SAVING ENERGY, SAVING OUR EARTH

Becoming environmentally correct is an important goal for our family. We still have a lot to learn, but so far I'm pretty impressed with how far we've come.

Just by implementing a few simple changes into our lifestyle, we've cut back on our usage of plastics, we pre-plan our trips out when running errands to save fuel, we are avid "blue barrel recyclers" and have been able to cut back drastically on our home energy costs.

I'd like to share what works for us, and since I'm still learning, I'd love to hear some tips from you as well! One 'green accomplishment' of which I'm most proud is my 'almost' elimination of paper towel usage. I've gone from using 16 rolls per month to only 1-2 rolls per month. Yeah! One day I just decided to quit cold turkey, but with a little help. I'll let you in on what product I'm currently using that helped make the transition a breeze. In the near future, I'll be holding a "Paper Towel" challenge, so start thinking about how you can adjust to living without them!

I'm really excited about investigating more ways to save energy and help make this earth a better place in which to live. It seems like such a huge task, but when everyone works at it together, we can really make an impression.

Stay tuned for tomorrow - Thursdays shine for me when sharing with you how to save $100's on your grocery bill!

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you GreenSweetGreen.com for graphic

Savvy Budgeting Saves You Money

I've lived by the structure of a budget since......forever! I honestly don't know how I would get along without one. A budget is just that - structure, financial structure. Financial structure is the backbone of your everyday living.



I see it on television all the time, financial advisors helping individuals find more money in their bank accounts by suggesting they cut out the coffees on the way to work, and "Ouila !", they magically have an extra $300 a month! I think to myself, "Wow!", they have so much extra money that they can spend an extra $300 a month on coffees and not even realize it? If they are so smart to earn that kind of income, then how come they're not intelligent enough to have a budget?



You see, budgeting is not just for people who don't have a lot of money. It's just as equally necessary for the person with the six-figure income. Budgeting is simply the act of keeping track of your money. We keep track of our children, our families, the maintenance on our cars, but for some reason, when it comes to dollars and cents, we have no sense. A lot of folks would just rather look the other way. Either it's too complicated, or some of us just can't face our own financial realities.



A lot of you already live by the structure of a budget - pat yourselves on the back! But for those of you that don't, it's never too late. A lot of people have asked me, how do you afford to do that? How are you able to live in that house? You have four teenagers who are always wearing nice clothes, how can you afford it? The answer is always the same - we live by the structure of a budget and always make sound financial decisions for ourselves. Even during this past year when it seemed like everyone around us was suffering some type of financial setback, we still remained, by the grace of God and our budget, comfortable. Cautious, but comfortable.



Mind you, I'm no financial expert, although I do have many years of banking experience in my back pocket, but not a professional qualified to hand out any type of financial advice! I've had enough people ask me what I'm doing to keep track of our finances, that I figure we must be doing something right! So, I would like to sit down on Tuesdays, friend to friend, with you, with our cups of coffee (that we made at home) and share with you what I do in my household that has helped my family get where we are today.



Maybe there will be something that could help you out. Maybe if only the encouragement needed to get a budget started. It is a discipline to which you must be ready to commit. You have to want it! You have to want to get this part of your life under control. I'll happily be your cheerleader! If only one person comes away with something useful, it will make my day. Come back next Tuesday and we'll chat about budgeting.



Thanks for stopping by!

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS

As each new year approaches, I have felt less and less inclined to commit to any type of New Year's resolution. For some reason, the intense pressure to succeed is a sure-fire way to set myself up to fail!



What I have done, though, is convince myself that the new year is a time for 'new starts'. A 'new start' is just that - a time to start something new, to try something different, a new beginning. It's not a concrete change with which I may not be able to follow through the rest of the year.



I have some lifestyle changes that I would like to assign a 'new start'. Even this blog! I began writing in the middle of the holidays, so of course, what was I writing about? Everything that had to do with the holidays! I had stopped writing for a little while after I came down with the flu, then other family members came down with the flu, Christmas was fast approaching and my shopping wasn't completed, and basically, with four kids and a husband on a 2-week winter break, my priorities were obviously not here!



So during that time, I was able to reflect more on what specifically I wanted to share with you. After a little thought, I realized the things in my life about which I am most actively informed, and the things about which I am most often asked. During the days of the week, I want to cover those topics and how they relate to being a Savvy Saving Mom.



