Friday, June 30, 2006

Freebie Friday

Sign up now to get free samples, notepads, tattoos, and other fun stuff from Always Have a Happy Period. Just fill in the information below!
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/196...m=19661&source=

Playtex® Tampons have been a trusted name in feminine protection for over 25 years. Find out why. Register with us to receive free samples of our popular products.
http://www.playtextampons.com/products/tryfree.html

Free gift from Simple Green
https://secure.simplegreen.com/radio/cons_spec_rad.php

I can't guarantee you'll get these samples. I just signed up for them today myself. With the exception of the Simple Green. This is for people that have heard their ad on the radio. I haven't so the "freebie code of ethics" prevents me from lying on the questionnaire.

A quick tip for those that want to sign up for freebies. Make a junk email address and use it solely for freebie offers, etc so your personal email inbox isn't slammed with spam.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Pirate's Booty?

Hey,
Since I'm in a talkative mood today I thought I'd tell you about a snack that a blogging buddy found in her grocery stores health food aisle. Its called Pirate's Booty and its a caramel corn type of snack. Have you heard of this? I'm going to look for it at the grocery store, hopefully they'll have it. I'll post if I can find it and its good.

Thrifty Tip Thursday

My tip today is to keep bottled water in your freezer and pull one out before you leave to go shopping, etc. As the day goes on the ice will melt and you'll have cold water for the whole trip and you won't have to stop at the gas station to by a drink.
Re-use your bottles to save even more.

$104 bag of chips

If you could save $104 in one year would you do it? I would. If you stop buying a bag of chips at $2 a bag from the grocery store once a week you would save $104!
How about $438? Thats how much cutting out one 20oz drink from the convenience store once a day would save you.
Here's the big one...$910. Would you like an extra $910 a year? Then make a pot of coffee at home instead of stopping at the coffee shop. At $2.50 a cup it will add up to $910 in one year.

Now put the money you would normally spend on these items in a jar at home and by the end of the year you'll have $1452. Can you imagine?
Look for other things that you can stop buying once a day or even once a week and see it adds up.

Wednesdays Grocery Trip

I went grocery shopping yesterday.
At Aldi I got:

frozen rolls 11oz $2.29
carrots 2# $0.89
cucumber $0.39
block cheese 8oz $1.49x2
fries 32oz $1.19
au gratin potatoes 5.25oz $0.79
canned veggies $0.35x4
mac & cheese 7.25oz $0.29
sweet potatoes 3# $1.79
roma tomatoes 8 $1.29
green peppers 3 $0.99
chips 110z $0.99
sugar 5# $1.95
toilet paper 4rolls $0.89
croutons 5oz $0.99
paper towels $0.59
baked beans 16oz $0.49
salad dressing 16oz $0.99
hamburger buns 8 $0.59
total w/ tax $23.25

Wal-Mart:
Lipton Tea 24ct $1.64
hot dogs 12oz $0.78
choco pudding 3.9oz $0.50
sliced turkey 12oz $1.50x2 (was $3.52 each!)
pork chops $3.95
worcestershire sauce 10oz $0.88
total w. tax $10.97

Total $34.22

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Cheesy Potatoes

This is a recipe I made the other night to go with our pork chops. It was SO easy and SO yummy! Plus it was a quick clean-up!

I peeled and chopped 5 potatoes and boiled them. When they're done drain them in a colander. Leave in the colander and make sauce. (Use the Cheese sauce variation) Then dump the potatoes in the sauce, stir and serve. Yum-O! Thanks Miss Maggie at HBHW for the sauce recipe.


White Sauce
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons flour (white or whole wheat)
3/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
Get out a quart-sized saucepan. Melt the margarine in it over medium heat. When the margarine is completely melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the flour. It will lump up a little bit, so keep stirring it until it is smooth. I use a whisk to do this, but a fork will work in a pinch. Add the salt and pepper and return the pan to the heat. Cook and stir until the flour/margarine mixture bubbles up and sort of sizzles for a moment or two. This step keeps the sauce from having a "raw" flavor, and also permeates the sauce with the seasonings. Gradually stir in the milk. Do it slowly, so it doesn't lump up. Lumpy sauce is not the most aesthetically pleasing, although it still tastes pretty good. So after you stir in the milk, cook the sauce over medium heat until it boils. Stir it quite often, to prevent it from lumping or burning. When it boils, cook and stir it for a full minute, and then remove it from the heat. It is now done.
This sauce tastes really good poured over hot toast and eaten for breakfast. It is also used in many casseroles and a ton of other places. Once you've mastered this sauce, you officially know how to cook. Whole wheat flour makes a slightly ruddier sauce, while white flour gives you the traditional smooth, bright white sauce. Both give good results so use which ever flour you prefer.

