Week of Meals Aug 18th - 24th

My Fabulous Chef Salad (yes there is lettuce under all that)

Day 1 - 2 Sauce Lasagna Bowls from Rachel Ray (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/two-sauce-weeknight-lasagna-bowls-recipe/index.html)

Day 2 - Pork Tenderloin
             Roasted Potatoes
             Green Beans

Day 3 - Hamhock & Beans
             Fried Potatoes
             Corn Bread

Day 4 - Home made Chicken Noodle Soup
             Home made Biscuits

Day 5 - Sheppard's Pie (see recipe below)

Day 6 - Chef Salad served with fresh Ranch Dressing (see pic above)

Day 7 - Talapia
             Broccoli and cheddar rice
             Steamed Broccoli

Sheppard's Pie

Ingredients:
1 small or half a med. onion - diced
3 carrots peeled and diced
2 tablespoons oil
1 lb ground beef or turkey
salt and pepper
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (instant if fine)
2 cups frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In oven safe skillet heat oil, then add onion and carrots.  Let saute for about 2 minutes.  Add ground meat.  Season with salt and pepper.  Break up meat as it cooks.  After meat is completely cooked drain if needed and then place meat and veggies on plate and set aside.  In same skillet spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer, return meat and spread evenly, then the corn, and top with cheese.
Place skillet in oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
Serves about six people.

De-Junking = De-Stressing cont'd

The ground rules have been established, you've set up your toss, donate, and put away boxes or bags, but now what?  Deciding where to begin is probably the most difficult choice.  I suggest you pick one room to start with and ONE ROOM ONLY.  This room will be the only room you work on until it is done.  After it is done it will become your inspiration room, but not only that it will be the one in the room that you feel peaceful in and then you will want that for the rest of your home.  Which room you pick is up to you.  Do you want a peaceful room to turn into at bedtime?  Do you want your livingroom done first so you and your family can enjoy eachother's company?  Do you want to come home to an easy to cook in kitchen?  The decision is yours. 

Again, please only concentrate on one room.  If you start all gung ho and run from room to room trying to de-clutter them you are going to burn out and possibly end up with a bigger mess than you started with.  After you finish your first room you can begin on your second and so on.  Also keep in mind that de-junking takes time.  You are not going to get it all done in one day or even one week.  This is a process.  In order for this to work you'll need to schedule yourself time to work.  Make room for an hour, 10 minutes, or 6 increments of 10 minutes a day, whatever works for you.  Don't spend all day working on your de-cluttering.  If you do you will be exhausted and chances are you won't continue the next day because you will have burned yourself out. 

Once you decide on the room you want to start with and have scheduled your self time to work on it now it is time to begin.  Everyone has different types of clutter.  The floor and every surface may be covered in clothes, belongings, and trash...or you might have all of your clutter hidden in the closet, drawers, and under the bed.  Here is my suggestions based on a completely cluttered room floor, surfaces, closets and all.  Again this is a gradual process do not take on a whole room in one day.

1.  Start with the floor.  Toss the trash, put laundry in the hamper, and get everything else up off the floor using the 3 questions in my last blog (love it?  need it? can I replace it?)  Remember you have to let go of things to get your room under control.  Get everything that does not belong on the floor up.  Try as hard as you can to not have an undecided pile.  Pick up an item and make a decision as to what to do with it (toss, donate, or put away).  Some things may be hard to put away at first until you able to attack your closets and dresser space but if you are truly decluttering this shouldn't be a huge issue. 

2.  The next spot I would work on is the main piece of furniture in the room you are working on.  If it is a bedroom clear the bed, if it is the living room clear the couch, if it is the kitchen clean the kitchen table.  Follow the same process as in step 1.  If you get this step and you truly want to reward yourself, make your bed with fresh clean sheets and a pretty blanket, place some pretty throw pillows on your couch, place a vase of pretty flowers from your yard or from the grocery store.  These will serve as a reminder of the hard work you did to make that an enjoyable space again.

3.  Next step, surfaces.  I'm talking tops of dressers, end tables, coffee tables, entertainment centers, night stands and any other flat surface that collects stuff.  My suggestion work on one surface a day.  Unclutter it using the steps given above and then polish it with some dusting polish.  Only leave things that make you smile.  A picture of your family, a pretty smelling candle, or a few knick knacks that make you happy, take a step back an enjoy your new view.  If you are working on your kitchen your counters are your flat surface, only leave out the items you use on a regular basis.  Things I leave on my counter top are my mixer, coffee pot, soap and lotion, my cutting board, a cookie jar, a little plant, and my cookbook stand...mind you I have quite a bit of counter space so there is plenty of room for these items I use on a regular basis. 


Watch out for my next De-Junking blog where I will visit the dreaded hidden spaces in our homes...closets, drawers, cabinets...please leave a comment if you have any suggestions on decluttering or any questions.

