tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72058164176083807612024-02-19T03:55:24.942-06:00Totally Untogether Working MomAlycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-29347494280063053062011-08-13T06:03:00.000-05:002011-08-13T06:03:20.864-05:00Carrot Walnut SaladCarrot Walnut Salad, adapted from <u>Flat Belly Diet</u> by Liz Vaccariello.<br />
<br />
1/2 cup golden raisins<br />
2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar<br />
1 Tablespoon canola oil<br />
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt <br />
4 large carrots, grated (or 1 bag preshredded carrots)<br />
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped<br />
1/4 cup chopped parsley (I omitted this and it was just as yummy)<br />
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Soak the raisins in hot water for 20 minutes to plump them. Drain. In a small bowl whisk together vinegar, oil, lemon juice, honey and salt. Combine the remaining ingredients and dressing in a medium bowl, toss to coat. <br />
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Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-12600504275663097012011-08-09T16:35:00.002-05:002011-08-13T06:04:47.212-05:00Menu Monday 8/8It has been a hectic week in our household. Last week my dear hubby and I ended up out of town for a night at a wedding without the kids. Along with a ton of other life things I got super busy. This week our church is hosting a VBS. Next week's menu will probably be even less exciting since I'm feeding my kids in the car a couple of days as we go from swim lessons to picking up extra VBSers then to Panda mania. So here's last week's menu posted for this week. Enjoy. If you're looking for something with a little more spunk, check out the menus at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">I'm an organized junkie</a>.<br />
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Sunday-Life Group <a href="http://www.aimeesadventures.com/RecipeFiles/BakedGoods2/BlackBeanBrownies.html">Black Bean Brownies</a> and <a href="http://www.letsmakeknorr.com/Recipes/6200/1/Knorr-Spinach-Dip.aspx">Spinach dip</a> with veggies<br />
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Monday-Play date with a friend, my contribution was sliced watermelon<br />
<br />
Tuesday-<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/08/cheeseburger-sliders.html">Cheeseburger sliders</a><br />
<br />
Wednesday-turkey sandwiches with <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/08/carrot-walnut-salad.html">carrot walnut salad</a><br />
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Thursday-<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/baked-spaghetti.html">Baked Spaghetti</a><br />
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Friday-Grandma's in charge. I can only imagine what they ate. <br />
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Saturday-<a href="http://www.aimeesadventures.com/RecipeFiles/Crockpot1/CrockpotRotisserieChicken.html">Rotisserie Style Chicken</a> with riceAlycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-1631229090164697952011-08-09T16:22:00.000-05:002011-08-09T16:22:48.372-05:00Cheeseburger SlidersI did not invent the idea of sliders. Actually, I've tried a few recipes such as <a href="http://cookingwithkrista.blogspot.com/search/label/Sliders">sliders at Krista's Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/mushroom-and-swiss-sliders-with-spicy-fry-sauce/">mushroom & swiss sliders at Pioneer Woman</a>, or <a href="http://www.makedinnereasy.com/cheese-burger.html">oven baked cheeseburger sliders at Make Dinner Easy</a>. I just adapted the concept with what I had readily available. Although it has cooled off a bit, I really liked making these on the stove top. <br />
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<br />
1 pound ground beef <br />
1 Tablespoon minced onion<br />
1/2 Tablespoon garlic salt<br />
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire<br />
2 slices of cheese, your choice on the type<br />
8 mini-sandwich rolls<br />
Burger toppings of your choice such as fried onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and selective condiments. <br />
<br />
Mix ground beef with onion, salt , and Worcestershire. Divide the beef in half. Then divide each half into 4 equal mini burgers, for a total of 8 burgers. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side and 3 minutes on the other, in a skillet on the stove top. Cook until no longer pink in the center. Put on the rolls and top with desired toppings. I served this with a mock spinach salad (much like <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/strawberry-spinach-salad.html">this one</a> but much easier) and cucumber slices.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-31137499951618461272011-08-01T08:44:00.000-05:002011-08-01T08:44:50.964-05:00Menu Monday-Batch cookingBatch cooking is a great way to have meals ready either in your fridge or freezer. Having meals at your finger tips helps prevent those impulsive trips through the drive thru. This is also super helpful when things are really warm and you don't want to heat up your kitchen every night of the week. Batch cooking is one of the ways that I can survive as a working mom with a husband who does shift work. It's so much easier to get a home cooked meal on the table when a lot of the prep work has already been done. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-secret-way-to-bake-chicken-breasts.html">chicken breasts</a> to be used to top salads or for a chicken salad sandwich<br />
<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/meaty-calzones.html">meaty calzones</a><br />
Use <a href="http://sistersstuff.blogspot.com/2009/03/pizza-stromboli.html">this concept</a> I made...<br />
Meaty Stromboli using <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/meaty-pizza-sauce.html">meaty pizza sauce</a><br />
BBQ chicken Stromboli using <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/easy-shredded-bbq-chicken.html">easy shredded chicken</a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Brats/Detail.aspx">Beer Brats</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2496017-Brat-and-Tot-Casserole">Brat and Tot Casserole</a><br />
