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Life’s Little Hiccups: Mint Chocolate S’mores Brownies
My Mint Chocolate Smores Brownies….burnt to a crispy black color! Life doesn’t always go exactly as we plan. Even though I try to make sure the schedule allows for plenty of time with my family, friends, church, work, household duties, and the many other activities in life that doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly. The reason I call it Life’s Little Hiccups is because after the “stress” of the moment I can look back at the event and usually laugh. Yes, it was frustrating to ruin something or that life didn’t go as planned but in light of all the other problems in life this is pretty small. I have discovered that some of these crazy times make the BEST memories for the family. How I react and recover from Life’s Little Hiccups speaks volumes into the hearts of my children. Getting mad or frustrated will not solve the problem and often times there is a creative or easy solution if I just relax, think, and try again.
It was a Sunday and I had been up since 4 am to take Jake to the airport for a work conference. The girls and I went to the early service at church then came home and did some activities around the house, ate lunch, and worked on cleaning the garage (as a surprise for Daddy). I think we had a little bit more fun cleaning the garage than is normal for most people because we had a blast cleaning, talking, laughing, giggling, and telling stories. Before I knew it the afternoon had flown by and it was time for us to get ready for Community Group and Awana.
I was in charge of making the desert for Community Group so the girls and I decided to make Mint Chocolate Smore’s Brownies to share (Jake is not a big “mint” person so it was something special that just us girls enjoy). I put together the brownies, popped them into the oven, and began working with the girls on their verses for Awana. After wrapping up several sections in their books I decided I should probably get ready. As I was brushing my teeth Brina comes into the bedroom and says “Mom, it smells good in the kitchen but it looks a little cloudy.” Oh no! The BROWNIES! Well as you can see from the picture above they didn’t turn out as I had hoped. On the way to Community Group after dropping off the girls at Awana I ran by the grocery store and picked up a cake to share.
When we got home from the events that evening as we were getting out of the van and Brina says “Mom, it smells good…..like when we burn marshmallows around the fire.” Even with several windows open the smell had made it to the garage. The good news though is burnt marshmallows really do have a great smell to them! One of the many lessons I learned with this “little hiccup” was that stuff will happen (despite my best efforts), it’s not ideal but my reaction and how I handle the situation sets an example for my girls. After everything we did together that day do you know what their FAVORITE story to tell everyone was? Yes, the story about how we burnt the Mint Chocolate Smore’s Brownies.
After removing the layer of burnt marshmallows off the top we were able to eat most of the middle pieces of the brownies (see picture below). The girls took the brownies to school and told their friends about the brownie adventure they had with Mom over the weekend. Now we laugh about how silly the whole situation was and that we all managed to not hear the timer go off. I am thankful that we can look at the hiccups and count our blessings for the teachable moments that became funny memories we can share together.
The Mint Chocolate Smore’s Brownies after the burnt marshmallows were removed. The marshmallows made almost a glaze over the brownies and somehow were partially salvageable. The girls thought it was hilarious taking a piece to school in their lunch. Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 12 – 18, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. Save-A-Lot is continuing their 10 for $10 sale so if you haven’t already go ahead and stock up of these products. You can mix and match any number of the 10 for $10 items and you are not required to buy 10 items in order to get the products for $1. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Eckrich Franks (16 oz) – $1.00
Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00
Ocean Market Fish Fillets (4 oz) – $1.00
Gwaltney Rolled Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00
Chicken Breasts – $1.49 per lb
Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb
Pork Roast – $1.49 per lb
Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99
Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.99 per lb
Schooner’s Pollock, Whiting, and Tilapia Fish Fillets (2 lb package) – $5.99
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
Eckrich Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00
Budding Deli Cut Lunch Meat (3 to 4 oz) – $1.00
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks (6 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
$0.25 each after couponOscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
Use $0.55/1 coupon from tearpad found in stores