De-Junking = De-Stressing

We all have things laying around the house (or hidden) that are just taking up space.  This stuff is not allowing you a stress free existence.  For instance, let's just say you get a phone call and Aunt Matilda has announced she is coming to dinner and will be there in an hour.  While you are not a dirty house keeper you have clutter laying all about the house.  Laundry on the couch, mail and papers all over the counter, books stacked in corners of the house, the dining room table is being used as a storage area, bags shoes, and jackets piled up by the front door, and well you get the picture (and this is just the visible clutter).  So you have to do the clutter shuffle, move the clothes on the couch to your bed, stuff all the items by your front door in the nearest closet, sweep all the mail and papers into a kitchen drawer, and try and disguise the corner filled with stuff with plants.  Then after Aunt Mitilda leaves all the stuff stays where you stuffed it until one day your looking for it and have to tear the house apart, and by then the next pile of things have taken their places through out the house.

You know your not a dirty person right?  So what happened?  YOU HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF!!!  Because you have too much stuff it isn't easy to put things away, so instead they just get thrown in the most convienent place.  I can tell you life is too short to have too much stuff.  It is more time consuming to be constantly looking for things.  Not to mention having too much stuff is stressful on you.  How you say?  Well, do you worry about unexpected company?  Does it feel good when you come home and your clutter greets you at the front door?  Are you late all the time because you can't find (fill in the blank)?  Do you get tired of moving your clutter from one place to the next?  Do you ever have late bills because you stashed a bill in a drawer with the rest of the papers on the counter?  Have you twisted your ankle walking through your kids room because they have too much stuff?  I really could go on and on about the stress of having too much stuff.

Well where do I start you ask.  Well you start one item at a time.  Then ask yourself these 3 questions about each item...
1.  do i still like this item/does it make me feel good?  A lot of times we keep things in our house out of guilt.  Someone gave that to me so I have to keep it.  Or that was my daughter's first recital tap shoes.  That dress cost me a lot of money so I can't get rid of it.  Unless the item really makes you feel good, don't keep it.  If I gave someone something I would not want them to keep it if it did not bring them joy.  Let go of the guilt and move on.  Also sentimental items can be really hard to get rid of...you have the dance shoes, but do you really need to keep them?  If you have a picture of your precious daughter in the shoes that is all you really need, pass the shoes onto another little girl who could use the shoes.

2.  When is the last time I used this item?  Has it been 5 years since you used that waffle iron?  Is a pain to drag it out to use it?  Will you really use it again?  Never hold on to a bunch of things for just in case.  Life is full of unexpected events.  If you do keep everything just in case, you won't be able to find it because its going to be blocked by all your other items you keeping for just in case.

3.  If I really needed to, could I replace this item easily or inexpensively?  Okay so you've got an item you might need just in case...ask your self this:  could I replace this item?  Trust instincts, most items you can give up and if in say five years you decide you really could use that item after all replace it with a new one, you'll deserve it.  Trust me, most items you disgard you'll never think twice about, but there might be one item you'll have to replace.  But won't it feel good to not have those other items cluttering your house?

Okay now you have a new set of eyes in which to few your things with, now what?  Well its time to set up a little station.  Use 3 boxes, tubs, or plain old trash bags.  On each box or bag place the label toss, donate, or put away.  It's as easy as that.

 Toss items that are useless to anyone else, papers, bills, broken toys, broken small appliances.  As soon as you fill up the toss box or bag take it directly to the outside garbage can.  Get it out of your house! 




Items you have decided you need or love can be donated.  There are people all over our communities in need and we can help those people immensely by offering up items from our own households.  Places to donate to are thrift stores, shelters, churches, and don't forget about your local freecycler program where people can come pick up your unneeded items, but in order to do this you must post your stuff ASAP and stay on top of your posts.  Your donation piles can build up into clutter all over again if you don't stay on top of getting it OUT of your house.

Your put away box or bag must be put away immediately.  This might feel hard to do at first especially when your closets are over flowing and your drawers are crammed full.  Do your absolute best.  If you can't get it into its intended home at first set it next to it.  Please be careful about this.  The more things you keep and don't have an immediate home for the more little piles you might end up all around your house.  You aren't doing a clutter shuffle here, you want to get the clutter out.  Just be absolutely positive that every item that goes into your put away box is an item of absolute need or absolute love.

Okay all the ground rules are laid out.  I think one of the biggest problems many people have is that they really don't know where to start, especially when all the drawers, the closets, and cabinets are so crammed full of stuff.  My next blog will help you to get started on your de-junking to a less stressful life.

Tips for Around the House

Here are some tips for house keeping in general that I like to use around my own home.

-Deodorize your carpet with baking soda.  Sprinkle the baking soda very liberally all over and let sit for 2 or 3 hours.  Then vacum up.  I like this because it can't hurt the baby or the dogs because it is natural and baking soda is a natural deodorizer.

-No storage for your tupperware?  Use a plastic laundry basket to stack those bowls and lids.  They are all in one place and you can store the basket at the bottom of your pantry or a closet near the kitchen.

