Something quick

GREEN

You are a very calm and contemplative person. Others are drawn to your peaceful, nurturing nature.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

Ok- WLS or not I LOVE THIS!

Free Giveaway!

Mrs. U is celebrating one year of blogging by holding a drawing for:
- a set of Martha Stewart Everyday Towels (like I mentioned here)...
- a pair of earrings of YOUR choosing from the Etsy shop of new jewelry designer and real life friend, Melissa...
- an autographed copy of "Queen of the Castle- 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker" by Lynn Bowen Walker that I reviewed here (and mailed to you FROM THE AUTHOR HERSELF!!!)...
AND...
- a 2 year subscription to Victoria Magazine graciously sent to you courtesy of Hoffman Media.

Be sure to visit her and leave a comment for your chance to win.

Free,Frugal Food Saver

You can get an air tight seal on your zip lock bags! Fill a large bowl or the kitchen sink with water. Seal the zipper bag all the way except for about 1/2 inch . Submerge all except the very top of the unsealed section and seal it while under the water. The water pressure takes all the air out! Just wipe the bag dry and freeze! This works for anything!
Be sure to check here for more ideas

Kitchen Tip: Keep your stove clean, without elbow grease!

By lining the bottom of the oven (under the element) with foil. Then just change when it gets to many spills :) Wipe the rest and you are done! I also line drip pans with foil so all I have to do is change the foil and wipe them out.

See Tammy;s site for more Kitchen Tips :)

Peanut, Peanut Butter... peanutty

I love the plastic Peanut butter jars-They have a wide mouth, they come in custom sizes (I buy the sizes I need) and they can be frozen! I use these to store and mix salad dressing, to store and mix just a cup or two of powdered milk, as freezable storage for Stock (pre-measured) , to hold small home school items, craft supplies, and more. They fit just right inside of DH's lunch box I add a microwavable bowl and spoon and send his soup in a jar. They are great for road trips and picnics. Store water and freeze overnight to have a sealable glass of drinking water. I have stored leftover tea and coffee for cold coffee drinks. Leftover pancake and waffle mix and can be pored strait from the jar. I usually have 6-8 jars at hand all the time and can easily replace as needed! I could go on but you get the idea.
Be sure to see Shannon's site for more great ideas!

I'm BAAACCCCKKKK!

had computer issues for two days- But all is well again- Wow, it was like leaving old friends without a goodbye!

I am addicted to my computer! Maybe I should start a 12 step program?

Easy, Quick and cheap!

I love the Jiffy brand muffin mixes! They cost between 33¢-50¢ a box . They come in 6 flavors: apple cinnamon, Corn, blueberry, raspberry, oatmeal, bran with dates,and banana nut. Usually they call for 1/3 c. milk (I use reconstituted powdered milk) and 1 egg- you stir and bake. One box make 6 good sized muffins! Jiffy also make other products like cake mixes, frosting mixes and other stuff! Take a look at their web page for recipes, and to see the complete line of products!

http://www.jiffymix.com/

See Biblical Womenhood for more frugal tips!

Grease- Sandy and Danny and baby makes three?

Ever wonder what happened after Grease 2 , Looks like there was a whole new generation!
Just take a look:

http://members.shaw.ca/anabw/grease.htm

My Virtual Painting

Click here to create your own painting.

Easy. cheap and lowfat ground meat

When I get home from grocery days I usually set aside some prep work time see this post . Part of my prep work also include pre-cooking ground meat . For any recipe that call for hamburger I use a 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground turkey. To cook it quickly, in large quantities and to climate even more fat, I boil it! You just put the whole thing in a large pot, coo and drain. Then package into zipper bags and freeze for later use- this saves, fat, time, money (turkey is cheaper) and freezer space!
Be sure to visit Tammysrecipes.com for more tips!

Menu Monday 6/16-6/22

I am posting early because we will be very busy around the house this weekend- I will do my best to get this linked Monday :)
For the newbies- S= snack :), I always serve milk with breakfast and Lunch, and bold items have recipes at the bottom ENJOY!
And be sure to visit : Menu Monday for more wonderful ideas!
PS- It is so true- I burned two pots trying to cook rice and boil eggs!

