Menu Maker Mom

"Houston, we have liftoff..."

2011-10-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

My girls have done it! They've become egg layers! We waited and waited. I fed them, talked to them, and hoped that one day they would start doing what chickens are made to do... LAY EGGS!

I think we'll be enjoying pound cake, frittatas, huevos rancheros, deviled eggs, and more in the coming weeks. All I can say is, "YUMMM!!!"

Menu of the Morning :: Bible Study :: Serving up some love, Jesus style!

2011-10-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

For just a few short moments in the quiet of the morning it's just me, a cup of coffee, a wonderful candle, and my Bible. This is how I get ready for a hectic day ahead of me. Any Mama can use a quick Bible Study in the morning... It just sets you on the right path for the day!

I was reading John 21 this morning ~ a very short, but very deep chapter. I learned a couple of things that I want to share... Hope you enjoy!

1. John 21 starts off with Jesus asking the disciples to follow him, which they do without batting an eye. It's the story of the disciples fishing all night, never catching a thing, being told by Jesus to throw out their nets again in the morning, taking in a huge catch, and upon his request they leave it all behind ~ the boat, the nets, the huge catch ~ and follow him. He simply says, "Follow me"... and they do.

Sometimes we have to leave things behind, even if we think they're important. Maybe you're hanging onto your time or your belongings when they could be useful to someone else. Maybe you have a huge harvest of worries and your net is full. Maybe you're hanging onto ghosts from your past. Maybe you're in the midst of a choice that is hard to make. To you and your full net, He says, "follow me". Trust Him. He has something special planned for you!

2. In John 21:12, Jesus calls the disciples in to breakfast and then serves them himself. Sounds like a Mama! Yes, Jesus was cookin' the bacon and plating it up! The guys were tired, and Jesus wanted to make sure they were fueled up for the work he had in store for them. They were weary, and He was there to wait on them, pamper them just a bit, and give them rest.

Guess if us Mamas and Papas are supposed to follow Him we need to start serving with a smile. Gotta serve up some love and some Jesus along with that breakfast and supper to our young disciples (and the old one we're married to)! Fellowship at the table is important, and Jesus set the example. Make sure your table is clear of junk, papers, and other items, and that it is welcoming for a meal whenever you possibly can. I keep a basket nearby for quickly removing the things that seem to accumulate. You don't need to go overboard with decorations and tablecloths and such, just make it welcoming. Get your menu planned, your groceries purchased, and your meal on the table. Make this time a priority so your family can gather around the table, find rest, refuel their bodies, and get ready for the work at hand.

3. Finally, in John 21:22, Peter is asking Jesus about how another disciple might be treated better or differently than he. Jesus had just told Peter about his fate, but in response Peter doesn't comment about what lies ahead for himself, but asks about the fate of someone else. He's just like a kid who says, "That's not fair!!!" Jesus says, "...what is that to you? As for you, follow me."

Don't we all compare ourselves to others from time to time?? The desire to have or be what someone else has or is can sometimes cloud our thoughts. There have been a couple of times I remember being surprised to find that someone who I thought had it "ALL", really had an enormous mess that I'd never want share. I end up being embarrassed that I was just a little jealous.

Being content with who we are, what we are, where we are, and with what we have is one of the keys to following Him. Model contentment to your family with your grateful heart, your ability to forgive, and with your desire to serve. Your content heart will set the tone for your family, and they will also hear His voice saying, "As for you, follow Me!"

Time to take control!!!!!

2011-10-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all!!! Have you ever gotten so crazy-busy that you feel like a little hamster running round and round, working feverishly but never seeing any progress?

That’s how I’ve been in my kitchen for the last two months…

So what happened, you might ask??? Well, high school started, and I feel like someone hit me over the head with my favorite big cast iron frying pan! I walk around seeing stars all the time, wondering what the heck happened???!!!

Life with teenagers who love being involved in EVERYTHING has been a little hectic, to say the least... We seem to go from activity to activity, from sun up to sun down!! On top of working full time, my extra-curricular activities include driving kids to and from athletics, marching band, and FFA animal duties, FFA judging contest practices, and so on and so on.... Then there’s out of town volleyball games and Friday football games….

In case I didn’t have enough to do, I also became an officer in our Band Boosters club and was put in charge of a very busy concession stand, AND I signed up for a BOOT CAMP at my favorite gym!!!! (www.nessasgym.com)

Thank goodness for Menu Maker Mom’s Make-a-Menu System, which has kept my family fed with yummy, budget friendly, healthy food!

This system is so easy, and anytime you make this Mama's job easy, it makes this Mama happy! And everybody around here knows that IF MAMA AIN’T HAPPY, AIN'T NOBODY HAPPY!!!

So without further adieu, I give you ….. {{{drumroll, please}}}

MY MENU (for the next 2 weeks)

Oct. 3 - Monday - Crockpot night - EASY Sirloin tips in savory brown gravy with roasted carrots and potatoes, pear crisp for dessert

Oct. 4 - Tuesday - Crockpot night - Spaghetti and homemade meatballs, salad, garlic bread sticks

Oct. 5 - Wednesday - Crockpot night - Mexican frijoles with cast iron skillet cornbread

Oct. 6 - Thursday - Grilled chicken fajitas (thanks, HEB, for marinating these and pricing them at $1.00/lb. through Tuesday!), guacamole, and all the fixin's, tortillas (corn and flour), chopped salad

Oct. 7 - Friday - FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!!! - Will be looking for some burgers in Natalia, Texas!

Oct. 8 - Saturday - Menu Maker Mama's Pizzaria!!!, soda and ice cream floats

Oct. 9 - Sunday - Annual FFA bbq fundraiser! YUMMM!!!!

Oct. 10 - Monday - Herbed oven roasted chicken with gravy, steamed rice, sauteed green beans, angel fruit salad

Oct. 11 - Tuesday - Crockpot night - Mama's chicken and rice soup

Oct. 12 - Wednesday - Roasted pork loin with fresh sage and root vegetables, baked apples with raising and cinnamon

Oct. 13 - Thursday - SUPER EASY Southwest chicken, rice, and black bean tortilla wraps. YUMMM!!!

Oct. 14 - Friday - VOLLEYBALL AND FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!!! - Concession stand hot dogs!

Oct. 15 - Saturday - AREA BAND MARCHING COMPETITION! - Out to eat at a local steakhouse, Hermann Sons Steakhouse, with a fab reputation for good old fashioned yummy food!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please drop me a line and let me know how your cookin' is coming along!

Love y'all!

Menu Maker Mom

MENU PLAN MONDAY

2011-07-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Can't believe our summer has gone from full-speed ahead to a skreeeeching HALT! Of courses, this halt is on the eve of a school schedule that starts BEFORE school, and this new schedule is also FULL-SPEED AHEAD. We just don't know "slow" around here!!!

This week we're keeping it simple. I'll pick up the Menu Maker Mom pace next week! Check back often!

MONDAY :: Pan-fried kielbasa with potatoes and onions, fresh spinach and romaine salad

TUESDAY :: EASY beef tips with mushroom gravy over steamed white rice with parsely, steamed green beans

WEDNESDAY :: Frijoles borrachos (drunk beans), cornbread, fresh salsa

THURSDAY :: Asian stir fry of chicken, broccoli, and carrots and whatever else we can find in the fridge!

FRIDAY :: Bean and cheese tacos on fresh tortillas

SATURDAY :: Shopping day! After a long, hard day of shopping, we'll arrive home to a fresh crockpot of Taco Soup. I don't care if it's 105 degrees outside... We still love Taco Soup!!!

SUNDAY :: Finger-lickin', slow bar-b-que'd pork ribs with a huge garden salad and au gratin potatoes. Will be so good it'll bring tears to our eyes!

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI - TEENAGE STYLE

2011-07-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

8 ounces dry spaghetti
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1-1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups frozen vegetable mix, thawed (broccoli, cauliflower, carrot)
1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
1-1/2 cup chicken broth (not pictured)
Olive oil
Salt, pepper, paprika

1. Before you start cooking, please wash your hands!!! Turn on the oven and set to 350F. Get out a casserole dish and butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and place in the greased casserole dish. Teenagers love to throw spaghetti at the wall to see if it's done. If it sticks, it's done! (Please ask the owners of the walls before throwing food!)

3. While the spaghetti is boiling, saute the chicken breasts in 2 tbsp. olive oil until completely cooked through.

4. When the chicken is completely cooked, turn off the heat and add the mushroom soup to the pan. Add pepper and paprika to taste, about 1/2 tsp. of each. Be careful when adding salt, as the soup and cheeses have plenty of sodium.

5. Add the thawed vegetables to the casserole dish, along with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.

6. Now it's time to add the chicken and sauce. Mix it all together. Don't eat it yet!

7. Top the dish with 1/2 cup each of cheddar cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Be careful not to add shredded knuckles or fingernails to the recipe!!! Eeeewwww!!

8. Bake for about 30 minutes and get ready to dive in to the cheesy, gooey, yummy mess!

The Chicken Spaghetti Story

2011-07-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

It was 10:45 in the morning. My cell phone vibrated in my hand and I saw that one of my daughters was calling. My motherly instinct said, “Worry”! After all, my 14-year-old twin daughters and their best friend rode their bikes across town to feed and care for their FFA animal projects at the school’s agricultural barn. It was a short ride, but one that took them across a small highway. Well, as you know, we Mamas like to worry, and I’m an expert at it!

“What’s wrong?”, I abruptly answered.

“Mom do we have any chicken?”, asked Baby B

“Chicken?” I curiously replied.

“Yes, Mom. We want to make chicken spaghetti, but don’t worry. We’re going to ride our bikes to the grocery store to buy the other stuff.”

Let’s park here for a moment. My kids were offering to shop and cook. While my girls like to cook, they have never wanted to shop for the food, much less ride a bike to the store and spend their own money on said food. Were my girls abducted by aliens while they were bike riding? Were these industrious shopping and cooking teenagers really just extraterrestrial replacements?

I granted permission, promised to thaw the chicken, and started a litany of worried mother’s advisories: “Just be careful crossing the highway. Use the crosswalk. Don’t talk to strangers. Remember, bad people don't always look weird. Don’t ride against traffic. Stop at the stop signs. Call me when you get to the store. And…”

“We’ll be fine, Mom. Thanks! See ya later!” Baby B sang to me.

By the time the shoppers arrived home, I discovered that they had decided to do some additional shopping by first taking a detour to a feed store to buy a $15.00 can of fly spray. Apparently the barn had flies of biblical proportions, and they needed the expensive stuff to get rid of the infestation. After that, they rode their bikes to the grocery store and purchased all the ingredients for their lunch. Before riding home, they went back to the ag barn to spray those pesky flies.

Finally, about an hour after that phone call, they arrived home hot, thirsty, and hungry. Amazingly, I was never asked to cook the casserole dish that they had planned. (I just helped a bit here and there.) And about an hour after their arrival, we were all eating delicious Teenage Style Chicken Spaghetti. YUMMM!!!

The Weekender Menu

2011-07-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Menu making in the summer has been totally unplanned and haphazard around here. As a die-hard list maker and menu maker, I’m surprised that it hasn’t bothered me in the least bit! We’ve pretty much made sure to have a variety of ingredients on hand, then we made whatever we were hungry for at the time that we were hungry!!

We've had LOTS of cooking fun around our house, and we made lots of happy foods like:

LOTS of cupcakes

Tex-Mex Ceviche

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos

We enjoyed the fruits of our garden by making loaves and loaves of zucchini bread

and salads with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers

And we grilled out as much as possible.

Now that the calendar page is turning to a new month, those lazy, unplanned summer dinners are being thrown out along with our previously uncluttered summer schedule! As of August 1^st, I head back to the office, and my kiddos start athletic 2-a-days, marching band practice, and they start training a new batch of FFA animal projects. Kitchen play time is over!

To get us back into the swing of things, I’ve put together a mini-menu just for the next few days. We’ll pick up the pace next week with our regular menu planning.

**************************************************

Here’s what’s on tap at Kitchen a la Menu Maker Mom for the next few days:

Friday:

Lunch prepared by 3 teenagers – Their version of chicken spaghetti!!! (recipe to follow)

Dinner – Grilled ranch-style hamburger patties, herb crusted oven fries, garden salad, iced tea

Saturday:

Breakfast – Omelets made with fresh eggs, freezer biscuits

Lunch – Grilled cheese sandwiches, Claussen pickles, carrot dippers, Quinoa salad

Dinner – Roasted sticky chicken, rosemary oven potatoes, fresh steamed green beans

Sunday:

Breakfast – quick cinnamon rolls from the can, make peach cobbler to take to church.

Lunch – Fellowship potluck dinner after church service. I just love this!

Make-ahead – Chicken salad, quinoa salad, chocolate chip cookies

Dinner - Homemade pizzeria pizza and side salads

****************************************************

Please visit me again over the next few days. I’ll be sharing a few of my recipes like the teenage version of chicken spaghetti, money-saving freezer biscuits, flavorful and nutritious quinoa salad, my delicious chicken salad, the totally homemade Menu Maker Mom’s Easy Pizzeria Pizza, Rosemary Oven Potatoes, and Krystal’s Peach Cobbler.

Happy Cookin'!!

Look, Mom!!! No braces!!!

2011-07-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! We made it to "De-Banding Day"!!!!!

I’m so thrilled that we’ve reached the goal of nice straight pearly whites. Yes, my daughter’s teeth have finally arrived at graduation day!

Gone are the days of chopping up sandwiches into tiny pieces and slicing the kernels off corn cobs. We are happy to announce, “So long, monthly dental appointments. Goodbye, tooth wax!”

Her teeth are beautiful, and we appreciate the tender and professional care by her orthodontist, Dr. Gonzales, of Oakwell Farms Orthodontics. Never the type of orthodontist to rush into anything, Dr. Gonzales took things slow and cautious. We arrived at our goal right on time, and beautifully, I might add!

Here's a photo of my girl with Dr. Gonzales. I just love that beautiful smile! It was gorgeous before braces, but that smile is awesome now that we've finished!!!

Now to the menu:

Think I’ll be adding buttery, juicy corn-on-the-cob and super messy, meaty bar-b-q ribs to the menu for this weekend’s dinner. Time for those choppers to dive in!!!!

CHICKENS!!

2011-07-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogland Friends! It's been such a long time since we've visited. I'm sure your life has been busy, as has ours... which is why I haven't posted a single thing in such a long time!!! My year has been full of animals, children (sometimes I think they are one and the same!!), my job, hubby's job, vacations, sports, family, and pretty much the busy business that makes up family life. Wouldn't have it any other way!

With all the busy activities, I've found a new hobby that brings calm to my life: Backyard Chickens!!!

Here's a photo of one of the girls. She's pretty spunky and has lots of personality. Kind of bossy too. Reminds me of... ME!!

I love my chickens, and I owe my newfound joy to my friend Laura. On a Saturday early in June, Laura showed up at my house with a pen full of five hens. I was so excited, as I have ALWAYS wanted chickens.

Growing up in the city, I would never have considered having a clucking chicken in my citified backyard. After marrying my farm-raised husband, chickens were first on my list of country acquisitions. Hubby, who as I just said had grown up in a farming family and always had backyard birds, wanted NOTHING to do with any type of poultry, unless it was fried and on his plate! Since I needed his help, and he wasn't offering any in the chicken department, I put my backyard bird plans on the back burner.

Fast forward through 24 years of marriage, and hubby finally found it in his heart to build me a chicken coop! I absolutely love my little chicken castle, which is a remodel of my children's playscape. Hubby built that for them when they were 3 years old, and since they've become teenagers, it has sat lonely and forgotten in our backyard. He removed the slide and swings, covered the place in chicken wire and fencing, surrounded it with a bit of electric fencing (dogs think chicken tasted good!!), built the birds a perch, and put nesting boxes inside. I quickly added a little herb garden and decorations to the front.

Having backyard chickens is strangley relaxing and entertaining. Have you ever watched a bunch of hens chasing a grasshopper or getting all clucky and excited about a handful of weeds? Talk about funny!!! It's like watching me in the store when there's a sale on shoes. Crazy!!!

Waiting 25 years for a few chickens has made me appreciate the girls. Now my mornings are filled with happy clucks and chicken scratch! I'm learning all I can about the little egg makers, and I'm anxiously waiting for those first little eggs. Can't wait!!!

BATCH COOKING :: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

2010-08-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

**updated on 8/4/2010**

Get ready to fill your freezer with 5 delicious chicken recipes. What’s great is that 2 of these recipes are perfect for busy nights and use the crock pot. One of the recipes is a healthy replacement for your kiddo’s favorite chicken nuggets.

Be sure to look for bags of boneless skinless chicken breasts on sale. Each bag usually comes with 6-8 pieces, so buy at least 5 bags. If you spend $6.00 per bag, your meals still cost less than $6.00 each!!! OR you can purchase bags of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lower price.

** Don’t forget to add these meals to your Make-a-Menu Calendar as soon as they hit the freezer!!**

MENU MAKER MOM’S FREEZER MENU:
Tropical Chicken
MMM’s Crunchy Chicken Tenders
Sensational Chicken and Potatoes
Parmesan Chicken
Hurry Up Chicken Fajitas

INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1 cup spaghetti sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup orange marmalade
4 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. flour
4-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. minced garlic (fresh or jar)
½ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground cumin
2-1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. season salt
4-1/2 tsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1/3 cup bread crumbs
30 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Small box/bag of cornflakes (about 14 oz.) (store brand is great, or use coupons to get FREE cereal!)
2 Green peppers
2 onions
4 potatoes
1-1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
4 cups milk
4-6 slices mozzarella cheese
1 cup parmesan Romano cheese, grated
1 8 oz. can pineapple chunks

FREEZER SUPPLIES:
2 quart freezer bag, 3 gallon freezer bag. Label your freezer bags:

1 quart-size bag with “Tropical Chicken”
1 gallon-size bag with “MMM’s Crunchy Chicken Tenders – bake on cookie sheets at 350 for 10-15 minutes”
1 gallon-size bag with “Sensational Chicken and Potatoes”
1 gallon-size bag with “Parmesan Chicken”
1 quart-size bag with “FAST Stovetop Chicken Fajitas”

KITCHEN TOOLS:
3 large mixing bowls, 2 cookie sheets, 1 shallow bowl, 1 medium mixing bowl, food processor or blender (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP:
1. 4 HOURS or ONE NIGHT BEFORE: Marinate 6 chicken breasts in ¼ cup Italian salad dressing in the refrigerator.

2. Cut 10 chicken breasts long-wise into ½” strips. Put one half the strips into the bag labeled “FAST Stovetop Chicken Fajitas”. Add 2 Tbsp. minced garlic, 2 Tbsp. canola oil, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tsp. pepper, 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp. ground cumin, 1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice to bag. Squish and squeeze to coat. Seal and freeze.

3. Cut the other half of the chicken strips further, into 2” slices. Put into the medium bowl. Sprinkle 3 Tbsp. flour over top and toss together. Put into the bag labeled “Tropical Chicken”. Seal and freeze.

4. Heat oven to 350. Coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Pour 4 cups milk into a large bowl. Cut 8 chicken breasts into 1” strips. Put into the milk.

5. Process the corn flakes by using the pulse function of your food processor or blender until the flakes are crumbs, but DO NOT MAKE THE FLAKES INTO DUST!!! If you don’t have a food possessor or blender, just put the flakes into a plastic bag and pound with a rolling pin.

6. Pour the crushed corn flakes into a large bowl. Add the season salt, 4 tsp paprika, 4 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp pepper to the flakes. Place chicken strips one at a time in the mixture, pressing down to coat very well. You have to press the coating into the chicken with your hands AS HARD AS YOU CAN.

7. Place strips on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes or until juices run clear. When done, cool then place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and flash freeze for an hour. Place in bag labeled “Chicken Tenders – bake on cookie sheets at 350 for 10-15 minutes”. Seal and freeze.

8. Put 6 chicken breasts into the bag labeled “Sensational Chicken and Potatoes”. Pour 3/4 cup Italian salad dressing on top. Seal and freeze.

9. Heat oven to 350. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

10. Remove the 6 marinating chicken breasts from the refrigerator. In a shallow bowl, add ½ cup parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup bread crumbs, 2 Tbsp. dried parsley, ½ tsp. paprika, ¼ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. pepper. Press chicken pieces one at a time into crumb mixture.

11. Place coated chicken pieces the prepared cookie sheet. Pour any extra crumb mixture on top of chicken pieces. Bake approximately 30-45 minutes or until juices run clear. Cool. Flash freeze. Place in bag labeled, “Parmesan Chicken” and freeze.

SERVING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Tropical Chicken – Thaw. Place in CROCK POT. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup orange marmalade, 1/3 cup bbq sauce, 2 Tbsp. soy sauce, ½ tsp. ginger. Pour over chicken. Add ½ sliced green pepper, ½ sliced onion, 1 small can pineapple chunks (drained). Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with steamed rice and fresh steamed broccoli.

2. MMM’s Crunchy Chicken Tenders – Place frozen strips on a cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes or until heated through.

3. Sensational Chicken and Potatoes – Thaw. Pour into CROCK POT. Top with 1 tsp. Italian seasoning and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Cut 4 potatoes into wedges and lay on top of chicken. Top with ¼ cup Italian salad dressing, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Serve with a big green salad.

4. Parmesan Chicken – Preheat oven to 400. Pour 1 cup spaghetti sauce into a 9” x 13” casserole dish that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Place thawed chicken parmesan pieces in the sauce, then turn to coat. Cook in oven for 10 minutes. Top chicken with mozzarella slices and bake another 10 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with crusty Italian bread and a big bowl of salad.

5. FAST Stovetop Chicken Fajitas – Drain marinated chicken, saving juice. Slice 1 small onion, one small green bell pepper, and one small red bell pepper. Heat one Tbsp. canola oil in a large skillet. Put chicken and bell peppers into skillet. Stir fry on med-high heat until done, adding liquid an necessary. Serve with tortillas, Spanish rice, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, sour cream, and salsa. OLE’!

MENU MAKER MOM DOESN'T HAVE A MENU!!!!

2010-07-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

I don't have to cook this week!!! I don't even have to have a menu! My mom, the girls, and I are going on vacation to New York City!!! (and yes, I am shouting!)

I'm doing the HaPpY DaNcE!!!! Yipee!

Oh, don't worry about the Man of the House... he has meals prepared for the entire week. (SPOILED!)

As I've cooked over the last week or so, I packaged up a plate and froze the containers. And if you're going to ask me why they're not labelled...