<a href="http://abc%20muffins/">ABC Muffins</a><br />
More <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-salsa.html">homemade salsa</a><br />
<a href="http://nickeletta.blogspot.com/2011/07/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-granola.html">peanut butter chocolate chip granola</a><br />
<a href="http://nickeletta.blogspot.com/2011/07/easy-homemade-lemonade.html">Lemonade</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/perfecticedtea.htm">Homemade Iced Tea</a><br />
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Be sure to check out my menu and others like it at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">I'm an organized junkie</a>.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-77163379648873280622011-07-30T07:47:00.000-05:002011-07-30T07:47:26.057-05:00Easy Shredded BBQ chickenIt's always good to have very simple go to recipes that can be versatile, prepped quick, and served without a fuss. This is one of those recipes. <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/shredded-bbq-chicken-sandwiches.html">Here</a> is a recipe that is equally as yummy but is not quite as easy and the 3 ingredient recipe.<br />
<br />
<br />
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs<br />
3/4 cup store bought BBQ sauce<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
<br />
Place chicken, BBQ sauce, and onion in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred chicken. Use chicken for BBQ sandwiches, <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/pepperoni-calzones.html">calzones</a>, or Stromboli.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-28979579908290866122011-07-30T07:45:00.000-05:002011-07-30T07:45:27.442-05:00ABC MuffinsThese were adapted slightly from <a href="http://nickeletta.blogspot.com/2011/07/abc-muffins-158-recipe-013-serving.html">Nikeletta's version of ABC muffins</a>. I am not a huge muffin person, but there are really yummy. They are perfectly moist and there is just enough chocolate chips to take care of that sweet tooth. 3 out of the 4 us love these. The one that doesn't, needs to eat a cheeseburger and only seems to want to consume fruit and crackers. He's weird, I'm not sure where he came from. Just kidding. If you know Camden, he's got his own unique personality, one only a mother could love!<br />
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1 3/4 cups flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
3 ripe bananas, mashed<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/3 cup oil<br />
1 cup applesauce (she uses a grated apple-which is good, too and I've made them that way)<br />
1/4 cup chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix in brown sugar. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well, but not too much... over-mixing makes muffins tough. Fold in chocolate chips. Spray muffins tins with cooking spray. Spoon batter into muffin cups, about 2/3 full. Bake 25 minutes, until tops are golden brownAlycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-81806205751555836772011-07-30T07:41:00.000-05:002011-07-30T07:41:11.954-05:00Meaty Calzones This is an adapted version of the <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/pepperoni-calzones.html">pepperoni calzone</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8dFJQv5B2R7UAkqTKKQbzmnmht8YuRiVPxP-PpFCCx3eOaclFNozHP_FgBr1p_4CDaWxpMVOB-LIYqB6zOeVCeD-kvUpGqy03d2qu3_89bkAtpF9EJfPrREp33UOC6__hEJ22NE63qsS/s1600/DSCN0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8dFJQv5B2R7UAkqTKKQbzmnmht8YuRiVPxP-PpFCCx3eOaclFNozHP_FgBr1p_4CDaWxpMVOB-LIYqB6zOeVCeD-kvUpGqy03d2qu3_89bkAtpF9EJfPrREp33UOC6__hEJ22NE63qsS/s320/DSCN0104.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/pizza-dough.html">homemade pizza dough</a><br />
2 cups of <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/meaty-pizza-sauce.html">meaty pizza sauce</a><br />
2 cups mozzarella cheese<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
Garlic salt for sprinkling<br />
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Prepare the dough according to the directions. Or use store bought pizza dough if in a time crunch.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.<br />
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Form the dough into 8 balls and roll out each ball from the center, into a rectangle approximately 5 inches by 8 inches, leaving the short ends slightly rounded. Place a spoonful of pizza sauce onto one half of the rectangle. Add about 2 Tablespoons of meat sauce and some shredded cheese to each calzone. Fold the dough over and press the edges together with a fork, sealing in the sauce, and cheese. Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle garlic on top.<br />
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Bake calzone in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or cool completely, to place in freezer.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-92109867495440070022011-07-30T07:38:00.000-05:002011-07-30T07:38:26.783-05:00Meaty Pizza SauceThis is another recipe that I tweaked from <u>The $5 Dinner Mom Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook</u> by Erin Chase. Seriously, I need to get that back to the library...I've already renewed it once. I used this sauce in a 2 different recipes as I was doing some batch cooking. I made calzones and Stromboli. In the future I will use it to make <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/cheese-pizza.html">homemade pizza</a>. You could double each of the above recipes if you only wanted to make one of them. Each only requires about 1/2 of the meaty sauce. <br />
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1 pound lean ground beef<br />
1 onion, diced<br />
3 8 ounce cans of tomato sauce<br />
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning<br />
1 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
1 teaspoon onion powder<br />
<br />
