tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57244009725863664422024-03-05T06:16:09.171-08:00pursuits of heart and homeRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-92171048058094977572015-02-04T09:03:00.000-08:002015-02-05T08:16:31.575-08:00Little Bits of Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4K6jwKIjKo7vsZZZ-NGKQBRLtMFeJoq0vDrpF1MyhXaK_fHL_mi0UCOK0fhuSIR0EcpvA4hzQkKxuswqacB7jY-wUzknUw1tvI_fFc2hpUHz_QJPSrbSHjk_bVkbzDdIApdHpDOtbI/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4K6jwKIjKo7vsZZZ-NGKQBRLtMFeJoq0vDrpF1MyhXaK_fHL_mi0UCOK0fhuSIR0EcpvA4hzQkKxuswqacB7jY-wUzknUw1tvI_fFc2hpUHz_QJPSrbSHjk_bVkbzDdIApdHpDOtbI/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from a date at Golden Ears Provincial Park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My, how it has been a long time since I've checked in here! </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's a little snapshot of what we've been up to these last many months:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- My husband is continuing classes toward his MBA and has only 3 left! So thankful for that. And then we hope to celebrate with a big trip to mark that accomplishment and the end of this stressful season of life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- We took a road trip to British Columbia in the summer and thoroughly enjoyed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- I've taken our older daughter skiing and skied for the first time since graduating from university...almost 16 years ago. I guess we've been busy with little ones for a long time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- After last year's many diy home improvements (master bath and kitchen and living room flooring) and appliance replacements, we're taking it easy on that front. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- My attention has been focused on clearing out excess stuff from our home so we can live in this house more easily. It is a long process, but there has been progress. I've set a goal for the dollar amount of things I will sell off this year. If we do relocate within the city this will make staging and a move lots easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Our oldest son went off to a great charter school in August and the transition has been hard, but good. Our older daughter will join him there next year. I am thankful for the blessing of homeschooling them through elementary and also thankful for the blessing of having a great school option for them beyond our home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- After Thanksgiving I committed to 100 days of working out and have now hit the 65 day mark. Even though there has been no weight loss, which is greatly needed, I do feel a lot better and a lot stronger and sleep better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- We enjoyed a restful Christmas at home. Although we surely miss our families, the break together here was needed greatly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- I bought a Groupon for Jazzericise classes and have started redeeming them. When I realized how nervous I was to try something new it became obvious that I actually don't try new things very often at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- We're starting orthodontic work with one child now and possibly two more children this year. I'm thankful we're able to do this now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Potty training has commenced for our last child. We've been a diapering house for over 12 years and I am so ready to end that task.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, we mostly just busy with the business of raising children and getting through this intense season. Our days are full but it is good. </span><br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-30029648771155305842014-06-24T22:41:00.000-07:002014-06-24T22:41:40.235-07:00{Days 10 - 14} An Unexpected Budget VacationWe were blessed by my parents and brother and sister-in-law sharing several nights of lodging with us in the mountains on the spur of the moment. We stayed at a nice condo and enjoyed the lovely parks in the area and the pool. The kids and I went without Daddy as he was busy with work and used the quiet evenings to get lots of school work done for his current classes. We kept expenses low by only eating out 2 meals, once on the way there and once on the way home, so the main cost was an extra tank of gas to get there and back. I brought food from our pantry and fridge and we ate okay while keeping meal prep relatively easy. This trip was not without stress (mine), but I hope the memories made will be good ones. <br />
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Frugal activity on the day we left was gluing a drawer our boys had broken.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 years ago my husband and I stood on this bridge for a picture on our honeymoon. Life sure has changed!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Expenses: </b><br />
Beau Jo's Pizza - $39.77 (meal, tax, tip, with AAA discount) We really like this pizza so we think it is a worthy splurge. <br />
City Market - $20.59 - Needed groceries and vacation treats. I let each of the kids choose a treat or two up to $1.50/child. In a large family, we just don't do this, which made it all the more exciting this time. <br />
IKEA cafeteria - $21.50<br />
IKEA - $6.37 for 3 baskets from the As Is section Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-29508238577440290282014-06-24T22:12:00.001-07:002014-06-24T22:12:07.565-07:00{Days 5 - 9} Aiming for Diligence and Celebrating DadThese days I was just aiming to get three things listed per day on a local site for things to sell. Our son had the opportunity to go with his youth group to Elitch Gardens in Denver so we gave him the job of cleaning, sweeping and mopping the basement floor in exchange for the cost of that excursion. Getting kids to work hard...not for the faint of heart. In the end he did a pretty good job, but it didn't start out so cheerful or diligent.<br />
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I gave the boys haircuts. Our kids have always had hair cuts by Mom at home and I figure this has easily saved us $1500 so far.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freshly sheered boys with post-haircut treats</td></tr>
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We picked up our Bountiful Baskets and enjoyed the simple pleasure of having popcorn and apples on the front porch at the end of a long week. I'm thankful for a few more seats there than we had last week. <br />
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On the weekend I spent an afternoon organizing a big mess of books and curriculum. This area has needed attention for a long time, but it become much worse last month when we rearranged some furniture and unloaded one of our basement bookshelves to use in another place in our home following putting in new flooring. It seems one thing always leads to another. And in this case, one area of order led to a different area full of chaos. I used bins we already had on hand to sort the curriculum by level or subject and used washi tape and sharpies to make labels. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really bad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqcvGK0P8MWM23phJwrJwpITHwtwLj8JdLe8lGJFrhaRkxG8EkacmNUTQB_tbmNZqW1T3wrVIugcE5DvNWmFEeeCPqDLJV2Uc2yTIwwbSzs6q6tpIha4rcbNGJXZ_jX6Ljf6wYcSuo7U/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqcvGK0P8MWM23phJwrJwpITHwtwLj8JdLe8lGJFrhaRkxG8EkacmNUTQB_tbmNZqW1T3wrVIugcE5DvNWmFEeeCPqDLJV2Uc2yTIwwbSzs6q6tpIha4rcbNGJXZ_jX6Ljf6wYcSuo7U/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little order amidst the chaos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">better - all curriculum fits on one higher shelf (not easily accessible to kids), sets are complete and labeled</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">better - non-curriculum books and games are neat and accessible</td></tr>
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We celebrated Father's Day by grilling burgers after church and going swimming for a while in the afternoon. The family pool membership was just $99 in April. The gifts we gave on Father's Day were purchased in previous months, gift cards bought with a deal and a great new tie on clearance. We wrapped up the day with a simple dinner at home of parmesan popcorn, apples and meat and cheese slices. <br />
<br />
<b>Sold:</b> infant life jacket & tent - $43<br />
<br />
<b>Expenses:</b><br />
<b>Costco - $100 - </b>I lost the receipt, but I know we bought the following: 2.5 lbs. Tillamook sharp cheddar, triple pack of lunch meat, 2 bags of tortilla chips, one box of diapers, 1 dozen bagels, 2 bags Doritos, 1.5 lbs. salami, 2 loaves of bread, and a 6.75 lbs. boneless pork loin.<br />
<b>Safeway - $41.97 - </b>I ran in for hamburger buns and ice cream on Father's Day and came out with a package of buns, plus a can of beans, 2 jars of pickles, a second carton of ice cream, cilantro, and loads of marked-down 1/2 price dairy (6 gallons milk, 2 yogurt 12-pks, 3 Greek yogurt 4-pks, 1 tub of Greek yogurt, 5 individual yogurts, and cottage cheese). <br />
<b>Youth group outing </b>- $30 for the ticket + $10 for foodRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-10728442954984241162014-06-24T16:58:00.001-07:002014-06-24T17:02:01.051-07:00{Days 3 & 4} Porch & Kitchen Island UpdatesDay 3<br />
We stayed home today and I cleaned up some chairs I'd found on the curb last fall to use for our front porch and ran the cushions through the washer and dryer. I also sanded our existing bench and restained with some Flood stain we had safely stored in our garage from a project a few years ago. Between the two chairs I put a planter that is resting on part of an old stainless steel trash can (which no longer worked because the foot pedal was broken). I'd love to put some flowers in there, but since I'm really trying to not spend money I just transplanted a tiny dianthus and hope it will fill until I can fill it up with fresh plants. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I5K0Cn_JWb32BDJth17g2zEeBtaCsX7Vq3JZb6jfIYALZcJRzjOr571-gTn-JsESsRLFwvwUP3jVGl-FZnsW2VApbBJNf9yYyOaUih3Aq85bU554ZwgfsLPVWNo3WfRY0xBXhe9ar5A/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I5K0Cn_JWb32BDJth17g2zEeBtaCsX7Vq3JZb6jfIYALZcJRzjOr571-gTn-JsESsRLFwvwUP3jVGl-FZnsW2VApbBJNf9yYyOaUih3Aq85bU554ZwgfsLPVWNo3WfRY0xBXhe9ar5A/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">weathered bench - before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMfYfyTfW8rFcx25LF-blt6klp6Fi1bm7qu-lWs0oKTRP6qnAF8CBUTovwPNr3v0BVKc-d1A1zHG23uB5bYJJt8GeeOfcX7z-Z_K5nKDh53RBKM9JJQV1WFeCMg6GCEoM2-PRpbYDp9k/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMfYfyTfW8rFcx25LF-blt6klp6Fi1bm7qu-lWs0oKTRP6qnAF8CBUTovwPNr3v0BVKc-d1A1zHG23uB5bYJJt8GeeOfcX7z-Z_K5nKDh53RBKM9JJQV1WFeCMg6GCEoM2-PRpbYDp9k/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">refreshed porch - after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sold: small desk & pair of kid's sandals ($29)<br />
No
regular household expenses, but I did buy a plane ticket for a short
trip I'll be taking in the fall to hang out with my university
girlfriends. The dates had just been set and I went searching, more out
of curiosity than thinking I would buy it today. The price was better
than I've ever seen to this particular small city. I could have waited
until this no spend month was over, but have often seen fares 50 to 100%
more than what I paid, so it seemed better to go ahead and buy the
ticket now. <br />
<br />
Day 4<br />
I worked on putting our
kitchen island back together (we moved it when I put a new floor in) and
gave it 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of paint on three of its sides.
