C.O.S.T. cooking - have you thought ahead?

Since I am the Queen of Best Intentions, I challenged myself to put my money where my mouth was during some of my meal planning/couponing posts, and "walk the talk" with this C.O.S.T. cooking - Cook once, Serve Twice.

If you double or triple your cooking, it will save you time later.
What is the cost of not planning ahead?
I was going to answer this rhetorical question, but I will leave you to fill in the blank for your own family.
(If you didn't read about it the first time around, I have multiple posts, but the one where I give these suggestions are under Grocery Grumps -1.
Scroll down to the second half of that post with specifics since I won't go into all the details again here. :)

For so many of you, this may come naturally, but as the food costs rise, and life becomes busier, it seems that this is an area which causes stress and ma ham in kitchens around the blog world.

Seeing what someone else has done might just inspire a little kitchen creativity this weekend.
So join me....take one hour to copy me or some other foodie and ease the mealtime mountain next week. This just might be the solution. Iron sharpens iron and I need to be held accountable in this grueling area as well.
As I was cooking this, I was literally just trying to get basic food on the table for my family, and then after the fact, I thought of taking pictures. I undid the spaghetti casserole after it had already been put in the freezer, so this isn't much of a tutorial FYI.

Get out of that chair right now, and grab as much ground beef from your freezer that you have on hand.
Go on, I'll give you a little time.

After it's thawed, get going...cook up that stuff and drain that grease.
Oh, it looks a bit gross in that pan picture.
If you want to do just a bit more work, but work that's so worth it....add fresh garlic, onions, and green peppers.....yum!
Now depending on how much you have browned, start separating it into zip lock bags.
You can see in the picture below, that I had about 2 pounds of beef that I seasoned with my Homemade Gourmet taco soup seasoning,
and sealed in a Ziplock bag.
We feasted on taco salad, taco dip, and burritoes throughout the week...all from this meat mixture...meals in minutes literally.
Typically, we never miss a week without taco soup, but we sure will have it this week.


Ok, I hear your screaming...we want recipes!!
Ladies - the beauty of Mexican is that you can add whatever you want...even if cooking terrifies you. Start with these basics...it's so easy! Any of my children can fix their own dinner from these options. I promise!
Here are some ideas, but they change based on what produce was marked down, what items I have stock piled or purchased with my BOGO free items.

Taco salad - layer a plate with crushes tortilla chips, romaine lettuce (as yummy as ice burg is..stay away if you can help it - no nutritional value), top with the seasoned meat mixture, black beans, shredded cheese, salsa, and dollop of sour cream to top it off.
My mouth is salivating as I think of this favorite meal of mine. I love to mix just a tad of Catalina dressing in it, but my kids opt for ranch. Your choice.
Of course, get as healthy as you want by adding fresh tomatoes or green/ red peppers
Any of the above works well in your burrito/taco...just heat the burrito and melt that yummy cheese.
Taco dip....this is almost a daily staple at our home.
I will do this as a vegetarian option quite often with taco soup seasoning, and then add more beans. If beans make you wary, start with black beans. All of my kids LOVE them, and they are so good for you.
Mix seasoning, meat, cottage cheese if you want it low fat (or cream cheese), sour cream, black beans, cheese, salsa, peppers (my kids will eat them raw in this dip), salsa....stir and go at it with tortilla chips.

Once I removed the taco seasoned ground beef (for anything Mexican), I also put a small baggy of ground beef mixed with Italian Mozzarella seasoning.
This made delicious "meatloaf muffins" made with the meat mixture, and Pillsbury Grand biscuits that I had stocked up on with my double coupons.
I will post the recipe if anyone is interested. They are great for dinner or served the next day...cold...for lunches.
The ground beef that was left quite lonely in the skillet became homemade spaghetti sauce. I served half of it over noodles the same night, and the other half became Dream spaghetti - another family favorite. This I froze for a later date.
I know some of this I went over from an early post, but they say that it takes five times for something to sink in? hee hee

I know that one of you attention to detail ladies will notice what I wrapped around the casserole dish.
Yes, it's true....I recycle grocery bags and use them for almost everything. I rarely spend money on wraps...and only then with a great coupon.
I add just a bit of plastic wrap (if anyone's worried about germs), and then I really seal it with a plastic bag.

So for less than one hour of work, I had six meals (and taco dip) set for the week.
I can't tell you what a stress reliever it was. So just go for it.
Stop procrastinating...ha...coming from the Queen....and have some fun in the kitchen.
I promise it will pay huge dividends, not just in time management, but also in the pocket book.

I know this is now two posts without a complete bedlam moment...trust me, they are continually happening. When I was cooking all these great amazing meat mixtures, let's just say our dog agreed.....grrrrr......

Expanding the bad word vocabulary

Expressing oneself openly is a dynamic part of our happy, but harried homestead.
Many people say to me that they want to be a fly on our wall...I doubt that. You would definitely get smooshed.
I let a little chaos, maybe some clutter, and sometimes dog hair survive, but definitely not flies. Anyhow, this is the dialog that I am overhearing.... right now...as I type.

