Once a Month cooking plan

 

I had wanted to do this with MoneySavingMom and FishMama but I got sick and therefore am about 2 days behind.  But I am determind to do something.   My freezer is kind of small so I am not sure exactly what I can/will be doing but here is a basic idea;

2 Batches of GF Pumpkin pancakes
Pumpkin Puree (in the oven as I type)
Egg salad for this week
4 Chicken Tetrazinni a bit tweaked though so we can eat it GF
3 batches of Cream of Chicken GF style
GF Granola (adapted)
Yogurt
2 dinners of slow-cooked pepper steak
1 batch of oven-baked rice (makes a LOT!)
And I have a pot of beans soaking.   I should have done something besides just pinto but oh well. 

And thats probably all I’ll have freezer room for.  LOL.  So I’m starting with that and we’ll just go from there.

So I’m doning my apron and off I go!

~Blog Contest~

 Its that time of year where the days grow shorter and its time to pull out all that winter reading.   I just finished reading;  The Many Loves of Marriage by Thomas and Nanette Kinkade.

WOW.  What a good book.  I wasnt sure I was going to enjoy it. But I do!  Just as his paintings create a sense of warmth and desire, so does that reflect in their marriage.  Nanette is surely one you want to take notes from and learn.  Her pillar of strength for her husband is evident in his writtings and his love and devotion for God and family is evident in his. 

I am not sure I could write a good enough review.  Its one you just have to pick the book up and read. You read of some of their journeys throughout the country and with each other.  Of the times of hardship and the times of ease.  Like a normal human couple fallen in sin, they had their troubles, but its not a despressing read.  You find encouragement in what they went through, what they learned and how you can better yourself when you find yourself in a simular situation and how ultimately God prevails. 

So, I am giving you a chance to read this book!  I have to apologize first off though, my daughter did a scribble mark near the ISBN number on the back of the book.  Blush.  The only reason I mention it is because it may not be a good Christmas gift kind of book.   

To enter;  Drop me a line telling me your favorite marriage book OR Thomas Kinkade painting. 
I personally have always been drawn to the country cottage look of some of his. 

Earn an additional entry by subscribing to my blog.  Dont ask me how you do it.  LOL.  I am believe there is a button near the top of the right hand corner that says subscribe.   I’m doing it this way cause most blogs do and I would hate to be any different from anyone else.  (please note my silliness and not seriousness)

Earn another additional entry if you can tell me how to add a URL image on wordpress since the newest change.  Yes, I am kind of frantic.  I can add one from my desktop, figured that one out but not from a URL.   Everyone of you that does this, regardless of if its been posted before or not will recieve an additional entry.
Here is what happens;  I get all the way to insert the image, I paste the URL, center the image but the “post image” button is still that grey color and clicking it does nothing.  grrr. 

I will pay shipping cost.   So, post away!

 I’ll be drawing names in 1 week!

$1 off Yankee Votive- EXPIRED

 Thought you Yankee Candle lovers would love this coupon, its for $1 off or $1 Yankee Votive.   Nice time to stock up for the holiday season!
This Link will help you find a store near you.

EXPIRED

These would a nice edition to Christmas.  Tie up with some festive ribbon along with some homebaked goodies.  A nice frugal but thoughtful gift. 

 

 

Some of my favorite Blogs

We all like reading new books and blogs so I thought I would share a few of my favorite ones.  I visit these frequently.

Life as a Mom-

Money Saving Mom

Prairie Frog Blog

Fruitful Abundance

Everyone knows- Pioneer Woman

Gluten free cooking for a busy Mom

Christmas is coming~

Its that time of year when we pull out our sweaters, coats and start thinging about fall and Christmas.  YAY! I love this time of year.  So re-energizing.  Its almost Nov.  and I cant believe how warm its been for this time of year.  I am sitting here in a tank-top for pete sake.

So since its our favorite time of year, I thought I would share some crafty ideas for Christmas gifts!

For Sewing;
Nice Childrens gift
Piggy Bank Purse
Table Runner
Easy Tag Toy
Much more tutorials can be found on;
Sew Mama Sew

 

If you knit/crochet;
Rivalry is always the best place to look for great patterns.  However if your just starting out and want some quick, simple ideas here are a few;
Easy Knitted Dishcloth
A crocheted Scrubbie
Knitted scarf

Another idea is the whole Mason Jar Goodies.  YOu can find all sorts of recipe for the mason jars.  Even SOUPS!
An all time favorite is of course the snowman soup; you can find a recipe here;
Snowman soup Gift Jar

 

For those that like to do online gift shopping I have included a few favorite websites that are from my family and friends alike. 

