What's Cooking
Family Activities: Bubble Trouble
Brina blowing bubbles and Skipper chasing them across the front porch trying to pop them.
One of the best parts about having a pet is the entertainment they provide the family. Brina and Karlie LOVE blowing bubbles outside because Skipper has a blast chasing and popping the bubbles. It is hilarious seeing Skipper twist, turn, and jump trying to pop the bubbles while hearing the girls giggle and blow more bubbles. Thankful for two kiddos and one furry four legged puppy that bring laughter to the family. She is a great dog and companion for the girls plus a good squirrel hunter and protector of the home front.
Skipper popping bubbles from Brina and Karlie.
Living in South Carolina has its perks too. Even though our cooler winter months are in December, January, and February there are days when it is warm enough we can go outside and play. There have already been several days in the 70s this winter. I am thankful for those days when we have beautiful weather so we can have fun outdoors. The girls love playing outside with Skipper and I would rather have them playing outside getting some fresh air.
Karlie in the midst of a sea of bubbles as she tries out her bubble blower.
Even though we didn’t get a white Christmas, like last year, the girls are still hoping that we get a few days of snow this winter so they can play outside. They have fun making snow angels, snowmen, sledding and all those fun activities too. I am fine with having a mix of both warm and cool days because it makes the Winter months even more entertaining for the family!
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of January 4 – 10, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Boneless Chicken Breast – $1.29 per lb
Boneless Pork Loin Roast – $1.99 per lb
Ground Beef (80% Lean) – $1.99 per lb
Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.69 per lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Milk (1 Gallon) – $2.99
Tony’s Original Crust Pizza, Supreme or Pepperoni (12 to 14 oz) – $1.99
Hungry Man Turkey or Salisbury Steak Dinner (16 oz) – $1.99
Banquet Pot Pies (7 oz) – $0.59
Michelina’s Pizzas Rolls (90 count) – $4.99
Snack-A-Tizers Pepperoni Pizza Bagels Bites (40 count) – $4.99
Blue Bonnet Spread (45 oz) – $2.49
Borden Shredded Cheese (8 oz) – $2.00
Coburn Farms Yogurt (4 oz) – $0.50
Coburn Farms EggZactly (16 oz) – $1.99
Produce
Biggin’s Potatoes (10 pounds) – $2.99
Red or Golden Delicious Apples (5 pounds) – $2.99
California Navel Oranges (8 pounds) – $4.99
Green Peppers – $0.50
Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $1.29
Carrots (2 pounds) – $1.00
Dole Garden Salads (12 oz) – $1.00
Household
Power Cycle 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent (175 oz) – $5.99
Grocery
Maxwell House Wake Up Roast Coffee (34.5 oz) – $6.99
General Mills Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix, or Golden Grahams (10 to 12 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 12/11 Smart Source (Expires 1/21/12)
Use $1.00/1 coupon found on some boxes (Expires 3/28/12)
As low as $0.99 each after couponSundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00
Nabisco Oreos (15 to 16 oz) – $2.99
Dinty Moore Beef Stew (24 oz) – $1.99
Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (15.5 oz) – $0.99
Old Orchard Apple Cocktail Juice (64 oz) – $1.99
Use $0.50/1 printable coupon from Old Orchard
$1.49 each after couponKaskey’s Lowfat Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz) – $0.89
Kaskey’s Lower Sodium Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup (18.6 oz) – $1.79
Medeiros Extra Virgin Olive Oil (17 oz) – $4.29
Rollin Oats Quick or Old Fashioned (42 oz) – $2.29
Morning Delight Sugar Free Pancake Syrup (12 oz) – $1.49
Nature’s Trail Chewy Fiber Bars (7 oz) – $2.29
Shelby Grove’s Fruit Cocktail or Sliced Peaches (15 oz) – $0.99
Portmann Ranch Salad Dressing (16 oz) – $1.49
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I had a blast spending extra time with my family the last couple of weeks. We are slowly getting back to a more normal schedule even though we still have some time off together. I am trying to get back into the routine menu schedule now that the Holiday Celebrations are over for a little bit. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Vegetable Beef Stew, Bread
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Sausage & Sauerkraut, Baked Beans
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Chicken Pot Pie, Fresh Fruit
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake, Steamed Veggies
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Giveaway: “Money Saving Mom’s Budget” Book by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS)
I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied! There will be 5 winners of this giveaway who will receive a copy of Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine! As a Mom I am always looking for ways to save a little extra, get more organized, and stay focused on my priorities. After reading Crystal’s book I know many of you will enjoy this book too! It is a great time of year to re-evaluate and set our goals. Here’s how to enter the giveaway:
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email.