This conversations is taking place between my five year old daughter, and six year old nephew (who many of you know...lives next door on our homestead), and some more funnies have proceeded this, but I couldn't type fast enough, nor did I have the forethought to do so. This conversation sets up the sinful little story from yesterday.

At this exact minute, Miss Priss is exclaiming, "You know that my mom has talked to you about cuss words. Yes, she has! (Yep, hands on hips with a little finger pointing as she talks). You know that they are not allowed in our home....I hear you saying that cuss, and it's not allowed."

Six year old responds...."Duh, Emma, Donut is not a cuss."
I chuckled.......'nuff said, love it when I don't have to intervene at all.
The cussing was clarified.

This conversation came on the heels of one yesterday that made my sis-in-love and I have extreme heart palpitations.
6 year old nephew came to us with a very contrite heart exclaiming that he had observed some very "bad" activities that had taken place previously. We were distraught to hear his rendition, but knew that the facts needed to be confirmed before any action took place. I guess this was a time of confession because many of his "sins" now came pouring out in the most stoic fashion.

He admitted, "Mom, I also said the four letter "F" word."
We were now truly hyperventilating at his declaration, especially considering the exact number was involved. I was praying it was something else, but he sounded WAY too sure of himself.
This mom of ten wisely asked, "What 4 letter "F" word, honey. It's OK, we need to know the truth."
"Mom, come on, you know the 4 letter word."

"Well, I just want to know which one you are talking about. You won't get in trouble."

"Mom, Ok....I'll tell you.....FLEE...that's the one. You always tell me that when I get in a bad situation that I should FLEE, and that's what I did."

All I can say is "Praise the Lord for 4 letter "F" words" and children who are learning valuable life lessons along the way. Is there any way for them to escape the inevitable?
Don't think so, but I certainly don't mind postponing it as long as possible.

Here are the two cussers on the right. :)

Run the Race with abandon

Gazing at these pictures tonight, I had an epiphany.
I eyed a daughter who suddenly noticed
she was being watched,
and then sprinted passionately to the mother she loves.
Yet I also saw myself, and how I desire to run the race.
This race called LIFE!

So often I get sidetracked from what is truly important.

I lose my perspective, and begin to pursue things that I am not called to -
at least not in this season.

I might even close my eyes to issues around me,
and pretend that everything is alright.
"How are you?"
"Just fine, thanks, and you?"
Do I truly want to become vulnerable by taking off that "mask" we women are such masters at wearing?

And then I remember....I remember the Truth!

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

He loves me just the way I am.

And so I don't desire to just walk...

I want to run ...

I want to run into the arms of the Heavenly Father
who envelopes me with an Everlasting Love.

Nothing I have done or ever will do
changes the truth that I am more precious than
gold or silver.
I am cherished beyond measure.
I am His beloved child!

So run, precious one, run!
Run with passionate abandon, into the welcoming arms of the only true Savior.
He can't wait for you to come.
And wait He will.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
His love endures for ever.

So what's stopping you?

The clock was ticking...

... there were only moments to spare, and my family was depending on me for the basic necessities of survival, but ...
I DIDN'T WANT TO GO!!!
I didn't want to leave my comfy, cozy home - even for double coupons up to $2 at Kmart.
I didn't want to look at another coupon, cut it, or try and organize it,
yet I knew I needed to...it was the right thing to do!
This was an opportunity that was within my grasp, and a noncommittal attitude, and um... sheer exhaustion, didn't quite cut it as an excuse.

The queen of best intentions had procrastinated, and the clock on the wall read 7:30 pm...Sunday evening...with destination Kmart closing their doors at 10:00pm, and the coupon deal ending for good.
Well, I dug deep, took my daughter for some bonding time, even worked in some math with her, and did it!
Today it was worth it!
Last night at 10:05 when I was the last person in the store, and it took FOREVER to ring me out because this location wasn't a "participating" K-mart, and they had to check with their corporate location for the details....I definitely think my story would have been different.

So what were the damages?
Before coupons the total was $161, and after coupons....$55.00
(and that includes some goodies that were non-coupon items like Capri Suns, and some cookie snacks for our co-op). I saved over $100 with coupons. Now, if I do the math and figure out my hourly rate, including drive time, shopping time and coupon cutting time - $33.33 an hour. Not bad for an evening's work. I surely am not making that typing here on the computer.
Could I have done better?
Probably, but at this point it wasn't about just getting things for free, it was about what will we really use, and how quickly could I get outta there.
For instance, I ended up spending $1.25 on some body washes that my sons were SO excited about. They were typically $5.75, but were on sale. Then I had a $2 coupon (doubled to $4) and so I got it dirt cheap....it was so worth it, and we'll use it quicker than I care to think about.
It wasn't free, but what a great deal.
We now have shampoo, conditioner, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, deodorants, cleaners, lotions, unmentionables (which shheesh - those are ridiculously priced), make up, nail polish and a few other things that didn't make it into the picture for $50, and it will last many months.