Brown ground beef with onion. Once browned, add the tomato sauce and seasoning. Stir together. Cook for about 6 minutes until combined well. Use the sauce for whatever you would like.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-38462256809882202742011-07-27T19:24:00.000-05:002011-07-27T19:24:58.858-05:00Wordless WednesdayHere you go our images for today include a story of one hot afternoon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSn29R77VnwiGZxx4M4kFGgZAc0I-wPTV0dn2yOZvo-1VqboljY9xmPe2aJS16k1kz6heKnnVoZRLsi4TjLypXytog2NMKRa8_fiGdgb-4uolyaK514W2xGLtGwDFFgORKp1mHs0_gPcq/s1600/DSCN0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSn29R77VnwiGZxx4M4kFGgZAc0I-wPTV0dn2yOZvo-1VqboljY9xmPe2aJS16k1kz6heKnnVoZRLsi4TjLypXytog2NMKRa8_fiGdgb-4uolyaK514W2xGLtGwDFFgORKp1mHs0_gPcq/s320/DSCN0117.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Shhh don't tell but my son was painting his toe nails...I think he liked it, should I be concerned?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wwxv2vRsEyMm0hiIWh6z3cocUwf5i6U61b6GWxSMca_WsrOGYh7HTbJqPpx66UGgCCHeW3sy1ew4OBHsdo4Iy-OQgHl_CRIXEgAfrLy050Sz-QV7Y5WcbBM982BohaH9udmrDkKdxRym/s1600/DSCN0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wwxv2vRsEyMm0hiIWh6z3cocUwf5i6U61b6GWxSMca_WsrOGYh7HTbJqPpx66UGgCCHeW3sy1ew4OBHsdo4Iy-OQgHl_CRIXEgAfrLy050Sz-QV7Y5WcbBM982BohaH9udmrDkKdxRym/s320/DSCN0153.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><strike>Rolling down the street, smoking indo, sippin on gin and juice...Laid back with my mind on my money and my money on my mind</strike> . Doing some front porch sitting and drinking some ice cold <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/07/easy-homemade-lemonade.html">Lemonade.</a> <br />
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Deep thoughts...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTaOhXipXR8WUdj9aLZtKL5oML1_1v9o_wOziQp3OcaWGb3VvM_eiUEVi2k4_Ua25Eb9vLjBfC9A27G3Aby681B4_vmaJx6GgdPejFTrC6mfxcdtyawKibStvLrT1M0CTu7VT10Oi54a1/s1600/DSCN0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTaOhXipXR8WUdj9aLZtKL5oML1_1v9o_wOziQp3OcaWGb3VvM_eiUEVi2k4_Ua25Eb9vLjBfC9A27G3Aby681B4_vmaJx6GgdPejFTrC6mfxcdtyawKibStvLrT1M0CTu7VT10Oi54a1/s320/DSCN0130.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>.<br />
And hypnotizing eyes...you are getting very sleepy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRDgAJ5tCEC8PuOo81j2P1WW9fvoijiAeu6wTNEKAdGLPjObjxoYjDfxVkCJ6IHoHWk68ZlArK-d3Z8g9c9uUD1cBZtdBqHjLDOS8neAaif-QHzaNlAfLr-KXs3pH9NASspXV9oNQVOy0/s1600/DSCN0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRDgAJ5tCEC8PuOo81j2P1WW9fvoijiAeu6wTNEKAdGLPjObjxoYjDfxVkCJ6IHoHWk68ZlArK-d3Z8g9c9uUD1cBZtdBqHjLDOS8neAaif-QHzaNlAfLr-KXs3pH9NASspXV9oNQVOy0/s320/DSCN0152.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dear friends, life is good! Make sure you enjoy some time with those precious gifts you've been given.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17</div>Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-59304163133107438052011-07-25T06:21:00.000-05:002011-07-25T06:21:31.725-05:00Menu Monday 7/25Thank goodness for central air. Here's the problem with living in Wisconsin, it's either freezing cold or hot/humid that you can't stand yourself. Spring and Fall are supposed to be the "reasonable" seasons in this area, however with a blizzard near the end of April and temps still dropping near freezing into late May/early June. Now that warmer weather has arrived, it's here...mid 90's with a heat index of well over 100 degrees. I know we are not alone with all this heat. I'm not complaining, (because we have working central air) but I'm also not working on my tan like I should be. I did use my oven but it was at a minimal, mostly for some batch cooking. What are some ways that you try to beat the heat and get a healthy meal on the table for your family?<br />
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Sunday- <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/easy-chicken-tortellini-parmesan.html">Easy Chicken Tortellini Parmesan</a><br />
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Monday- crockpot <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/pork-stew-over-rice.html">pork stew over rice</a><br />
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Tuesday-Little Cesar's $5 pizza with <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/three-bean-salad.html">three-bean salad</a><br />
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Wednesday-<a href="http://nickeletta.blogspot.com/2011/07/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-granola.html#disqus_thread">peanut butter chocolate chip granola</a> with <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/applestrawberry-smoothies.html">apple/strawberry smoothies</a><br />
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Thursday-<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/ricer-cooker-mac-and-cheese.html">rice cooker mac and cheese</a> with hot dogs<br />
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Friday-leftovers<br />
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Saturday-<a href="http://www.acouplecooks.com/2011/07/lentil-tacos/">lentil tacos</a> with chips and <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-salsa.html">homemade salsa</a><br />
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You can see my menu and others like it at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">I'm an organized junkie</a>.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-73776191383466395792011-07-24T06:04:00.000-05:002011-07-24T06:04:55.289-05:00Three-Bean SaladI adapted this recipe from <u>Cheap. Fast. Good.</u> by Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross. It is listed as one of their "Super Cheap" meals. This came together pretty quickly and I would say since I purchased 2 of the beans for around $.49 per can at Aldi and the corn and white beans were in my pantry. If I was a betting woman, I would say this is a meal served for under $2.50, if you play your cards right. It made a lot. We ate it as a side dish but it could have been a main dish, easily. Gosh I have got to figure out how to do an excel spreadsheet or something. <br />
<br />
