tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45094488735096901022024-03-12T22:31:08.856-07:00shopping cart challengeSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-62565523367930746212010-01-25T11:02:00.000-08:002010-01-25T11:02:00.330-08:00Menu Plan Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mpm-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can not believe it is the last week of January already. Where did this month go. 2010 is already 1/12 over. Wow!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have been moving so we ate out a couple times last week (it all fit in the budget though). Regardless these meals are in addition to what I have left to make from last weeks menu.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bean and Bacon Soup</div><div style="text-align: left;">Philly Cheesesteaks</div><div style="text-align: left;">Orange Chicken</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dirty Beans and Rice</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chicken Pasta Bake</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stovetop Chicken Bake</div><div style="text-align: left;">Meatball Subs</div><div style="text-align: left;">Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hamburgers and Pasta Salad (ground beef was on sale .99 a lb at Safeway)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Beef Enchiladas</div><div style="text-align: left;">Beef Stroganoff</div><div style="text-align: left;">Baked Honey Lentils and Winter Squash</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To see what other people are indulging in click <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2010/01/menu-plan-monday-jan-25th.html">here</a>.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-7642718021282521422010-01-23T10:36:00.000-08:002010-01-23T10:55:09.584-08:00Safeway Buy 4 Get $4 off<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1bccYBsZKdyXhtrVFXMEck5n8tmQZ8f1hGlUEQ0uyg-X2DddIoD98FTd89ThqHXLG4lNHD4UWZA8Ke1UWh-KyyQf_TDwF57tYTjT2rdRRkp9O7h8xZwTg-NVEufh6hcpU-x7okU7DgM/s1600-h/safeway+01-22-10+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1bccYBsZKdyXhtrVFXMEck5n8tmQZ8f1hGlUEQ0uyg-X2DddIoD98FTd89ThqHXLG4lNHD4UWZA8Ke1UWh-KyyQf_TDwF57tYTjT2rdRRkp9O7h8xZwTg-NVEufh6hcpU-x7okU7DgM/s320/safeway+01-22-10+(2).JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430008964997926146" /></a><br />Last night I was reading all about how people saved money at Safeway this week. Everyone was able to get fruit snacks and cereal for cheap or FREE!!<div>It got me all excited and I had to try. </div><div>Heres how I did:</div><div>9 Honey Nut Cheerios (1.50 ea)</div><div>2 Life (1.00 ea)</div><div>2 Cinnamon Toast Crunch (1.00 ea)</div><div>1 Instant Oatmeal (1.50)</div><div>6 Fruit Snacks (1.00 ea)</div><div>6 Fruit Rolls (1.00 ea)</div><div>2 Fruit Stickers (1.00 ea)</div><div>1 64oz Half and Half ($3.49)</div><div>1 32oz CoffeeMate ($3.79)</div><div><br /></div><div>Total Before Sales and Coupons $96.70</div><div>Total of Coupons and Cats used $80.22</div><div>Total After Sales and Coupons (OOP) $16.48</div><div>Total Percentage Saved 82.9%</div><div><br /></div><div>Sounds like a success to me. 2 things I would like to note about this trip. 1-I stuck to my list (no straying at all!!!) 2-We needed CoffeeMate and Half and Half (without it we would have spent only $9.20 and Saved 89.7%) </div><div>I have not posted many of my trips this month because we were moving and things were hectic. I set our budget for $200 for this month. Even with all the eating out we did during the move we still came in under $200.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like to see how others did shopping this week click <a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/01/krazy-grocery-deals-around-the-blogosphere.html">here</a> or <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2010/01/super-savings-saturday-we-made-our-goal-of-only-spending-75-on-groceries-this-month.html">here</a>.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-11316415734443314882010-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:002010-01-18T09:58:00.291-08:00Menu Plan Monday<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mpm-1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mpm-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />We have such a stocked pantry right now that I feel the options for dinner are endless. With that said, because I am so creative with what we have I find it hard to be able to quickly narrow it down to what we are going to have for dinner.<br />Here are the options I have come up with for this week<br />(We do breakfast, lunch, and dinner all at home)<br /><br />Biscuits and Gravy<br />Swedish Meatballs and rice<br />Chicken Alfredo<br />Spaghetti<br />Creamy Chicken Enchiladas<br />Chili Beans and Rice<br />Sloppy Joes<br />Philly Cheesesteaks<br />French Dip<br />Sandwiches<br />Orange Chicken<br />Burritos<br />Chicken Pasta Salad<br />Breakfast Scramble<br />Breakfast Burritos<br />Beef and Barley Stew<br /><br />I never specify breakfast, lunch, or dinner because we just have no idea what we want when. It seems to work better for me if I just have a list to choose from.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-72259398042074238102010-01-17T10:18:00.000-08:002010-01-17T10:24:10.571-08:00Not So Great....But not too bad eitherThis week I went to Walmart for a quick trip of "staples" shopping.