-Use a white board that sticks on your fridge.  Keep a monthly calendar on it to keep track of chores, also use it to list your weekly menu, upcoming event, and keep track of meats in the freezer.  A blank whiteboard is really inexpensive and you can make the calendar by hand.

-Don't let those garden weeds get a chance to take over your garden.  Pick a day every week that is your weeding day.  I like to do Friday mornings...if it is done on a weekly basis it should really only take 15-20 minutes weekly.  Tip:  Use a meat fork to loosen up soil around a stubborn weed.

-Do one big glass cleaning trip a week.  Starting on one side of the house start cleaning mirrors, picture frames, windows, tv's, and other glass (including bathroom mirrors)...dirties only one rag or paper towel and this chore really takes only minutes to complete once you start.

-Laundry...keep your laundry on a cycle.  In the morning pull the clothes out of the dryer, fold and put away.  Place a load in the wash, switch over to the dryer at lunch...start over the next day.

Meal Planning July 6-12

Day 1 - Cowboy Casserole (recipe on 12/7/10 blog)

Day 2 - Pan Fried Pork Chops
             Scalloped Potatoes
             Cauliflower

Day 3 - Carne Asada Tacos
             Rice & Beans

Day 4 - Grilled Chicken
             3 Bean Salad

Day 5 - Chicken Tenders
             Mashed Potatoes
             Green Beans

Day 6 - Homemade Chili
             Cornbread

Day 7 - Roasted Veggie Soup (Recipe on 12/13/10 Blog)
             Dinner Rolls

Meal Planning June 29-July 5th

This week I only have 6 meals laid out for our weekly menu.  Plans are still not in stone about what we are doing on July 4th therefore I did not plan a meal.  If we end up BBQing then we will probably purchase the meat for that on Sunday so it will be fresh.  Happy 4th of July to everyone and may everyone remember the true reason for our celebration instead of enjoying just another day off.

Day 1 - Spaghetti
            Cesar Salad

Day 2 - Shepherd's Pie
             This is a very cheap an easy meal.  Layer in a casserole dish: prepared mashed potatoes, browned hamburger meat (or ground turkey), regular corn (some people use creamed corn but husband is not a fan), and sprinkle with cheese.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is super melty or in my families case a little brown on top.

Day 3 - Chili Dogs (my favorite family stand by meal for busy nights)

Day 4 - Baked Talapia
             Lipton Broccoli and Cheddar Rice
             Steamed Broccoli

Day 5 - Balsamic Chicken (Use thin boneless skinless chicken breasts, sprinkled with a little balsamic vinegar, some salt and pepper, and flour in a hot skillet in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil place the chicken.  Cook chicken on each side about 5 minutes each or until completely cooked through)
             Served with:
             Corn on the Cob
             Mashed Potatoes

Day 6 - Brawts and Sour kraut
            Potato Salad

Monthly To Do - July

This month is the month to evaluate clothing for start of the school year.  Make a list for each person in your family.  What do they need?  Socks, underwear, shorts, shirts, pants, shoes, uniforms, back packs, lunch bags, hair accesories, dresses?  This is also a good time to start stocking up on school supplies.

Campfire Cake - yep, you read it right

Campfire Cake

Before preparing cake make a HOT fire to ensure you have a good bed of coals to cook your cake in.



 

Ingredients and needed supplies:
1 Box of yellow cake mix
Eggs (however many the cake mix directions tell you)
1 15 oz. can of sliced peaches, reserve the syrup/juice
Vegetable or Canola Oil
Flour
Large Iron Skillet
Tin Foil

Directions:
Grease and flour the iron skillet.  Remove the peaches from the can reserving the syrup/juice.  Place the peaches in a pattern onto the greased and floured skillet.  (See above)
Use the cake mixes box and add the called for amount of eggs, oil, and cake mix to a bowl.  Instead of the called for water use the reserved juice/syrup from peach can...add water only if you do not get the full measurement.

 Mix batter until well blended and pour over the peaches in the iron skillet being sure all the peaches are covered.  Cover the skillet tightly with tin foil.

 Place the cake in your fire pit making sure there are coals on all sides of the skillet.  Bake cake in fire pit until done about 20-30 minutes.
Loosen the cake on all side with a butter knife and flip the cake from skillet onto a platter or cookie sheet.  Serve and enjoy!

our beautiful desert baked right next to our hobo packs

Why I LOVE Layaway!