The 3 Main Beans...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNChjUJYI9O77o1n-tncf6toNeS0XTf6UryC3wWTbuo-ixjfLNC-ODDAse1Ri3cAahhtTeYKz0XfptA7kvFTp0jV-F8dMsJVA_dtcuZFRqADkXCf4QhvD-KZbkoufFYjNwO67MKosdm9jT/s1600/DSCN0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNChjUJYI9O77o1n-tncf6toNeS0XTf6UryC3wWTbuo-ixjfLNC-ODDAse1Ri3cAahhtTeYKz0XfptA7kvFTp0jV-F8dMsJVA_dtcuZFRqADkXCf4QhvD-KZbkoufFYjNwO67MKosdm9jT/s320/DSCN0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Now for the bean salad...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq4AMXkySwU2MOYwUZygOVGHOl7U7DvZEHvqQN0w6GglN0MH_DbzQLslcg6griERTX3_7lDqSLcWkbHd3CoeVkEKUJAXkO7Xhxif41dZxHbnzBwhb9jURB40QzZuG7Mb4PkD-d_gVTN7X/s1600/DSCN0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq4AMXkySwU2MOYwUZygOVGHOl7U7DvZEHvqQN0w6GglN0MH_DbzQLslcg6griERTX3_7lDqSLcWkbHd3CoeVkEKUJAXkO7Xhxif41dZxHbnzBwhb9jURB40QzZuG7Mb4PkD-d_gVTN7X/s320/DSCN0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
1 can red kidney beans, drained<br />
1 can small white beans, drained<br />
1 can green beans, drained<br />
1 can corn-I used white because it was what I had, drained<br />
1 small onion, diced<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar<br />
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon pepper<br />
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Place all the beans and corn in a colander, drain and rinse. Drain well. Place beans and corn in a medium sized bowl. Peel and chop the onion, adding it to the bean mixture. Toss everything together. Pour oil and vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the bean mixture and stir until well coated. Serve at once or cover and chill to serve.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-33344574849910743002011-07-24T06:00:00.000-05:002011-07-24T06:00:55.263-05:00Easy Chicken Tortellini ParmesanThe chicken tortellini Parmesan was born because I had 2 packages of cheese tortellini that needed to get eaten. I thought I'd spice it up and use chicken instead of ground beef or turkey. This tasted a lot like chicken Parmesan even without the extra cheese on top. We all liked it. <br />
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2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
2 packages refrigerated cheese tortellini <br />
1 jar of spaghetti sauce or 2 cups of <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-spaghetti-sauce.html">homemade sauce</a><br />
1/4 cup Parmesan<br />
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In a skillet, heat oil. Add diced chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Cook tortellini according to package directions. When chicken and tortellini are done, combine in skillet. Cover with sauce. Cook until sauce is heated through. Add Parmesan as desired.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-72490876354687068422011-07-24T05:53:00.000-05:002011-07-24T05:53:38.704-05:00Ricer Cooker Mac and CheeseThis recipe was found over at <a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2009/02/rice-cooker-macaroni-and-cheese.html">Lynn's Kitchen Adventures</a>. It was adapted, slightly for our family. I purchased a rice cooker and I'm loving it both for rice or great dishes like <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/jambalaya-in-rice-cooker.html">Jambalaya.</a> If you have a rice cooker, make this and if you don't...go and get one...this is amazing and simple mac and cheese without all the preservatives of the boxed stuff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj4MkRd6ilKtR_F7TTh7M5k1tNj5CwLnwwNwTV8GL3vdeNy4Ae3CC6FpTSHxLkmZuTIYtV7qPbYIwgq_Z3zSK_DksdzLM16OMt1iAZ9OhEa5JouJEa9h9R-1YWDcgLIgdb8oMP2YHhcQr/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj4MkRd6ilKtR_F7TTh7M5k1tNj5CwLnwwNwTV8GL3vdeNy4Ae3CC6FpTSHxLkmZuTIYtV7qPbYIwgq_Z3zSK_DksdzLM16OMt1iAZ9OhEa5JouJEa9h9R-1YWDcgLIgdb8oMP2YHhcQr/s320/DSCN0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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1 3/4 cup homemade chicken broth or 1 can store bought<br />
2 cups any type of pasta, I used a tri-color pasta<br />
3/4 cup skim milk<br />
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese<br />
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Place the broth in the rice cooker and add the dry pasta. Set rice cooker on "cook", after about 15 minutes all the liquid should be absorbed. Turn it to "warm". I think it's automatically supposed to do this like it would with rice but it made me a little nervous, so I just did it by hand. Add about half of the milk. Then the cheese. Stir. Add the remaining milk to the pasta. Stir. Allow to sit on warm until cheese it fully melted and ready to serve.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-52341384002672188722011-07-24T05:47:00.000-05:002011-07-24T05:47:10.075-05:00Apple/Strawberry SmoothiesMy kids LOVE smoothies. They ask for them all the time. I meant to take a picture but once I got things semi picked up and I turned around to snap a photo of this smoothie in the "baby" cup, this is what I ended up with. You can really make smoothies with just about any kind of fruit. I had never made one with apples before. Since I had cut up some apples for a trip to the pool, which was cut short by thunder, the leftovers ended up in this smoothie. Win, Win. Right? Snack at the pool and beverage for dinner. Smoothies come together in a snap with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Bullet-Express-17-Piece-High-Speed/dp/B000AEZVRS">Magic Bullet</a>. Clean up is a breeze and it's perfect to make individual smoothies with different fruits with no additional mess. Do you see how I could end up a hoarder of kitchen appliances? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-O9kS_yNtok7-DGw-Rf2rTI5xRsGl2kZAnRGJpqBLLp04zwDW9rKR06QxzWPg5nOoGjnPOd9LKJE8tpP52sSNjqbLmtZW_eqpW_TON1F99RZjlrIRLMPVmtVSNMM6-F_kmcfJAxPYcCf/s1600/DSCN0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-O9kS_yNtok7-DGw-Rf2rTI5xRsGl2kZAnRGJpqBLLp04zwDW9rKR06QxzWPg5nOoGjnPOd9LKJE8tpP52sSNjqbLmtZW_eqpW_TON1F99RZjlrIRLMPVmtVSNMM6-F_kmcfJAxPYcCf/s320/DSCN0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>1 cup apple diced, not peeled<br />
1 container strawberry yogurt<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