I've decided to dedicate Mondays to Health. My health, your health... I'm not a doctor or a nutrionist, but, I read and read and read anything and everything regarding my own health and the health of my family. I have a lot to share - not advice, mind you! Just friend to friend, letting you know what I'm doing to protect, preserve, and save my health. Passing along to you things about which I am learning from other doctors and professionals.



Investing in one's health is one of the biggest money savers in the long run. By investing, I mean doing whatever you can for yourself now - eating right, exercising, refraining from bad habits like drinking and smoking that can sabotage you later or even cost you your life. Do these things now, and give yourself the gift of good health in your future. Give yourself the potential of living prescription-drug free. A big savings, for sure! I'm looking forward to sharing these things with you, and next Monday, I'll let you know the two major health issues I'm currently dealing with.



Come back tomorrow, and I'll let you know what I'm planning for Tuesdays.



Thanks for stopping by!

THE COOKIE CLAUSE

The Cookie Clause? What?

Yes, the Cookie Clause. It's an unwritten understanding at my house. Ok, well, actually it's an ultimatum! With four kids who are well aware that Christmas goodies will eventually be abundant in our home, I know darn well that I have plenty of good help around when it comes time to create those delectable concoctions! So, with my clever ingenuity, I created the Cookie Clause.

It states: "If you would like to partake in the enjoyment of the variety of baked goods that become available in our home during the holidays, your presence will be required to assist in the preparation of such Christmas goodies. After the completion of said baking, you are more than welcome to consume to your heart's desire, and last but not least, share with all who enter our home."

That's it! My family thinks I'm crazy, but in a good-hearted way, and I usually never have to enforce "The Clause" because sharing in this holiday tradition is an anticipated event.

This year, the Christmas baking will be bigger than ever. With all the sales on flour, sugar, butter and chocolate chips, baking goodies for friends is a much more economical way to spread Christmas cheer. With the likes of fudge, chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, etc. we all have our favorites that we prepare, so I won't elaborate on recipes of the 'traditionals'. But I did find a new recipe for Peppermint Bark that I'll be trying out this year and wanted to share with you.

The ingredients and directions are simple, and the final product would be a beautifully delicious addition to any holiday food gift. Here' the recipe:

PEPPERMINT BARK

Ingredients:

nonstick cooking spray

12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (or chips)

1 1/2 lb white chocolate, chopped (do not use chips!)

1 package (7.5 oz) hard peppermint candies, unwrapped

Directions:

Spray a 10 by 15 in. rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Line with a piece of waxed paper, creasing the edges and corners to keep in place.

Crush candies. Use food processor, blender, or simply place candies in a resealable bag and crush into tiny pieces with a rolling pin (wrap a towel around bag before crushing so that candy doesn't pierce the bag). Separate tiny candy pieces from fine powder using a large sifter. Save the peppermint powder for a later time - stir it into a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy!

Place semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not into) a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to prepared pan and spread almost to the edges with a spatula. Refrigerate for about 5 min. or until firm.

Melt white chocolate using same method as above. Spread on top of chilled semisweet chocolate.

Sprinkle white chocolate with crushed peppermint candies. Chill until firm, about 20 to 30 min. (No longer than 30 min. as crushed candies will begin to soften!)

Peel waxed paper away from bark. Break into pieces about 2 in. in size.

Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Hope you enjoy this recipe. I would love to know about your family favorites!

ALSO THIS WEEK: Gift Guide for Teens

HOLIDAY DECORATING ON A BUDGET

There's nothing that I love more than a beautifully decorated home during the holidays. There's nothing that I hate more than spending a lot of money to do it!


Fortunately, there's a lot you can do with things you most likely have around your house already, or depending upon where you live, as close as your own backyard!




I happen to love candles. I love the enticing scents, the relaxing mood they create and the warm glow they emit. They can be incredibly expensive, though!




What I have done to save the expense is to create my own. I pulled an old, short flower vase out of my cabinet that I found and started setting aside the glass jars from things like pickles, mayonnaise, jelly, etc. from the refrigerator as we finished them.


Making sure the jars were completely cleaned out and dry, I was ready to add the candles. I used to have a lot of the tea lights that I had planned to use, but when I found the box, there was only one left. Determined to use only what I already had on hand, I found some old red taper candles that I cut into approximately 1 in. pieces. After the pieces have been cut, carefully take the tip of your knife and score a circle around the location of the candle wick to expose it. Light the candle to drip some wax into the bottom of the jar to hold the candle piece in place. Blow out the candle and place down into the jar into the dripped wax. Depending upon the size of your jar, this may or may not be easy! In my more narrow jars, I had to use tweezers to place my candle!