Okay summer is here, but whether we look forward to it or not school will be starting up before we know it.  One thing I always DO NOT look forward to is the back to school shopping.  My family is always on a tight budget and I'm not a huge fan of running around from store to store with an 8 year old, 6 year old, and YIKES a 1 year old.  My solution is layaway. 
I know to many people layaway has a stigma attached to it but over this past year I have begun to appreciate it.  Here where I live you can do layaway at both KMart and Toys R Us, both stores that carry clothing.  Yesterday I started my first layaway order.  Both of my girls need shoes and sports gear for start of the new school year, so I started with those first.  The thing I love most is the ease of  shopping online and placing my whole lay away order on the computer, I then pick the store I want to pick up from, and even make my payments online. 
The store actually gives me a full 8 weeks to pay off my layaway, but because my husband is paid on a weekly basis I actually pay each week so that I'm able to have the order paid off in 4 weeks, leaving me time to place another lay away before school starts if needed.  I love this because we can afford to pay $10-$15 week to pay for our payments, but it is much harder to pay $100 out of a week's check at once.
Benefits of Lay Away:
- shop for your order online
-make payments online
-no interest on the order (there is a one time fee of $5 associated with it though)
-receive the sale prices at time of lay away
-easier to make little bite size payments rather that one huge out of pocket expense
-forces you to plan ahead, planning ahead = savings and no impulse buying
-lots of selection, but no running from store to store.

I plan on using lay away starting in September to get ready for Christmas.  I look forward to having most of my Christmas shopping complete with no debt accrued by December.  Happy Lay Awaying!

My Favorite Quick Tips for Around the House

Here are some tips for house keeping in general that I like to use around my own home.

-Deodorize your carpet with baking soda.  Sprinkle the baking soda very liberally all over and let sit for 2 or 3 hours.  Then vacum up.  I like this because it can't hurt the baby or the dogs because it is natural and baking soda is a natural deodorizer. 

-No storage for your tupperware?  Use a plastic laundry basket to stack those bowls and lids.  They are all in one place and you can store the basket at the bottom of your pantry or a closet near the kitchen.

-Use a white board that sticks on your fridge.  Keep a monthly calendar on it to keep track of chores, also use it to list your weekly menu, upcoming event, and keep track of meats in the freezer.  A blank whiteboard is really inexpensive and you can make the calendar by hand.

-Don't let those garden weeds get a chance to take over your garden.  Pick a day every week that is your weeding day.  I like to do Friday mornings...if it is done on a weekly basis it should really only take 15-20 minutes weekly.  Tip:  Use a meat fork to loosen up soil around a stubborn weed.

-Do one big glass cleaning trip a week.  Starting on one side of the house start cleaning mirrors, picture frames, windows, tv's, and other glass (including bathroom mirrors)...dirties only one rag or paper towel and this chore really takes only minutes to complete once you start.

-Laundry...keep your laundry on a cycle.  In the morning pull the clothes out of the dryer, fold and put away.  Place a load in the wash, switch over to the dryer at lunch...start over the next day.

Taking Care of You

Okay, we are all guilty of taking care of everyone around us, but not ourselves.  We easily spend money on sports programs for our kids or agree on money being spent on our husband's hobbies, such as fishing...but what about us?  It is time to challenge ourselves to some self care.  What is self care?  Well when was the last time you had a hair cut or trim?  A pedicure/manicure?  How about finding time to excercise?  Yep, I don't remember the last time either.
Everyone has different needs and likes.  Some find the time for self maintenance but neglect their creative side.  While others manage to get out for their evening walk, but never seem to have the time to have time with the girls.  Below is a list of ideas to inspire you to take a little time out for yourself.  If you don't find the time no one will find it for you.
Appearance
-make yourself an appointment (finally) for your summer cut and/or color.  If money is tight check into cosmetology schools, they often give really good rates.  Also, you and a friend can help each other by taking turns coloring each others hair.
-put a movie on for the kids and hubby then lock yourself in your bedroom for a pedicure and manicure.  Soak your feet, dry them really well, lotion them up, and put a pretty nail polish on your toes.  The 99C Store has a good selection of manicure and pedicure goodies.
Health
-Join a mom's walking group.  You'd be surprised by the amount of moms that meet at parks and malls each morning to walk.  Many of them toting young ones and strollers.  Great opportunity to walk off calories and chat with some friends.
-Join a fitness club or class.  Fitness clubs offer lots of fun ways to exercise including the Zumba dance.  Some city recreation centers offer free fitness classes free or for really low prices.
-Join a sport you enjoy.  There are lots of softball, soccer, and volleyball leagues out there, its a fun way to exercise.
Social
-Look on social networks for groups with your interests to join locally.  In my area there is a mommies group which I enjoy.  We schedule meet-ups a couple of times a week.  The kids play and we chat.
-Check the library for a book club to join.
-I know this doesn't sound like much of a "me" thing but volunteer for your child's school or join their PTA.  This is a great opportunity to meet other women close to your age and helping others really can make you feel good.
Creative
-If you love to scrapbook but don't have the time, try registering online for digital scrap booking, like snapfish.com.  You can use your creativity to scrapbook, but you don't have to develop film or take the time to pull out all the scrapbooking stuff and then worry about the clean up.
-Register for an art class or photography at your local community college.  Its a chance for you to get away from the house and do something you enjoy at least once a week.
-Join a creative women's group (sometimes you can find a local one online on social networks).  These groups meet up a couple of times a week and craft together. 

