Week 10 of Fun Fridays Giveaways- Spa anyone?

Congratulations to Nicole F, who won the beautiful Flexiclip from Lilla Rose and thank you to all who entered!  We have a few more weeks of fun, so here we go!

Today I want to tell you about a company called Lemongrass Spa and my dear friend who sells it.

Lemongrass Spa offers bath and body care for the whole family, as well as relaxing spa treats.  Their products are naturally handmade in the Colorado Rockies with ingredients that are not only safe, but beneficial to your skin.

I was first introduced to Lemongrass Spa by Arlana, yes the same friend with the amazing pizza dough recipe, at a Spa party!  Who would ever say no to having your feet pampered?  It was such a fun time and I loved the wonderful scents and fun products.  As with all of you, I am sure, sometimes this busy mom forgets to pamper herself once in a while.  It is a rare treat to do so, and so much appreciated when I get the chance.

That is not what sold my daughter on Lemongrass Spa though.  She loved that their products were natural...no harsh chemicals and other things you cannot pronounce.

Same thing for Arlana and the reason she started selling these wonderful products-

I received my first Lemongrass Spa products as a birthday gift from a special friend who knew I was looking for natural body care products for my family.  I loved being able to read the label and recognize the names of the ingredients.  I am committed to using bodycare products without harsh chemicals for my family; Lemongrass Spa produces the best products I have used.

Thus began our love of the shampoo, conditioner and body scrubs, and lately their makeup and hairspray.   And while I am known for getting many of those items for free in drugstores, my oldest has slowly convinced me of the value of putting safe products on our bodies.  I know, sad that my college kid is a little smarter than me! ;)

Anyway, we are sold on this company!  In addition to that, we are sold on helping this dear friend and her family adopt!  While they wait for a beautiful addition to their family by means of adoption, the J family is busy fundraising so everything extra they bring in is set aside for that purpose.  As a fellow adoptive family we know how expensive adoption can be and we love to help others in any way possible.  Ordering from Arlana is a win win situation in my book!  I would love for you to bless them by visiting their Facebook page, Growing a Lily and offer them a note of encouragement or check out her business site and do some shopping for yourself or for the holidays!

In the meantime, we want to bless TWO people with the same foot spa kit I was first introduced to!  In it you will find an Herbal Foot Soak, Walnut Foot Scrub and Peppermint Foot Balm.  You will love it! Just fill out the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

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Blessings,

Fun Friday- Two Months of Giveaways, Titus 2 Book review and Giveaway!

It is week seven of our now three months of Fun Friday giveaways!  Having fun?  I am!  If you are looking for a way to brighten your day, try blessing others!  You will be blessed in return, I promise!

Speaking of blessings, I want to tell you about a family that has blessed mine beyond words!  Meet the Maxwell Family from Titus 2.  I know, I have mentioned them before, but I am teaming up with them again for a brand new book they have released.  If you are not familiar with Titus 2 and all they do, I encourage you to visit their website and take a look.  I have been privileged to do reviews for them on their Managers of Their Schools book, as well as their IT OnRamp computer class.

This time up, Making Great Conversationalists, the newest release of the patriarchs of this amazing family, Steve and Teri Maxwell.  From their numerous books on parenting to their monthly articles, Dad's and Mom's Corners, on their website,  Steve and Teri have a heart for the Lord and families and it shows in all they do.  I was thrilled when they asked if I would take a peek at this new book and see what I thought.

Making Great Conversationalists is a 217 page book aimed at identifying what makes a good conversation and then how to improve ours and those of our families.  Who doesn't need a little improvement in that area?  I know we do!

Each chapter of Making Great Conversationalists is packed with valuable information and activities to help you implement the things talked about in that chapter.  I love that!  In 12 chapters, not only do Steve and Teri tell you their thoughts on conversations and how to improve them, backed always by Scripture, but then at the end of each chapter they have three sections to help you help your family put the words into practice.

