It's a new year! Time to think about goals, resolutions and bucket lists. I'm not big on New Year's resolutions because it's too cliche for me but I do believe in setting realistic goals that our family can focus on and meet in a practical amount of time. Since we're a frugal blog let's talk about setting goals for your budget this year (or even the next 3 months) and how to put them into action. Then I'll share with you what goals my husband and I have for our family this year. First, start with these two steps: :: Create a budget. You can't achieve any financial goals if you don't know where your money is going. Sit down. Get honest with what Keep Reading
{Simple Recipe} White Chocolate Red Velvet Cookies
Make these easy cookies for your next holiday party or gift package. Red Velvet White Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe & picture from Whipper Berry Ingredients 1 box red velvet cake mix 1 cup all purpose flour 2 sticks butter (softened) 1 egg 2 cups white chocolate chunks (also on sale at Fred Meyer) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, add butter and mix until soft and fluffy. Slowly add cake mix and flour. Once combined, add egg and mix completely. Add white chocolate chunks, and mix for a minute or so until well combined. Form dough into one inch balls, and place into the oven for 8-10 minutes. (Yields 24 small Keep Reading
What’s for dinner?: This week’s menu plan (11/14)
Before I start on dinner, while I was making my menu plan I found this Nutty Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe. It's amazing. I made a half batch to make sure I would like it. I love it! Okay, now onto dinner plans. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- White Chicken Chili Tuesday -- Pad Thai with Shrimp (I read through the comments and I'm going to make a few changes) Wednesday -- Chicken sausage brown rice stuffing Thursday -- I have dinner club this week (10 adults, 13 children until 9) Chicken Tacos with all the fixin's. Friday -- Italian Meatballs, noodles and broccoli Saturday -- Whole Chicken with broccoli and bread Sunday -- Keep Reading
What’s for dinner?: This week’s menu plan (11/7)
Did anyone try menu planning for the first time last week? How did it go? I stuck to my plan for the most part. I managed to have leftovers so that helped to save one dinner. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- turkey chili (there is a chicken version in The Ultimate Guide to Freezer Friendly Meals eBook) served with chips. Using Emily's recipe for crockpot pinto beans but leaving them whole. Tuesday -- BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Asian style coleslaw (doesn't sound like a good combo, but it is) Wednesday -- Mexican Lasagna (you may need to be a member to view this) with chips Thursday -- Our weekly dinner club Friday -- Keep Reading
What’s for Dinner?: This week’s menu plan (10/31)
Meal planning is a great way to help your family live within your monthly grocery budget. For those of you who haven’t started creating weekly menu plans, take the plunge! You can do it. Come up with a system that works for you. You don’t have to plan on Mondays. Do it on your payday or grocery shopping day. You don’t have to do a full week. Start with two or three days at a time. Keep at it for a few weeks until you see the benefits for yourself! For those needing some inspiration, here's a list of what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Halloween party! Lots of kid friendly food -- sandwiches, cheese & crackers, olives, Keep Reading
Amazon: Back-to-School Savings
This month, Amazon is running a Back-to-School savings promotion. Most of these items can be found for cheaper with a coupon, but if you haven't been able to coupon in a while or your time is limited, there are a few great deals you should take advantage of. Here's just a few: :: GoGo SqueeZ applepeach, Applesauce on the Go, 4-Count Box of 3.2-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 12) $.46 a pouch shipped when you use coupon code GOGO4343 and Subscribe & Save :: Community Coffee as low as $3.32 a bag shipped when you use coupon code COMMCOF7 and Subscribe & Save :: Oskri Bars as low as $.79 a bar shipped when you use coupon code OSKRIBTS and Subscribe Keep Reading
Menu Plan Monday
Here's what's for dinner at our house this week. You may notice that my dishes look a little more involved and possibly not budget friendly as some, but I make it work by cooking most of the items from scratch AND I love to cook! I also get paid to cook for a friend who works full time, so some of the dishes are her choices. You might also notice that I don't eat beef. My husband, on the other hand, does. But I'm the cook, so I get to choose. My parents spoil him plenty when they come to town. Monday - Almond chicken (from the chicken e-book) with Veggie Rice* Tuesday - Pizza (homemade dough) with sausage (save 1/2 sausage for Saturday's Keep Reading