Friday, May 31, 2013

Frugal Friday

 This was a fairly frugal week for me. I think the last week of the month usually is for most, more out of necessity then a conscience effort. If you are interested in reading about other folk's frugal accomplishments pop in over at The Prudent Homemaker. She has a great group of followers that have many frugal tips and advice.
1) Stayed home for two days to save gas.
2) Took leftovers to work all week for lunch.
3) Made a menu plan and stuck to it every night
except once. I got a 5.00 pizza.
4) Brought home cookies and a bag of chips from
my family's Memorial day BBQ.
5) Spent only $42.00 of my $50.00 weekly
food budget.

How have you saved money this week?

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Tips and Tricks Thursday

In "Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half - with - America's Cheapest Family" the authors, Steve and Annette Economides, share a fantastic tip on menu planning. Annette will plan the menu based on their family's schedule. Genius, right? Let me say that again. Plan your meals based on your families schedule. When sitting down to create your meal plan pull out your calender. Jot down each day's activities, then plan meals around that. If daughter has soccer Monday nights and son has karate on Tuesdays have quick easy meals planned. Evenings without any outside activities can be reserved for a more elaborate meal. Being prepared is simple and this kind of planning will keep you out of the drive-thru and money in your pocket.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

There are two ways of being happy: We must either diminish our wants or augment our means—either may do—the result is the same and it is for each man to decide for himself and to do that which happens to be easier.
 -Benjamin Franklin

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

In Between the Pages


Keep fabric scraps, bits of lace, herb and flower clippings, pictures, movie and theater tickets between the pages of your favorite book. The next time you are reading you will not only enjoy your favorite story, you will also find some of your most treasured memories between the pages.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Meal Plan Monday

Meal planning is an easy way to make sure my family eats well rounded meals without a lot of hassle.

For Breakfast
Daily- Choice of oatmeal, cold cereal, scrambled eggs and sausage, or bagel and cream cheese

For Lunch
Daily- Choice of Fruit smoothies, leftovers, cheese quesadillas, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

For Dinner
Memorial Day- Bbq riblets and chicken, baked beans,potato salad, corn, watermelon, deviled eggs, and german chocolate cake

Tuesday- Brocoli beef and white rice

Wednesday- Hamburgars with all the fixings, homemade french fries, and dill pickle wedges

Thursday- Spaghetti and garlic bread

Friday- Fried pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and green beans

Saturday- Bean burritos, and spanish rice

Sunday- Chili and homemade biscuits

Friday, May 24, 2013

Frugal Friday

Once a week The Prudent Homemaker will post her Frugal Accomplishments. This is a list of frugal things she and her family have accomplished throughout the week. 
I have been reading these post for awhile now and I
 love this idea! This will be a great way to hold myself accountable and to give myself a pat on the back for keeping on track.
Here goes...

1) Took lunches to work all week.
2) Stayed home all day Sunday to conserve gas.
3) Did not eat out once.
4) Froze strawberries I bought on sale for .75 a lb.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Wednesday Words of Wisdom


Greater simplicity frees time, energy and attention for personal growth, family relationships, participation in compassionate causes, and other meaningful and satisfying activities.

GFC Lovin

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sunday Morning Pleasures

Sunday morning loafing, a cup of joe, and exploring blogland. 
Ahhh Life's little pleasures.



Blissful and Domestic

Saturday, May 18, 2013

A Walk in the woods

Summer has come and gone in the Northwest.
 Over the last couple of weeks we have had a few days in the mid 80's. That rarely happens here in May! It sure makes for a perfect walk down a tree lined forest trail. That is exactly what me and the little one did. He walked a half of a mile with out missing a beat, while poor Gramma wanted to turn around after the first fork in the road.
 The sun made his brief appearance  and now we are back to the typical rainy spring. It was fun while it lasted.
What fun activities do you do when the weather is awesome?
center>Amanda’s Books and More

Friday, May 17, 2013

Happy Friday








Happy Friday! Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some good reading over at the TGIF Blog Hop.