tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71775308661639730832026-04-13T11:56:03.747-07:00Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.comBlogger1057125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-64114158201074070242012-12-12T18:53:00.000-08:002012-12-12T18:53:42.371-08:00

Hello out there....(knock, knock)  anyone still here?  I realized to the bloggy world it seems that I dropped off the face of the earth.  But there's a story in there somewhere. I started a part time job a little over a year ago that turned into full time and all of the sudden I blinked and found I went from a stay at home/homeschooling  mom to a full time working mom.&

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-91221387074218897502012-10-08T01:16:00.000-07:002012-10-08T01:16:00.075-07:00

It's been a busy few weeks at our house and I haven't had the time to come check in.   We knew the day was fast approaching that our oldest would get his license so we've been car shopping for a few months. The plan was to hand down our sturdy reliable Volvo to our driving kids and then Mama gets a new car!  Woohoo!  Our budget was super tight because we weren't going to go

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-45135073994526602332012-09-24T20:30:00.000-07:002012-09-24T20:30:25.783-07:00

I've been felling all domestic and nesty this week.  Fall seems to be postponing it's arrival around here so I've just decided to ignore the sun and start fall preparations anyway.  I drew the line when the kids asked if they could start a fire in the fireplace...even though I thought long and hard about it before I said no.  So today we picked as many apples as we could reach

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-70064608543310356462012-09-17T16:50:00.001-07:002012-09-17T16:50:22.020-07:00

Today was our oldest sons 17th birthday.   After a comical reenactment of his birth scene, which my husband and I could have won an Oscar for, we feasted on a breakfast full of meat (his favorite food group) and are now getting ready for dinner at Applebees.  Now that all our September birthdays are over, we are getting back into the school groove starting tomorrow.  Which

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-57263192267892944862012-09-10T18:23:00.001-07:002012-09-10T18:23:15.704-07:00

I've been lazy  the last few days.  Haven't menu-planned...haven't shopped...so I'm doing the last minute panic of not only throwing something together for dinner tonight off the cuff, but slapping together a quick menu for the rest of the week.    Oh, and we have the second of the September birthdays this week so we get to eat out!  Here's what is cooking...

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-34843898860782001612012-09-05T07:04:00.000-07:002012-09-05T07:04:00.348-07:00

I was at the hairdresser today and ran across a great recipe.  I was tempted to pull it out of the magazine but figured I could remember it in my head.    So I came home and whipped up these yummy little mini frittatas for lunch.  It's a great way to use up leftover pieces of cheese, veggies or meat and they look fun enough that all the kids ate them.   You

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-74955830933287065842012-09-04T00:30:00.000-07:002012-09-04T09:03:49.808-07:00

I love getting packages in the mail. Dove sent me a new product and I got an opportunity this week to try their new conditioner. Dove Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner showed up on my doorstep. So some background… I have really curly hair that is prone to frizz and dryness. PLUS, I color it because, well, the grays are winning… so my hair can get fried pretty easily.

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-85606375185471910472012-09-03T19:41:00.000-07:002012-09-03T19:41:06.792-07:00

I'm so ready for fall.  I like cozy sweaters, that nippy chill in the air, fires in the fireplace, and scarves.  I really love scarves.  So I'm happy about September.  It also happens to be a major birthday month around here.  All three of my boys are born in September.  I know, poor planning on my part.   September through December just costs a lot around

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-56968915811249511212012-08-28T13:13:00.001-07:002012-08-28T13:13:55.769-07:00

Scrimping till payday.  Here's what I got to supplement the ground beef and chicken in my fridge and rice, beans and pasta in my cupboards.  And does anyone else think cooking with cream of "something" soup is gross?  I still do it occasionally but if feels like such a cheat.  (random thought inspired by recent recipe research) Win-co Soy sauce $1.15 2 yogurts $

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-85133282046704221562012-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:002012-08-27T08:22:05.234-07:00

It's payday at the end of the week so we are being creative again.  I found a mystery casserole in my freezer that I forgot to label so I have no idea what it is.  But we're about to find out tonight.  Here's what is cooking at our house this week.  Breakfast: Amish Baked Oatmeal, eggs or fruit.  Dinner: Mom's Surprise (I think it's enchiladas...) Homemade Chicken

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-86396817527085975032012-08-23T08:04:00.000-07:002012-08-23T08:04:00.536-07:00

The average American doesn't take a lunch to work but instead opts to eat out everyday.  That adds up to a lot of extra money each week.  For the most part, when I'm at work I pack my own lunch.  I usually take leftovers and fruit and lots of water.  But there are days when I work longer than expected or I just couldn't get it together in time to pack something to take

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-44680913107696840532012-08-22T00:30:00.000-07:002012-09-10T18:04:11.538-07:00

I have a great new site for you guys to check out. ConAgra, makers of probably half the food in your pantry, has a site called The Dish. It’s a place for bloggers to get inspired about food posts, new products, recipes, money saving tips and so much more. For Food bloggers this can be a lifesaver when you’re in a foodie rut and your creative juices have dried up. Anyone, not just

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-21471530852524219062012-08-21T18:05:00.004-07:002012-08-21T18:05:59.582-07:00

I dropped of the oldest kiddo at his job, (so weird to say that) and the youngest and I had some quality time at the grocery store this morning.  Here's what we got... Win-co 4 cans tuna $6.00 TP $5.29 Coffee $7.54 2 gallons milk $4.98 shredded cheese $1.74 mayo $2.19 2 refried beans $1.76 bulk oats $.76 2 lbs carrots $.98 canned pinapple $.98 2 packs mushrooms $3.56 4 ears of corn $