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Place all item in the Magic Bullet. Blend until smooth. Serve in bullet cup. Or I usually pour it into 2 cups for the kids to split. This serves 1 big person or 2 little people.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-50265419605333828922011-07-20T14:16:00.000-05:002011-07-20T14:16:45.112-05:00Wordless WednesdayPoor Vinnie was violated early this week by the vet. He had his anal gland expressed. Once the vet's put on the rubber gloves and lubed up her hand, Vinnie didn't know what hit him. This is how he used to lay around prior to Monday, letting it ALL hang out. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYWa5ZOCOj0rkF_v5-rnQI3qeRvF6nbXiJ3GS_DMxcVSIdZQhXokvl_vXpTY_-CL-4N1eV241xY5MvvSZx4jKUIuoPv17GsEO_7E_UAEI8sDAvnFtxYZSDA5LVwsSkDav0dKxRzsHIkyR/s1600/DSCN0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYWa5ZOCOj0rkF_v5-rnQI3qeRvF6nbXiJ3GS_DMxcVSIdZQhXokvl_vXpTY_-CL-4N1eV241xY5MvvSZx4jKUIuoPv17GsEO_7E_UAEI8sDAvnFtxYZSDA5LVwsSkDav0dKxRzsHIkyR/s320/DSCN0001.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Now it's guarded and locked, no one can get in there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pNQyDLkv__qC5436RUjjvWB-tGK9QzC-6c5fNaoJN4dbdI6C2_tyLz8GH1QG4SaQHgtyrgyvPw7W3JBD-isVqMxB_-gIX3kEP6u9AbKyz057GVaiunkkiecfWchCaq3VvdRbIwKmi6Gl/s1600/DSCN0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pNQyDLkv__qC5436RUjjvWB-tGK9QzC-6c5fNaoJN4dbdI6C2_tyLz8GH1QG4SaQHgtyrgyvPw7W3JBD-isVqMxB_-gIX3kEP6u9AbKyz057GVaiunkkiecfWchCaq3VvdRbIwKmi6Gl/s320/DSCN0065.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Poor Vinnie, "How's your buttock?"Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-15540700648139027332011-07-19T19:14:00.001-05:002011-07-19T19:16:34.862-05:00Pork Stew over RiceI think this might have overcooked a bit. It was still good. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp4VzsRlzdlkFEClTyK29bkQJ1pzZMzlhHzNoNU8lbYF6rvBp75-4hBYM1_IJXWM53VsuxoHyvnWuurNX3vUotpZganJv09vUkPTD-Udp9mrtvcByfFhMb7cKhxPPPGwJQ_QwxZnTNstN/s1600/DSCN0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp4VzsRlzdlkFEClTyK29bkQJ1pzZMzlhHzNoNU8lbYF6rvBp75-4hBYM1_IJXWM53VsuxoHyvnWuurNX3vUotpZganJv09vUkPTD-Udp9mrtvcByfFhMb7cKhxPPPGwJQ_QwxZnTNstN/s320/DSCN0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
1 pound pork stew meat<br />
1 onion sliced<br />
5-6 large carrots, peeled and thickly sliced<br />
2 cups chicken broth<br />
1 packet gravy mix<br />
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Spray the well of a crockpot with cooking spray. Add the pork, onions, and carrots. Mix the gravy packet with broth until dissolved. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the meat mixture. Set crockpot on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-6608273192203487912011-07-19T19:07:00.001-05:002011-07-19T19:08:19.976-05:00Walgreen's 7-19So I've been couponing again or at least searching for the bargains. I really had no intentions on heading to Walgreen's this week since there were really no amazing coupon deals that struck me. However, as luck would have it, I am sick AGAIN. For like the 1,000th time this year. I am on my 3rd bout of strep throat of 2011, everyone say "AWWW. Poor baby!" So I had to head to Walgreen's to pick up an antibiotic and some other drugs. I still had my $4.00 Register Rewards from <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-couponing-really-worth-it.html">my trip last week.</a> I had peeked at my "go-to" websites and had my eye on some deodorant. My trip was very simple and I earned another $4.00 Register Rewards for next week. Although the crayons are not from Walgreen's I had Scott step out of his comfort zone and ask for a price match at Wal Mart while he was there picking up oil stuff for his motorcycle. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxctna3XQgGvAR6usOWcaaq47MaDpRnoTEw6IyM7ylpAfSOfudRmwCP3DoDkCZFnelihhU9A5kGtWPed_hqZF9ENksQsUVasQXErCqIZ5DPZb6NaqzotabvmTNY-WodmDCWkrg3S_2tHy/s1600/DSCN0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxctna3XQgGvAR6usOWcaaq47MaDpRnoTEw6IyM7ylpAfSOfudRmwCP3DoDkCZFnelihhU9A5kGtWPed_hqZF9ENksQsUVasQXErCqIZ5DPZb6NaqzotabvmTNY-WodmDCWkrg3S_2tHy/s320/DSCN0064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My deals from Walgreen's...<br />
1 3 ring binder<br />
6 2 pocket folder (I still need to get 4 more for Camden's list)<br />
2 Crayola crayons<br />
1 male Mitchum deodorant<br />
1 female Mitchum deodorant <br />
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All for a total of...$2.42 (not including my drugs...prescription drugs...not backstreet drugs). Plus I have $4.00 Register Rewards for next week at Walgreen's. I am really loving that I have been chipping away at Camden's school supply list slowly. I only have a few more things to pick and I am waiting for a really good sale on Crayola Washable Markers...come on big money, come to mamma. My toiletry and grocery budget for the remainder of the month is pretty slim, I think I got a little too excited on last Friday with couponing and spent more than intended. With what I already have stocked in my pantry and freezer, I am not feeling strained. I'm going to double check tonight to see if there are any must haves at Copp's, I think the Cascade Rinse Aid is free with the right coupons, so I might check that out. Happy Shopping. Anybody have any great savings tips or shopping trips you want to share?Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-90369197236876335762011-07-17T20:01:00.000-05:002011-07-17T20:01:01.648-05:00Menu Monday 7/18Sunday-Life Group...I volunteered to bring a loaf of bread with <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garlic-Butter/detail.aspx">garlic butter</a> and <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/jello-fruit-salad.html">JELLO fruit salad</a><br />
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Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday (most of it)-hubby and kids are gone camping with grandpa in his camper, so of course I had to send a few things with them for meals because eating out 3 meals per day is not good on the budget! Most of the food that I sent was easily prepared at home, stored in a cooler, and could be warmed in the microwave. My original intention was to prepared a few baked goods like <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/banana-bread.html">banana bread</a>, <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/puffed-carmel-corn.html">puffed carmel corn</a>, or <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/brownie-cookie-bar.html">brownie cookie bars</a>, however, our central air decided to have a mind of it's own. To make a long story short, apparently last winter and mouse and his family decided to make a home in our outdoor unit. While they were lounging around they decided to chew on some of our wires <strike>hopefully resulting in electrocution of those ugly little suckers,</strike> that was causing shorts in our unit. So we got it repaired and now can live happily in air conditioning. According to the dude (OK he's not just a dude-he's the husband of my husband's partner at work--I know, dude works better), this is a common problem. Actually, the mice really like it if you cover your air conditioner because it's warmer. Thankfully, we don't give our air conditioner a winter woobie or it could've been much worse, maybe even a community of mice. OMG I can't talk about this anymore or I'm gonna tweak.<br />