He will just have to be surprised. (I'm evil that way!)

~~~*~~~

I won't be posting much this week, since I'll be livin' it up. But I'll be back next week with photos of our week in the Big Apple!

Have a WONDERFUL week, friends!!

2010-07-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

Testing

“Just say AHHHHHH…”

2010-07-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

What does that make you think of? You could follow it by “CHOO” and it would be the sound of a refreshing sneeze. That’s not so bad. Or you could sing a beautiful tune along with the sound and it would be a sweet little song. Definitely not so bad.

Or you could make the sound while you hold you mouth as gaping and wide as you possibly can for the dreaded DENTIST as he leans in toward you with tortuous tools of pain such as metal drills and spikes. Ugggghhhh!!!!

Why do I bring this up?

Menu Maker Mom is having a root canal today! Oh, say it ain’t so!

The sad truth about me is that I have three irrational fears. Terrible uncontrollable, embarrassing fears that absolutely make my knees knock and my stomach flutter and bubble: Tornadoes, Flying, and Dentists.

Now it is extremely unfair that I have to face two of my fears within one week. Of my own free will, I’m paying the dentist to torture me with metal spikes and drills today, then I’m boarding a flying prison fueled by rockets on Monday. While I look forward to having a pretty, white pain-free tooth that wears a crown and embarking on my exciting New York City adventure, the trade off to get to the good stuff just freaks me out!

So please say a prayer for me as I “just say AHHHHHH” today, and then board a traveling pressurized cannon called a jet next Monday.

And I’ll be sure to keep an eye on the weather this week.

We have rain in the forecast.

Missie's Cake-In-A-Mug Recipe

2010-07-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Menu Maker Mom Twin, Missie, loves to cook. She especially loves to make cakes-in-a-cup. Cakes -in-a-cup are so great for kids with a sweet tooth (which ones don't have a sweet tooth 24 hours a day???), for college students, or for anyone who likes to have a bite of cake now and then without breaking out the cake pans.

Here are a couple of her FAVE recipes:

Chocolate Cake:
4 tablespoons all purpose flour

4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg (or 1/4 cup egg beaters)
3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil (or applesauce)
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 tsp. vanilla

1. Put the dry ingredients in a ceramic mug, mixing well with a fork.
2. Pour in the milk, vanilla and oil, and mix well.
3. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
4. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and mix again.
5. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug and look like an erupting volcano, but don't freak out and turn the microwave off. It's okay!!!
6. Allow to cool a little, then EAT! Don't let it cool too long, though. Since it was made in a microwave, it could become hard and rubbery if set out too long.

To make life easier for mom (and a whole lot cleaner!), make several packets of dry ingredients ahead of time. Young cooks will have a few less items to throw around the kitchen!

**********************

Here's a way to make a bunch of cake mix packets from boxed cake mix:

1 box cake mix, any flavor
1 box instant pudding mix in a complimentary flavor(3 1/2 ounce )

Place dry cake mix and pudding mix in a large mixing bowl and stir well to blend.
Measure out 1/2 cup portions and place each in a plastic sealable snack bag.

To cook:
1. spray inside of coffee cup with non-stick vegetable spray.
2. Empty contents of cake mix bag into cup and add one egg, one tablespoon oil and one tablespoon water. 3. Mix well.
4. Microwave on high for 2 minutes at 1000 watts.

************************

Glaze for cakes-in-a-cup:

1/3 cup of powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of one of the following: powdered creamer (for vanilla cake, etc.), hot cocoa mix (for chocolate cake), Crystal Light flavor (for fruit flavor cake like orange and lemon), strawberry milk flavor (for strawberry or funfetti cake), etc.

Put the glaze mix into additional snack bags.

While cake is baking, place glaze mix into a small bowl and add 1 1/2 teaspoons water. Pour glaze over warm cake-in-a-cup and enjoy!

You can also use fudge topping, Carmel topping, marshmallows, or chocolate chips on top of cake before microwaving.

**************************

By the way, cake mix and glaze mix packets tucked into mugs make GREAT gifts and party favors! Just don't forget to include the directions!!

NEW YORK CITY, HERE WE COME!!!! (and our first contest!)

2010-07-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, Menu Maker Mom, the Mama of Menu Maker Mom, and the Menu Maker Twins will be in NYC next week!

We're so excited! We're all NYC newbies, as my mother and I haven't been there since approximately 1969, and the MMM Twins have never been to the Big Apple.

We can't wait to see Times Square, The Met, the Museum of Natural History, do a little shopping in SOHO, ride bikes in Central Park, go to the top of the Empire State Building, go to the Statue of Liberty, and just simply take in all the sights and sounds of The Big City. We will be thrilled by everything, even stuff like transportation... The MMM Twins and I have never ridden in a cab (we are country girls), and none of us have ever experienced any type of subway other than the sandwich kind!!! (Love those Subway sandwiches!)

Yes, we are tourists and we will visit all the touristy places, do all the touristy stuff, and wear our cameras around our necks like tourists!

So, My Menu Maker Mom friends, this is where YOU come in:

Among all the fun outings and experiences we have planned, we are headed to Central Park on Friday morning, July 30, for the taping of Good Morning America. Of course, we will need to make a sign. But what to say?.....

I'm asking for your help. I need your suggestions! Please email or post comment with your creative ideas!

Help me make our sign!

I've never done a contest before, so here's how I'm going to handle it:

1. The prize is my favorite cookbook, Southern Living's Busy Mom's Weeknight Favorites:

2. Comment your ideas by Wednesday night, July 21, at 12:00 a.m., CST. ** Your odds of winning are SUPER GOOD, as the contest runs for less than 3 days! INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in your comment!!!

3. Since I've never done this, and it's short notice, we will choose in the following manner: The old fashioned "pick the winner from the hat" method. MMM and MMM Twins will do this honestly and fairly!

4. If you want a second entry, "follow me", in the upper right corner of this blog. Be sure to comment that you've done this so I can enter your name a second time.

I will contact the winner on Thursday, July 22, 2010 to make arrangements to mail your new cookbook!

GOOD LUCK, FRIENDS!!!

Menu Plan Monday :: July 19 - July 25

2010-07-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

How do Mondays seem to creep up faster and faster? Summer is just racing by. We are loving every last second of it!

As I cook this week, I'll be making enough to freeze in single-serving portions for hubby. He'll be feeding himself next week as the ORIGINAL Menu Maker Mom (my mom), this Menu Maker Mom (ME), and the Teenage Twins head to New York City.

Yes, I said NEW YORK CITY!!!!! I'm so excited! I'll fill you with more details this week...

***************************

Here's what Menu Maker Mom's family will be eating this week:

Monday - Cheese Enchiladas (stay tuned for the recipe and photos later in the week!), Spanish Rice, Avacado salad, Tortillas, Lemonade

Tuesday - Porcupine Eggs (from the freezer!), steamed fresh green beans, brown rice, gravy, iced tea

Wednesday - Frijoles with leftover spanish rice, cornbread, lemonade

Thursday - Cheesy Saucy Crockpot Chicken (dump chicken in the crockpot; cover with Campbells cheddar soup & 1/2 a can of Rotel), buttered egg noodles, fruit salad, iced tea

Friday - Out to Chilies (thanks for the gift certificate, Candi!)

Saturday - GAME NIGHT! Grilled hot dogs, Homemade Chili, grilled stuffed jalepenos, Grandma's Potato Salad, relish tray, fresh watermelon, Fritos

Sunday - Sunday Roast with potatoes and carrots, Angel Salad, rolls, gravy, pumpkin pie, iced tea

************************

Have an AWESOME week, my friends! Life is good!

FUN FOODS :: Marshmallow Cupcake on a Stick!

2010-07-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

My daughters went to the birthday party of one of their friends yesterday, and this is one of the favors they received.

IT'S JUST TOO STINKIN' CUTE!!!!

I'm going to have to try making these. It's simply a very large marshmallow drenched in colored sugar, then topped with colored icing and sugar candy decorations. Set inside a colorful cupcake wrapper, then impaled on a skewer, it becomes a Marshmallow Cupcake on a Stick!

Here it is in a cellophane bag and ribbons:

GARDEN GOODNESS :: Red Bell Peppers

2010-07-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

Don't those look absolutely yummy??? Full of vitamin C, moist on the inside, crispy, sweet, totally organic, just waiting to be dipped into hummus or sauteed with fajitas.

WOWZA!!! YUM!!!

This pic was taken at the end of last month. Now the plants are worn out. Burnt up in the South Texas summer sun. They've given their gifts, and for that I say, "THANKS!"

Can't wait to replant next month!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Friday FUN Day: The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

2010-07-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Even though they have cell phones, computers, music galore, wii games, movies, trampolines, bicycles, a golf cart to drive, etc., etc....

Teenagers get bored easily.

Hmmmmffff...

My girls were sitting around one afternoon, saying "We're bored!".

Yes, teens love to say, "I'm bored". Actually, it's not a statement. It's sort of a whine.

Teens love to whine.

And smart mom's love to reply to a whiny "I'm bored" with "If you're bored I have some chores for you to do".

That reply ALWAYS shuts 'em up and gets 'em busy real fast!!!!

After I made my obligatory reply to their sighfully made boredom statement, creativity kicked in. The bored teens decided they wanted to plan a Mad Hatter's Tea Party. They asked, I gave permission, and I told them that this would be THEIR party, not MINE. I gave them a budget of $20.00 and promised my help and support. Of course, Nana purchased a few decorations. (Grandmas always like to help out!)

What an awesome experience! Along with having a GREAT time, the girls learned to plan something from beginning to end and stuck to their budget. They made their costumes, as did their friends. We even fashioned a Mad Hatter's hat from an old cowboy hat and paper mache! They did the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, made invitations, did the decorating.

This Mama is proud of what they did!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Mad Hatters Tea Party

The cast of characters:

Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Alice, White Queen, Chesshir Cat

Menu

Finger snacks

On the table: bowls of Gummy Worms, Skittles, and M&Ms

Main Menu

Missie’s Marvelous Devilled Eggs

Chicken and Cheese Sandwiches

Skewers of Cantaloupe, Strawberry, and White Grape

Relish Tray of Cucumbers, Carrots, and Pickles with Creamy Ranch Dressing

Potato Chips

Sammie’s Lucious Lemonade

Dessert

Mini Cupcakes made of spice cake and cream cheese frosting.

Cupcakes have "Eat Me" written on them just like the little Petit Fours in the movie!

Mad Hatter’s Tournament

Bubble Blowing Contest

Pin the Tail on the Rabbit

Flamingo Croquet

Frisbee Toss

Spoons card game

Wii: Alice in Wonderland

There's hummus among us...

2010-07-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just love hummus. It's creamy, slightly tangy, and oh so nourishing. It's got a perfect mix of high quality fiber and powerful protein. So cool and yummy served up with pita bread, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery. When you throw in the fact that hummus is pretty much a whole food that's super low in bad fat, you just can't ask for more!

Unfortunately, hummus is expensive when you buy it at your deli. Luckily for my budget, it's so easy to make. The stuff whips up in a jiffy!

Follow along with me as we make enough for several day's worth of lunches or snacks:

INGREDIENTS:

2 clove garlic

1 (10 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained (save the liquid)

4 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 Tbsp. tahini

1 tsp. salt

black pepper to taste

spices to taste (use what you like: cumin, or basil, or chili powder, or smoky paprika for example)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

Just a few ingredients here. See how easy?? You can do this!

(You can see here that I like mine with cumin.)

Put the garlic in a blender or food processor and chop. Put the drained garbanzo beans into the processor, along with the lemon juice, tahini, chopped garlic, and salt. Whir it up until it's quite mealy in texture.

Add some of the reserved liquid through the chute and process some more. The texture should end up like thick peanut butter. Not too stiff, but not too loose. Just make it the way that looks best to you!

When done, mound your hummus into a dish and drizzle with a good quality organic olive oil. Pair your hummus with pita bread, olives, and fresh veggies of your choice.

Thought I'd stop here and show you my old workhorse, the Cuisinart food processor. I love Cuisinart. After all, they practically invented the food processessor. Mine is at least 15 years old and runs like there's no tomorrow. We use it to chop bushels of hot peppers and tomatoes to make vats of picante sauce, take it to our church picnic to chop buckets and buckets of onions, and also use it for the little everyday stuff.

I love the Cuisinart! My kitchen wouldn't be complete without it. Think I'll go stare at it for a while. See you in a few... I'll leave you to look at Cuisinart's current selections. (Please don't drool on your keyboard!)

I'm back now. Here's a pic of the final product....

Mmmmmmm...... Healthy Heaven.....

Time to fill the freezer: Meatballs, Porcupine Eggs, Hamburger Patties, Meatloaf

2010-07-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hi there, my Menu-Makin' Friends! If you've followed this blog long enough, you've learned that the best way to save money and plan your menu is to prepare and freeze a few recipes at a time, using common ingredients that are on sale. With that in mind, it’s time to fill the freezer with new Make-a-Menu Meals! As always, these are simple everyday-type meals that all your peeps will love. They will sing for joy when you serve MMM-Good Hamburgers, Italian meatballs, MMM’s Meatloaf, or Porcupine Eggs!

This week’s menu uses ground beef. Of course, if you’d like to fill your freezer with even more beef recipes for even more savings, be sure and click on the “Beef Plan” link on the left sidebar. If you find your ground beef on sale for less than $2.00 per pound, which I'll find at HEB this week, this entire batch cooking session should cost you just about $20.00. That's only $5.00 per meal for a family of 4!!
Here’s a couple of quick Make-a-Menu reminders:

1. Don’t forget to add your recipes to your Menu Calendar as soon as they go in the freezer!

2. Add any items that will complete your meal to your shopping list BEFORE your week starts. For example, on the week that you serve meatloaf, you might want to include green beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls. Be sure to add these items to BOTH your menu AND your shopping list. When you serve Italian Meatballs, you might need rolls if you are making meatball subs; or you might need spaghetti noodles if you are serving spaghetti and meatballs.

3. Check out my Make-a-Menu resources and instructions on the left sidebar if you need a refresher on how to make your menus EASY and STREAMLINED! This is great for ALL families, especially those where both parents are busy working moms and dads!
Let’s get cookin’... Here's the lineup:

MMM-Good Hamburgers

Italian Meatballs

MMM's Meatloaf

Porcupine Eggs

**All recipes serve 4**

**********************************

INGREDIENTS

7 lb. Ground Beef
2 packets Onion Soup Mix
1 packet Beef Gravy Mix
4 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
½ c. Bread Crumbs (I keep a stash of make-your-own in my freezer)
½ c. White Rice
1 c. Onion, minced (about 1 medium onion)
2 tsp. Salt
1-3/4 tsp. Pepper
3 Eggs
32 oz. (2 cup) Spaghetti Sauce
15 oz. Can Beef Consommé
1 c. Water
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Garlic Salt
2 tsp. Basil, dried
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/3 c. ketchup
1/3 c. BBQ Sauce
2/3 c. Quick Oats

***************************************

Other Supplies:
2 Gallon Freezer Bags, 2 Quart Freezer Bags, Wax paper or Fold-over type sandwich bags, Aluminum Foil

***************************************

Step #1 - Make the MEATBALLS

Mix the following and form into 2” balls, then bake at 250 for 20-30 minutes. Cool and freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag.
2 pounds ground beef
½ cup onion
¼ tsp. Peppe
1 tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Garlic salt
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 Egg

**Reserve 24-ounce can Spaghetti sauce OR 1-1/2 to 2 cups homemade spaghetti sauce for serving day

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator then cover with one 24-ounce can spaghetti sauce (or 1-1/2 to 2 cups homemade) and simmer. See "Serving Ideas" at the end of this article.

***************************************

Step #2 - Make the MMM-GOOD HAMBURGER PATTIES

Mix 2 pounds ground beef with 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup bread crumbs. Form into 8-10 patties. Place patties into fold-over type sandwich bags or separate by wax paper or foil. Freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag.

To serve, thaw first, then grill, broil, or pan fry. Serve on hamburger buns with all the fixin's and fries or corn on the cob, or with onions and gravy and mashed potatoes. MMM-Good!

****************************************

Step #3 - Make the PORCUPINE EGGS

In a large bowl, mix the following and form into 8 balls. Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray and fry the meatballs, or bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cool, place into a quart-size freezer bag. Freeze.

1 pound ground beef
½ cup rice
½ cup minced onion
1 tsp. Salt; ½ tsp pepper
1 egg
½ cup spaghetti sauce (freeze the other ½ cup until the day you serve this)

To serve, thaw the meatballs. Place in a casserole dish or crockpot. Add ½ cup spaghetti sauce, 1 15-ounce can of beef consommé, 1 cup water, and 1 packet beef gravy mix. Bake 40 minutes at 350 or cook 4 hours on low in the crockpot.

*****************************************

Step #4 - Make MMM’S MEATLOAF

In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients. Dump the whole mess into an aluminum foil lined loaf pan and press down into a loaf-shape. Freeze until almost hard. Remove from the pan, wrap with more foil, and freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag.

2 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 packet onion soup mix
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup bbq sauce
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2/3 cup quick oats
1 tsp. Pepper

To serve, thaw in the fridge. Place back in the loaf pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

********************************

Serving Ideas:

1. Italian Meatballs are great in soups and stews. They can be used on sub sandwiches and of course, served with spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. They are also superb when sliced in half and placed on homemade pizza!

2. MMM's Meatloaf leftovers make great panini sandwiches!! Leftovers can be crumbled and served over egg noodles for a great dinner too!

3. MMM-Good Hamburgers can be served on buns with all the fixins' along with french fries or corn on the cob, or they can be pan fried and smothered with onions, mushrooms, and gravy then served with a side order of mashed potatoes with peas and carrots.

4. Serve the Porcupine Eggs over a small portion of rice, along with steamed green beans (I love the fresh, of course, but in second place come the steamer packs! Talk about easy!)

Menu Plan Monday - The Camping Edition!!!

2010-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! Welcome to my Menu Maker Mom. We just returned from enjoying the beautiful outdoors this past week, and we were roughing it at one of Texas' most fabulous rivers, The Frio!

I use the term, "roughing it" rather loosely. If you have wi-fi service, cable tv, a refrigerator and air-conditioning, is it still considered camping???

Well, I say it is. And I deserve to say it is. After all, my dear husband and I enjoyed tent camping with twins from babyhood on into childhood. It was quite an adventure!

While I was sad to see the end of our tent-camping era, I barely looked back as we loaded our first travel trailer with our camping supplies. Air-conditioning! Indoor plumbing! Air-conditioning!! Refrigeration! Air-conditioning!!! Okay - I mentioned air-conditioning thrice because we live in South Texas.
Air-conditioning is a BIG DEAL!!!

******************

Here's what we dined on during our trip:

Day 1
Breakfast at the taco joint on our way out of town!

Lunch - Frio Pies (bagged Fritos, chili, cheese), Mini carrots with ranch dip

Snack - Chips and Queso

Dinner - Grilled Hamburgers, Ranch Style Beans

Day 2

Breakfast - Pancakes, sausage, Mom's Sticky Syrup

Lunch - Sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit, sliced cucumbers

Party Appetizer - Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Bombers (stuff fresh peppers with cream cheese, top with a shrimp, wrap with bacon, and grill. WOW!!!)

Dinner - YUMMY Q'd Baby Back Ribs, Grilled polish sausage, pasta salad, BLT salad

Day 3

Breakfast - Migas (fry corn tortilla strips, add breakfast sausage, pour on some whisked eggs, top with cheese. Stick it in a tortilla and pour on the hot sauce. YUM!!)

Lunch - Hot Dogs, Mac 'n Cheese, Veggie tray, fruit

Snack - Layered Mexican Dip with Tortilla chips

Dinner - Taco Salad

Dessert - mini brownie cups

Day 4

Breakfast - Bean and Cheese Tacos, salsa

Lunch - Sausage wraps, grapes, chips, sliced cucumbers

Snack - summer sausage, crackers, sliced apples, sliced cheeses

Dinner - Mesquite Grilled Chicken Thighs, fresh Green Beans and Potatoes, sliced garden tomatoes

Day 5

Breakfast - Pancakes, sausage, Mom's Sticky Syrup

Lunch - Tuna sandwiches, chips, pickles, fruit, veggie platter

Snack - Queso, guacamole, tortilla chips

Dinner - Surf & Turf! Grilled steaks and salmon, baked potatoes w/ fixins', green salad

Dessert - SMORES!!

Day 6

Breakfast - Migas again (recipe is above)

Lunch - Hot Dogs, Mac 'n Cheese, Veggie tray, fruit

Snack - Shrimp cocktail, veggies & ranch dip

Dinner - Grilled chicken kabobs, Uncobbed corn (2 teens in braces!), Karen's slaw

Day 7

Breakfast - Pancakes, sausage, Mom's Sticky Syrup

Lunch - Sausage wraps, grapes, chips, sliced cucumbers

Snack - eat it all up! (clean out the snack basket!)

Dinner - King's Buffet (eat up all the leftovers!)

Day 8 - going home day

Breakfast - Muffins & fruit

Lunch - sandwiches at home

Snack, Dinner, Dessert - Megan's Wedding!!!!

Apron Strings (and my Chocolate Crinkle Cookie recipe!)

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Whether you cook a lot or just a little, if you cook at ALL, you are bound to stain your clothes from time to time... UNLESS you happen to be wearing an apron. Yes, Grandma was right! You should put on your apron before you start mixing up bowls of creamy gooey chocolate frosting or frying up finger-lickin'-good pieces of crunchy chicken just like the Colonel!

I love aprons. They can be totally utilitarian, or pretty, or sexy, or even silly. They come in styles that can cover the bottom half of you or the whole enchilada, which is what I generally wear. I'm only 5'1", and when I stand in front of a counter, any stains will be right at my tummy. Always looks pretty.

In these photos, my girl is wearing her Daddy's apron. I made it for him 3 Christmases ago. The name tag on the front is actually a tag from his brother's military uniform. It's all sentimental... and totally utilitarian. It has an adjustable neck strap and front pockets. And it's made in a cammo fabric, so that the cook can go incognito when necessary!

