$5 Dinners

This week's menu is all about using what is already in your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. I wanted to share a wonderful website called $5 Dinners. This is a great site for very inexpensive meals that feed a family of 4. Be sure to check it out at http://www.5dollardinners.com/

I challenge you to spend as little as possible on groceries this week. Take the money you save and stash it in the holiday shopping fund! The savings quickly add up. I do this about four times a year and easily stash about $500-600.

Pantry Cleanup Menu

This week is my quarterly Pantry Cleanup. I try to always keep a well stocked pantry so that I can whip up a quick meal or a quick dessert. I also stock up on those items I use frequently when there on sale and I have great coupons. This makes for excellent money savings as well as convenience. It does create the need for me to monitor what is in the pantry and keep an eye on the expiration dates. The result is Pantry Cleanup week.

This week, we will eat based upon what is already in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. (Bonus - we can stash the saved grocery money into savings!!!!) I have written out the meals for the week from my kitchen to give you some ideas. All of the meals are super simple and inexpensive.

Have a wonderful week!!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_12f9kwdb49

Cell Phone Contract Loop Hole

I was recently having a conversation with a friend who was complaining about their cell phone contract. The monthly fees seemed to just keep going up and she felt that she could do better. This got me to thinking, there has to be some way to actually get out of a cell phone contract. Research revealed that there is already a website setup for this. Cellswapper allows you to trade contracts. What a wonderful idea! I'm hoping it isn't too late for my friend to do so.

http://www.cellswapper.com/

Radiant Barrier = Energy Savings

You see the ads everywhere for radiant barrier and you wonder "Does it work?" We wondered the same thing and decided to take a chance on it. I cannot tell you how happy we are that we made this investment. It is an investment!

I'm not a fan of the Texas heat! I like it cool. Our thermostat is set on 75-77 during the day and 70 at night. You would think the electric bill to keep our 2000+ square foot home would be off the charts. Our bills are down 46% in June, 53% in July, and 51% for August! The radiant barrier has worked wonders.

The benefits go beyond the electric bill. Our upstairs use to be stifling hot in the afternoons - not anymore. Hate the harsh, hot air that first comes out of the vents when the AC turns on? Not anymore! It is not cold, but not hot either. The AC unit doesn't run as much either (this will extend the life of the unit) and you can actually go in the attic during the summer without passing out.

Most companies are running specials right now - EAS (Efficient Attic Systems) is the company we chose and were very pleased. The current special with them is 50% off the normal costs plus free insulation (less than $1000 for us). They arrived on time, finished the work in one day, and cleaned up after themselves. The service was exceptional! Topping off these savings is the Residential Energy Efficiency Credit allowed for 2009. This will decrease our tax enough to almost pay for the radiant barrier. It is definitely worth researching and considering!!!

Back to School Menu

Monday is back to school and my little one is not so excited. We've met the teacher (the one he wanted) and dropped off all of the supplies and still he shows no excitement. My solution - allow him to set the menu for the week. I hope you will find these kid favorites a hit in your home too!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_11g7td96cg

Video Time Machine

Back to school is Monday and we've started those discussions about family rules regarding computer and video game time during the school week. Yes, I'm one of those that limits the video games to weekends unless extra time is earned. It keeps my son focused on his school work and gives him incentive!

I do find it hard to keep up with how long he has been playing the Wii when I'm running errands, baking, cleaning or some other activity. No more....enter the Time Machine Children's Time Management gadget. The children earn tokens to operate the game system. I love it! Now, he can earned those tokens and play until they run out. Just be sure you remember where you stash them so that you have plenty when you want to play!

http://www.amazon.com/Time-Machine-Childrens-Management-System/dp/B000W4H6FQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239579062&sr=1-1

Reduce Junk Mail

My household recycles, conserves water and tries to live green. I've noticed junk mail makes up a majority of our recycled paper. Finally, there is a way to stop most of it. You will notice that there are 5 different registries (6 counting the Do Not Call). I for one have done all of them and am on my way to less paper (and less temptation!)