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So this is what I sent along for the camping in a camper event...<br />
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Chicken Lo mein (chicken helper)<br />
salami sandwiches<br />
string cheese<br />
<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/flexible-mexican-filling.html">flexible Mexican filling </a> for tacos<br />
brown rice and pinto beans<br />
canned ravioli<br />
cereal with milk<br />
yogurt<br />
variety of pre-packaged processed snacks and beverages<br />
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Wednesday- scrambled eggs with <a href="http://nickeletta.blogspot.com/2011/07/abc-muffins-158-recipe-013-serving.html#disqus_thread">ABC Muffins</a><br />
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Thursday-<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/baked-spaghetti.html">baked spaghetti</a> with <a href="http://realmomkitchen.com/609/easy-parmesan-knots/">Parmesan knots</a>, applesauce<br />
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Friday-grilled turkey burgers with <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-salsa.html">homemade salsa</a>, Suddenly Salad, and fruit salad<br />
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Saturday-<a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/crockpot-potato-and-ham-casserole.html">crockpot potato and ham casserole</a><br />
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If you're looking for more menu options, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">I'm an organized junkie</a>.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-86451635588478201072011-07-17T19:46:00.000-05:002011-07-17T19:46:19.349-05:00JELLO Fruit Salad3 small boxes sugar free strawberry JELLO<br />
2 + cups of water<br />
1 cup of pineapple juice, drained from the can...it might be just under 1 cup fill the rest of the cup with water<br />
1 can pineapple chunks<br />
1 10 ounce bag of frozen strawberries<br />
1 banana thinly slices<br />
1 small container light cool whip<br />
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Bring the 3 cups of liquid to a boil. Place JELLO in a bowl, add the boiling water. Stir until JELLO is dissolved. Add pineapple, frozen strawberries, and bananas. Stir. Chill about 3 (or more) hours. Gently stir to not break the fruit to much, mix so all JELLO and fruit is loose. Stir in container of cool whip. It will look more like a fluff. Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-39246431848931753602011-07-17T19:33:00.001-05:002011-07-19T19:13:39.377-05:00crockpot potato and ham casseroleIt's another hot one out there today and I had no intentions on heating up the house with the oven. I had some ham that needed to be used us since I ended up not using it last weekend for the brunch, I went with a <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/sausage-egg-bake-for-crowd.html">sausage egg bake</a> instead. We've eaten the ham in eggs and on salads but I decided it was time to finish up the ham, since I'm not really sure of the life span once it's been opened. Plus my carrots were starting to look a little questionable but still had enough spunk in them for this meal. I've made similar dishes in the crockpot before, it works great for using leftover ham from Easter, Christmas, lunch meat or ham when it's on sale. I'm pretty sure this meal is pretty cheap but since I don't have the skills like <a href="http://nickeletta.blogspot.com/">Nickeletta</a> with the spread sheets, I can only assume. Although it would be pretty cool to know exactly how much each meal cost our family to make. I know this is a hit because my 4 year old she would love me forever if I made this again. Which is a compliment because it seems she can be a pretty picky eater these days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfuYZL76UXqFjKHTaBuqw-usJNjtWPNKJGyWAF6uGmi81KlEgdY8xOpVeYgaXAyAIvJBBz_YvJ-22QDmsUPICxi3R4krOSnKO5xQp7PLVAg626x7wgFsDABoaVqItJ4Z-WNWatR0nb3Lv/s1600/DSCN0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfuYZL76UXqFjKHTaBuqw-usJNjtWPNKJGyWAF6uGmi81KlEgdY8xOpVeYgaXAyAIvJBBz_YvJ-22QDmsUPICxi3R4krOSnKO5xQp7PLVAg626x7wgFsDABoaVqItJ4Z-WNWatR0nb3Lv/s320/DSCN0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
4 potatoes, roughly peeled and sliced thin<br />
1 onion, sliced thin<br />
4 carrots, peeled and sliced thin<br />
1 cup chopped ham<br />
1 can 98% fat free cream of broccoli soup<br />
1 cup of milk<br />
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Spray the well of your crockpot with cooking spray. Place about half potatoes in the crockpot, sprinkle with salt and pepper, layer half onion, half carrots, and half ham. Repeat the layers. In a separate bowl mix the soup and milk together. Pour over the potato layers. Set crockpot on low for about 8 hours. About half hour before serving, sprinkle with cheese and place lid back on so cheese will melt.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-58556663386478364712011-07-17T19:28:00.002-05:002011-07-26T20:37:48.052-05:00Homemade SalsaI am so pumped that it's gardening season. This is my second year with a garden and my thumb is GREENER than normal this year. What a refreshing treat to serve with chips, quesadillas, or even on top of a burger. I seriously, CANNOT get enough of this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPT4MxNUaFlqIoobrJrhli43nUb5TFsMFSS7R8R593ddG-J-PwpQkrzLP8odQzYb-OxYc1obL92gCrKRAEgvatXROaAiy20Qw4MSCXHMp2WLMlNSDXNKOQgViMYUdQZy79ZgqJ1bVmcAv7/s1600/DSCN0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPT4MxNUaFlqIoobrJrhli43nUb5TFsMFSS7R8R593ddG-J-PwpQkrzLP8odQzYb-OxYc1obL92gCrKRAEgvatXROaAiy20Qw4MSCXHMp2WLMlNSDXNKOQgViMYUdQZy79ZgqJ1bVmcAv7/s320/DSCN0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
