
Monday: Jack Daniels shredded beef sandwiches, baked beans, and corn on the cob
Tuesday: I'm going out to dinner with my friend Liz from work
Wednesday: hamburger helper
Thursday: NY strip I got on sale for $1.77 (originally over $9) at Harris Teeter
buttered egg noodles
veggie
Friday: grilled cheese sandwiches
french fries
As you can tell, my menu for the week reflects my lazy mood today. Haha
This is my menu plan for December 5 through December 10.
Sunday: pancakes and bacon (a very inexpensive meal, and one of my husby's favorites!)
Monday: Jack Daniels shredded beef sandwiches, baked beans, and corn on the cob
Tuesday: I'm going out to dinner with my friend Liz from work
Wednesday: hamburger helper
Thursday: NY strip I got on sale for $1.77 (originally over $9) at Harris Teeter
buttered egg noodles
veggie
Friday: grilled cheese sandwiches
french fries
As you can tell, my menu for the week reflects my lazy mood today. Haha
My First Time
This is my first time ever blogging. I'm super excited about it. I plan to use this blog to chronicle my experiences in saving money and just living life. My husband, Travis, and I are hoping to buy our first house in 2012, so we're going to make a budget for 2011 to try and save as much as possible towards a large down payment.
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