Cheese Sauce: Add 1/2 to 1-cup of shredded or cubed cheese to the sauce after it boils for a minute. I usually take it off the burner, add the cheese, and cover the pan. Then I let it sit in the middle of the stove for a minute or two, to soften up the cheese. Stir it up until the cheese melts. Serve anywhere you like.

Bacon Sauce: When the sauce is cooked, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of vegetarian bacon bits. This is really good on baked potatoes and over toast.

Freebies!

Hi! Here are some links to some freebies I just signed up for (along with the dates I signed up for them). I'll try to update as I receive them.

June 23
Mr Clean Magic Eraser coupon
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/7443/captureAddress.iphtml

Clorox Toilet Cleaner Sample
http://www.thecleaninggang.com/toiletcleaner_cl.php

Swiffer Duster & coupon
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/19161/product.iphtml?item=19161&source=hms5

Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy
http://www.condenastdirect.com/lucky/eucerin/

June 26
Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce
http://www.countrybobs.com
Pretty Hands & Feet
http://www.prettyfeetandhands.com/freeSample.php

Venus Vibrance Razor
http://www.yourtopbrands.com/pub.php?sk=2HF9A&sud=1607

June 27
Nivea Body Lotion
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/19383/captureAddress.iphtml?item=19383&source=

As a reminder, I cannot guarantee that you will actually receive all of the free product samples that you signup for. These are samples that I just came across and signed up for.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Grocery Tips from Mom

My mom compiled a list of things she does to savemoney whengrocery shopping. I'm going to share this list with you. :-)