  

In real life gives encouragement and some examples of how other families have implemented these strategies.

Boiling it Down reviews the most important take-away's from the chapter.

Making it stick are assignments for your family to try.  Ideas like conversation starters, practicing how to meet someone, and how to steer a conversation in a different direction are concrete ways of learning new skills.

One of my favorite chapters of the book was How Do We Handle Roadblocks?  

What are some roadblocks we can face?  Childish excuses such as not understanding or remembering facts, using filler words  (right, so, um , like!), anger, pride, interrupting, gossip, and many more!  By walking though scenarios with our children we can better equip them to be able to handle anything that is thrown their way.  More importantly-

"Encourage your children that The Lord will help them with the right words when they need them.  It is okay to feel inadequate.  We all feel inadequate at times.  However, these are opportunities to trust The Lord, allowing Him to work in and through us."  (p. 160) Amen!

I will have to say that conversation is one area that I thought our family pretty had down pat, but in reading this book I realized that there were still plenty of areas we could improve greatly in.  Like turning our conversations towards Jesus and what He has done in our lives just for starters.  From our 19 year old to our 6 year old and even dad and mom (that's me!) we all could use some fine tuning in the art of conversation.  And after all, isn't that an art that we should all be good at?

You can order Making Great Conversationalists from Titus 2 for $12.00.  I think it would make a great family gift for Christmas!

The Maxwells have generously offered to give a copy of Making Great Conversationalists to one of our readers.  Enter for your chance to win by entering the rafflecopter below.

Blessings, 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Friday Giveaway and Review!

Welcome back to our 5th week of giveaways!  (Yes, I am giving you a bonus day by posting early!)  Today I am excited to share a review to go along with this one!

Some of you may know I am not a huge fan of Christian Romance novels, but I do LOVE Christian fiction so I was so excited to get a chance to review the new book Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson, and its companion book, Own It by authors Michael and Hayley DiMarco.  They sounded like a good read and well, let's just say my 15 year old daughter is stalking waiting for the movie.  More on that in a minute!

Grace Unplugged is a story about a young Christian singer trying to make it big.  After several years of shadowing her dad and his brief but successful moment of fame, Grace Trey has the opportunity to make it on her own.  Unfortunately her journey in the music business in the "real world" challenges her faith more than she ever imagined.  Through the whirlwind climb to success, Grace has to decide whether her faith is real and whether she will follow the world or God.

The companion book, Own It, is a catalyst in that decision.  In the book, Grace reads the book, Own It, supposedly written by her pastor and given to her by a concerned friend.  As in the fiction book, Own It challenges you to decide if your faith is really your own just "rented, borrowed or fake".  Through the chapters it helps you see how faith will save you, cost you, change you, complete you and free you.
.

I would like to say I read Grace Unplugged as soon as I received it.  That would not be true, because my daughter IMMEDIATELY snatched it up and read it first!  We will talk about sharing later! ;)  She, of course, read it in a day!  It took me two!  We both enjoyed it immensely.  It is well written, entertaining and challenging. This modern day story will appeal to middle school to adult readers.  Alcohol, lying to parents and partying is mentioned, so if you are having a younger reader read it, I would recommend you take a look at it first.  Own It, on the other hand, I would recommend you save for slightly more mature readers, maybe high school and above.  It is a great book that I really enjoyed, but I do think the subject matter is just a little more challenging to grasp.

And the most exciting part, according to my daughter...Grace Unplugged, the movie will premier October 4, 2013.  Starring AJ Michalka and James Denton, I  have a feeling this movie will be a good one to see.  You can watch the movie trailer and see what you think!


And now...you can enter to win a copy of Grace Unplugged AND Own It by entering the rafflecopter below!  Hope you win!

Blessings,


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Fridays- Return of the Muffins, Week Four

For several years our family did a lot of camping and S'mores became a staple dessert for us.  We are not picky...over the fire, on the stove, or in the microwave, it's all the same.  So when I saw this recipe, I knew we had to try it. 

