Take the Free Way to Entertain

There are lots of opportunities out there for all occasions to take a free or discounted way of doing something, yet so many get stuck in the same routine that they don't take advantage.  Something like sending out invitations via email (like evite) is fast, easy and very affordable.  Who says you have to have cute paper invitations that need to be mailed out?- Don't let your kids be the ruler!
Look for ways that cut costs that really don't matter.  Really think about it first, even those small costs because they all add up.

Having some friends over?  Think out of the box there.  You don't have to be predictable!  Go for something simpler rather than trying to impress, or better yet, do a pot luck.  There can even be a theme to make things more fun. This can save you time and money and everyone can even bring copies of their recipes to share.
Make the focus on the time together rather than what you're serving.  Distract your guests with something new and different- a game night, a movie, even making something together like carving pumpkins!  Better yet, get your guests involved in the preparation.  Have a make-your-own-calzone night.  Having the guests create will provide a fun activity, allow for any special tastes, surely make for some good laughs, and distract from a fancy meal you may typically make. 

Get those creative juices flowing!  There are tons of ideas out there.  Make them work for you.  Comment your own ideas and look for a "part 2" to this later.

Hunt and Gather

Don't know what's for dinner again?  I sure hope you've realized that there are plenty of options within your pantry and fridge on any given day.  Dinner doesn't have to be planned out to be balanced and fast.  Start with something that inspires you (or just a bag of pasta) and go from there.  A can of tuna, parmesan and butter, some peas... I've got almost all the food groups!  Hey, you know you don't even have to have meat in every meal.
Some of you may be saying to yourself that you practically live this way.  Dinner wouldn't be on the table half the time if you didn't already do this, but for those that set such high standards for yourself that you can't even keep up with them yourself and end up getting take out, STOP!  Try the 'hunt and gather' method and dinner can happen.

Saving more at Target stores

So many people swear by Target stores, loving them for so many different reasons. Prices of course being a lead contender in why Target has so many fans. Target has some hidden gems that you may be able to take advantage of.
Target's policy on bags- Bring your own reusable bags to Target next time and earn 5 cents automatically. Those nickels add up with all those trips to Target.
Target's coupon policy- Did you know that you can double up on coupons? You can use a manufacturer's coupon AND a Target coupon for the same item at the same time. Double the savings!
Target coupons- Though you can occasionally find Target coupons in the coupon section of the paper as well as in mailings, you can also find some on their website to print out. Go to "coupons" under "see more" on the main page of their website for a long list of coupons you can print easily from home. This includes food items, clothing, healthy and beauty, and practically everything else! They change them often, so check back regularly. Some of these are from Target and some are manufacturer's. Only downside is that you can't tell which it is before printing.

Target Free Days- Target has chosen to partner up with numerous events and places in Orange County (and many more areas) to provide free or discounted admission to things like the La Habra Children's Museum and the Orange County Museum of Art. This helps families participate in more cultural and arts events. Check their site for more information.
Daily Deals- Again found in the "see more" section from the main page. Choose "daily deals" for a special deal on an item each day.
Target provides many opportunities for deals, but now you're armed with more saving power.

O.C. Great Park Irvine

The city of Irvine may have boasted newer buildings and homes for years now, but the plans for the "Great Park" may actually excite you. Many have heard of this new park, but waiting for it to be completed before visiting would be a mistake. Though it may not contain some of the more traditional attributes of what a park is to most, it does have some special things that set it apart from the rest, even in its early stages. Taking a visit to this park will allow you to circle until you're dizzy, as well as soar to very new heights. For example, visit on a Thursday- Sunday, and with a simple waiver, you can take as many rides on the carousel as you please, and also ride the Great Park Ballon all for free! Hours for the balloon and carousel are:
Great Park Carousel
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Great Park Balloon
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Within the area of the carousel and ballon are also the "Kids Rock" play area. Good for small children, but not as impressive as you may expect. An "environmentally conscious" space for kids, this area has rocks to climb, two small slides, and cave-like areas to play in. Some may not enjoy the pretend snake in one of the caves however, as we discovered recently with a visit there with our two-year-old.

Another option at the Great Park that many don't realize is their community events they offer. From movie nights to safety expos, from garden workshops to guitar lessons, and star gazing to a farmers market, they really have something for everyone. (Some costs may be involved in these events.) Very environmentally aware with sustainability goals for everyone, this park takes its responsibility of being a part of the community very seriously. Check out the events page (link above) and see what the park has to offer your family. Experience, and then come back and share with us. Leave your comments at the bottom of this article.
Considering all this park promises for the future, there will certainly be many more areas to discover. Check out the plans for the Great Park's future. And of course, visit! This very family-friendly place is free, and will provide a new learning experience and family adventure.
There is not yet a formal address for the Great Park. Check out this link to find directions, hours, and more information.

