Rainy Day Fun

As a family, we are always loooking for fun, inexpensive projects to entertain the grandkids on a rainy day. We're going to make homemade play dough today. Here are recipe's:

KOOLAID PLAYDOUGH (Nonedible)

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup salt
• 1½ Tbsp cooking oil
• 1 small package unsweetened Kool-Aid ( 6 g pkg )
• 1 cup boiling water


Mix flour, salt, oil and Kool-Aid. Add boiling water; stir and knead until cooled and smooth. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container. This lasts well for a couple of months if stored in the fridge in a plastic bag.

HOMEMADE BUBBLES

1 cup water
2 tablespoons light karo syrup or 2 tablespoons glycerin
4 tablespoons dishwashing liquid

Mix together and have fun!

Homemade Pizza

We love pizza, but take out can be expensive. Why not make pizza at home? You can customize a homemade pizza's toppings to fit the dietary needs, and preferances of each family member.

Hubby likes his pizza loaded with meats and cheeses, and I prefer a veggie pizza with low fat cheese. Making the pizza at home, makes this possible.

I have made this pizza dough recipe many times. If you have a bread machine that has been put away for years, drag that baby out, and give this recipe a try.

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 cup flat beer
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast


DIRECTIONS
Put beer, butter, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast in a bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Dough setting, and press Start.
Remove dough from bread machine when cycle is complete. Roll or press dough to cover a prepared pizza pan. Brush lightly with olive oil. Cover and let stand 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Spread sauce and toppings on top of dough. Bake until crust is lightly brown and crispy on the outside, about 24 minutes.

Trim and Slim Tuesday

How often do you clean out your freezer? I find that frequent cleaning and organizing helps to limit food waste. While cleaning out the small freezer on my frig, I discovered homemade chocolate chip cookie dough. Once thawed, I popped the dough into a 9" square pan, baked, and cut into bars for the grandkids. It will take some effort for me to resist them, but the inability for me to button my last summer's shorts will help to provide the necessary willpower.

While watching our waistline, and our $$ bottom line, soup is an amazing way to stretch our food dollars.

Today, I am posting my very favorite soup recipe. It makes a huge amount of soup for leftovers, and freezing. If you have a small family, you may want to cut the recipe in half.

This recipe was found at www.allrecipes.com, and posted by BenevolentEmpress

INGREDIENTS
1 (20 ounce) package 15 bean mixture, soaked overnight
1 ham bone
2 1/2 cups cubed ham
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
5 large carrots, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 (12 fluid ounce) can low-sodium vegetable juice
3 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 tablespoons lemon juice
7 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS
Place the soaked beans into a large pot and fill with enough water to cover by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low for 30 minutes. Drain. Add the ham bone, ham, onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes, vegetable juice, and vegetable broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, bay leaves, pepper, parsley and lemon juice. Pour in enough of the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 hours. Add more chicken broth as needed throughout the day. Remove the ham bone and season with salt if needed. Continue to simmer for a couple more hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Amusement Park and Other Summer Fun

Just as soon as the grandson wakes up, we will be off to the amusement park for the day. Paramounts Kings Island is in our area.

When the grandchildrens birthdays roll around, I like to purchsse season tickets to the zoo, childrens museum, or Kings Island. It is something that they can enjoy all year. Summer time provides idle hours looking to be filled with activities. The season passes are ideal.

We will pack water, peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, to avoid the high cost, high fat fare at the park.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Saturday Yard Sale Day

Overnight did not produce any rain. Although we took the time to cover all of our yard sale merchandise with tarps, I am thankful for a dry morning.

Yesterday was a successful day. Sold a lot of junk, and met a lot of nice folks. Hopefully today will be as nice. Today, in Ohio, it will be a high of 70 degrees. Supposedly, this will set a new record low for this day in July.

I remain steady and strong in my commitment to living a more frugal life. Last night, though dead tired, and longing for take out, I went ahead and prepared the pre-planned taco's. They were delicious, fast, and after dinner I was proud that I resisted the temptation, and prepared dinner at home.

The money earned from the garage sale will go in our vacation fund.

Fantastic Friday

Today will be a busy day for us. We are having a Yard Sale today. My goal is to reduce the amount of junk around here, while contributing to my vacation fund. A Yard Sale is a great way to accomplish this.

The weather forecast is a bit sketchy for today. There might be some rain. My dear little hubby has set up canopies over my tables just in case the skies let loose with a shower. I love that man. After 34 years of marraige, I still adore him.

On the menu for tonight: Taco's. I browned enough ground beef this morning for taco's for tonight, and sloppy joe's for lunch tomorrow.

I don't want to be tempted to go out to dinner tonight, just because I am tired from the yard sale. Pre-planning and pre dinner preparation this morning will insure that we eat at home this evening.

Meatless Thursday Butter Bean Burgers

I saw this recipe and it peeked my interest. A bean burger? I'm going to give this recipe a try for dinner tonight. Baked beans, and cole slaw will accompany it. YUM!

BUTTER BEAN BURGER
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
6 saltine crackers, crushed
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mash butter beans. Mix in onion, jalapeno pepper, crushed crackers, egg, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal parts, and shape into patties.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; use more or less oil to reach 1/4 inch in depth. Fry patties until golden, about 5 minutes on each side.

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Wonderful Wednesday

I am excited about the deal that I got this week. Kelloggs has a special promotion


Fuel for School. Buy 10 Kelloggs products, get a $10 rebate.

For the rebate form, go to www.kellogs.com. On the left side of the page click on Promotions. Then scroll down to Featured Promotions, and click on Fuel For School

I combined the Kellogs rebate with a promotion that Meijer, one of our local grocery stores is offering this week. Buy $10 worth of Kelloggs products, get $10 off a backback for back to school.