Make it your goal to cut some time out for yourself.  If you don't take care of yourself who will.  I think by taking care of yourself, you are better able to care for those around you.

Meal Planning June 23-28

Time to take advantage of the crock pot and BBQ cause it is hot! 

Day 1 - Having company over so we are making a Grill Platter.
Grilling up thin chicken breasts, eggplant, onion, plum tomato halves, zucchini, and some thick slices of  bread.  Serving it with Cesar Salad, black olives and a Feta Vinaigrette.

Day 2 - Frizzled Egg Spinach Salad
This is a new recipe I'm trying, I'll let you know how it goes next week and post the recipe if it is good.

Day 3 - Chicken & Bean Stew

Day 4 - Hamburgers and Potato Salad

Day 5 - Grilled Hamsteaks, Green beans, & Mashed Potatoes

Day 6 - Pork Roast with veggies from the crockpot

Day 7 - Sausage Spaghetti and Cesar Salad

Pineapple/Mango Smoothie

 Wanting a cool treat?  Lately I've been noticing mangos on sale at 4/$1 so I've been stocking up.  What to do with so many mangos?  Smoothies of course!  Try this inexpensive recipe.  It's yummy and good for you too.

Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can of pineapple chunked in juice
3 ripe mango's
1 8 oz. container of peach yogurt (plain or vanilla is good too)
1 cup of ice

Directions:
Open can of pineapple chunks.  Remove chunks of pineapple place into a container and place in freezer for at least 3 hours.  Reserve juice from can and place in refrigerator.
In a blender place cut up mango, frozen pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, yogurt and ice.  Blend until smooth in blender.

Makes 2-3 large servings of smoothie...ENJOY!

Reuse Disposable Swimming Diapers

From The Frantic Woman's Guide to Life by Mary Jo Rulnick & Judith Burnett Schneider

Hidden Gem* If you have an infant or toddler who'll be getting in the water with you, chances are good that you'll be purchasing and packing some disposable swimming diapers.  But when you're swimming every day, doesn't the cost of their convenience just kill you -- especially when some babies are only in the water for such a short period of time?  And isn't it a shame that they come so few in a package?  Not really!  While these pants are labeled "disposable," you can actually wash them in the washer using hot water and your usual laundry detergent, dry them in the dryer, and reuse them several times -- provided the child only urinates in them.  When the material on the sides of the pants begins to show signs of thinning (usually after three to five washings), discard and start another pair.  Now, you can confidently change these disposable swimming pants on your toddler several times a day and not have to break your budget to do it.

UPDATED - 20 Free Things to do with the Family

Updated!!! 
I'm resending this out from last year and have added a few extra ideas because let's face it, we all need ideas on entertaining our kiddos during the long summer days.

School is out and the kids are starting to get bored.  Try one or all of these FREE suggestions to entertain the kids or just you.

1.  Check your city's recreation website for free movies in the park normally played during the summer months.

2.  Get your digital camera and go on an alphabet hunt.  Starting with the letter A take pictures beginning with that letter all the way to Z.

3.  Camp in your own backyard.  Set the tent up and roast some marshmallows.

4.  Write a poem together as a family.

5.  Have a WII Bowling tournament.

6.  Bake cookies and take them to a neighbor.

7.  Pick an object such as a hula hoop or stick and play object charades.  Use the object to act out something and everyone guesses what you are doing.

8.  Use magazines to make a collage of favorite things and places.

9.  Make a couple of batches of play dough and have fun.

10.  Find some mismatched socks, buttons, markers, yarn, and whatever else.  Create puppets and have a puppet show.

11.  Set out the good dinner ware, dress up and light a candle for dinner even if its just macaroni and cheese.

12.  Act out your favorite Children's book

13.  Turn on a family favorite movie and have a picnic on the floor while you watch.

14.  Play tag in the front yard with the sprinklers on.

15.  Play beauty shop.  Hair, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

16.  Check out a book about birds from the library and bird watch in your own neighborhood.

17.  Pick a person to make a card for or write a letter to as a family, mail or hand deliver it.

18.  Have a tea party, use cookie cutters to make pretty fancy sandwiches.

19.  Turn on the radio and play freeze dance.

20.  Make a family mural on the sidewalk with chalk.

A few More Ideas:

1.  Have a serious water fight in the yard using water balloons, water guns, and/or sponges.

2.  Using things found around the house create an obstacle course and hold your first annual family fun day race.

3.  Save the seeds from your veggies and fruits and start a garden with them.

4.  And an idea from ny sister in law....turn off the lights and play indoor hide and go seek in the dark.

Vacation Checklist

Getting ready to go on vacation?  Ease your mind when you go by following this simple check off list to prepare for your trip.

-Have you made arrangements with a neighbor to water plants and grass?

-If you have pets have you made arrangements for them?  Are they going with you?  Are they going to a kennel?  Do you have a neighbor that can care for them while your gone?  (If you are going to place them in a kennel, be sure to book one early enough, they can fill up quickly during the summer months)

-Check the laundry at least 2 days before you leave so you have the essentials you need clean and ready to go.