Yes, I love aprons. I love finding an apron in a thrift store or antique shop. I wonder about the person who made it. Did they make it for themselves or was it a gift? I wonder about the person who wore it. Was she a mom or a grandma? How many meals did she make while wearing it? Did it just sit inside a drawer? Did it hang on a hook? Maybe the owner wore it while tending her garden, filling her pockets with eggs that she carefully carried back to the kitchen.

My imagination just takes me away.

****************

CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup vegetable oil

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together oil, chocolate, and eggs. Add sugar and mix well. Add to flour mixture and mix well with a spoon.

Chill dough for several hours.

Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 cookie sheets by spraying with non-stick cooking spray or covering with parchment paper (my favorite method). Fill a small bowl with the powdered sugar. Create dough balls about the diameter of a quarter. Roll each one in powdered sugar. Place on prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Do you see it???

Kitchen Tip Tuesday: CROUTONS!

2010-06-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love croutons? I mean really, what's a garden salad without those little crunchy squares of flavored bread? Luckily for me I almost always have a stash. After all, there's always a couple of slices of left over bread or rolls to be dealt with. With these little bits of bread, my freezer stays stocked with bread crumbs and croutons!

Here's last night's leftover sliced and buttered bread. It sure was good! Now, it just sits and waits to be forgotten and thrown away. But not in this house! I'll give it a second life as crunchy croutons.

This is so simple! Just cut the bread into small 1/2" squares. Spray the bread cubes liberally with non-stick spray and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. I used garlic salt and italian seasoning. Mix the bread cubes with your hands to distribute the spices. Spray some more and sprinkle some more, if you need to.

Spread the bread cubes evenly on a cookie sheet, broiler pan, or any other flat pan that can go into the oven. Set the oven temp at 250 degrees F. Bake for about half an hour to 45 minutes. Basically bake until the bread cubes looks like croutons!

Cool your croutons before storing them in a tightly sealed container. I store mine in the freezer, just to be safe. Can't wait to add them to my salads this week!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies

Menu Plan Monday:: Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3

2010-06-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday at Menu Maker Mom! For those of you who are new, Menu Plan Monday is hosted by OrgJunkie. Stop by and visit!

It'll be an easy week for the cook (that's ME! Menu Maker Mom!) around here. Taking the girlies to Camp Nana and Grandpa for a few days of fun and games, which will give MMM time to paint the hallway. I love having a summer painting project, big or small. It makes the house smell fresh and somewhat new for a couple of weeks. When I head back to work in the fall, I will look back at my painted hall and feel like I really accomplished something. It's proof that I was productive!

I'll be cooking just for my man this week, until the girls come home. I say that I'll be cooking "for" him for two reasons: First, truth be known, when the kids are gone I wouldn't cook at all if hubs didn't need to be fed. I could survive on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bowls of cereal easily! Second, I LIKE doing this for him. He appreciates it, and it makes me feel good to make him happy. I hope he feels the same happiness knowing that I appreciate it when he mows the lawn or washes the dishes!

To those of you who aren't married, or maybe are newly married, it might seem rather silly to find so much joy in mundane tasks like cooking a meal or washing a dish. It took my husband quite a few years to begin to understand that the way to a woman's heart is not by buying her expensive jewelry, even though a nice bauble here and there is VERY appreciated. Truly, the way to her heart is through the dish water!

Yes, it's those mundane tasks like cooking, mowing, washing dishes, and folding clothes that when done for each other can lead to warm, fuzzy, loving feelings... sometimes even HOT feelings!! If so many couples would understand this concept, think of all the marriages would be saved. :)

Sorry for being so sappy. Hmmm.... Sappy rhymes with happy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, here's what I'm servin' up this week:

Sunday - Homemade pizza made on crescent dough, Garden salad

Monday - Bean and Cheese Nachos with fresh, homemade salsa

Tuesday - Chef Salads with fresh rolls

Wednesday - Grilled Hamburger Patties, Country Green Beans and fresh New Potatoes

Thursday - Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders, sliced fresh tomatoes, macaroni-'n-cheese

Friday - Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread

Saturday - Beef Tacos, Layered Bean Dip, fruit salad

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Coming next week: My Camping Menu (includes breakfasts)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom~
Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies

9 Ways to Stay Cancer Free - from the Environmental Working Group

2010-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

~Quoted from the EWG website~

"According to a new report from the President's Cancer Panel, environmental toxins play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer, causing "grievous harm" to untold numbers of people. EWG's own research has found that children are born "pre-polluted" with nearly 300 industrial chemicals, pesticides and contaminants that have been found to cause cancer in lab studies or in people."

"Four of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and two of every 10 will die from it. Beyond talking to your doctor about lifestyle changes that are known to make a difference -- stopping smoking, reducing drinking, losing weight, exercising and eating right -- there are things you can do to reduce your risk."

"Here are some simple ways you can reduce your exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals:"

"1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG's National Tap Water Database."

"2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from EWG."

"3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. "Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. To avoid them, avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home."

"4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG's sunscreen database."

"5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat." (Addition from MMM: buy organic, grass fed beef and organic, free range chicken when possible.)

"6. Eat EWG's Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG's Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG's Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides."

"7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. Get EWG's tips to avoid it." (Addition by MMM: Remove plastic from your kitchen. I use good old-fashioned glass and pyrex containers.)

"8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you're shopping, don't buy products that list ingredients with "PEG" or "-eth" in their name."

"9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks -- read the label before you buy. Californians will see a "Proposition 65" warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stay Healthy!

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies

WIN THIS OH-SO-COOL POPSICLE MAKER!!

2010-06-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

This popsicle maker is so VERY cool! In 7 minutes flat you can be dishing up wholesome, healthy TASTY COOOLLLD popsicles!

What will they think of next???

Go HERE to register. GOOD LUCK!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies

BEES!!!!

2010-06-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Take a look at that!!! Do you know what it is? BEES!!!! Millions of them!! And guess where they were? On a branch of a tree in my front yard, right next to my driveway... where I had just parked my car!!! Yes ~ They were right next to my car which held 3 noisy teenage girls, who poured out the doors, laughing, yelling, slamming those doors, and running. YIKES!!!

The bees formed a dripping ball around the branch. I'm assuming they were surrounding their queen. They were calm and didn't to fly about much. I prayed that if they decided to swarm about that they were not the aggressive type. My mother-in-law had some bees chase her a couple of years ago. She was mowing the lawn with the riding lawn mower, and the vibration must have aggravated some nearby bees. As they began to swarm her, she hopped off the mower and ran toward the house. All the while, the bees continued to chase her and swarm around her head.

She ran through the house toward the bathroom, still being chased. A few bees still swarmed around her head as she ran. After she dropped to the carpet and began to roll, the last remaining bees flew off. My mother-in-law stood up shaken and stung.

As I looked at our buzzing, branch hugging bees, the thought of them possibly deciding to chase me gave me the chills, so I quickly went back into my house after snapping this photo!

After about an hour, I went back outside to take another look at our buzzing bees. They were gone. I guess our tree was just a rest stop for them as they travelled to their final destination. Wherever they ended up, I hope the honey was good!

In honor of our flying guests, I offer my favorite bread recipe. I make my bread in a automatic bread maker, and it makes my whole house smell so yummy. Once done, it doesn't last long around here, as my hubby and daughters quicly slice the warm, yeasty bread and slather it with real butter and local, organic honey. YUMMM!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HONEY WHEAT BREAD

1 pkg. yeast

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

2-1/2 cups bread flour

1 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. butter

1 egg (room temperature)

1 cup plus 1 Tbsp. warm water

Put dry ingredients into automatic bread maker. Mix wet ingredients in a small bowl. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mix. Bake the bread on the Whole Wheat setting of your bread maker.

Serve with butter and honey!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you enjoy making this bread, you might consider getting several Zip-Lock baggies and filling each with the measured out dry ingredients. You can be making bread every few days, if you like, and your family will once again give you the MAMA!!! (Don't forget ~ that means Most Awesome Mother Award!!!)

There are lots of bread makers on the market, and you can spend a little or a lot. Here are a couple of examples:

SO YUMMY!!!!

And Soooo M-M-M Good!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom

Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies

Father's Day Shrimp Boil

2010-06-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hello, my old friends! It's me, Menu Maker Mom!!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've shared. As an apology, I offer you my recipe for our shrimp boil!

This is such a fun party, and everyone has a great time. You can never go wrong when you offer shrimp and cold beer to your family and friends! Oh, and don't forget the mimosas... That's what we had, and they were so very refreshing!

This is a fun activity for a summer evening, and really pretty easy to do. The aroma is very strong, so I recommend that you do this outside in a turkey fryer, and not in your kitchen with a large stockpot. The most important part of the process is the timing. Follow the timing that I list and it will all be cooked to perfection!

SUPPLIES:
Gallon-size zip lock bags
Kitchen Timer
Boiling Basket
Turkey Fryer

INGREDIENTS (I put the meat and veggies into large Zip-Lock bags, so they are ready to be emptied at the right time) :

2 Crab 'n Shrimp Boil bags by Zatarain
1 bottle Crab 'n Shrimp Boil oil by Zatarain
1 cup salt
3 large onions, peeled and cut in half
2 bulbs garlic, top cut off (don't separate the cloves, leave whole)
2 lemons, cut in quarters
10 ears corn, shucked and cut in half (can use frozen halves)
3 pounds link sausage (down here we like Polock's Wedding Sausage!)
4 pounds raw shrimp, large size without heads
3 pound bag small red potatoes

FOR SERVING:
Cocktail sauce
Lemons, cut into wedges

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Set up the turkey fryer with the boiling basket. Fill with water and set it on the fire. Bring water to a boil.
2. Once water boils, add the 2 bags of Crab 'n Shrimp Boil, the bottle of Crab 'n Shrimp Boil oil, the salt, and the garlic. BOIL 15 MINUTES.
3. Add the potatoes. BOIL 7 MINUTES.
4. Add the corn. BOIL 5 MINUTES.
5. Add the sausage. BOIL 5 MINUTES.
6. Add the lemons and onions. BOIL 3 MINUTES.
7. Add the shrimp. BOIL 3 MINUTES.
8. Strain out the water and empty all the goodies in one of the following two ways:
(a) If you are serving from a buffet-type table, pour the shrimp and goodies into the aluminum turkey pan. You can see from our photo that we served this way, as we had other salads and sides that required a plate and fork.
(b) If you are serving the traditional way, cover a table with several layers of newspaper. Pour the shrimp and goodies down the table. Everyone eats with their hands! When done, wad up the paper and all the mess and toss into the garbage can! Easy!

Be sure to have cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges on the table. A little Tobasco sauce is good too!

Hope you have a chance to try this out. It is so much fun and gets everyone involved in some way. Be sure to have lots of ice cold beer on hand and take plenty of photos.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies

2010 Coupon Insert Schedule

2010-01-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Time for another year of awesome grocery savings! Feel free to print the following list, provided by Mommy Snacks. Go visit Mommy for more great savings info!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JANUARY~
January 3:
2 Smart Source, 2 Red Plum, General Mill

1/10:
Smart Source, Red Plum

1/17:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble

1/24:
Smart Source, Red Plum

1/31:
Smart Source , Red Plum

FEBRUARY ~
2/7:
Smart Source

2/14:
No Inserts

2/21:
Smart Source, General Mills, Procter and Gamble

2/28:
Smart Source, Red Plum

MARCH ~
3/7:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

3/14:
Smart Source, Red Plum

3/21:
Smart Source, Red Plum

3/28:
2 Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

APRIL~
4/4:
No Inserts

4/11:
Smart Source, Red Plum

4/18:
Smart Source, Red Plum

4/25:
Smart Source, Red Plum

MAY~
5/2:
Smart Source, Red Plum, P&G

5/9:
Smart Source, Red Plum

5/16:
2 Smart Source, Red Plum

5/23:
Smart Source, Red Plum

5/30: No Inserts

JUNE~
6/6:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

6/13:
Smart Source

6/20:
Smart Source, Red Plum

6/27:
Smart Source, Red Plum

JULY~
7/4: No Inserts

7/11:
Smart Source, Red Plum

7/18:
Smart Source

7/25:
Smart Source, Red Plum

AUGUST~
8/1:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

8/8:
Smart Source, Red Plum

8/15:
Smart Source, Red Plum

8/22:
Smart Source, Red Plum

8/29:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Proctor and Gamble

SEPTEMBER~
9/5:
No Inserts

9/12:
Smart Source, 2 Red Plum

9/19:
Smart Source, Red Plum

9/26:
Smart Source, Red Plum

OCTOBER~
10/3:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

10/10:
Smart Source, Red Plum

10/17:
Smart Source, Red Plum

10/24:
Smart Source, Red Plum

10/31:
Smart Source, Red Plum

NOVEMBER~
11/7:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

11/14:
Smart Source, Red Plum

11/21:
Smart Source, Red Plum

11/28:
No Inserts

DECEMBER
12/5:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

12/12:
Smart Source, Red Plum

12/19:
No Inserts

12/26:
No Inserts

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Wow! 2010!!! Seems like life just seemed to zip by this year. The faster it goes by, the more I realize that I need to 'stop and smell the roses', as the old saying goes. Last year was so full of family fun, and I just love thinking about all the events that we shared. Since I haven't posted since October, I thought I'd show you what was going on in our household!

During September and October we attended a slew of volleyball games. Being that we live in a rural area, going to a game in another school's gym means traveling, which means we had a few late nights out during the work/school week. No matter... I just love watching my girls play!

Another happening this Fall was my birthday. I turned 45. OMG! That sounds soooo old! Here's the boots my wonderful hubby bought me. I LOVE them! The last time I had a new pair of boots was for my 16th birthday. YES, 16!! I think I was due for a new pair!

Halloween was so much fun. We carved pumpkins and went trick-or-treating. This year was interesting, as it was the first year that I didn't make the girls their costumes. They got together with a friend and designed their own costumes and put it all together themselves. They were "catnappers". No, they didn't fall asleep. They were some type of burglar that takes cats. Don't ask.

In December, the twins showed their animals in both our local Chapter Show for our FFA, and at a prospect show. "B" (pictured on left) won her first showmanship buckle and was so proud of herself! They both have done a fab job raising, caring for, and training their animals.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas volleyball came to an end and basketball started, the girls participated in their school band concert, club volleyball startted for Baby B, there were tryouts for Winterguard for Baby A and then practices stared, there were family events to participate in, and finally thyroid surgery for me... More on that later.

Through it all I managed to stay pretty well organized, and I had all my shopping and planning done by December 13th. My surgery was on the 17th, and recovery was very quick. We ended up sharing a very relaxing holiday, and we all spent two full weeks at home together. It was a wonderful Christmas!

We ended the year on a high note by adding a new member to our family. We're so excited to introduce our new little girl, Trixie!

As the new year begins, I'm thinking about the changes and growth I hope to experience this year. Do you make resolutions? I usually make a resolution or two, and while I don't think I've ever succeeded 100%, having a plan sends me on the path of positive change. Change is good.

Here's what I'm planning this year:

1. Go to bed earlier. It's amazing how much better I feel when I get 7 hours sleep versus 6!

2. Scrapbook all our photos this year.

3. Have friends over for game night at least once every 2 months.

4. Pay off at least 3 debts.

5. Complete the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred (do all 30 days!) and the Slim in 6 program. I have both sets of DVDs, so there's no reason not to exercise!!

6. BLOG REGULARLY!! I have so many more menu plans to share!

It's going to be an awesome year with so much to look forward to!

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

"USDA Certified Organic" - What it means...

2009-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few words about what "USDA Certified Organic" really means and you can expect when you see this seal on products (from Delicious Living):

1.) Prohibits the use of GMOs, most conventional pesticides and herbicides, sewage sludge, antibiotics, growth hormones, and irradiation.

2.) Organic producers record procedures and maintain cropland free of prohibited substances for three years before earning the seal, which varies in price based on the certifier.

3.) The seal is permitted on commodities that are 100 percent organic or made with at least 95 percent organic ingredients. The USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances identifies synthetic substances that may be used and nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used in organic production and handling operations.

4.) For meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs to be USDA Certified Organic, animals must have been fed 100 percent organic feed; never given growth hormones or antibiotics; and not have been routinely confined. Cloned animals or their offspring also cannot qualify for the seal.

5.) You'll see the seal on : Produce, dairy, eggs, beef, poultry, body care products comprised of plant ingredients, wine, and processed or packaged foods.

For more information, click here.

***********************

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

DAY 2 - Update on our change to organic

2009-10-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

Thanks so much for joining me on this new food adventure ~ eating whole, organic foods as much as possible. I added "as much as possible" because I discovered yesterday that finding products that fit that category can be a challenge! We live in a small town, in a rural area. I shop at HEB and Wal Mart. I hit Wally World yesterday and was surprised to find that the organic items were few and far between.

Here's how things are going so far:
1.) During my trip to Wal Mart, I was able to purchase organic milk, crackers, and yogurt.
2.) I ordered a meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer. We'll be grinding our own beef from here on out.
3.) I signed up with Mambo Sprouts for some great coupons. Also found a couple of blogs, that I've listed below. Also went to Delicious Living for some more coupons!
4.) The kids returned to carrying their own lunches to school starting today. They are grossed out by cafeteria food as much as I am.
5.) Thanks to a local reader, Misty, I checked out www.localharvest.org to investigate sources of locally grown, organic veggies and meats. I'll continue that investigation and share what I learn as time goes on.

I'll go to HEB this weekend looking for organic foods, where I anticipate having a much easier time finding what I'm looking for. The last trip I'll make is to Whole Foods. Whole Foods has fabulous foods and personal items, but they are a full hour's drive from my home.

I love the comments that you've made! Thanks for reading! Here's what Karin said, followed by my reply:

Karin:
"I really like your blog, and I am doing the same for my family. I am anxious to hear what you do. My only concern is that buying organic, etc. is so much more expensive, and I am an extensive coupon-user."

Menu Maker Mom:
While my first hurdle is to FIND the food items in the desired category, the next hurdle is to find COUPONS!!! After all, the organic Stonyfield Farms yogurt I bought yesterday was over $3.00 for a 4-pack at Wal Mart, compared to the ultra low price of Yoplait, when combined with a coupon.

I'll be visiting the following blogs to find the latest and greatest sales and coupon matches for Whole Foods and then decide if it's worth the drive.

MyDallasMommy.com
TheThriftyMama.com
MyBatonRougeMommy.com

We will definitely have some major adjustments to make!!!
*******************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

RAVIOLI UPDATE & Changes here at Menu Maker Mom

2009-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, within minutes of posting my article regarding the "foreign object" in the ravioli, a representative of Conagra foods contacted me by phone to inquire as to what I had found in the can. The very polite representative stated that she felt mailing the object, as had been previously suggested, would not be fast enough.

On Wednesday afternoon, a quality control representative was sent to my home to collect the empty can and the "foreign object".

They have promised to contact me with results of the scientific testing.

Again - I am going to be changing how my family eats. This situation, followed by the beef recall, has been a startling eye-opener for me.

What kind of changes will my family experience? We will start slow, and learn as much as possible. Today I'll do 2 things:

1.) I've got to pick up some groceries today: The milk will be organic, as will the veggies and produce. I won't be purchasing ANY ground meat of any sort. Canned, processed foods will not be found in my cart, regardless of how good the sale is or how much the coupon is.