Finally, decorate your jars. Be creative with ribbons and bows, stencils, or whatever you have on hand. Just make sure that your embellishments stay away from the opening of the jar or your creation could become a fire hazard! Assemble one or two jars to sit around your home, or group several on your table to set the mood. Depending upon where in the country you are, you may have access to greenery from your own backyard to add around the bottom of your candle jars. Pine cones are a nice accent, too. Use your imagination!


The only thing missing when using taper candles is the scent. For me, part of the enjoyment of candles are the delicious aromas. So, heading back to my kitchen cabinets, I look for things like cinnamon (powder or sticks), clove, allspice, vanilla,(you get the idea), and from the refrigerator, oranges...orange peels have natural oils that smell wonderful! In a pot of water, simmer all of the ingredients, sit back, and enjoy all the wonderful smells drifting from your kitchen. And, as with anything else you might have going on the stove, you have to keep an eye on it! Check the water level often and add water as it evaporates.


Two very simple, inexpensive ideas to add holiday warmth to your home. And the best part is, no $$ spent to do it! What savvy ideas do you have to decorate your home for the holidays? Share them here!

TOMORROW - The Cookie Clause

THANK YOU CAMPBELLS!

I had previously mentioned in an earlier post that while visiting Walmart headquarters last October with my Walmart Communispace companions and the ElevenMoms, that we had the privilege of a visit to the Campbell's kitchen where we had met Chef Lee (now also the 'Swanson' guy on TV) and were treated to a beautiful dinner hosted by Campbells.

As if Campbells had not done enough for us already, over the weekend, I received two beautiful baskets from none other than Campbells.

One of the baskets was a tribute to "Green Bean Casserole". The 'basket' itself was actually a casserole dish with the actual recipe printed in the bottom - always right there where you need it! And of course, the beautiful dish was filled with all the fixin's to make a perfect everytime, Green Bean Casserole. Yummmm!

The other basket consisted of a really cute, retro-looking recipe card tin. My daughter went nuts looking through all the delicious dishes we anticipated making. Also, a Slow Cooker cookbook, great for winter meals, an adorable Campbells thermos, and of course, the much needed kitchen apron.

We had a wonderful time during our visit to Campbells. The staff on hand that evening met us at the door with warm welcomes and prepared the most beautiful meal for our enjoyment. They were so genuine in their enthusiasm of our arrival. It was truly an honor to have shared that evening with them.

Before our departure, I had to capture an image of their 'hall of fame'. I was intrigued and surprised to know of all of the other products that are also Campbells - it's not just soup! I urge you to visit Campbells online and check out all that is Campbells.

THIS WEEK'S GIFT GIVING IDEAS

A couple of months ago, I had the honor of traveling to Bentonville, AK, to visit Walmart headquarters. In the company of 4 of my fellow Walmart Smart Moms Connection members, and the Walmart ElevenMoms, we were treated to an insightful weekend jam-packed with activities and events that had us scheduled from the wee hours of the morning to way past my bedtime in the evenings!

Needless to say, the red carpet was rolled out for us, and among many other things, we were introduced to several products with which Walmart is affiliated, all of which we were able to try out first hand.

These items are great gift ideas for the holidays. The toys from Jakks Pacific have already been on the 'Hottest Toys for the Holidays" list and the Canopy product line is to die for! And as always, at affordable Walmart prices!

JAKKS PACIFIC

GIRL GOURMET CUPCAKE MAKER

Make cupcakes in only 30 seconds using the microwavable cupcake maker! Meanwhile, mix up the frosting for the dispenser and decorate with a perfect icing swirl! Includes 4 great flavors: Red Velvet, Chocolate, Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla.

I have 2 teenaged daughters who loved playing with the Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker. We served cupcakes for the whole family! We liked the idea that you make just one at a time. The directions were easy and the process from mix to final product was fast. Simple, easy, and fun for young girls. For ages 8 and up. Retail $24.88

JAKKS PACIFIC

EYECLOPS NIGHT VISION

STEALTH GOGGLES

Powered by REAL night vision technology, you rule the night! Vision up to 50 ft. in complete darkness, and invisible infrared illumination means you can see them but they can't see you!

These goggles really 'rocked' my house! With 2 boys who are both gamers, these goggles were like stepping into the real thing, not to mention bringing night-time paintballing to a whole new level! These are for kids and adults age 8 and up and retail for $68.88. The quality of this product is well worth the price!