GROCERY SAVINGS
(food items only)
1) LEARN YOUR PRICES. This is something I believe can and will say you a great deal, however, I am in the process of learning this skill.
Since it's almost impossible to remember the prices for each and every items you buy - especially if it is an item that you don't buy that often - for example...let's say laundry soap.
And since I am in the process of learning this myself I am going to try to come up with an easy way to do this...I think it may be easier to should start with the items you shop for on a weekly basis and even monthly as you purchase them. When you get a sale flyer look for the items you regularly purchase - compare the "sale" price on the flyer to the price in your price book. Also here's an idea: if you go into that store check during the sale days, check the regular price for the sale item(s). You can skip this process if you have already purchased the item(s) and made note of the regular price. Keep doing this until you have the prices for all the things you buy. Also, since places like Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Family Dollar and the Dollar Tree do not really send out weekly flyers...check their prices while you are in the store/area.
2) DON'T BE STORE LOYAL. Shop and compare. The dollar stores such as those mentioned above along with Big Lots also carry canned goods, condiments, dry goods and snacks. But again and see #1...KNOW YOUR PRICES! Just because it seems like a good deal doesn't mean it is...always check expiration dates and the unit size.
3) ONLY USE COUPONS ON ITEMS YOU WOULD NORMALLY BUY. For examply: If you normally buy a store brand or a no name cereal buy you get a coupon for X amount off the regular price of a name brand cereal you only save if the price after coupon beats the regular store brand/no name price.
4) MEAL PLANNING. I have tried this and it really was very helpful when I followed through. I think it works best when you see what is on sale that week...work with what is in your "storehouse" (pantry/freezer/fridge). Once you have a list of already purchased food items and a list of on sale food items - then pair them up. Make a list of what you need to purchase that is both on sale and not on sale.
5) LEFTOVERS. I am learing to freeze leftovers and using them for nights where time is tight. This saves time and money especially when you have to get dressed and run into town to the local greasy food joint. It is helpful to pull the items from the freezer in the morning so you don't have to waste time thawing them.
6) COOK FROM SCRATCH. This saves money. It is also healthier than buying processed food items. Oh and the taste is far superior to process foods as well. Sure it may take time, especially to learn the skill...but be sure it truly is a skill worth learning.
7) GARDEN AND PRESERVE. Okay I don't really do this one. But even if you don't or can't for whatever reason. Make sure to become friends with people who just happen to grow fruits and vegetables. They will be more than happy to give you their surplus especially when you volunteer to help weed and/or harvest. Just make sure not to take advantage of those generous "gardeners".
8) MAKE YOUR OWN GROCERIES. Yes, it is possible to make you own marshmallows, croutons, bacon bits, bread crumbs, icy pops, milk shakes, hamburger helper, shake and bake, chicken broth and even pasta...just to name a few!
9) DON'T WASTE. Before those bananas attracts those little flying insects...make banana smoothies, banana cake/bread. That was just an example...but tomatoes can be frozen and although you can't use them to make a BLT, you can toss them into a soup/stew. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out the last bit of mayonnaise. Be creative and you'll save!
10) DON'T GO GROCERY SHOPPING WHILE HUNGRY. This seems simple/silly but when you are hungry even things you don't normally like to eat suddenly look delicious! Also don't food shop while sad/lonely/depressed...you'll end up with nothing but over-processed junk food.
11) DON'T WASTE GAS. What does gas have to do with food? Alot if you are driving miles out of the way just to save a few cents!
12) LIMIT SOFT DRINKS. Instead save money keeping cold water, tea, juice, milk, and kool-aid on hand to quench that thirst. Also try to limit the amount of milk and juice you drink...it is good for you but only in moderation.
13) STOCK UP AND SAVE. Save money on meats by stocking up while on sale. when it isn't on sale...well...frankly...it is just tooooo expensive! Also most times whole meats beat the price of cut up. What I mean is...a whole boneless pork loin on sale will beat the price of pork chops. Also when buying the whole ask the butcher to cut it for you most will for no extra charge.
14) DON'T BE A PICKY EATER. Don't teach your children to be picky eaters. Don't force food on them but likely they will follow your lead. If you're picky chances are they will be also.
15) DON'T BE AFRAID TO SUBSTITUTE.
16) MIX YOUR OWN MILK. Especially when baking. It also works well in mashed potatoes. But make sure you are actually saving.
17) BUY CONCENTRATED AND MIX WITH WATER. For example: concentrated juices.
18) DON'T BE AFRAID TO EAT/USE STOREBRANDS. And even generics.
19) BUYING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SEASON. This will save you along with locally grown.
20) LIMIT MINDLESS EATING.
21) When you are traveling or know that you'll be away from home when your family will want to eat. Pack a cooler with either premade sandwiches or take along quick fix "fast" food like bread, condiments, chips, sliced ham, peanut butter, pretzels, tortillas less messy than loaf bread.
22)Keep bottled water in the freezer. When you leave home grab and bottle and go! As it melts you will have something healthy - cold - and refreshing. If you wash and refill the bottle - you'll save even more.
23) For special occasions, such as birthdays, make your own cakes and other party foods. Also limit big birthday parties...however, do make a big deal by preparing a special meal and use festive dinnerware and decorations.
24) Block cheese is normally cheaper per pound than shredded/sliced. It doesn't take that long to do it yourself. Also if you know it will go bad before you use it all, flash freeze on a cookie sheet and put it all in a freezer container/baggie. When you need some take out what you need and put the rest back into the freezer.
25) Oh and by the way...by a whole boneless ham. Slice and use as you would deli-sliced ham...or cube it for casseroles/salads.
26) Grow herbs and learn to harvest and preserve them.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

A Trip to BBW & Christmas is DONE!

OK Most of Christmas. :-) Bath & Body Works is having their big Semi-Annual Sale so me and Sis went there shopping today. For $72 I got all of the females on my list (with exception of mom and sis) done!
Sample set with about 10 trial size products in it for $6
6oz Body Scrub $3.37 x2 (was $13.50ea)
4oz bar of soap $1 x3 (was $3ea)
8oz Anti-Bacterial Kitchen Soap $2.50 (was $5)
8oz Anti-Bacterial Kitchen Soap $2.50 x3 (was $4.50ea)
10oz Body Spray $8.00
10oz Lotion $0.00 (was $8..lotion and body spray were B1G1F)
Candle $2.50 x2 (was $5ea)
WallFlowers Starter Kit $5 x2 (was $12.50ea)
WallFlowers Refill Kit $5x2 (was $12.50ea)
8oz Body Cream $4 (was $10.50)

Total with tax $72.48
Would have been $154.50 without the sales!!!!!
Savings of $82.05! Wow!

This weeks budget

OK I only spent $2 on a box of 24ct Lipton tea bags this week. My DH ate with my parents the past 2 nights since I've been sick so we haven't really used any groceries.
I think I'll take whats leftover and use some of it to get a head start on Christmas. :-) Bath & Body Works is having a big sale so I can some the girls on my list gifts early.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Budget Totals are in

Hey, I didn't get a chance to post my totals friday.
At the end of my budget week I spent a total of $28.95, $11.05 under budget!