<br />Nothing exciting and no coupons either. Just basics.<br /><br />1/2 & 1/2 - $1.38<br />Creamer - $2.48<br />12pk Rolls - $1.50<br />2 Loaves Bread - $1.88ea<br />2 4pk Toilet Paper - $1.26ea<br />2 Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage $2.68ea<br />1 Yellow Onion .50<br /><br />I spent around $20 for this week and will not need to go back to the stores until this weekend. Thats pretty exciting for me. Now if only next week can be as good.<br />I am finally done moving (not yet unpacked, but moved) maybe I will be able to focus on some coupons next week as well.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-16744705959381714452010-01-05T01:38:00.000-08:002010-01-05T01:40:20.019-08:00Keep Cooking.....I am always running into this problem in my kitchen…<br /><br />Every time I make a recipe it turns out different.<br /><br />Here is a wonderful excerpt from my favortie cookbook More-With-Less:<br />“Recipes are not sacred canon. They exist only to lure us into the kitchen. The real recipe writing begins when I check what is in our own cupboards, how much time I have, what we are prepared to spend, what we feel is responsible, and what we like. Substituting what I have on hand for a missing ingredient not only is more economical, but far more creative then running to the store. Great recipes are born this way.” Doris Janzen Longacre (1976)<br /><br />This is so true and should be followed by everyone. Not always do you need to follow a recipe to a tee. When I am baking I find it more important to follow exactly, but when I am cooking every day, I let my pantry be my inspiration. Cooking should be fun. It should not be stressful. Have you ever noticed that when you cook and are angry the food is never as wonderful as when you are relaxed and calm. If you are ever out of an ingredient think about what you do have that you can use that will taste just as good. Do not worry about it and give up just because you do not have shallots (for example). Just pull out an onion and use some instead. If you do not have fresh garlic used powdered. If you have no garam masala use a blend of spices in its place. There are many uncommon ingredients that we just do not carry. I use my own ideas to create substitutions, or if I am really stumped I go online and do a basic search. I find so many handy things like how to make buttermilk when you have none, or what to use in place of an egg when you are out.<br /><br />Keep an open mind and do not be overly ambitious when starting out in the kitchen and you will find that it becomes easier and easier. After a few substitutions and mix ups you will be a natural. After much more time you will wonder why it is not second nature to everyone. And whatever you do, do not stop cooking!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-16539114218385403552010-01-03T18:52:00.001-08:002010-01-03T18:52:47.339-08:00New Years & Grocery ShoppingI am going to try much harder to shop wisely this year. Not only am I going to pay more attention to prices, I am going to buy more simple ingredients and cook much more from scratch. I find that it is going to be much healthier for us as I can see exactly what every meal is made up of. I know I will keep on hand many convenience items such as: scalloped potatoes, stove top stuffing, hamburger helper, rice o roni, but I will use these only very occasionally as a way to stop us from eating fast food. They will be there for nights that we are super starving or just way too tired to cook.<br /><br />I am determined to become a more creative cook and be able to come up with meals we love. I am going to create meals that we are able to freeze and just pull out and bake. My life in the kitchen will be simpler over time once I come up with a menu standard, but until them I am super determined not to give up. I am doing this for my family, our budget, our waistlines, and our happiness. I plan on posting more successes along the way, and also disappointments when they occur.<br /><br />This weeks shopping list<br /><br />Milk (Gallon) $1.99<br />Bread $1.79<br />Cheese 2lbs $5.99<br />Canned mushrooms .99 (x3)<br />Lunch meat $4.99 (B1G1 Oscar Meyer 16oz)<br />Cucumber .59<br />Bell pepper $1.50<br />Half and Half 1 Qt $1.99<br />Coffee-mate 1 Qt $3.29<br /> Canned Chili Beans .80 (x2)<br />Canned Kidney Beans .80<br />Gallon Water .95 (x3)<br />Total Spent $31.01<br /><br />I was amazed. I stuck to everything on my list. I did not buy extra, and I have a meal plan for this week. I hope that I can keep this up.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-62978066102055980352010-01-01T19:38:00.000-08:002010-01-01T19:42:58.745-08:00Mozzarella Cheese Disaster!<div>I tried following an instructables to make mozzarella. It looked fairly easy and I had all the ingredients so I set out to try.</div><div>I sterilized everything, I used the stainless pot, I had a thermometer, my milk was not Ultra-Pasteurized, and my cheese did not work.</div><div>I could not get it to solidify enough. The thickest it got was about like runny sour cream or thick yogurt.