Menu Planning
Recipe: Rice Krispy Christmas Wreath
As a kid I remember my Aunt Becky making mini Christmas Wreaths with Rice Krispy treats around the Holidays (which were a huge hit at the family potlucks). Since I had the ingredients on hand and people coming to visit I decided to make a festive dessert for dinner. Instead of making mini wreaths I decided to make one big one that everyone could share. I made a batch of rice krispy treats, put in a few drops of green food coloring in the marshmallow mixture, formed a Christmas wreath on a plate and decorated with red licorice, red hots, and pearls. The girls thought these rice krispies were extra special and it really didn’t take me that much longer to put the wreath together. You can make your wreath as light or dark green as you like, each one of mine (as you can see from the two pictures) are a little different. I have included the rice krispy recipe in case you do not have it on hand.
Rice Krispy Recipe:
- 1/4 cup Butter or Margarine
- 10 oz Marshmallows (usually 1 bag)
- 6 cups Rice Krispy Cereal
- Few drops Green Food Coloring
Melt butter in microwavable bowl. Add marshmallows and microwave until completely melted. Stir the marshmallows and butter together until melted and smooth. Mix in a few drops of green food coloring. Add cereal and mix until evenly coated. Put spoonfuls of rice krispies on a platter in a circle. Butter your hands and form the rice krispies into a wreath. Garnish with red licorice, red hots, m&ms, skittles, pearls or anything else you want.
The girls requested that I make the “Christmas Wreath” again for another Christmas party and for their school party. The only problem was I didn’t have any more red hots or pearls to decorate the wreath, but we did have Skittles! The girls thought the Skittles were a beautiful and tasty addition to the Christmas wreath! Plus this is an easy recipe that the kids can put together with your kids.
If you have an upcoming Christmas party this would be another easy recipe to bring and share. Enjoy! 🙂
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 14 – 20, 2011
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
Last week flew by in a whirlwind of fun activities! I am still amazed that December is now in full swing, where did 2011 go! I have a lot to be thankful for every day. May this be a month of remembering all those blessings in my life. This week a full of simple meals because we have a lot of extra activities plus some traveling going on. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Beef Ravioli, Fresh Vegetables
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Sausage & Beef Vegetable Stew, Bread
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Chicken Noodle Soup, Crackers
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Cheesy Pasta Bake, 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
Fresh & Healthy: Fall Harvest – Community Supported Agriculture (Week 10)
We enjoyed our Fall Harvest with our Local Farm with Community Supported Agriculture program. We are now done with the Fall Harvest. The Fall harvest was 10 weeks long through our farm and we received a lot of wonderful produce as well as fresh eggs!
Fall Harvest Week 10 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!
Fresh goodies from our local CSA Farm! Items in our Basket this Week:
- 1 large bundle Greens
- 1 large bundle Carrots
- 3 large Beets
- 5 large Sweet Potatoes
- 1 large bag fresh Pecans
- 2 heads of Broccoli
- 1/2 Dozen Fresh Eggs
I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week! 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 FarmsIntentional Living: Weekly Goals
I was back to my regular schedule for the most part this week. It was a busy week with a lot of big work projects to tackle. Jake ended up getting sick this week which took a little extra time but I thankful for an opportunity to help my sweet husband when he is not feeling well. I am glad he is feeling better and the rest of us seemed to escape the “bug”. I wasn’t able to get everything crossed off the list but made some headway.
Here is the update on last weeks goals:
Family Goals
Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everydayRead a book to the girls everyday- Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week – we missed one day this week
- Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed) – we had a couple late nights
Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week– it has been an amazing activity for our family and we have experienced a lot of joy giving to others this week
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – I did not do well this week, had a lot of big work projects and Jake got sick
- Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Thursday – I hit it a couple days
- Finish reading The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay – haven’t had a chance to start on this one yet
Listen to the next section of Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper– listened to it again but need to read the book to get more indepth
Home Management Goals
Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by MondaySpend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house- Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday) – I was a little late a couple night this week
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayStart wrapping and send out Christmas Cards / Presents
Business Goals
- Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk – if you looked at my desk earlier this week it was scary as I was wrapping up a couple big projects, it is now back under control for the moment which is why I love doing it daily to help stay on top of it
Pay all bills that come in the mail this weekWork on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012 – did a few more
Ministry Goals
Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requestsMeet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch- Make at least $25 towards my Creative Cash goal this week so I can give more to others.
