Bringing Out the Budget Shopper in Me

I'm being completely cliché and I know it, but in these economic times, I've had to think about ways to save money. When it comes to clothes, furniture and other fun things, I love to bargain hunt. But, when it comes down to food, I spend full price on everything. So when Jeff recently had to take a paycut I started to take a look at how we spend our money. I know we can cut out the typical coffee runs and such - that's easy. But, we want to continue to whittle down what's going out and maximize what's coming in.

My friend Bev recently announced that she saved $88 dollars in one week of grocery shopping. I immediately wanted to know how I, too, could save such a large amount of money on a weekly basis. She sent me to Coupon Mom. There I read about Strategic Shopping and how to maximize the use of coupons. Now this week, I was in a big rush to get to the grocery store. We had been out of town all weekend and came home with a hungry baby and no food - not even milk! So, I skipped the coupons and just used the Strategic Shopping techniques. Guess what! I saved at least $40 -- and in comparison to really spendy weeks, $80!

I'm so excited that I have to share. As I said earlier, I don't want to give up the stuff we love when it comes to food. With the menu I used this week, we don't have to give up taste for cost. I used the April 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Everyday Food magazine to develop it.

Monday - Mediterranean Salad with Green Beans and Feta
Today - Orange Glazed Chicken with Carrots and Bulgur
Wednesday - Irish Hand Pies (I know - a day late for St. Patty's...This is from the March issue of Everyday Food. These are pre-made and ready in my freezer. I have plans for the night.)
Thursday - Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Chili
Friday - Broccoli, Tomato and Mozzarella Stromboli
Saturday or Sunday - Mediterranean Chicken Packets

Later today I will also show step by step the Orange Glazed Chicken with Carrots and Bulgur as well as the cost break down. Plus reviews from the hubby and baby!

Cake

So my friend Lineh e-mailed me this innocent little recipe titled "The Quickest Cake Ever". Clearly, this sparked my interest. Especially since chocolate is involved. I asked Lineh if she's made it and how it turned out. Of course, the skinny sphinx hasn't tried it. So I made a grave sacrifice and tried it out this afternoon.

Here it is:
4 tablespoons flour (In my effort to be virtuous, I used whole wheat flour. Ok, ok, I give in....it was all that was in my pantry! Sheesh, give me a break....I really wouldn't say it added to or detracted from it overall.)4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk (I used whole milk because I was too lazy to go to the fridge in the basement and get the bottle of skim....so I dipped into the baby's supply a little bit. He's still growing. Hopefully I'm not!)3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) (Um, yeah.....that's right the recipe says OPTIONAL. Yes, I did make the cake WITHOUT the chocolate chips. because. i. ate. them. all. before. i. could. make. anything. with. them.....Seriously, this is an enhancement you don't want to pass up. Seriously.)a small splash of vanilla extract
and if you are feeling sassy, a dash of salt (more on that below)

Combine all ingredients in a mug and mix well. Microwave for 2-3 minutes on high. Turn out onto plate and enjoy warm.

In my case, I did not trust my microwave as I have exploded several bowls of oatmeal in the past year alone. Given that, I opted to use a 4 cup measuring cup. This actually made it look bigger than a mug would have. (In general bigger is better....except when we are talking about my thighs.) As clearly stated earlier, the chocolate chips are a must. The little dash of salt gives it a bite to help balance the sweet. I strongly suggest eating this immediately; as I suspect that it would turn rock solid if let to cool completely. Also, if you are going to count calories, do so before hand. I made this fatal mistake and calculated afterwards resulting in over 35 minutes on the training bike tonight. (Yes, I will admit, I ate the whole thing.)

Now, let's talking about what we could do to make this even more fun to consume.....caramel on top anyone?

Status Update

Quinton
6 Months 15 Days
17 Pounds 14.5 Ounces
27.5 Inches

Erin & Jeff
Well, we just won't go there!

The Detroit Zoo Stays!

This past weekend, Quinton had his first trip to the zoo. We saw lots of cool animals including rhinos, peacocks, prairie dogs and kangaroos. We went with Aunt RaeLynn, Uncle Steve and cousin Dylan. They all loved the zoo too. The tri-county area was asked to vote on keeping the zoo (of course through taxes) yesterday and the zoo will be here to stay. Looks like this won't be Quinton's first and last trip.

See photos here...

Today, Quinton....

It seems like only yesterday that we carefully drove home through a blizzardy winter evening for the first time. You were all bundled up like a perfect delicate package. Tucked inside that hand knit sweater was one shriveled little baby with all ten fingers and ten toes. All we could do was stare in amazement and dream of what you would become. Who would our new little creature turn out to be?

Today, Quinton, you turn six months old. You have come so far in a matter of moments. We see glimmers of who you are becoming. Those moments take hold of us, like the wind being taken from our lungs. They glimmer with hope and joy. Today, you squeal in laughter as Brutus and Daphne pass your outreached arms. Today, you cry out of frustration because you cannot do all the things your mind tells your tiny little body to do. Today is the one time in your life where you can relish in the fact that you are completely dependent and yet you strive to be independent. We see you roll to get where you need to go, drink from a cup, communicate through babbling. Today, you do not know anger. Instead when you don't know what else to express, you show us love. You reach your tender little hands out to our face and lay a bit wet one on our lips - to our delight. Today, you study the most mundane with such curiosity. In the same turn, you become a clown and make everyone in the room laugh. Today, you bring joy to all who see your smile and laughter. Today, you take solstice in my arms and in your father's voice. Today, you have grown to be nearly 17 pounds and 26 inches long. Today, we have a better idea of who you are becoming. Today, we wait to see what other surprises you have in store.


Our family's strength and love grow every day. Today, we love you, but not as much as we will tomorrow.

More Baby!

Well we have been a bit delinquent in posting new updates. It's been a hectic time for Jeff and me. Jeff's been working hard and long hours again. I started my new job and traveled for nine days straight. All is well and we are both happy and healthy!

We found out the baby is a BOY! Hopefully word spreads fast and our immediate families have given you the scoop...Here are some new ultrasound pictures. The little stinker didn't want to show us his face and was playing peek-a-boo.



So the bottom line is the good news is he is healthy and the bad news is this is the last image we will have of him until he's born!

Ciao!

Well we found out what we are having.....It's a boy


cheers,
Jeff