Print this recipe here!

S'more Muffins

3 tbsp. butter, softened

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

4 tsp. sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup sour cream

2/3 cup flour

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp baking soda

3 Tbsp. milk

1/3 cup chocolate chips

6 Tbsp. marshmallow creme (I used mini marshmallows instead)

In small bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy.  Beat in egg and then stir in sour cream.

Combine dry ingredients then add to wet alternating with milk until moist.  Fold in chocolate chips.

Spray  muffin tins and fill 1/4 full.  Spoon in 1 tbsp. marshmallow cream and top with remaining batter.

Bake at 400 for 14-16 minutes.

This says it makes 6 muffins.  I usually get 8!

Enjoy!

Thanks for joining in the fun with Return of the Muffins!  Hope you have found a few to add to your menu.  Up next...how about some pizza?

Blessings,

Fun Friday- Return of the Muffins- Week Three

C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E!  Need I say more?

Let me tell you why I am showing you a picture of this mix.  IT. IS. AMAZING!  Really.  Tastes like cake batter.  Just in case you wanted to know. 

This is also one of my favorite recipes because it makes 24 muffins.  Trust me- you will NEED 24 muffins!  Again, pretty sure this came from an old Taste of Home Magazine.  Haven't seen one in years, but boy, did they ever have some great recipes!

Print the recipe here!

Chocolate Muffins

2 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix wet ingredients together.  Mix dry ingredients.  Stir dry into wet ingredients until just moist.  Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake at 325 for 20-23 mins.

Makes 24 yummy muffins!

Well, are you making muffins this morning?

Blessings,

 

Fun Friday- Return of the Muffins, Week Two

Welcome back friends to our second week of muffins!  I wish you could pull up a chair and join us for a few in person.  Today's recipe is one of my daughter's favorites.  We eat a lot of apples around here, so this one is perfect!  I am pretty sure that this recipe came from a Taste of Home Magazine many years ago.  Just so you know, we grind our own wheat, so anytime a recipe of mine calls for flour we are using soft white wheat.  Yummy!

print the recipe here!

 

Apple Cream Cheese Muffins

 

3 oz. Cream Cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup diced, peeled apples

1/2 cup bran flakes

 

Mix together cream cheese, sugar, milk, eggs, butter lemon juice and vanilla until smooth.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 

Stir into cream cheese mixture until moist.  Fold in apples and bran flakes.

Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. 

Bale at 375 for 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Fun Friday- Return of the Muffins

Everyone loves muffins, right?  Or at least food.  :)  After posting about our Friday Muffins a few months ago, I got a lot of comments about people missing our muffins.  So for fun, I am running another month of Fun Friday Muffins.  Up first, Peanut Butter Oat Muffins.  My apologies to those that have peanut allergies, but my kiddos LOVE peanut butter so this is a favorite in our house.  Hope you enjoy!

 

click here for a printable recipe card!

Peanut Butter Oat Muffins

1 1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup quick cooking oats

3/4 cup brown sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

dash of cinnamon

1 egg

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.

Whisk wet ingredients until smooth.

Stir dry ingredients into wet until just moist.

Fill greased muffin cup cups 3/4 full.

Bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes.
Enjoy!

Fun Friday- Come meet the baby!

My youngest.  The longing of my heart for too many years to count.  My Guatemalan prince who amazes me daily, challenges me hourly and fills my day with talking!  You all do NOT have to worry I will ever get bored with this kiddo in the house.  He does not know a stranger and cracks the general public up.  You never know just what he will say.  And I tell his siblings almost weekly that I think he is smarter than all of them put together.  Seriously!  It's scary!  You all watch out- this kid is going to do great things.

Well, let's see how this goes! (His words, not mine, so reader beware!)


Where were you born CJ?  Guatemala

What makes you special?  I am adopted! 

What are your favorite things to do?  Play playmobile and play with my brother

What do you like to do with your brother and sisters? Play nerf wars

Are you smarter than they are? YES!