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Pay off remaining debt – paid a little extra this week, little by little
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – on hold until debt is paid off
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
- Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
- Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
- Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
- Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Thursday
- Finish reading The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay
- Start Reading and listen to the next section of Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper
Home Management Goals
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
- Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
- Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Wrap and send out all Christmas Cards / Presents that need shipped or mailed
Business Goals
- Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
- Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012
Ministry Goals
- Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Pay off remaining debt
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses
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
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
It was a busy week but in between appointments I was able to make it to a couple stores. I was able to stay under budget and stock up on some goodies, including produce and diary products! Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Ingles and Save A Lot | RiteAid Ingles Groceries:
- $10.03 at Ingles for 1 fresh Coconut, 1 container fresh Celery, 1 container fresh Mushrooms, 1 container fresh Cherry Tomatoes, 1 bag fresh Oranges (4 lbs), 1 package Summer Sausage (Everything I bought this week at Ingles was on sale, marked down, or on clearance except the summer sausage which was a special treat I bought for my husband this week. All the produce including the bag of oranges were marked down to 99 cents!)
Save A Lot | RiteAid Groceries:
- $22.74 at Save A Lot | RiteAid for 1 bag Bagels, 1 box Poptarts, 1 container Country Crock Spread, 1 box Mrs Freshley Chocolate Cupcakes, 1 container Cool Whip, 1 box Tropical Jr Pops, 2 boxes Yogurt Tubes, 4 cans Cream of Mushroom, 1 container Parmesan Grated Cheese, 1 can Pinneapple Chunks, 1 jar Salsa, 1 two liter Orange Crisp, 1 gallon Milk, 1 bag Carrots, 1 bag Grapefruit (3 lb), and 1 box Cream Cheese. (All the items were on sale or clearance plus I used a couple of coupons! The bagels, Mrs. Freshley Cupcakes, Tropical Jr Pops, and Yogurt Tubes were marked down to clearance “special today” prices.)
Groceries, Household Items, & Other Goodies from Walgreens Walgreens Groceries:
- $0.49 at Walgreens for the grocery items – 4 boxes Baking Soda and 3 bags Chewy Spree Candy. (The total for this entire purchase was $2.06 including tax for 30 items making it $0.07 per item which is how the 7 groceries items cost $0.49 at Walgreens this week.)
Groceries from Kmart Kmart Groceries:
- $1.50 at Kmart for 1 box Saltines, 1 pack Orange Gatorade, and 1 box Ritz Crackers. (Jake ended up getting sick this week so on my way home from a work appointment I stopped by Kmart to pick up some stuff for him. Thankfully, I had a $5 Kmart Gift Card and all the items were on sale this week at Kmart).
Groceries, Household, Baby, Beauty and Gift Items from CVS CVS Groceries:
- $0.21 at CVS for the grocery items – 1 loaf Sara Lee Whole Wheat Bread, 1 loaf Sara Lee White Bread, and 1 box Candy Canes. (The total for this entire purchase was $3.16 including tax for 42 items making it $0.07 per item which is how the 3 groceries items cost $0.21 at CVS this week.)
This week I spent $34.97 on groceries. Even though I was only a little under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on some items at the same time. I did not anticipate my husband being sick but we had enough flex in the budget and hit the sales to cover the extra expense. I hope that next week is 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: Easy Vegetable Bake
One of the best parts about having a garden is sharing it with those around you and the second best part is being able to freeze some of the delicious goodies from the garden to eat during the Fall and Winter months. Now that we have officially had our first “freeze” our garden is done but we were grateful to be picking some produce even in November this year. It has been wonderful eating the vegetables and finding great ways to eat them. One of our family’s favorite ways to enjoy them is on the grill, however, as it is getting cooler we will often bake or steam the vegetables instead of firing up the grill. Our family has tried many different vegetable recipes, including the Easy Summer Vegetables which is similar (quick and easy). It’s a great recipe to use when you have guests coming over for dinner. You can use a variety of fresh vegetables. I like to use the fresh veggies that we have in the fridge and will add some frozen ones if necessary.
Easy Vegetable Bake:
- 1 cup Green Beans
- 1 cup Purple Beans
- 1 cup sliced Zucchini
- 1 cup sliced Okra
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced Onions
- 1/4 cup Italian Dressing
Slice the vegetables into 1 inch pieces and put them into a bowl. Pour 1/4 cup of Italian Dressing over the vegetables and stir until evenly coated. You can add a little more or less dressing depending on the amount of vegetables you want. Let them marinate for a few minutes, pour them into a dish and bake on 350 for 30 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
You can add whatever vegetables you want and substitute, for example if you do not have zucchini but have asparagus or peppers add a cup of them instead. The vegetables have great flavor and are a hit throughout the grilling season.
Recipe: Peppermint Oreo Brownies
Around the Christmas Season we typically have extra candy canes hanging around the house so I came up with this fun and delicious Peppermint Oreo Brownie recipe. You can make your favorite brownie recipe add a few extra ingredients for the Holiday Season and you have a great dessert to share with family and friends. Whether you enjoy a homemade or boxed brownies both will taste delicious.
Peppermint Oreo Brownies:
- Favorite Homemade or Boxed Brownies
- 1 1/2 cup roughly crushed Oreo Cookies
- 2 tablespoons Torani Peppermint Syrup (you can add more or less if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup crushed Peppermint Candy Canes
Make your favorite brownie recipe. Stir in the Torani Peppermint Syrup and 1 cup Oreo’s. Pour the brownies into the baking dish. Sprinkle the peppermint candy canes and remaining Oreo’s over the top. Cook the brownies per the recipe directions. Cool and enjoy!
