tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83588211902567310132011-11-27T19:23:54.559-05:00Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-47977819335626106052009-12-08T11:20:00.004-05:002009-12-10T12:51:04.008-05:00

We're all looking to save a little money these days, especially now that we are in the middle of the holiday season. A good place to save a little money is by checking your receipt. The picture above is the money I found in my pockets Monday after my weekly shopping trip - just over $3!Upon checking my receipts, two 75 cent coupons were not taken off and I was incorrectly charged for an item.

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-62187736004086125032009-11-30T14:01:00.003-05:002009-11-30T14:06:29.036-05:00

After last week's holiday meals, we'll be eating from the leftovers and simple meals from the freezer this week.Monday: pasta primaveraTuesday: vegetable beef soupWednesday: pork chops & potatoesThursday: leftoversFriday: broccoli calzonesNo real recipes this week. However, I'm looking for advice on making the soup using the leftover bone from last Thursday's roast. I think I'll make beef stock

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-29864136721313259272009-11-16T11:45:00.002-05:002009-11-16T12:00:28.176-05:00

Photo from Real SimpleOk, I have been menu planning but not very well lately. However, I'm feeling especially organized this week so here is the plan.Monday: pasta with zucchini & chickpeasTuesday: shredded pork tacos (with leftover pork from freezer)Wednesday: chicken enchiladas (with cooked chicken from freezer)Thursday: leftovers?Friday: spicy beans & sausage (with beef instead of turkey

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-48466766580410285272009-08-26T14:40:00.005-04:002009-08-26T14:57:37.931-04:00

I purchased the 4 qt. Crock-Pot pictured at left this week from Target because I've been looking for a smaller slow cooker and this one is on sale for $17. I like to use my large Crock-Pot, but I think it would be easier to cook smaller portions (since it's just the two of us) in a smaller model.However, when I brought it home I started having regrets. I decided to look at reviews online, which

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-64316249114201964682009-08-24T08:19:00.002-04:002009-08-24T08:37:13.457-04:00

Sorry I haven't been consistent with posting my weekly menus this summer. I just haven't been able to get on a good weekly schedule for a while. It's not like summer is that different for me than any other time of the year, but I guess it just feels more laid back so I'm more likely to let things slide.Anyway, here is my plan for this week. It includes some new recipes, but also some

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-17458112154404327222009-07-27T20:56:00.004-04:002009-07-28T14:57:55.677-04:00

I'm back to meal planning this week. My hubby has been super busy with work, so I've just been feeding myself most evenings with whatever I can find in the fridge. However, this week looks like we'll both be home in the evenings so here is my plan.Monday: soy-marinated flank steak & grilled zucchiniTuesday: oven-fried chicken breasts & steak friesWednesday: stir-fry using leftover steak & brown

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-16154940255743829392009-07-15T15:04:00.009-04:002009-07-15T15:47:54.686-04:00

Tuesday I spent a good part of the morning in the kitchen stocking up on some essentials around here - chicken stock, cooked chicken breast, black beans and cupcakes. None of this really took much of my time - the beans were in the crock pot, while the chicken simmered on the stove over low heat and the cupcakes came from a box (cake mixes are so easy and taste so delicious!)Split chicken

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-14986498558435197222009-07-06T14:51:00.002-04:002009-07-06T15:02:27.041-04:00

I apologize for not posting lately. My only excuse is that I've been enjoying summer and trying not to bother too much with household chores.Here is my menu plan for the week. I wasn't feeling inspired by the grocery ads, so I wasn't sure what we were going to eat. Then I looked to the freezer for some inspiration and found some smoked sausage. I think, with a couple items from the grocery store,

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-30241200283851290042009-06-17T17:13:00.003-04:002009-06-17T17:24:08.327-04:00

I've been working to organize and compile the recipes I use most often. Since I'm typing most of them with my changes and notes I thought I would post them here as well. Hopefully there will be pictures to go with them one of these days. Enjoy!Quick Mix Pizza DoughTomato SauceBlack Bean QuesadillasPotato Vegetable Soup

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-92225263681694432512009-06-08T08:17:00.003-04:002009-06-17T17:24:40.921-04:00

I'm keeping my meal plan simple this week as we are heading back to Minnesota for a week on Friday. Most of our meals are coming from the freezer. If you aren't freezing leftovers or making meals ahead, I would highly recommend it. It is great to have a freezer full of meals to heat-up and enjoy during busy weeks. Feel free to use the following meals as inspiration to start stocking your

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-67225748623239393032009-06-01T10:30:00.003-04:002009-06-17T17:25:01.317-04:00

I wasn't feeling inspired yesterday while menu planning, but hopefully our meals will be a little more exciting than what you see here.Monday: something with chicken breastTuesday: Campbell's Tasty 2-Step Pork Chops & mashed potatoesWednesday: bean burritos (from freezer)Thursday: Pasta of some sort or leftoversFriday: Tacos (leftover meat in freezer)