</div><div>In further reading on other sites (mainly the one with the cheese queen) I think I figured out what I did wrong. The highest temp that you can pasteurize milk used to be around 90 degrees, now it is closer to 105 degrees. Because of this when heating the milk it needs to be brought to a higher temperature when adding the rennet for the chemical reaction to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>After much disappointment and online research I think I am ready to try again. I just need to buy more milk from the store. I will post my next try with pictures and update on my progress. I am going to sucessfully do this, I just hope it is sooner rather than later.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-5058738478146876022009-12-31T14:04:00.001-08:002009-12-31T14:04:42.965-08:00Heres to another great year!<p class="MsoNormal">New Years is upon us. What not a better time to create some ridiculous goals that can probably never be achieved to full completion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Here I go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Things I want to achieve for 2010-</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stick to a Budget<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Keep my receipts and do something with them (see 1<sup>st</sup> goal)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pay my bills on time (read: NO late fees!)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do not eat out more than once a month<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Start cooking and following nourishing traditions more closely<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cut refined sugar out of the diet<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Successfully make mozzarella cheese<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finish recovering greenhouse<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Start a new compost pile<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Recycle more<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Make a conscious effort to use less plastic packaging<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I could go on for days and days, but these are the big things. I would really like to start here and see where it goes. I know some will be broken right away and some will last longer. These are mainly for me to just check back in with and get grounded to what I am really trying to achieve in 2010: Self-Sustainability.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2009 was a wonderful year for me. Fairly uneventful and full of wonderful surprises all at the same time. I am happy that another year has come to an end and I am even happier to start yet another decade. I wish everyone peace and happiness for the new year and hope that everyone’s dreams come true.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-12512465908165930602009-12-13T06:27:00.000-08:002009-12-13T06:27:00.610-08:00Houshold Notebook Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlLpcKx4uo3TD1aEy-_HdXqoep4PP1hMixpe5wfg-WNSpIYeJ5YVNbA8udwvOmlCVHy6Yv3FOBV2abf4LV3S-m5fXCdQwbwMV0CHgndjfTr0UW3lqvN83sEiK9qprGn5sJbahyphenhyphen67HqPo/s1600-h/white+board.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlLpcKx4uo3TD1aEy-_HdXqoep4PP1hMixpe5wfg-WNSpIYeJ5YVNbA8udwvOmlCVHy6Yv3FOBV2abf4LV3S-m5fXCdQwbwMV0CHgndjfTr0UW3lqvN83sEiK9qprGn5sJbahyphenhyphen67HqPo/s320/white+board.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414544665039996370" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>I added a To Do list to my notebook. <div>A weekly schedule of sorts. </div><div><br /></div><div>I made a list of things I need to do every day i.e. cook dinner, clean out sink/do dishes, and things I need to do a few times a week i.e. work for the business, vacuum/sweep, clean bathroom, and things I need to do once a week i.e. meal plan, grocery shop, go to library/bank/post office.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were 26 different items on my list. I labeled them A, B, C, D, ... all the way down. Then I decided which day I would do them on. Now I have different letters of things that need to be done all week long. It was put into effect almost a month ago and I am happy to report that it is working splendidly. It has really helped me focus on what needs to get done. Also then I know when I am going to do what ever is on my list. I know now that on Sundays I am going grocery shopping and I am cleaning out my cars on Saturday. It is nice to finally have it laid out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been using a little $5 white board from office depot that I got on sale with a gift card. I am using it to create shopping lists, meal plans and to write down my to do's for the day. Then once they are done they are super easy to erase and start over for the next day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also I have given myself incentives. If I do everything on my list everyday for the whole month then I get to go buy something I have been wanting. ($10 or less) I am super motivated to make this work because there is actually something in it for me. Not just a present for myself but peace of mind that I have gotten everything done that needed to be done and nothing was forgotten.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am happy that the work put into the notebook is paying off. My life is smoother already!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-69527477030144624542009-12-12T18:00:00.000-08:002009-12-12T18:16:26.003-08:005 minute Deodorant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbKwMNtLIGud4NM9sqsVMnK57at54zJAG9mpAjqHPSK06aa2vtAtnRzRpO_TCVJL68lDUElo7T3aD6IT3pvJTyUlrb4yLYvkum3eek_didu5QpFUrJzorwxu1XdVp0Gm5h79waJiD_Uk/s1600-h/deoderant+ingredients.