$0.45 each after couponHormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni (3.5 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.55/2 printable coupon from Hormel
$0.73 each after couponSchooner Imitation Crab (8 oz) – $1.00
Colburn Farms Grade A Large Eggs (1 dozen) – $1.00
Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza (Pepperoni or Supreme) – $1.00
Pillsbury Grands Flakey or Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
As low as $0.67 each after couponBanquet Brown & Serve Sausage (6.4 oz) – $1.00
Tropicana Fruit or Berry Punch (64 oz) – $1.00
Mr. P’s Pepperoni Pizza Bites (9 oz) – $1.00
Banquet Dinners (4 to 10 oz) – $1.00
Borden American Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.99
Produce
3 Pack Tomatoes – $1.00
Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.00
Celery – $1.00
Red or Yellow Peppers – $1.00
Caramel and Candy Apples – $1.00
Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 pounds) – $2.99
Klondike Rose or Goldust Potatoes (5 pounds) – $2.50
Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $1.49
Household
Puffs Facial Tissue (100 count) – $1.00
Use $0.25/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
$0.92 each after couponAngel Soft Bath Tissue (4 count) – $1.00
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
$0.50 each after couponBounty Basic – $0.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after couponBounty Select A Size – $1.79
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
As low as $0.79 each after couponMardi Gras Paper Towels (3 count) – $2.49
Sparkle Paper Towels (6 count) – $4.49
Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99
Quilted Northern Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $6.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon peelie from packages found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
$5.99 each after couponAngel Soft Bath Tissue (12 rolls) – $3.39
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
$2.89 each after couponCharmin Basic Bath Tissue (4 rolls) $2.39
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/1 coupon found in some packages (Expires 8/31/12)
Use $0.35/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
As low as $1.39 each after couponSave A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $0.89
Grocery
Hampton Farms Roasted and Salted Peanuts (10 oz) – $1.00
Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00
Kaskey’s Family Size Condensed Chicken or Tomato Soup (26 oz) – $1.00
Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta (14.5 to 15 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon found in package (Expires 5/31/12)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (Expires 11/15/11)
$0.75 each after couponToast Em’s Toaster Pastries (14.7 oz) – $1.00
Mrs. Freshley’s Sugar Mini Donuts or Brownies (6 to 16 count) – $1.00
Very Fine Juice Drinks (Fruit Punch or Pineapple Orange) (32 oz) – $1.00
Chex Mix (8 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon from peelie found in some store (Expires 1/30/12)
$0.75 each after couponM&M and Mars Candy (3 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (10/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 10/31/11)
As low as $0.25 each after couponPasta Roni (Assorted Varieties) (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Rice A Roni (Assorted Varieties) (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00
Betty Crocker Seasoned Mashed Potatoes (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
As Low As $0.67 each after couponHeinz Gravy (Beef or Turkey) (12 oz) – $1.00
Red Gold Ketchup (32 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/4 printable coupon from Red Gold
$0.75 each after couponKraft Marshmallow Creme (7 oz) – $1.00
Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Assorted Varieties) (13 to 15 oz) – $1.99
Welch’s Juice Cocktails (Concord Grape or Orange Pineapple Apple) (64 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
As Low As $0.99 each after couponRemember 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 am thrilled to have Jake back at home! The girls loved the extra fun meals (really fast and easy ones) last week while Daddy was away but are excited to get back to our normal schedule as well. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Bake Steak, Caesar Salad, Mash Potatoes
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Grilled Italian Sausage, Sweet Potatoes
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Chicken Taco Salad, Spanish Rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Garden Vegetable Bake, Fruit Salad
- 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
Fresh & Healthy: Fall Harvest – Community Supported Agriculture (Week 1)
We started the first week of our Fall Harvest with our Local Farm with Community Supported Agriculture program. The Fall harvest is 10 weeks long through our farm. We were thrilled to get the vegetables again this week. Our family is doing another half share for this harvest.
Fall Harvest Week 1 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!
Fresh goodies from our Local Farm! Items in our Basket this Week:
- 1 bundle White Radishes (the greens were HUGE and TALL, they didn’t even fit in the sink!)