2.) I will be signing up with Mambo Sprouts to start collecting coupons for organic items.

Change will be hard. These changes will be hard for my family, as the girls and I LOVE our ravioli and spaghettios! We will kick and scream sometimes. We will want to eat regular 'ole hot dogs, and cry when we remember that the hot dog might contain meat scraps from 50 different animals from several different countries. (YUCK!) We'll keep in mind that our health just isn't worth the risk, and we will stay away from cans of processed food stuff.

Change will be good. The future here at MMM will include the absolute BEST deals on all sorts of healthy, organic, whole foods. Please stay tuned and learn with me!!!

*******************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

MORE FOOD SAFETY WOES :: Ecoli in Beef

2009-10-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Between my canned ravioli "foreign object" that I encountered two days ago and yesterday's recall of beef, I am feeling totally grossed out by our food supply. Which companies can we trust? Which foods are safe to feed our children? Even if we change our dietary habits at home, what are the schools feeding our children in our absence? It is unnerving, to say the least, for this Mama!

Please read the following news release sent out by the Texas Department of State Health Services, dated October 21, 2009. If you'd like to view it in its entirety, please click here.

************************

Texas Department of State Health Services
NEWS RELEASE
October 21, 2009

Meat Company Recalls Certain Beef Products

Culebra Meat Market is recalling three beef cuts it produced and distributed in the San Antonio area earlier this month because of possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause severe illness.

Products included in the recall are beef stew meat, carne asada and ground beef produced by the company from Oct. 2 through Oct. 17. Products were sold to some San Antonio-area restaurants and in the company’s retail store, 2800 Culebra Road in San Antonio.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating whether the products also were sold at other Culebra retail store locations in San Antonio.

People are advised to discard or return the products. Cooking the beef is not recommended.

Products sold to consumers at the company’s retail store were packaged in various weights and wrapped in white butcher paper with no markings. Products sold to restaurants were packed in 10-pound boxes labeled with the company and product names and lot codes 100209 through 101709. The boxes have the inspection label “TEXAS INSP. & PSD. 740” located inside an outline of the state of Texas.

The recall volume is approximately 4,000 pounds.

DSHS laboratory testing detected E. coli O157:H7 in samples collected from the meat company. The testing was done as part of a routine DSHS inspection.

DSHS is not aware of any illnesses associated with the recalled product.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness include bloody diarrhea and stomach pains. People with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms typically occur two to nine days after exposure.

Infection can lead to serious kidney damage or death. Most healthy adults recover in five to 10 days, but children under age 5 and the elderly are more likely to develop a severe illness.

Infected people can pass E. coli O157:H7 to others through contaminated feces.

More information is available from the company by calling 210-432-2170.

****************************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

BUYER BEWARE!!!! - Wal Mart's Great Value foods (by Conagra foods)

2009-10-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

The last time I was shopping, I didn't have a coupon for Chef Boyardee, and we love cans of Mini Ravioli. Yes, the truth is out. We like canned pasta. Eeeeewwww! I know. I'm so embarassed.

Anyway.... Since I didn't have a coupon for our favorite brand, I decided to try the Great Value brand sold at Wal Mart. I bought it, took it home, then took it to work for my lunch today. What happened next is ugly. Really ugly. Gross, in fact.

I poured the can of ravioli into my bowl and heated it in the microwave. I sat at my desk with my bowl. I ate. When I was almost done, a bit down on something rubbery. Yick! I spit it out. (Such a lovely sight, I'm sure!) What I saw in my bowl looked just like...

Sit down. Hold your breath.

...it looked like a piece of skin...

After gagging, I wrapped it in a paper towel and called Wal Mart Corporate in Arkansas. They put me through to their "Great Value Ambassadors", as they call their customer relations department. I spoke with a very courteous "ambassador" who stated that I would be sent a product envelope in the mail, and that I am to put the "foreign object" into the envelope and mail it to their quality control department. There the object would be examined, and the investigation into what the object is and how it got there would take place...

...and they are sending me a coupon for a buck fifty.

Whatever - I am sick and tired of product recalls and contaminants of every sort being found in our nutrition supply. As consumers, who can we trust? What is safe to feed our children? It's no wonder diseases of all sorts, including cancers, seem to be epidemic.

Well, I let the "ambassador" know that I would be blogging about this issue today, and asking for your action in order to keep you safe. What I want you to do is look in your pantry. If you have the Great Value Mini Ravioli, please examine the batch number and expiration date. If it matches mine, please return it to Wal Mart and ask for a refund.

This is what the label on the can looks like.

The batch numbers are located on the bottom of the can. This is what you will read:

2100926700GW10582

BEST BY 09 14 11 EST794

Organic, whole foods look better and better to me each day. Gardening looks even better. Follow me on this blog as I start investigating a new way of food buying for my little family.

Maybe you'll decide to join me along the way! OR ~ if you already purchase organic, whole, local foods for your family, please comment and let's start sharing!

******************************

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

No, Minnie Mouse Doesn't Live Here

2009-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

But two tweenagers do! And they love to paint their nails just like Minnie Mouse!

I just love having girls. I'm sure if I had boys I'd say that I love having boys. But, I don't have boys. I have girls. It's cool.

Here's a few things I love about my girls:

My Girls are really silly. Almost always. I like that.

My Girls like to shop. Sometimes. I like that.

My Girls like to cook. Sometimes. I like that too.

My Girls like to talk. Sometimes. I like that.

My Girls like to have their nails done. Sometimes. I like that... sometimes.

My Girls share their emotional side. ALWAYS... I SOMETIMES like that!!!

Yes, having girls is a good thing.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

What a busy weekend! Sleepovers, Junior High Dance, Saturday shopping trip, hubby and I went to a dinner/dance, then took the kids for a fun-filled day at Sea World. Glad I’m at work so I can get some rest!

I’ll be cooking a couple of meals from my new favorite cookbook, Southern Living’s “Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites”. I just love all the delicious recipes from this picture-filled cookbook. Everything is super-easy and very quick, while being extremely flavorful and kid-friendly. If you’d like a copy, I’ve got a link to the left.

Our week will start off super-busy, but then will ease up after Wednesday. The girls have volleyball games tonight, then I’m going to see the musical, Rain, on Tuesday (YIPEE!!!), and to wrap it up the girls have the usual showmanship practice followed by CCD on Wednesday. Looks like we have no scheduled activities for the rest of the week! WOW!!!!

I hope you’ve been sticking with me long enough to learn how important your menu planning is. On busy days, if I didn’t have a menu and ingredients, I just wouldn’t be able to get anything on the table and we'd be eating at Dairy Queen!

Here’s the lineup for the week:

Monday – Porky Stew and biscuits, baked apple dumplings

Tuesday – Crocked Polish sausage, white rice, steamed green beans, cookies

Wednesday – Chicken Burritos (from Southern Living’s Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites cookbook), Spanish Rice, Black beans and pinto beans (from cans), ice cream

Thursday – Chicken & Rice Bake, steamed carrots, sliced tomatoes

Friday – BBQ Muffins (from Southern Living), garden salad, corn on the cob, quick apple pie

Saturday – Chicken Paninis (from Southern Living), potato soup, Root Beer floats

Sunday – Pork Loin Chops with Cinnamon Apples, buttered & parsleyed noodles, steamed peas & carrots, warm brownies with ice cream.

*********************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Apples, Apples, Apples! It's an Apple Party!!

2009-10-17T00:01:00.001-07:00

Apples sometimes get a bad rap. Didn't the serpent give one to Eve, who gave one to Adam? While we don't know that it was actually an apple, as a child I remember that pictures always showed Eve standing at an apple tree. So unfair. Poor apple tree.

Let's take poor little Snow White, for instance. Wasn't she tricked by that mean 'ole witch, who used an apple as her weapon?

Even the English language has attacked the humble apple. When women have a figure that is somewhat round, aren't they said to have an "apple" shape?

Yes, apples have taken a bad rap. Apples... who have magical qualities. Yes, "magical"! I mean, what other food, when eaten once a day, can keep the doctor away??? What other food is said to represent the American lifestyle: "Baseball, hotdogs, and apple pie".

Fall around much of the country means it's apple-pickin' time! Even here in South Texas, the apples are ready to be picked. My favorite place to visit during the fall is Love Creek Orchards up in Medina, Texas. During the month of October they host a fun Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Celebration that includes a pumpkin patch for the kids, storytellers and other entertainment, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, hayrides, a hay maze, scarecrow building, TONS of CUTE photo opps for you and your little ones, and of course lots of yummy apple goodies! My favorites are the apple pic (of course) and the apple ice cream. MMM-Good!

If you'd like to check out Love Creek Orchards, click here for more info.

Yes, it's Apple Season! But besides for the daily healthy munch, what else can we do with all those apples? Well here's a list of ideas:

Apple Chip Cake
Apple Dumplings

Applesauce

Fried apples served with Pork Loin

Apple Enchiladas

Apple Ice Cream

Crockpot Apple Butter

Apple Pie Filling (fill the freezer with this stuff for year-round apple pies!!)

Dried apples for snacking or for MYO (make your own) Instant Oatmeal Packets

Apple Vodka

Fresh apple salads

Apple Chutney

The list could go on and on! In fact, click here for even more recipes, ideas, kids coloring pages, and general information about the good 'ole apple!

Do you have any recipes or ideas to add? Please comment with your links!

Since apples are on sale this week at HEB, I'll be posting a few YUMMY recipes. Think I'll include the freezer Apple Pie Filling recipe (use for pie or Enchiladas), instructions for drying apples (and a recipe for the Instant Oatmeal Packets), Apple Vodka recipe, and Apple Ice Cream recipe.

*********************************

Menu Maker Mom~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

HEB DEALS :: 10/14-10/21

2009-10-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Let's head out to HEB for some awesome deals on meat this week!

The meat deals at HEB include very LARGE pork loins that are 5 pounds for 5 dollars. What a deal!! But what do you do with that much pork loin?!?! Stay tuned to find out! I’ll have some great recipes to share.

When you buy your pork loin, ask the butcher if the meat can be cut into ¾” slices. Don’t know if they’ll charge you for the service, but it sure will make that pork loin easier to package up and store in your freezer!

Get Ready to Shop.... Here's your deals!

Meat Sales
HCF BBQ Seasoned Chicken Leg Quarters - 5 lbs. / $5.00
HCF Split Chicken Breasts – 5 lbs. / $5.00
Boneless Pork Loin - 5 lbs. / $5.00
Hormel Little Sizzlers, 10-12 oz. - 5 lbs. / $5.00

HEB Meal Deal:
BUY: 4 Stouffers Lean Cuisine meals (MFQ -$1.00…9/13 R1)
FREE: 4-pk HEB yogurt
FREE: 20-pk Premium Tea Bags
FREE: 4-oz. Nips Candy
FREE: 1 pound fresh bananas

“Buy-One-Get-One” Deals:
BUY – Kiolbassa sausage.
FREE: Mission Homestyle Tortillas, 10-ct.
FREE: Bush’s Baked or Grill Beans, 22-28 oz.

BUY – Chef Boyardee, 39-40 oz.
FREE: Fresh Express Italian or American Lettuce Blend – 10-12 oz.

Buy – Velveeta Cheese, 2-lb.
FREE: Wolf Brand No-Beans Chili
FREE: Rotel Tomatoes, 28-oz.

BUY – Crisco Olive Oil, 16.9 (MFQ -.75/1…9/13 R2)
FREE: Barilla Plus Pasta, 14.5 oz.

BUY – Eckrich Premium Beef Franks, 12 oz.
FREE: HEB Bake Shop Hot Dogs, 8ct.

BUY – HEB Fully Cooked Chicken Breasts Chunks, 24 oz.
FREE: Country Crock Side Dish 20-24 oz.

BUY – Energizer Batteries (MFQ -$1.00/1…10/4 S)
FREE: HEB or HCF Milk 128 oz.

BUY – Colgate Toothpaste, 4 oz. (MFQ .75/1…10/11 S)
FREE: 6 oz. yogurt

Other Coupon Matchups:

Tysol Skillet Creations, 22-24 oz. - $2.99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1…7/26 S)
Final: $1.99/ea

Garnier Shampoo or Conditioner, 24 oz. - $4.50
MFQ: .75/1…(9/13 S1…10/11 RP)
Final: $3.75/ea (.15 per ounce)

HEB Store-Coupon Deals:

Biore Skincare Products - $1.50 HEB coupon
Birds Eye Voila! – B1G1 (HEB Coupon)
Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent, 26-32 loads – 2/$2.50 (HEB Q)
Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food, 17.6 lb. – HEB Q - $1.75/1 – Final price is $9.75/ea

HEB Sales:
Doritos, 12-15 oz. Or HEB White Corn or Round Tortilla Chips $1.99/Ea
HCF Pizza, 14-oz. $5.00/ea
Birds Eye Voila – B1G1
Ghiradelli Brownies - $1.99/ea
Polar Premium Coconut Milk – 5/$5.00
Personal Care Hand Sanitizer, 8 oz. – 5/$5.00
Electrasol Gelpacs 20-ct. - $2.99
HCF Orange Juice, 64 oz. – 4/$5.00
Gala Apples, 3 lb. Bags – 5/$5.00
Season’s Select Russet Potatoes, 5 lb. bag - $1.77/ea

******************************

If you find any coupons for the HEB sales items, please comment so that we can all enjoy the savings!

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

SHROOMS!!!

2009-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Does anyone out there know what kind of mushrooms these are??? They just sort of popped up over the last couple of days. They are so weird!

These 'shrooms are huge! I wear a size 7 shoe, and look at how big those fungi are!!!

*********************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Shop at Bealls this month!

2009-10-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome coupon! Justs click here to get 25% off any one item! You can make this coupon work for you by shopping their awesome sales.

You can print as many as you like, but the fine print says "one per customer per day". That's okay, since it expires on October 27, 2009, you have lots of days to use your one-per-day!!

Happy shopping!

****************************

Menu Maker Mom

~ Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

The MAKE-A-MENU Summary

2009-10-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

For those of you who have been using my Make-a-Menu system, and for those of you who are new to the Make-a-Menu way of life, I thought I'd offer up a quick summary. Sometimes having just a few abbreviated steps helps to keep it all in order. You can print this out and hang it on your fridge or put it in the front of your Make-a-Menu Notebook.

By the way, I'll be starting a quick series next week on cooking for the holidays. You can either add this to your Make-a-Menu Binder or you can create a separate binder just for holidays. Hang with me and we will make life in the kitchen easier step-by-step!

*********************

How to Make-a-Menu:

1.) Print out a blank calendar.
2.) Make a list of what everyone in the family likes. Don't guess. Ask them.
3.) Using your calendar, assign a theme to each day of the week. (Mon is soup, Wed is Mexican, etc.)
4.) Using your list of favorites, start filling in your calendar, taking your busy schedule into consideration.
5.) On shopping day, check to see that you have all the ingredients necessary. If not, add them to your shopping list.

*********************

If you'd like to learn more details about the Make-a-Menu Calendar or the Make-a-Menu Notebook, click here. I'll teach you to start saving time in the kitchen and how to save mucho dinero by shopping the loss leaders.

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay.... Please forgive me... I'm sorry... I never posted those blasted chicken recipes! My day job really gets in the way of my recipe posting! I just wish I'd win the lottery... Okay... I know... You have to actually play the lottery if you expect to win!!!

Well, I promise to get you some new recipes this week. Really!

In the meantime, here's what we'll be eating around here this week:

Monday - Volleyball Game Day - Venison Chili (Thanks, Deanna, for the venison!!)
Tuesday - Spaghetti and meatballs, garden salad, garlic bread
Wednesday - Enchilada Casserole, green beans, tortillas
Thursday - Chix 'N Dumplin's!
Friday - Stuffed Taters and Salad, lemonade!
Saturday - Mom & Dad are going out!

*********************

Here's a recipe I think you'll enjoy:

Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:
2 lb. ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (15-oz.) can Enchilada Sauce
2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
1 pkg. (12) corn tortillas

1. Brown ground beef and onion.
2. Stir in Enchilada sauce and soups.
3. In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, layer the tortillas, sauce, and cheese. Be sure to start with a thin layer of sauce. Ending with cheese.
4. Bake at 325, covered, for 45 minutes; uncover and bake 15 minutes longer. Makes 8-10 servings.

** You can make this in two 9 x 9 pans and freeze one for eating later. Just thaw and bake as directed.

2009-10-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

My daughters, Miss and Sam are excited to have joined the Atascosa Juniors Volleyball Club for the 2009-2010 season! Atascosa Juniors competes in the USAV (United States Association of Volleyball). The girls' club offers an opportunity for them to develop skills, technique, and strategy, as well as improve social skills and build character. They will be busy with Sunday practices and will participate in 5 tournaments over the coming months.

This enjoyable and valuable sport is expensive. Some of the items their tuition pays for includes equipment, tournament fees, and USAV fees. In order to offset our expenses, we are participating in a Pampered Chef fundraiser!

When you shop our fundraiser, 20% of your purchase goes directly to the tuition expenses for the girls. Also, when you purchase a minimum of $60.00, you get a free gift!

If you are interested, here's how you can shop online:

***********************************

1. Go to www.pamperedchef.biz/alvarado
2. Click on "shop online" on the picture on the bottom left side.
3. Under Option 1, click on the white box, then type in "ATASCOSA JUNIORS".
4. Click "search"
5. Once the organization is found, begin shopping!

**********************************

This fundraiser goes through October 24th. Products will be delivered approximately around November 3, 2009.

We appreciate your participation in our fundraiser. Pampered Chef has awesome products and they make GREAT Christmas gifts! I love the stuff.... I should since I own a TON of it!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week we're going healthy at Menu Maker Mom's house. I've started the Flat Belly Diet, or as I'll call it, the FBD, and I'm looking forward to some tasty and healthy MUFAs. "What in the world is a MUFA," you ask? Well, it's monounsaturated fat, but it's more FUN to call it a MUFA! You say it like this: "moo-fah".

I just love saying it. It's so much fun!!...

"MUFA, MUFA, MUFA"

Mufas are yummy, delicious foods like avacados, olives, nuts and seeds. Oils like olive oil and canola oil are also included. These fats are good for you and make foods taste yummy. Two of the principles of the Flat Belly Diet are that you consume one MUFA with each meal and that you consume four 400-calorie meals per day. Cool. I can do that!

I started the FBD this morning, and I'll re-evaluate it in 32 days, which will be on November 5th. Hopefully by then I will have lost at least 15 pounds and be almost near my goal of 25 pounds of weight loss.

I hope you'll follow me over the next few weeks! Be sure to comment with ENCOURAGEMENT, as I will need it. If you want to join me, let me encourage you too! If you want more information about FBD, you can pick up the diet book or cookbook. (I have a link in the "MMM Favorites" section of my sidebar).

******************************************

Monday: Marinated and Grilled chicken breasts, steamed green beens, oven-roasted red potatoes (MUFA - olive oil)
Tuesday: Pan-seared tilapia, herbed brown rice, sauteed mushrooms, steamed English peas (MUFA - olive oil)
Wednesday: Leftover/freezer buffet! (Busy night)
Thursday: Grilled herbed salmon in foil packets, sauteed yellow squash and onions, herbed brown rice, yellow corn for kids (MUFA - olive oil)
Friday: Chicken Tortilla Soup (MUFA - avacado)
Saturday: Out to dinner with hubby and kids (I'll choose wisely!!)
Sunday: Chix n' Dumplin's, Walking Salad

**********************************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Hard Life Lessons ~ To Everything There is a Purpose

2009-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

“Mom, why do people take what isn’t theirs?!”, my daughter, who was hurt and feeling disbelief at being robbed, begged me to explain. She continued, “I worked hard to get that phone, and now someone has taken it away. I don’t understand why someone thinks they have to right to steal my stuff!”

Last Monday evening, during both my daughters’ volleyball game, one of their cell phones was stolen. For both my daughters, this was their first experience with the theft and the blatant dishonesty of others. How could I give a good answer to her questions that would make sense out of it all? How could I help her understand that we live in a world that doesn’t always respect the hard work of others? How could I explain that a segment of society believes, “If I want it, I’ll just take it”? And how could I settle my own gnawing disappointment in knowing that bit-by-bit, my daughters’ innocence is being chipped away?

My husband and I had our girls wait until the ripe old age of 12 before they were given the privilege of having the luxury of owning cell phones. They each saved their birthday money and hard-earned report card earnings until they had enough savings to purchase the phones they’d been planning and waiting patiently for. We agreed to purchase the monthly service as their reward for earning awesome grades (all A’s!) and having great behavior. The phones were definitely earned by both hard-working girls!

Work. As parents, we have modeled the value of work, and they have seen us work for what we have. They know that to have something means to work and earn it.

Yes, they earned the phones. Now someone else has robbed them of their earnings, and we feel violated. Yes, the phone is just a material thing, just a belonging. But, it’s OUR material thing, OUR belonging.

We’ve already replaced the phone with another. Unfortunately, the “new” phone isn’t really new. It’s one of our old phones and not the nice touch-screen that she worked so hard to buy. Our daughter has accepted the circumstance, and is moving on, but the sting is still there.

I feel saddened that my daughters experienced this crime. (Yes, it is a crime.) But, since I believe that God has a purpose in everything, I’m grateful for the unfortunate lesson they learned, but saddened to be reminded that we live in a world where these types of lessons are necessary.

My girls learned that in this world, there are those who work and those who take. They learned that material belongings are temporary. They learned that they will have to be wary as they go through life, for while there are many who are good; there are many who are not good.