- You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing what area you are wanting to work on first with your family budget!
All comments must be made by January 31st at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
You can learn more information about this great book and my review on The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine.
*A special thanks to Crystal Paine with Money Saving Mom for providing these books for the giveaway!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was great having the girls are out of school and Jake with a few days off recently. We were able to enjoy some extra time together relaxing, playing, and just having fun. I am going to try to keep it short again because we have a little bit of time off together and once everyone is back on their “regular” schedule I will be working on getting caught up from our family vacation time.
Here is the update on last weeks goals:
Family Goals
Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everydayRead a book to the girls everydaySpend extra time with my family while the girls are on Christmas Break!
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – really need to get in gear on this one
Listen to The Prodigal Son audiobook from Denise
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
Business Goals
Pay all bills that come in the mail this weekWork on ideas for upcoming blog posts
Ministry Goals
- Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests – somehow this one slipped through the cracks with us taking a break for the Holidays, although I did send out a prayer request.
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Pay off remaining debt – working on it, set up the budget and plan on finishing this up
Here are my goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
- Read a book to the girls everyday
- Spend extra time with my family while the girls are on Christmas Break!
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
- Listen to Dumping Debt by Dave Ramsey
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
Business Goals
- Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
Ministry Goals
- Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Pay off remaining debt
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
I received this recipe from my Aunt Tracy over ten years ago and love to make it for potlucks because it is pretty and delicious. If you like strawberries and cream you’ll enjoy this recipe. The top layer is strawberries and jello (see picture above), the middle layer is a cream layer, and the bottom is a pretzel crust gives it an extra crunch and adds a great flavor to the dessert.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert:
- 3 tablespoons Sugar
- 3/4 cup melted Butter
- 2 cups crushed Pretzels
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package Cream Cheese
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
- 2 cups miniature Marshmallows
- 2 (3 oz) packages Strawberry Jello
- 1 (10 oz) bag frozen Strawberries
Mix sugar, butter, and pretzels. Press into 9×13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, cool whip, and marshmallows until smooth. Spread over cooled crust. Dissolve jello in 2 1/2 cups boiling water, add frozen strawberries and set in freezer until partially set. Pour strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until firm.
If you like strawberries and pineapple my friend has another variation of this recipe Paula Deen’s Strawberry Pretzel Salad.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 28, 2011 – January 3, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Sugardale Bone In Hank Potion Ham – $1.17 per lb
Boneless Prime Rib – $4.99 per lb
Pork Boston Butt – $1.39 per lb
Pork Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb
Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (41 to 50 count) – $4.99
Hickory Springs Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99
Farmington Pork Sausage, Mild or Hot (16 oz) – $1.99
John Morrell Cocktail Smokies (12 oz) – $1.99
Armour Meatballs, Original, Italian or Turkey (14 oz) – $1.99
Sugardale Center Cut Ham Steak – $2.99 per lb
Snow Crab Clusters – $6.99 per lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Colburn Farms Cream Cheese (8 oz) – $1.00
Buyers Best Hash Brown Patties (11 oz) – $1.00
Birds Eye Sweet Kernel Corn or Mix Vegetables (16 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 11/13 Smart Source (Expires 12/30/11)
$0.75 each after couponJeno’s Crisp & Tasty Pizza, Pepperoni or Combination (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00
Blue Bonnet Spread Quarters (16 oz) – $0.69
Minute Maid Pure Squeezed Orange Juice, Orginal or Calcium Plus (59 oz) – $2.99
Kraft Chunk Cheese, Assorted Varieties (8 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.35/2 coupon from pamphlet Kroger’s My Magazine “Giving Back Together” (Expires 1/29/12)
$1.32 each after couponWelch’s Fruit Juice Cocktail, Concord Grape or Passion Fruit (64 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $0.99 each after couponCreamy Whip Whipped Topping (8 oz) – $0.99
Colburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.59
Wylwood Tator Puffs (32 oz) – $2.29
Snack-A-Tizers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (8 oz) – $2.49
Save A Lot Today Pizza Rolls (15 count) – $0.99