Sat. B- Blueberry muffins L- Pigs in a blanket, fruit choice D- Cchicken enchiladas, Beans and Rice S- Crackers and cheese , fruit choice

Sun.B- Egg and bacon breakfast burrito L- grilled cheese, baby carrots and ranch D-Chicken lasagna( from a previous week did not make) , salad and garlic bread S- vanilla wafers

Mon.B- Strawberry smoothies, peanut butter toast L- Pasta salad, with ranch and tuna, crackers- D- Crispy fish bake ( from a previous week did not make) , coleslaw S- Pudding

Tue.B- Oatmeal or grits (kid choice) L- PB&J, with pick a side from leftovers D- Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and and corn on the cob S- Jello

Wed.B-Nutty Pear Toast L- Hummus with pita and fresh cut veggies for dipping D- Chicken salad sandwiched, chips and optional side salad S- Cheese sticks and apple slices

Thur.B-waffles L-leftover meatloaf sandwiches D- Taco night (kid's request!) S PB celery or fruit cups

Fri.B- "Beary-Berry" Banana Split L- clean out the fridge buffet ;) D- pancakes, bacon and eggs S- Applesauce

Blueberry Muffins

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg 1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease
muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
2 Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and
baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring
cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this
with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups
right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
3 To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3
cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.
Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
4 Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or
until done.
Chicken Enchiladas

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon margarine
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers, drained
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.In a small bowl mix the soup and sour cream; set aside.

3.Melt margarine in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion and chili powder, and saute until tender. Stir in the chicken, chile peppers, and 2 tablespoons of the soup mixture. Cook and stir until heated through.

4.Spread 1/2 cup of the soup mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas, and place, seam-side-down, in the baking dish. Spoon remaining soup mixture on top, and sprinkle with cheese.

5.Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Beans and Rice or Chicken and Rice (Puerto Rican)*

* To make it a meal add Chicken wings and potatoes
For a side dish- leave out the chicken and potatoes

In a saucepan heat:
1 packet of Sazon
1 can red beans or kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce
2 cubes of Suffrito (see below)
1 cup green spanish olives
1 tbsp. olive oil
Skinned Chicken wings
2 or 3 cubed potatoes- with or without skin as you prefer

Bring to a boil and cook on med. heat until the chicken is cooked.
Pour over white rice and serve. Mix any leftovers with rice and refrigerate. Taste best the next day.


Suffrito-
A spanish blend that taste great in soups and many other dishes.

To make: blend the following ion a blender until it is a liquid form similar to baby food.
1 onion
1 bunch of cilantro (stems and all)
1 green bell pepper
1 whole head of garlic
freeze this in ice cube trays - be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil!- When it is frozen it can be popped out of the tray and stored in the freezer inside of zip locks for months!
Chicken Lasagna (From : Tammy’s Recipes)

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 Tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons flour
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon basil
4 ounces cream cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1/8 teaspoon oregano
Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Saute onions and garlic until translucent. Add flour and cornstarch, stirring to mix. Add milk, pepper, salt, and basil, whisking until well mixed. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.

2. Add cream cheese and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring to mix. Remove from heat.

3. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the cottage cheese, and the chicken.

4. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. Put a layer of lasagna noodles in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the chicken mixture. Put a layer of lasagna noodles on top of mixture. Top with half of the white sauce. Continue layering noodles, chicken, noodles, and sauce.

5. Top with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano.

6. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned.


Crispy Fish Bake

2 cups instant white rice, uncooked
2 cups boiling water
3 cups frozen broccoli florets
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
4 frozen breaded fish fillets, such as sole, haddock or cod (about 12 oz.)

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Spread rice in 8-inch square baking dish. Pour boiling water over rice. Cover with plastic wrap. Let stand 5 min. Uncover.
ARRANGE broccoli over rice. Mix soup and water; pour over broccoli. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with fish; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
BAKE 30 min. or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Nutty Pear Toast

1 slice multi-grain bread, toasted
1 Tbsp. PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese Spread
1/4 of a medium fresh pear, cut into thin slices
1 tsp. maple-flavored or pancake syrup
1 Tbsp. PLANTERS Walnut Pieces


SPREAD toast with cream cheese spread.
ARRANGE pear slices over cream cheese spread. Drizzle with syrup; sprinkle with walnuts.
SERVE immediately.

Hummus Dip

1 can (15-1/2 oz.) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), undrained
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
WHEAT THINS Snack Crackers


DRAIN beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid.
PLACE beans, reserved 1/4 cup liquid, onion, lemon juice, garlic, basil and hot pepper sauce in food processor or blender container; cover. Process until smooth. Cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to blend.
SERVE as a dip with crackers.

