5 Ways I save money

5 Ways I save money:
1. Couponing: That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone :)
2. Price matching at Walmart: My Excel spreadsheet shows that 3 months worth of price matching has saved me $91.68!
3. Vegetarian meals/leftovers: 1 night a week I make a vegetarian meal & usually 1 or 2 nights we have leftovers. I also have several meals that are just a few ingredients or the needed ingredients are cheap!
4. Pay our credit card off every month: No interest or late fees
5. Gardening and canning/freezing: I can't imagine how much money I have saved this past year not having to buy: Green beans, corn, carrots, tomatoes, blueberries, peaches. It is a substantially amount, I'm certain!

Tell me a few things you do to SAVE money that I have not listed! Hopefully, I can put your ideas into practice too :)

5 Things I do NOT buy

Do you follow Money Saving Mom? She did a post on 7 things she does not buy. I decided to do the same thing only with the #5!
This week I'll post:
"5 Things I do NOT buy"
"5 Things I Splurge on"
"5 Ways I save money"
"5 Ways I have earned money as a Homemaker"

5 Things I do NOT buy:

1. Bottled water: I drink A LOT of water but not bottled, Brita filtered!

2. Laundry soap: I make my own. Check out the recipe here!

3. Dish Sponges: I do not have a dishwasher and I used to buy sponges. I'd go through them so quickly. ICK, they'd get that nasty moldy/musty smell. Now I use cloths and just wash them

4. Beef: My wonderful In Laws purchased a whole steer and split it 3 ways for Christmas! Best present ever!

5. Coffee from a drive- thru: I make it every morning! In the summer I even make an iced latte (Recipe compliments of my Aunt Sharon) Yes, there are occasions where Starbucks calls my name. It's usually when Pumpkin Spice Lattes come out in the fall. :) Along w/ #5 is Creamer: Ken and I both drink our coffee black. Yummm!

There so many other things I could list but the list would get too nitty-gritty. Leave me a comment of the #1 thing you DO NOT use that people might be astonished by...

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Mid 60s & sunny :) Lots of time for "walk abouts" and the park w/ my Sweet Pea!

On my reading pile::: Still doing a couple more weeks of Women's Bible Study but I also started reading the book of Acts.

On my TV::: Nothing!

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Prosciutto grilled cheeses (they got skipped last week) & sweet potato fries
Tuesday - Beef Stroganoff & wilted spinach
Wednesday - Salmon cakes & rice pilaf
Thursday - Mexican Casserole
Friday - Grilled chicken & corn

On my to do list today::: Monday is my running errands day- So we'll be going grocery shopping, chiropractor appointment, & I need to return a movie. Also, catching up on laundry!

My "project" of the week::: I started following The Fly Lady online and this week's focus is the master bedroom. So I'll be decluttering it (which I don't really have much clutter in there) & just doing some spring cleaning type jobs in our bedroom!

What I am creating::: Next Sunday my mom's group is selling our cookbooks and baked goods at Walmart as a fund raiser. I am making Red velvet cupcakes & my sister in law's Chocolate Oat Squares.

Looking around the house::: Quite, its early morning :)

From the camera:::

Highlight of the past weekend::: Saturday we went to Bass Pro to roam around. We got a few items for an upcoming camping trip. Then we had homemade pizza & rented 'Jack & Jill'---Ha, it was good!

Looking forward to this week::: My 2mile walk on Saturday to raise money and awareness for our local Pregnancy Assistance Center and Esther House. http://www.peoriarescue.org/esther-house.html. I'm excited b/c it's a short distance and family friendly so I'll push Mae in the stroller the whole way!


Bible verse, Devotional:::“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” –Proverbs 13:11

Target Trip

I paid $11.33 for this purchase! My total without coupons would have been $49.74! Here's what I did:

Claritin, $18.89: $7/1 from Sunday paper + $2/1 Target coupon= $9.89 for 40 ct
Nutri Grain bars, $2.54 x2: $1/2 from Sunday paper + $1/2 Target coupon= $1.54 x2
Starbucks coffee, $7.99 x2: $1.50/1 (used 2) from coupons.com + $5/2 Target coupon= $7.98
Jelly beans $2.19: Easter items 90% off= .65
Cadbury eggs $3.80: Easter items 90% off= .95 x2

After all the coupons I used:
Target Red card for another 5% off
Reusable bags for .15 off
Two $5 gift cards that I got on a previous visit!