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-56718463985964002872009-05-18T08:30:00.004-04:002009-06-17T17:25:23.624-04:00

This week's meals will be pretty simple with most pulled from the freezer. I like having meals put away in the freezer for weeks when I don't really feel like cooking. Must be the Memorial Day weekend coming up that's making me want to take it easy.Monday: pasta with veggiesTuesday: leftoversWednesday: stuffed chicken (from freezer) with riceThursday: broccoli calzones (from freezer)Friday:

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-61261917859110756712009-05-12T11:06:00.003-04:002009-05-12T11:27:23.393-04:00

We don't eat a lot of celery, but it's nice to keep in the house for soups and occasional snacking. However, we could never use an entire bunch before it would go limp - until I learned this trick.Wash celery & shake off excess water. Then wrap tightly in a double layer of aluminum foil. Make sure it is sealed completely. Store in fridge for up to 6 weeks!I think this celery has been in our

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-89209875123293109452009-05-11T14:19:00.003-04:002009-06-17T17:25:37.474-04:00

Here's the plan for this week's meals.Monday: leftoversTuesday: grilled chicken with zucchini & squashWednesday: smoked sausage & potatoes or riceThursday: something with leftover chicken from Tues. - quesadillas?Friday: Spaghetti with meatballs (from the freezer)Saturday: leftover smoked sausage with mac & cheese?

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-46411249117541472002009-05-06T08:16:00.009-04:002009-06-17T17:25:55.082-04:00

This is our favorite soup recipe.Baked Potato SoupAdapted from Better Homes & GardensMakes 6 servings 2 large baking potatoes, baked 6 T. thinly sliced green onion ⅓ C. butter ⅓ C. all-purpose flour ¼ t. each salt & pepper 4 C. milk ¾ C. cheddar cheese 4 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained & crumbled Directions: Bake potatoes (see directions below) then scoop out pulp when cool

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-37130798785132255882009-05-05T18:39:00.005-04:002009-05-06T14:11:42.211-04:00

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo this evening with taco salads. As a kid, this was one of my favorite meals -- and still is as an adult. My mom always bought a kit from the grocery store to make the tortilla bowls, but it's easy to make these with just aluminum foil and large tortillas.Preheat the oven to 425. Crumple large sheets of foil to make 3-inch balls; place on baking sheet. Place 1 large (

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-29934331718369757822009-05-04T10:20:00.003-04:002009-06-17T17:26:14.153-04:00

Monday: Red beans & rice (from the freezer)Tuesday: Chicken taco saladsWednesday: Pork chops on the grill with baked potatoesThursday: Leftovers or eat outFriday: pizza, pasta or stir fry depending on what's in the fridgeNo real recipes this week. I'm just going to wing it with these simple meals. What are you making for dinner this week?

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-50853939046821906412009-04-21T12:43:00.005-04:002009-04-23T09:39:19.558-04:00

Here are a couple links to help you live greener from Lighter Footstep.Ten First Steps Toward Lighter LivingSeven Stones of Simpler LivingI spent the day enjoying the weather and taking pictures with a friend at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-65994308413290107972009-04-21T09:03:00.001-04:002009-04-21T09:05:04.963-04:00

I'm trying out the idea of running ads on my blog. What do you think? Let me know how you feel about looking at advertisements while reading this blog.

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-90325718839511049912009-04-20T11:13:00.008-04:002009-04-21T08:52:45.166-04:00

I've found that most recipes which include bacon only call for a few slices. Rather than cook-up the extra for breakfast, I like to freeze the rest of the package. This way I don't have to buy bacon every time I need it for a recipe. It also allows me to stock up if I find it at a good price.Wrap slices of bacon (two together, since most recipes call for an even number) between layers of wax

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-52365873208533996742009-04-20T09:44:00.004-04:002009-04-21T08:53:18.353-04:00

This week's plan is subject to adjustments. Our friend Aleathea is visiting us and I'm not sure what we will be doing each afternoon, so I've tried to choose meals that I've made ahead or are easy to put together.Monday: SaladsTuesday: Sloppy Joes (I'm going to try making with ground turkey. I hope it will be just as delicious.)Wednesday: Vegetable Lasagna (from the freezer)Thursday: BratsFriday:

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-8975656834705723412009-04-06T10:15:00.001-04:002009-04-21T08:53:35.897-04:00

Sorry I didn't post my meal plan for last week. I didn't really have much of a plan - or at least I thought - but we ended up eating meals at home all week! I'm still an advocate for having a plan though, so here is mine for this week.Monday: mac & cheese (from freezer) & steamed broccoliTuesday: spinach salads with soup or sandwichesWednesday: BBQ chicken sandwiches & broccoli saladThursday:

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-26985989815245374922009-04-02T13:00:00.000-04:002009-04-02T13:15:51.687-04:00