-Will you have internet access while your gone?  If not do you need to send an out for vacation message to your contact list?

-Do you need to make arrangements for your mail?

-Are there bills you need to set up for payment from your bank account while your gone?

-Check your medications and be sure you will not run out before you return from vacation.  If you getting low, call and re-order or make sure you can get them refilled where you are going.

-Print any confirmations needed off your computer and place them within easy reach while traveling.

-Have you looked into activities you will doing while vacationing?  What are the costs?  Do you need to make reservations?  Do you have the directions on how to get there?

-Do you have any movies or library books that need to be returned before you leave on vacation?

-And please be sure to take your garbage out to the trash right before you leave on your vacation...it is so terrible to come home to a stinky house because food was left in the garbage can for 5 days.  Just saying.

These are some ideas of things to do before leaving on vacation, of course everyone has more personalized items to add to the list.  If you have the chance before you leave I highly recomend that you spend an hour blessing your home (a quick cleaning).  Nothing like coming home to a clean home!
See list below from http://flylady.org/page/FLYingLessons_Routines.asp

Weekly Home Blessing

1. Weekly Home Blessing Hour
   1. Cull/toss old magazines.
   2. Change sheets.
   3. Empty all the trash.
   4. Vacuum all rooms.
   5. Mop kitchen and bath.
   6. Clean mirrors and doors.
   7. Feather Dust furniture  
   8. 

Hobo Packs

Hobo Packs

Ingredients:
1-2 lbs hamburger meat (browned in a skillet)
1 diced potato per person
1 large diced carrot per person
1/4 cup diced onion per person
salt and pepper to taste (or garlic salt is good too)
1-2 cans of brown gravy
tin foil

Directions:
Prep a fire.  Let it burn for a while to develop hot coals.  Divide the fire pit in half with the appropriate safe tools, one side the fire and the other side hot coals.  Or let fire completely burn out and use hot coals.
For each person tear a piece of tin foil about 16 inches long.  On each piece of tin foil layer the ingredients: potatoes, carrots, onions, meat, and pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of gravy over the top (this will keep everything moist).  Wrap the ingredients up tight in the tin foil.  Using large tongs place each tin foil pack in the coals of the fire, potatoes on bottom.  Let each wrap cook for 30 to 45 minutes.  Carefully remove from coals, unwrap and enjoy.

camping - planning and staying on budget (part 3)

Below is my family's list of kitchen necessities, again adapted for my own family's needs.  I think it is very important to keep a list handy and check off as you pack.  It is so easy to forget important essentials if you do not plan for what you need and stay organized.  

On my list I recommend cast iron skillets, these are such an essential for camping because they are so sturdy...you can literally put them in a fire.  They are fairly inexpensive and they last forever.  I have 3, a large skillet, a smaller one and a grill pan (great for pancakes).  To season them for first time use, place them on heat and rub cooking oil all around the inside.  To keep them seasoned I never use soap on mine, I just rinse and scrub them with plain hot water and then I place them on a burner to dry so they do not rust.   Mine are so well seasoned, I can fry eggs on them without them sticking.

My family also always brings camping dishes, these are found in the camping section of stores...plastic dishes work as well too.  You can always bring paper plates with you and while they are easier because you don't have to wash them, just remember you have to haul your trash out of most camp locations and all those paper plates really add up.  I bring one plate, bowl, fork, spoon, and butter knife per person in my family.  When we are finished eating each person is responsible for washing their own dishes, well except the baby.

We brew sun tea while camping as an alternative to soda, so I like to bring a plastic tea jug.  I really caution against a glass one because if you break it, it is really hard to clean up glass out of dirt and leaf debris.  Also we all have a cup, like a sports bottle with a lid on top.  The lid is nice to have because it is not nice to have taken only one drink out of your freshly poured tea and come back to it to find 3 bugs floating in it.  I also bring small mugs for the girls for hot cocoa at night.  But again for morning coffee we have the cups with lids to keep little curious visitors out.  

Our traditional camping night consists of roasting marshmallows and hot dogs if they are for dinner.  There are some nice fire roasters you can buy from the stores.  However, that is something I have not done yet.  We use good old fashioned wire hangers, only wire, no paper or plastic attached to them or you'll have a little fire on your hands.  Take a wire hanger and straighten it out, pliers can help with this.  Slip the marshmallow on the end and hold over the fire and its free if you visit the dry cleaners on a regular basis or someone in your household has uniforms supplied to them. 

Check out the list below.  I hope it gives you some great ideas to help you get started on your camping journey.  Happy camping!!!