The paint was left over from painting our kitchen 6 years ago. Because
we don't have a finish nailer to put the trim back on I ended up using
some contact cement adhesive because we had that on hand, probably from a
project my father-in-law did sometime when he was visiting. Liquid
Nails may have been a better choice, but since we did not have that on
hand, we'll just see how it holds up. I'm not entirely pleased with the
result of the paint, but I'll live with it for a while. The island
panels are that cheap faux wood so I didn't have much to lose. I did not paint the side with the doors and drawers since I'm still trying to decide if I want to gel stain that side and the rest of our kitchen cabinets. Progress, not perfection.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaIJ-dmRgsCVln1-974PSDgIV-1kUUM5arZwj0hdmyQbKHJPSv-ZgOstnUUMZxdnpnkKEEgmZUV6NzJ3w1E6JTUFn5CTNYkW4xFD6XJQSkDX4pd-6QGUWFg3veh7BHodlAJeD8k2k8eM/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaIJ-dmRgsCVln1-974PSDgIV-1kUUM5arZwj0hdmyQbKHJPSv-ZgOstnUUMZxdnpnkKEEgmZUV6NzJ3w1E6JTUFn5CTNYkW4xFD6XJQSkDX4pd-6QGUWFg3veh7BHodlAJeD8k2k8eM/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen island - before <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_JyRhPn6mc64oCYniAO4t3eIfoDSXNnOcc6VBIANxLK4bNZQOpp8EZhW1kiUFuGRMeHcNf1Y2rC7SwhBKaaO5FzvsBi0M26CGFeerxsHtPkglKfpHPakYEIq8ua5QCTRB2PN-CTa718/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_JyRhPn6mc64oCYniAO4t3eIfoDSXNnOcc6VBIANxLK4bNZQOpp8EZhW1kiUFuGRMeHcNf1Y2rC7SwhBKaaO5FzvsBi0M26CGFeerxsHtPkglKfpHPakYEIq8ua5QCTRB2PN-CTa718/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
kitchen island - after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the record, unfortunately, our island is never really this clean. Just want to be honest here.<br />
<br />
A much easier project was to make some more capacity for composting, so I just drilled several holes in an old bin we had on hand. I realize it is not something beautiful to behold, but I'm using what I have, not spending big bucks on a new compost system. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPjQaGL-vIkp60GT9am3xJaJwXWquU1Ydq-m8NJiuAk1-6txnHcG7zubLcahkliZq2uiFVVxuiG_BfxKca0-xv9wWDXeq63_C_ElUu2scAFAb6nA4cuRLQ0sCCY3_J4rNjfXTxwlwoNc/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPjQaGL-vIkp60GT9am3xJaJwXWquU1Ydq-m8NJiuAk1-6txnHcG7zubLcahkliZq2uiFVVxuiG_BfxKca0-xv9wWDXeq63_C_ElUu2scAFAb6nA4cuRLQ0sCCY3_J4rNjfXTxwlwoNc/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">simple compost bin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We stayed home for most of the day then a couple of us had evening events and our smoke alarms started giving fits so we bought two multipack of batteries to replace all of them.<br />
Sold: travel high chair & another small desk ($40)<br />
Expenses: $34.20 for batteriesRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-77191444193834245432014-06-09T21:36:00.002-07:002014-06-09T21:36:55.397-07:00{Day 2} Rebates, Menu Planning and Bountiful BasketsToday I'm feeling motivated to get my frugal on! To begin I declared this a home day. Staying home is usually a good frugal move. It's cool and windy so we're fine just enjoying life at home.<br />
<br />
I filled out and mailed forms for energy rebates from purchases of a dishwasher and fridge in recent months. It will take a few weeks to get them, but that's $70 coming back to us, which just may be very good by the end of this month.<br />
<br />
Three items were posted for sale on a local site. One sold so far, so I'll count little bits of progress as a success. A side benefit to this month will be that our home will be feeling lighter with less extra stuff sitting around. <br />
<br />
I also ordered Bountiful Baskets today, 2 conventional baskets, 7 dozen tortillas and 36 lbs. of gala apples. We'll be able to pick this up on the weekend which will provide good motivation to eat from our fridge to make room for that bounty. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sales so far: $100 (fridge) + $5 (baby pool float)<br />
Expenses so far: $70.50 (Bountiful Baskets) <br />
<br />
<b>Menu Plan</b><br />
<br />
Monday<br />
B - leftover pancakes with pineapple cream, yogurt <br />
L - ham sandwiches on whole wheat bread or pretzel rolls, coleslaw<br />
D - egg & hash brown casserole with red pepper and a bit of leftover sausage, fruit smoothie<br />
<br />
Tuesday<br />
B - oatmeal, yogurt<br />
L - egg salad sandwiches, apple slices<br />
D - soup (carrots, celery, squash, onion, meatballs, etc.) whole wheat cream cheese biscuits<br />
<br />
Wednesday<br />
B - steel cut oats, blackberries<br />
L - potato salad, ham sandwiches<br />
D -sundried tomato & squash soup, green salad <br />
<br />
Thursday <br />
B - cereal, yogurt<br />
L - pasta salad with meat, cheese & veggies<br />
D - beans with cilantro lime rice, sour cream, cheese, peppers, shredded lettuce<br />
<br />
Friday<br />
B - oatmeal<br />
L - leftovers<br />
D - turkey meatballs with cream sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans<br />
<br />
Saturday<br />
B - cereal, fruit<br />
L - broccoli cheese soup, toast or biscuits<br />
D -homemade pizza, salad or veggie with dip<br />
<br />
Sunday - Father's Day!<br />
B - cinnamon rolls, fruit<br />
L - burgers on homemade buns, ice cream (or make frozen Greek yogurt)<br />
D - snack dinner: fruit, cheese, popcorn, etc. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-33972815720171922342014-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:002014-06-09T10:56:11.847-07:00No Spend June {Day 1} - Birthday CelebrationWe celebrated our son's birthday at home with his meal of choice, decorated with our reusable birthday banner and Scrabble tiles and let the kids watch a couple episodes of Bear Grylls from a library DVD. He also chose which church service we were going to that morning. He seemed to enjoy making lots of the choices for the day and those things didn't cost us anything. For his gift from us he had asked for a cape. I made that for him from fabrics I had on hand and I made a personalized notebook that I modgepodged with cool paper and decorated with letter stickers for his name and washi tape.<br />
<br />
In full disclosure, this no spend month (or at least 25 days worth) was prompted by an unfortunate amount of overspending. We had invited three of our son's friends to go mini golfing the day before his birthday, except that the weather did not cooperate at all. We had made a simple plan B for them to go to play at McDonald's and get ice cream if it started raining while they were playing. But by the time they picked up all the boys there was a downpour and lightning so they weren't going to play mini golf at all. So my husband had to decide on the fly what to do with the boys for a fun alternate activity and Itz seemed like the best available indoor option. Difference between what we were expecting to spend on mini golf and this option: $50. Ouch!<br />
<br />
Lesson learned: Make a solid plan B for parties planned outdoors. Live and learn. <br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-36732297696661344202014-06-08T10:08:00.000-07:002014-06-09T10:12:01.105-07:00Resetting the budget with a No Spend JuneThe pace of our life with school and some bigger home projects has taken its toll on our budget. We've let things slide and continued to just swipe that card without too much planning, thought or restraint. While we haven't been doing anything luxurious, those little bits of convenience and ease have really added up. So for the rest of this month we're getting focused on frugal living again with the old slogan: Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Or do without.<br />
<br />
Use it up: We'll eat groceries from our fridge, freezer and pantry with purchases of fresh produce and dairy as needed. I'll also be using supplies from my crafting stash to make some gifts.<br />
<br />
Wear it out: We'll skip buying new clothes or shoes this month. We really have plenty and the few things we need for fall school uniforms can wait another month.<br />
<br />
Make it do: I'll be finishing projects I've started and cleaning up and refreshing some spaces with things we already have on hand. We'll use memberships we have to entertain ourselves and try to combine those outings with needed errands or fellowship time with friends. <br />
<br />
Do without: To fund our necessary spending (any needed groceries, etc.) for this month, I'll be selling stuff we don't need or love any longer. Our bills will be paid from our regular income, but cash spending will only be done from what comes in through sale of stuff, which could get interesting. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-19620756914310293782014-02-07T07:49:00.001-08:002014-02-07T07:53:42.050-08:00February Menu & Accidental Once-a-Month ShoppingDue to the <a href="http://pursuitsofheartandhome.blogspot.com/2014/02/days-26-31-and-pantry-challenge.html" target="_blank">January Pantry Challenge</a>, our stock of lots and lots of things was depleted. So on February 1st we picked up our produce co-op offerings and I made a huge grocery list for 3 stores and ended up spending 4 hours shopping and the bulk of our grocery budget for the month. The good news is that I think I've got a plan for all this food and purchased more than enough convenience things to hopefully keep me sane. I admit I am compromising on health in favor of more time. I'll still need to buy milk, butter, eggs and a bit of produce throughout the month, but for everything else we are set. <br />
<br />
Here's the plan:<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola, fantasy; font-size: small;">February
Meals</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Goals:
Eat at home. Eliminate meal prep stress. Keep an orderly
kitchen.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Dinners:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Sandwiches
(on the marathon grocery shopping day)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Baked
spaghetti (x2)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Super
Bowl: chips with homemade salsa & guac, veggie platter with dip,
buffalo chicken, smoothies</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Spaghetti
and meat sauce (up to 4 times)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Runza
casserole, fruit salad, asparagus (+1 for another family)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Chicken
rice soup, whole wheat bread, fruit </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Garlic
brown sugar chicken, brown rice, peas</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Homemade
pizza with beef, pepperoni, ham and/or peppers (x2-3) <i>birthday
meal</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Buffalo