So far I've NOTHING out of this weeks $40! And I only need tea and sugar. :-)

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Father's Day

Here's a picture of the Candy Bouquet that I made for my step-dad for Father's Day.


Friday, June 16, 2006

More Shout Outs

I have a couple more Shout Outs. :-)
Cyndi Roberts of 1 Frugal Friend 2 Another
Miss Maggie of Hillbilly Housewife

Thanks ladies for permission to use your recipes and articles on my blog!

Michele of Chef Michele's Adventures for adding us to her blog!

Check out their great sites following the links listed in the link section.

Group Updates

Hey,
I've alot of people ask to be reminded of the blog or contacted when it was updated. So through Yahoo Groups you can be kept update on when I update the blog. Simply join our Yahoo Group MrsB-Challenge. I will not post anything on this mailing list except to let you know when the blog has been updated. Also if I don't see a wide interest in this I may discontinue use of it. :-)

Subscribe:
MrsBChallenge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe:
MrsBChallenge-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner:
MrsBChallenge-owner@yahoogroups.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MrsBChallenge

Thanks guys!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Shout Outs

Hey,
I wanted to give a shout out to Loli and Karein for the great tips.
Loli suggested I get a reusable coffee filter from Wal-Mart that will run me between $3 and $4. Sounds great! I'll be getting one next time I'm in WM. That will be a big test for me. lol Get out with only what I go for.
Karein gave me the link to new site she found http://www.groceryguide.com This site matches up store sales with coupons. How cool is that! AND WM isn't listed so I can stay away. lol After I get my coffee filter of course.
Michele and Maggie for adding us to their blogs!! Visit Michele at http://www.chefmichele.blogspot.com and Maggie at http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com

Thanks everyone!

Grocery shopping and other ramblings

Whoever invented Kool-Aid needs an award. LOL Even though theres just 2 of us in the house we go through a ton of drink. At one point we where drinking at least a 2 liter bottled drink a day. And that was during the week. The weekend was a whole different story. Now its all Kool-Aid or Tea. I still buy the occasional bottled drink but its once in a great while and it has to be the Wal-Mart brand that is $0.58. Another way to save would be for me to only water. I wish I could. My sister only drinks water now and she said she's losing weight! Yay for her!!!! (Not that she needs to lose any though.) If I can ever give my sweet tea! LOL I'm doing better though. Of course if I drink one whole glass of water then I'm doing better than I was. *grin* Is it possible for a southern girl to give up sweet tea completely?
Its here again. Father's Day. One of the hardest holidays to shop for. What do you get for a man that needs nothing? Once again I've put it off and now we're just a couple days away. Any ideas?
OK Just got back from the grocery store. I only spent $3.33! And no gas since I rode with my mom. :-)
2 bottles of ketchup $0.99x2
Chicken boiullon $0.99
Salt $0.29

Wednesday June 14th

Wednesday June, 14 2006
I'm keeping up with my blog with WordPad right now so I don't forget anything until I can this posted. So far I haven't spent any more money!! Yay! I'm doing great on doing the "No Spend Holiday". This is something I learned from my mom recently. I believe she read it on another blog. A No Spend Holiday (NSH) is a day where you spend no money (unless you need groceries, but it HAS to be groceries only!) I've been 5 days w/o spending money. This is a huge deal for me. lol Also another big "challenge" for me is eatting out. Me and my DH used to eat out alot. (when we had our "cottage" with no stove) We haven't ate out, at a restaurant (mama's house doesn't count. LOL) since we moved in our new house (over a week now). Well ok once. Friday when I was grocery shopping me, my sis and bro went to Sonic but I only spent $2!

Supper tonight had to be quick and easy b/c I rode with my DH on the truck today and we got home kinda late. So I made a "recipe" that I invented awhile ago. Most people thing this is really gross but we like it. I put some water on the stove to boil and add chicken bouillon, basil, thyme, oregeno, garlic powder, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Once it comes to boil I throw in pasta and let cook until done. Drain the water and put back in pot. Then I add shredded cheese and ketchup. Stir it up and serve. Its really yummy!