What do think you want to be when you grow up? A police officer so I can take people to jail!

What do you know about God? He made me.  And He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.

Isn't your mommy the best? Hey, I had to try! yes (heehee)

Where do you want to go on vacation next?  Why?  Great Wolf Lodge because they have a fun swimming pool!

Are you excited about moving to a new state? yes!  Because there are going to be hundreds and hundreds of snowstorms.

Postscript from momma...Yes, well at least hundreds and hundreds of boxes!  As you may remember we are in the middle of a move.  A wild and crazy one!  You can hear me rant, I mean, talk, about it on Monday!  See ya back then I hope.

Blessings, Michele

Fun Friday- Our First Son

First born son.  The child we were not sure we would have.  The child we were convinced would be another girl.  NOT!  All boy.  Loves his sisters dearly, leading his little brother with big footsteps.  He loves legos, airsoft and BB guns, but will also still cuddle with his momma.  Growing up more every day and makes me proud to call him son.  Entering that pre teen stage and we still like him.  I think that says a lot! ;)

Where were you born? Albuquerque, NM

What is your favorite thing to do? Build legos and shoot Airsoft Guns

How do you feel about those two sisters of yours that act like your mothers sometimes? Sometimes they are annoying, but they are still family. 

Since you like to tell stories, what is a funny story you remember about our family.  And yes, I will delete it if it is too embarrassing! One time at Busch Gardens Ashton screamed like a girl loud on the littlest drop of the water ride.  We were not even in the same car and we heard her!  It was funny and we still tease her about it.  (well, she IS a girl, son!)

Where do you want this family to retire? Soon!  Colorado!

If you could visit one place, where would you like dad to take you?  Momma doesn't like to fly, remember. That is a hard one mom.  It would be a tie between London and Australia

What would you like to be when you grow up?  You used to want to be a knight.  I want to go into the Air Force, just like dad.  (mom is still deciding if this one is ok!)

Three words to describe yourself.  Yes, three, son!  fun, friendly, and adventurous

How do you feel about homeschooling?  I LOVE it!  It gives me time to spend with my family.

What's the best thing you have ever gotten to do?  Target practice with dad!

What is one thing I would like to build out of lego?  CV-22 Osprey 

You can also read about our first born

and our second princess

Fun Friday- Our Second Love!

The second child.  Easiest child ever.  Seriously.  She asked US if it was bedtime.  Easy birth, sweet temperament.  Funny beyond belief, keeps me laughing and the most devoted friend someone could ever have.  And have I mentioned, TOTAL opposite of her older sister and yet they are best friends.

Where were you born, oh military child of mine?  
Florida, the land of beaches and Disney World. I really like Disney World.

What has been your favorite place we have lived and why? 
North Dakota. I had great friends there. I loved ice skating and riding horses. Playing with the neighborhood kids was a blast. It was a simpler time in my life. (That sounds very poetic.)

What is your pet peeve?  Just one please!
My goodness Mom, I don't have tons! My biggest pet peeve is when people try to talk to me when I'm in the shower. For the last time, I can't hear you.

What do you love doing?
Singing, dancing, reading, acting, and writing.

What is your favorite book?
Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan. Yes, I realize it's a middleschooler book. Yes, it's still my favorite.

What is the best thing about your mom? (just thought I'd slip that in)
Your humor.

What do you want to be when you grow up...because I KNOW that is your FAVORITE question people ask you?
I feel like Marius from Les Miserables when people ask this:

minus the 15 francs part, I've got a little more money than that.

Do you have a favorite animal and how much do you want daddy to get you one?
Cats are my favorite animals! and I would love Daddy to get me a cat(;

Describe yourself in three words.  OK, you can use more, cause you're my favorite!  ;)
 Dreamer, funny...adorable? I'm pretty adorable.