Mexican Chicken Shells

A new recipe I recently tried led to an addition to my go-to list.  Though I did a few adaptations to the original, it seems to be plenty adaptable, and I encourage you to suit it to your tastes. 
Here's my milder adaptation from Taste of Home's Contest Winning Annual Recipes 2006
1 package (8oz) Large shell pasta
2 C cubed cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 C shredded zucchini (optional)~ a great way to hide more veggies!
1 C sour cream
1 can (4 oz) chopped tomatoes with green chiles
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 C salsa
2/3 C milk
First cook the shell pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, all cheese, zucchini, sour cream, and about 6 T. of the tomatoes with chilies.  In another bowl, combine soup, salsa, milk and remaining chilies.  Spread 1/2 C in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. 
Drain shell pasta; proceed by stuffing pasta (full) with chicken mixture.  Arrange over sauce in baking dish.  Pour remaining sauce over shells.
Lastly, cover and bake at 350 deg. for 40 minutes.  If desired, uncover and sprinkle with more cheese, then bake longer to melt cheese.  Pretty, but not necessary.
Can be prepared ahead and baked the next day.  May need bake time adjusted if coming straight from refrigeration.   Enjoy!

Turn on the Cold

Freeze up those veggies before they go bad!  Keeping an eye on veggies in the fridge before they turn on you can not only save you money, but help you provide prepared vegetables to add to all kinds of dishes.  I've recently blogged about preparing veggies ahead of time, but that can include simple prep work and freezing as well if they still aren't suiting your week's recipe plans.  During the summer, we had an overabundance of zucchini just from my parents small garden.  I ended up shredding much of it and freezing it, not having any plan for what it was going to become in the future.  But I've found that adding that zucchini makes things more flavorful and moist, without even a hint of zucchini flavor itself!  So those with very particular "no green foods by choice" diets (hopefully not your kids) won't even suspect.  I added it to soups, a great Mexican manicotti recipe I tried out, and- my new favorite success, to some meatballs!  They added some perfect moisture to the meat without weighing them down with too much "other stuff"- still leaving it flavored only by the beef. 
So do, plan ahead, prep in advance too, but don't let those veggies beat you.  Get 'em before it's too late.

Ronald McDonald House Charity Walk

Last year in April, I did my first 'walk' for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.  Our 3.2 mi. (5k) walk was easy with my walking buddy to chat the whole way with.  (After all I've been practicing).   There were booths giving out free samples of food, drinks, and more.  Definately on the 'to do' list for next year too.  So glad to help raise funds for such an amazing charity and be motivated to go for more walks too. 
I encourage you to support this cause through this link.  If nothing else, may it inspire you to do something new for a cause that matters to you.
http://www.walkforkids.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=446300&lis=1&kntae446300=9BB651F3235344E2A3BE25242D8DF325&supId=319658908

Just a Couple Tips

Mailing help:
Need a cheap packing filler?  Try plain popped popcorn.  Cheap and easy, always on demand if you keep those plain kernels in your cupboard. Just don't use the butter kind from microwave types.

Beans:
Cook your own!  Ever compared the price of a can of beans to the dry packages?  Oh there's a difference all right, and then you also realize the dry ones have SO much more in the package too!  Follow the directions on the package, soak and cook while you do other things, put some in the fridge for dinner later in the week, and freeze the rest!

Car wash:
Spending bucks at the car wash?  Get out there and wash the car yourself1  Think it takes fancy (and costly) soap to do the job?  Think again.  Use a little dish detergent and you'll be all suds in no time, with great grease fighting power for mere pennies!

More From Last Time- Prepping Those Veggies!

To Do List:
(you decide how much depending on your family size)
~Peel and slice a bunch  of carrots for snacking and lunches
~Peel and slice on bias (diagonal cut) a few carrots to add to this week's stir fry, sweet and sour meatballs, etc
~Clean then grate a zuchini to add to all kinds of meals this week.  I threw in at least half a cup of grated zuchini into a casserole last week and forgot it was even there!  This can also be frozen.
~ Slice up a couple clean red bell peppers for a handy snack.  Add the remaining slices to fajitas.
~ Clean and slice celery sticks
~ Chop up some celery stalks (with tops) for adding to casseroles, stir fry, soups...

Spend a little time, perhaps on the weekend preparing some basic veggies and you find it is much easier to add in healthy vegetables in your recipes for weeknight meals.
These are just a few basic ideas.  Message me for veggies you can't live without having around and how you get them ready.