6-9 tomatoes (depending on the size and what you have on hand)<br />
1 onion diced<br />
1 jalapeno diced (with or without seeds-depending on how hot you want it)<br />
2-3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro<br />
1 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, I know weird, trust me it's good<br />
<br />
Chop tomatoes, place in a bowl. Dice onions very small, I use my <a href="http://www.pamperedchef.biz/kristakitchen?page=products-detail&categoryId=90&itemId=2585&productId=240">Pampered chef food chopper</a> so the onions are tiny. I also use my chooper for the cilantro and the jalapeno. Genltley mix the ingredients, add the garlic salt and cinnamon. Mix again. Refrigerate or serve immediately. YUMMY.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-50634044956936036272011-07-17T19:26:00.000-05:002011-07-17T19:26:56.027-05:00Baked SpaghettiThis is an easy way to make your typical spaghetti dish into something more special. It's not much more work than typical spaghetti just a slight twist to make it more interesting. This is key if spaghetti is a staple in your cooking rotation. My kids usually will only eat the noodles with no sauce but because it was already mixed together and they didn't have an option, they ate it ALL and even asked for seconds. <br />
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1 jar pasta sauce or <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-spaghetti-sauce.html">homemade spaghetti sauce</a><br />
1 box pasta (any type you prefer)<br />
1 cup mozzarella cheese<br />
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Boil the pasta according the directions on the box. Once pasta has been drained, pour the sauce onto the cooked noodles (you can do this right in the pot it was cooked in). Spray a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle the cup of cheese on top. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted/bubbly.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-118171697235218372011-07-17T19:24:00.000-05:002011-07-17T19:24:45.013-05:00Homemade Spaghetti SauceThis recipe comes from a <u>In the Kitchen with Aimee</u> from <a href="http://www.aimeesadventures.com/">http://www.aimeesadventures.com/</a>, although the last time I tried to gain access to her website it indicated it was no longer available. Boy I am so glad that I actually ordered her 2 cookbooks a few years ago. Many of my go to recipes are located on that site (or in the cookbook). <br />
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1 (28oz) Can peeled tomatoes<br />
1 (18oz) can peeled diced tomatoes<br />
1 (15oz) can tomato puree<br />
1 (6oz) can tomato paste<br />
4 cloves of garlic<br />
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning<br />
5-12 packets splenda (optional)<br />
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Mix all ingredients together into a crockpot and cook on low for at least 8 hours. Serves 17 1/2 cups each. I typically add about 1 pound of browned ground turkey, ground beef, or sometime Italian sausage. This makes quite a bit so I often make this on a week where I want to flip the sauce into something else like <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/cheese-pizza.html">cheese pizza</a>, <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/pepperoni-calzones.html">calzones,</a> <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/bubble-up-pizza-casserole.html">bubble up pizza casserole</a>, or baked spaghetti. The sauce also freezes pretty well so I could encourage you to make a batch, eat it for a meal and freeze part for later use.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-91607849435516610472011-07-15T18:14:00.000-05:002011-07-15T18:14:39.698-05:00Another day, another dollar saved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfiQsxs3rcLYxS2L-pzs1x92nqwQftCz_3YGx8fyeHw69sjKIZvbMDXjNUTUWfI8XiXcWNFl-TVhcoa4p9lPQMFE66QaG5sUVNnA2MlBWdjIIhgQWGHUxVSy03eUZ2encWWLAEkQ1Uutw/s1600/DSCN0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfiQsxs3rcLYxS2L-pzs1x92nqwQftCz_3YGx8fyeHw69sjKIZvbMDXjNUTUWfI8XiXcWNFl-TVhcoa4p9lPQMFE66QaG5sUVNnA2MlBWdjIIhgQWGHUxVSy03eUZ2encWWLAEkQ1Uutw/s320/DSCN0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So I did another big couponing trip today...this is the first time I got a major reaction from the checkout person. I think I impressed the 20 somethings kid with my shopping skills. The most he ever received in coupons before was $45. I came in just under that with $44.77, this is not counting my price match items. I'm not going to lie, this trip was a little more stressful and time consuming, mostly because I didn't have a good plan<br />
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Price match items...<br />
Cherries 1.99 per pound<br />
Peaches $.29 per peach<br />
Strawberries $.99 per pound<br />
4 Diet Coke $.99 ;<br />
3Emerald Breakfast to Go..$2.50<br />
10 Roma Pizza (10 for $10...I know go and get some, cheap and easy meal or snack)<br />
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Spending roughly about $30.00 for the items listed above. Savings for price match of approximately $23.00. I'll do the coupons savings at the end the only coupon item I had was for the Emerald Breakfast to Go $1.00 off each so $1.50 per box or $.25 per individual bag)<br />
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Now for the regular stuff with coupons...<br />
2 4 packs Scott toilet paper<br />
4 travel size body washes<br />
2 Herbal Essence Shampoo<br />
2 Herbal Essence Conditioner<br />
3 cans of Pringles<br />
4 packs of gum<br />
1 Swiss cheese<br />
2 Ivory 4 pack soap<br />
3 Carefree panty liner<br />
1 Box OB tampons (on clearance plus I had a coupon)<br />
1 Oatmeal<br />
2 Tide Stain Releaser<br />
2 Men's body sprays (FREE-Whoot, whoot)<br />
1 bag Krunchers<br />
3 packages Brach's lemon drops<br />
1 Crystal Light Lemonade<br />
2 Oscar Meyer Turkey Dogs<br />
3 8 packs of Powerade (one was FREE)<br />
1 eyeliner (which I needed)<br />
1 foundation (which I needed)<br />