If our house was burning down and you could save four movies, after you saved your family, which ones would you save?
I'm now panicking over movies. I really like watching movies. I'd probably grab the Prince of Persia, Tangled, Phantom of the Opera, and Return of the King (which is the last Lord of the Rings movie)

What is your favorite thing about your father? (pay attention, gentlemen)
His laugh and his hugs. Daddy gives the best hugs.

What family rule did you dislike when you were younger, but come to understand and respect in your old age of almost 16?
Thank you for calling me old, Mom. Uhm....I suppose don't talk to Mom while she's on the phone. It was annoying when I was younger, but now I know how obnoxious it is when someone (ahem, CJ) tries to talk to you when you're on the phone.

Mountains or beach?  Never mind!  City or country?
Mountains on a beach! ahah.
And city to live in, country to visit. I think. Hard question.

What is your favorite memory?
Of all time? Jeez.
Visiting Yellowstone with the family. That was amazing. And we didn't get eaten by bears. Always a plus!

Any last words?  Make them nice, please...
Thanks for interviewing me Momma. I'll remember all you peasants when I am rich and famous.

me and my boyfriends back in 2011


Pop on over to read about our first princess!

Fun Friday- My First Born

Our first born. A pretty special girl.  Perfectionist, devoted, loving.  The child who cooks, cleans, encourages us to be healthier and encourages us to seek God with all our hearts.  Not the easiest toddler, but the easiest teen!  And now a college student excelling in all she does.  Yep, she is pretty special!

Where were you born?
First, I do not deserve the words mom wrote about me. Second, I was born in M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i.

What do you like about being the first born?
I had to think about this one.  I always wanted an older brother. =) I guess the opportunity to invest in my sibling and others.

How do you feel about your siblings getting to do things you were not allowed to do?  Go on,  just get it out of your system now! ;)
I think...I feel a wee bit...aggravated.  And yet, sorry for them.  For example, I was not allowed to watch the tv show "Arther" or drink soft drinks.  Colby does both.  (note from mom- He only does so on special occasions out, girlie!)  Poor child, corroding his mind...

What is your pet peeve?
Living in a dorm has revealed that I have more pet peeves then I had previously realized. (rest assured, I keep them to myself).  I think my biggest pet peeve is when people leave the sink a mess after using it.  Because then I feel compelled to clean it.

What is one of your favorite family memories?
I have no idea.  Seriously.  I guess any time the whole family is together, laughing and having fun.

Lest you think she is always serious! ;)
She is a pretty good nerf shot!

What is your favorite book besides the Bible?  And yes, just one!
The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom.  Hands down.  Every time I read it I am convicted of something new, or struck by an aspect of God's grace that I never considered.

What do you look for in a friend?
I do not know know that I look for friends, God seems to bring them to me and say "This one is for you."  But I find that my truest and closest friends are the ones who challenge me, seek the Lord and encourage me to do the same.  They aren't perfect, and neither am I.  We go through ups and downs, but my true friends love me anyway.  (And most of them
have a pretty good sense of humor.)

What is your favorite scripture?
That is not a good question, mom.  I do not have a favorite verse, it is impossible to choose. 

What led you to a Christian college?
God.  And I felt that it would be foolish of me, when offered the opportunity to spend several years learning about the Lord from professors who know Him personally and are committed to teaching truth, to turn it down. Where else can I acquire such a knowledge of the things of God and deepen my relationship with Him?  Not at a secular university.

What surprised you most about college?
The sheer amount of stress it causes me.  I know not everyone feels that way about college, but it stresses me out.  Sure I have fun sometimes, but mostly I am stressed.  Just my personality and need for excellence.  Needless to say, God and I chat about that often.

What do you miss most since going away?  Other than your amazing mom, of course.
The interaction with my family, and being understood.  It is always sad when I quote movie lines and no one quotes the appropriate line back (shout out to my Riley, who is amazing).  I did choose to go to a fabulous college that is slightly more conservative than I am, so I miss my music. =)

Give me three words to describe yourself.  Just three, please.
Christian.  Pioneer.  Ashton.