- 1 bag Green Beans
- 1 Acorn Squash
- 3 Sweet Potatoes
- 1 Half Dozen Fresh Eggs
I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week! Anyone have a great recipes for Radishes? Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes! To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Farms
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
It was a “girls week” at our house with Jake being gone to California. One of the “special activities” the girls requested to do for our girls week together was to go grocery shopping with Mommy, makes me smile! They had a blast although I bought more then was on my list. Guess it is okay to splurge a little on the kids especially if they are on their best behavior while Daddy is away. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Walmart and BiLo Walmart Groceries:- $8.29 at Walmart for 2 Oscar Mayer Lunchables, 1 Simply Kraft Sour Cream, 1 bag Great Value English Muffins, 1 bag sandwich Bread, 3 boxes General Mills Cocoa Puffs Cereal (I was able to get several of these items marked down – bread, priced matched – Lunchables, or on clearance – Cereal, it was $1.00 per box on clearance!)
BiLo Groceries:
- $12.41 at BiLo for 1 bag Wonka Splashberries Gummies, 1 bag Wonka Puckeroom Gummies, 1 can Del Monte Stewed Tomatoes, 1 can Contadina Tomato Paste, 1 can Hunts Tomato Sauce, 1 can Hunts Diced Tomatoes with Jalapenos, 1 box Good & Fruity, 1 gallon Milk, 1 container Southern Home Sour Cream, and 1 pound Strawberries (I went in for milk…….as you can see the girls found a couple extra items which were marked down at closeout prices. Everything, other than the milk, was marked down on clearance including the fresh strawberries. The girls know that the “purple” tags in BiLo mean closeout prices so we better at least look at it! I used reusable bags to get a 5 cent per bag credit. My total before savings was $44.10 minus $31.69 in savings making it $12.41 for that trip and without using any coupons! Love the closeout deals!)
My big "splurge" in the grocery budget this week at Ingles after my attempt at multitasking did not work out so well. Ingles Groceries:
- $5.48 at Ingles (YIKES!!!) I know I spent almost $6.00 on this amazing 4 cake sampler this week. WHY you ask!? Those in my church’s Community Group already know the answer but for the ones who want to know why I would spend that much on a dessert I will share a little insight into my crazy life with you. I was up at 4 am on Sunday morning to take my sweet husband to the airport, went to church, ate lunch with the girls, did some activities around the house (probably should have taken a nap instead), made the dessert for Community Group that night then I started helping the girls with their Awana lessons (completely forgetting about the Mint Chocolate Chip Smore’s Brownies in the oven). After awhile Brina went to get a drink from the kitchen and when she came back she said “Mom, it smells really good in the kitchen but it is a little cloudy.” My immediate response “THE BROWNIES!” Needless to say they were past presentable and eatable from the looks of it too at that point. So on my way past Ingles after dropping the girls off at Awana I splurged on this cake. It was delicious and I am thankful for the extra wiggle room in my grocery budget this week, but would like to not make a habit of these extra splurges. Thank goodness for grocery budgets and having wiggle room for emergencies no matter how big or small. (FYI: this cake was on sale this week too, normally it is $6.48 so even though it was an emergency I was still able to save a little bit) Note to future self: When your already running on fumes focus on one task at a time!
This week I spent $26.18 on groceries. Even though I was a little under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on several items. Thankfully I had extra wiggle room this week to cover the expense of my multitasking mistake (see Ingles grocery splurge above). I hope that next week is an even better week and we can come under budget.
It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks! As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too. The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Recipe: Whole Roasted Chicken
As I was going through the deep freezer earlier this week I pulled out a whole chicken that was purchased a couple months ago on sale. The chicken was over 4 pounds and I was able to get it marked down for $1.37. I love being able to get meat at a great price especially when the meat can be used for multiple meals. The chicken came out juicy, tasty, and delicious! The girls even ate several pieces for dinner. There was plenty of chicken leftover for another meal plus a few more pieces to make chicken salad sandwiches.
Whole Roasted Chicken:
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) Whole Chicken
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon minced Onion
- 6 tablespoons Butter or Margarine
Preheat oven or roaster oven to 350 degrees
Remove giblets from the inside of the chicken and place the chicken in a roasting pan or pyrex dish.