Finally, they learned what it feels like to be victimized. Fortunately, this knowledge will lead them to have compassion for others who are also dealt with the negative circumstance of being victimized in some way.

It is true that character and virtue are developed through trials. It is true that to everything there is a purpose. And as hard as it is sometimes, we give thanks for everything.

WALGREENS DEALS :: Ends this Sat, 10/3/09

2009-10-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Have you been thinking about stocking up your medicine cabinet? In our community, the number of sick kids at staying home from school, whether it's attributed to H1N1 or not, continues to grow. So far we are all healthy at my house, but I'm making sure I'm prepared... just in case!

Good thing there are some great deals at Walgreens right now! My friend, Lisa, and I have kind of thrown this together, so please forgive us for the lateness and for any typos. We just want to make sure you have an opportunity to get your medicine chest stocked this week! It will be rainy here in South Texas this weekend, so better to be prepared than to have to run out at the last minute... Check out this list of meds and various other goodies that you can stock up on for a dime:

Register Rebates ("RR"):
Emergen-C Booster
3.49 -3.49 RR = FREE!

Robitussin DM To Go
2.49 -2.49 RR = FREE!

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion
6.99 -6.99 RR = FREE!

Oral B Advantage 1-2-3 Toothbrush
3.00 -3.00 RR and MFQ - .75 (9/27 PG) = +.75 (Money Maker!)

Chapstick Fresh Effects
2.99 - 2.99 RR = FREE!

Softsoap Body Wash
7.00/2 - $1.00/1 (9/27 SS) (use 2)
= 5.00/2 (*Buy $15 or more and get $3 RR)

Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick
5.00/2 - .75 (9/27 SS) (use 2) = 3.50/2
*Buy $15 or more and get $3 RR

Colgate Toothpast 2 pack or 2 pack 360 Toothbrush
5.00 - 1.00 (9/13 SS) = 4.00
Buy $15 or more and get $3 RR

Gillette Venus Razor System
7.99 -4.00 RR AND -2.00 (9/27 PG) = $1.99

Gillette Fusion Razor
8.99 - 6.00 RR -4.00 (9/27 PG) = +1.01 (Money Maker)

Dentek Dental Care
2.00 -2.00 RR = FREE!

Prilosec OTC
22.99 -5.50 RR AND -1.00 (9/27 PG) = $16.49

Theraflu
8.00/2 -4.00 RR = $4.00/2

Vicks-DayQuil, NyQuil, Formula 44
10.00/2 -5.00 RR AND -1.00 (9/27 PG) (use 2) = $4.00/2 (or $3.00/2)

Metamucil
20.00/2 - 6.00 RR AND -1.00 9/27PG (use 2) = $13.00/2 (or 12.00/2)

Miralax 30 day
18.99 -4.00 RR and -5.00 (9/27 SS) = $9.99

Align Digestive Care
28.99 -3.00 RR and -5.00 (9/27 PG) = $20.99

Halls Refresh Sugar Free Drops
1.00 -1.00 RR and - .35 (9/27 SS) = +.35 (Money Maker!)

Claritin Allergy Relief
19.99 -3.00 RR and - 4.00 (9/13 SS1 ) = 12.99

Herbal Essences Hair Care
2.99 -2.00 RR and -1.00 (9/13 RP2) = FREE!

Tropicana Orange Juice
6.00/2 -1.00 RR and -1.00 (9/13 RP2) (use 2) = 3.00/2

Coupon Deals

General Mills Cereal
5.00/2 -1.00/2 (8/30 SS) = 4.00/2

Nature Valley Granola Bars
5.00/2 -.70/2 (8/9 GM) or -.40/1 (use 2) (9/13 GM)
= 4.30/2 or 4.20/2

Blue Diamond Almonds (buy 2)
3.49 x 2 (BOGO -3.49)
and - .72 (9/13 SS2) = 2.74/2

Crest Pro Health Rinse
3.99 -1.00 (9/27 PG) = 2.99

Pantene Hair Care
10.00/3 -$1.00 (9/27 PG) (use 3) = 7.00/3

Gillette Body Wash
10.00/3 - $1.00 (9/27 PG) (use 3) = 7.00/3

Duracell Batteries 4pk AA or AAA
2.99 -.75 (9/27 PG) = $2.24

Puffs Facial Tissues 60,72 or 108 pack (must buy 3)
.89 -.25/3 MFQ = $2.42/3

Nice 'n Easy Hair Color
12.00/2 - 1.00 (9/27 PG) (use 2) = $10.00/2

Swiffer Dusters, cloths, refill
3.99 - .50 (9/27 PG) = 3.49

Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit
18.99 -5.00 (9/27 PG) = $13.99

Febreeze Fabric Refresher
4.49 -1.00 (9/27 PG) = 3.49

Zyrtec Allergy Relief
26.99 -4.00 (8/2 SS2) or (9/13 RP2) = $22.99

Dawn Dish Liquid (Walgreens Coupon)
.99 -.25 (9/27 PG) = .74

Tylenol Extra Strength
6.00/2 -1.00 (use 2) (9/13 RP2) = 4.00/2

HEB DEALS :: 9/30/09 - 10/6/09

2009-09-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good morning, Friends! Tomorrow starts a new month of savings at HEB, so I’m looking forward to discovering what awesome deals are in store for us. I’ll report on October's special savings in the coming days.

My HEB seems to be getting a little more difficult to deal with when it comes to couponing. Last week, my cashier thoroughly examined each coupon and had to get manager approval before scanning my coupons.com and Smart Source printables. The cashier was very polite and explained that each employee was being held accountable for the coupons that came through their register. We need to remember that a difficult-to-deal-with cashier might be dealing with pressure from management. Treat them with kindness, and they will do their best to help us out.

“In other news”, as they say, kiddos in our schools are starting to drop like flies. It’s definitely time to get vigilant about hand washing and safety procedures. I’ve reminded my daughters NOT to share drinks & food with friends or each other and to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly. The local pediatrician is being very proactive by keeping kids at home for 5 days past onset of fever if there is a flu diagnosis. Looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

That being said, it’s time for us mamas to take a minute and review pantry and medicine supplies. Do you have enough ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Theraflu, pepto bismol, or anti-nausea meds? What about toilet paper and Kleenex? You might need to add comfort foods like chicken soup, fruit cocktail, applesauce, fruit juice, frozen fruit pops, and ginger ale to your stash. Don’t forget anti-bac hand washing soap, Clorox wipes, and spray disinfectant. It’s time to check your coupon stash and head out to the store to stock up.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for your weekly Make-a-Menu stock-up recipes. Sanderson Farms Whole Chickens are on sale for .88 a pound. Among other things, we’ll stash some chicken soup in the freezer!

*****************************************

Sanderson Farms Whole Chickens, Grade A - .88/lb.
HCF BBQ Seasoned Chicken Leg Quarters - $1.00/lb.
Pilgrim’s Pride Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - $1.98/lb.
Texas Style Beef Ribs - $2.49/lb.
HEB Premium Smoked Sausage Ring, 14 oz. – B1G1
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast - $2.99/lb.
Lean Ground Beef - $2.79/lb.
HEB Fresh Sausage, 16 oz. (bratwurst, Italian, etc) $2.99/lb.

Meal Deal:
BUY: 2 lbs. Extra Jumbo Raw Wild Gulf Shrimp, 16-20 ct. per lb.
FREE: HEB Sour Cream, 8 oz.
FREE: HEB Homestyle flour tortillas, 20 ct.
FREE: Wholly Guacamole Classic, 7 oz.
FREE: HEB Fancy shredded cheese, 8 oz.
FREE: Texas Style Cast-Iron Fajita Skillet

BUY – HEB Chef Prepared Breast Quarters, 3-ct.
FREE: HCF Deli-style salad, 1 lb.
FREE: King’s Hawaiin Rolls, 4 ct.

BUY – Jennie-O Turkey Store fresh ground turkey, 20 oz.
FREE: Baguette bread, 9 oz. From the bakery
FREE: R & F Pasta, 12 oz.

BUY – Starkist chunk light tuna in oil or water, 6.4 oz. Pouch
**MFQ: $1.00/2 (9/20 RP)
FREE: Starkist chunk light tuna salad, 3 oz. Pouch

Buy – HEB Classic Roast Coffee
FREE: Nestle Coffee-Mate Creamer, 10.2-22 oz.

BUY – HEB “Ready, Fresh, Go!” Pico de Gallo, 12 oz.
FREE: HEB Tortilla Chips, 10 oz.

BUY – Oscar Mayer lunchmeat family pack, 24 oz.
FREE: Kraft regular American singles, 12 oz.

BUY – Write thick sliced bacon, 24 oz.
FREE: Simply Potatoes, 20 oz. (hashbrowns, sliced, or diced)

BUY – Two (2) Tostitos Tortilla Chips, 9-15.62 oz.
FREE: True North Crisps or clusters, 4-5 oz.

BUY – Nestle Nesquick prepared chocolate milk, 15 ct., 8.25 oz. CANS
FREE: Nestle Juicy Juice, 46 oz.
FREE: HEB Chips Galore! Cookies, 12.5-16 oz.

BUY - Energizer Max batteries, AA or AAA – 8 pk; C or D – 4 pk, or 9V – 2pk
FREE: Wet Ones, 24 ct. tub or 40-ct. singles.

BUY – Two (2) Fresh Express crisp lettuce blends, 6-12 oz.
FREE: Idaho russet potatoes, 5 lbs.

BUY – Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée, 24 oz.
**MFQ: $2.00/1 (8/9 & 9/12 GM)
**MFQ: $1.50/1 link on left to coupons.com printable coupon
FREE: HEB Creamy Creations Premiun Ice Cream, ½ gallon

BUY – Wanchai Ferry Restaurant Favorites Chinese Dinner, 12.8-23.3 oz.
**MFQ: $1.00/1 (9/13 & 8/9 GM)
FREE: Hamburger, Chicken or Tuna Helper Box Dinner, 4.3-8.4 oz.

BUY - Three (3) Pepsi or Diet Pepsi, 12 pk.
FREE: Diet Pepsi, 12 pk.

BUY – Three (3) Big Red, 7-up or Sunkist, 12 pk
FREE: Venom Energy, 4 pk

BUY: Jimmy Dean Pancakes ‘n Sausage on a Stick, 12 ct.
**MFQ: .75/1 (8/30 RP)
FREE: State Fair corn dogs, 16 ct.

BUY – Revlon Nail Enamel
FREE: Revlon Nail Clipper (NOT deluxe clipper)

*******************************************
If you find any coupons for the “BUY” items, please comment!

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

FRUGAL FRIDAY :: Have a list, Check it twice!!

2009-09-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

I am a household list maker. My list making is an uncontrollable compulsion, and I just can’t help myself! In fact, that is how Menu Maker Mom got started. After all, a menu, in and of itself, is nothing more than a list of food items, isn’t it? I love lists because they just seem to make decision-making go totally autopilot. Things just seem to “click”. For me, when it comes to managing a busy household, lists create household order, whereas flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants just creates chaos!

What good is a list if you can't find it???
If you’re a list maker like me, or you want to start using a list or two, one of the most important concepts in making your lists work FOR you and not AGAINST you is having a regular place to put each list so each one is easy to access and easy to use. There is nothing more frustrating than having several running copies of the same list or losing a list. That just ADDS stress, not reduces it! If a list is kept hidden in a drawer, it won’t be used and probably will get lost.

Here's how I keep track:
* Menu is on the fridge. I use this daily.
* Camper packing list is in my household notebook. (More about that later!) Only use this one a few times a year.
* Freezer Contents list is on the freezer door. I use this daily.
* Fridge Left-Overs list is on the fridge. I use this daily.
* Grocery & Shopping list is on the fridge door. I use this daily.
* To-Do list is in my planner. I use this daily.
* Cleaning list is in my household notebook. I use this monthly.
* Gift Giving list is in my planner. (I keep a copy in “notes” in my phone too.) I use this
periodically as needed.
* Bill Paying list is in my accordion bill file. I use this list every 2 weeks.
* Budget and Savings list is in my accordion bill file. I use this list every 2 weeks.
* Holiday/Event/Vacation planning lists are in my household notebook. I use this list a
few times a year.
* School list of dates/phone numbers/important information is in my planner. I use
this list periodically as needed.
* Coupon code list. I keep this by the computer and use periodically.

For some my list might seem a little excessive. One might wonder if I actually keep a list of all my lists!! Especially for anyone who is NOT a list maker, my list-making compulsion may seem a little… Well, one might say “over-the-top”. I have a list of those people! ( just kidding! )

Truth is, I can’t imagine life without my lists. Don’t know how I’d get anything done or remember where anything is! I absolutely love my lists. They keep me organized and sane. They keep my house clean, my bills paid, and my family fed; and because they keep my life running smoothly and efficiently, they give me extra time in my day for rest and relaxation!

My list-making compulsion gets even worse...
Know what else I can’t live without when it comes to staying organized? Notebooks! I love notebooks almost as much as I love lists. In fact, I put some of my lists in notebooks! I'm sure you'd loooove to hear more about my notebooks, and I would be thrilled to tell you more..., but that’s not on my list for today!

*****************************

Menu Maker Mom~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

HAM PLAN #2

2009-09-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's time for another set of batch recipes to add to our Make-a-Menu Calendar. Are you starting to get the hang of this added dimension to your cooking? The Make-a-Menu recipes are not meant to fill in every single night of your food prep. Rather they are a way to save time and money by using what's on sale and fill in the calendar on those extra busy nights.

There's still room for pizza and hamburgers and your special recipes that your family loves. Don't forget ~ the foundation of the Make-a-Menu system is first discovering what your family's favorite meals are!

We're going to add some yummies to the list of family favorites with the following savory meals all based on ham. If these meals don't appeal to you, don't forget to check out my other Ham Plan, where you'll find another set of recipes.

Today's recipes include:
Cheesy Ham N' Mac Casserole
Ham Manicotti
Amazing Ham Pie

Of course, before you make any of these, you'll need to purchase a ham! After you serve your family the yummy ham, slice up the leftovers. You'll have plenty to dice for these recipes. If you have extras left over, freeze the ham in 2-cup portions in quart-size freezer bags.

Don't forget that ham is on sale this week at HEB. When you head out to the store, don't forget to include all the ingredients you'll need for the cooking session.

*********************************

Recipes:
16 oz. Macaroni or rotini
14 manicotti noodles
½ onion
2 cloves garlic
½ green bell pepper (finely diced
¼ red bell pepper (finely diced
¼ cup olive oil
5 cup ham, diced
½ cup Parmesan cheese
2 can cheddar cheese soup
2 cup milk
3-1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 cup shredded swiss cheese
½ cup Bisquick or baking mix
10-oz. Bag frozen chopped broccoli

Serving Day:
1 cup milk
3 eggs
½ cup dried bread crumbs mixed with 2 Tbsp. Melted butter

Extras:
13”x9” casserole OR two 8”x8” casseroles
Gallon, quart, pint freezer bags
Snack baggies
Saran
Foil

********************************

STEP 1
Get out 2 pots and fill each with water, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp olive oil. Bring to boil. Boil macaroni in one and manicotti in the other. Boil until they are just tender, not finished, and not mushy. Don’t walk away or start watching your favorite tv show. DON’T OVERCOOK!!! When done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the manicotti noodles on wax paper or foil without having them touch each other so they don’t stick.

STEP 2
Get out a large saucepan and heat on medium. Open the cans of cheese soup and pour in the pan. Add 2 cups of milk. Bring to a simmer. Add 2 cup shredded Swiss cheese and 2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.

STEP 3 – HAM N’ MAC CASSEROLE
In a large bowl, mix macaroni, 1-1/2 cups ham, and 1-1/2 cups cheese sauce. Pour into a gallon-size freezer bag. Label well, including the instructions, “thaw, pour into a greased casserole dish, bake at 350 for 20 minutes”. MMM!! Simple and yummy!

STEP 4 –MANICOTTI
Get out a saute pan. Heat the pan, then add ¼ cup olive oil. Saute ½ cup onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 green bell pepper (finely diced), and ¼ red bell pepper (finely diced) until soft. Remove from heat then add 2 cups diced ham and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Add ¼ cup cheese sauce from Step 2.

Get out a 13”x9” casserole pan or two 8”x8” casseroles. Put ½ cup sauce on the bottom. Spread it around. Get a spoon and a manicotti noodle, and start filling the noodles with the ham mix from Step 3. Fill them up completely! Lay them flat in the casserole dish, one at a time, as you fill each one. If you have extra meat mix, just tuck it in here and there. When you’re done, cover the manicotti with sauce and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Cover well with saran wrap and foil. Freeze. Add the dish to your Make-a-Menu Calendar.

STEP 5 – ASSEMBLE THE AMAZING HAM PIE KIT
Make the Impossible Ham Pie Kit by doing the following:
*Seal 1-1/2 cups diced ham in a 1-quart freezer bag.
*Seal 1-1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese in a 1-quart freezer bag.
*Seal ½ cup Bisquick or other baking mix and ½ tsp. Pepper in a snack-size bag.
*Make another Bisquick baggie, but include ¼ cup parmesan cheese and ½ tsp. Garlic powder. *Label bag as “topping”.
*Place one 10-oz. Package chopped broccoli and the bags of ham, cheese, and baking mix into a one-gallon freezer bag that you’ve labeled “Impossible Ham Pie Kit”.

Yep, that’s a lot of baggies, but it’s going to make cooking soooo easy! You might even consider setting up 2 of these bags. (Just be sure to add the ingredients to the Make-a-Menu ingredient list for this recipe.)

Print out the following recipe and place in the gallon freezer bag too!:
“Grease one pie plate. Preheat oven to 400. Dump ham, cheese, and baking mix into pie plate, mixing well. Add 3 eggs and 1 cup milk, mixing well. Mix topping ingredients with 2 tsp. Melted butter and crumble on top of pie. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.”

**************************************

Have fun cooking!!!

Menu Maker Mom~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

HEB DEALS :: 9/23 - 9/29

2009-09-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Be sure and check back later when I post the Make-a-Menu recipe of the week! We’ll be cooking up some ham, and it will be MMM-Good!

If you’re looking for more easy, freezer-fillin’ Make-a-Menu recipes, click here. Just remember to make it fast and make it good!

*************************

HEB Seasoned Chicken Fajitas or Seasoned Chicken for the BBQ - .99/lb.
HCF Drumsticks or Thighs - .99/lb.
Smithfield Ham - .99/lb.
Marinated Catfish - $4.99/lb.
HEB Maryland Style Crab Cakes - $2.99/lb
HCF Sliced Bacon, 12-oz. - $2.50/ea

Buy – HEB Premium Bacon, 24 oz.
Get FREE: Mission Homestyle Tortillas, 10 ct. AND Hill Country Fare grated cheese, 8 oz. Bag

Buy - Eckrich Lil’ Smokies Cocktail Sausages – 14 oz.
Get FREE: HEB 8-oz. Sodas, 6-pack

Bar S Bologna - $1.17/ea.

Butterball Deep Fried Turkey Breast Lunchmeat (This is soooo good!!)
Sale: 2/$5.00
MFQ: .50/1 – located inside package (buy one, remove coupon then purchase next!)
MFQ: .75/1 (8/30 S)
Final: $2.00 or $1.75

Fast Fixins Classics – 22.75 oz
Sale: $5.99/ea

Buy – Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, 7-8 oz.
Get FREE: Barilla Pasta Sauce AND Barilla Pasta

Buy – Coffeemate Creamer, 35.3 oz. (use .50/1 coupon from 6/28 RP)
Get FREE: HEB Classic Roast Coffee, 13 oz.

Buy - Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh, 16 oz.
Get FREE: Mrs. Baird’s Whole Grain Bread, 24 oz.

Buy 2 – Healthy Choice Café Steamers
Get 2 FREE: Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers

Buy 2 Coca-Cola 20-pk, 12 oz.
Get FREE: HCF Deli Salad, 1 lb.
Get FREE: HEB Premium sausage ring, 14-oz.

Ball Park Angus Beef Franks
Sale: $3.99 ea.
MFQ: $1.00/2 (08/30 R)

Ball Park Beef, Cheese or White Turkey Franks
Sale: $3.38 ea.
MFQ: $1.00/2 (08/30 R)

Ball Park Meat or Turkey Franks
Sale: $2.00
MFQ: $1.00/2 (08/30 R)

Healthy Ones Lunchmeat or Smoked Sausage
Sale: $2.89 ea.
MFQ: $.55 (08/16 SS)

Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunchmeat, 16 oz. tub
Sale: $4.99 ea.
MFQ: .55 (08/16 SS)

Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunchmeat, 5-6 oz.
Sale: $2.00
MFQ: .55 08/16 SS coupon

Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin or Hearty Slices Lunchmeat
Sale: $3.24 ea.
MFQ: .55 (08/16 SS)

Jennie*O Jumbo Turkey Franks
Sale: $3.99 ea.
MFQ: .55 (07/26 SS)

Jennie*O Turkey Franks
Sale: $1.00
MFQ: .55 (07/26 SS)

Tyson Family Favorites
Sale: $4.99 ea.
MFQ: .55 (08/02 SS)

The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges
Sale: $3.49 ea.
MFQ: .55 (08/02 SS)

Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes, box
Sale: $1.25/ea
MFQ: .40/1 (sidebar link to printable coupon!)
Final: .85/ea

Buy any 3 Betty Crocker Bisquick, Muffin Mix, Brownie Mix, or Cookie Mix
(printable coupons – link on left - .75/1 brownies, .41/1 cookies)
(.75/2 – 8/23 S for brownies, and .40/1 – 8/9 & 9/13 GM)
Get FREE: HEB Butter, 1 lb.

Buy Chinete Plates, 36-ct.
Get FREE: Chinette Lunch Plates, 36-ct.

Mennen Speed Stick, 3 oz. - $1.00 with HEB Coupon
*****************************

Menu Maker Mom~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the Way"....

2009-09-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

You must think I’ve completely lost my mind! Why, it’s not even October yet, and Menu Maker Mom is singing Christmas Carols?!?!

Well, I’m just trying to get your attention because CHRISTMAS IS JUST 94 DAYS AWAY!!! Yep, Advent starts in only 68 days!!!

As a busy working wife and mother with busy kids, I know how important it is to stay organized, especially with approaching holidays. There’s so much to do: shopping, cleaning, cooking, attending plays and parties, wrapping, decorating... It’s just a flurry of activity and it seems like it’s just a blur from Halloween until New Years!!!

To help out, I’ve found some great online planners on the web that can help a busy mom like you and me stay calm, organized, and with our budgets. Grab a cup of joe and sit for a while and check these out:

OrganizedChristmas.com – This great site from the writers of OrganizedHome.com includes organizing articles, 2 organized plans called “Christmas Countdown” and “Holiday Grand Plan”, and you’ll also find a free printable Christmas Planner. The Holiday Grand Plan has already begun, and the Christmas Countdown is a 6-week program that hasn’t yet started. Go to OrganizedChristmas.com to register for either. It’s free!! By the way – this planner is cool because it includes a Bible study. “Jesus is the reason for the season!”

Celebrating-Christmas.com – What a fun site full of recipes, party planning tips, crafts, and free checklists. Visit Celebrating-Christmas.com to download their free “Celebrating Christmas Magazine 2008”. While you're there, don't forget to visit their other sites, including Celebrating-Halloween.com!

ChristmasOrganizing.com – This is the place to join a Yahoo discussion group where you'll learn from others and share with others. The authors also have a great organizing plan called the “Christmas Organizing Express.” Don’t forget to check out the easy tips for setting up an organizing center, the gift giving ideas and coloring pages too!

*********************************

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies... Stuffin' Tummies.

WHAT'S ON YOUR FRIDGE?

2009-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is my fridge - the freezer section, that is. Sorry the pic is so poor ~ I took it with my cell phone's camera.

There are three very important items on my fridge that help this family stay organized. The white papers in the upper left-hand corner are a pad of grocery lists. Using Word, I made a grocery list with four columns. It includes all the items that we normally need, and a few lines for adding items that aren't quite so regular. The list is broken out into the same sections as you would find in the grocery store, for example, "frozen foods", "produce", "meat", "canned goods", etc. It's so easy to check off any item as I run low or run out. I don't have to remember anything! Finally, this list keeps me sane when I get to the store, as I know I won't forget anything before leaving any particular department. No more running back and forth across the store, or showing up at home without this or that.

In the middle of the fridge I have a pen cup that's magnetized. It's meant for school lockers and it's so cool! I found it at Dollar Tree for, you guessed it, a dollar! Love it!

On the right side is the calendar. Mine is simple. Got it from the church and it hilights a different saint each month. It has all the holy days listed, which is nice for my family. The squares are uncluttered, so it's easy to see any notes that I have made.

Of course, I have a few photos of my favorite people. I love looking at them each time I check out the list or the calendar!

So what's your fridge like? What keeps you organized?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

MENU PLAN MONDAY

2009-09-20T16:32:00.001-07:00

Sigh. Sniffle, sniffle. The weekend is over. It was waaayyy too fast. I loved every minute of it, and now I'm sad to see it end. Why do Saturday and Sunday seem to fling by at lightening speed while Monday and Tuesday just tick by so slowly???

Please stand by while I pout for just one more moment.... Sigh. Sniffle, sniffle, pout.

