After watching Food Revolution on Friday, I feel more inspired to eat healthy. I am trying to keep some perspective and not go overboard, but I really feel that Jaime Oliver is right. We are what we eat. On that note, this week's menu will focus on different fruit and veggies.
Monday
B: Cereal and milk
L: Leftover Pulled Pork and salad
S: Sausage Gumbo w/ carrots, celery, onions, bellpepper and lots of tomatoes/ rice/ broccoli
Dessert : Brownies
Tuesday
B: Banana Bread
L: Leftover Sausage Gumbo w/ side of sauteed zuchinni
S: Pork Chops/ Mashed Potatoes/ carrots
Wednesday
B: Pancakes w/ syrup
L: Sandwich/ chips/ fruit
S: Chili w/ crackers
Thursday
B: Banana Bread
L: Salad w/ CrackersAzsxdcd
S: Spaghetti w/ Wheat Pasta/ Zuchinni
Friday
B: Pancakes
L: Easter Brunch
S: Easter Dinner
Saturday
B: Muffins
L: Leftovers
S: Chicken Dumplings / Carrots
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Frugal Fridays
After reading LifeasMom's post for Frugal Friday, I could empathize with her. I shared some of the same experiences as far as yard sales go when I was young. Sinking deep into the seat, I wished with all my heart that I wouldn't see any of my classmates at the yard sale. I never took into account that if I saw them there or if they were having it, it meant they were in the same boat as my family.
If you have ever read my blog, you know my goal is to pay down my mortgage so I have been on the frugal path for a very long time. In our marriage we have seen times of abundance and time when we have not had abundance, but somehow we have always managed without using credit that was carried over month to month. Now that I am older, I do not view hand-me-downs the same. I love them, and so do my children. Now I understand that their current attitude about used clothes probably will not last as they get older but that is okay. I believe in living in the moment so when their attitude changes perhaps I will shop sales more, but this is how my family deals with hand-me-downs now.
We shop our attic. We talk about their wonderful cousins who selected the clothing we are wearing today. We talk about how they are our heroes and how lucky we are that they give us their clothes. I take all hand-me-downs and anything I think we can use, we do. I try to pass on what we can't use. I shop consignment sales on the discount days and our local Junior League sale. We get wonderful bargains. Most importantly, when they get dressed in the morning, I tell them "Cousin Reagan has the best taste. She dresses like a princess and so do you." My little girl thinks it is a treat. I believe a lot about life is about your attitude towards it. My children view hand-me-downs as a treat because I treat it like it is the greatest thing in the world. This world is what you make of it. I will get off my soap box now. Remember with kids- presentation is everything.
* This post is linked to Frugal Friday.
If you have ever read my blog, you know my goal is to pay down my mortgage so I have been on the frugal path for a very long time. In our marriage we have seen times of abundance and time when we have not had abundance, but somehow we have always managed without using credit that was carried over month to month. Now that I am older, I do not view hand-me-downs the same. I love them, and so do my children. Now I understand that their current attitude about used clothes probably will not last as they get older but that is okay. I believe in living in the moment so when their attitude changes perhaps I will shop sales more, but this is how my family deals with hand-me-downs now.
We shop our attic. We talk about their wonderful cousins who selected the clothing we are wearing today. We talk about how they are our heroes and how lucky we are that they give us their clothes. I take all hand-me-downs and anything I think we can use, we do. I try to pass on what we can't use. I shop consignment sales on the discount days and our local Junior League sale. We get wonderful bargains. Most importantly, when they get dressed in the morning, I tell them "Cousin Reagan has the best taste. She dresses like a princess and so do you." My little girl thinks it is a treat. I believe a lot about life is about your attitude towards it. My children view hand-me-downs as a treat because I treat it like it is the greatest thing in the world. This world is what you make of it. I will get off my soap box now. Remember with kids- presentation is everything.
* This post is linked to Frugal Friday.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Netflix Bargains
Since I have been homebound, I have had to find activities the kids can do inside the house so that I can supervise them while propping my leg up. We have gardening supplies, playdough, baking, coloring sheets, and many toys to play with at the house, but at the end of the day the house is a wreck. I am limited in what I can do and picking up the amount of toys that four children can drag out in a day is tiring with a normal leg. Netflix has been my saving grace.
Before my husband left for his business trip, we downloaded some kid movies to our Netflix Streaming Disc. Each night after dinner, we play a game in which we clean the house as fast as we can. When we finish, the older boys pick a movie they can watch until bedtime. This gets my house clean and I can rest with my leg up for a good hour. Right now, the monthly Netflix fee of $7.99, I believe, is the best deal working for me.