chicken salad (x2)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Cheesy
broccoli chicken & rice</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Vegetable
beef soup, biscuits </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Beef
brisket, baked beans and vegetable</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">BBQ
brisket sandwiches on homemade buns, coleslaw</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Broccoli
cheese soup, angel biscuits</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Steak
tacos</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Beans
& cilantro-lime rice, cheese, sour cream, etc. (x2)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Pasta/veg/bratwurst
skillet</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Valentine's
Day: Chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce, cherry bars or chocolate fondue</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Sanity
saver options: chicken nuggets & fries, peas / frozen lasagna /
frozen pizzas</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Lunches:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">leftovers</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">ham
sandwiches</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">pizza
soup</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">fried
brown rice (make rice ahead, freeze, and add veggies & eggs at
the time of the meal)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">frozen
pizza</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Breakfasts:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">cereal
(1-2x/week)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">apple
oatmeal (1-2x/week)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">steel
cut oats with blueberries (1x/week)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">sausage
or ham/potato/egg casserole (1x/week)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">soaked
oats with blueberries (1x/week)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">toast
from homemade bread (1x/week)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">egg
sandwiches on english muffins</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Extras:
</b></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">bring
snacks for homeschool group (30+ people) – caramel corn, veggies &
dip, brownie bites, bananas </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">***Do
you have any suggestions on how to economically feed a large group of children
with hollow legs? ****</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Chocolate
chip cookies</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Little
boy birthday! Cupcakes, goldfish, capri sun </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">The shopping:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Safeway</b> - $93.22</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">6 cans beans</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">3 boxes Cheerios</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 mayo</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">6 packages cheese (=12 lbs.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">4 packages hash browns</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 gallon ice cream</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">3 Digiorno pizzas</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 10 ct. English muffins</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 loaves whole wheat bread</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Dairy markdowns: 4 4-pks Activia yogurt, 2 single serve Greek yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 family size Oreos</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 6pk. soda bottles </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">10 lbs. sugar</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">5 lbs. boneless ham (I took this from the meat department to the deli and they sliced it free for a HUGE savings over fresh or packaged deli meat.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 red onion</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">4 large avocados</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 coffee creamer</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>King Soopers </b>- $94.04</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Dairy markdowns: 27 individual Greek yogurts, 3 gallons chocolate milk, 4 cartons cottage cheese</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 bags chips</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 pkg. beef for pizza</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 pkg. pepperoni </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">10 ct. razors - markdown</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 chicken burrito - markdown</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 Hormel REV snack (free - I ate this for lunch while out shopping)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">5 Tombstone pizzas</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">4 sour cream</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 deodorant</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 bottles All laundry detergent</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">4 12-pks of soda</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">5 cream cheese</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">5 lbs. pasta</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 pkgs. hygiene products</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">3 10 ct. Capri Sun</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 large lasagnas</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Costco</b> - $145.74</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">12 lbs. organic brown rice</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">4 lbs. butter</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 ct. plastic wrap (1500 sq. ft. total)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">3 lbs. sausage</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">3 lbs. bananas</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">5 qts. oil</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 qts. Famous Dave's pickles</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">30 ct. foil pans</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">5 lbs. ground beef</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">18 ct. extra large eggs</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">8 lbs. brown sugar</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 2-box packs of cereal</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 organic tortilla chips </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">2 lbs. fresh parmesan and romano</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">1 #10 can tomato sauce, 1 #10 can crushed tomatoes</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">coupon offers: Golfish crackers, veggie straws, 5 lbs. chicken nuggets, 2 - 3 lbs. bags boneless buffalo chicken</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Total to date for February: $333.00 </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulRy_-jQE29BN38CiCICDVqGtwuqJk4dFtymRhepzMC3bw8jrXX6w_tV0d4tDyh_WEyPdla_r-ayGz2Eyoq6tdoKJEoqWiQHvI8JNy2pmCmrbPmiiT3XE7RKDCBM-WRE7i0l-KsrJWh4/s1600/feb+1+groceries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulRy_-jQE29BN38CiCICDVqGtwuqJk4dFtymRhepzMC3bw8jrXX6w_tV0d4tDyh_WEyPdla_r-ayGz2Eyoq6tdoKJEoqWiQHvI8JNy2pmCmrbPmiiT3XE7RKDCBM-WRE7i0l-KsrJWh4/s1600/feb+1+groceries.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 1st Mega Grocery Shopping</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: small;">Have you tried once a month shopping? What are the pros and cons you've experienced? </span></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-76533216531906322722014-02-06T14:00:00.000-08:002014-02-06T14:00:00.374-08:00Super Simple Play TentFor Christmas I wanted to make my little kids something special that they could enjoy together. Pinterest to the rescue. I found inspiration <a href="http://spunkyjunky.blogspot.ca/2013/01/diy-tent.html" target="_blank">here</a> and made them using fabrics I had on hand, which came mostly from a fabulously junky secondhand shop in Nebraska. It is actually becoming a little tradition for the gals of the family to make it an outing when we are together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByCo97vk6tdOPp2R8bnftp6P-Y2l6wnxg3oJgOparIC9HYeY6mK_RaZSZRhgunvGDgS1SyegrL_pM0cu_xvwcfp4XY2D5VZzDrsap5N5OzyRI-vKG4X-Y-gGMVG8535dlOJGt_8dx4L4/s1600/kids+tent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByCo97vk6tdOPp2R8bnftp6P-Y2l6wnxg3oJgOparIC9HYeY6mK_RaZSZRhgunvGDgS1SyegrL_pM0cu_xvwcfp4XY2D5VZzDrsap5N5OzyRI-vKG4X-Y-gGMVG8535dlOJGt_8dx4L4/s1600/kids+tent.JPG" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA__KfnbXKt3wO8ri-lFYKZBOLYdEdL6jH1eowDfvntufRJbpFHYt6cO4ublbxtw91Juurel5Wo4-nh7Yfq28UMQvGgrznfDpmumLK3X4QbnrOe9QrcSfe1lfzW95m_1MkXEeC8-RLkh0/s1600/play+tent+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA__KfnbXKt3wO8ri-lFYKZBOLYdEdL6jH1eowDfvntufRJbpFHYt6cO4ublbxtw91Juurel5Wo4-nh7Yfq28UMQvGgrznfDpmumLK3X4QbnrOe9QrcSfe1lfzW95m_1MkXEeC8-RLkh0/s1600/play+tent+2.JPG" height="320" width="276" /></a></div>
I used 1/2" dowels instead since our largest drill bit was 1/2" and I didn't want to buy a bit that we would likely not have a use for again. While I was at it I made one for my nephews and niece. <br />
For one tent:<br />
4 - 1x2" x 4' boards, mine were pine select - $8.00 total<br />
3 - 1/2" x 4' dowels, mine were poplar - $5.04 total<br />
about 2.5 yards 45" wide fabric - on hand<br />
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This turned out to be a really fun, simple and economical project with a result my kids love! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-32684867137962716572014-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:002014-02-05T22:06:29.735-08:00Days 26 - 31 and Pantry Challenge Oberservations {Making Do}Day 26 -<br />
We grilled steaks (they weren't getting better with age in the freezer) for lunch and had leftovers. I cut meat off the bones and froze the meat for stew, then made broth with the bones and some limp veggies in the fridge. I also wasted food today. When I emptied the deep freezer last week I moved a package of beef liver to the fridge. I just couldn't stomach using it in the end, so it went in the garbage. <br />
We're out of packable lunch food. It was time to pick up a few things for the week ahead, which will involve a little ski trip for two in our family. I plan on sending sandwiches and a sufficient quantity of junky foods to make it fun for this father/son excursion. The child who gets to go is often complaining that everything we have to eat around here is "too healthy" (ha!) so hopefully he'll feel loved by my effort to send these treats. <br />
