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5 Practical Ways to Save Money on Groceries
1. Make a list. I know, time and time again you hear it. “Make a list and stick to it.” But writing a list on scarp paper and then losing that paper isn’t going to help. Instead make the list practical. I like using technology and since my phone is usually in the kitchen on the dock, it is very practical to keep my list there. The free app that I use, is Grocery Pal but there are dozens of list apps out there. I add items when I need them, when I start to run low, when I know it is time to restock. I love that after I buy…
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Going Banana Bread
Recipe ready, ingredients and apronsTuesdays with the Grands: Going Banana Bread Tuesday morning started with a whirlwind of life… Stand back because the babes are about to enter! The choice was made to change the day from a day of pure babysitting into a time to cherish, capture with pictures, perhaps decorate the furniture create a memory. For all the world, he looks like he is waving to his adoring fans,or saluting the troops. Either way, he owns the joint! Tuesday was rainy, not the misty sweet shower after the snow storms… but blustery, tree limb cracking flood stage rain. So a ride on the tractor, or a walk in the woods was…
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Money Saving Idea: Getting Comfortable in the Kitchen
Throughout the next month the focus is going to be on saving money. No pressure on my part as that leads to nothing but guilt, and therefore failure. However, when I do find myself doing ‘the right thing’ I want to focus on it and think about how I can make it that much better. (My motto, “Little Drops of Awesome“) There will be a lot of trust. Trust that this focus is important, necessary, part of managing the household. It helps with some of the stress on my marriage. It helps me feel like a better manager of God’s provisions. Money doesn’t bring happiness but I’d sure like to try peace…
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Apple-Oatmeal Yeast Bread
Thanksgiving is zooming at us with rocket speed. Today might be Monday… but watch out! Thursday is coming into focus. Slow down and make some yeast bread. This recipe calls for apple cider which is prominent in the aroma. Welcome Thanksgiving week with a fresh loaf of bread. I think we all need something ‘to hold us up’ for the hard work of eatting a fantastic meal later! Oh yes, bring it on. Simple to make and bake, and totally wonderful to relax and taste the wholesome goodness of oats and apples. Yeast BreadApple-Oatmeal Bread1 c quick cooking rolled oats (not instant)¼ c packed brown sugar1 T butter 1 ½…
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Fight Like a Girl
I am surrounded by boys. Not only am I the mother of all boys (four to be exact), I am also the sister of two brothers (no sisters for me). Boyhood smells, sounds, sights and visions have encompassed my life since my first baby brother was born about 36 years ago. To say that I have had an impact on all of these boys’ lives is an understatement; the princess, the queen, the “only” girl. But I also come from a long line of strong-girls. My mom, my grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends. All had an impact on my life and helped me know what it was to be a girl. My…
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Grandma’s Pot
This is my Grandma’s Pot. I like to imagine all the food she cooked in it. Soups for her family, pasta for guests, maybe mashed potatoes for a big family gathering or just a small brisket for herself and Pop. Continue Reading about my favorite pot, Grandma’s Pot My mom gave it to me a few years ago after Gram passed away and I have to admit it is my favorite pot. (Who knew anyone could love an ‘ordinary’ pot?) This summer alone I have made quarts of pasta sauce with tomatoes from my garden. I have cooked salsa to last all winter long. I have enjoyed simmering, sauteing, boiling and glazing, all…
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Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Gnocchi
I have a few loves in life. One of them is good gnocchi. It is one of my favorite pastas and I never pass up the opportunity to try a new dish of it, usually at a restaurant. Recently I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried successfully to make it myself. I can’t find a gnocchi that I just /love/ from a grocery store and now I no longer need to look. Wow is this easy! I believe that traditional gnocchi is made from potatoes and this is made with cheese, maybe that’s why I fell in love with this recipe. Another note, my husband /hates/ Ricotta Cheese so I…
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Tasty Tuesday: Healthy & Yummy Chicken Nuggets
There is something about chicken nuggets that make my children’s mouth water, whether the frozen variety cooked in the toaster oven or the kind fresh out of the deep-fat fryer at our favorite fast food restaurant. Are they on the list of healthy-meals at the Kocsis household though? Not so much.However, earlier this week I made a delicious breaded and baked chicken nugget that knocked my boys’ socks right off! I know it is a good meal when there are no leftovers, when they ask for more and I have to say “Sorry, they are all gone.”, when I think ‘We are definitely doing these again’! Healthy & Yummy Chicken NuggetsINGREDIENTS:3-4 thick slices bread1/2…
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I’m a Winner! Thanks to UbiRock
Isn’t it fun when you are notified that “You are a winner!”? I have to admit it doesn’t happen often. The first time I ever won something it was a windbreaker from a pet store – eons ago. The next thing I remember winning was a baby carrier (backpack style) from Babies R Us soon after my now 9 year old was born. We still have that backpack and it has been used for my other sons as well as my nieces and nephews. It is like the gift that keeps on giving! Just last week I got that ‘You are a winner’ announcement once again. Three days later in the…
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Tasty Tuesday: Slow Cooking BBQ Chicken
A new baby, a sick family member, a recent (or upcoming) PCS, or ‘just because!’; there are many reasons a gift of dinner is so appropriate and heart-warming. If you are looking for a great dinner to deliver ahead of time this is a great one to try. (Bonus is that you will have two to give and one to keep!) Slow Cooking BBQ Chicken: 3 large unpeeled sweet potatoes4 large green peppers1 large red pepper2 medium onions3 tsps quick cooking tapioca3 – 4 pounds chicken thighs or breasts2 8-ounce cans of diced tomatoes3 tablespoons packed brown sugar3 tsps Worcestershire sauce3 tsps yellow mustard powder3 cloves garlic, minced3 teaspoons salt Chop, dice, cut … into your preferred bite size pieces. Dump everything evenly into three one-gallon…