National Do Not Call Registry
https://www.donotcall.gov/

Opt-Out Services This will stop credit card and insurance offers.
https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t

Direct Marketing Assn. This will stop catalogs, magazine offers & flyers.
https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/home.action;jsessionid=52C038B324D5A2B18396CB273D916EAD.tomcat2

Valassis This will stop coupon inserts
http://www.valassis.com/1024/Contact/contact_home.aspx

Acxiom US This will stop all phone, mail and email contacts that come through this company.
http://www.acxiom.com/about_us/privacy/consumer_information/opt_out_request_form/Pages/Opt-OutRequestForm.aspx

Catalog Choice This will stop unwanted catalogs.
http://www.catalogchoice.org/

Menu & Recipes for August 16th

Happy Saturday!! It appears that the pinnacle of summer might have actually passed. There are no temperatures above 100 for the next week. The cooler temperatures make meal planning and preparation so much more enjoyable. I cannot wait for fall. Most of my favorites are cooler weather dishes and I am looking forward to sharing them with each of you!

I hope each of you will enjoy the next week. Those of you with little ones have one last week of summer before school starts so take advantage. (We are sleeping in!)

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_10mnjrj5gc

Story Time - The Bake Shop Ghost

There is something so relaxing about a good book and an hour in my hammock. Then there is story time with my nieces and nephew. I love finding wonderful books to share with them. The Bake Shop Ghost by Jacqueline K. Ogburn is one such treasure.

I found this wonderful book at an independent gourmet kitchen shop in Lee's Summit, called A Thyme for Everything. I have already read it three or four times myself and heard my son read it another half dozen times. I highly recommend this read! Another suggestion, find it at an independent bookstore and help support Main Street USA! They are more than happy to order it if not currently in stock.

This is going to be one of my Christmas gifts this year. I'm going to record myself reading the story on CD and place it with the book for my god daughter and nieces. We can share story time even when I can't be with them!

Limited Time Only Deals

We are all looking to shop wisely and save as much money as possible. I always keep my eyes open for really great sales & special deals. (Hate that I missed that 50" flat screen on www.bestbuy.com this morning that was listed for $9.99!) I want to share two really good deals that are one-day-only offers. But first, I want to remind you that you are only saving money if you are purchasing something that you already need and will use.

Kroger grocery stores are going to double all manufacturer coupons up to $1.00 for one day only - Saturday, August 15th. Get to clipping, sorting, and making lists!

Coldwater Creek is celebrating their birthday Aug 27 - Aug 31 by taking 25% off all in-store purchases.

Menu & Recipes for August 9th

The last of the summer days are flying by too fast. This week's menu is a little late, but full of great dinners. Surprise your family with one of the Summer Sweets for a wonderful dessert!

This menu offers a couple of great recipes to get the kids into the kitchen - Golden Chicken & Rice Casserole and Baked Basil Pasta are easy enough for the kids to help prepare. I hope you will enjoy some extra time sharing the love of cooking with your angels! Have a really wonderful week.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_9td5kmrhs

Back to School

I cannot believe that the kids are back in school in just two weeks! This summer has definitely sped right by us. I finally found all of the items on the school supply list - including the green, medium point pens (Staples).

There is an elementary school near our home that is asking for help with school supplies. The majority of families that attend are without jobs. The local recreation center started a supply drive to help out. I'm sure that there are other schools that are facing the same challenge this year. If you and your family are able, take a moment to inquire at your school. Most of the supplies are low cost (Walmart has great prices this year) and they are also included in the Texas Sales Tax Holiday on August 21st - 23rd. It is an investment in the future!

Summer Sweets

Summer cookouts are a staple in my family. Hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs and the Southern fish fry, but.....what about the desserts? Everyone always has their eyes on the dessert table. We start planning which one (or ones) we want long before the meal is served.

I love baking! It has to be my favorite stress reliever! (I sometimes have people intentionally stress me out just so I will bake.) Today, I'm sharing some of my favorites that stay on the quick and easy side - Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars, Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies, Lemon Brownies and Fresh Strawberry Bread. I hope you will enjoy sharing them with your family and friends!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_8gw2745dw

My Country Kitchen - Menu for August 2nd

I love finding new recipes and sometimes tweaking those recipes. This week includes a new recipe that takes many of us out of our norm - Spaghetti alla Carbonara. This is a great pasta dish! It really doesn't take much to prepare. Hope you enjoy it!

Be watching for a special My Country Kitchen bonus this week....it is going to be too sweet to miss!

Have a tasty week!

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_6dbr2cfdm