Prepare Those Veggies Ahead

Having trouble finding the time and enthusiasm to add in more veggies at dinner?  Decide what's really stopping you.  Is it the time of prep work?  Is it not knowing how to prepare them?  Is it that you think the kids won't like them?  Decide and conquer.  Your kids will get used to seeing more veggies at the dinner table, and setting a couple expectations isn't too much to ask.  Have them at least try one etc.  -eventually they'll be second nature- especially the younger you start them on veggies in the first place!  Do it because you know its good for the whole family.
If you feel that you don't know how to prepare a certain vegetable, you've got options!  Message me and I'll answer, check out my other veggie blogs, and search on the Internet.  Not to mention those cookbooks you may already have.
Prep work got you down after work?  Do the prepping ahead!  I've been in that boat.  I get lazy too and decide to skip the carrots just because I don't feel like peeling and cutting them.  If you prepare veggies when you DO have time- make a block of time on the weekends for dinner prep- then they'll be SO much easier to grab and add.  You'll get the most out of this if you're also doing your meal planning ahead of time.  Then you'll know what prep work you need for the recipes.  If nothing else though, you'll be preparing veggies for easier consumption including snacks and for packing lunches!

We'll talk soon about some vegetable options and how to have them ready to add in to any recipe.

A Better Tuna Salad

Have you got the word? Tuna (healthy) Salad (healthy) is NOT so healthy! With those gobs of calorie-packed mayo , you're left with one UNhealthy meal. Try this version for a flavorful alternative-


Inpired by the recipe from the article on Men'sHealth about foods we SHOULD be eating. http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/essential_power_foods/Power_Food_Celery.php

A Better Tuna Salad
1 Can tuna
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 finely chopped apple
1 T mayo- try a healthier version like fat-free or made with olive oil!
Dash of pepper
2 T sunflower kernels- optional
Celery stalks cut in half or thirds
Now mix everything up except the celery and spoon onto the celery- Enjoy!
I also like this salad with chunks of cucumber right out of the bowl.

Use What You Have- Really

Ever heard someone suggest you use up what you already have? And think they were crazy, as if you don't already do that? If you still think that's crazy, I'd guess you haven't tried it. I too thought that was a strange idea when I first heard it- "Of course I use the food I've already bought!", I thought, almost insulted. But I've since tried it and consider it worth doing, especially on a tight budget week. Make the decision to plan meals around the items you have in your freezer, pantry, and fridge- not only to help things not go to waste, but to cut down on the week's grocery bill. Go on a scavanger hunt in your own kitchen, and start creating a new dish around that can of garbanzo beans you find. Plan to only buy absolute necessities at the grocery store if you go at all. Sometimes I get stuck on taking out some meat and planning around it. But be inspired by something different or at least try adapting a recipe. You don't always need every ingredient exactly as stated to have a successful dish. To cook for your family most days takes dedication, some time, and creativity. Your family shouldn't expect a perfect 3 course meal each evening. Get them involved in being creative with ingredients with you, and they won't be as picky with less-than-perfect meals. Vow to use (or at least plan around) what you already have for a week, and you'll save money, feel good about utilizing your own resources, and maybe stumble upon -or create-something awesome. 

Please Tell Me You're A Regular Roaster...

If you don't often roast vegetables, then you are surely missing out in my opinion. Roasting seems to bring out the natural sweetness in carrots, a great nutty flavor in broccoli, and tones down that "raw" taste that some don't like. Though eating raw veggies has great health benefits that any type of cooking can take away, it may not be reasonable for you to serve vegetables in a raw form every day. We all enjoy variety, and roasting is a very easy cooking method that requires few ingredients or work. If you live in a colder climate, it may be very welcome to turn on your oven often, but if not, you can also use the bbq. I decided to roast some veggies last night, for instance, because I was using the oven already. Living in sunny Southern CA with summer on its way, I will probably need to switch to the bbq soon.


Roasting vegetables is very easy and practically fool proof. Throw them on a pan, then into the oven, and call them done when you're finished making the rest of dinner- OR be more deliberate~ Caress the veggies in olive oil, sprinkling delicately with salt, and perhaps some herbs, and place them into the pre-heated oven at exactly some degrees for exactly some time. Either way, I think you'll have success. Really, I've roasted on various temperatures, and usually don't set the timer. My family and I like when they get a little brown, but you may like them slightly less done. Whatever your liking, I'd certainly recommend you try roasting your favorite veggies for a really easy, healthy side to any meal.

Good veggies for roasting:

Root vegetables work best~
Carrots
Broccoli -(I cut in pieces beforehand)
Potato chunks
Sweet Potato chunks
Onions
Asparagus
Zucchini
Cauliflower
Squash
and more!

Ok so some real tips if you really are new to roasting, use a pan with a rim, don't over crowd- do one layer. Toss them around at least half-way through cooking, and I've heard that using oil will cut down the cooking time some. Be careful to have similar sized pieces as your veggies may require different cooking times. And your roasting will probably take at least 30 minutes and expect to use a high temperature (like 400) for best (quicker) results. If your chicken dinner requires 350, then by all means don't burn your chicken for sake of roasting, just plan to roast for longer.