Safeway - $20.47<br />
1 gallon milk, 2 loaves of bread, 1/2 pound of ham, 1 bag chips, 2 stax of chips, marked down Reeses (a treat for a child who never gets to have peanut butter but will be away from our allergic child), 4 2-liters of soda, 1 Greek yogurt cup<br />
Target - $6.84<br />
licorice, bagels, 1 pound of turkey <br />
<br />
Day 27 - I ordered Bountiful Baskets today for pick-up on Saturday<br />
$58.00 for 2 conventional baskets and a "super pack" which is to include fixings for tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, a veggie tray and tropical drinks. <br />
I was out with my littles and the day had gotten away from me, so we did the drive-thru.<br />
Steak & Shake - $8.58<br />
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Days 28-29 - No purchases.<br />
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Day 30 - The fridge is very bare and it is not a big fridge. My husband and oldest were gone skiing and the rest of us needed to leave the house at the end of the second day. I could have probably pressed through, but when you are out of milk, butter, cheese, enough eggs to make a breakfast and oil to make bread, I figured it was getting a bit ridiculous. So off to Costco we went and bought enough to get us through until I make a detailed plan and shop this weekend.<br />
Costco - $45.52<br />
2 gallons milk, bag of specialty potato chips, frozen soft pretzels (a total splurge for the kids, which is rare), *3 lbs. summer sausage, *8.25 lbs. boneless skinless well-trimmed chicken<br />
*mark-down or coupon offers<br />
Chick-Fil-A - $19.22<br />
There were some additional dining out expenses for our skiers, but this was a pre-planned trip and part of our son's Christmas gift, so I'm not counting this toward the total for the month. I did pack sandwiches and snacks so they were able to avoid some dining out on their two days away. <br />
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Day 31 - Today I'm looking diligently over the flyers and making lists for each store I will hit this weekend. Thankfully, with the SuperBowl happening there are a number of good sales going on. I'm also making a big menu plan for February to make life easier in a demanding season as my husband is studying a lot. <br />
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Expenses since Day 25: $158.63 Yikes!<br />
Total grocery, dining out, and diaper expenses for January: $461.48<br />
<br />
So, obviously I did not achieve my budgeted goal of $240 for the month, not by a long shot.<br />
<br />
Some observations about this pantry and freezer challenge:<br />
<ul>
<li>It takes more food than I realized to feed our family of 7. I was way over budget and our stock of lots of stuff has been depleted so living on even a somewhat reduced grocery budget over the longer-term is not realistic. It may be time to adjust my expectations on how much is reasonable to spend. The cost of food has gone up substantially in the last few years at the same time our family and the appetites of our kids have grown. </li>
<li>I felt like I was thinking about food and what I needed to make next all the time. And I really would rather not give so much brain space to feeding my family. </li>
<li>Wondering what kind of meal I can concoct out of a far more limited variety of foods than we normally have on hand is stressful. </li>
<li>I felt that I worked pretty hard at making things stretch and not be wasted this month. </li>
<li>With the other demands on our family right now (husband in school plus working full-time, homeschooling and being with my kids all the time, etc.) I need to give myself permission to make meals easier and maybe spend more to buy convenience, most likely in the form of frozen pizzas, sandwich bread and fixings and maybe cereal. Since when did stuff to make sandwiches become a luxury? I don't know. Sometimes frugality clouds my judgment. </li>
<li>Eating out with a family our size is just plain expensive, even for fast food. It would be better to stock something in the freezer for an easy or fun meal than to eat out.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">about half full</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJU-p4vUrJ-Q1fdkU4OL2QAWXjs9DBc8CxKJKDxENhRTSMoOqWp8TnTUHLffd_3T1xPr_-CCvB6vJjYPQqY57M1O9kCJM3cgjFoG-8FN9CUi1ALUkjFLQawm-M6ol51JPPtsiOwrwgVE/s1600/fridge+freezer+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJU-p4vUrJ-Q1fdkU4OL2QAWXjs9DBc8CxKJKDxENhRTSMoOqWp8TnTUHLffd_3T1xPr_-CCvB6vJjYPQqY57M1O9kCJM3cgjFoG-8FN9CUi1ALUkjFLQawm-M6ol51JPPtsiOwrwgVE/s1600/fridge+freezer+before.JPG" height="191" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxqRO3MYwdvWzvpq2D080-GWgFWhLQaMApBdOYPdUxAj_Vjf834B8RThGHKxq2Gtmqhqh1Bwmhf9ZycaK4eu76V3Oivv-_VHXeceoqStmCI80FUoC7cJZeco2qEWnXNLOlr8LgY2KM-I/s1600/fridge+freezer+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxqRO3MYwdvWzvpq2D080-GWgFWhLQaMApBdOYPdUxAj_Vjf834B8RThGHKxq2Gtmqhqh1Bwmhf9ZycaK4eu76V3Oivv-_VHXeceoqStmCI80FUoC7cJZeco2qEWnXNLOlr8LgY2KM-I/s1600/fridge+freezer+after.JPG" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This seems a bit fuller because of those bulky pretzels I bought on Day 31!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5H0rut4PA9beAYezyYXRf2tmEEzzA7WZDY-l79-QDZVFp9VEJor3WjXj7Dwt8TATtanoCbqSJpRGYGO-5yJdrxhaetWspmCyq8bByJknpaSuosXSFyDUu6YWl4bfcVwHamz4YRSWscI/s1600/pantry+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5H0rut4PA9beAYezyYXRf2tmEEzzA7WZDY-l79-QDZVFp9VEJor3WjXj7Dwt8TATtanoCbqSJpRGYGO-5yJdrxhaetWspmCyq8bByJknpaSuosXSFyDUu6YWl4bfcVwHamz4YRSWscI/s1600/pantry+before.JPG" height="320" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLoy_sSNrabSkJz8HfJHEmDPkEA8IzNt-F2IdMgpxyChLP4QNiwnQLhZ57lErP3gXa-F2E9l79qoBei-vvldmAeV42y5gvz0dIx_8C630X_Y17brYErM4wisi8q69NiKNMVUAjnpMh38/s1600/pantry+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLoy_sSNrabSkJz8HfJHEmDPkEA8IzNt-F2IdMgpxyChLP4QNiwnQLhZ57lErP3gXa-F2E9l79qoBei-vvldmAeV42y5gvz0dIx_8C630X_Y17brYErM4wisi8q69NiKNMVUAjnpMh38/s1600/pantry+after.JPG" height="320" width="166" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UHC68n62M2y21WhAVqG4BnAtepnS9mUl4JIiyBQHjMgodwAlKBL72-lSvrMUHnp4EEXFArY8D9i1HsnX9af3hMUzhWWsdB2zVOFfgqxJHYz9De2In4wvhzUKwGNMtciL_vyzPU5kNGg/s1600/pantry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Overall, I'm glad I challenged myself in January and for the new realizations. I hope to carry on with careful records of our grocery purchases throughout the year just to be aware of our consumption and spending.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBRI3UNue0chKOk2jwSvt3dtr6OtFgMu7DC3w-8rOMfSXXU4nptyupNswQukB73i6gr6aX8GHzLv28jrWvgII_Fb5xNeWjPOjR66fhqHyWHKIfFnkiyXP8u2r45EQWQ_Lmaxow2_qwsQ/s1600/IMG_9284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBRI3UNue0chKOk2jwSvt3dtr6OtFgMu7DC3w-8rOMfSXXU4nptyupNswQukB73i6gr6aX8GHzLv28jrWvgII_Fb5xNeWjPOjR66fhqHyWHKIfFnkiyXP8u2r45EQWQ_Lmaxow2_qwsQ/s1600/IMG_9284.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: cheap chrome lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tuZLcj9xCXPLWhG7wM5ee1iY-jH8X8LExYfpa7lCI5TVPf3kKmhByXAr77uOmF4vXzAr60wPPpeo9f0INQvLVGhCfEgdeG3riM1ZO6SK_BJfKeyt8EyeuSAZnoglYdAXz4xybdvAR8g/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tuZLcj9xCXPLWhG7wM5ee1iY-jH8X8LExYfpa7lCI5TVPf3kKmhByXAr77uOmF4vXzAr60wPPpeo9f0INQvLVGhCfEgdeG3riM1ZO6SK_BJfKeyt8EyeuSAZnoglYdAXz4xybdvAR8g/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: orangey oak cabinets and carpet in the shower and vanity area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt1qNliecw9Fcx09cXocyr5P6a3X7sQ1rfGNuQH25Uh77rrp_UGBwEbftSeUydqmRF7iqu-8m9SA_awoG-VCQmehQ1-8lFEogkk7kmTkA_FcaowCco_F0BOP2l4k5vR2_DDusI1e5xG8/s1600/IMG_9294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt1qNliecw9Fcx09cXocyr5P6a3X7sQ1rfGNuQH25Uh77rrp_UGBwEbftSeUydqmRF7iqu-8m9SA_awoG-VCQmehQ1-8lFEogkk7kmTkA_FcaowCco_F0BOP2l4k5vR2_DDusI1e5xG8/s1600/IMG_9294.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: vinyl in the inner bathroom, beige paint throughout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5uZi9t3mcjpgxaxDs3ELUrMxHrykMrfuynqzKX9QrxgEYXOf6-zpWPVCv3vwWlQuhczLH5nxCE9hotejTUQBje7uJeW31t-gzlmgqjTSBxOjHVL40qKQUihuj4034hHJ6PTzzHWqY0E/s1600/IMG_9301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5uZi9t3mcjpgxaxDs3ELUrMxHrykMrfuynqzKX9QrxgEYXOf6-zpWPVCv3vwWlQuhczLH5nxCE9hotejTUQBje7uJeW31t-gzlmgqjTSBxOjHVL40qKQUihuj4034hHJ6PTzzHWqY0E/s1600/IMG_9301.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After: gel-stained cabinets with hardware, new light fixtures, paint, vinyl plank flooring throughout</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAVF4oiGOi-jcxMsfxV0TV8FLeYCcKiiaXZkF98Oj307PtNXFQwPXwiLcGAQ8kL1XLzITojzbtyy9jLKxxnfJEnFjJnJQWXpIY88wXas6FX0GHCJXHIUUzUOzLy1y42Nl1Jdnhu5sWLM/s1600/IMG_9302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAVF4oiGOi-jcxMsfxV0TV8FLeYCcKiiaXZkF98Oj307PtNXFQwPXwiLcGAQ8kL1XLzITojzbtyy9jLKxxnfJEnFjJnJQWXpIY88wXas6FX0GHCJXHIUUzUOzLy1y42Nl1Jdnhu5sWLM/s1600/IMG_9302.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJr6cZP-qMcA9fyPVi7KuP8hjLpTMcOmSnk6WE3VVCCbbKTW13NyOABh0qdHSlEjwMtNh1-Li6CCe37JPn_0hQs8QWgtwWRka8NAPlwPJkEMusInBnAPQcAyDIlzcdr0IYvsR_uaKr0E/s1600/IMG_9309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJr6cZP-qMcA9fyPVi7KuP8hjLpTMcOmSnk6WE3VVCCbbKTW13NyOABh0qdHSlEjwMtNh1-Li6CCe37JPn_0hQs8QWgtwWRka8NAPlwPJkEMusInBnAPQcAyDIlzcdr0IYvsR_uaKr0E/s1600/IMG_9309.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After: new shower curtain which I sewed from a full flat sheet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny7f0p25VuMbh85y_OPgDTdqA6xRWoaIT4GwpYh8jYeBF1qWJ3PqrB8PJqeApachzoF2s6E2HHdq4VMjNt7EUcsygDEWKSvil8k7xAHkeBXt6rrhS3CMMEHpCzCv4ic4vInnR-4ys8Bo/s1600/IMG_9315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny7f0p25VuMbh85y_OPgDTdqA6xRWoaIT4GwpYh8jYeBF1qWJ3PqrB8PJqeApachzoF2s6E2HHdq4VMjNt7EUcsygDEWKSvil8k7xAHkeBXt6rrhS3CMMEHpCzCv4ic4vInnR-4ys8Bo/s1600/IMG_9315.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After: consistent flooring</td></tr>
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Lowes - $55ish (give or take $5 as I can't find one of the receipts)<br />
3 foam brushes<br />
2 flooring transition pieces<br />
toilet wax ring<br />
3 tubes caulking<br />
screws for cabinet hardware<br />
painters tape<br />
quarter round - for the far side of the vanity <br />
<br />
<br />
Home Depot - $159.61<br />
2 boxes <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Allure-6-in-x-36-in-Barnwood-Resilient-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-24-sq-ft-Case-261222/100522807" target="_blank">Allure "Barnwood" vinyl plank flooring</a><br />