Now that I've gotten all that whining out of my system, it's time to get on to the business of planning for another awesome day and another week of opportunities to enjoy life! First item on my agenda is to make sure I have my family fed and happy. On that note, here is my menu.

Sunday - FFA Barbeque lunch/dinner
Monday - Chicken Quesadillas & Tortilla Soup
Tuesday - Arroz Con Pollo & Green Salad
Wednesday - Pork Carne Guisada, Salad, and Tortillas
Thursday - Wine and Herb Chicken, Uncle Ben's Ready Rice, St
Friday - Salmon Pattties, Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, Caesar Salad
Saturday - Chicken Nachos (movie & game night!)

If you'd like more ideas for your menu planning, please visit http://orgjunkie.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

1) Worship, 2) Zip, 3) ZZZ, 4) Make-a-Menu, 5) Snip, 6) Plan

2009-09-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

"Huh???", you ask. "What kind of post title is that?!", you exclaim. Well, that's Menu Maker Mom's auto-pilot plan for Sundays.

Here's what it all means:

1. First we head out to church. Gotta give thanks!!! Gotta say "sorry". Gotta ask for a little guidance.

2. Then we zip around the house doing this little project or that. Today I'll pull up weeds. It's therapeutic!

3. Next comes the "ZZZZ". Yep, it's exactly what it sounds like. Gotta rest! Monday comes fast and furious, and I need one afternoon to recharge. Rest might mean an actual nap or it might just mean hanging out with friends and family. It's time to refuel the body and soul.

4. After the "zzzz", I head out to MMM's Menu Calendar to check things out. Is my menu ready? Do I have all the necessary ingredients to get through the week? Before I'm done with the menu, I set up my Menu Box. When I'm done, I know my week will be on auto pilot.

5. Once my menu is done and put away, it's time to SNIP! Hmmm.... sounds dangerous!!! Okay, so you'll stop wondering what exactly I'm going to snip, let me tell you... COUPONS! Yes, time to clip the coupons and get them in the binder. Of course, if you use the NO-CLIP System, you'll just file your coupon inserts away.

6. The last thing I do on Sunday - and this is a MUST - is look at my calendar for the week. With two tweens, life is pretty busy. For example, this week we have volleyball games, FFA showmanship practice, Catechism classes, an orthodontist appointment, finally a volleyball tournament, and to end the week, I get to head out to the supper club my girlfriends and I have started. Life is busy & life is awesome!

So, what's your auto-pilot plan for Sunday?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

Frugal Friday - My Top-Ten for the Weekend...

2009-09-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

I love it when Frugal Friday is also PAYDAY! "Kaching!!!" Ahhhh – the joy that comes from working… the wonderful "paycheck". Of course, most of mine is gone the minute it hits the bank, but I make sure there’s enough left for frugal necessities and even some frugal frivolousness!

So, what kinds of frugal happenings will be going on around the Menu Maker Mom home this weekend, you ask? Well, here’s my weekend to-do list:

1. Take my girls to Dairy Queen for Blizzards! I’ll use $1.00 Off One Blizzard coupons that I got at http://www.blizzardfanclub.com/ Check it out and get your coupons!

2. Grocery shop at HEB, Super S, and Walgreen’s – I spent last evening planning and plotting. My coupons are clipped, my list is made, and I’m set to go!

3. Dig up weeds & plants in front shrubbery beds. Seems that with our rain blessing, the weeds have gone totally bonkers! After everything is cleaned up, I’ll start collecting bricks, mulch, and plants to create a new shrubbery/annual bed. I’m planning to plant annual mums, Mexican heather, a Mexican Bird of Paradise, and some other small shrub (haven’t decided which one just yet ~ probably Yaupon). I’ll post pics of the process!

4. Head out to find a steal or two at Beall’s. They are having a buy-one-get-one-half-off sale on shoes, among other things. Lucky for me, as I need new tennies in a bad way, plus I need new shoes for work. I’ll head out with my 25% off one-item coupons to bring the price way down! (You can get your coupon by scrolling through the coupons located on the left side of this page!)

5. Color my hair… Yes, I admit it. When it comes to my hair, I am NOT saving the earth by going green... No, I am not "au natural"... Yes, I admit it, and the scathing truth is out! The "silver" lining is, of course, that that I'll lose the salt and save the pepper with a coupon!

6. Clean my house. The most frugal decorating tip out there is to just keep it clean!

7. Decorate my house for fall. Once the cleaning is done, I’ll bring out the boxes and spiffy up the place. I just love Fall!!! I’ll post some pics when I’m done!

8. Post the menu. Enough said.

9. It’s time for our annual FFA BBQ Fundraiser. That means I’ll be helping out with potatoes and beans on Saturday, and serving after church on Sunday. We’ll work hard, but have lots of fun!

10. Do a little cookin’ ahead. I’ll be assembling the chicken meals and stuffin’ the freezer tonight. I’ll also whip up some freezer biscuits (recipe to follow) and taco seasoning for the pantry.

Looks to be a busy and enjoyable weekend at the MMM Household. What are your plans? Send me an email or post a comment so we can share!

Have a wonderful, blessed weekend…. And don’t forget to GIGGLE!!!

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

STUFF THE FREEZER CHICKEN RECIPE

2009-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Chicken's on sale at HEB. Time to stuff the freezer! Here's what's on the Menu:

Wine and Herb Chicken
Cheesy Taco Chicken
Lemon-Lime Spicy Chicken
Louisiana Chicken

Let's get started! You'll need to have on hand:

3 T. olive oil
2 T. fresh lime juice
2 T. Orange juice frozen concentrate
2 T. fresh lemon juice
½ lemon, sliced thinly
¼ c. chopped onion
½ cup slice green bell pepper
¼ c. chopped celery
3 clove garlic, minced
4 T fresh parsley, minced
1 (14 oz.) canned whole tomatoes, chopped and undrained
1 (12 oz.) can Rotel tomatoes and chilies, chopped
1 (12 oz.) can Campbells Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Red wine vinegar
1½ tsp. Dried basil
3 T. Chili Powder
3 T. Paprika
1 tsp. Cayenne
¼ tsp. Cumin
1 tsp. Thyme
1-1/4 tsp salt
½ tsp. Lemon pepper
1 tsp pepper
¼ tsp Tobasco sauce
1 c. white wine
6 lbs chicken pieces

**********************************
STEP 1:
Label 4 gallon-size freezer bags as follows:
Wine and Herb Chicken
Cheesy Taco Chicken
Lemon-Lime Spicy Chicken
Louisiana Chicken

STEP 2:
Set up the bags:
1. Set up the 4 gallon-size freezer bags so they are standing upright. It might help to set them in bowls.
2. Divide the chicken in to the 4 bags equally.

STEP 3:
Stuff the bags:
1. In the bag labeled, “Wine and Herb Chicken”, add the following, then seal:
1 cup white wine, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ sliced lemon, 2 tbsp. Parsley, 1 tsp. Thyme, 1 tsp. Basil, ½ tsp. Salt, ¼ tsp. Pepper.

2. In the bag labeled, “Cheesy Taco Chicken”, add the following, then seal:
1 can Rotel, 1 can Cheese Soup, ¼ tsp. Cumin, 1 Tbsp. Chili powder, ½ Tbsp. Paprika.

3. In the bag labeled, “Lemon-Lime Spicy Chicken”, add the following, then seal:
2 tbsp. Olive oil, 2 tbsp. Fresh lime juice, 2 Tbsp. Frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. Chili powder, 1 Tbsp. Paprika, ½ tsp. Cayenne, ½ tsp. Pepper, ½ tsp. Lemon pepper, ½ tsp. Salt

4. In the bag labeled, “Louisiana Chicken”, add the following, then seal:
1 Tbsp. Olive oil, ¼ cup chopped onion, ½ sliced green pepper, ¼ cup chopped celery, 1 clove mined garlic, 1 can whole tomatoes (chopped), 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. Red wine vinegar, ½ tsp. Dried basil, 2 Tbsp. Fresh parsley, ¼ tsp. Pepper, ¼ tsp. Tobasco sauce.

STEP 4:
Lay them all flat on a cookie sheet and stick it in them in the freezer!

STEP 5:
Add the 4 meals to your Menu Calendar.

STEP 6: COOK & EAT!!!
On cooking day, take out your frozen meal, thaw it, then stick in a crockpot on low for 6 – 8 hours. You can also bake in a casserole dish that you’ve sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until juices from chicken run clear.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: (Be sure to add these extras to your shopping list so you have everything you need on hand for serving day!)

Wine and Herb Chicken – fresh steamed green beans, wild rice mix
Cheesy Taco Chicken – chopped lettuce and tomatoes, tortillas, guacamole, beans
Lemon-Lime Spicy Chicken – white rice, steamed broccoli
Louisiana Chicken – Cajun rice (look for Zatarain’s or Tony Chachere’s mixes), green salad.

Menu Maker Mom’s MAKE-A-MENU Meals~

MAKIN’ YUMMIES. STUFFIN’ TUMMIES.

HEB :: 9/16-9/22

2009-09-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

HEB has a few good “buy-this-get-that” deals this week, but only several have coupons to combine with for added savings. I’ll highlight the coupon combos in GREEN. And don’t forget to use the coupon link on the left to print your own coupons. There are some really great savings available right now!

Be sure and check back tomorrow when I post the Make-a-Menu recipe of the week! Plan on buying enough of the 5/$5.00 chicken breasts or leg quarters for 4 family-size meals, along with 5 freezer bags. We’re going to fill the freezer, then stuff the crockpot on busy nights. No more overpriced fast-foodie land for you! Your busy family will crown you with the coveted MAMA Award when they come home to the appetizing aromas of home cookin’!

If you’re looking for more easy, freezer-fillin’ Make-a-Menu chicken main-dish recipes, click here. I've also got pork chop recipes, ground beef recipes, and ham recipes, and soups/chowder recipes for your freezer. Just remember to make it fast and make it good, the Menu Maker Mom way!

Here's your HEB Deals!!
***********************************
Split Chicken Breasts & Chicken Leg Quarters – 5 lbs. For $5.00
Country Style Pork Ribs – 5 lbs. For $5.00

Buy – Buitoni Pasta ($1.00 coupon here)
Buy – Buitoni Sauce
Get FREE: HEB Sherbert, Baguette Bread, Del Monte Vegetables (28 oz. Can), HEB Premium Chocolate Covered Cookies

Buy – Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, 7-8 oz.
Get FREE: Barilla Pasta Sauce AND Barilla Pasta

Buy – HEB Premium Bacon, 24 oz.
Get FREE: Mission Homestyle Tortillas, 10 ct. AND Hill Country Fare grated cheese, 8 oz. Bag

Buy – Coffeemate Creamer, 35.3 oz. (use .50/1 coupon from 6/28 RP)
Get FREE: HEB Classic Roast Coffee, 13 oz.

Buy - Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh, 16 oz.
Get FREE: Mrs. Baird’s Whole Grain Bread, 24 oz.

Buy 2 – Healthy Choice Café Steamers
Get 2 FREE: Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers

Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes, box
Sale: $1.25/ea
MFQ: .40/1 (sidebar link to printable coupon!)
Final: .85/ea

Buy any 3 Betty Crocker Bisquick, Muffin Mix, Brownie Mix, or Cookie Mix
(printable coupons – link on left - .75/1 brownies, .41/1 cookies)
(.75/2 – 8/23 S for brownies, and .40/1 – 8/9 & 9/13 GM)
Get FREE: HEB Butter, 1 lb.

Buy Splenda packets, 100 ct. (use $1.50/2 from 8/30 S)
Get FREE: Tetley Tea Bags, 24 ct.

SUPER S SAVINGS :: 9/16 - 9/22

2009-09-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go?! It's already mid-month, and mid-week. Aaarrggg! Time goes by waaayyy too fast!

This is a good week to hit Super S for some super savings. Don’t forget that coupons up to $1.00 are doubled at Super S. Final prices in this list reflect the doubled savings!

***********************************
Yoplait Yogurt, 6 oz. cups
Sale: 2/$1.00
MFQ: .40/6 (8/9 and 9/13 GM) OR .50/6 (coupons.com - see the left sidebar for printables!)
Final: .36/ea. or .33/ea. (must buy 6)

Pillsbury Crescent or Cinnamon Rolls, 8-13.9 oz. can
Sale: 3/$5.00
MFQ: $1.00/2 (coupons.com - see the left sidebar for printables!)
Final: .66/ea!!! (must buy 2)

Ball Park Franks, 16 oz. pkg.
Sale: 2/$4.00
MFQ: $1.00/2 (8/30 R)
Final: $1.00/ea. (must buy 2)

Totino’s Pizza Rolls, 40-ct. pkg.
Sale: $2.99/ea
MFQ: .35/1 (9/13 and 8/9 GM; 7/12 S)
Final: $2.29/ea

Tyson Chicken Strips, Bites, or Wings, 25-32 oz. Bag
Sale: $6.99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (8/2 S2)
Final: $4.99/ea

Eckrich Family Pack Sausage, 42-48 oz. pkg.
Sale: $7.99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/2 (8/30 S)
Final: $5.99/ea ($2.28-$1.99/lb)

Buddig Quix Meats, 7-8 oz. pkg., single-serve cups
Sale: $3.00/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1
Final: $1.00/ea!

Mahatma Yellow Rice, 5 oz. pkgs.
Sale: .79/ea.
MFQ: .75/2 (8/30 R)
Final: .04/ea!!! (must buy 2)

Success Rice, white or brown, 14 oz. box
Sale: 2/$4.00
MFQ: .50/1 (8/30 R)
Final: $1.50/ea

Uncle Ben’s Rice, 2 lb. bag
Sale: $3.39/ea
MFQ: $1.00/3 (9/13 R2)
Final: $2.72/ea (must buy 3)

Ronzoni Pasta, 13-14 oz. box, reg. or wheat
Sale: 6/$5.00
MFQ: $1.00/2 (coupons.com - see the left sidebar for your printables!)
Final: FREE!!!!

Mission Tortillas, 30 oz. ct. pkg.
Sale: 2/$3.00
MFQ: .55/1 (8/9 S)
Final: $.40/ea!!!

Angel Soft Bath Tissue, 24 roll
Sale: $5.99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (9/13 R2)
Final: $3.99/ea

Air Wick Air Freshener, 8 oz. can
Sale: 6/$5.00
MFQ: BOGO (8/30 S)
Final: .41/ea (must buy 2)

Alka Seltzer Antacid, 24-ct. box
Sale: $2.88/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (printable Coupons.com link in the sidebar!)
Final: .88/ea!!

FABULOUS FRUGAL FRIDAY

2009-09-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Being Frugal is Fabulous! I always give a High Five to the Good Lord for leading me down this path. This path has led me to meet so many wonderful people with so many awesome ideas for making life easier and saving our hard-earned dollars. If you're just tuning in to this blog, please introduce yourself so I can add you to my list of friends!

That being said, I hope we can put our heads together and start sharing some tried-and-true frugal tips and ideas. Oh, what the heck... Let's share the NOT tried-and-true too! Feel free to post your comments with ideas and links!

************************************

Make-Your-Own Breadcrumbs

Why buy packaged breadcrumbs when you have the ingredients right there in your kitchen??? I always keep a stash of breadcrumbs in my freezer, and I NEVER buy breadcrumbs in the canister.

It's simple... When you have left over bread loaf heels, crackers, rolls, tortillas, hamburger or hotdog buns, biscuits, etc., just set them aside and let them dry a bit. Once they are dry, run them through the food processor or blender. Put the crumbs into a shallow baking pan (I use the bottom of the broiler pan) and lightly toast them by setting in a low oven (250) for about an hour.

Seasonings can be added as needed. I store the bread crumbs in a 1-gallon plastic ice cream container, but they could be kept in any freezer bag, a cleaned out coffee can, a jar, or some other plastic container.

So easy, so inexpensive, so waste-free.

Being Frugal is Fabulous!

Ground Beef's on Sale... MAKE-A-MENU HAMBURGER PLAN

2009-09-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hi there, my Menu-Makin' Friends! If you've followed this blog long enough, you've learned that the best way to save money and plan your menu is to prepare and freeze a few recipes at a time, using common ingredients that are on sale. With that in mind, it’s time to fill the freezer with new Make-a-Menu Meals! As always, these are simple everyday-type meals that all your peeps will love. They will sing for joy when you serve MMM-Good Hamburgers, Italian meatballs, MMM’s Meatloaf, or Porcupine Eggs!

This week’s menu uses ground beef, which is on sale this week at HEB for $1.99/lb. Of course, if you’d like to fill your freezer with even more beef recipes for even more savings, be sure and click on the “Beef Plan” link on the left sidebar. This entire batch cooking session should cost you just about $20.00. That's only $5.00 per meal for a family of 4!!

Here’s a couple of quick reminders:
1. Don’t forget to add your recipes to your menu as soon as they go in the freezer!
2. Add any items that will complete your meal to your shopping list BEFORE your week starts. For example, on the week that you serve meatloaf, you might want to include green beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls. Be sure to add these items to BOTH your menu AND your shopping list. When you serve Italian Meatballs, you might need rolls if you are making meatball subs; or you might need spaghetti noodles if you are serving spaghetti and meatballs.
3. Check out my Make-a-Menu resources and instructions on the left sidebar if you need a refresher on how

Let’s get cookin’... Here's the lineup:
MMM-Good Hamburgers
Italian Meatballs
MMM's Meatloaf
Porcupine Eggs

**All recipes serve 4**
**********************************
INGREDIENTS

7 lb. Ground Beef
2 packets Onion Soup Mix
1 packet Beef Gravy Mix
4 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
½ c. Bread Crumbs (I keep a stash of make-your-own in my freezer)
½ c. White Rice
1 c. Onion, minced (about 1 medium onion)
2 tsp. Salt
1-3/4 tsp. Pepper
3 Eggs
32 oz. (2 cup) Spaghetti Sauce
15 oz. Can Beef Consommé
1 c. Water
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Garlic Salt
2 tsp. Basil, dried
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/3 c. ketchup
1/3 c. BBQ Sauce
2/3 c. Quick Oats

***************************************
Other Supplies:
2 Gallon Freezer Bags, 2 Quart Freezer Bags, Wax paper or Fold-over type sandwich bags, Aluminum Foil

***************************************
Step #1 - Make the MEATBALLS

Mix the following and form into 2” balls, then bake at 250 for 20-30 minutes. Cool and freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag.
2 pounds ground beef
½ cup onion
¼ tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Garlic salt
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 Egg
**Reserve 24-ounce can Spaghetti sauce OR 1-1/2 to 2 cups homemade spaghetti sauce for serving day

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator then cover with one 24-ounce can spaghetti sauce (or 1-1/2 to 2 cups homemade) and simmer. See "Serving Ideas" at the end of this article.

***************************************
Step #2 - Make the MMM-GOOD HAMBURGER PATTIES

Mix 2 pounds ground beef with 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup bread crumbs. Form into 8-10 patties. Place patties into fold-over type sandwich bags or separate by wax paper or foil. Freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag.

To serve, thaw first, then grill, broil, or pan fry. Serve on hamburger buns with all the fixin's and fries or corn on the cob, or with onions and gravy and mashed potatoes. MMM-Good!

****************************************
Step #3 - Make the PORCUPINE EGGS

In a large bowl, mix the following and form into 8 balls. Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray and fry the meatballs, or bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cool, place into a quart-size freezer bag. Freeze.

1 pound ground beef
½ cup rice
½ cup minced onion
1 tsp. Salt; ½ tsp pepper
1 egg
½ cup spaghetti sauce (freeze the other ½ cup until the day you serve this)

To serve, thaw the meatballs. Place in a casserole dish or crockpot. Add ½ cup spaghetti sauce, 1 15-ounce can of beef consommé, 1 cup water, and 1 packet beef gravy mix. Bake 40 minutes at 350 or cook 4 hours on low in the crockpot.

*****************************************
Step #4 - Make MMM’S MEATLOAF

In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients. Dump the whole mess into an aluminum foil lined loaf pan and press down into a loaf-shape. Freeze until almost hard. Remove from the pan, wrap with more foil, and freeze in a gallon-size freezer bag.

2 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 packet onion soup mix
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup bbq sauce
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2/3 cup quick oats
1 tsp. Pepper

To serve, thaw in the fridge. Place back in the loaf pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

********************************
Serving Ideas:

1. Italian Meatballs are great in soups and stews. They can be used on sub sandwiches and of course, served with spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. They are also superb when sliced in half and placed on homemade pizza!
2. MMM's Meatloaf leftovers make great panini sandwiches!! Leftovers can be crumbled and served over egg noodles for a great dinner too!
3. MMM-Good Hamburgers can be served on buns with all the fixins' along with french fries or corn on the cob (ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HEB), or they can be pan fried and smothered with onions, mushrooms, and gravy then served with a side order of mashed potatoes with peas and carrots.
4. Serve the Porcupine Eggs over a small portion of rice, along with steamed green beans (I love the steamer packs. Check out this coupon and pick some up this week!)

********************************

MMM GOOD!!!

2009-09-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here are the best deals at HEB this week. Don’t forget:
1. You cannot use a manufacturer coupon along with an HEB coupon.
2. For HEB Combo Locos, you CAN use a mfr coupon for the item you are actually paying for, NOT the free item.

Meat:
**Buy HEB Fully cooked brisket; Get free Eckrich Premium Beef Franks, 12 oz. AND Get free HEB Smoked Sausage links
**Smithfield Shank Ham - .99/lb.
**HCF BBQ Seasoned Chicken Leg Quarters - $1.00/lb
**Sanderson Farms Whole Chicken - .88/lb.
**Ground Chuck - $1.99/lb.
**HEB Marinated Beef Fajitas - $1.99/lb.
**HEB Premium Bacon - $2.50
**HCF 16-oz. Breakfast Sausage - $1.66/ea
**Tyson Family Favorites, 20.5-30 oz. Nuggets, etc., $4.99Ea (use $1.00/1 8/16 S)

Produce:
**Corn on the Cob – 5/$1.00

Combo Loco:
**Buy Ball Park Franks, get free
2 Ltr HEB Soda
Creamy Creations Frozen Fruit Bars
HEB Corn Chips
Hormel No Beans Chili

**Buy HEB Fresh-Ready-Go Salad, get free
Francisco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce, 24 oz.
HEB 16-oz. pasta

**HEB Tortilla Chips, get free
Pecan Treasures Cookies

**Buy HEB Fully Cooked Popcorn Chicken, 24 oz., get free
Oscar Meyer Lunchables

**Buy French’s Yellow Mustard (use .50/1 Q from 6/21-S, exp. 9/10/09), get free
HEB Ketchup, 20 oz.

**Buy HEB Dip, get free
HEB Bite-Size Crackers, 4.4 oz.-8 oz.

**Buy Enfamil Premium Gentle Ease Lipel 28.1-28.9 oz, get free
Evenflo classic nurser bottles, 3-pack

**Buy Dixie Value Pack Plates, 40 or 100 ct. (use 8/16 RP .35/1), get free
Dixie 160-ct. Napkins

**Eckrich Lil’ Smokies Cocktail Sausage, 14 oz. (use $1.00/2 8/30 S), get free
HEB Soft Drink 6-pack, 8 oz. Ea.

**Buy HEB Premium Smoked Sausage, get free
HEB Bake Shop Honey Wheat Bread, 24 oz.
Bush’s Best Baked Pinto Beans, 27 oz.

Grocery:
HEB Ridged Potato Chips - $1.66/ea (limit 3)
Nabisco Snack Crackers - $2.00/ea (use BOGO Q’s 5/17-S1 and 8/23-S)
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad - $1.00 off 2 HEB Q
Kraft BBQ Sauce, 18-oz. .89/ea
Hellman’s Mayo, 30 oz., $2.50 (use .60/1 from 6/28 RP or 8/2 RP)
Angel Soft Toilet Paper, 12 dbl rolls or 24 reg rolls, $4.97 ea (use HEB Q)
Gravy Train Dog Food, 17.6lb – 22 lb., $7.99/ea ($2.00 HEB Q)
Buddig Fix Quix Chicken, Ham, or Turkey cubes, 7-8 oz., $2.99 (use $2.00/1; 8/16S)
Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Big Red, 7-Up, Sunkist – 4/$10.00
2-Ltr. Big Red, 7-Up, Sunkist - $1.00/ea
Bud Light, 24-case - $15.99
HEB Premium Orange Juice - $1.99

WELCOME BACK!!!

2009-09-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Baby B, Menu Maker Mom, Baby A

Well, "Hello There", old friends! I’ve missed you! Life around our house got crazy busy for a while. It seems that once the Spring softball season started, we were going a hundred miles and hour! A busy Spring led into an awesome summer that was absolutely full. Our cup runeth over!

How was your summer? Ours was filled to the brim with graduation parties, gardening, camping, lamb camp at Texas A & M University, girls summer camp, fun days at Sea World, new braces for Baby A, a trip to the coast, the arrival of our animals ("Bud" the Lamb and our goats, “Eighty-Eight”, and “Double-04”), home painting projects, redecorating children’s rooms, a garage sale, volleyball camps, summer English homework projects (YUK!), and a myriad of back-to-school activities.