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My total of these products was $109.29 and had a coupon total of $44.77 which included $3.00 off the top items. My overall total was more because I picked up a few things that I didn't have coupons for like brown sugar, bread, hot dog buns, tortillas, big bag of shredded cheese, bananas, tomatoes, a sprinkler (yes, a sprinkler somehow it is in my food/toiletries budget...to water my garden), eggs, pickles, and a few school supplies for the boy. When you figure in my cost for all the extras my savings isn't so great, only 26% of the total with coupons. My coupon items matched with coupons savings is a little better at 41%. I have done better with my savings at <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-couponing-really-worth-it.html">Walgreen's</a> and <a href="http://totallyuntogetherworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/06/wordless-wednesday_29.html">Copp's</a>. A couple of the items were a little higher ticket than I would normally buy. The makeup was over $14.00 with a coupon for only $2.50 off, I did need the make up as I am out of foundation and scraping my eyes with my current eyeliner. The Tide Stain Releaser was a little pricey at almost $4.00 each with a coupon for $1.50 off each, this is not something I would probably have bought without a coupon and I'll admit I caved to the "Oh I have a coupon" mentality, darn it. So if you take out the slightly pricier items the savings would be greater. I am still learning, again all the items I bought will be used by our family. <br />
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If you are new to the couponing world, it's OK so am I. Here are a few tips that I have learned to help you through.<br />
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1. Profile your checker. I heard this somewhere, but today it worked out for me. Go for the young, male checker. My guy even gave me a high five after I checked out, how cool was that? Most of the time the teenage girls roll their eyes.<br />
2. Price match, shop sales, and pair with a coupon whenever you can.<br />
3. Check the clearance section. They still accept coupons for those items.<br />
4. Buy the smallest (or cheapest) product that the coupon will allow you to do. Today I had an Old Spice coupon for buy 2 get $1.00 off. There was no limitation on what size, so I bought the travel size for $.97. In addition, I was able to pair that deal with a FREE deal. If you buy 2 Old Spice products, you get a body spray FREE. It was a win, win for me. So I spent about $.97 to get 2 trial size body washes and one body spray, with a retail alone of $4.27. Scott and Camden will smell so good. The trial size body washes will go in the swimming bag.<br />
5. Tell other people at the store or help them out if you can. For example, I was only going to use one of my Pringles coupon and some lady was throwing Pringles in her cart like it was the end of the world. So I simply said "Excuse me, I'm not a cart stalker but I see that you are buying a lot of Pringles. I have a 2 extra coupons for that product that I am not going to use (and is about to expire), would you like them?" Of course she said "Yes". Another example is at the pizza aisle, a couple with their grandchild was pricing out pizzas and they decided to go with ROMA, which is what was on sale for a price match. I pulled out my Pig Ad and told them about the price match and all they had to do was tell them at the checkout. You would have thought I just gave them a $100 bill. <br />
6. I heard this somewhere too, if someone comments on how you must love coupons a great response is "No, I just love my money!" I haven't gotten to use it yet but believe me I am waiting. <br />
7. If you live in the Green Bay Area and are looking to learn more about saving money think about attending <a href="http://greenbayconsumer.com/2011/07/free-coupon-class-for-you-august-23rd.html#comment-838">this class</a>.Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205816417608380761.post-65943522591497239002011-07-13T07:50:00.000-05:002011-07-13T07:50:26.351-05:00Wordless WednesdaySo here it people my family left me on Monday. I certainly do miss them...You see that guy in the red shirt? He's the one who took them. Now before you help me through my sorrows by contacting the police, that is Grandpa. Scott and the kids went willingly with him to camp for 3 days and 2 nights. <strike>I packed their stuff threw it outside and bid them fair well without even a kiss or hug</strike>. I begged them to stay, not to leave me ALL ALONE with complete and total silence for 3 WHOLE entire days and 2 LONG <strike>(and silent</strike>) nights. This is the longest I have been away from my babies in their whole entire life (although I did go to Vegas for 3 days and 2 nights when Camden was under 1). They've had sleepovers but never for 2 whole nights. As much as I <strike>enjoyed all this peace and quiet</strike> love them, I can hardly wait for them to come home today. You see they are the loves of my life. I have been blessed with an amazing family. God has given me the most precious gifts in this family. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IElyBvVPuaPqW7x6WU_hA0873cRlcQCWeAZTpH-5gD2vSk5BYYPOvxvyNcY6AlNY6n__Nvxy-jnBYuEiLO6b6ymspdgS7LXY3FhnhzL6etF9rrY5YArwveaFz_OdNx0XAcp389VnhG5D/s1600/DSCN0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IElyBvVPuaPqW7x6WU_hA0873cRlcQCWeAZTpH-5gD2vSk5BYYPOvxvyNcY6AlNY6n__Nvxy-jnBYuEiLO6b6ymspdgS7LXY3FhnhzL6etF9rrY5YArwveaFz_OdNx0XAcp389VnhG5D/s320/DSCN0657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>If you want the truth, I've enjoyed the silence but I've been lost without them. The house was a little too quiet and even though I was busy working on school work (who takes 6 credits in the summer), I realized that my purpose is as a wife and mother to those 3 special characters. <strike>And another confession, as much as I want them to come home, I'll bet that once I see, kiss, and hug them and the reality of their DRAMA starts back in I'll long for the silence once again.</strike> So hug your family today because they my friends, along with God, what this life is all about!Alycia Freimundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09850615948389943965noreply@blogger.com0