2 cottage lantern <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Brushed-Nickel-1-Light-Outdoor-Cottage-Lantern-BOA1691H-BN/202022740" target="_blank">light fixtures</a><br />
These lights are a bit of an unconventional choice and may not be the best choice for someone who does their make-up daily, but the shower window provides lots of natural light and the room does not seem dim at all, even after having 8 total bulbs before and now only 2 bulbs to light up the same space. The wire cage is removable if I want to change up the look a bit down the road. <br />
I used a coupon code to save a little and went through <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=vcX88A2BrSUIEKf%2F5Rojtw%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a> to get a little cash back.<br />
<br />
Target - $6.56<br />
2 multipacks of cabinet knobs (bought on clearance months ago)<br />
<br />
WoodCraft - $42.97<br />
1 quart General Finishes Gel Stain - Java<br />
1 quart General Finishes Polyacrylic, Satin<br />
I used a coupon code to save a bit off the normal prices. I have about 3/4 quart left of each one so I'll be able to get other projects out of this expense, too. I did 2 coats with each product.<br />
<br />
Supplies on hand<br />
paint - I mixed up about 3/4 gallon plain white semi-gloss with about a quart of Valspar "Sterling Silver" and am mostly pleased with the result. I would have liked it a little paler or greyer, but free is good.<br />
1 partial box of Allure flooring from our last bathroom project<br />
paintbrush and rollers<br />
white full sheet, grosgrain ribbon and thread to make the shower curtain<br />
white fluffy towels - I bought these a year or two ago when they were 6/$10 at Costco. I was saving them for a spruce-up like this.<br />
<br />
Project total: $264.14, <span style="font-size: x-small;">give or take $5</span><br />
<br />
I am really pleased with the result for the money we put into this. In the future, maybe I will frame out the mirror, but for now this room is done. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-89725443191389209642014-01-26T22:14:00.001-08:002014-01-26T22:14:25.754-08:00Days 12 - 25 {Making Do}Day 12 - No purchases.<br />
<br />
Day 13 - We usually go out for lunch once a week, but this time I packed a picnic lunch and my husband picked up a bag of chips to complete the meal, not for nutrition, but to make it feel like it was a nice, fun lunch instead of deprivation.<br />
King Soopers - $2.50<br />
chips and a free donut<br />
<br />
Day 14 - 17<br />
No purchases.<br />
<br />
Day 18<br />
We went to a potluck and I made a dish using what we had, not wonderful, but not terrible either. I also made whole wheat rolls. We are glad for the blessing of fellowship. Then we ran by King Soopers to get gas and I ran in for milk.<br />
King Soopers - $7.96<br />
2 gallons milk and....I'm not sure what else as I can't find the receipt.<br />
<br />
Day 19<br />
Budget fail! 4 large pizzas on a football Sunday. We are getting a little weary of the challenge, Mom was tired of cooking and Dad jumped at the chance to fix that situation. <br />
Papa John's - $32.93<br />
<br />
Day 20<br />
King Soopers - $6.10<br />
4 boxes of cereal (marked down), loaf of marked down sourdough (to make croutons), 2 donuts (1 was free)<br />
<br />
Day 21 - No purchases. I cooked up some sweet potatoes which needed to be used, then mashed and portioned them from the freezer. We sometimes get them in our produce co-op basket but no one in our family loves them, so I try to sneak them in to sauces and soups in small quantities. <br />
<br />
Day 22 - Unexpected date night. These days are hard and we need time out to fortify our marriage sometimes. We used a gift card, but spent $6 out of pocket at Rock Bottom and $5.39 at Kneaders.<br />
<br />
Day 23 -25 - No purchases. The fridge is getting empty. The deep freeze is empty and has been defrosted. I made pumpkin bread and fruit salad to bring to church tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Purchases since Day 11: $16.56 - groceries<br />
$44.32 - dining out and take-in<br />
Month to date: $302.85<br />
<br />
We're in the home stretch now, but it'll be a busy week so I may just need to break down and restock. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-73357082961087110762014-01-12T13:35:00.001-08:002014-01-12T13:50:02.461-08:00Menu Plan #2 {Making Do}<b>Dinners</b><br />
Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables<br />
Beef fajitas <br />
Buffalo chicken salad, whole wheat rolls<br />
Swedish meatballs, gravy, mashed potatoes, peas<br />
Vegetable beef soup (with sweet potatoes and yellow squash with lots of other vegetables), biscuits<br />
Mexican chicken casserole<br />
Broccoli cheese soup (chock full of other veggies, too), whole wheat rolls<br />
<a href="http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/2014/01/soups-on-poblano-chicken-chowder.html" target="_blank">Poblano Chicken Chowder</a>, quesadillas<br />
Beef tacos<br />
Brat, vegetable, & pasta skillet <br />
Chili, cornbread <br />
Chicken (freezer) sandwiches on homemade buns, fries <br />
Spaghetti & meat sauce (freezer), french bread, <br />
Homemade pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage and red pepper, tossed salad (x2)<br />
<br />
<b>Lunches</b> - served with apples or tangelos<br />
Leftovers (several times)<br />
Quesadillas<br />
Chicken salad sandwiches on homemade bread (x2-3) <br />
Almond butter & jam sandwiches on whole wheat homemade bread <br />
<br />
Ham sandwiches on sourdough<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfasts</b> - served with fruit and/or homemade yogurt<br />
Oatmeal with apples<br />
Steel cut oats with blueberries<br />
Toast using my homemade whole wheat bread <br />
Pumpkin pancakes with homemade apple cinnamon syrup <br />
Sausage, egg, potato bake <br />
<br />
<b>Sweets and Treats</b><br />
cherry pie or cherry bars<br />
date bars<br />
homemade ice cream with toppings<br />
chocolate chip cookies<br />
cream cheese brownies, fruit slush cups (bring to a gathering)<br />
<br />
Since I've already spent the whole amount I had budgeted for groceries for this low-spend month, I hope to follow this plan closely and improvise as needed to avoid wasting food. <br />
<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-51267522042018056652014-01-12T12:59:00.000-08:002014-01-12T13:00:52.629-08:00Days 1 - 11 {Making Do}<br />
<b>Day 1</b><br />
Nothing too remarkable, we ate what we had and didn't make any purchases.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 2</b><br />
I cooked a 20lb. turkey. This is one of those kitchen tasks I really do not enjoy, but yields protein for lots of meals and broth for several soups. It makes a big mess of the kitchen and really takes all day. So I'm glad that is behind me, and that I don't have any more turkeys in the freezer to handle. :)<br />
<br />
Costco - $109.29<br />
2 boxes of diapers (348 diapers), 1 box of wipes (1120 ct.), #10 can tomato sauce, 3 lbs. bananas, 104ct. dishwasher tabs<br />
(Everything non-edible was in their coupon book, saving $19.50 off normal Costco prices. We were down to the last diaper. I knew this would be a pressing need before this pantry challenge began and it will make the rest of the challenge more difficult, but such is life.)<br />
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<br />
Albertsons - $12.50<br />
30 lbs. potatoes, 2 lbs. carrots, 1 bunch celery, 3 lbs. onions, 2 gallons milk<br />
<br />
<b>Day 3-5</b><br />
We ate mostly according to the menu plan and did not make any purchases. I was glad I had planned turkey noodle soup with the homemade broth and noodles I made as the weather has been super cold and a few of us are battling colds. It was good to stay in and begin on a bunch of simple master bathroom improvements. I'm taking a slow and steady approach this time. <br />
<br />
<b>Day 6</b><br />
Chick-Fil-A - $3.50 - Four of us had a lunch date and used up a gift card we had received.<br />
Bountiful Baskets - $68.00, to be picked up on Saturday <br />
2 conventional baskets, 38 lb. box Minneola tangelos, assorted tortilla pack (2 dozen small flour, 1 dozen large flour, 2 dozen small corn, 1 dozen medium whole wheat, 1 dozen medium flour)<br />
<br />
<b>Day 7</b><br />
No purchases, though I did go out alone for dinner with my allowance after fixing dinner for the rest of the family. My kind husband knows I need time away sometimes.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 8</b><br />
No purchases. We are now getting low on milk, cheese and butter. And we haven't had yogurt or rice since the challenge began. The little bits of snack foods we had are gone, too. Starting to feel the effects of this challenge. I was working too late into the evening on our bathroom improvements. Hooray! Painting is done. Flooring is now started.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 9</b><br />
We are now deviating more from the menu plan, just to use leftovers up and not let them go to waste. I also haven't made bread as much as I had planned, so meals involving bread have been switched to something else. I gave each of the kids a haircut. I'm thankful we have not ever taken our kids for a haircut by a professional so the expectation has not been set. The little ones really are not cooperative, but I doubt they'd do much better if I was spending $10-15/kid.<br />
To use up the ends of some condiment bottles I made barbecue sauce. We love the recipe<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/emeril-lagasses-barbecued-pulled-pork-sandwiches-22763" target="_blank"> here</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Day 10</b><br />
I ordered some fun Curious George items from <a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/pursuitsofheartandhome" target="_blank">Zulily</a>* for our little boy's birthday next month using a credit I had. I think he is going to love the stuff and for just a few dollars out of pocket, that'll make us both happy. I also went through <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=vcX88A2BrSUIEKf%2F5Rojtw%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a>* so I may get some change back. I use Ebates all the time when I'm shopping online for cash back. (*referral links)<br />
<br />
Costco - $35.45<br />
4 lbs. butter, 2 gallons milk, 3 dozen extra large eggs, 40 oz. bag organic tortilla chips, 2.5 lbs. Tillamook cheddar, 2 lbs. mozzarella <br />
King Soopers - $13.23<br />
3 gallons milk (1 organic), 32 oz. strawberry yogurt (a treat for the kids), 32 oz. yogurt (I needed a starter so I could make homemade again), loaf of sourdough bread, individual cup of yogurt (free)<br />
