Daily Archives: September 29, 2009

Sep 29

Time To Stock Up

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The pantry is running low, and it looks like it is time to make a gigantic Aldi run. The closest Aldi is 30 minutes away, but it is a great place to save.  Shopping and stockpiling for a few months also helps me plan my monthly dinner menus.  Having a stocked pantry also keeps me in the kitchen cooking, instead of grabbing take-out.

Here are a few of my favorite Aldi items that I like to keep stocked:

  • Cake Mix, Icing, and Brownie Mix: all are delicious, and make tasty treats for the boys
  • Oatmeal and Chocolate Chips: I make a lot of cookies, so these have to be stocked at all times
  • Canned Goods: green beans, corn, and black olives too
  • Pasta and Tomato Sauce: Spaghetti night is a simple dinner, and I also use the Tomato Sauce for pizza too
  • Rice: Aldi has great and inexpensive Rice in a 3 pound bag. One bag will make sides for months
  • Canned soups: you can’t beat Aldi’s prices on Cream and Condensed Soup. I use them for fast lunches, or casseroles too.
  • Bread, Bagels, Waffles, and Cream Cheese: from breakfast to lunches, these are great time savers
  • Chili Supplies: I can buy them for about 1/2 price at Aldi. I usually buy for at least 3 batches of Chili
  • Chips and Lunch-box treats: With Thade in school, and taking lunch everyday, these are necessities in the kitchen
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly: Thade loves Peanut Butter sandwiches, so I really go through the Peanut Butter in our house
  • Potatoes, and fresh fruits and veggies: You can usually pick up a 10 pound bag of Russets for a great price. I like to a little bit of time to mash them and freeze them for future dinners

So what do you like to keep in your pantry stockpile?

Sep 29

The Baby Shower

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Sunday afternoon two of my best friends threw a beautiful baby shower for the little one on the way, and me too. It was so much fun, and I have to brag on these girls just a bit, the baby shower was awesome.

Shaunna made the cutest diaper cakes for the table centerpieces. There were 3 cakes total, filled with diapers, onesies, and many much needed baby necessities.

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Stacey made a beautiful baby-quilt cake, and super tasty pink mints too. I don’t think I can ever make a cake again, I’m just going to have Stacey bake them all. She is an amazing baker, and cake decorator. I was lucky enough to get a few pieces to bring home to the boys too.

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There were hilarious games to play, lots of hugs, and so many little-bitty pink clothes too. It was such a fun afternoon, and it was great to spend time with so many dear friends. Thanks again to Stacey and Shaunna, and all of the baby shower guests too. I have officially been spoiled rotten.