I was most excited about the Starbucks coffee deal- Ken and Mae were most excited about the Cadbury eggs :)

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Beautiful, 60s-70s all week, no rain!

On my reading pile::: 2 more weeks of Women's Bible Study: "Knowing God by Name"

On my TV::: Nothing, right now.

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chicken quesadillas & Tomalito
Tuesday - Coconut Curry Beef over Rice
Wednesday - Cajun Chicken Penne *Trying this new recipe :)
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Homemade Pizza (Ken requested b/c he loved it last week so much)
Saturday - Prosciutto Grilled cheeses *Trying this new recipe :)

On my to do list::: Grocery store, chiropractor(has been helping w/ my shoulder issues), laundry...

What I am creating::: Snacks for Mom's Life Tuesday and WBS on Thursday. That will keep me busy enough for this week!

My "Project" for the week::: Organize the garage. Too many things have just been "thrown" in there. EEK!

Looking around the house::: Quite, Cora is still sleeping. Birds singing- Ah, perfect spring day!(The strong winds, I could do with out.)

From the Camera:::

Watching Dad fly a kite!

Highlight of the past weekend::: After raining all morning Saturday-- it finally cleared up, the sun came out and we went for a walk, played at the park and cleaned up the yard! I was so thankful b/c it had rained all day Friday too & Mae was dying to go play outside :)

Looking forward to this week::: Mom's Life and Women's Bible study meeting again...seems like forever

Bible verse, Devotional::: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes: -Romans 1:16

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: 60s today but 50s the rest of the week! Happy Spring!

On my reading pile::: Women's Bible Study at church= "Knowing God by Name"

On my TV::: Nothing- that's pretty normal here!

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Leftovers from Easter dinner
Tuesday - Baked Mostaccioli & garlic bread
Wednesday - Burritos
Thursday - Tuna noodle casserole
Friday - Homemade pizza

On my to do list::: Already home from running errands. Now I need to catch up on laundry and rake the yard. Our maple tree drops those "helicopters" EVERYWHERE!

What I am creating::: There are a few things I need to really try and get done this week: Homemade bread crumbs, more peach butter and maybe rhubarb jam.

Looking around the house::: Messy! Laundry folded on the couch that needs to be put away + more to do, luggage from weekend that needs to be unpacked are in each room, dishes in the sink, mail & papers piled on dining room table. UGH, I'd feel overwhelmed except that my sweet Cora Mae is in my lap asleep~ I am so lucky!

From the camera:::

Me and my sweet girl, Cora Mae :)

Looking forward to this week::: A pretty quite week at home. Expect for a doctor's appt. on Wednesday- Praying they can figure out what is wrong w/ my shoulder.

Bible verse, Devotional::: HE IS RISEN!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Monday is a high of 80! The rest of the week its suppose to be 70s!

On my reading pile::: Knowing God by Name

On my TV::: Nothing, right now

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Salmon burgers & salad
Tuesday - Chicken pot pie & applesauce
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - not sure
Friday - not sure
Saturday - Easter dinner
Sunday - Easter dinner

On my to do list::: Laundry, yard work, grocery store, bank...

My "Project" for the week::: Yard work! I'll be getting my back flower area all cleaned up & mulched. All my plants are blooming already!

Looking around the house::: Bailey and Mae sleeping, Ken gone, house is pretty tidy except dishes in the sink.

From the camera:::


:) Mae w/ a few of her bday presents: potty, baby and helmet!

Looking forward to this week::: Celebrating Easter, of course!!!