Starbucks - used a coupon and gift card<br />
<br />
<b>Day 11</b><br />
No purchases were made, but we picked up our Bountiful Baskets order. This week's conventional basket included yellow squash, broccoli, grape tomatoes, red pepper, onions, romaine, sweet potatoes, apples, grapes, pears, bananas, and mangoes. And now our fridge is very, very full. <br />
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We also had company for dinner. I made shredded barbecue chicken sandwiches on homemade buns and a huge fruit salad. Our friends offered to bring something and ended up bringing chips, carrots and dip and a chocolate cake. No one went hungry.<br />
<br />
Total spent for Days 1-11: $241.97<br />
Ugh, that was what I had planned on spending for the whole month. We'll just have to see how long our current provisions hold out. I'm glad to have a packed fridge with loads of produce. <br />
<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-71647157546634476732013-12-31T20:19:00.000-08:002013-12-31T20:19:15.075-08:00Menu Plan #1 {Making Do}A key component in <a href="http://pursuitsofheartandhome.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-month-of-making-do.html" target="_blank">making do this month</a> for us is taking stock of what we have on hand and working a menu plan. A produce order pick-up won't be possible until the middle of the month, so the first couple weeks are really going to be made up of food we already have stocked. Here goes.<br />
<br />
W - 1/1 (easing in since it is a holiday)<br />
B: bagels & cream cheese, apple slices<br />
L: steak, baked potatoes, baked beans<br />
D: beef & peppers with beans, tortillas, cheese & sour cream (sadly, we're already out of rice)<br />
Snack for a gathering: caramel corn, fruit pizza (sugar cookie crust frozen, left from cut out cookies we made for Christmas)<br />
<br />
Th - 1/2<br />
B: homemade granola, apples<br />
L: turkey & cheese biscuits, grapes<br />
D: turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans<br />
Prep: remove & portion meat for several meals (some to freezer), make broth<br />
<br />
F - 1/3<br />
B: homemade granola, apples<br />
L: snack lunch - ham, fruit, crackers & cheese<br />
D: turkey cheddar bake (spaghetti noodles + partial bags of frozen veg. + a roux)<br />
<br />
S - 1/4<br />
B: peach crisp (frozen peaches + the end of the granola)<br />
L: leftovers<br />
D: spaghetti & meatballs (sneak sweet potato into sauce), garlic breadsticks, frozen veg.<br />
Prep: egg noodles for soup, batch of whole wheat bread<br />
<br />
S - 1/5<br />
B: w.w. toast, fruit<br />
L: turkey noodle soup, crackers & cheese, homemade applesauce (freezer)<br />
D: grilled cheese and/or snack dinner - popcorn, apples, etc.<br />
Prep: make chocolate chip or chewy ginger cookies<br />
<br />
M - 1/6<br />
B: steel cut oats with blueberries<br />
L: turkey sandwiches, apples, cookie<br />
D: baked ham (freezer) & beans, cornbread, orange berry smoothies<br />
<br />
T - 1/7<br />
B: w.w. pancakes, apple cinnamon syrup (made a huge batch for teacher gifts and have lots leftover<br />
L: leftovers or almond butter sandwiches<br />
D: gourmet mac & cheese (freezer), broccoli<br />
<br />
W - 1/8<br />
B: pancakes, apples<br />
L: pizza soup<br />
D: saucy veg. beef (freezer) & garlic mashed potatoes<br />
Prep: batch of whole wheat bread<br />
<br />
Th - 1/9<br />
B: cinnamon bread<br />
L: chicken salad sandwiches<br />
D: brat/veg/pasta skillet, apples<br />
<br />
F - 1/10<br />
B: pumpkin (freezer) w.w. pancakes<br />
L: leftovers, homemade apple sauce (freezer)<br />
D: homemade pizza<br />
<br />
S - 1/11 - pick up produce and plan again <br />
B: sausage, egg & potato casserole<br />
<br />
Kitchen goals:<br />
- clean cupboards & drawers, inside and out<br />
- defrost chest freezer <br />
- clear kitchen island and deal with all the paper so I can easily use that space for meal prep<br />
<br />
Are you eating from the pantry this month? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-41423343975031599212013-12-31T18:48:00.000-08:002013-12-31T18:48:03.145-08:00A Month of Making DoWith Christmas behind us and a bit too much spending this season, it is time to scale back, use up what we have already purchased, and reestablish some good financial habits. To that end, I'm challenging myself with a really low grocery budget for January. The goal is to spend no more than $240 for our family of 7 and not eat out at all. That figure includes all food, personal care items, paper products, and diapers. <br />
<br />
Why?<br />
- Because we've gotten sloppy in our spending and use of a credit card. We pay it off in full each month, but still, it has become a little too easy to just swipe the card and forget it. <br />
- To become mindful again about the difference between needs and wants. The line has gotten a little blurry.<br />
- To enjoy what we already have at our disposal and practice gratitude. <br />
- To save from our normal budget to recover from Christmas expenses and set the tone for financial prudence for the new year. <br />
- To get back into the habit of keeping careful records of expenses. We've been budgeting about $500 per month for all the above expenses for about the last year but I want to know if that is a realistic number given our family size and the ages of our kids. <br />
- To practice some delayed gratification in our "I've-have-to-have-this-now" culture we live in. <br />
<br />
How?<br />
- With careful menu planning, limited shopping, and using up the ingredients and supplies we've already purchased. Sometimes it is just good to deplete the stockpile to ensure that things don't go to waste.<br />
- By doing without some things that we might really enjoy. (Dr. Pepper, I'm looking at you.) <br />
- By filling up some of the time I would have spent shopping on creative projects which I already have supplies for.<br />
<br />
I'm up for the challenge, so away we go! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-53887760415524694292013-11-15T07:59:00.000-08:002013-11-15T07:59:53.607-08:00Diaper Box DeclutteringOur home is far from simplified and decluttered, but this one little thing is easy to do. Every time we acquire a new big box, from diapers or apples or oranges or whatever else, I make it my goal to fill it up with things we don't love, need or use. Then I throw it in the van and drop it off at the thrift store when I'm out for other errands. This is nothing revolutionary, but I'm hoping some simple little baby steps in the right direction will produce results in due time.<br />
<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-29310861411595388862013-11-11T22:46:00.000-08:002013-11-11T22:46:26.609-08:00Simple Kitchen PlanLife has been really full in recent months and I have not been faithful with menu planning, though we've been eating okay and not eating out much at all. As a kindness to myself, I'm taking 15 minutes today to write up a meal plan to make things run a bit smoother in the kitchen. Breakfasts will be heavy on oatmeal to use part of a 50 lb. bag of rolled oats I picked up from Sprouts last week. I don't have any more containers to store it in and a giant feed bag on my counter is not very convenient at all. Like many other areas of my homekeeping and life right now, too much stuff, not enough space. I'm looking forward to a pantry challenge in January to tackle some of this "problem" of overabundance. <br />
<br />
11/11<br />
B-steel cut oats with blueberries<br />
L-packed lunches, out for 3 of us with a gift card<br />
D-cheeseburger bake with whole wheat crust, curly fries, apple wedges<br />
<br />
11/12<br />
B-whole wheat toast, homemade yogurt, pears<br />
L-ham & cheese paninis, oro blancos, cucumbers & dip<br />
D-pepper beef tacos / taco salads <br />
Dessert-Pumpkin bars <br />
<br />
11/13<br />
B-steel cut oats with frozen cherries, yogurt<br />
L-hot dog baked in whole wheat dough, cucumbers & dip, apples<br />
D-orange chicken, rice, steamed broccoli<br />
Prep-make granola <br />
<br />
11/14<br />
B-granola, yogurt<br />
L-leftovers, fresh fruit<br />
D-barbecue baked beans with ham, green salad<br />
<br />
11/15<br />
B-granola or cereal, sliced apples<br />
L-quesadillas or leftovers, fresh fruit<br />
D-pizza, any remaining veggies from last basket<br />
Prep-clean out fridge<br />
<br />
11/16<br />
B-whole wheat pancakes, sausage meatballs<br />
L-gourmet mac & cheese (x4, 3 to freezer, 1 with ham), garlic breadsticks, green salad<br />
D- beef roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetables<br />
Prep-stew, egg dish<br />
<br />
11/17<br />
B-potato ham & egg bake<br />
L-beef stew (crockpot), garlic cheese biscuits<br />
D-snack dinner: popcorn, apples, cheese, etc.<br />
<br />
11/18<br />
B-oatmeal with cherries, yogurt<br />
L-picnic lunch TBD<br />
D-shredded barbecue chicken sandwiches (crockpot), green beans <br />
Prep-bread & sandwich rollsRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-86838493703093351632013-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:002013-08-03T08:00:01.232-07:00The Happy and the HardLately<br />
<br />
Happy<br />
- My husband has a new job which is a great fit for his giftings with plenty of room to be challenged and grow professionally.<br />
- We're having opportunities to see most members of our families this summer.<br />
- Our son enjoyed a great season playing baseball this summer with excellent coaches. A coach can really set the whole tone of that experience and these men were top notch.<br />
- Our little girl is walking. That's bittersweet for this mama. All our babies aren't really babies anymore. <br />
- We're so thankful for our church community and looking forward to getting back to small group in the fall. <br />
- A dear friend is getting married this month after more than a decade of prayers that God would bring a husband. She is so happy. Although I won't be able to make the wedding in Rwanda I think there will live streaming all around the world. Looking forward to that! <br />
- We're looking forward to fun family times next week. <br />
<br />
Hard<br />
- My husband took a statistics course this summer which turned out to be a massive amount of work and time, which was really difficult for all of us.<br />
- The wide range of ages of our children is presenting more of a challenge as our big kids get more into activities. Have you ever tried to keep a strong-willed 3-year-old from running off at a ball park for 2 hours? Not fun. We also know that our big kids just don't get to do as much because of the little ones which gives way to feelings of guilt for me. It seems other large families manage this, but I don't think we've found our groove yet. <br />
