A Chocolate Compromise!

Compromise- a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

What do you do when one kid wants chocolate chip muffins and the other wants brownies?

You compromise!

We took a small brownie mix (the type in a bag) and a small muffin mix (also in a bag) and mixed both in separate bowls.

We put 20 cupcake liners in a muffin tin. In each liner we put a small spoon of brownie mix and topped it with a spoon of muffin mix. Baked at 325 until done. Throw a few chocolate chips on top while still warm.

The kids gave them two thumbs up!

Mock Iced Caramel Macchiato

I found this posted by Xcookage on Youtube. I tried it (see photo above) and must say it is not too bad. See the video below on how to make one for yourself.

Make your own scented candles!

If you're like me you've spent your fair share on those great smelling, yet some what costly scented candles and/or tarts.

I'm all for supporting work at home moms looking to make extra money by making and selling their own scented candles, however what if you can't afford those costly candles and tarts?

I recently purchased soy candle wax from Micheal's for $20 (they carry less expensive wax as well). I also purchased several 1 oz. bottles of candle fragrance (you can find these on eBay) for about $1.00 each. If I've estimated correctly, I should be able to make 25 small candles for less than $25!!



Following the directions provided on the wax box, I melted my wax in the microwave and slowly poured it into my previously used, but clean candle tins. I added the appropriate amount of fragrance and left it to harden.

It takes approximately 1-2 weeks for the candle (or in my case tart) to cure. They smell amazing and were super easy to make! They're now ready to rest on my candle warmer and scent my home!

Free Tote from Rachel Ray and Kraft Foods

Kraft and Rachel Ray will be giving away free totes the month of May. You can find all the details at -

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/marketing/offers/kraft/index.html

After School Snack

Every single day at 3:30 I have 7 kids get home from school. In the next 5 minutes I can expect to hear "What are we having for a snack" at lease 20 times. Sometimes I use after school to clean out the pantry. I throw together a few kinds of cereal, some nuts, marshmallows, and anything else that is in a bag, near empty , and taking up space. I then melt a few blocks of almond bark and toss it into the mix. I freeze for about 3-5 minutes, break apart, and let them dig in.

Great Deal on Spice Grinders

These Olde Thompson fully adjustable and disposable spice grinder filled with spices retail for about $10 each. I was able to pick them up at Kohls in Denver for only 4.99 each. I am very satisfied with the quality of the product. I have been using them daily.

Ways to cut cost

1. Slow Down-

Driving 55 mph burns 15 percent less gas per mile than driving 65. The typical driver can save $135 a year this way.

2. Cook at home often-

3. Take your lunch to work -

4. Make a list before going shopping -

Getting all that you need in one trip can help avoid another unnecessary trip and temptation.

5. Buy in bulk

6. Use grocery store bags to line trash cans

7. Instead of buying books, borrow books from the library

8. Ride your bike or carpool whenever possible

9. Never pay a pro.

Excahnge work with friends who know how to do the job. You just might have a skill they are looking for.

10. Quit smoking

Save $5 a day -- or about $1,800 a year

11. Buy used

12.Collect coupons and follow the weekly sales at the grocery store

13. Kick the bottled water habit

14. Get your ink cartridges refilled

15. Forget Cable! Watch cable television through your computer via the net

16. Pay bills before they are due. Avoid late fees

17. Turn off the lights whne you are not in a room and use low energy light bulbs

18. Hang your clothes out to dry. The dryer eats up energy.

19. Buy energy efficient appliances.

20. Plant a Garden

21. Resist impulse buying

22. Cut back on the junk food and soda

More to come....

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

I am not a huge fan of leftovers but I do not mind them if they are reinvented into something new. Like most people after Christmas I had leftover turkey and needed something to do with it. I also had a few deep dish frozen pie crust that needed to be used.

I took my turkey carcass and boiled it with onions, celery,bell pepper, salt, and pepper. It let it come to a boil then simmer for about 4 hours. I figured after four hours I had gotten all the good flavor out of it. I removed the bones and reduced the stock down. To it I added chopped turkey, frozen peas, and a couple cans of mixed vegetables. I let that cook about 10 minutes on low while I prebaked my bottom crust. I added about 1/4 corn starch to 1 cup of cold water. I added that to my turkey and veggies slowly. I only added what I needed to get the thickness I wanted. I poured my turkey filling into my pie crust, topped with another crust, and baked until brown.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Soon the question on every one's mind will be.. What am I going to do with all this leftover turkey?

Here are a few recipes to have handy.

Heavenly Turkey Pie

*1/4 C chopped onion
*1TBSP butter or margarine
*2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
*3 C cubed cooked turkey
*1 large un-peeled tart apples, cubed
*1/3 cup golden raisins
*1 tsp lemon juice
*1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
*1 (9 inch) pie crust
Directions
1. Melt butter in a pan.2. Sauté onion until translucent.3. Stir in soup.4. Fold in apples, raisins, lemon juice and nutmeg.5. Cook until soup is heated through.6. Pour soup mixture into an ungreased casserole dish.7. Place pie crust over top of soup mixture.8. Press pie crust along the sides to seal.9. Cut 3 slits in the top of pie crust.10. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.11. Bake 40 minutes until crust is golden brown.


Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
1 (8 ounce) package cooked egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1 (6 ounce) can sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Melt butter in a large heavy skillet. Saute mushrooms for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in turkey, condensed soup, and sour cream. Place cooked noodles in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour sauce mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Reinvented


3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely crushed herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
1 cup cooked, diced turkey meat
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over low heat. Blend in the flour. Slowly stir in evaporated milk and water, then season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir sauce over low heat for 5 minutes.
In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Blend in the dry stuffing mix. Place the turkey in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over turkey, then sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Spread mashed potatoes over cheese. Top mashed potatoes with the stuffing mixture.
Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven.

Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips

You can save money when you grocery shop by following a few frugal shopping tips.

1. Check your pantry before you go. You can save by passing on items that you do not need.

2. Make a list!

3. Make a menu based on what is one sale.

4. If a product that you use is on sale go ahead and stock up.

5. Use fruit and veggies that are in season.

6. Use coupons! There are many sites that allow you to print coupons.

7. Avoid convenience food. Cooking from scratch tastes better and it is also cheaper.

8. Eat before you go shopping.

9. Go shopping alone. The more people with you, the more things that are tossed into the shopping cart.

10. Take only the amount of cash you can spend with you and you won't be tempted to write a check or charge.

Get ready for Christmas early this year

I am getting prepared for Christmas. Yes, I know it is only August but I like to get an early start. I am a big fan of Christmas Shopping all year. This allows me to spend the holiday enjoying my family instead of fighting holiday crowds.


1. Go ahead and request a list from your family or decide how you plan to do the exchange this year. You can buy for kids only, draw names, or bring one gift each and play a game.

2. Every time that you go shopping ask for a free gift box. Even if you do not need it now you can save them up to use at Christmas. If you do not have to buy them it saves you money.

3. Start buying small items to make gift baskets. I am a big fan of gift baskets. I already have a box full of items purchased to make gift baskets this Christmas. The possibilities are endless... but that is another blog.

4. Start sending after free samples. They make great stocking stuffers. It is best to start as early as possible to allow time to receive them.

5. Buy your Christmas cards. If you are like me you bought them last year right after Christmas when they were marked down 75%. If not get the bought now. Also get your list together of who you need to send one to.

6. If you plan to give homemade gifts get started making them.

7. If you have the pantry space start picking up a few things that you will need for cooking. You can buy things like canned pumpkin, condensed milk, vanilla, spices, and etc early. This way you do not have a huge grocery bill right before Christmas.

Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common item that can be found in most households. It is also very inexpensive and has many uses. I will add more uses for baking soda to this list in the future.

*To fill in a small hole, mix a bit of baking soda and a bit of white glue until you have a paste, then use your fingers to ply the paste to fill in the hole.

*Apply a paste of baking soda and water to soothe and cool a sunburn.

* Adding a pinch of baking soda to beans as they're cooking and it will reduce their gas-producing properties.

*Make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.

* Wash fruits and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 table-spoons baking soda. The baking soda will remove some of the impurities on the fruit.

* Clean your wooden or plastic cutting board clean by scrubbing it with a paste made from 1 tablespoon each baking soda, salt, and water. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water.

* Make your own dishwashing detergent by mixing 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons borax.

* Remove crayon marks from the wall using a damp rag, dip it in some baking soda, and lightly scrub the marks.

*Deodorize rugs and carpets with homemade carpet freshener. Pour a large box of baking soda in a zip lock bag and add some fragrance oil. Mix thoroughly and sprinkle on carpet. Let it set for 15 minutes then vacuum it up.

* There is an easy way to remove tar from your car. Make a soft paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply to the tar spots with a damp cloth. Let it dry for five minutes, then rinse clean.

* Deodorized cat litter is to expensive when you can make it yourself. . Just put a thin layer of baking soda under the bargain-brand litter to absorb the odor or mix baking soda with the litter as you're changing it.

Recycle broken crayons

Recycle those broken up crayons in minutes.

Peel off all paper and break into small pieces. Put a few pieces n each hole of a muffin tin. I used a mini muffin tin. Add enough to cover the bottom.

Pop in the oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes or until melted. then throw them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until set. Turn over and tap to remove them.

Homemade Sugar Scrub

Homemade Sugar Scrub!

Why spend alot of money on sugar scrub when you can make your own? It is very simple and only takes a few minutes. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift.

Mix 1 c of granualted suagr with 1/2 c olive oil. Add 1 tsp of glycerin (and any ad ins you would like) and blend well.

I added orange oil and pink coloring.

Add to a jar and decorate if you choose.

Add Ins and more Tips

A few drops of viatmin E oil

Try brown sugar or half and half

Use salt

Add some essential oils to scent your scrub

(Try peppermint to relax or orange for energy)

Try grapeseed or sweet almond oil

Add some lemon and lemon zest

Food color