Take & Bake Pizza Pepperoni or Supreme (33 to 36 oz) – $5.99
Take & Bake Pizza Cheese (33 oz) – $5.49
Produce
Mixed Fruit (4 lbs) – $2.99
California Naval Oranges (4 lbs) – $2.99
Celery – $0.69
Sweet Potatoes – $0.49 per lb
Mini Carrots (1 pound) – $1.00
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $1.39
Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69
Poly Steel Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (37.5 square feet) – $1.99
Max Force Alkaline Batteries – $1.99
Grocery
Sunbeam Bread (20 oz) – $1.29
Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, or Assorted Varieties Cereal Bowls (1 to 2) – $1.00
Herr’s Potato Chips (3.75 oz) – $1.00
Southgate Chili (15 oz) – $1.00
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.45
Save A Lot Brand Soda, Assorted Varieties (2 litter) – $0.63
Ginger Evans All Purpose Flour (5 lbs) – $1.99
Colburn Farms Evaporated Milk (12 oz) – $0.79
Ginger Evans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29
Wylwood Whole Kernel Corn or Green Beans (14 to 15 oz) – $0.59
Kurtz Hot Sauce (12 oz) – $0.99
Mantia’s Lasagna (16 oz) – $1.79
Senora Verde Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz) – $0.69
Kurtz Ketchup (24 oz) – $0.99
J Higgs Buttery Rounds (16 oz) – $1.99
So Cheezy Streamin Cheese (8 oz) – $2.59
Senora Verde Bite Size Rounds Tortilla Chips (13 oz) – $1.49
Senora Verde Salsa, Assorted Varieties (16 oz) – $1.49
Crisp Cranberry Lemon Lime Soda (2 liter) – $0.79
Deter’s Ginger Ale (2 liter) – $0.79
J Higgs Snack Mix (15 oz) – $2.79
Wylwood Great Northern Beans (16 oz) – $1.19
Kurtz Wing Sauce (12 oz) – $1.39
LeCour’s Finest Fudge Shortbread (13 oz) – $1.59
Monet Entertainment Crackers (8 oz) – $1.69
J Higgs Peanuts (16 oz) – $3.39
McDaniel’s Classic Roast Coffee (33 oz) – $6.29
McDaniel’s French Roast Coffee (27.8 oz) – $6.79
McDaniel’s Donut Shop Coffee (12 oz) – $4.49
McDaniel’s Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $2.29
Allure Sweetener (100 count) – $1.39
McDaniel’s Coffee Filters (200 count) – $1.39
Bakery
Bakery Fresh Pies – $2.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I had a blast traveling to Charleston with the family and celebrating Christmas last week. Now we are back to a more normal schedule and Jake & the girls at home for Christmas break for a few days. I am trying to get back into the routine menu schedule with all the Holiday celebrations. The menu incorporates leftovers from Christmas dinner that we need to use up and make into other meals. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Hamburger Pasta Bake, Steamed Vegetables
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin, Fresh Veggies
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Chicken Noodle Soup, Bread
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Breakfast for Dinner – Blueberry Pancakes, Fresh Fruit
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Restaurant.com: 90% Off Local Area Restaurants + 35% Cash Back
You can get some great Restaurant Gift Certificates at Restaurant.com right now with their promo code for 90% off now through 12/24.
Promo Code: JOY
Enter your zip code to see all of the available certificates for your area. These do not go on sale for 90% off very often so this is a perfect time to stock up!
This code will get you:
- – $25 dining or gift certificates for $1
- – $10 dining or gift certificates for 50¢
BONUS Get 35% Cash Back:
You can get an even better deal by going through ShopAtHome! Get the 90% off with the promo code PLUS 35% cash back by going through ShopAtHome, which means you pay only 65¢ for a $25 Gift Certificate!
Go to ShopAtHome.com (it’s free to signup) login and search for Restaurant.com click on the coupon that says “$1 For $25 Gift Certificates” + 35% cash back! ShopAtHome allows you to earn cash back on your online purchases. It is like a rebate that you get after purchasing items online. These gift certificates are great for Date Nights, Family Outings, to get as gifts or to use while your on vacation!
Recipe: Doritos Taco Bake
Jake brought home some leftover Doritos from his work travels last week which is when I decided to try out this new recipe. I found this Taco Bake recipe that uses Doritos for an extra crunch and flavor on Two Maids a Milking. I used their recipe with a couple alterations based on what we had in our pantry / fridge and it turned out really well. The family enjoyed the new recipe and the girls said it was a “keeper”.
Taco Bake
1 1/2 pounds Hamburger
1 package Taco Seasoning
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 package Crescent Rolls (8)
1 can Tomato Sauce
1 can diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
1 1/2 cups shredded Taco Cheese
1 bag Doritos ChipsBrown hamburger and drain. Add taco seasoning, can of tomato sauce and can diced tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer until the excess liquid is gone from the pan. Grease a 9 x 13 pan and press the crescent rolls on the bottom for the crust. Put the meat mixture on top crescent rolls followed by the sour cream then add the cheese. Crush the bag of Doritos chips and sprinkle them across the top of the casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
What was left of the Taco Bake after one meal! It was a hit!
If you are looking for another great Taco recipe our family enjoys making Taco Lasagna!