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbKwMNtLIGud4NM9sqsVMnK57at54zJAG9mpAjqHPSK06aa2vtAtnRzRpO_TCVJL68lDUElo7T3aD6IT3pvJTyUlrb4yLYvkum3eek_didu5QpFUrJzorwxu1XdVp0Gm5h79waJiD_Uk/s320/deoderant+ingredients.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414538864235936466" /></a><br />Lately I have been trying new things when it comes to health and food. Today I decided I would try to make deodorant. The nice thing about homemade is that is does not come with any type of aluminum in it. I have noticed that when I go for a period of time without wearing deodorant (gross, I know) that I smell like aluminum. I have always wondered if I am sweating it out or what.<div><br /></div><div>This recipe uses simple items that you have at home.</div><div>You will need</div><div>Coconut oil or Shea Butter</div><div>Corn Starch</div><div>Baking Soda</div><div>Essential Oil (I used Lavender)</div><div>An old empty Deodorant tube</div><div><br /></div><div>In a large bowl combine these things:</div><div>1/4 cup Corn Starch</div><div>1/4 cup Baking Soda</div><div>2-3 Tbsp of Coconut Oil</div><div>10 drops Essential Oil </div><div><br /></div><div>Mix this all together. I used my hands. When it is combined it will be crumbly but when compressed it will stay in a ball. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take your old deodorant container and turn the dial so that it is all the way down. Start pressing the deodorant into the tube making sure to pack it well. Once it is all in there you are done.</div><div><br /></div><div>One note is that this is not an antiperspirant. It will not make you stop sweating, it will just help with the pit stains and the smell. Thankfully I do not sweat all that much so it works for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know it seems silly when we can be getting deodorant for pennies at Walgreens or other places but like I said I am trying to do things that are better for my body. Also, I was a little bored and had all the ingredients on hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was shared to me through instructables by scoochmaroo. You can access it <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Deodorant/">here</a>.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-85560657280211884182009-12-11T09:21:00.000-08:002009-12-11T09:27:40.150-08:00Homemade YogurtI have been making yogurt for quite a while now. I have made it from powdered milk, 2% milk, and whole milk. I almost always use a lowfat/nonfat plain yogurt from the store. My yogurt always comes out a bit tangy.<div><br /></div><div>My favorite yogurt of all times is Greek yogurt. I love how thick and creamy it is. I love to add honey and mix them together. It is better than ice cream or cake in my eyes. It is delicious. Well, I was at the co-op and found a full fat plain greek yogurt that I had never tried. I decided to use it as my starter for my new yogurt since my old one was bad.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took whole milk and slowly brought it up to 110 degrees. I tempered my yogurt and then added it to the batch. I mixed for a minute and then poured it into my yogurt maker. I let it sit for about 10 hours and then checked on it. To my surprise there it was, the most beautiful delicious yogurt of all. Not only did it set nicely, it was thick. It is super smooth and tastes divine.</div><div><br /></div><div>After gallons of yogurt making here I have finally hit on my perfect recipe. Hooray!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-36974521660250066162009-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:002009-12-04T10:44:55.705-08:00Super Steal at Safeway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr0YsOr8QdH8P8WoQvLYBt6WlMMsT-T5zG6wTPhZiH8Yd0rCGiV18LtI-q6w0RzKKyktxZci6QgQd1ak0zMZ9zkcNBuQEUOUzgGYW7SzTjS0UbcgTYQr8KBi65doIQFLrvAfv-aCWgqk/s1600-h/cream+cheese.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr0YsOr8QdH8P8WoQvLYBt6WlMMsT-T5zG6wTPhZiH8Yd0rCGiV18LtI-q6w0RzKKyktxZci6QgQd1ak0zMZ9zkcNBuQEUOUzgGYW7SzTjS0UbcgTYQr8KBi65doIQFLrvAfv-aCWgqk/s320/cream+cheese.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411453846576523186" /></a><div><br /></div>Last night I went to Safeway to grab some stuff. I have been out of town, so needless to say there is no food in the house. My plan was to load up on produce and add a couple things that we also needed. As I was wondering the store I noticed a kraft $5 deal when you buy 5 items. I looked closer at the deal and then shrugged it off because I could not justify anything listed. <div><br /></div><div>I continued on shopping. I grabbed some yogurt and turned to the cheese section. I noticed kraft cream cheese was .99 each when you buy 5. Too good to be true I decided to look at the promo one more time. Cream cheese was OK!!!! Sweet. I got 5 cream cheeses and made .05 on the deal. Amazing!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-58434806131028943482009-12-03T16:09:00.000-08:002009-12-03T16:15:17.836-08:00Dirty Dozen vs. Clean FifteenThere are many articles out there about the benefits of eating organically. I have been reading them wanting to go more organic for my family. I try to go less processed anyways so organic is just another baby step, I hope.