CANOPY

Although Walmart started carrying this line last spring, I've just recently had the opportunity to try out some of their goods.

I have a set of towels, bathroom rug, shower curtain, sheets and comforter. The towels are quite luxurious, extra big and extra absorbant. Love how soft they are! A set for only about $20. Great value!

The bathroom rugs are incredibly soft as well, really nice to step onto after your morning shower. Treat yourself for only about $15. I love the shower curtains, they are crisp and give a 'spa-like' quality to your space for under $20.

My favorite, though have to be the sheets! 300 thread count, Cotton Sateen, very soft and comfortable, and best of all, a breeze to wash. $18.88 - $39.88

And last but not least, a Comforter worth snuggling up with! Again, Cotton Sateen, very soft and 'down-like'. Like sleeping in a cloud! $69.88 - $79.88

These are products that feel good, look great, and wear well. I will definitely be adding to my Canopy collection!

I have plenty more ideas for a wide range of budgets - stay tuned!

CHEF LEE AND SWANSON

While in Arkansas, we also had the privilige of a cooking demonstration by Chef Lee in the Campbells kitchen! (That's me in the black sweater!) Have you seen the Swanson Stock and Chicken Broth commercials lately? There's a lot to be creatively cooked with these products. I found a recipe yesterday that I wanted to share with you. It calls for bone-in chicken breast halves, but if I find any kind of chicken on sale, that's what I'll be using, and probably whatever vegetables I already have on hand. Seems like a very versatile recipe. Enjoy!

SWANSON PAN SAUTEED CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS

(as printed in the "Ladies Home Journal)

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 1 hr

Makes: 4 servings

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp paprika

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

4 bone-in chicken breast halves

2 tbsp olive oil

2 small red onions, cut into quarters

1 lb new potatoes, cut into quarters

8 oz fresh whole baby carrots (about 16), green tops trimmed to 1 inch

1 1/2 c Swanson Chicken Stock

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves

1. Heat the oven to 350 deg. Combine black pepper, paprika and flour. Coat the chicken with flour mixture.

2. Heat the oil in a 12 in. oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's well browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

3. Add the onions and potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 min. Add the carrots, stock, lemon juice and oregano and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet.

4. Bake at 350 deg.F for 20 min. Uncover the skillet and bake for 15 min. or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with the thyme.

Click here to learn more about Chef Lee.

Looking for some more recipe ideas from Swanson? Follow this link.

LATER: Holiday decorating ideas using items from around your home.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE CVS DEALS FOR THIS WEEK?

HERSHEY'S SPEND $20 & GET $10 EXTRA BUCKS (that's an easy one for me!)

Hershey's Bliss 2/$6
click here for coupon and they are 2/$5
use your clipped coupon (save $2.50 on two bags) and they are 2/$3.50
also
Hershey's kisses, miniatures, hugs or nuggets 2/$4

Powerade $1.59
it's like getting it for FREE with Extra Bucks reward of $1.59

REVLON buy one get one free

NEUTROGENA buy 1 get 1 50% off

These are just a few that interested me. For all the great deals, see the CVS Online Circular.

Want to try something really fun? Visit KingdomFirstMom and participate in her "CVS Challenge"! A great way to find out what others are doing to really stretch their dollars at CVS.

Happy Shopping!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays feel different this year. I know, for the obvious reasons, they are different. Unemployment is at a 34 yr. high, people are losing their homes, bankruptcies are being filed left and right, and basically, the economy has brought this country to its knees.

But aside from all the doom and gloom, it really does feel different. A gray cloud with a silver lining, if you will. I see Christmases of long ago reemerging into present day. Christmases that were once truly based on family and tradition, not just in words, but in actions. From the time when a gift was worth more because it was carefully chosen or thoughtfully made. When gatherings of family and friends were just that, not orchestrated events into which they seem to have evolved. I feel simpler times. Times when a beautifully decorated home included handmade snowflakes created by the children who live there, unlike the torrents of flashing lights and animated characters filling the yards of neighbors competing for the most attention that have replaced them.

I invite you this year to let go of the holiday pressures. Let go of any guilt you may harbor for not being able to spend more. It's not about the most elaborate decorations, the most beautifully set table or the fanciest of food to be served there. It's not about the number of gifts or how much they cost. It's about welcoming people we love into our homes and creating memories, carrying on traditions to be practiced for generations to come. These are things we can do, not things we have to buy. These things can be done anywhere, even in the most dire of circumstances, but connecting with others is what really warms the heart.