In a previous post, I wrote about the produce bags I made, which made me think I should show you the rest of the items I bring shopping.In the photo you can see the canvas bag that I try to carry with me when I go out shopping. Inside this canvas bag I keep several cloth bags (from Hornbacher's for you Fargo people), my coupon folder and shopping list, mesh bags for produce and my wallet (not

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-62233183752032995222009-03-23T16:28:00.002-04:002009-04-21T08:54:06.749-04:00

I'm a little late on planning my menu for this week. I'm also about out of money in my grocery budget for this month, so I've been looking around to see what we have in the pantry and the freezer. Looks like nothing exciting to eat this week - I'm not feeling inspired.Monday: cheese ravioliTuesday: grilled steak & baked beans (maybe?)Wednesday: lentil soup (from freezer) & dinner rollsThursday:

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-33502031484756512532009-03-19T17:00:00.000-04:002009-03-19T14:05:50.536-04:00

I'm finally getting around to posting about the weekly cleaning plan I mentioned in one of my first posts. I first thought about having a weekly plan when I saw that a friend had a list of household chores to do each day pinned to her fridge.Prior to this idea, my approach to keeping house had primarily been to clean when things started to look really dirty or if we were having people over. I

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-15299569727727596842009-03-16T10:35:00.000-04:002009-03-16T11:04:12.550-04:00

Last week I realized that I'd already used 2/3 of my grocery budget and the month is only half over, but the good news is, my freezer is stuffed with food. Therefore, I'll be pulling things out of the freezer to eat this week and maybe putting a few things back in.Monday: bean burritos & salad (I agree with the comments that these burritos are a little bland. Next time I think I will mix some

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-49807804576968212862009-03-09T18:00:00.000-04:002009-03-09T18:00:00.879-04:00

On Sunday evening I did not feel like making supper, but I knew we had plenty of food in the house so I didn't want to succumb to going out to eat.So what to make for supper? I looked through the fridge, freezer and pantry, then I remembered a list of easy meals I created several weeks ago for just such an occasion.I thought I would share my list of go-to meals with you in case, like me, you

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-82374358855959109612009-03-09T17:25:00.000-04:002009-03-09T22:21:23.181-04:00

I share my weekly meal plan almost every week at This Week for Dinner, but I thought I would also post it here to inspire those of you reading my blog. I am also going to try to post recipes on this blog and I figured this would be a good first step.Monday: Red Beans & Rice (slow cooker) - see below for recipeTuesday: Fiesta Salad with Black Beans (something similar to this without the chicken)

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-52452284446886568952009-03-07T13:26:00.000-05:002009-03-07T21:37:59.827-05:00

I've been trying to reduce the amount of waste I bring home from the grocery store each week, primarily all the plastic shopping bags, but also plastic produce bags.At first, I starting reusing the produce bags when I went shopping. Then, I realized I could make my own reusable bags out of mesh packaging materials I might otherwise throw away.How I did it: First, I cut off any tags and made sure

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-81717799097477239882009-03-04T20:26:00.000-05:002009-03-05T14:27:53.549-05:00

If you ever have difficulty motivating yourself to cook or clean, try putting on an apron!I know it sounds simple, but it really helps! Wearing an apron is like putting on a uniform. It will transform your appearance and help you feel more like a cook or homemaker. (Of course an apron also protects your clothes and serves as a handy place to wipe your hands.)To really complete your "uniform" wear

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-45033876303003681552009-02-27T15:57:00.000-05:002009-03-09T14:45:26.120-04:00

for another day!I don't know about you, but when I bake cookies, it's tempting for Korey and I to eat the whole batch in a couple days. To avoid over-eating and to save some cookies for another day, I freeze them!You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. I like to freeze the dough from drop cookies and bake up a hot batch for after supper or to share with friends. I also have leftover

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-60575286815526485952009-02-25T11:52:00.000-05:002009-03-09T14:45:10.812-04:00

Wednesdays are typically the day I try to make something that can be frozen for another meal. I made minestrone soup on Sunday and froze half, so I won't be making anything extra today, but I wanted to offer some of my tips for freezing foods.Soups: Most soups freeze well and many recipes can easily be doubled. Cream-based soups should not be frozen as they tend to separate. To save freezer space

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-71383549110885535632009-02-23T14:41:00.000-05:002009-02-25T11:50:23.030-05:00

Happy Monday! It's the start of a new week and this new blog so I thought I would write about a couple things I do at the beginning of each new week.An important part of each week is the time I spend meal planning. This usually happens on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning. Meal planning is valuable to me for two reasons. First, it helps me take a look at the week and plan what's going on as well

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358821190256731013.post-50428538358111320852009-02-22T19:56:00.000-05:002009-02-23T14:34:47.805-05:00

Since Korey and I moved to the Carolinas I've been a stay-at-home-wife. During this time I have learned a lot about cooking, cleaning and otherwise caring for our home and family. I've kept all of my notes, ideas and revelations in a notebook. Now I would like to share the contents of that notebook with you. Watch for this blog to evolve over the next several weeks/months as I'm constantly

Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08462117149587115946noreply@blogger.com0