Menu Plan 4/12/10

I think we've more or less blown the grocery budget this month.  Ooops!  I guess there's always next month, but that said, I do still have some money left in the grocery budget.  We'll just see how this all works out.  Tuesday is Matt's big doctor's appointment (pray for us!), so I'm not sure if we'll be having dinner at home or out yet.  We may be visiting friends instead. =)

MONDAY
B -- Banana Oatmeal Bread
L -- Broccoli Romaine Salad
D -- Biscuits and Gravy

TUESDAY
B -- Baked Oatmeal w/ fruit


WEDNESDAY
B -- Baked Oatmeal w/ fruit
L -- Sandwiches
D -- Smoked sausage, potato, and cabbage casserole

THURSDAY
B -- Baked Oatmeal w/ fruit
L -- leftovers
D -- Roasted sweet potatoes and cornbread

FRIDAY
B -- Baked Oatmeal w/ fruit
L -- leftovers
D -- southwest chicken pizza

SATURDAY
B -- Scones and scrambled eggs
L -- Macaroni and cheese, veggies
D -- Tomato soup and sandwiches

SUNDAY
B -- Eggs and coffee cake
L -- dad's choice ;)
D -- Beef and noodles

Menu Plan 03.29.10

Back to menu planning!  Usually I try to plan a week or two ahead to give myself some wiggle room.  Obviously that hasn't happened. =)

That vacation really threw me for a loop, but I think we're finally getting back on track.  We are also working on trying to eat healthier.  Now, I just need to remember to post the menu for my hubby and the kids!  I'm looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to incorporate more fresh produce into our meals.

BREAKFASTS
Baked Oatmeal
Eggs, Toast
Fruit

SNACKS
Muffins
Crackers
Veggie cuts

MONDAY
Asparagus Soup and Biscuits

TUESDAY
Steak Sandwiches
Broccoli Romaine Salad

WEDNESDAY
Ritz Chicken
Veggies

THURSDAY
Leftovers

FRIDAY
Pizza night

SATURDAY
Breakfast:  Dutch Baby with Apples, Scrambled Eggs
Lunch:  Green Bean Casserole
Dinner:  Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

SUNDAY
Breakfast:  at church
Lunch:  Sandwiches
Dinner:  Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Biscuits, Veggies

--------------------------

Ewwww . . .

(From Christmas.  Ignore the mess)

I learned something unnerving today from my five year old. 

This afternoon, he was wanting a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and he wanted to make it. I told him he could make a sandwich, but he couldn't use the jelly because the kids always get huge globs of peanut butter in it.  Then it's ruined.

"Not me," he said.  "I always lick the knife off before I stick it in the jelly."  Then, my husband informed me that they have in fact been using the jelly.

Momma needs to make new jelly. =)

Earn 10 ECB at CVS for your opinion

CVS has a special offer right now.  They are looking to revamp their store flyer, and they are holding a survey on Sunday March 21 to gather opinions on how to do just that.

Go here to see if you qualify to take the survey.  The qualification questionaire is short. 

Those who qualify will recieve an email link on Sunday as well as $10 in Extra Care Bucks as a thank you for completing the survey.

Sounds like a good deal to me!

Menu Plan -- edited =)

Changing it up a little this week!  We're heading away for a long weekend, so the bulk of our eating will be out this week.  Yikers!  I am packing snacks to keep us from eating out when we just need a munchie, and we booked a hotel with continental breakfast.  We also have a minifridge/microwave, so I'm packing cereal and instant oatmeal just in case.  =) 
It's something the whole family is looking forward to.  Our meals for the rest of the week will otherwise be pretty simple.


BREAKFASTS
Cereal
Coffee cake

LUNCHES
Leftovers

SNACKS
cereal bars
Crackers
dry fruit
snack packs

MONDAY
Black Bean Burritos
Corn

TUESDAY
Noodles

WEDNESDAY
Salmon Patties
Coconut Rice
Green Beans

THURSDAY
vacation

FRIDAY
vacation

SATURDAY
vacation

SUNDAY
Pizza


For more menu ideas, visit Org Junkie.

Menu Plan

Still working on staying out of the grocery as much as I can!  I'm going back to the envelope system from groceries this month.  Instead of adding money each week, I put it all in on this weekend.  We'll see how that plays out.  I got my big trip to Trader Joe's out of the way, and hit the asian/indian food stores to do the bulk of our stocking up.  I still need to hit Aldi for oatmeal, tomatoes, and produce, but I don't see any problems with staying under budget this month -- our pantry is looking pretty good. =)  Which is good because once the envelope is empty -- it's EMPTY! 

Some of the best deals I scored this weekend, 4lb bag of cream of wheat for $.99, 5lb bag black eyed peas $3.99, 3lb onions for $.69 just to name a few.  Did I mention how much I love ethnic food stores? =)
BREAKFASTS
baked oatmeal
muffins

LUNCHES
Leftovers

SNACKS
Muffins, cereal bars, crackers

MONDAY
Chili w/ cornbread

TUESDAY
Leftovers

WEDNESDAY
Homemade Tuna Helper

THURSDAY
BBQ Chicken
Veggies

FRIDAY
Fried potatoes
Scrambled eggs

SATURDAY
Pizza night

SUNDAY
Homemade Mac-n-cheese
Veggies

For more menu ideas, visit Org Junkie.

(Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park, Malaysia)

"I've discovered to my delight,

that spiritual gifts don't age."

--- Jill Briscoe

And just in case you missed it, apparently the $4/1 method laundry detergent coupon has been reset.

The detergent is a little on the pricey side, but this high value coupon paired with a sale should still make for a great deal. 

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Like to Bake?

(yummy apple bread, fresh from our oven)

Or want to learn how?  Visit the Prepared Pantry for a free 250 page ebook, How to Bake.

I'm excited to check this one out!  I love new recipes!

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Menu Plan

Right now I'm working on trying to get rid of some of the food that has been hanging out for a while.  I'm also trying to avoid going to the store for as long as I can -- I spent way too much at the store in January!  Having a plan is saving me some stress and money on eating out.  My father in law got married this weekend, and we got sent home with a big pile of leftovers from the reception.

BREAKFAST

Baked Oatmeal

Egg sandwiches

Coffee Cake muffins

SNACKS

Veggies, sandwiches, quesadilla bites from the reception

cereal bars

LUNCHES

leftovers from the reception and dinners

(kids eat at school)

MONDAY

Tomato Soup and sandwiches

TUESDAY

Baked Beans & cornbread

WEDNESDAY

Peanut chicken over rice noodles

simple stir fried veggies

THURSDAY

Spaghetti, garlic bread, veggies

FRIDAY

Black Bean burritos

Spanish orzo

SATURDAY

Pizza

SUNDAY

Lentil Coconut Soup

Visit I Am An Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas.

"Let nothing disturb you,

let nothing frighten you;

everything passes away except God;

God alone is sufficient."

--- Teresa of Avila

Free Coasters -- Hot Deal!

Need an idea for a frugal gift for an upcoming birthday or to think ahead for future holidays?

Snapfish has a super hot deal right now where you can score a totally free (including shipping) coaster set!  Visit Money Saving Mom for all the details on how to snag yours.

I'm giving mine out individually as part of mother's day gifts!

"Holiness does not consist in

doing extraordinary things.

It consists in accepting, with a smile,

what Jesus sends us.  It consists in

accepting and following the will of God"

--- Mother Teresa

(Turtle pond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

I will cause all my goodness to pass

in front of you, and I will proclaim

my name, the Lord, in your presence.

I will have mercy on whom

I will have mercy, and

I will have compassion on whom

I will have compassion.

Exodus 33:19

(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

The Lord will fight for you;

you need only to be still.

Exodus 14:14

(Blue Mountains, Australia)

"In a very real sense, not one of us is

qualified, but it seems that God continually

chooses the most unqualified to do his work,

to bear his glory."

---Madeleine L'Engle

(Blue  Mountains, Australia)

A man's heart plans his way,

but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

(Darling Harbor, Sydney, Australia)

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forever more.

Psalm 16:11

LGSG: Reusable Plates v. throwaways

Throwaway plates are one of the biggest source of consumer waste here in America and also one of the convenience items found in many households.  Throwaway plates have become a staple for busy people on the go, but they cost the individual and the environment in the long run.

Giving up throwaways is a great way to save some money on a tight budget.  It is far less costly for both the consumer and the environment to use reusable plates and wash them.

Some facts on throwaways:

• 
  
  Paper manufacturing doesn't just cost in lost trees.  Manufacturing also produces chemical and material waste.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Throwaway plates are not recyclable due to the food waste on them.  Plates made of paper and other biodegradable materials can be composted though.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Nearly 100 billion plastic, paper, and styrofoam cups end up in American landfills and incenerators every year.  Wow!  Source
  
  
  

If you must use throwaways:

• Opt for plates that are biodegradable.  More ecofriendly options include recycled paper and other plant based fibers from companies like Earthshell and Treecycle.
• Use coupons and watch for sales.  Your money is also a very valuable resource.
• Compost your used plates if you are able to reduce waste in landfills.  Plus, items in landfills often are not biodegrading as rapidly if at all.

Remember that living green isn't just about reducing the impact on the environment but also the impact on you and your family.

Thoughts?  Ideas?  Leave a comment!

Envelope System -- Free Template!

(photo by Kelleigh)

Do you use the envelope system?  Basically, you set up envelopes for the categories of items you can pay cash for say gas, groceries, and eating out.  The theory behind this is that cash in your hand is harder to part with and better yet, it makes it simpler to stick to your planned budget to have this money earmarked.

Today I came across this tutorial to make your very own customized envelope system for your wallet.  These are so pretty!  I can't wait to print these off and make some of my own.  I also think these would make a great gift paired with Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book.

This system has really helped us cut down our grocery budget!  You can read more about this at Dave Ramsey's site.  While you're there, check out the baby steps toward financial freedom.

Thanks to Kelleigh for creating these and being sweet enough to share them with us. =)

Also thanks to Money Saving Mom for sharing the post. =)