Bible verse, Devotional::: "He is Not here; he is Risen! Remember how he told you: The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again" Luke 24 :6-7

5 Ingredient Biscuits

5 Ingredient Biscuits:
1 1/2 c. flour
2 Tbsp. butter, cold
2 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
1 egg
3/4 c. sour cream

-Cut the flour and butter together until crumbly. Add baking powder and salt.
-In a separate bowl whisk egg and then add sour cream.
-Add sour cream mixture to flour mixture and stir just until combined.
-Dump batter onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to about 1/2in. thick and cut 8 biscuits w/ a biscuit cutter. (I usually roll, cut, then have to roll out again)
-Bake at 425 for about 12-15 minutes.
-Brush w/ herb butter!
-4 WW pts each (You can easily trim some points by using a butter and or egg substitute)

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: mid 70s all week :)

On my reading pile::: Women's Bible Study is doing "Knowing God by Name" It's very good so far!

On my TV::: Nothing

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Quesadillas & salad
Tuesday - Ravioli w/ mushrooms & asparagus
Wednesday - Beef barley soup & homemade Biscuits
Thursday - Chicken pot pie
Friday - Not sure, out of town guests coming!
Saturday - Shredded chicken tacos
Sunday - Grilling

On my to do list::: LOTS: errands, vet with Bailey, b-day shopping for Mae,

What I am creating::: Lots of cookie dough to freeze. I am making cookies for an event on Sunday.

Looking around the house:: Shhh, everyone is sleeping

From the camera:::

Celebrating Mae's b-day Saturday!

Looking forward to this week::: Mae's birthday (Tuesday), Ally spending her spring break here & out of town guests coming Friday....Busy week :)

Bible verse, Devotional:::
"BE JOYFUL IN HOPE, PATIENT IN AFFLICTION & FAITHFUL IN PRAYER" -Romans 12:12

Happy Homemaker Monday

Sorry that I have been missing the past few weeks. I seemed to be busier than normal and tired, click here to see why. Not to mention the temperatures have been in the 80s and I have had no desire to be at my computer. Mae and I have been walking and to the park everyday single day. I'm back today and that's ALL I can promise ;)

The Weather::: Beautiful! 80-70s w/ rain 2 days

On my reading pile::: The Jonah series finished up last week and now this week starts "Knowing God by Name" by Mary A. Kassian


On my TV::: Nothing at the moment!

On the menu for this week::: This weather has me grilling just about everyday! Love it!
Monday - Veggie burgers & Sweet potato fries
Tuesday - Salmon cakes & roasted asparagus
Wednesday - Coconut curry beef over rice
Thursday-  Grilled steaks & loaded baked potato salad

On my to do list::: LAUNDRY, ick! Grocery store, make homemade biscuits for Mom's Life tomorrow and a walk/park time with MaeMae!


What I am creating::: From my aunt who blogs over at InHotPursuitOfMoreAndLess.blogspot.com/  I am making homemade frappes :)

Looking around the house::: Mae & Bailey sleeping, Ken at work, a few dishes in the sink, coffee steaming next to me, windows open & it just started thundering & raining... It's a beautiful day


From the camera::: Oh I wish I had pictures of all the flowers in bloom here! Daffodils, Tulip trees, Iris-- AHHHH I just LOVE spring!


Something fun to share::: This is my last week w/ a 1 year old :(
Next Tuesday my "baby" turns 2!


On my prayer list:: You all know who you are


Bible verse, Devotional::: "Do you have good reason to be angry?" Jonah 4:4

The Sweetest Things

At 22-23 months my Sweet Pea is getting her last 4 teeth, all of her "vampire" teeth! These last several weeks she has been waking many times during the night. I let her cry for a few minutes but I always find myself going to her rescue after about 10 minutes.

How can I not when she says the sweetest things:
"Mommy, mouth hurt"
"Mommy, rockie?"
"Ahh, see Mommy"
"Missed Mommy"
"Mommy's bed, please?"
"Medicine, please"

With a mouth full of teeth & her 2nd birthday approaching the realization that she isn't a baby anymore is hitting hard! Love you, Cora Mae!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Low to mid 40s



On my reading pile::: "An Interrupted Life"- Women's Bible Study at church!