Waffles

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 1/3 cups milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tbsp. Sugar/ splenda
1 tsp. vanilla

1.Heat waffle iron; grease with vegetable oil or shortening.
2.Stir ingredients until blended. Pour onto center of hot waffle iron. Close lid of waffle iron.
3.Bake about 5 minutes or until steaming stops. Carefully remove waffle.
(Total time will vary; cook or bake time is per batch.)


"Beary-Berry" Banana Split

1 small banana, split lengthwise
1 container (6 oz.) strawberry low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup TEDDY GRAHAMS Cinnamon Graham Snacks


PLACE bananas in sundae dish or cereal bowl.
TOP evenly with yogurt and graham snacks.
SERVE immediately.

FREE DIAPERS AT TARGET!

That one deserves all caps!

Here is the coupon link :)

http://www.luvs.com/en_US/images/BearHugStretch/TY014_Luvs_webcoupon_July.pdf

Enjoy!

getting free manuels for garage sale finds

Several times I have either purchased items at a garage sale or been given something from Freecycle. Without instructions I would not be able to get the full use of the item . SO here is what I do:
You usually can get a free copy of the manual on the manufacture’s web site, sometimes they have a downloadable PDF , if not call customer service, they can send you one. I have done this with several used items that I wanted a manual for and never had to buy a Manuel or pay for postage! I have done this with everything from Baby strollers to TV's . Usally you can even get replacement parts for a few dollars instead of buying a brand new item replace a small part.
This works for me! Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more useful tips!

To Spank or not to Spank

I received the following e-mail from a friend and wanted to share....

Tough Love vs Spanking


Most of America's populace thinks it very improper to spank children as
was the preferred method of yesteryear.
I recently tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of
One that I have found very effective was to just take the child for a
car ride and talk.
They usually calmed down and stopped misbehaving after our little outing
together.
I've included the photo below of one of those sessions with my kid in
case you would like to use the technique.

So seriously, I use a combo of time outs and spankings and as they get older,( they are 3 and 4) I sprinkle in lost privileges. What do you do?

WFMW- Save A File- free hosting for your PDF'S and E-books!

Save A file Works for me. If you want to share or even sale a e-book or other pdf file. You can store it with them for free! They even give you a FREE link for people to download your file. You don't even have to register! Take a look at their FAQ page. For an example of how it works, take a look at my free downloads (in the left side bar).

Visit Rocks In My Dryer for more WFMW ideas!

How to save time, and make lettuce last for a month!

My Kitchen tip for this week: When I bring home my groceries I plan a "prep day" this is the day that I cut / chop/wash or peel all my produce for my recipes for the week. Sometime if time allows I will also brown meat and cook and chop chicken for the week. This saves so much time during a busy week! To make lettuce and celery last for about a month- wash. spin dry, and wrap in either a kitchen towel or paper towel. then wrap in foil and put inside a zipper bag.

For more kitchen tips, visit Tammy here.

I Won A MAJOR AWARD!

Mr. Parker: It's a Major Award!
Swede: Shucks I wouldn't know that. It looks like a lamp.
Mr. Parker: What is a lamp, you nincompoop? Tt's a Major Award. I won it!
Swede: Damn, hell, you say won it?
Mr. Parker: Yeah, mind power, Swede; mind power.












I was picked to win the Polo from the Seabird Chronicles (original post here). I am sooo Excited! I know that My Prince will love it! OOHHH The thrill Of my very first Major Award!

Thanks! - This made my day when it came in the mail!

Menu Monday Week 9-15

This Week's Menu June 9-15 :
I usually serve milk with breakfast and Lunch









Sat.~B- Rice Pudding, fruit cups L- cinnamon bread with cheese D- Taco Night S- cheese sticks ,apples
Sun. ~B- Pancakes L- PB&J, chips, sliced cinnamon apples D- Italian Sausage bake, Garden salad, Garlic bread S-fruit cups and graham crackers
Mon.~B- biscuits and gravy and eggs L- Pasta salad D-meatloaf, potatoes and veggie S- vanilla wafers and pudding
Tues.~B- parfait w/ yogurt and granola L- meatloaf sandwiches D- pepperoni pizza S- carrots and cream cheese
Wed,~B-Mom's egg mc muffins L- Hummus with pita and fresh veggies D- Rice a roni chicken casserole, Garden salad S- Kid's choice
Thur.~B- blueberry muffins L- quesidila and salsa with chips D- crispy fish bake, veggie side S- celery and PB
Fri.~B- Cheese toast , bacon L- pig n blanket, chips D- crispy pesto chicken, rice, veggie S- granola bars