Tuesday June 13th

Tuesday June 13, 2006
For tonights supper I cut a round steak ($1.60) into pieces and sauted it with peppers and onions. I fixed candied carrots to go with it. The recipe came from HIllbilly House Wife (HBHW) and is SO easy! Thank you Maggie!
Candied Carrots
6-8 med. carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup water
1 TBS butter
2 TBS sugar or honey
1/4 tsp salt
good dash of pepper
First prepare the carrots by clicing them to thin rounds. Place them in a saucepan with the water, butter, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring the carrots to a boil over high heat. Cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the lid. Watching carefully cook the carrots until the water evaporates and the carrots are simmering in the butter. This will take about 5 more minutes. Remove from heat. They may be served immediately or reheated right before serving. Serves 4-6
Let me tell you about a little known secret: BarKeeper's Friend. This is stuff is awesome! Around here you can get it at the dollar general 21oz for $1.50. A little goes along way and it will clean anything. It works better if you use it dry though. When I moved into my "cottage" the fridge was really dirty on the outside. I used alittle bit of BarKeeper's Friend and in no time the fridge looked brand new! Now in our new house the sink had spots on it from I guess hard water? And there was a ring in the bottom of it where water stands in it. Guess what I called to my rescue? Thanks Mama!

Saturday June 10th

Saturday June 10, 2006
My BIL and one of his friends were here helping us move so I needed to feed them cheaply. We cooked the 10# bag of chicken leg quarters on the grill. It feed 4ppl plus we had 5 leg quarters for the freezer. 3 meals for a $3 bag of chicken.Can you beat that?
I fixed a batch of BBQ sauce that costed less than $1 to make. I used some on the chicken and the rest will be saved for a later meal. I also fixed 2 boxes of Au Gratin Potatoes that are $0.79ea. Add the milk (2 and half cups for 2 boxes) and its still less than $1 a box. So Saturday's meal was approximately $4. Which is $1 a person!!

Friday June 9th

Friday June 9, 2006
Sorry I'm behind on my posts. I haven't been able to get in. My budget week started Friday and runs until Thursday. I went grocery shopping and did pretty good I think.
Believe it or not I got out of Wal-Mart in UNDER $5!!
36 Corn Tortillas $0.98
16oz Taco Bell Salsa $1.44
16oz Mustard $0.77
18ozGrape Jelly $0.88
2liter cola $0.58
Total with Tax: $4.77
Aldi:
12pk of canned orange drink $1.89
Romaine Lettuce (3 hearts) $1.49
8oz Deli Sliced Cheese $1.69
16oz Smoked Honey Ham $2.79
14.5oz can Diced Tomatoes $0.49x2
15.5oz can Kidney Beans $0.35
200 Coffee Filters $0.89
2# carrots $0.89
Cucumber $0.39
Watermelon $3.99
Peppers (pk of 3) $1.69
Roma Tomatoes (pk of 8) $1.29
36oz Ketchup $0.99
15oz bag of Tortilla chips $0.99
Total with tax: $20.85

Grand Total for the day:$25.62

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Tonight's Supper

Hey,
Tonights supper was Sauted Chicken and BBQ Potatoes. It was a really quick, easy and cheap meal. The sauted chicken was nothing but chicken floured and fried in a tiny bit of olive oil. I added oregano, basil and thyme for flavor. I made the BBQ potatoes by boiling potatoes and adding salt, pepper and ketchup. I didn't drain the water off the potatoes, just add the ketchup to the water.
Thats it. :-)
See ya tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Recipes

Flash Roasted Crispy Ranch Chicken
Serves 4
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
1 envelope (1 oz) ranch salad dressing mix
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 ½ cups finely crushed tortilla chips
2 tbsp margarine or butter, melted
In shallow dish mix soup, milk, and dressing mix. Reserve 1 cup for sauce. Dip chicken into soup mixture. Coat with tortilla chips. Place chicken on greased baking sheet. Drizzel with margarine. Bake at 400 degree farenheit for 20 mins or until chicken is no longer pink. In small saucepan over medium heat, heat reserved soup mixture to a boil. Serve with chicken.

Honey Butter Popcorn
Pop 1/3 c. of popcorn ( air popped works really well )
Melt 2 T. butter and 2 t. honey together.
Toss over popcorn well. Bake for 5 minutes at 350 on a cookie sheet.