On my TV::: Sesame Street

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Mexican Casserole
Tuesday - Sausage & peppers 
Wednesday - Chicken pot pie & cranberry sauce
Thursday - Leftovers


On my to do list:::
Laundry, 
Sweep & Swiffer floors,
Play outside :)


What I am creating::: Treats for Mom's Life group meeting tomorrow!


Looking around the house::: Tidy! I spent my morning cleaning up- now time to bake and visit w/ friends!

From the camera::: I guess this is what happens when Dad does bath time :)

Something fun to share::: Excited to visit w/ old friends this weekend, celebrating a 1st birthday :)


On my prayer list::: My church, we are doing a week of prayer and fasting!


Bible verse, Devotional::: From Bob See from Sunday's service: "Prayer is the doorway to God's refuge"

Happy Homemaker Monday

Be sure to visit Sandra for more Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Beginning of the week is low 30s but mid week it's going to get up to mid 40s!


On my reading pile::: Jonah, A Life Interrupted--Bible study at church

On my TV::: Nothing right now. Soon the news and cartoons!


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chicken pot pie (Special for Ken b/c this is NOT my favorite)
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Lamb barley soup & rolls
Thursday - Pretzel crusted chicken & corn
Friday - Swedish meatballs & green beans 


On my to do list::: I went to the store this weekend, so no errands today :) I need to catch up laundry, sweep the floors & pay some bills/ find the last paper work to file our taxes.


What I am creating::: Valentine's day crafts for Mae & the lil girl I baby sit to do.

Looking around the house::: Quite, Mae & Bailey are sleeping. TV is off. I see lots of chores I need to do today, though!


From the camera::: MaeMae after church! "HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!!!"

Something fun to share::: Ken won't be home until late on Tuesday, Valentine's Day, so I made a special treat for him: chocolate bread pudding, homemade hot fudge sauce and whipping cream! Here is the recipe!

On my prayer list::: The women of my bible study group. I am excited for this semester!


Bible verse, Devotional::: God will equip You to handle the challenge!

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Happy Valentine's Day, Kenny & MaeMae!

1 (1 pound) loaf of French bread, cubed

6 eggs, lightly beaten

2 1/2 cups milk  

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup coffee, brewed strong 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoons almond extract

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

-In a large bowl whisk eggs then add milk, heavy cream, coffee and extracts. Whisk until combined.

-In a separate bowl combine: sugars, coco powder and cinnamon and stir until combine and coco powder is fine. Then add to egg mixture.

-Add cubed bread to egg mixture. Lightly toss until each bread cube is coated. Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes for bread to soak up liquid.

-Transfer bread mixture to a 9x13 baking dish coated w/ cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until center is set (knife comes out clean).

Note: I always cook mine in a water bath. If you do not have a large enough pan that the 9x13 will fit in, cover the bread pudding for the first 30 minutes of cooking time.

-Top w/ hot fudge sauce, whipping cream or both :)

Happy Homemaker Monday

Be sure to visit Sandra for more Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Mid-Low 30s


On my reading pile::: I just started a new bible study- Jonah, A life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer


On my TV::: Cartoons for Mae


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Lemon chicken w/ artichokes & brussel sprouts 
Tuesday - Coconut Curry Beef w/ rice
Wednesday - Spinach fettuccine w/ Bechamel sauce ( I didn't make it last week)
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Manicotti
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Lamb chops, mashed potatoes & green beans

On my to do list::: Errands, make a snack for my Mom's group tomorrow,wash all bedding & just clean up from my lazy bday weekend!


What I am creating::: Hopefully hash browns to freeze, I didn't get it done last week!


Looking around the house::: Messy: dishes in sink, lots of laundry...

From the camera:::


Something fun to share::: I had a great birthday! Thanks for all the well wishes on Facebook, texts and birthday cards!


On my prayer list::: Praise- My God has provided more money coming in to us!

Bible verse, Devotional::: "[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" -Psalms 147:3