Anything else you want to tell us?  Now's  your chance...
I encourage you to seek the Lord, and to be open to His leading in your life.  My relationship with Him is the single most important thing in my life.  Do you have a relationship with Him?  If not, mom or I would love to talk to you about it.

I have been told that I am being too wordy, so I will stop now. =)
 -Ashton, or αστον  (my name in Koine ((Biblical)) Greek. Greek may or may not have((ok, it did)) contributed to the stress I talked about up there.)

Pop on over to read about our second princess!

Fun Friday- Let Me Introduce Myself to You!

--This upcoming series started out as a fun idea to highlight my kids on my blog.  They are, afterall, very much an integral part of my life and who I am.  I am a mom.  But I am also a few more things,  including wife to an amazing man so I decided to slip in a quick post about my hubby and myself first. 

Starting the first Friday in June, that's next week ya'll, I will introduce the four kids.  Fair warning, I got to interview them and they are more interesting than my hubby and me.  It's ok, it won't hurt my feelings of you agree!

Isn't he cute?  And lately he is 20 pounds lighter.  No kidding.  We started a weight loss challenge together and he beat me by a few weeks.  Not that I am jealous or anything.  And that's a whole other post. Moving on...

How did we meet?  In 8th grade.  Yes, really.  He was new at the school and I heard everyone talking about him being "back".  They knew of him from a few years earlier.

Did we always date?  Yes.  We dated each other, then each other's friends.  You remember how that used to work!  Sad, but true.

Are our kids allowed to date?  Heavens no. ;)  No casual dating allowed here.  We know how painful that can be.  OK, any relationships can be painful, but we want to avoid as much drama as possible.

Did we go to the same college?  Not by a long shot!  I tease him that I went to a real school.  He went to the AF Academy.  They actually had rules there.  Boring! heehee

How long have we been married?  Seems like forever, but it has only been 20 years.  Almost 21.  Where has time gone and does that make us old?

Where and when will we retire?  That is a VERY good question. I am just putting that out there in case he feels called to answer.  :)

Do you all really like moving THAT much?  Mostly.  I never saw my life with going on 13 moves in it.  BUT, it has been an adventure.  And a mostly good one at that!   Have I mentioned we are packing up yet again- in 17 days?!

Are you all as strict of parents as you seem?  Probably.  We love our kids dearly, expect a lot from them and then grin ear to ear when they live up to our expectations.  We figure if you are hard on them in the early years, you can enjoy them in the later ones.  So can everyone else.  So far, our theory is working.

Where do you see yourselves in 20 years? Tired.  heehee Just kidding!  Hopefully, snuggled in a little cabin in Colorado surrounded by our friends, kids and maybe a few grandkids even.  And thanking the Lord for the life He has blessed us with!

OK, I promise next week will be more interesting... I'll start with the first born.  Just wanted to let you know there was a real person behind the blog title. ;)

Blessings,

Fun Friday- Saving Money in the Kitchen Finale and Giveaway!

Well friends, welcome back to the last installment of Saving Money in the Kitchen.  Here we go...

Dinner time!  What's on your menu?  Fast food, you say?  Honestly, we do not usually eat out just for the fun of it.  Usually the service isn't that great, the food is just OK, and for a family of six it is just plain expensive.  Nope, we usually are only tempted to eat out when mom does not know what is for dinner.  It is irritating, it is unhealthy and it is costly. 

But I struggle with menu planning.  Can anyone relate?  The planning part is not so bad really but the coming up with things to actually put on the plan, well, that is another story.  I waffle between feeling like I am boring my family to death to trying out long, fancy recipes that take a lot of time and they all turn their nose up in the end anyway.  So. Done. With. That!

I have a new solution!  You are going to love it!
I have just finished up my second round of cooking what someone else tells me to cook for a 13 week stretch.  I love it.  I just open the book and follow someone else's plans and recipes.  Easy!