<div>Well there is lots and lots of advice about organics, one thing I saw many times is the most important things to get organic vs the least important things.</div><div>These lists have been titled the dirty dozen (the items you want organic) and the clean fifteen (items that do not soak up the pesticides when grown non organically)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Dirty Dozen (after more research the list expanded, but is still referred to as dozen)</div><div>Meat</div><div>Milk</div><div>Coffee</div><div>Peaches</div><div>Apples</div><div>Sweet Bell Peppers</div><div>Celery</div><div>Nectarines</div><div>Strawberries</div><div>Cherries</div><div>Kale</div><div>Leafy Greens</div><div>Grapes</div><div>Carrots</div><div>Pears</div><div><br /></div><div>The Clean Fifteen (many of these items made the list because you do not actually eat the outside layer where most of the pesticides are found)</div><div>Onion</div><div>Avocado</div><div>Sweet Corn</div><div>Pineapple</div><div>Mango</div><div>Asparagus</div><div>Sweet Peas</div><div>Kiwi</div><div>Cabbage</div><div>Eggplant</div><div>Paypaya</div><div>Watermelon</div><div>Broccoli</div><div>Tomato</div><div>Sweet Potato</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-10707170887068439712009-11-18T14:57:00.000-08:002009-11-18T14:57:00.272-08:00Freezer BurritosSince I am going out of town next week I am trying to make up some easy to heat food. We love burritos here so I had been reading you can make these and freeze them individually. <div><br /></div><div>I decided I would give it a go. We had some leftover rice from the other night. I had grated a blend of three cheeses and we had many cooked pinto beans from a pressure cooker experiment I did the other day. I whipped up a bunch of taco meat and started assembling. </div><div><br /></div><div>Heres what I used:</div><div>12 tortillas</div><div>4 cups beans</div><div>2 cups rice</div><div>2 cups ground beef</div><div>2 cups cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>I quickly heated the tortillas and then put down the beans. I sprinkled on some rice and cheese and added the meat. I rolled so both ends were closed. I put them on a baking sheet and froze them individually. Then I filled a freezer ziploc with them. When you are hungry just pull out one or two and microwave or throw in the oven for a bit. You have lunch or dinner without messing up a bunch of dishes. Yay!!!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-79414026474074739732009-11-16T11:07:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:07:00.339-08:00My First Real Meal PlanI am trying to meal plan. I have read well over 100 different ways of doing this sucessfully. Did I follow any of them? No. I am trying what works for me.<div><br /></div><div>I looked through my fridge and based my meals on what we like as well as what we have around home. I did not put them on certain days as I change my mind depending on my mood. I made it for 5 days because I am going out of town on Friday. I am doing some prep today to make it easier throughout the week. I will see how it goes. Hopefully well because in the long run I think it will make my life easier. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the plan</div><div><br /></div><div>Spaghetti</div><div>Broccoli Cheddar Soup</div><div>Chicken and Green Curry</div><div>Mini Hamburgers</div><div>Tacos</div><div><br /></div><div>I also want to make a batch of mozzarella and some more sourdough starter. I want to make a batch of freezer burritos and pack up the turkey stock I have last week and label it and freeze it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Todays plan- brown ground beef and season some for tacos and some for spaghetti. Make Chicken Broccoli Soup for dinner, bake cornbread muffins, and roll up burritos.</div><div> </div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-85037579734145322632009-11-15T10:55:00.000-08:002009-11-15T11:07:00.378-08:00Household Notebook......... Well, Kinda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf3wtDZIaaZc2DsnpSv8tLKjnKvhNonLJzKfT51pPunXX_bZFCQmOPMkEvqhTdRIOLXMxlmH0rGqjCBEiJQB3EK2ONxjgkMeRH94n8vmMVOHu4N6cKawHo2-n9jSXL5Wzb4e1d6jDDo0/s1600-h/IMAGE_129.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf3wtDZIaaZc2DsnpSv8tLKjnKvhNonLJzKfT51pPunXX_bZFCQmOPMkEvqhTdRIOLXMxlmH0rGqjCBEiJQB3EK2ONxjgkMeRH94n8vmMVOHu4N6cKawHo2-n9jSXL5Wzb4e1d6jDDo0/s320/IMAGE_129.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404408811119281202" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I needed to collect all my thoughts and small scraps of paper in one spot.<div>I have read everywhere that you should have a household notebook for all the important things including kids info and emergency numbers. That sounds wonderful but as I was getting things together I realized it was more important for me to start out with a notebook for me. An advanced journal to hold all the things I have been working on. A place to write down my feelings, a place to keep notes, a place for my lists. I have used a spiral notebook for all this but finding things in it seem impossible so, I made a 3-ring notebook. I put dividers inside and I filed all of my spiral notebook. I have had it for almost 10 days now and I am lovin' in!