Yipee! I didn't want to go, but now when I see how much I got and the great quality items,
it was worth it.
So what if my son said, "This is all you got for $50?"
Let's let him pay for those household things for a month and we'll see what he says.

These were one of the things that didn't quite make it into the picture.
Both of my daughters got " real fake nails" since I had a coupon for them...such fun.
They were enjoying looking very grown up (for a few minutes anyhow, until they tore them off because they were getting in the way).

This whole experience was one, long bedlam moment, and it tested my patience in many areas, but I thought I would point out specifically what my toilet bowl will now look like for 2000 flushes. Read the bottle, people.
My toilet water now looks like it's taking residence at an old people's home, and our dog isn't liking that one bit.
My husband just yelled down to me ......."Jen, isn't Lola drinking from the toilet.....it's blue water."
Oops...so sorry, girl! You'll have to wait for 1,988 more flushes.
Use the dog bowl - that's what it's there for.

And I am sorry for all the people that have to read this post,
and didn't even have a Kmart near them.
Are you tired of my coupon stories? I think I am.....it might be a bit before I do another one.
I WILL get to my designer clothes posts....I have to....I have them all bought and they're waiting patiently on my coach - for me to photograph them...with me in them.
UGH! I think that's why I am procrastinating.

Have you been Boo-ed?

Our family doesn't really do much with Halloween, well, not really anything.
I know, I know...it was one of your best childhood memories. I've heard it before.
We're still creating lots of marvelous memories, but during this season we stick to the fall festival type of activities. Our kids still dress up, have lots of candy and games, and even do a little "Trunk or Treating," in church parking lots which is huge in the South.
But since so many of my readers
look for unique October/Halloween traditions, I thought I would share
a few ideas from my October newsletter.

And did you know, that while she hosts her party this week, she's ditching it and coming to my neck of the woods?
We're going to hang out....in real life....I told you that I wanted to have a bed and breakfast, but brunch will have to do.

A new Halloween tradition is spreading rapidly grass-roots fashion throughout the culture. Called "Getting Booed," it involves a family making a Halloween gift basket and leaving it anonymously on a neighbor's door step with a sign "You Got Booed." The receiving family's job, then, is to make up another gift basket and play the trick on another family in the neighborhood who doesn't have a 'got booed' sign on their door. Here is a poem you can use for your "got booed" sign.

The air is cool, the season is fall, soon Halloween will come to all. The spooks are after things to do; in fact, a spook has brought this to you. "BOO" is a shield, from witching hour, Just hang it up and watch its power. On your front door is where it works, it ward off spooks and scary jerks. The power comes when friends like you will copy this and make it TWO. We'll all have smiles upon our face. No one will know who Booed our place. Just one short day to work your spell or a big ZAP will strike your tail. And don't forget a nifty treat, like something cute or something sweet. Please join the fun, let's really hear it! Spread some Boo's and Halloween spirit!

Halloween is not just for kids! With these tips and ideas you can start your own family Halloween
filled with traditions to cherish year after year.

3 -4 weeks before Halloween: Decorating the House

Make it a family event! Either assign different areas to different people, or give them a certain topic.
Who's in charge of spider webs and spiders? Hanging lights in just the right spot?

1 - 2 weeks before Halloween: Picking the pumpkins

You don't have to go to your local supermarket to find great pumpkins - there are plenty of places around within driving distance to take the family to not only pick out the best pumpkins, but to have a day filled with fun! Watch for the signs on the road, check your local paper. Many people grow pumpkins and then sell them at this wonderful time of year. Most don't just sell pumpkins either! You can get a nice cup of hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick, go for a hayride, check out a corn field maze, or take a walk through a haunted barn. These kinds of places are usually family owned and know what kind of entertainment other families are looking for. Enjoy watching your child rolling a 20 pound pumpkin back to the hay wagon instead of digging through a large wooden crate outside the grocery store.

2- 7 days before Halloween: The Pumpkin Carving Party

Make sure you have enough pumpkins for everyone to carve at least one.
Can't wait for the pumpkin seeds to be ready? Pick some up from the store
so you can have some ready on hand to enjoy while carving! Prepare a spoooooooooooooky meal to
eat along with your party. Try some "ghoulash" or "Spooketti" with a "blood" red drink.
Make "bones" (breadsticks) to go along.
Have plenty of candles on hand so when you are all done carving you can run outside,
place your jack-o-lanterns and end your party with a firey show of evil, happy, and scary faces!

The Main Event

The most important part of a Halloween party is to have fun together. Bob for apples,
play ghost in the graveyard, watch movies, read a story by candelight or flashlight.
If your area allows it, have a campfire and tell stories outside. For dinner, serve something inventive -
give it a crazy name - werewolf burgers, eye ball soup, what ever you can think of.
For dessert and snacking try popcorn balls, taffy apples, and of course, pumpkin pie!

If you would like to be added to my traditions newsletter that I send every month, feel free to email me
and I will add you to my list.