So set yourself free! Cut snowflakes with your kids, string popcorn for your tree, bake cookies for your neighbors and your children's teachers. Even if you only have a package of hamburger in your freezer and some buns in your pantry, invite some friends over, shovel a path to your grill and create some good times! Getting back to the basics can be good for us all.

This week I'll touch on some simple things to do around the home to put you in the holiday spirit! Please feel free to share with me any ideas that you have and we can all put our heads together and help create a more joyous holiday!

LOOKING AHEAD

So, dinner was great last night, Turkey Noodle Casserole - no leftovers! That's what I'm talkin' about. While we were 'feasting', I had a flashback of Mom's tuna noodle casserole - one of my childhood favorites. That's another economical recipe, adjust your noodles to macaroni style, replace a can of tuna for the turkey, and 'voila!', another delicious meal.

Did you by any chance copy the recipe? Just wanted to share with you a website that I recently came across that has really cute recipe cards to download for free. There are also matching shopping lists, to-do lists, and gift tags! So cute! They can be found at Original Country Clipart by Lisa. You'll have to drop by.

You can probably tell from my first post being about dinner, that food, among many other things, is a focus in my house. For the rest of my family, it's all about the 'what'. What do I have to look forward to for my next meal? For me, it's the 'how'. How am I going to serve something that the whole family will love for the least amount of money?

In the future, I'll have a lot to say about how I save on food! I am a 'Master Couponer' (is there such a word? don't think so, but it does describe me!), and believe me when I say that I have connections with those who really know the tricks of the trade - I'll elaborate on that later!

For now, though, I can't avoid the fact that the holidays are here. I'll still have dinner ideas along with where all the great bargains are, but also look for:

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
SAVVY CRAFT & DECORATING IDEAS
YUMMY HOLIDAY TREATS (and cute ways to give them!)
...and anything else 'Holiday'!

I will have a special post on Monday about how our family is adjusting to the economical issues facing many of us during the holidays this year. See you next week!

Thanks for stopping by :)

ONE LAST TURKEY HURRAH!

It doesn't seem like Thanksgiving was only a week ago! But here we are, the fall decorations barely put away, an evergreen wreath now hanging on my front door, and the Christmas shopping season in full swing. Even though Thanksgiving is in the past, there is still leftover turkey presently in my freezer! So, tonight for dinner, we will revisit that day of thanks with a little 'makeover'. Such will be my 'Ode to Turkey'. I found a yummy recipe that I've made some adjustments to so that it will go over well with my whole family.

What we really appreciated about Thanksgiving this year was the fact that meat was the main dish on the menu. We've (like a lot of other folks, I'm sure!) become more creative in how we make a pound of ground beef, or a package of chicken stretch into more than just one meal, so casseroles, skillets, and one-dish meals have become really popular and economical at my house! Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

TURKEY NOODLE CASSSEROLE

Preheat oven to 375 deg.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. cooked, cubed turkey

6 oz. egg noodles

1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed Cream of Mushroom soup

1/2 - 1 tsp. garlic powder (or to taste)

3 - 4 tbsp. parmesan cheese

3/4 c. milk

1/2 c. sour cream

salt and pepper to taste

1 small onion (grated or chopped)

1/2 c. peas (frozen or canned)

1 c. crushed plain potato chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Use nonstick spray to prepare a 2 qt. casserole dish.

2. Cook egg noodles, drain, and toss with 2 tbsp. butter or margarine. Set aside.

3. In a large saucepan, mix can of Cream of Mushroom soup, milk, sour cream,onion (I use grated because my kids hate the onion 'chunks' in their food!), garlic powder, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and peas. Cook over low heatstirring frequently for 15 min.

4. Add cooked, cubed turkey. Combine mixture with cooked egg noodles.

5. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top with crushed, plain potatochips.

6. Bake for about 25 min. or until heated through and bubbly.

WANT SOME HEALTHIER OPTIONS?

Try these substitutions:

Instead of Egg Noodles: "No Yolks" Egg White Noodles (made with egg whites - no cholesterol) or any brand of whole wheat or whole grain noodles
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use the lowfat or fat-free version
Parmesan cheese: Omit the cheese altogether, or use your favorite lite or fat-free version
Milk: Use skim milk, or for a creamier, healthier version, fat free evaporated milk (not condensed)
Sour Cream: Use light or fat free sour cream
Peas: Substitute or add any vegetable of your liking!
Crushed Potato Chips: Fat free and/or low-sodium crackers or dried bread crumbs