</div><div><br /></div><div>My sections for now are</div><div>Food/Meal Plan</div><div>Business (I am self employed)</div><div>Bible Reading</div><div>Personal Finanace</div><div>Books</div><div>Gardening </div><div>Journaling</div><div>Master List</div><div>Our Farm (our quest to become self sustainable)</div><div>3 month plan (more self-sufficiency)</div><div>Other Stuff</div><div>Reference</div><div><br /></div><div>I love it so far. It is not to advanced but yet advanced enough. I am hoping to have it grow and someday do something great with it. For now it is creating sanity in my life.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-15974396839330442712009-11-10T17:33:00.000-08:002009-11-10T17:49:01.043-08:00Super Easy Meatballs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv-m5hrqzKI7UxN6Yb8506q4O-__V4kt8vqsGFGeYF4-d2nvT-vLlDXVH6BnHAr_drlhS4uUQBBGmMO6dle0Z-FRNJc_S6DrFmO5hCAkS-Z3s1y3t_QURu0iRZ3zL5HTYMEI-imgZtsI/s1600-h/prepping+meatballs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv-m5hrqzKI7UxN6Yb8506q4O-__V4kt8vqsGFGeYF4-d2nvT-vLlDXVH6BnHAr_drlhS4uUQBBGmMO6dle0Z-FRNJc_S6DrFmO5hCAkS-Z3s1y3t_QURu0iRZ3zL5HTYMEI-imgZtsI/s320/prepping+meatballs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402657123281098642" /></a><br /><div><br />I bought a ton of ground beef the other day at a great price. It was just about .99 a pound. Now I just need to figure out what to do with all of it.<br /><br />First off I am making meatballs.<br />I took around 3 pounds of ground beef and added oatmeal and all the seasonings. I mixed it all together in my kitchen-aid. Marvelous!<br />I rolled out 74 meat balls and stuck them in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nK7b9AC6A8TkCMvQ6RUyQwZlqe-osoi_lmROwrjWPZWR_t6XP6eAUREwUWX98yJBVXHaykYqdcfWqNolCF8WXyGWyxq98eSGpjwyNaOx1Cw_enz9n1DjIAApeGG9euTKTtx3xRjKTQs/s1600-h/done+meatballs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nK7b9AC6A8TkCMvQ6RUyQwZlqe-osoi_lmROwrjWPZWR_t6XP6eAUREwUWX98yJBVXHaykYqdcfWqNolCF8WXyGWyxq98eSGpjwyNaOx1Cw_enz9n1DjIAApeGG9euTKTtx3xRjKTQs/s320/done+meatballs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402656873955493570" /></a>It worked brilliantly. Now that they are cooked and cooled I will bag them and freeze them for meals to come. Swedish meatballs, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Meatball Subs.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-8809591437565944362009-10-30T09:54:00.000-07:002009-10-30T10:04:55.708-07:00Finally Rollin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBVPLvtTSqyzdzlWXG97bD9I4hqE2Creai6gneAx0Wq7DjpbBEIqC2E7iZ0zskzOZrj_PTog83FVLgKQeSVMKF5O27g9YGpV7QsHHDbybMqft-A2oy4CToyl5dV36g6OBmbk1MMn8cOc/s1600-h/IMAG0120.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBVPLvtTSqyzdzlWXG97bD9I4hqE2Creai6gneAx0Wq7DjpbBEIqC2E7iZ0zskzOZrj_PTog83FVLgKQeSVMKF5O27g9YGpV7QsHHDbybMqft-A2oy4CToyl5dV36g6OBmbk1MMn8cOc/s320/IMAG0120.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398439637593572786" /></a><br />I have never been able to comprehend Walgreens and the way that Register Rewards work. I was browsing around online and lots of people said that this week was a slow one for Wags. Perfect for me to start learning.<div><br /></div><div>Heres how it went.</div><div>I did 17 transactions at 5 Walgreens.</div><div>I started with 0 RR and ended with $19 RR</div><div>I spent $23 OOP (I bought $17.50 worth of soda for someone else so really my OOP was $6)</div><div>I saved $161</div><div><br /></div><div>I am actually very happy with how it went. By starting on a week that professional Wag shoppers though was slow was good for me because it meant that the shelves were not cleaned out. I had fun. I did not make too many major mistakes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have $19 in RR to spend in the next two weeks. I guess I better start planning now.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-35507574200978541702009-10-24T12:41:00.000-07:002009-10-24T12:47:24.230-07:00Look What I Got!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0fYdPkX-YKAWlXWSAES8Kev7rQDnUqE_jt4eZNaAPwLh32nA2wrgtIv1FkmN_IFUZhyphenhyphenNzCeceykLl-fVsK8IjitO3Ux3YF64Z59Ce1XMhos9UWxJCXkjVSHJb_KGnZpeihyaaGmZcFI/s1600-h/IMAG0103+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0fYdPkX-YKAWlXWSAES8Kev7rQDnUqE_jt4eZNaAPwLh32nA2wrgtIv1FkmN_IFUZhyphenhyphenNzCeceykLl-fVsK8IjitO3Ux3YF64Z59Ce1XMhos9UWxJCXkjVSHJb_KGnZpeihyaaGmZcFI/s320/IMAG0103+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396255379280639138" /></a><br />This past week I have been scanning all the stores I go in. I am looking for coupons. Blinkies, Tearpads, you name it I looked for it.<div><br /></div><div>By the end of the week I had accumulated over 200 coupons. I did not ever take all the coupons, I did not take coupons I would not use, and I did not tear off coupons from products I was buying.</div><div><br /></div><div>I sorted them when I got home. Most of my blinkies do not expire till the end of December. I stacked them all together and they are thick like a book of cards.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep your eyes open at stores not just for super sales but for coupons that you can take now and use later with a great sale. It is a wonderful way to supplement your newspaper and internet coupons.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-76939941847004309692009-10-23T18:27:00.000-07:002009-10-23T19:14:13.495-07:00Walgreens<div><br />This is my first Walgreens trip in a long, long time. I have not gone because it is so far from home and I could not seem to get it right before.