Armed with 10 $1 off Kelloggs manufacturers coupons, I bought 9 box's of cereal, and one box of Pop Tart's. Since I just made a huge container of granola, I will pass along the Fruit Loops and Apple Jacks to my grandchildren.

Bought 9 box's of cereal, one Pop Tart, and one Sponge Bob backpack.
Initial cost $28
Minus $10 manufacturers coupons
Minus $10 Kelloggs rebate
Minus $10 backpack credit
After coupons and rebate, got $2.00 overage.
Pretty nice when they pay ME to take their products

Woo Hoo!!

On the menu for tonight:
ham, green beans, potatoes
corn on the cob
cornbread


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Register to receive a coupon for a FREE Venom Energy Drink
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Tuesday Home Made Granola

I love granola. This recipe is a wonderful. You can make substitutions to use things that you have on hand. Walnuts and pecans were in the freezer that were purchased after Christmas. I didn't have almonds, so I left them out.

You may be able to find honey, raisins, sunflower seeds, and maple syrup at your local Dollar Store.

This makes a very large container of granola. It is really good!

Megans Granola

Posted by Annie9 at allRecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

8 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups wheat germ

1 1/2 cups oat bran

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup finely chopped almonds

1 cup finely chopped pecans

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

3/4 cup honey 1 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups raisins or sweetened dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.

Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a large bowl.

Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat.

Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until crispy and toasted, about 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through.

Cool, then stir in the raisins or cranberries before storing in an airtight container

*FREEBIE FOR THE DAY*

Free Baja Fish Taco at Long John Silvers, today July 14 from open -2:30

Money Saving Monday Homemade Laundry Detergent

This is a great "recipe" for homemade laundry detergent. It is not my recipe, it is a recipe that has floated around the net for some time.

Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent

INGREDIENTS
1 cup grated Fels Naptha soap
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light or small loads, use 1 tablespoon. For normal loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons. Cost per load is estimated at $.15.

If you have trouble finding the ingredients, this product locator may help you:
http://www.henkelna.com/henkel-store-locator-9949.htm

*FREEBIE FOR THE DAY*

Free Tyson Skillet Creations Meal Kit w/ coupon and mail in rebate

BUY any Tyson Skillet Creations, up to $4.99 value between 7/10/09 and 10/31/09

RECEIVE a rebate check for purchase price

Link provides a $1 coupon, and the rebate form
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The Week Ahead

The challenge that I have set for myself in the upcoming week is to spend only $20 for grocery essentials. With an overflowing pantry and freezer, this is a challenge that I should be able to succeed at.

My groceries for the week consists of:
potatoes
tomatoes
cucumbers
green onions
corn on the cob
carrots
celery
semi boneless ham
peaches
canned pumpkin

The ham will provide several meals:

Ham and scalloped potatoes
Ham, green beans and potatoes
Ham salad
15 bean soup (recipe below)

FREEBIE for the day: free sample of viva paper towels
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Saturday July 11

Ventured out to the Flea Market today for some fresh fruit and veggies. Bought 10 lbs potatoes, roma tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, corn on the cob, and a can of pumpkin. What a wonderful way to find fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Spent $7 of my next week's budget for produce. I really like the feeling of using up things from my pantry and freezer, and just buying fresh fruit and veggies to compliment the meals.

It is a challenge to reduce my grocery bills, but still eat healthy, filling food.

Free Arby's BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger

This offer is good thru 7/14 for a free Arby's BBQ Bacon Cheddar Roast Burger with a drink purchase:

http://www.arbys.com/coupon/

Frugal Friday

I have a stocked pantry, and freezer. My goal for this week was to spend only $20 on grocery essentials. I didn't quite meet my goal.

I bought milk, eggs, bread, watermelon, bleach, cheese, chicken breast, ground beef patties, hamburger buns, 1/2 pound salami for my grandson and maybe another thing or two that escape my memory at this time.

Grand total spent was $25. I will challenge myself to only spend $20 next week as well. Hopefully, I will be more successful in sticking to the $20.

FREEBIES:
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Money Saving Thursday

In an effort to reduce my food waste, I like to use leftover's from my frig. We always seem to have leftover mashed potatoes, and this fresh roll recipe uses one cup of mashed potaoes. The recipe comes from cooking Light, one of my favorite magazines.

The rolls rise unusally high, and have a wonderful flavor. So, next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, don't throw them away, save them for this great recipe.

Yield
18 servings (serving size: 1 roll or one-ninth of loaf)
Ingredients
1 cup mashed cooked peeled baking potatoes (about 8 ounces)
1 cup fat-free milk
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter
21.4 ounces bread flour (about 4 1/2 cups), divided
2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
Preparation
1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 2 minutes or until mixture is 110°. Stir with a whisk until smooth.
2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 6.75 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add potato mixture to flour mixture, stirring with a fork until combined. Add eggs; stir until combined.
3. Add 9 ounces (about 2 cups) flour to potato mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel sticky).
4. Place dough in a large bowl coated with olive oil, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.
5. Divide dough in half. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), roll one portion into a 14 x 7–inch rectangle on a floured surface. Roll up rectangle tightly, starting with a short edge, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Place loaf, seam side down, in an 8 x 4–inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
6. Shape remaining portion into 9 portions, and shape each into a ball. Place balls in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Coat top of loaf and rolls with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If the indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
7. Preheat oven to 350°.
8. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until tops of rolls are browned and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.
Nutritional Information
Calories:
168
Fat:
2.8g (sat 1.1g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.4g)
Protein:
5.7g
Carbohydrate:
30.1g
Fiber:
1.1g
Cholesterol:
28mg
Iron:
1.8mg
Sodium:
207mg
Calcium:
24mg