You can also use up some extra candy canes when you make Candy Cane Smile Pancakes for breakfast.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 7 – 13, 2011
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 – $1.19 per lb
Chicken Leg Quarters – $0.49 per lb
Beef Eye of Round Roast – $3.99 per lb
Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (41 to 50 count) – $4.99
Hickory Springs Sliced Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99
Farmington Pork Sausage, Hot or Mild (16 oz) – $1.99
Fairgrounds Sliced Lunchmeats, Assorted Varieties (16 oz) – $2.99
Fairgrounds Jumbo Hot Dogs (16 oz) – $0.99
Portside Fish Fillets, Tilapia, Perch or Flounder (16 oz) – $3.99
Matlaw’s Shrimp Ring with Sauce (10 oz) – $4.99
Portside Imitation Crabmeat (16 oz) – $1.99
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
Coburn Farms Cream Cheese – $1.00
Land O’ Lakes Spreadable Butter (8 oz) – $1.99
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $1.49 each after couponBanquet Family Size Entrees (26 to 28 oz) – $2.00
Tropicana Orange Juice (59 oz) – $2.99
Chef Antonio Rising Crust Pizza, Pepperoni or Cheese – $3.49
Eggo Waffles (10 count) – $1.79
World’s Fair Vanilla Ice Cream (56 oz) – $2.79
Mrs. Smith’s Pies, Pumpkin, Apple or Cherry – $2.99
Use $1.00/2 coupon from pamphlet Target booklet (Expires 12/30/11)
$2.49 each after couponGold Leaf Deep Dish Pie Shells – $2.33
Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.59
Morning Delight Crescent Rolls – $1.69
Save A Lot Today Orange Juice (59 oz) – $1.99
Curly’s Pulled Pork or Beef (18 oz) – $3.99
Produce
California Navel Oranges (4 lbs) – $2.99
Mixed Bag of Fruit (4 lbs) – $2.99
Idaho Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.99
Tomatoes (6 pack) – $1.99
Red Grapefruit (3 lbs) – $1.50
Sunburst Tangerines (3 lbs) – $1.50
Household
Tide Powder Laundry Detergent (20 oz) – $3.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 11/27 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $2.99 each after couponWrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $1.39
Poly Steel Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (37.5 sq ft) – $1.99
Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69
Chenard Plastic Cutlery, Knife, Fork, Spoon Assortment (48 count) – $1.69
Max Force Alkaline Batteries, Assorted Varieties – $1.99
Grocery
Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee (22.6 oz) – $6.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 12/3/11)
$5.99 each after couponCrisco Vegetable or Canola Oil (48 oz) – $2.99
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 1/31/12)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 1/31/12)
$2.49 each after couponCap ‘N Crunch Cereal, Assorted Varieties (12 to 14 oz) – $1.99
Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Dinners (9 to 14 oz) – $1.79
Ritz Crackers, Assorted Varieties (14 to 15 oz) – $2.50
Prego Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varieties (24 oz) – $1.50
Use $0.75/2 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/3 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $1.13 each after couponPregresso Traditional Soups, Assorted Varieties – $1.50
Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Assorted Varieties – $2.49
Welch’s Chillers Juice Drinks, Assorted Varieties (64 oz) – $1.99
On the Border Tortilla Chips (12 oz) – $2.00
Grissom’s Brown ‘n Serve Rolls ( 12 count) – $1.19
Monet Entertainment Crackers (8 oz) – $1.69
Lofthouse Snickerdoodle Cookies – $2.79
Cafe Valley Fudge Bundt Cake – $3.39
Portmann’s Mayonnaise – $2.49
J Higgs Saltines – $1.19
Wylwood Chili Beans – $0.75
Hargis House Beef Stew (24 oz) – $2.39
Hargis House Sloppy Joe Sauce (15.5 oz) – $0.99
Mantia’s Alfredo Sauce (15 oz) – $1.99
Crisp Cranberry Lemon Lime Soda (2 liter) – $0.79
Coburn Farms Evaporated Milk (15 oz) – $0.79
Ginger Evans Cake Mix – $1.35
Ginger Evans Ready to Spread Frosting – $1.49
Ginger Evans Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29
Morning Gem’s Frosted Flakes Cereal (17 oz) – $2.29
Morning Delight Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix (32 oz) – $1.89
Morning Delight Country Style or Buttery Syrup (24 oz) – $1.89
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
Last week we were back on a regular schedule. The activities are picking up pace with the Christmas Season but all is going well. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Lasagna, Fresh Salad
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Grilled Tilapia, Parmesan Couscous
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Whole Roasted Chicken, Wild Rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Vegetarian Spaghetti, French Bread
- 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