<div><br /></div><div>Well this time it went great. I went to 2 stores. I did 7 transactions total and had $26 in Register Rewards left. I spent about $26 so I am pleased.</div><div><br /></div><div>One reason I spent that is I grabbed the wrong razor on my trip and no RR spit out. I realized what I had done and it was too late to use it on this shopping day. I am holding it for next time. If that is my only snag on my first Wags trip I am pleased.</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVNnQxxPllKwxI28QyPsA02d43AVOgnfgzE559WTwQM701icXXxITpoSJFLSyHqVgFsUyEr48U2ivWvMNqWpelR7ojJmsHyF-E25ywv_RlW9A-GSVDs9oF-YZVXSuKyoQmojXvK6_HWg/s1600-h/IMAG0108.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVNnQxxPllKwxI28QyPsA02d43AVOgnfgzE559WTwQM701icXXxITpoSJFLSyHqVgFsUyEr48U2ivWvMNqWpelR7ojJmsHyF-E25ywv_RlW9A-GSVDs9oF-YZVXSuKyoQmojXvK6_HWg/s320/IMAG0108.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395977090892299842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDaZ5Ea1KcQuDuwAZdeer3XPH3wdBrP8G3kdp8_DtZ8D0U4Inyj76FzVml4fkVrIIUwQ0s3iKavR7zNpG-nBMNy5Eph7FViQVeNp3dekQAppqMRSCRBj1xvClQYAauz6rr4zg6G4OpH8/s1600-h/IMAG0107.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDaZ5Ea1KcQuDuwAZdeer3XPH3wdBrP8G3kdp8_DtZ8D0U4Inyj76FzVml4fkVrIIUwQ0s3iKavR7zNpG-nBMNy5Eph7FViQVeNp3dekQAppqMRSCRBj1xvClQYAauz6rr4zg6G4OpH8/s320/IMAG0107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395977089259952482" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is what I got </div><div>9 theraflu</div><div>4 Fusion Razors</div><div>4 Baby Powders</div><div>2 Oral-B toothbrushes</div><div>3 bags of skittles</div><div>2 packs of seeds</div><div>3 dawn dish soaps</div><div>3 dentek dental floss</div><div><br /></div><div>They were out of Trident layers so I missed out on this deal. Oh well.</div><div><br /></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-8825988759536557872009-10-21T14:25:00.000-07:002009-10-21T14:37:21.931-07:00Blackberry Freezer Jam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSV23jw3uXSn-V8CHKRXQkOoFl-aaSFV2M-TbDmGOUgyAcWlGnhbot5IepKsgc__E5LP7NxDe8nfQ2IJ3rgRn74Z3CCS07kZJoFY1IbjBhMO964sgLZHDFe8SuesjJXMJ8-i_oiHfZSc/s1600-h/IMAG0101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSV23jw3uXSn-V8CHKRXQkOoFl-aaSFV2M-TbDmGOUgyAcWlGnhbot5IepKsgc__E5LP7NxDe8nfQ2IJ3rgRn74Z3CCS07kZJoFY1IbjBhMO964sgLZHDFe8SuesjJXMJ8-i_oiHfZSc/s320/IMAG0101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395170484820784562" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>This summer I spent some time picking blackberries. I froze them because I was too busy to do anything with them.<div><br /></div><div>Last night I was bored and the kitchen was clean and the dishwasher was just a few dishes away from needing to be ran. I looked in my freezer and decided it was time to make some jam.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took less than 30 minutes from beginning to end. All you do is use one packet of freezer jam pectin, some sugar and some smashed blackberries. I was not patient enough to smash the blackberries, so I put them in my blender. Worked like a charm. Our jam is very smooth with the occasional seed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I used about 8 cups of blackberries and came up with 9 8oz jars. I am not unhappy with that. I figured with the pectin and sugar the whole project cost only $2. </div><div><br /></div><div>After I cleaned up I had just enough dishes to finish off the dishwasher. I started it & put my jam in the fridge. I was glad it was such an easy success.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-73203594865179177982009-10-19T09:46:00.000-07:002009-10-19T10:18:03.320-07:00Jumpstart January<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1UnDz-NnYAsXCsGpsfUWvIYuImYTh3DJuq3yat_0NtT09XqD8cKeSY_yGeGS3IlZqkRu76xo6P-Q0dNPk41T5YigV1JP8IGC-LJXoqiTYxH7TGGuOzK5P8Q7jNzC1eDMV6f32d_jiP4/s1600-h/jumpstart+jan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1UnDz-NnYAsXCsGpsfUWvIYuImYTh3DJuq3yat_0NtT09XqD8cKeSY_yGeGS3IlZqkRu76xo6P-Q0dNPk41T5YigV1JP8IGC-LJXoqiTYxH7TGGuOzK5P8Q7jNzC1eDMV6f32d_jiP4/s320/jumpstart+jan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393983880219584386" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I just read a wonderful article <a href="http://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/jumpstart-january-organized-year">here</a>.<div><br /></div><div>I read the article and made it apply to my life. I am using the article as inspiration.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is about starting off the new year on the right foot. Becoming clutter free and organized before the new year. If you do this you can start January off on the right foot.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I read this at the right time. I am trying to organize my life, my home, and my office. It is a big task to take on but it needs to be done. I want to have it all done in a short amount of time but know that is not logical. Maybe I should aim for January 1st as my end date. I t is a good amount of time to get things done. If I do not feel like doing it one day it will not be the end of the world, and it seems like it would fit nicely around the holidays.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here is a new challenge for me. De clutter my house and office before January 1st. Have all my papers filed away, all my bills caught up, and my life functioning on a normal level.