Mix mayonnaise and poultry seasoning together (if you do not have poultry seasoning you can use Onion Powder, Salt and Pepper). Spread the mayonnaise mixture all over the outside of the chicken.
Put 3 tablespoons of butter and minced onion inside the cavity of the chicken
Slice the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine and place over the outside of the chicken.
Bake the chicken uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes. (The chicken should be 180 degrees internally.)
Remove chicken from heat, baste with the juice in the pan from baking, and cover with aluminum foil for 30 minutes prior to carving.
Photo by The Culinary Geek
Fresh & Healthy: Sharing the Garden Goodies
Fresh Produce from the Garden that we gave away. We have been blessed with a wonderful garden this summer. It was a great learning experience for the girls. They enjoyed planting, watering, picking, washing, eating, and giving away the produce. The weed pulling wasn’t a highlight for them but they did pitch in and help a few times. I am thankful for how well the vegetables and fruit produced.
We recently replanted the garden for Fall Harvest so we are in between stages right now. The tomatoes are slowing down but still producing a few. Our four okra plants have been consistently producing as well. The above basket was one that we were able to give to several people at Jake’s work. It has been a tremendous blessing being able to share the garden vegetables with others.
Did you grow a garden? What produce did you have in your garden?
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 5 – 11, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. This week they are doing a big sale with a lot of great 10 for $10 products for you to stock up on. You can mix and match any number of the 10 for $10 items and you are not required to buy 10 items in order to get the products for $1. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Eckrich Franks (16 oz) – $1.00
Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00
Ocean Market Fish Fillets (4 oz) – $1.00
Gwaltney Rolled Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00
Chicken Breasts – $1.49 per lb
Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb
Pork Roast – $1.49 per lb
Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99
Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.99 per lb
Schooner’s Pollock, Whiting, and Tilapia Fish Fillets (2 lb package) – $5.99
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
Eckrich Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00
Budding Deli Cut Lunch Meat (3 to 4 oz) – $1.00
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks (6 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
$0.25 each after couponOscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
Use $0.55/1 coupon from tearpad found in stores
$0.45 each after couponHormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni (3.5 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.55/2 printable coupon from Hormel
$0.73 each after couponSchooner Imitation Crab (8 oz) – $1.00
Colburn Farms Grade A Large Eggs (1 dozen) – $1.00
Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza (Pepperoni or Supreme) – $1.00
Pillsbury Grands Flakey or Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
As low as $0.67 each after couponBanquet Brown & Serve Sausage (6.4 oz) – $1.00
Tropicana Fruit or Berry Punch (64 oz) – $1.00
Mr. P’s Pepperoni Pizza Bites (9 oz) – $1.00
Banquet Dinners (4 to 10 oz) – $1.00
Borden American Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.99
Produce
3 Pack Tomatoes – $1.00
Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.00
Celery – $1.00
Red or Yellow Peppers – $1.00
Caramel and Candy Apples – $1.00
Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 pounds) – $2.99
Klondike Rose or Goldust Potatoes (5 pounds) – $2.50
Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $1.49
Household
Puffs Facial Tissue (100 count) – $1.00
Use $0.25/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
$0.92 each after couponAngel Soft Bath Tissue (4 count) – $1.00
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
$0.50 each after couponBounty Basic – $0.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after couponBounty Select A Size – $1.79
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
As low as $0.79 each after couponMardi Gras Paper Towels (3 count) – $2.49
Sparkle Paper Towels (6 count) – $4.49
Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99
Quilted Northern Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $6.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon peelie from packages found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
$5.99 each after couponAngel Soft Bath Tissue (12 rolls) – $3.39
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
$2.89 each after couponCharmin Basic Bath Tissue (4 rolls) $2.39
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/1 coupon found in some packages (Expires 8/31/12)