Author- Chautona havig, Christian Fiction and a new Child series coming NOV.
Mainly Grains- Healthy alternative for food baskets!
Daddy’s Little Princess- Modest clothing for girls at affordable prices.
Sweet Marmalade- Crafty items all handcrafted, wood and more!
Little Sassy Cowgirl and Buckaroo- Horse clothes, prairie dresses and more
Laura’s Lathers and more~ Soap and Lotions, ah every girls dream
Suthern Sundries~ Wonderful handmade soap, Bath and Body and more. 
Mary Kay Consultant~ Cari Shepherd is a friend and a consultant.  Great stocking stuffer ideas.
UnOrdinary Photography-  Lisa is also a friend and if you live nearby maybe she can help out with your Christmas photos.

These are just a few that I can think of.  Etsy is FILLEd with handmade goodies and always help the crafty workers like us.  I will add more as I find them.    There is always too my own store-
CottagePrimrose

Thank you for stopping by today!  Please leave a comment as I always enjoy hearing from my readers.  

Make and Share idea~

 

My sister in law recently shared with me something she is doing with a few other ladies and I thought it was such a cool idea that I would share it with you.

She said that they have this group that makes a meal once a month x how ever many people that are in that group.  So for example she has a group of I think 11 ladies.  And once a month they all meet and exchange food.  You make 1 meal for yourself + 10 others (if you have 11.  However that would work for you). 

It doesnt have to be elaborate.   She made taco meat.  Another gal could make spaghetti sauce.  So and and so forth.   Once a month cooking brought to a different level.   You make one meal but you get a veriety of meals through someone else’s baking.  I love this idea!

Look at this post for a conservative way to freeze meals.

 

Hope this will be useful for you all.

~Saturday Snapshot~

 

Is It A Deal?

In Our area right now (so. Ca)  Staples is having a 50% off paper product.  I got a case of paper for $35.   Now, you put the money up front and you use your rewards card and at the end of your period they send you a check.  

Is it worth it?  Lets see;

$17.50 for a case of 5000 sheets of paper.   A 500 page package from Walmart costs me $3.50.  5000 pages would = $35.    So there is no savings between Walmart and Staples at this point.  But since prices are sliced in half right now.  Its $17.50 less than what I woudl normally pay.   And since I’m printing a lot right now its worth it to me.   

Also to take into concideration.  Storing.   Will it get ruined being stored away if you wont use it for several several years?

 

Learning the Whole Coupon system~

 So I’ve had Money Saving Mom bookmarked for months.  But I’ll gladly admit, all the coupon codes were so confusing.  What was the Smart Source they were talking about?  What about RedPlum?  Everything was so confusing even though is was so clear to others!  Finally I decided just to sit down, read and do it.  I spent 1 1/2 hours reading everything, I read steps to take and wrote it down so I would go prepared;  See, proof!

What I didnt take a picture of was the scattered coupons that was too embarrasing even for me.

I woke up the next day and called long distance to my friend Cathe, who is the frugal queen in my book! She is a lifesaver.  In 15 minutes everything was clear and I was more encouraged to try this. 

Here is what I came home with-

 I dont have a before calculation but that whole lot there totals $14.15 – $1.50 if I can learn how submit my rebate.

$14 right there is totally worth it for those diapers.   The band aids ended up free. (or $1 if you count the fact that I had to buy the children’s activity booklet to get them but still 3 boxes for $1.  I know I’ll be using them up quickly)

The fraps were $1 for the larger oz size. YES! Wow.  That’ll last me a few days I hope. LOL.   Walgreens I paid more but I had more in rewards.  While I paid $14.15, I had a $4 register reward slip (which uses like a gift card for my next visit) so those ended up being $10.  I paid for the cambells soup about .30 each. The fraps I had 4 on $4 (1 I gave to my brother for helping me out) So we’re at $4.30 that leaves $5.70 for the diapers.  Divide by 2 leaves $2.85 per diaper.  If I figure out this rebate it’ll end up being $2.15 a package. WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO! YES!  Jennie, I hope your reading this.  Go get some!  

The other stuff was free from Rite Aid.  Put your money out but you’ll get it back in Rebate.  I think I put out $19.  After coupons.  I messed up on that.  I actually could have made money if I had remembered the $5 off coupon of purchase $25 or more.  Doh!

Ok, so is it worth it to you?

Remember to check out Money Saving Mom for more tips.  If you have a CVS or Target there are some great freebies going on.

She’s two!

   Happy Birthday Emma Girl!  Mama loves you!