</div><div><br /></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-24982821346512675122009-10-18T09:13:00.000-07:002009-10-18T10:09:28.839-07:00Albertsons 10/17/09<div><br /></div><div>So I went to Albertsons the other day and did my transactions I listed earlier on this week. It was very successful and the cashier was super nice. I had two transactions and the cat's did not print so she just credited them for me.<div><br /><div>I decided to try my luck and go again Saturday because I had such good luck earlier. I made up my list. Got my coupons together and had stuff for two transactions again.</div><div>Well, I did not read the ad well enough and thought that the fiber one cereal was on sale. I was wrong. I had to do some quick adjustments in my head and amazingly it worked. My oop on one transaction was just a few cents higher than I had planned but not to shabby for me.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb54XNekQ4R6HFnr-T9MBjZR5FZVwyBhEf7Hae0ss-pfmiGAbRlmtKQlfD-uAofFQJqEhwjF38z6pm_h7RdLEFur8WNoM_HiTD6DUbR_XQ9zs8pb5hRq1V1f3dFW9V2MteE9YMQYvVD-o/s1600-h/Albies+10-17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb54XNekQ4R6HFnr-T9MBjZR5FZVwyBhEf7Hae0ss-pfmiGAbRlmtKQlfD-uAofFQJqEhwjF38z6pm_h7RdLEFur8WNoM_HiTD6DUbR_XQ9zs8pb5hRq1V1f3dFW9V2MteE9YMQYvVD-o/s320/Albies+10-17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393987678262500498" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb54XNekQ4R6HFnr-T9MBjZR5FZVwyBhEf7Hae0ss-pfmiGAbRlmtKQlfD-uAofFQJqEhwjF38z6pm_h7RdLEFur8WNoM_HiTD6DUbR_XQ9zs8pb5hRq1V1f3dFW9V2MteE9YMQYvVD-o/s1600-h/Albies+10-17.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb54XNekQ4R6HFnr-T9MBjZR5FZVwyBhEf7Hae0ss-pfmiGAbRlmtKQlfD-uAofFQJqEhwjF38z6pm_h7RdLEFur8WNoM_HiTD6DUbR_XQ9zs8pb5hRq1V1f3dFW9V2MteE9YMQYvVD-o/s1600-h/Albies+10-17.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">I managed to only spend around $25 and I saved over $85. I am happy with that.</span></a></div></span><div><div><br /></div><div>I am trying to stay under $40 a week for our grocery and hba stuff and I think that is totally attainable. The reason I say $40 is because it is well within budget. I will be able to get whatever we need with it and I will still have a little money to start my stockpile again. </div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-73516395827366210992009-10-17T13:10:00.000-07:002009-10-17T20:41:04.081-07:00Holy Moly Thats Too Much Yogurt!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfH7PEmOwga9bHskxLl2j3z9jati6eizVUWbIZfECJyVHLITB-mDJi0fBAciu1NImKcCk5jAaJELdTU_hWSe_Sxe2Aq38Ct4dTVbsrJLfMYwfjcFiAQIRLrChjkRYxWRU9HaK1IpCFFU/s1600-h/yoplusstraw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfH7PEmOwga9bHskxLl2j3z9jati6eizVUWbIZfECJyVHLITB-mDJi0fBAciu1NImKcCk5jAaJELdTU_hWSe_Sxe2Aq38Ct4dTVbsrJLfMYwfjcFiAQIRLrChjkRYxWRU9HaK1IpCFFU/s320/yoplusstraw.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393664061285432642" /></a>What to do.....<div>I have 24 cups of Strawberry Yo-Plus Yogurt with expiration dates all around 11/11.</div><div>I need to think of some way to eat this yogurt because truthfully no one here likes yogurt, and I am not a super huge fan myself. </div><div>Well, as I was looking through my shelves it came to me. Granola and Yogurt. Delish!</div><div>So I looked through my pantry and found no granola. I did find some other crunchy cereal that would work. </div><div>I mixed 1/2 yogurt and 1/2 dry cereal and it tasted wonderful. I am glad I thought of something because really I would hate to look at all this yogurt going to waste.</div><div><br /></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509448873509690102.post-32450305188184780822009-10-16T08:26:00.000-07:002009-10-16T08:38:54.503-07:00Albertsons 10/16/09<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.becentsable.blogspot.com/2008/08/becentsables-original-grocery-gathering.html"><img src="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w326/McKeeFamily_AZ/Becentsable%20Logo/GG_Header_New.png" /></a> </div><br />I am so excited. Albertsons is doing a deal where when you buy $25 of select products you get a $10 cat. I planned it all out:<div>Transaction #1</div><div>2 pillsbury cookies $5</div><div>2 pillsbury crecent rolls $3.34</div><div>1 Cheerios $2</div><div>6 Yo Plus 4pk Yogurt $15</div><div>Total $25.34</div><div><br /></div><div>Use Coupons</div><div><div>1 pillsbury cookies $1/2</div><div>1 pillsbury crecent rolls .50/2</div><div>1 Cheerios $1/1</div><div>6 Yo Plus 4pk Yogurt $1/1</div><div>Total $8.50 coupons</div><div><br /></div><div>25.34-8.50=16.84</div><div>Receive $10 cat (gen mills) & $2.50 cat (pillsbury)</div><div><br /></div><div>Transaction #2</div><div><div>2 pillsbury cookies $5</div><div>2 pillsbury crecent rolls $3.34</div><div>6 Green giant vegetables $12</div><div>2 nature valley bars $5</div><div>Total 25.34</div><div><br /></div><div>Coupons</div><div><div>1 pillsbury cookies $1/2</div><div>1 pillsbury crecent rolls .50/2</div><div>6 green giant .50/1 & .40/1</div><div>2 nature valley .80/2</div><div>Total $5.10</div><div><br /></div><div>Use $2.50 cat and $10 cat from before</div><div><br /></div><div>25.34-5.10-2.50-10=$7.74</div><div>Receive $10 cat (gen mills) & $2.50 cat (pillsbury)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12683951308773197036noreply@blogger.com0