Kitchen Supplies:

Cast Iron Skillets                                   Camping Plates                                 Camp Dishes

Ladle                                                         Eating Utensils X6                            Cuppies

2 Spatulas                                                Garbage Bags

Tea Jug                                                    4 Sports Bottles                                 tablecloth

Whisk                                                       Dish Soap                    

Knife                                                         Hand Soap

Carrot Peeler                                       Hand Sanitizer

Coffee Mugs                                         Dish Clothes/Towels

Paper Towels                                        Dish Scrubber

Large Serving Spoon                        Marshmallow Roasters

Can Opener                                         Cutting Board

Dutch Oven/lid                                  Groceries/Food

camping - planning and staying on budget (part 2)

General Supplies:

Firewood                             Bug/Sun Lotion                                    Toiletres

Lanterns                             Towels                                                       Toys for baby

Batteries                             Stove                                                         Heart Burn Med.

Wash Clothes                    Flashlights                                              Nasal Strips

First Aid Kit                        3 Sleeping Bags                                    Pain Medicine

Blankets                              Tents                                                         Children's tylonel

Fishing Poles                     Tackle                                                        Benodryl

Cot Pads                              Axe                                                            Broom

Camping Chairs               Propane Gas Canisters                         Ipod

Toilet Paper                      Dog Dishes                                               Books

Games                                 Pillows                                                       girls sleeping bags

playpen                              Grass Rake                                               Bibles

Shovel                                Note pad/pens                                      Dust Pan

Tarp                                    Air Mattresses                                        Baby harness

Stake & Rope for dogs  Door Matt                                                Water shoes

The above list is a personalized list for my family of general supplies we need to take to camp.  Gathering your general supplies such as your tent, tools, sleeping bags, lanterns, flashlights, camp stove, and camping chairs can be costly at first, but once you have them, they really last for years and you can continue to add to.  If you really want to camp, but don't have a large budget to buy all the supplies you need here are some suggestions to get you started.

Family - see if any of your family members will let you borrow some of their camping gear...some family members are very particular about this and may not be comfortable about letting you borrow...but you never know, if you ask someone may offer to let you have an item they don't use anymore.

Freecycle - join your local freecylce (you can find these groups on yahoo.com's group section)...watch the everyday ads and let everyone know what you are looking for.

Ebay - Find what you need on Ebay.  You can find items new or used for great prices.  We recently picked up a GREAT tent for a great price off Ebay...just be really cautious of shipping fees, if you aren't careful you can pay more than you would at the store new because shipping fees can be so expensive.   

Yardsales and Thrift shops - these are great places to find deals on camping gear...the only problem is they may not always be plentiful, but definitely keep your eye out.

Shop the Sales Ads -Be on the look at when sales ads come in or do searches online.  Starting in the spring time the stores will start carrying camping gear and you can really find some good deals if you do your homework.  I also do a lot of comparative shopping when I'm looking for particular items, I visit all the large stores and Amazon and compare their online prices to find the best deal, if you don't want it shipped many of the sites let you know if it is carried in their stores.

Be Resourceful! - This last tip really has helped us save money.  We always try and bring firewood with us when we go camping, however, while camping we make it our goal to not purchase anymore campfire wood.  We always go during the week when there aren't as many people, normally arriving on Sundays.  Because many of the weekend campers have left by the time we arrive we ALWAYS go and look at all empty sites for firewood left behind.  We almost lasted the whole week without buying firewood our last camping trip.  

Plan -  This is so important...if you do not have a plentiful budget you are not going to be able to just pick-up and go camping anytime you want.  I suggest you get your calendar out and calendar any and all camping trips so you can PLAN AHEAD.  This will help you save so much money!  Make yourself lists of items you need and a menu (see my last blog), make a weekly budget that can go towards purchasing supplies and food.  Figure how much gas, ice, and firewood will cost you.  There is nothing worse than getting to your campsite and realizing you don't have enough money to keep ice in your ice chest.  

Be on the look out for Part 3 of planning and staying on a budget...next I will cover the kitchen needs and supplies, plus some great camping recipes to come!

Camping Crafts

Try these two fun camp activities next time your out in the great wide open.

A Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Almost every child in school has made this project.  Think about how great it would be to have bird feeder hanging around your campsite, you could attract some wonderful birds.  This is so simple, find a pine cone, add peanut butter to the ends of each layer, then stick bird seed to it.  Watch the birds have a feast!

Bird House

You Need:

• Empty, Clean 1/2 Gallon Milk Carton
• Black, Brown or Grey Paint
• Lots of Twigs
• Low Temp Glue Gun or Tacky Glue
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• String or Fishing Line

Instructions:
Measure and mark 3" from the bottom all around an empty milk carton. Cut into 2 pieces. Saving both the top and the bottom.
Cut a 2" circle in the middle front of the top piece.  Cut the bottom piece down to 1" high. Put some glue on all four sides of the bottom piece on the outside. Push the bottom piece into the bottom of the top piece, making a new base for the milk carton. Glue pour spout closed. Paint the outside of the milk carton in a dark color. This will help the spaces you will have between the sticks blend in. Set aside to dry.
Gather lots of thin, straight sticks. Thicker sticks will go faster but you may need a hand saw or pruning shears to cut sticks to size. Thinner sticks, as shown above, can be broken to size.
Poke a hole through the middle of the top ridge. Push string or line through the hole to hang the bird house.
Break or cut sticks to cover the bottom and all sides working around the hole cut in the center front. Glue them into place. Glue a small stick under the hole for a perch.

http://www.makingfriends.com/animal/birdhouse.htm

2 easy crafts, with little or no money, be sure to bring the elmer's glue and the peanut butter!