Use $0.35/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
As low as $1.39 each after couponSave A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $0.89
Grocery
Hampton Farms Roasted and Salted Peanuts (10 oz) – $1.00
Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00
Kaskey’s Family Size Condensed Chicken or Tomato Soup (26 oz) – $1.00
Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta (14.5 to 15 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon found in package (Expires 5/31/12)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (Expires 11/15/11)
$0.75 each after couponToast Em’s Toaster Pastries (14.7 oz) – $1.00
Mrs. Freshley’s Sugar Mini Donuts or Brownies (6 to 16 count) – $1.00
Very Fine Juice Drinks (Fruit Punch or Pineapple Orange) (32 oz) – $1.00
Chex Mix (8 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon from peelie found in some store (Expires 1/30/12)
$0.75 each after couponM&M and Mars Candy (3 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (10/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 10/31/11)
As low as $0.25 each after couponPasta Roni (Assorted Varieties) (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Rice A Roni (Assorted Varieties) (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00
Betty Crocker Seasoned Mashed Potatoes (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
As Low As $0.67 each after couponHeinz Gravy (Beef or Turkey) (12 oz) – $1.00
Red Gold Ketchup (32 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/4 printable coupon from Red Gold
$0.75 each after couponKraft Marshmallow Creme (7 oz) – $1.00
Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Assorted Varieties) (13 to 15 oz) – $1.99
Welch’s Juice Cocktails (Concord Grape or Orange Pineapple Apple) (64 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
As Low As $0.99 each after couponRemember 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
Now that I have been planning our weekly menu in advance for a month I have noticed that some weeks when we have dinner ready at 5:30 pm every night and the weekend is packed full of activities with family and friends we do not eat up all the leftovers from the meals. I do not enjoy “wasting” leftovers. Last Monday when I opened the fridge and realized the amount of items already in the fridge I decided we should hold off on the menu plan for that night and eat up some of the leftovers before they go bad. Since we ate leftovers on Monday night that menu item has been forwarded to this week. Also, you may notice that this week’s menu is not as appealing as some weeks and that is because it is a busy week on top of some business traveling so we are keeping it simple and easy both for time and to help use up any extra food we already have in the refrigerator.
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Homemade Pizza (Hamburger & Pepperoni), Ranch Salad (using lettuce from the Garden & Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Kit we got from the box sale and only used half of the kit from a previous week)
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Tuna Salad, Fresh Fruit
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Cheesy Chicken Nuggets, Fresh Vegetables
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Macaroni and Cheese, Apple Crunches
- 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
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
School is continuing at full throttle and we are finding ways to stay busy, ha! I was able to get some great items on clearance and stock up on some lunch box items. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Aldi's and Walgreens Aldi Groceries:- $48.39 at Aldi’s for 4 boxes Macaroni & Cheese, 1 bag Cinnamon Bagels, 2 boxes Moo Tube Yogurts, 1 box refrigerator Pie Crusts, 4 bags Cheese Sticks, 2 boxes Seasoned Potatoes, 1 three pound bag Chicken, 1 bag White Tortilla Chips, 1 bag Sugar Wafers, 1 bag Cheddar Nuggets, 1 box Oatmeal, 2 packs Taco Seasoning, 1 box Butter, 2 blocks Cheddar Cheese, 4 boxes Vanilla Pudding, 1 container Light Sour Cream, 1 bag Granulated Sugar, 2 Blueberry Pancake Mixes, 5 boxes Tropical Fruit Rolls, 1 bag Carrots, and 2 containers fresh Mushrooms (I was able to get several of these items marked down at Ali’s, which is rare for me, yay!)
Walgreen Groceries:
- $1.21 at Walmart for 4 boxes Baking Soda, 3 bags Disney Car Marshmallows, 1 two liter Lemon Lime and 2 gallons Milk (the Baking Soda & Milk was on sale and the Marshmallows & Lemon Lime was on clearance. I used a couple Register Rewards towards the purchase.)
This week I spent $49.60 on groceries. Even though I was only a little over on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on several items. Thankfully I had extra in the grocery wallet to cover the expense. I hope that next week is an even better week and we can come under budget for the week.
It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks! As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too. The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