- Trying to find balance in our budget for today and for the future. We usually error on the side of not spending on fun activities today, but our kids are growing fast and it is starting to feel like sometimes you actually <i>do</i> have to spend money to make memories. <br />
- Struggling...my own lack of self-esteem and confidence, feeling discouraged that I don't see the fruit of these intense years of parenting, feeling the need for a break from responsibilities but realizing that is just not possible right now. Even 24 hours away could be very refreshing. Since we started parenting almost 11 years ago, my husband and I have been away from the kids for 8 nights, and none of those have been in the last 5 years. So I guess I'm just tired. <br />
<br />
What is the happy and the hard in the spot you're in?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-20665076049772717372013-08-02T11:08:00.002-07:002013-08-02T11:13:28.346-07:00The Great Closet Clean-Out & 100 Piece Wardrobe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In an effort to simplify life in general, I decided I must face my generously-sized walk-in closet. I'm rather embarrassed to show you the before photos, but I do want to be real. This space had become the depository for all kinds of things that didn't have any real home. Outgrown baby clothes, unfinished craft projects, luggage, bed linens, extra storage containers, current baby clothes for a sweet girl who moved in with her sister months ago, mother and baby items that won't be used again by our family, etc. I don't do well with undefined spaces, so the more types of things were put in there, the less I maintained order and the less mindful I was of my own stuff, mostly clothes. So I took a Saturday and tackled the closet, hauling out everything, deep cleaning the space, finding more logical homes for things not related to my personal presentation. That meant that I also took out every item of clothing I own and purged a lot. My goal was to trim it down to 100 items. I've been greatly challenged by the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/An-Experimental-Mutiny-Against-Excess/dp/1433672960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375420704&sr=8-1&keywords=7" target="_blank">7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess</a> and the blog <a href="http://theyearofless.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Year of Less</a>*, among other blogs, books and articles. With simplicity in mind, I listed out on paper all the pieces of my wardrobe that I was keeping. Listing things out made me realize a few items I may need to add as well as some categories that are a little too abundant. <br />
<br />
Why 100 items?<br />
* I simply needed to put a limit on the number of clothes I own and needed a place to start. For some people, 100 would be downright excessive and for others it would be way too minimal.<br />
* I needed motivation to weed out the things I wasn't using because of poor fit, unflattering design or color and lack of function in my current life stage. Setting a limit allowed me to release these things more easily. <br />
* I wanted to like my wardrobe better overall so I needed to get rid of the items I was just keeping because it felt wasteful to get rid of them.<br />
* I hoped for more empty space so it could be easily maintained. <br />
* Going forward, I want to be really mindful of what I bring in. Basically, I want to feel confident in the clothes I wear without giving it too much thought.<br />
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Did I meet my goals? Yes, and no.<br />
I did whittle my collection of clothing significantly, but my list of 100 pieces does not include scarves and such, swimwear or foundations. My list does include items for all seasons, dresses, skirts, blouses, tops, pants, shorts, sweaters, coats, workout clothing and pajamas. I'm no fashionista, but I don't think I'm any <i>less</i> stylish than before the purge. This experience has shifted my shopping habits and made me a lot more choosy about what I add. Because the rest of our home really lacks storage, toiletries and luggage and one bin of sentimental baby items are still in that closet, but I'm okay with that. I feel more content with what I have and my closet is a calming retreat. <br />
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After </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">one closet rod, one dresser and wire drawers for shoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And my wedding dress box, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">There are still a lot of toiletries, but they are organized and easily accessible.</span></div>
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I could shuffle things a bit more and make room for a reading corner or a little crafting desk, but for now I'm just enjoying the empty space. It feels like a breath of fresh air. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* no longer active, but the archives are inspiring</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-83575689148285328812013-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:002013-07-29T08:43:13.868-07:00End of Summer 10-Day MenuSummer came much too slowly and is leaving much too quickly, but we're trying to make the most of the fleeting days between the end of my husband's grueling statistics course and the beginning of the fall school routine for all of us. I meant to do a pantry challenge in July, but didn't manage that. Perhaps I'll give that another go in September. For now I'm just hoping to use all the perishables we have on hand to avoid food waste. I was pleased to be able to get 10 dozen eggs this weekend at just $.59/dozen, so those will be a central ingredient this time around. I'm trying to avoid going to the store so using what we have is the name of the game.<br />
<br />
<b>10 Breakfasts</b><br />
oatmeal with nectarines<br />
oatmeal with blueberries<br />
soaked oats with blueberries (x3)<br />
granola (x2)<br />
omelets (ham, cheese, peppers, mushrooms)<br />
blueberry muffins, homemade yogurt (x2)<br />
<br />
<b>10 Lunches</b><br />
egg salad sandwiches on homemade bread (x2)<br />
pasta salad with ham, cheese, peas, celery, carrot (x2)<br />
chicken salad sandwiches on homemade bread<br />
ham & cheese grilled tortillas<br />
leftover vegetable beef soup, add pasta for one meal (x2)<br />
snack lunch: hard boiled eggs, cheese, veggies & dip, fruit<br />
runzas<br />
<br />
<b>10 Dinners</b><br />
beef stroganoff (homemade noodles), green salad<br />
hamburgers, coleslaw<br />
homemade pizza (pepperoni, ham, red pepper, etc.), tossed salad<br />
<br />
runzas, salad<br />
spaghizza, tossed salad<br />
spiral ham, cheesy potatoes, veggie platter with dip<br />
mac & cheese with ham, peas<br />
ham & beans, cornbread, fruit salad<br />
tacos<br />
omelets, fruit crisp<br />
<br />
I'm lacking motivation for cooking these days, but this plan seems simple enough.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-9206440032943965392013-05-13T19:35:00.002-07:002013-05-13T19:36:31.433-07:00Embellished Tea Towel {Frugal Teacher Gift}As the end of the school year approaches I wanted to thank the teachers and helpers in our enrichment program in a personal, but frugal way. My sweet sister-in-law gave me a cool embellished towel last year for my birthday, so I copied that idea using fabrics I had on hand, since I love to get gifts I can really use. The flour sack towels came from <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/rachelmontgomery17" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>.<br />
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To start out, I prewashed all the towels and then pressed them before adding the embellishment.<br />
<br />
To make the embellishment strip I gathered or cut 45" wide strips of fabric. The strips were about 3" wide, but could be any width you desire. When I had a bunch of strips I sewed them together and added a few more strips until I had a big piece which was more than the width of the towel I was going to put it on (to allow for shrinkage and leaving enough at each edge to neatly turn it under on the edge of the towel. At this point I laundered the whole piece because I wasn't sure I had washed all the fabrics I was using and I really did not want it to bleed in the wash for the recipient of this gift. After ironing all the seams, I cut the large piece into strips (perpendicular to the seams), folded down and ironed the top and bottom edge of each strip and top-stitched them to the flour sack towels. Using strips that were 45" wide I was able to make 10 of these towels, just enough for our teacher list. :)<br />
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I paired these with some extras I had around the house, things like dish soap, hand soap, candles. Since those items were on hand, along with my fabric and thread stash, I really only paid for the flour sack towels, which came to a whopping $.75/piece. Of course, our teachers are worth so much more, but with our current budget, I hope they enjoy the gift even if I didn't spend much out of pocket.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite little gift to give or receive? </span><br />
<br />
See also: <a href="http://www.pursuitsofheartandhome.blogspot.com/2012/12/wrapping-paper-teacher-gift-day-5.html" target="_blank">wrapping paper teacher gift </a>& <a href="http://www.pursuitsofheartandhome.blogspot.com/2010/11/simple-teacher-gifts.html" target="_blank">another towel gift</a> for teachers<br />
<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-36342077669333057732013-05-13T09:27:00.000-07:002013-05-13T09:27:13.116-07:00Mid-May MenuThis morning I ran out to pick up our Bountiful Baskets and do a quick stop at the grocery store and now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed (so much produce!) and tired, much like the rest of life these days. We're busy wrapping up the school year and sports seasons. My husband is working on his finals for his first semester toward an MBA. I'm still plugging away at spring cleaning, very slowly. I feel a pretty big clutter purge coming on in the near future. And our kitchen is jam-packed with produce and a big purchase of dried beans. Time to get a plan and work toward some order.<br />
<br />
Several goals guide our menu this time around:<br />
1. Eat lots of produce and don't let any go to waste.<br />
2. Eat a bean-based dinner at least once a week. I found 3 lb. bags of organic sprouted <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TRUROOTS-ORGANIC-SPROUTED-BEAN-TRIO/dp/B005HXGHO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368294683&sr=8-1&keywords=truroots+bean+trio" target="_blank">beans</a> at Costco for $2.97. Inexpensive, high in protein and fiber, quicker-cooking, a pleasant taste...yes, we'll make these a staple until our 50 lb. supply is gone. <br />