Italian Sausage Bake

1-1/2 cups small penne pasta, uncooked
1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
4 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, sliced (about 3 cups)
1 medium red or green pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 can (8 oz.) pizza sauce
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Cook pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, brown sausage in large deep skillet on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to break up the sausage. Drain; return sausage to skillet. Add zucchini, peppers and pizza sauce; stir until well blended. Cook 5 to 6 min. or until vegetables are tender. Drain pasta. Add to sausage mixture along with the VELVEETA; stir until well blended.
SPOON into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
BAKE 15 to 20 min. or until heated through.
Kid Friendly
Prepare as directed, substituting 1 lb. lean ground beef for the sausage and 1 cup each shredded carrots and zucchini for the 3 cups sliced zucchini. Also, try using a fun pasta shape, such as wagon wheels.

Hummus Dip

1 can (15-1/2 oz.) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), undrained
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
WHEAT THINS Snack Crackers


DRAIN beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid.
PLACE beans, reserved 1/4 cup liquid, onion, lemon juice, garlic, basil and hot pepper sauce in food processor or blender container; cover. Process until smooth. Cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to blend.
SERVE as a dip with crackers.


Rice a roni chicken Casserole

Preheat Oven to 375

1 box of chicken flavored rice a Yani
4 c. cooked shredded chicken
1 c. sour cream
1 can of cream of celery/chicken soup
1 tube of “ritz” crackers
6 tbl. Butter/ margarine
Opt: 1 Tbl. Poppy seed

Make rice according to package directions. Melt butter and crush crackers, coat the crackers in the butter and set aside.Mix all the rest together in a bowl.In a greased 9x13 casserole pan, layer the rice, and chicken mixture and top with crushed crackers. Bake 25-30 min.

Rice a rani chicken Casserole

Preheat Oven to 375

1 box of chicken flavored rice a Yani
4 c. cooked shredded chicken
1 c. sour cream
1 can of cream of celery/chicken soup
1 tube of “ritz” crackers
6 tbl. Butter/ margarine
Opt: 1 Tbl. Poppy seed

Make rice according to package directions. Melt butter and crush crackers, coat the crackers in the butter and set aside.Mix all the rest together in a bowl.In a greased 9x13 casserole pan, layer the rice, and chicken mixture and top with crushed crackers. Bake 25-30 min.

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg 1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease
muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
2 Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and
baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring
cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this
with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups
right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
3 To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3
cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.
Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
4 Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or
until done.

Crispy Fish Bake


2 cups instant white rice, uncooked
2 cups boiling water
3 cups frozen broccoli florets
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
4 frozen breaded fish fillets, such as sole, haddock or cod (about 12 oz.)

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Spread rice in 8-inch square baking dish. Pour boiling water over rice. Cover with plastic wrap. Let stand 5 min. Uncover.
ARRANGE broccoli over rice. Mix soup and water; pour over broccoli. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with fish; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
BAKE 30 min. or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Substitute
Prepare as directed, using instant brown rice and KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese.

Substitute
Keep it simple. Use whatever frozen vegetables you have on hand.

Crispy Baked Pesto Chicken

4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb.)
1 pouch SHAKE 'N BAKE Original Chicken Seasoned Coating Mix
2 Tbsp. pesto
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 400ºF. Coat chicken evenly with coating mix. Place in 8-inch square baking dish.
BAKE 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through (170ºF).
TOP chicken evenly with pesto; sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 5 min. or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Free babysitting

There are a total of 5 ladies that get together, we all have children from 3-6 years old. We have formed a once a week co-op for homeschooling. Here is how it works- Each week we meet on a set day were two of the moms will "teach" and the rest are "off duty" so for two hours several time a month I am kid-free! Co-op will start again in September. As for the Summer months one of the ladies and I exchange free babysitting between us, we don't keep tabs we just do as the need comes. Free babysitting, and a kid free- day off, with no babysitting budget, now that is Frugal!

For more frugal tips visit: Biblical Womanhood.