My worn, well loved copy!

I have mentioned Rachel Master's cookbook, Supper's on the Table, Come Home before.  In this 253 page, spiral bound gem, Rachel gives you 13 weeks of 5 meals each with sides along with their recipes. To sweeten the deal she also adds a complete shopping list for each week- staples included!  AND to make it even better, a special dessert and one snack idea are included for each week with all the recipes AND ingredients list.  What else could you need?

It was written by a mom with kids for a mom with kids.  'Ya know what I mean?  None of that creame de 'la something, or fancy-smanshy, I cannot pronounce nor will my family ever eat recipes.  Just real life stuff, with real life ingredients.

These are good solid meal plans- a main dish, a veggie recommendation and often a bread of some sort or a fruit.  Did I already mention kid friendly?  I admit to having 3 out of 4 picky eaters.  I do not know how it happened, but yes, my kids are somewhat picky and opinionated about food.  Out of the 80 meals listed I only replaced about 5.  And they were pretty easy fixes.  Where split pea soup was listed, for example, I just changed it to pork loin. (sorry Rachel)  I simply marked out the ingredients for that meal on the shopping list and added my own.  Now when I shop, I copy the week's ingredients list, mark out all the things I already have on hand and go get the rest of what Rachel tells me I will need.

A no brainer.
And a life saver.

Could it get any better?
Well, actually it can!  Because at the end of the book are bonus recipes for everything from homemade mixes (we use the biscuit mix recipe all of the time) to holiday meal ideas and a even section on food allergies.

Why reinvent the wheel?
Actually, I did reinvent the wheel a little.  I admit the organizational side of me loves this concept, so I got out a notebook and the recipes I have that my family loves and made my own 13 week schedule, complete with shopping lists.  It is not nearly as well done as Rachel's, but it will do.  Now I do not have to menu plan for 26 weeks.  Yea me!

This cookbook makes a great gift for young people just starting out with cooking.  Because most recipes are not too labor intensive, it is an opportunity to learn how to ease into cooking.  Rachel gives start times for each portion of the meal, helping to get it all on the table at the same time.

Want one?  You can order a copy of Rachel's book, Supper's on the Table, Come Home from her website ~ for $15.00.

Or...

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Looking for ways to save money?  Menu planning can be a great tool to keep you out of the grocery store too often, and keep you from those impulse items that end up costing us way too much.  Give it a try and see if it doesn't help!

Blessings,

This post is being linked up with Amy, At Raising Arrows!

This post in being link to Caroline at The Modest Mom!

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Disclaimer- Opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way by the publisher.  I did not receive compensation in any form for this review.  The cookbook offered is from the generous offer of Rachel!

Fun Friday- Saving Money in the Kitchen- Non food items

Welcome back to my latest Fun Friday series Saving Money in the Kitchen.

 We have talked about meat, breakfasts and lunches, mixes, staples and drinks...on to the "extras."  You know, napkins, paper towels, vitamins, toiletries, and don't forget the pets!  I know that many people have a separate budget for these items but we choose to keep them in the grocery grouping as that is where I buy most of that stuff.  It just makes it easier for me.  I found that the more categories I create in our budget the more complicated I make it for myself.  I do make a separate Walgreens run, but I will get to that in a minute.

So here's the thing.  This seems to be an area that people really tend to overspend in.  I would suggest that you would be surprised if you separated and added up these type items from your grocery bills. Between what we think we need and the fun bottles and advertising, this area can KILL a budget fast!  Trust me.

Let's talk about how we save!

Napkins and paper towels.  Simply put...don't buy them!  About five years ago I decided that enough was enough.  It made me cringe to just throw money into the garbage like there was no tomorrow.  I found several packs of cloth napkins on sale and we use them solely.  I love them!  I personally use dark colors as they show stains less, but I do know that others use white so they can bleach them.  Do what works for you.  We use them until they get dirty and then they get thrown in the wash.  We have acquired enough that it is never an issue to run out.  If you are handy, get out your scrap cloth and make a set.  Same thing goes for paper towels.  Our family could go through some paper towels, I tell ya!  No more.  I purchased some cheap Walmart white dish towels and that is what we now use instead.   It may not seem like a lot, but again, I challenge you to add up the costs.  It may just shock you.