Now that the school year is under way, we’re settling into our new schedule. We’ve got animals to take care of, homework to do, and volleyball games to attend. Other fun Fall activities will include the 100-year celebration of our little town, football games, the beginning of basketball season, the county fair, our annual church picnic, FFA fundraisers and activities, and hopefully a fall garden (if the Good Lord will bless us with rain!). Fall is my absolute FAVORITE time of year, and I’m looking forward to all the fun!

I can’t wait to get this blog under way again! I hope you’ll join me for weekly coupon savings at HEB, Super S, Walgreens, and Target. In addition, I promise to create some more batch cooking recipes and some cooking tutorials. And you can look forward to two new features that will start this month: On Fridays, I hope you’ll join me for a “Frugal Friday” idea carnival, and come on back on Saturdays as I review products that will help us busy household managers save time and money!

Dear Friends, THANK YOU for sticking with me. I hope you’ll comment and introduce yourself. I’d love to get to know my readers! See ya tomorrow!

FREE MEAL FROM KFC

2009-05-06T11:55:00.001-07:00

GET A FREE 2 PC GRILLED CHICKEN MEAL FROM KFC

Print Limit is 4 Coupons

Coupon available till midnight tonight, May 6th.

go to: www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090430-tows-kfc-coupon-download

SUPER S DEALS :: MAY 6 - MAY 12

2009-05-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Don’t forget that Super S doubles all coupons up to $1.00 in value!

FREE PLUS OVERAGE DEALS!!

Glaceau Vitamin Water, 18-20 oz. bottle
Sale: 10/$10.00 ($1.00 ea)
Q: $1.00/1 (S1 4/5)
Final: +$1.00 overage!!

STOCK UP DEALS:

Domino Confectioners Sugar, 2 lb. Bag
Sale: 2/$3.00
Q: .35/1 (R 3/15)
Final: .80/ea

Wish-Bone Salad Dressing
Sale: 2/$4.00 ($2.00/ea)
Q: .75/1 (R 3/15)
Final: .50/ea

Eggo Homestyle Waffles, 19.8 oz. Ox
Sale: 2/$5.00 ($2.50/ea)
Q: .75/1 (R 4/5)
Final: $1.00/ea

OTHER SALE PLUS COUPON ITEMS:

Charmin Basic Bath Tissue, 12-rolls
Sale: $6.19/ea
Q: .25/1 (PG 5/3)
Final: $5.69

Purina Dog Chow or Little Bites, 18-20 lb. Bag
Sale: $10.29
Q: $1.00/1 (SS 4/26)
Final: $8.29/ea

Bob Evans Side Dishes, 20-24 oz. Tub
Sale: $3.00/ea
Q: .35/1 (SS 3/22)
Final: $2.30/ea

Tyson Chicken Strips or Bites, 25 oz. Pkg.
Sale: $7.99/ea
Q: $1.00/1 (SS 3/8)
Final: $5.99/ea

Zyrtec Child Tablets, 5-ct. pkg.
Sale: $5.99/ea
Q: $2.00/1 (R 3/15)
Final: $3.99Ea

Folgers Classic Roast Coffee, 33.9 oz. Can
Sale: .25/1 (R 5/3)
Q: .25/1 (R 5/3)
Final: $5.99/ea

WALGREENS DEALS AND FREEBIES May 3 - May 9

2009-05-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

Some of these deals can be had by just purchasing THIS Sunday's paper.

REGISTER REBATE DEALS:

Healthy Choice Frozen meal
2/$5
-1.00/2 4/05SS
=$4 (Buy 4 use 2 coupons get $3 RR or combine with Chef Boyardee)
4 for $5

Chef Boyardee
2/$3 buy 4
-1.00/4
=$5/4 (can combine with Healthy Choice/spend $10 for $3RR)

Oral B Cross Action Power Toothbrush
$5.99
-3.00 5/3RP
-1.00RR
=1.99

Gillette Mach 3 or Venus Disposable Razor (3ct)
$5.99
-2.00 5/03PG
-1.50RR
=2.49

Colgate Sensative
$4.49
-4.49RR
-.75 4/26SS
= +.75
IF YOU DON'T USE IT DONATE IT

Listerine Mouth Wash or Rinse 500ml
2/$9
-2.00 4/26RP (use 2)
-4.50RR
=.50/2

Spend $20 on Garnier Products get $5 RR

Garnier Shampoo or Conditioner
3/$10
-1.00 5/03RP (use 3)
=3/$7

Garnier Nutrisse or 100% Hair Color
$5
-2.00 4/05RP or 5/03RP
=3.00

Nutritioniste Skin Renew
$10
-1/1 or 3/2 5/03RP
=9.00

Pert Plus for Men
2/$5
-2RR
-1.50 5/03SS (use 2)
=FREE

Pert Plus Shampoo
2/$5
-2RR
-1.00 5/03SS (use 2)
=1.00/2

Bic Soleil or Comfort 3 Razors
$5.99
-2RR
-2 4/19SS
=1.99

Right Guard Deoderant
$2.99
-2RR
-1.00 4/19SS
=FREE

Things to possibly purchase with the Register Rebates:

Febreeze Noticables Starter Kit
$6.00
-4.00 5/03PG
=2.00

V-8 Fusion
2/$6
-1.00 4/19SS (use 2)
=2/$4

Jimmy Dean Sandwich
2/$5
-1.00 5/3RP (use 2)
=2/$3

Niagra Spray Starch
$ .99 w/WC
-.25 2/22SS
= .74

No Nonsense Knee Highs or Socks, Pantyhose
BOGO
-1.00 3/29SS

Gillette Shampoo
$3.99
-BOGO 5/03PG
=2/$3.99

Gillette Deoderant
$3.99
-1.00 3/15PG
=2.99

Aveeno Products 20%off
-1.00 4/05SS

Cortizone 10 Water resistant cream 1oz
$3.67
-1.00 peelie or 5/03SS
=2.67

Huggies Wipees
2/$5
-.75 4/19SS (use 2)
=2/3.50

Lisa

"Shop Centsably and Give Back to those in Need"

SUPER S DEALS :: 4-22-09 TO 4-28-09

2009-04-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

John Morrell Off The Bone lunch meat, 8-9 oz. tub
Sale: $3.50/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (RP 4/5)
Final: $1.50

Hillshire Sausage, 16 oz.
FREE: 16 oz. Yoder's Potato Salas
MFQ: .55/1 (RP 4/19); .75/2 (RP 4/19); .65/2 (RP 3/8)

Surf Laundry Detergent, 31-40 load powder
Sale: $4.99
MFQ: .75/1 (S 3/29)
Final: 3.49

Secret Flawless Deoderant, 2.6 oz. stick
Sale: $3.77
MFQ: $1.00/2 (PG 4/5); .50/1 (PG 3/1); $2.00/1 (RP 2/22)
Final: $2.77 or $1.77

Aleve, 20-24 ct. bottle
Sale: $3.49
MFQ: .75/1 (S 3/22)
Final: $1.99/ea

STOCK UP DEAL:
Kellogs Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, or Frosted Flakes:
12.2-14 oz. boxes (MUST BUY 3!!)
FREE: Borden Milk, 1 gallon jug
Sale: 3/$9.00
MFQ: (find 3 of these!!) $1.00/1 (RP 4/5)
Final: (with 3 coupons) $3.00 for 3 boxes of cereal AND gallon milk!!!!!

Charmin Bath Tissue, 24 roll
Sale: $5.99
MFQ: .25/1 (PG 4/5)
Final: $5.49

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are coming here from Be CentsAble's Grocery Gathering, you may return by clicking here.

HEB DEALS :: MAR 25 - MAR 31

2009-03-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by! As long as you're here, I thought I'd mention a couple of the "rules" for coupon shopping at HEB:

1. When HEB has a "buy THIS, get THAT" sale, often known as the "Combo Loco", please don't use a manufacturer coupon for the free items! Your coupon will not scan, and even if the clerk keys it in, HEB will not receive their funds for the item. YES, you can use a coupon for the item you are buying and paying for, just not for the free stuff. Keep it honest, keep it fair, and we will keep enjoying the savings from using our coupons!

2. The yellow coupons that HEB offers are actually considered to be a manufacturer coupon, and have a little "M" printed on the lower corner. Please don't try to combine the yellow dollars-off coupons with your own manufacturer coupons that you get from newspapers, online, magazines, etc. Again, even if the clerk keys it in, HEB loses the money, and eventually that will trickle down to us shoppers.

That being said, enjoy the following deals at HEB this week. You'll notice that there aren't as many coupon match-ups, but HEB has some awesome stock-up quality sale items!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

White Seedless Grapes
$1.00/lb.
(You can freeze some for yummy low calorie frozen snacks!)

Russet Potatoes, 4 lbs.
$1.00

HCF Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs
$1.00/lb. (limit 2)

Country Style Pork Ribs
$1.00/lb (limit 2)

HCF Shredded Cheese, assorted varieties
$1.00/ea (limit 5)

FREE DEAL!!!
Wholly Guacamole, 7 oz.
Sale: $1.00/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (2-8 SS; 1/4 SS)
Final: FREE!!!

Post Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles, 13 oz
Store Q: Items are $1.00 ea.

White Rain Body Wash, 12 oz.
$1.00/ea

Mission Chicharrones, 4.5 oz. ea, plain or hot
FREE: Guerrero Corn Tortillas, 24-ct.

HEB Bake Shop White Bread
FREE: HCF Albacore Tuna, 5-oz can

HEB Flavored Tortilla Chips, 12.5 oz
FREE: HEB Corn Chips, 9.75 oz

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6 oz - 7.2 oz (BUY 2)
FREE: Nestle Juicy Juice, 8-pk

Lunch Bites - turkey or ham wrap or pbj, 6.4 oz
FREE: HEB Natural Spring Water, 6-pk

Tyson chicken Nuggets, Patties, Tenders, Stk Fingers, or Country Fried Stks, 20.5 -35.2 oz
MFQ: $1.00/1 (SS - 3/8)
FREE: Sunny Delight, 64 oz
FREE: HEB Easy Melt Shells & Cheese, 12 oz

FREE DEAL!!!
Trident or Dentyne Multipack Gum, 3 or 8 pks
Sale: .99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (SS - 3/8)
Final: FREE!!!

Purex Liquid Detergent, 50 oz, 32 loads
Sale: $3.00/ea
MFQ: .35/1 (SS - 3/8)
Final: $2.65/ea

HCF Raw Extra Large Shrimp, 2 lb bag
FREE: HEB Select Extra Fine Chopped Spinach, 10 oz
FREE: Big Red, 2 L btl
FREE: Baquette Bread, 9 oz from bakery
FREE: HEB Pasta, 16 oz
FREE: Pampa Vegetable Oil

KELLOG POP TARTS, 12 ct. (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE Horizon Organic Milk, 3-pk (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (RP 2/22)

TROPICANA PURE PREMIUM ORANGE JUICE, 1 gal (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE Quaker Oats Granola Bars, 6-10 ct. (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (R1 1/4)

GENERAL MILLS CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH CEREAL, 12.8 oz (BUY 3)
Store Q: FREE Yoplait Gogurt, 18 oz. (GET 3)
MFQ: $1.00/3 (GM 2/8)

DEAN'S DIP, 12-16 oz. (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE HEB Ridged Potato Chips, 5.5 oz. (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (S 1/25)

POMPEIAN OLIVE OIL, 32 oz.
Store Q: FREE Classico Pasta Sauce 10-26 oz.
Store Q: FREE Skinner Pasta, 12 oz.

BARILLA PASTA, 16 oz.
Store Q: FREE Bumble Bee Tuna 5-6 oz.

SUPER S DEALS :: MAR 25 - MAR 31

2009-03-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Slim pickin's at Super S this week!

Nestle Juicy Juice, 64 oz.
Sale: $3.00
MFQ: $1.00/1 (S2 1-4)
Final: $1.00 ea

Kelloggs Pop Tarts, 14.1 oz.
Sale: $2.00
MFQ: $1.00/2 (RO 2-22)
Final: $1.00/ea (MUST BUY 2)

Yoplait Yogurt Cups, 6 oz.
Sale: .50/ea
MFQ: .40/6 (SS 3-22 & GM 208)
Final: $2.20/6 (MUST BUY 6 @ $.36/ea)

Gorton's Fish Fillets, 7.6 oz.
Sale: $2.97
MFQ: .55/1 (SS 3-2)
Final: $1.87

Progresso Soup
Sale: $1.50/ea
MFQ: .50/2 (GM 2-8)
Final: $1.00/ea (MUST BUY 2)

Tyson Beef or Chicken Strips, 6 oz.
Sale: $2.00/ea
MFQ: .55/1 (S1 1-4)
Final: .90/ea

Excedrin Pain Reliever, 24 ct.
Sale: $2.99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (SS 1-4 & 3-1)
Final: .99/ea

Carl Buddig Deli Cuts, 12 oz
Sale: $3.00/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1 (1-18 RP)
Final: $1.00/ea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meat Deals:

Whole Fryers - .87/lb
Beef Back Ribs - .99/lb
Country Style Pork Ribs - $1.29/lb
Catfish Nuggets - $1.49/lb

COUPON STASH MAINTENANCE!

2009-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of coupons that expire on 3/31/09. As you're clipping this week, weed out those expiring coupons. If you come across a coupon for something that you KNOW you'll need regardless of whether or not it goes on sale, go ahead and use the coupon now before it expires.

If you've been to a workshop, you'll know that I teach you to save your coupons until you can stack them with several store incentives to buy at ROCK BOTTOM PRICES. However, if your Q is going to expire then USE IT OR LOSE IT!

'THANK YOU'S' REMIND ME WHY I TEACH WORKSHOPS!

2009-03-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Jeanette attended a Power Shopping Coupon Workshop recently and has applied the strategies for BIG savings. She is a mom who works full time, so her private time is precious. It really doesn't take THAT MUCH time to save SO MUCH! I hope her letter encourages YOU to find out HOW to use coupons.

Jeanette's letter reminded me why I love teaching workshops: I LOVE knowing that after people come to a workshop, they learn that they have control and power over their budget, NOT the other way around. It's awesome!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leslie, Hi, it's Jeanette again.

I just wanted to make sure that I thanked you AGAIN for your great workshop and MONEY SAVING tips! It has been about 3 months now since I have been reading your blog and about 3 weeks since your workshop. I am now saving 45-50% off my grocery bill EVERYTIME I shop!! This is just a "normal" thing for me. If I happen to really sit down and carefully plan out my meals, check for coupons and cross compare sales/coupons, the savings is more like 75-80%! And as for Walgreens, I ALWAYS save at least 75% of my bill EVERYTIME I shop!

Now that I am getting the hang of this (and have friends who are coming on board too), I am adding Target and CVS to my shopping list so I can compare deals and seek out the best ones. THANK YOU! I really believe that you where a God send because we recently found out my husband will not have his contract renewed next school year and I am happy to be able to save extra money now so it will be habit later when we need it most. Thanks to you, we will not have to forgo our family vacation due to his job loss, we are just hunting for more ways to save!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank YOU, Jeanette for the awesome letter!

MENU PLAN MONDAY

2009-03-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! I'm so sorry to have been away for so long, but my family has been enjoying Spring Break. We loaded up the kids in the RV and took off for the lake. We had a great time doing a whole lot of nothing! Getting back to work was hard. I just love Spring Break! But all good things have both a beginning and an ending, and now I'm back at work... Sigh....

Have many of you heard of BeCentsAble? Be CentsAble is a company I work with in terms of sharing the awesome savings that the humble little coupon can provide. Be CentsAble also is a great place to visit to find the latest deals at your local grocery stores. Over the last 4 weeks, I've been writing a series on the Menu Maker Mom Make-A-Menu System. Stop by here to read what I've been writing! (And don't forget to visit the Grocery Gathering, where you can find the latest deals and printable coupons!)

With all the hustle and bustle of work, blogging, sports, kids, and animals, I always thank God for my Menu!!!! Here's what we're eating at my house this week:

Monday:
Pork Tacos (country pork ribs baked with paprika, chili powder, onion, garlic, cumin, seasoned salt, pepper, tomatoes; then shredded and used to fill corn tortillas along with lettuce, tomato, and avacado.... YUMMM!!), Spanish Rice, Salad, Strawberry Shortcake for dessert

Tuesday:
Orange Sticky Chicken (CROCKPOT - recipe to follow), Steamed Green Beans, Buttery Rice

Wednesday:
Frijoles (beans - CROCKPOT) and Texas Cornbread, ice cream for dessert

Thursday:
Salisbury Steaks (from the freezer!), Cheesy Potatoes (recipe to follow), English Peas

Friday:
Go out to dinner - Fried catfish & all the fixin's

Saturday:
Little League Opening Day - Hot Dogs, Fries, Carrot Chips

Sunday:
Carnitas (recipe to follow!), Refried Beans, Fideo (recipe to follow), Salad
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STAY TUNED FOR THE FOLLOWING RECIPES:
Orange Sticky Chicken (crockpot)
Cheesy Potatoes (stuff the freezer with bargain priced potatoes!)
Pork Carnitas
Fideo

CORN and SAUSAGE CHOWDER :: YUMMY ON A COLD DAY!!

2009-03-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

This Corn and Sausage Chowder will warm you up on a cold day! It's savory, yet fresh and will fill up hungry tummies for just a few pennies! You can pick up the sausage and canned creamed corn on sale at Super S this week. See my Super S Deals listing for more info on how you can save! After you get your groceries, don't forget to add this dish to your Make-A-Menu Calendar.

1 16-oz. package smoked sausage

2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced

1/2 small onion, grated

2-3 celery ribs, chopped finely

1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water

salt and pepper to taste

1 15-oz. can cream-style corn

1 cup milk

2 Tbsp. olive oil

shredded cheese for garnish

1. Slice sausage thinly and fry in a large saucepan. Remove sausage to a paper-towel lined plate or bowl.

2. Heat olive oil, then saute potatoes, grated onion, and diced celery. Add water or chicken broth, the cooked sausage, salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are soft.

3. Add can of cream corn and 1 cup milk. Cook until heated through.

4. Serve and garnish with shredded cheese.

5. Finish a bowl, then rub your belly. Mmm, mmm, mmm!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Bargain Meal of the Week using HEB sale items. You'll love my newest dump-in-a-freezer bag recipes:

Parsely Parmesan Chix

Grilled Herbalicious Chix

Orange Sticky Chix

(By the way, I'm a lazy typist, so my new word for "chicken" is "chix". I love it!)

HEB DEALS :: MAR 11 - MAR 17

2009-03-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

Slim pickin's in the coupon department at HEB again this week. Hope you stocked up last month!! Don't forget to go to http://www.couponmom.com/ and check out the coupon database before you hit the store. You'll find that you can save on many of your items by using a coupon.

OSCAR MAYER LUNCH MEAT
~AND~ KRAFT AMERICAN SINGLES, 16 oz.
Store Q: FREE HEB Potato chips, 5.5 oz
Store Q: FREE Mrs. Baird's Small White Bread, 16 oz.
Store Q: FREE Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip, 10 oz. squeeze bottle
Store Q: FREE Kraft Mac & Cheese Dinner, 5.5 oz
MFQ: $1.00/2 blinkie for OM Deli Freshnear the lunch meat in Super S

OSCAR MAYER LUNCH MEAT OR DELI FRESH
Store Q: FREE Kool Aid Singles
MFQ: $1.00/2 blinkie near the lunch meat in Super S

HILLSHIRE FARM ULTRA THIN or HEARTY SLICES LUNCHMEATS, 8-10 oz.
Sale: $3.19/ea
MFQ: .55/1 (2/22 RP)
Final: $2.64/ea

CARL BUDDIG TUB LUNCHMEAT, 10 oz.
Sale: $1.99
MFQ: $1.00/1 (1/18 RP)
Final: .99/ea

KIOLBASSA BEEF SAUSAGE KOLACHES, 12 oz.
Store Q: FREE International Delight Coffee Creamer, 32 oz.
Store Q: FREE HCF Mustard

HEBREW NATIONAL BEEF, REDUCED FAT, or 97% FAT FREE FRANKS OR KNOCKWURST, 12 oz.
Store Q: FREE Ranch Style Beans, 15 oz.
Store Q: FREE Hunt's Ketchup, 24 oz.

NABISCO MUNCH PACKS, 12 oz.
Store Q: FREE Kool Aid Jammers

SUNSHINE KRISPY SALTINE CRACKERS, 16 oz. box
Store Q: FREE (2 free items) HCF Canned Tuna

NESCAFE CLASSICO COFFEE, 10.5 oz.
Store Q: FREE HEB Sabor Cookies
Store Q: FREE HEB Premium Tea

KELLOG POP TARTS, 12 ct. (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE Horizon Organic Milk, 3-pk (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (RP 2/22)

TROPICANA PURE PREMIUM ORANGE JUICE, 1 gal (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE Quaker Oats Granola Bars, 6-10 ct. (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (R1 1/4)

GENERAL MILLS CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH CEREAL, 12.8 oz (BUY 3)
Store Q: FREE Yoplait Gogurt, 18 oz. (GET 3)
MFQ: $1.00/3 (GM 2/8)

DEAN'S DIP, 12-16 oz. (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE HEB Ridged Potato Chips, 5.5 oz. (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (S 1/25)

POMPEIAN OLIVE OIL, 32 oz.
Store Q: FREE Classico Pasta Sauce 10-26 oz.
Store Q: FREE Skinner Pasta, 12 oz.BARILLA PASTA, 16 oz.
Store Q: FREE Bumble Bee Tuna 5-6 oz.

TIDE LAUNDRY DETERGENT, 50 oz liquid or 31-40 load pwdr
Store Q: FREE Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets, 40 ct.
MFQ: .35/1 (2/8 & 3/1 PG)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meat Deals ~ Hope your freezer was stocked last month. This week's sale is nothing to get excited about.

$1.99/lb - Pork Riblets
$1.99/lb - Pork Steaks from Boston Butt
$1.99/lb - Delightful Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, IQF, 3 lb bag ($5.97/ea)

SUPER S DEALS :: MAR 11 - MAR 17

2009-03-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Super S doubles coupons up to $1.00 in value. For example, a coupon that reads $1.00 off will ring up twice for a total of $2.00 off. Likewise, a $.25 coupon will ring twice for a total of $.50 off.

Items in BLUE are worth stocking up. Items in RED are MUST stock up!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T. MARZETTI COLE SLAW DRESSING, 15 oz.
Store Q: FREE 1 lb. bag Fresh Express Cole Slaw
MFQ: $1.00/1 (2/1 RP)

POP-SECRET POPCORN, 3-ct box
Store Q: FREE Liter Start & Stripes Soda
MFQ: $.50/2 (2/8 & 3/8 SS)

GORTON'S FISH TENDERS OR STICKS
Sale: $2.99/ea
MFQ: .55/1 (SS 3/1)
Final: $1.89/ea

BLUE BELL ICE CREAM, 1/2 gallon
Sale: $4.50
MFQ: $1.00/1 (click here)
Final: $2.50

AWESOME CEREAL DEAL HERE:
POST HONEY BUNCHES OF OATS W/ ALMONDS, 14. 5 oz box
Sale: $2.00
MFQ: $1.00/2 (3/1 SS) or $.55/1 (3/1 SS)
Final: $1.00/ea (BUY 2) or $.90/ea

CHEERIOS CEREAL, 14-17.2 oz
Sale: $2.50
MFQ: $.50/1 (2/8 GM)
Final: $1.50/ea

ANGEL SOFT BATH TISSUE, 12 roll
Sale: $3.29
MFQ: $.50/1 (2/22 RP)
Final: $2.29 or

PILLSBURY GRANDS BISCUITS
Sale: $1.58/ea
MFQ: .30/2 (2/8 GM); .40/3 (2/8 S & 1/4 S)
Final: $1.28; $1.32

ORAL B TOOTHBRUSH
Sale: $1.50
MFQ: $1.00/2 (2/8 PG); $1.00/1 (s/8 PG)
Final: $.50 or money maker (-.50)

FUZE beverage, 18-20 oz. bottle
Sale: $1.00
MFQ: .25/1 (1/3 S1)
Final: $.50/ea

HILLSHIRE FARMS SMOKED SAUSAGE, 16 oz.
Sale: $2.50
MFQ: .35/1 ( 1/25 RP); .65/2 ( 3/8 RP)
Final: $1.80 for 1;... $1.85 ea for 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DON'T FORGET TO COME BACK THURSDAY FOR HEB DEALS OF THE WEEK!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THURSDAY'S BARGAIN MEAL OF THE WEEK FOR SUPER S IS....
Sausage Corn Chowder with Biscuits

COMING UP TONIGHT & GENERAL INFO...

2009-03-10T13:49:00.001-07:00

Check back later tonight, as I'll have the Super S deal up. If you're waiting for HEB, I'll have them up tomorrow night. Also coming this week, I'll have 2 Bargain Meals of the Week!

In other news....
I haven't thought of mentioning to you that I've been guest blogging over at Be CentsAble about the Make-A-Menu Binder system. If you've never tried this method of menu making, hop on over and take a look! It's an awesome system that trades a little bit of investment time up front for big time and money savings after your binder is set up and running. Click Here to read the entire series on this website, or catch the series one-week-at-a-time at Be CentsAble.

Lastly, if you missed my interview on the San Antonio Living Show, click here to view it. It was so much fun to do. I was very nervous at the beginning, and I thought my heart would beat right out of my chest! The host, Shelly Miles, took the lead and really helped me relax. She is such a pro at her craft. The whole thing was 10 minutes long, but it felt like 10 seconds. It went by so fast!

To end this message: Don't forget to get your workshop scheduled by emailing me at themuckleroys@aol.com so that you can start to save 50% of your grocery bill! Myself included, we now have two Be CentsAble Educators in San Antonio, and one brand new Educator in Austin! They are currently training, and I'll be introducing them soon.

WANT TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP?

2009-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you saw my interview on San Antonio Living this morning and would like for me to teach YOU to be a POWER SHOPPER at a Coupon Party, please send an email to themuckleroys@aol.com . I'll get in touch with you to get you registered.

Here's how it works:

If you'd like to get your workshop FREE, then host me and 10 of your friends in your home. The workshop takes approximately 2 hours. Like I said, you get the workshop for FREE, plus I'll set up your coupon organizer so you're set to go! In addition to this, you get to participate in our online Advance Coupon Workshop. The Advance Coupon Workshop is exclusive and can only be earned by hosting a workshop in your home, church, or other facility. The only thing I need is access to a TV and DVD player. As a final bonus, if you have more than 15 guests, I'll also give you a $25 gift card to the store of your choice!

So here's the skinny on what you can get for hosting the workshop:
FREE Attendance
FREE Coupon Organizer
FREE Advance Workshop
FREE $25 gift card

WOW!!!

And the best bonus of all: You'll be amazed at how much you can save!

WATCH ME ON TV TOMORROW MORNING!

2009-03-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

Tomorrow's a big day for Menu Maker Mom... It's my official television debut!! Here's your invitation to see li'l ole me, yours truly, Menu Maker Mom, on TV! I'll be talking about coupons (our favorite subject, huh??) on the San Antonio Living news program. Here's the details:

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Channel: WOAI, Channel 4

Please tune in!!!

BARGAIN MEAL OF THE WEEK!

2009-03-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

On Sale at HEB this week: Pork for Carnitas at $1.49/lb. I can't wait to make Carnitas and serve on Homemade Tortillas!

2 lb. Pork for Carnitas, cut in cubes - $3.00 (or use pork butt, shoulder roast, country pork ribs, etc.)
3 garlic cloaves, peeled and mashed
3/4 cup orange juice - .25
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
1 tsp chili powder
~~~~~~~~~~~
1 avacado - $1.00
2 tomatoes - .50
Shredded lettuce for tacos - $1.00
Picante sauce to taste
Homemade tortillas (storebought will do too! If you use storebought, try using corn!)