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-71532375564842405242012-08-20T19:19:00.000-07:002012-08-20T19:19:33.798-07:00

Our grocery budget was short this month so I'm digging deep into the recesses of my cupboards.  It's shameful how much food I really have when I think I'm out of groceries.   But my cupboards are always full of beans, rice and pasta and I've always got a couple random chicken breasts or hamburger hidden in the back of the freezer.    Oddly enough it's weeks like

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-36484627414537496392012-08-17T06:13:00.000-07:002012-08-17T06:13:00.351-07:00

We often have scones for breakfast simply because they are easy to throw together and a sweet treat with a little jam on top.   This is a yummy recipe that even the kiddos can throw together.  And just for fun every once in a while, we'll put on a pot of tea and pull out the teacups to go with it.  Lemon Cream Cheese Scones 2 1/4 cups flour  1/4 cup sugar 

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-42925635943898833292012-08-14T17:45:00.002-07:002012-08-14T21:03:24.363-07:00

Didn't need much protein this week which was nice on the budget.  Here's what I got. Franz Bread Store Total $11 Win-co Bananas $1.21 sliced olives $1.19 TP $5.00 Pesto $3.98 2 tubs yogurt $3.36 2 cans sweetened condensed milk $3.08 almond milk $2.58 Mozzarella $3.15 2 packs hot dogs $1.16 tomatoes on the vine $1.30 ravioli $2.98 2 jars artichoke hearts $3.24 dish soap $.88 sliced

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-3709624729780487722012-08-13T09:44:00.001-07:002012-08-13T09:44:36.863-07:00

Ahh.  We had a wonderful vacation, just the hubby and I.  We hot tubbed, sat on the beach, took a dip in the chilly Pacific and soaked up the sun.  It was a nice little getaway and I'm already planning another one.  Maybe we'll take the kids next time...or not.   It's still quite hot here in the Pacific Northwest.  Uncomfortably Hot.  So most of my cooking

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-26370073701561828302012-08-10T03:00:00.000-07:002012-08-10T03:00:01.207-07:00

We drink lots of iced tea around here during the summer  Normally I make it on the stove top  and cool it in the fridge.  But recently I picked up one of these little doohickies and now I'm in tea heaven.  I really thought, "Tea's easy to make, why the heck would anybody use one of these things?"  But Ican't even believe how fast and easy it is.  I've been making

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-3695870093399783182012-08-09T02:30:00.000-07:002012-08-09T02:30:01.441-07:00

It just amazes me that we can make pretty much anything that we can get at the store.   Without the fancy packaging and name brand, we can save lots of money by doing it ourselves.  So here's a great recipe for those germ killing wipes we all know and love.   Homemade Sanitizing Wipes

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-25525600570229870982012-08-07T02:30:00.000-07:002012-08-07T02:30:00.355-07:00

Recently I've noticed that my laundry room has had a strange smell.  Not the dirty sock, stinky boy smell that I'm used to.  I realized it was my machine.  So I'm happy to dig this post out of the archives.  It works great to get any mildewy smells out of your washer and freshen up your machine. How to Clean your Washing Machine!

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-83107629694719129782012-08-05T20:47:00.000-07:002012-08-05T20:47:55.517-07:00

I'm taking a mini vacation so no menu plan or shopping trip this week. I will be pulling some oldies out of the archives for your frugal pleasure so keep watch and we will still have Fridays recipe swap.  Oh, and I just sent an email to the randomly generated winner of the KIND bar giveaway so check your emails to see if you are the one! Have a great week!  

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-9016870548021466842012-08-01T19:56:00.003-07:002012-08-01T19:59:04.724-07:00

A reader asked me about cleaning supplies recently.   Cleaning supplies are in a separate budget for me.  I spend very little on them though.  I buy new supplies about every 3 months and my total is usually around $10 to replace anything I've used up.  Some last longer than others.  Because I make all my own cleaning products,  I really don't have to

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-86125606958633564462012-07-31T18:39:00.001-07:002012-07-31T18:40:21.516-07:00

Don't forget to go HERE to enter to win a KIND bar cube worth over $40 dollars! I filled up the freezer this week.  Bought lots of protein and carbs and went a little over the weekly budget but well in range for my monthly total.  Here's what I got. Franz Mucho Bread $11 Win-co Hamburger Patties $7.98 flour tortillas $3.98 1 beer $1.69 onion soup mix $.86 green onions $.48

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-21400660142281787482012-07-30T21:47:00.001-07:002012-07-30T21:47:11.246-07:00

Before I go any further make sure to check out the KIND bar giveaway over HERE.  So this week I'm still working out of my new favorite cookbook.  It was nice to find some fresh crock-pot recipes to try out that are a little more gourmet than the usual crockpot fare.  Here's what is cooking. Breakfasts: Blueberry Pancakes, Oatmeal or fresh fruit Dinners:  Italian White

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7177530866163973083.post-70429942217780728042012-07-30T08:49:00.000-07:002012-07-30T15:41:28.472-07:00

I’ve got a fun giveaway for you this week. KIND, makers of healthy snack bars made from all natural ingredients, would like to give a 20 bar KIND cube away to one of my readers. It’s a value of $42.95 and one randomly chosen winner will get this delivered to their front door. These are new and aren’t even available for purchase yet. It includes -Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt,

Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02763405062458388462noreply@blogger.com64