Camp Stove Stew

Delicious and satisfies the hungriest of campers...my stew will feed 6 people.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs stew meat (I buy any steak or roast that has the best value and cut it myself)
1/2 cup flour plus a brown paper lunch sack
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion chopped
8 potatoes peeled and cubed into bite size pieces
6 large carrots peeled and sliced
4 stalks of cut celery including leafy tops
2 beef bullion cubes
1 tsp thyme
6 - 8 cups of water
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Begin heating dutch oven up on top of camping stove on med/high heat.  Place flour and cut up meat into brown paper sack...shake vigorously.  Remove meat from bag and place it in hot dutch oven and brown for a few minutes.  Add onion saute for a minute, then add potatoes, carrots, celery, and thyme, then let those ingredients saute for another minute.  Slowly add water till all ingredients are covered completely plus bullion cubes.  Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.  It is done when the meat and vegetables are tender, season to taste with salt and pepper.  For a thicker stew consistency use the left over flour in the paper bag...slowly sprinkle the flour in, stirring vigorously to prevent lumps. 

Camping - planning and staying on budget (part 1)

Camping is one of the cheapest family vacations you can take, but it can be costly if you don not plan accordingly and make a budget.  Long before we depart on our yearly big camping trip I start planning.  I plan for meals, a budget, and make my lists of what we will need on the trip.  Last year I actually made a list on my computer of everything we needed to take and so when I started planning for this year I opened the document and adjusted the list to fit our needs for this year.  I have just printed the list and am marking off what I have packed as I go.  Mind you, I ONLY mark off what is packed because something may make it to my freezer, but maybe not to the ice chest the day of, so I don't want to mark it off till I know for sure it is officially packed to come with us.

I don't know why it is but food seems to be  quite expensive when we camp...maybe because eating is such a big event around the campsite.  My last post was the menu of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner we will be enjoying during our trip.  With that menu I have made my grocery list.  This list consists of every ingredient needed to make all of our meals and snacks.  See the example below.

About 8 weeks before our trip I divided out all the grocery items into weekly $25 expenditures.  This means each week I was budgeting $25 extra for my grocery bill so that I could start picking up our grocery items.  I of course started with canned items and other items that have a long shelf life.  The last items I will be picking up are produce, milk, and breads.  Because I have budgeted this ahead of time this saves us from having to spend $200 on groceries for our trip the same week and now we have more money for gas and other needs while camping because we don't have to pick up any groceries.  Plus what a relief to be able to start packing much of these things ahead of time.  I am not one who likes to feel rushed, because when I'm rushed is when I forget something.


Below is my Grocery List (feeding a family of 6) that goes with the Menu in my past blog:

Grocery List:

2 dozen eggs           pam                     coffee                           10 lb potatoes

garlic salt                 creamer             2 pack bacon               seasoning salt

sugar                         poptarts            salt/pepper                tea bags

peanut butter        butter                water                             jelly

oil                              chili                      graham crackers      granola bars

deli meat                 hot dogs            fruit snacks                 5 loaves bread

deli cheese             fruit                    mayo                             cheddar cheese

marshmellow         chips X2             ketchup                        hot dog buns

hershey bars        tin foil                celery                             cookies

carrots                   thyme                 dog food                        onion X3

steak                       melon                 beef gravy                     soda

hot cocoa              juice boxes       ground beef                 bagels

cream cheese      biscuits             chicken noodle soup   milk

instant oatmeal   canned ham     green beans                 instant potatoes

white cake mix    canned peaches                                      pickles

Stay tuned for Part 2 of planning and staying on budget and some camping recipes.

Camping- - - What's For Dinner?

It is that time of year where we head off to the river and camp for the week...below is the menu for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinner.  Also look for my camping on a budget blog, organizing for your camping trip blog, camping recipes, and activities to do while camping all coming in the next few days.  My family loves camping!!!

Menu:

Breakfast                          Lunch                           Dinner                         Snack

Eggs (2days)                 P&J -n- deli                 Hobo Packs***          Granola Bars

   Potatoes                       Sandwiches                Chili Dogs                    Smores

   Bacon                                   Chips                      Stew ***                       Fruit Snacks

Poptarts                                                                 Grilled cheese            Fruit

Bagels                                                                             Soup                        Campfire cake***

     Cream cheese                                                 Ham steak

Instant oatmeal                                                            instant potatoes

Drinks                                                                             Canned Green beans

Water

Soda

Juice Boxes

Tea

Coffee

*** Watch for these recipes***