Monthly Archives: March 2009

Mar 4

Getting Stocked Up To Stay In

Call it March Madness, but I am really looking forward to the “Not Going Out In March Challenge”, but I don’t think my boys are. When I proposed the idea to my family, there were replies of “you are crazy”, “we’ll never make it”, and “I’ll never have a Happy Meal again!” . I’m going to be optimistic though, and say that we can do it, or come pretty close.

Getting ready for the month has been fun too. I worked out a menu plan for Dinner, and then I’ve got the first week’s lunches planned too. I think I’ll even get up extra early and make breakfast for my hubby to take to work, if the boy’s sleep good at night.

I also broke the month down into weekly shopping lists. I went through the list, and took out all of the items that I could find at a better price at Aldi. My best friend Shaunna and I made a big run to Aldi and stocked up for the month. I’ll fill in here and there with more grocery items as needed.

So the pantry is stocked, and I’m ready to go, now if I can just get the boys on my side. Hmmm maybe I can persuade them with homemade brownies.

Mar 4

February No Driving Days

February was a short month, but I kept up with my no driving days. I ended up with 5 no driving days for the month, and I hope to do well in March too. So far for the year I’ve got 10 no driving days total, and I hope to see that number rise even more.

Mar 3

Lunch Menu 3/1-3/8

Menu planning is one of my favorite things to do, and since we are staying home in March, I’m menu planning for lunch to. My dear friend Marva asked me to share my lunch menu too. I’m planning the dinner menu by the month, but when it comes to lunch I’m planning weekly.

Here is what is on the menu this week:

  • 3/1/09: Sandwiches and Chips.: I stocked up at the Deli on Sandwich meat for the boys… They are already missing Subway.
  • 3/2/09: James and I had leftovers and the kiddos had Ham and Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups with Macaroni and Cheese. Thade loved the roll-ups, but Dylan wasn’t a fan.
  • 3/3/09: Chili is on the menu today. I made a big crock pot full of Chili on Sunday, we’ll have some for lunch, and then the rest will go into the freezer for future lunches.
  • 3/4/09: Angus Burgers, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and Chips. I made extra Angus Burgers on Monday so I would have plenty for lunch on Wednesday.
  • 3/5/09: BBQ Beef Sandwiches and Chips. Last week I made a Pot Roast for dinner, and I turned that into BBQ beef for this week’s lunches. I kept it in the freezer, so it is ready to go for a fast lunch.
  • 3/6/09: Fish Sticks, Fries, and Macaroni and Cheese. Friday I have a MOPS meeting in the morning, and that is usually when I want to pick up lunch. I have an easy and filling lunch planned, so that way maybe it will keep away the temptation to swing through the drive thru.
  • 3/7/09: Sloppy Joe’s and Fries. I’ve got to take lunch to James at work today, so I’m packing an easy meal that travels well. I’m also using the leftovers from dinner earlier in the week.
  • 3/8/09: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread. This is a great Sunday Lunch, fast and filling.

When it comes to breakfast, I’m winging it! I’ve stocked up the freezer with Waffles for the boys. I’ve also got a pretty decent stash of Pop Tarts and Cereal for busy school mornings. I’ll make toast and eggs for James for breakfast, and if the kiddos would ever let me sleep through the night, I would get up early and send Breakfast Burritos with James too. I’m not much of a breakfast fan, so I’ll grab a coffee or green tea in the morning, and maybe some oatmeal.

I’ll work on next week’s menu this weekend. So far the not going out is going well, but then again we are only on day three…

Mar 3

February Coupon Savings

Thanks to Walgreens, I have had an awesome month of coupon savings. Our Walgreens is very coupon savvy, and I’m always happy with their great bargains too, oh how I heart Walgreens. Last month I started the year off with $5.68, and this month I have $27.83 to add to the yearly savings.

I’m really happy with my coupon savings for February, and my year to date total is now up to $33.51. That is a pretty good start to a year of great coupon savings.

Mar 2

Homebaked Goodies for Rob

I like to bake my Brother a pie or cake for his birthday, and this year I decided to bake an Apricot Pie.

I made Apricot filling from scratch, and rolled out some homemade pie crust. I like to decorate my pies, so I gathered up a few cookie cutters to make the top crust.

I love how this pie turned out, and James has even requested a “James Pie” too. Now I just hope the birthday boy likes it.