3. Get back to making whole wheat bread. We haven't been eating much bread lately simply because I haven't been making it and it does help to round out a meal in a healthy way. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> I haven't done any real research, but at this point I still think that homemade bread from freshly ground, high-protein, chemical-free <a href="http://www.wheatmontana.com/index.php" target="_blank">wheat</a> is part of a healthy diet. Anyone else feel overwhelmed that eating "healthy" has so many different definitions depending on who you are talking to and what you are reading? I'll try to keep doing my best with the budget we have. </span><br />
4. Cook a little extra ahead every day so I'm not starting from square one for each lunch and dinner. <br />
5. Avoid much food shopping until the end of the month.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/11 - B: oatmeal & yogurt<br />
L: sandwiches, watermelon<br />
D: burgers w/ <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2009/07/homemade-hot-dog-buns/" target="_blank">homemade buns</a>, corn on the cob<br />
<br />5/12 - B: bagels & yogurt<br />
L: Mother's Day request - croissant turkey sandwiches, chips, key lime pie<br />
D: artichokes w/ garlic butter, cantaloupe, rolls<br />
<br />
5/13 - B: bagels & yogurt<br />
L: leftovers or pasta salad w/turkey<br />
D: beef taco salad, watermelon<br />
<br />
5/14 - B: soaked oats w/strawberries<br />
L: southwest salad (beans, corn, onion, pepper, etc.), chips & artichoke dip<br />
D: ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli<br />
<br />
5/15 - B: ww toast, yogurt<br />
L: leftovers or sandwiches<br />
D: stuffed peppers (beef, rice, beans), cantaloupe<br />
<br />
5/16 - B: cream of wheat w/berries, yogurt<br />
L: omelets (broccoli, turkey, cheese, etc.)<br />
D: BBQ beans w/ham, tossed salad<br />
<br />
5/17 - B: granola & yogurt<br />
L: BBQ beans, fruit salad<br />
D: potluck - huge salad w/dressings, cheddar & feta, cucumber, onions, croutons, etc., whole wheat rolls, main dish?<br />
<br />
5/18 - B: pancakes w/berries<br />
L: lunch out at the park(use a gift card for pizza) or leftovers at home<br />
D: runzas (cabbage, onions & beef in a homemade bread pocket), fruit salad<br />
<br />
5/19 - B: blueberry muffins (extra to freeze), yogurt<br />
L: runzas, fruit<br />
D: green beans with ham, quinoa, apple crisp<br />
<br />
5/20 - B: scrambled eggs, yogurt<br />
L: leftovers<br />
D: broccoli cheese soup, whole wheat rolls, fresh fruit<br />
<br />
5/21 - B: ww toast, yogurt<br />
L: soup, rolls<br />
D: spaghetti & meat sauce, tossed salad<br />
<br />
5/22 - B: ww toast, yogurt<br />
L: pizza soup<br />
D: sausage quiche, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/rhubarb-strawberry-crisp-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">strawberry rhubarb crisp</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I sub o.j. concentrate for the liqueur)</span>, orange juice<br />
<br />
5/23 - B: oatmeal, yogurt<br />
L: leftovers<br />
D: beans & rice w/toppings, fruit<br />
<br />
5/24 - B: blueberry muffins, yogurt<br />
L: leftovers<br />
D: pulled pork on homemade buns, coleslaw, fruit salad<br />
<br />
How do you cook through busy seasons? Hitting the drive through or stockpiling frozen food sounds appealing to me, until I count the financial and health cost. Suggestions?<br /><br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-35524053604622472972013-04-06T20:53:00.000-07:002013-04-06T20:54:57.865-07:00$400 Budget Bathroom Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I've been eager to do a makeover of our kids' bathroom for years now. So we jumped into this project in March with the help of our tax return. Since my husband has gone back to school and continues to work full-time, I knew I would need to do the bulk of the work. I'm so glad that it is now done! I learned so much along the way as we are not really do-it-yourself folks around here.<br />
<br />
Here is how the bathroom looked at the beginning of March.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGBrq3JogHYiyzRI15c6oTKvY6frgnMbt4SiEP31gmmeGgmlY4TwubwNNyhw5wudTvFOvYSlYnwG4CzVUlJdbHtUwl2zrQjW1E56vR7Bn1095-_DAXv6DvZO7pHBqQaFY5JAfQ4LrPvU/s1600/2013-04-031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGBrq3JogHYiyzRI15c6oTKvY6frgnMbt4SiEP31gmmeGgmlY4TwubwNNyhw5wudTvFOvYSlYnwG4CzVUlJdbHtUwl2zrQjW1E56vR7Bn1095-_DAXv6DvZO7pHBqQaFY5JAfQ4LrPvU/s640/2013-04-031.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oak cabinets, carpet, glaring lights, a mediocre paint job</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
So I set to work with the following steps:<br />
- painted both rooms of the bathroom<br />
- adjusted the counter with shims & redrilled the under screws so the sidesplash and countertop were properly alligned<br />
- removed carpet, carpet pad & vinyl flooring and cleaned up subfloor<br />
- installed vinyl plank flooring and transition pieces, including pulling the toilet & reinstalling (my husband took care of most of the toilet work)<br />
- removed mirror (my husband helped a lot with this)<br />
- hung new mirrors<br />
- replaced the lights with my husband's help<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">When we removed the old lights we discovered that the electrical boxes weren't centered over the sinks. Since we do not have the skills of an electrician and didn't want to add another big expense, we positioned the lights as best we could and decided to let them just be off-center for now. </span><br />
- hung a new towel rack<br />
- sanded, primed & painted the existing cabinets<br />
- caulked the counters & base of toilet<br />
<br />
I'd still like to accessorize, give the trim a fresh coat of white paint, replace the brass doorknobs & hinges and replace the light in the shower room, but those things can happen bit by bit in the months to come.<br />
<br />
The bathroom this week.<br />
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<br />
Cost & supplies break-down:<br />
* <span style="font-size: x-small;">indicates tools or supplies we'll be able to use again </span><br />
3 boxes <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100522807?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=allure+barnwood&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=100522807#.UV7seMqOo3I" target="_blank">Allure vinyl plank flooring</a> in Barnwood - $143.28<br />
*metal yardstick - $2.98<br />
*heavy duty utility knife - $4.48<br />
flooring transition pieces - $20.66<br />
1 gallon Valspar Journal Book semi-gloss paint - $29.97<br />
*1 gallon Valspar White semi-gloss paint - $29.97<br />
*1 quart Zinsser 1-2-3 Bullseye primer -$9.47 <br />
*spackle- $5ish<br />
brushes & rollers - on hand<br />
*4" high density foam roller kit & extra rollers, 1 good paintbrush, tape - $30.50<br />
4 brushed nickel cabinet knobs - $5.88<br />
*package of felt pads for corners of cabinet doors - $2.83<br />
2 <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_190827-76219-AAW1691STEEL_0__?productId=1054411&Ntt=outdoor+wall+light&Ns=p_product_price|0" target="_blank">galvanized wall lights</a> @ $12.49 each (on sale at 1 Lowes in town) <br />
3 pack light bulbs- $12.98<br />
2 <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202504225?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=martha+stewart+placid+mirror&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=202504225#.UV7rJ8qOo3I" target="_blank">mirrors</a> @ $29.96 each<br />
hook rack - free in the mail last year <br />
toilet wax ring - $4ish<br />
caulking - $4.44<br />
shims (to level counter) - on hand <br />
white shower curtain & liner - on hand<br />
curtain - on hand <br />
shower curtain rings - $.75 at Salvation Army <br />
*tools already owned - drill, hammer, putty knife, level, screwdrivers, electric sander, sandpaper, etc.<br />
drive-thru meal from Chick-Fil-A because mom was too busy with this to make dinner - Let's not count that expense. :)<br />
<br />
Total expenses - $392.09 + some taxes<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (difficult to calculate because I did not keep meticulous records and some items were purchased online and the tax rate is different than items purchased in town)</span><br />
Savings:<br />
sale of old mirror +$30<br />
gasoline savings earned by buying Lowe's and Home Depot gift cards at the grocery store to use for this project +$15.50 <br />
<br />
Grand total monetary cost for project = $346.59 + taxes <span style="font-size: x-small;">(amounting to less than 7.6%)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My hu<span style="font-size: small;">sband<span style="font-size: small;"> was a great suppor<span style="font-size: small;">t & encouragement <span style="font-size: small;">to me during th<span style="font-size: small;">is project. <span style="font-size: small;">Without h<span style="font-size: small;">is help with the <span style="font-size: small;">kids at night and support when I felt thing<span style="font-size: small;">s were not going to turn out, I would would <span style="font-size: small;">not have been able to complete this.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724400972586366442.post-20134281375440997362013-04-04T14:23:00.000-07:002013-04-04T14:23:11.734-07:00From Crib to College: Upcycled Bedspread from Crib SheetsWhen our youngest son graduated from a crib to a twin bed I saved a couple crib sheets which were made of sturdy fabric and were still in good shape. Then I cut them up in strips to use for the main part of the quilt. I added some strips of other fabric I had on hand, a large piece for the top to make the bedspread long enough, and used a blue cotton sheet we had on hand for the back. The filling was a queen size bat of low-loft batting which I doubled (bought a few years ago for $1 still in its package at a yard sale). He is pleased with his new blanket and I'm pleased that I could make something useful from items we already had on hand. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iOwBD5y8FSbX3pM6iAAwxO0Nu6khtyHIxd_098TfPcUWpwudbGk6CH1u2aws9RreagnZofRGXInKNB4hOEk1Mvp9oOK0l49w5tH3WQGbrO9PA5dWcPHAOJOcXjTrtRai1mtNeHqm2tg/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iOwBD5y8FSbX3pM6iAAwxO0Nu6khtyHIxd_098TfPcUWpwudbGk6CH1u2aws9RreagnZofRGXInKNB4hOEk1Mvp9oOK0l49w5tH3WQGbrO9PA5dWcPHAOJOcXjTrtRai1mtNeHqm2tg/s400/IMG_8479.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bedspread made using old crib sheets</td></tr>
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What have you upcylced lately? I'm always looking for new ideas for old things. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007673123765139732noreply@blogger.com1