Bacon Potatoes with Cheese
1/2 cup of Ranch dressing
1/2 cup of 5 cheese blend(or your fav.cheese)
1/4 cup of Bacon bits
2 pounds(6 cups) ofquartered potatoes,,,red potatoes seem best
chopped parsley,,,like a spoonful
Oven preheated to 350,,mix all ingredients in a casserole dish except parsley, till all potatoes are coverd with the bacon ,cheese and dressing. Cover with foil bake for 40 minutes,,then a additional 15 minutes with the foil off. Check to make sure potatoes are tender,,sprinkle with parsley and ,,serves around 8 people.

Pepper & Potato Salad (Rachel Ray's 30 minute Meals)
2 1/2 pounds small potatoes, baby Yukon gold or red skinned potatoes
2 ounces, about 3 tablespoons, sliced jarred or canned hot peppers: jalapenos, hot pepper rings, hot cherry peppers, your choice
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 scallions, chopped
A splash hot pepper juice, from jar or can
3 tablespoons cider or wine vinegar, eyeball it
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
Salt and pepper
Chunk up the potatoes, cutting them into large bite-size pieces and place them in a pot of water. Boil until tender, drain and return back to hot pot to dry them out. Add hot peppers, bell peppers and scallions to potatoes, then dress with a splash of hot pepper juice and vinegar. Toss to combine, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil to coat the salad evenly and season with salt and pepper.

Shredded, Saucy BBQ Chicken Sammies (30 Minute Meals)
1 cup chicken stock
1 bottle Mexican beer (You can use all chicken stock)
4 pieces, 6 ounces each boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
1 tablespoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
2 tablespoons grill seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning, by McCormick)
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large sour deli pickle, chopped
6 to 8 slices sweet bread and butter pickles, chopped
6 soft sammy buns, such as soft burger rolls, split
Bring liquids to a simmer in a small to medium skillet and slide in the chicken breast meat. Gently poach the chicken 10 minutes, turning once about after 5 minutes.
While chicken poaches, heat a second medium skillet over medium low heat. To hot skillet, add extra-virgin olive oil and garlic and onion and gently saute until chicken is ready to come out of poaching liquids. Combine the next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl and reserve.
When the chicken has cooked through, add 2 ladles of the cooking liquid to the bowl, combining with the sauces, spices, brown sugar and tomato paste. Once the liquids and seasonings are combined, remove chicken, slice it, and transfer to the medium bowl. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken and combine with the liquids. Add the shredded chicken to the onions and garlic and combine well. Simmer together 5 to 10 minutes, using extra cooking liquids to make your chicken as saucy as you like.
Combine sour and sweet pickles in a small bowl. Split rolls and fill with scoops of shredded chicken. Top with pickle relish and serve.

Stocking my pantry

OK just got back from the grocery store. Its been storming here so I only went to two stores (Aldi and Big Lots) I already have canned veggies, etc so I didn't have to buy those.

This is what I got from Aldi:
10# Russet Potatoes $2.99
Paper Towels $0.59x2 $1.18
32oz French Vanilla creamer $1.99 (not a necessatity but my dh likes it)
8oz block Cheddar Cheese $1.49
1.16# Pork Chops $4.63
1# Butter $1.99
5# All Purpose Flour $1.09
5# Sugar $1.95x2 $3.90
14oz can of Chicken Broth $0.39x2 $0.78
14oz box Cinnamon Crunch Cereal $1.69
Gallon of milk $2.65
32oz White Vinegar $0.59 (I use this to cook as well as clean)
16oz Seasoning Salt $1.39
16.9oz Olive Oil $3.59 (I could get vegetable oil cheaper but I prefer this...I can also use it as a moisturizer for my skin and hair)

Total (including tax): $30.72 $0.72 over budget But close enough. :-D

I stopped at Big Lots to get some items for my house (paper towel holder, dish rack, etc..these items I'm not including in my budget b/c I already had $$ set aside for itmes like that that we need for the new house) Anyway, I found a 4# bag of pasta for $2.00. We eat alot of pasta so I went ahead and bought it even though I had already spent my budget.

Grand Total for Pantry Stocking: $32.72

Monday, June 05, 2006

My First Post

Hey! Ok Here goes nothing. :-) The challenge is to stock my pantry for $30 and then spend $40 or less each week on household items and groceries. This includes cleaning supplies, etc.
We already have most of our paper products and cleaning supplies which is why the stock fund is lower than the grocery budget.
I'm shooting for a post a day, and this will include meal plans, grocery lists, prices, tips, etc.
Thanks for joining me in my "$40 Grocery Challenge".
~MrsB