STEP #1: Dump the pork, garlic, orange juice, water, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili powder in the crockpot. Cook on low at least 7 hours.

STEP #2: Drain the pork, put into a shallow pan, sprinkle with a little of the broth, and bake at 350 until browned and crispy on edges.

STEP #3: Spoon pork into tortillas, top with chopped avacado, lettuce, tomatoes, and picante sauce.

This is so good, it will make you cry. Yes, I said you will cry.

HEB DEALS :: MAR 4 - MAR 10

2009-03-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

Slim pickin's in the coupon department at HEB again this week. Hope you stocked up last month!!

OSCAR MAYER LUNCH MEAT OR DELI FRESH
Store Q: FREE Kool Aid Singles
MFQ: $1.00/2 blinkie near the lunch meat in Super S

KIOLBASSA BEEF SAUSAGE KOLACHES, 12 oz.
Store Q: FREE International Delight Coffee Creamer, 32 oz.
Store Q: FREE HCF Mustard

NABISCO MUNCH PACKS, 12 oz.
Store Q: FREE Kool Aid Jammers

SUNSHINE KRISPY SALTINE CRACKERS, 16 oz. box
Store Q: FREE (2 free items) HCF Canned Tuna

NESCAFE CLASSICO COFFEE, 10.5 oz.
Store Q: FREE HEB Sabor Cookies
Store Q: FREE HEB Premium Tea

DURACELL BATTERIES, 8-pk AA/AAA, also C/D/9v
Store Q: FREE HEB Charcoal, 9 lb.
MFQ: .75/1 (PG 3/1)

KELLOG POP TARTS, 12 ct. (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE Horizon Organic Milk, 3-pk (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (RP 2/22)

TROPICANA PURE PREMIUM ORANGE JUICE, 1 gal (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE Quaker Oats Granola Bars, 6-10 ct. (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (R1 1/4)

GENERAL MILLS CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH CEREAL, 12.8 oz (BUY 3)
Store Q: FREE Yoplait Gogurt, 18 oz. (GET 3)
MFQ: $1.00/3 (GM 2/8)

DEAN'S DIP, 12-16 oz. (BUY 2)
Store Q: FREE HEB Ridged Potato Chips, 5.5 oz. (GET 2)
MFQ: $1.00/2 (S 1/25)

POMPEIAN OLIVE OIL, 32 oz.
Store Q: FREE Classico Pasta Sauce 10-26 oz.
Store Q: FREE Skinner Pasta, 12 oz.

BARILLA PASTA, 16 oz.
Store Q: FREE Bumble Bee Tuna 5-6 oz.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEAT DEALS OF THE WEEK:
.99/lb. ~ HCF Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs
$1.49/lb. ~ Pork for Carnitas
$1.99/lb. ~ Beef Back Ribs or Short Ribs

COMING UP THIS SUNDAY...

2009-03-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Want to get a head start on next week's shopping trip? Maybe you will need to postpone this week's trip until after Sunday's paper delivery, so you can catch the new coupon inserts that have just the right coupons for the weekly sales. But how can you be "in the know" of this type of information?

Check out Hot Coupon World for a list of the upcoming coupons for 3/8/09!!! Click here!

SUPER S :: MAR 4 - MAR 10

2009-03-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Super S went pretty light on the coupon combos for this week. I plan on stocking up on Meow Mix, Cheerios, Bounty Paper Towels, and Grands Biscuits. After next Sunday's paper, I'll go back and buy some Rice-a-Roni.

Remember, Super S doubles coupons up to $1.00
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEOW MIX, 3.5 lb.
Sale: $4.98
MFQ: $1.00/1 (RP 3/1)
Final: $2.98/ea

PEDIGREE DOGFOOD, 20 lb. (I'm not sure which items in the product line this includes)
Sale: $13.39
MFQ: $3.00/1 (click on the coupon bar in the left sidebar)
Final: $10.39

KIBBLES 'N BITS, 17.6 lb.
Sale: $12.99
MFQ: $1.00/1 (RP 1/18) For Wholesome Medley product
Final: $10.99

CHARMIN 24-roll
Sale: $5.99
MFQ: $.25/1 (PG 2/8 & 3/1)
Final: $5.49

CAMPBELLS CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Sale: .73/ea
MFQ: .40/4 (S2 1/4); .50/5 (S 12/14); .40/3 (S 1/11)
Final: .53/ea; .49/ea

GENERAL MILLS CHEERIOS CEREAL, 14-17 oz.
Sale: $2.50
MFQ: .50/1 (GM 2/8); .55/1 online (click coupons.com in my sidebar)
Final: $1.50; $1.40

SURF 31-40 Load Powder
Sale: $4.97
MFQ: .40/1 (click coupons.com in my sidebar)
Final: $4.17

BOUNTY BASIC
Sale: $.89/ea
MFQ: .25/1 (PG 3/1 & 2/8)
Final: .39/ea

SUAVE SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER, 22.5 oz. (BUY 2)
Sale: $1.99
MFQ: $1.00/2 (RP 1/11 & 3/1)
Final: .99

DEAN'S DIP, 16 oz. (BUY 2)
Sale: $1.50
MFQ: $1.00/2 (S 1/25)
Final: .50/ea

GRAND'S 8-CT. BISCUITS
Sale: $1.50
MFQ: .50/1 online (click on coupons.com in the sidebar)
Final: .50/ea

RICE A RONI (BUY 4 after 3/8/09)
Sale: .99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/4 (RP 3/8) COMES OUT NEXT SUNDAY!
Final: .49/ea

WALGREENS DEALS :: MAR 1 - MAR 7

2009-03-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Some great deals at Walgreens this week! Here's a list of the best deals this week at Walgreens. Please leave a comment to share any deals you find that aren't on my list!

Lingo:
RR = Register Rebate
ESR = Easy Saver Rebate (found in the back of the Easy Saver booklet)
ESQ = Easy Saver Coupon (found in the front of the Easy Saver booklet)
wyb = When you buy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

$3.49 RR wyb Colgate Toothpaste Max Fresh or Max White
Sale: $3.49-
MFQ: $1 off Colgate Adult Toothpaste (SS 2/22)
Final: FREE plus $1 overage

$7.99 RR wyb Blink Tears Eye Drops 0.33-0.5 oz
Sale: $7.99-
MFQ: $2/1 (RP 3/1)
Final: FREE plus overage

$2 RR wyb Vaseline Intensive Care Rescue Lotion
Sale: 25% off
MFQ: $1.50 off Vaseline (RP 1/18) or
Final: FREE plus overage

$5 RR wyb $20 of Clorox, or $1 RR wyb $5 of Clorox Household cleaners
Sale: $2.50/ea Clorox Wipes, Clorox Clean-up, Clorox Toilet Tabs, Tilex, Formula 409, Pine-sol
MFQ: Buy 2 Clorox Products get Clorox Wipes FREE printable OR .75/1 off Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Clorox Clean-Up, etc. (RP 1/25)
Final: varies depending on which deal you choosee

$3 RR wyb (3) Boxes of Special K, Kashi GoLean, Kellogs Smart Start
Sale: 3 for $10
MFQ: .70/1 off any Kelloggs Cereal (RP 1/18)
Final: $1.53 ea

$5 RR wyb (2) Loreal Everpure Haircare Products 5.5 oz
Sale: $6.99-$8.99
MFQ: $2 L’Oreal any EverPure Shampoo, Conditioner (RP 2/01)
Final: varies depending on what you purchase

$1 RR wyb (1) Sunsilk Shampoo or Conditioner 12 oz (BUY 2)
Sale: $2.99
MFQ: $2/2 Sunsilk Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styling Products (RP 1/18)
Final: .99/ea

$2 RR wyb Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Care
Sale: $2.99
Final: .99/ea

Campbells Soups
Store Q: 3 for $3 with WG in-ad coupon (limit 6)
MFQ: $1/2 Campbells Soup printable
Final: Buy 6, use 3 coupons. Makes them .50¢/ea

Colgate Total Toothpaste 4 oz.
Sale: $2.99-$2.50
ESQ: $1.00/1 - March Easy Saver Booklet
MFQ: $1.00/1 (SS 2/22)
Final: .99 or .50/ea

Nabisco Crackers 4-8 oz
Sale: B1G1 at $1.99
MFQ: $2/2 (SS 1/25)
Final: FREE!!!

Reach Toothbrush
Store Q: .99¢ with WG in-ad coupon
MFQ: $1 off any Reach product (RP 2/08)
Final: FREE!!!

Sambucol 30 ct. reg. price $13.99
ESQ: $10/1 - March Easy Saver Booklet
MFQ: $4/1 Sambucol printable
Final: use both coupons to make it FREE!!!

Revlon Matte Eye Shadow
Sale: B1G1 at $4.99
MFQ: $2 off Revlon Cosmetics (RP 2/08)
Final: .49¢ ea

Fiber One Bars
Price: $1.99-$1.35
MFQ: Fiber One Bars Mocha Chocolate printable (FF) or printable (IE)
Final: .64¢ ea

Downy Liquid or Sheets
Sale: $3.99
MFQ: $1 off Downy printable
Final: $2.99

Revlon Emery Boards
Price: about $1.59
ESQ: $1/1 - March Easysaver booklet
MFQ: $1/1 (RP 2/8)
Final: FREE!!!

BARGAIN MEAL OF THE WEEK!

2009-02-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

Guess what's on sale this week? CATFISH! Just in time for lenten "fish on Friday" meals! Head out to Super S to pick up the following ingredients so that you can put fish on your menu for the next 2 weeks!

These recipes don't get prepped and put in the freezer this time. You'll have to actually cook them on the day you serve them. That's okay! You'll love the results and nothing is complicated!

Some ingredients have prices that I've actually researched, and some are best-that-I-can-do estimates. (It's hard to estimate the cost of a 1/2 tsp. of pepper!)

Here's our lineup of meals: Cajun Fried Catfish PoBoys and Southwestern Fish Tacos. (kids might not go for the last recipe, so have some fish sticks on hand for them!)

For 4 servings at each meal, make sure you have the following on hand:

2 lbs. Catfish ($1.27/lb. at Super S)

2 tsp. Cajun or Creole Seasoning (.99/ea for Zatarain's 8 oz. at Super S)

2 tsp. seasoned salt (.99 at Dollar General)

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (.10)

2 tbsp. milk (.20)

Olive oil for pan frying + 1/3 cup (.50)

4 Kaiser rolls ($1.50)

Sliced pickles (.20)

Lettuce (.50)

4 tomato ($1.00)

4 tbsp. tartar sauce (.80)

1/4 c. cider vinegar (.20)

1/4 c. vegetable (canola) oil + 4 tbsp. (.20)

cooking spray

1/4 head green cabbage ($1.00) (save the rest for next set of recipes!)

5 tbsp. lime juice (.50)

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (.10)

1 avacado, peeled and pit removed ($1.00)

1 clove garlic (.10)

3 tbsp. chopped cilantro (.50)

1/4 red onion, finely chopped (.30)

8 tortillas (1.20)

SHOPPING DAY:

When you get home from the grocery store, separate the 2 lbs. of catfish into 2 freezer bags. Seal well. Freeze. Add both meals to your MENU.

COOKING DAY #1 - Southwestern Fish Tacos:

1) Shred 1/4 head of cabbage. Put into a large bowl and mix together the cabbage, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. seasoned salt. Refrigerate.

2) Chop jalapeno. Chop 1 pound of fish into 2 x 2 cubes. Place fish in a bowl. Top with mixture of 3 tbsp. lime juice and half the chopped jalepeno, seasoned salt, and 1/3 cup olive oil.

3) In a food processor or blender, combine the avacado, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 chopped jalepeno, 1 tbsp. chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt, 2 tbsp. lime juice, 2 tbsp. canola oil, and 1/4 cup water. Put in a serving bowl and chill.

4) Chop 1-1/2 tomatoes and put in a serving bowl.

5) Drain fish. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook fish, stirring often, until done. Transfer to a serving bowl.

6) Heat tortillas.

7) To eat, place spoonfuls of fish down center of a tortilla. Sprinkle with onion, tomatoes, cilantro, cabbage, and avacado sauce. YUMMM!!!!

COOKING DAY #2 - Cajun Fried Catfish PoBoys:

1) Slice 1 pound catfish into 2-1/2" strips. Place pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. milk and allow to set for 15 minutes.

2) In a flat casserole dish, mix together 1/4 cup cornmeal, 2 tsp. cajun seasoning, 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper.

3) Dredge catfish pieces in the cornmeal mix.

4) Heat a skillet over med-high. Add some olive oil (enough to pan fry). Pan fry fish until done, about 3 minutes per side.

5) Toast 4 kaiser rolls. Slice 1 tomato, a few red onion slices, and some lettuce.

6) Coat toasted sides of Kaiser rolls with tartar sauce. Sandwich fried fish, pickle slices, tomato slices, red onion slices, and lettuce between the top and bottom buns. YUMMM!!!

(Great served with potato chips, onion rings, or fries!)

LENT - A TIME OF PATIENCE

2009-02-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love the rhythm of the Catholic year. Each changing season has so much rich meaning and offers a new way for us to focus on our faith and on the life of Christ.

Now that Lent is upon us, it is a time to be quiet in our spirits. It's a time to remember all that Christ did for us and all that He experienced. It's a time to teach our children by our Lenten example of sacrificing quietly, without complaining or drawing attention to our discomfort, irritation, or temptation. It's the ultimate way to patiently "wait in joyful hope of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ".

We Catholics have a yearly tradition of "giving something up" during Lent, of making a sacrifice in our everyday lives. Basically, we choose something, whether it's a comforting treat or other indulgence of ours, to abstain from for 40 days. We can also choose to proactively DO something that benefits others and shares the peace and love of Christ.

Here's what I love about making this personal sacrifice during Lent.

1. Our sacrifice is a constant reminder of the sacrifice and suffering Christ experienced as man.
2. When we are tempted, we have the wonderful opportunity to come closer to Christ in prayer.
3. Through our sacrifice we grow and our faith is renewed as a gift of grace from God.
4. Our struggle is a reminder of the struggles of all the founding Christians as they ran the race to spread the Good News.
5. The sacrifice we make teaches us patience, as we wait for the joy of Easter, when we can celebrate!

So, Happy Lent to you all! May you grow in faith during your time of quiet sacrifice.

Go in peace, friend.

SUPER S DEALS :: FEB 25 - MAR 1

2009-02-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

I've noticed a few items that didn't scan the correct sales price this week. Please pay attention when the clerk rings up your items and alert them to any incorrect scans!

DON'T FORGET: All coupons up to $1.00 double in value!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IAMS DRY DOG FOOD, 20 lb.
Store Q: FREE Milk Bone 10 oz. Treats
MFQ: $1.00/1 (PG 2/8) (doubled to $2.00)

LEMON PLEDGE, 1 can
Store Q:FREE Glad Air Freshener
MFQ: .55/1 (1/11) plus free air freshener

YOPLAIT 6 oz. CUPS (BUY 6)
Sale: .50/ea
MFQ: .40/6 (GM 2/8 & 1/4)
Final: .36 ea

HILLS BROS. COFFEE, 39 oz.
Sale: $6.89
MFQ: .75/1 (S 1/25)
Final: $5.29

KIBBLES N' BITS Dog food, 17.6 oz.
Sale: $9.97
MFQ: $1.00/1 (RP 1/18) [Wholesome Medley]
Final: $7.97

SEA BEST BREADED POPCORN SHRIMP, 16 oz.
Sale: $4.00
MFQ: $1.00/1 (S 12/14)
Final: $2.00

BAYER ASPIRIN, 24-36 ct.
Sale: $1.99
MFQ: $1.00/1 (RP 2/1 & S2 1/4)
Final: ONE PENNY!!

PERT PLUS SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER, 13.5 oz.
Sale: $2.99
MFQ: $1.00/1 (S 1/25) [expires 2/28!!]
Final: $.99

GILLETTE FOAMY SHAVE GEL, 11 oz. can
Sale: $1.27
MFQ: $.55/1 (PG 1/18)
Final: $.17!!!

TOTINO'S PIZZA ROLLS, 17-19 oz.
Sale: $3.00
MFQ: $.35/1 (GM 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/8)
Final: $2.30

YOPLAIT GOGURT, 8 pk
Sale: $2.50
MFQ: .35/1 (GM 1/4 - exp. 2/28) and .75/2 (GM 2/8)
Final: $1.80 & $1.75
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEAT DEALS:

Catfish Nuggets - $1.27/lb.
Pork Spareribs - $1.27/lb.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRODUCE DEALS:

Cantaloupes - .99/ea
Roma Tomatoes - .99/lb.
Buy 2 lb. bag Red Creamer Potatoes, get 1 lb. FREE fresh green beans
Buy 5 lb. bag Russet potatoes ($2.99), get 3 lb. bag yellow onions FREE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BARGAIN MEAL OF THE WEEK:

Join me on Thursday as I introduce the Bargain Meal of the Week. Here's a hint: Friday's is for fish during Lent!

FREE! FREE!! WE LOVE FREE!!!

2009-02-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

Your pup will be howling for joy at getting a FREE can of Mighty Dog by clicking here!

How 'bout a FREE Arby's Roastburger? Click Here!

And don't forget to get your FREE Toasty Sub at Quiznos! Click Here!

Lastly, enjoy some FREE frozen food from Kashi! Click Here!

FREE! FREE!! WE LOVE FREE!!!

2009-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Go get your FREE movie for some Monday Night Movie Madness courtesy of RED BOX!

Today's code is: S39XKT -- You can use it until midnight tonight, and your FREE movie is due back by 9:00 p.m. tomorrow night.

Need to learn how to use the code? Click here.
Need to find the nearest RED BOX? Click here.

You can also try the following codes if you are new to RedBox or have not redeemed them in the past.

DVDATWAD (Good Walgreen's stores ONLY)
REDBOX (first time customers)
DVDONMEBREAKROOM

Check back EVERY MONDAY for a new RedBox code!

AFTER THE WORKSHOP...

2009-02-22T18:09:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share this awesome email I received from a workshop student:

"Leslie:

Thank you for the class. I learned much and look forward to the online classes and activities. After getting home, I went to HEB and took advantage of the strategies. Our HEB had the Crisco olive oil for $4.49, so your posted deal came out even cheaper here in San Antonio...so I bought 2!

Also, when purchasing the meal deal, just like you said, the register spit out another coupon for the lasagna...so I'm going back for another on in a bit! I wanted to let you know that I saved $20.38 in coupons, plus $1.50 & $.75 in printouts with my receipt, for a total of $22.63 already!

Oh, and to let anyone in the San Antonio area know, HEB has yellow $1.75 off coupons for Breyers ice creams half-gallon size, making them $1.79 each. Our family is brand loyal to Breyers, so it's a really great deal for us. Also, our Super Targets have their brand of milk-1 GALLON size for $1.99--whole, 1% & 2%. The sale probably goes off tomorrow...

Again, it was very nice to meet you and learn so much from you. I will continue to read your website & blog and look forward to our paths crossing sometime in the future. (I'll send you the electrasol coupon. there's only one for .25 or .50, but I'll sure save them for you in the future! ;))

God bless you~Rebecca Baker"

Thanks for the letter, Rebecca. You made my day!!