Dog food- Yes, we do feed our dogs.  No, we do not buy expensive brands.  I buy what is on sale and use coupons when I can.  I buy the largest size I can that lasts for the month.  I love my dogs, but they are dogs...I love my family more.  They are healthy (the dogs, that is.  Well, the kids too) and have not complained yet.

Shampoo, toothpaste and soap, oh my!  Oh my is right!  Those things are expensive.  Here's where it helps to not be brand loyal.  If you want to be loyal, but loyal to your friends, not brands!  I buy what is cheap, on sale and has a coupon.  Sorry folks, no fancy things here.  The point is to get clean, not win an award for fanciest products.  Because my husband travels we also use the soaps and shampoos he brings back from his hotel rooms and so often go months without buying extras.  And toothpaste...stop buying it!  No, I do not mean stop using it, but certainly stop paying money for it. Using coupons, especially ones that double, with on sale toothpaste as well as toothbrushes will result in FREE products.  You can't tell me coupons are not worth it sometimes.  Not to mention, if your family is going to a dentist twice a year you should also be given a new toothbrush every six months to supplement.

Vitamins- This is where Walgreens, or any drugstore, comes in.  In addition to the essential oils our family uses, we do take a lot of vitamins.  I buy them when they are buy-one-get-one deals, have coupons and earn "points" on a reward card.  It cuts the cost drastically and earns free money to be used the next time around.  If you do not know how play this little game, there are lots of websites out there that for free will alert you to sales and coupon match ups.  Again, it is worth it.

Tin foil, plastic wrap and other paper products.  We use very little of it.  I do keep tin foil around (usually) for the grill, but not for wrapping up stuff to just stick in the fridge.  Haven't used plastic wrap in a long time.  I did invest in some of those little plastic food covers, you know, like the ones our grandparents use.  You can often find them at the dollar store.  They fit over different sized dishes and work to keep food covered.  I have even heard of people using shower caps to do the same thing. Might have to try that!  Instead of all those plastic containers for food storage, we use mason jars and a few glass pieces that have lids.  Better to wash than to throw out.  And as for those paper plates, at one time I thought that was my answer for lunches with the kids since they eat at home every.single.day, but I realized it was just an expensive fix to try to save myself from washing dishes. Sure they are good for picnics, but I would save my money for something else otherwise.

 

And last but not least, cleaning products.  Most of you know where I stand on this, but let me revisit a few things for just a second.  I used to be queen with a capital Q of cleaning products.  I got them for cheap using coupons and sales and I stocked up on them.  With a little hounding (read here A LOT) from my oldest daughter, I stopped buying that stuff.  We now use natural ingredients and I promise, I am pretty sure my house is still as clean.  Most of those ingredients include essential oils and castille soap, (probably the two most expensive things I buy but they last forever), baking soda, and vinegar.  You can check out my  recipes here, here and here for the three I use the most.  Our laundry detergent is also one we make for much cheaper and LOVE!  It only takes a few minutes to mix up any of these and it will save you a ton of money.

Does saving money take thought?  Yes.  Does it take time?  Yes  But so does anything else you do that is worth doing.  By making well thought out decisions and changes you CAN save money.  Give it a try and see if I am right.  If you can only do a few things at once, pick some that sound easy and start small.  You can add things as you go.  Rome was not built in a day.

I would love to hear how you are saving money in the kitchen and what changes you have made already!

Next week we are going to conclude our series with Menu Planning and one of my favorite cookbooks to help you get started.  Hope to see you back!

Blessings,


  This post is linked up with Caroline at The Modest Mom!   Linking up with Amy at Raising Arrows!