Before my husband left for his business trip, we downloaded some kid movies to our Netflix Streaming Disc. Each night after dinner, we play a game in which we clean the house as fast as we can. When we finish, the older boys pick a movie they can watch until bedtime. This gets my house clean and I can rest with my leg up for a good hour. Right now, the monthly Netflix fee of $7.99, I believe, is the best deal working for me.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Making "Green" Dollars
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I decided to submit a post to Heavenly Homemaker's blog. Many people have hobbies that they can make work for them with just a little initiative.
When I quit my job, I was a happy stay-at-home mom. I tried to stay active by walking around the block and exercising at home. When my oldest was about two years old, he was saying only a handful of words so my pediatrician suggested I put him in a Mother's day out program. I decided instead to join a gym that had a nursery. I also made a commitment to attend once a day five days a week. I would stay for one hour and after a short time, I noticed that his speech had improved. When I became a regular at the gym, I was asked to teach a couple of classes. This became a win-win situation. Our gym membership was lowered by $45.00, and I made about $150.00 every two weeks. I have now worked there for a little over four years. All of my children love it and consider it a second home. I do not work there very often now, but I am thankful for the time we have had there. I still go to exercise about 40 minutes and my little girl gets a preschool education for the cost of a gym membership. My kids are truly loved and cared about there.
My second son goes to a preschool that costs $200.00 a month. I could lower this cost by substituting or even teaching there some time. This is probably something I will look at when my daughter goes to school. Look at the activities you would like your children participate in and see if you can lower the cost. By increasing or developing your talents, you should be able to bring in money or lower the outflow in your household. These are my "green" tips for St. Patrick's Day.
When I quit my job, I was a happy stay-at-home mom. I tried to stay active by walking around the block and exercising at home. When my oldest was about two years old, he was saying only a handful of words so my pediatrician suggested I put him in a Mother's day out program. I decided instead to join a gym that had a nursery. I also made a commitment to attend once a day five days a week. I would stay for one hour and after a short time, I noticed that his speech had improved. When I became a regular at the gym, I was asked to teach a couple of classes. This became a win-win situation. Our gym membership was lowered by $45.00, and I made about $150.00 every two weeks. I have now worked there for a little over four years. All of my children love it and consider it a second home. I do not work there very often now, but I am thankful for the time we have had there. I still go to exercise about 40 minutes and my little girl gets a preschool education for the cost of a gym membership. My kids are truly loved and cared about there.
My second son goes to a preschool that costs $200.00 a month. I could lower this cost by substituting or even teaching there some time. This is probably something I will look at when my daughter goes to school. Look at the activities you would like your children participate in and see if you can lower the cost. By increasing or developing your talents, you should be able to bring in money or lower the outflow in your household. These are my "green" tips for St. Patrick's Day.
Wonderful Wednesday, Part 2
For the rest of the day, I will be on the couch. If you read the previous post, you know we spent the day at the park yesterday and my ankle is swollen today. I will probably add some more books to my half.com inventory so that will help me make money. I also will make pretzels if I fill up to rolling them out. We will see. If I am able to do the pretzels, I will take a picture. These are wonderful. I use the same recipe as Heavenly Homemakers. Delicious and easy. A great combination.
Works for Me Wednesday
Yesterday, we spent the day at the park. Spring picture packets had come to the house from the schools, and I felt I could do as well. Broken ankle and all, we took to the park. Here are the results.
Little Man
Little Cutie Putie
My Pookie Bear
My Little Princess
By taking my own pictures and developing, I saved at least a hundred dollars so I will call yesterday a Super Saving Day. I did spend $2.93 in shipping and handling. Not a bad day at all.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Crazy Monday
Today, I will be resting again. So far, I have cooked double batches of pancakes and I made french toast from a loaf of bread. I am hoping that by having ready made breakfasts I will resist the lure of easy cereal breakfasts. I am on my own this week since hubby is out of town due to work. My mom is down from Birmingham to help me as far as driving goes.
I would love to post a menu for this week, but I will be the very grateful recipient of meals being delivered due to my broken foot. I really have some of the best friends ever. Even though I can get up to make meals, they insisted and so I am going to enjoy the break.
Have a great day!
I would love to post a menu for this week, but I will be the very grateful recipient of meals being delivered due to my broken foot. I really have some of the best friends ever. Even though I can get up to make meals, they insisted and so I am going to enjoy the break.
Have a great day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