Double Up On the Oven

(from an earlier post date)
As I put some pineapple chicken into the oven at 9:20 this morning, I realized what I wanted to share with you today. In my sometimes obsessive desire to conserve energy (money), I have thought many times about what else I could bake or cook in the oven when I knew I'd have it on for something else. Even if I didn't want to do them at the very same time, the oven would already be very hot and ready to go as soon as I was. So as I baked my scones (no, not typical-my first time!), I put together the very fast and easy recipe I've posted before- pineapple chicken. Then as soon as the scones were done, I put in the chicken. Now you may be wondering why making dinner at 9:30 a.m. is something to consider. Well, I'm actually making this dish for the freezer, intended for a couple meals down the road on a frantic night of "what's for dinner". Spending time when I have a little extra, can save us from ending up going out for dinner and spending money again. Sometimes on Saturdays or free evenings, I make something that can be put in the freezer for later use. Even if that's just putting some wild rice in the rice cooker- I end up eating that for lunch with a couple things from the fridge relatively often.


So lastly, coming back to oven-talk again, I also choose times when the weather is cooler. Again the evenings and early morning unless its winter. It's amazing that I can even think to turn the oven on the last day of July here in Orange County, CA, but as this summer is so blissfully cool and there is a lovely breeze right now, it isn't a problem. Using the warmth of the oven on those cool nights can help warm the house as well as the belly. I often partially open up the oven when the cooking is done (and its off) to help all that leftover heat come into the house.

Be strategic about your timing and make use of things in more than one way. Now off I go to pack up my scones.

B.Y.O.D

Bring your own drink.  Simple as that.  You could be saving big bucks if you added them up by preparing your own coffee in the morning to bring along with you, or preparing at work; by having bottles of water available at work for days you run out or forget; and by preparing yourself your drink of choice during the day.  By bringing your gatorade, soda, crystal light, or chocolate milk (etc.) and NOT allowing trips to the vending machine, trips inside a liquor store, or a fast-food place for your favorite thirst-quencher, you can really save money.  Being able to purchase these drinks on sale at a store that doesn't regularly mark up 10x for convenience, you can control the budget of your drinks as well as control what you consume regularly.  i.e.- don't allow sodas as a regular all-day drink.  If this is an area you usually loose the battle on, then challenge yourself to improve, and soon it will become a habit.  Not only will it help your wallet, but it can help you make healthier choices too.  If you're actively trying to loose weight, be sure you aren't drinking your calories!

Join the Club

Have you joined the mailing list or email club of your favorite stores yet?  Sure you may think you can't stand yet another email or piece of junk mail, BUT would it really be junk if they were offering you discounts and coupons you know you could use?  It just might be worth a moment to think of where you'd love a coupon for now and then, go to their website, and see what they have to offer.  You won't know until you try! 

Target Hot Deals

Did you know? The Target website has coupons to print out right off their site. Go to their website www.Target.com then go over to the right side and click "see more". You'll find a big list of many other things, one being 'coupons'. Click on 'coupons' and you'll find pages of coupons with 6 each page just waiting to be printed. Just click on the ones you'd like to print. Then you can print the coupons and it will do 3 to a page.  Choose an economical/fast print method on your printer and you can save some ink too.  You may have to install a plug-in the first time, but that's very quick. You can also find their coupon policy on the coupon page, which I've mentioned before- they will accept one Target coupon AND one manufacturers coupon ALSO for the same item, as long as one doesn't prohibit it.


Enjoy saving money and happy shopping at Target!

Take Note

Do you have some favorite recipes?  Ever made a modification to a recipe?  Ever want to remember to never make something again?  If you cook much at all, you're probably saying yes to at least one of these.  Seeing my mom make notes in her recipe books all my life has made me think it was natural and to do so myself.  Others looked wide-eyed at me when they saw that I wrote in a book, but why not?  It's my book, and why shouldn't I take down my notes.  I'd love to know that this indeed was the recipe I tried about a year ago and we all loved... or that I should add only a teaspoon of salt instead of a tablespoon like the recipe originally suggests.  Cooking is an art and though the final product can look slightly different each time, there's no reason to make the same mistakes, or to forget good adjustments.
Happy cooking (and note-taking)!

The Internet Can Save You Money

As most of us have figured out by now, there are countless ways that the Internet is able to save us money.  One way I wanted to remind you of today is forms and statements.  If you need some kind of bank statement for instance, see if you'd be able to simply download it from your Online banking options.  Not too sure about it?  At least try asking!  If you find yourself being told there will be a fee for what you want, try asking if there's a way to get it from the Internet.  As they say, it never hurts to ask.  It IS worth a try.  Don't add to your debt by wasting it on bank fees.

Veggies In the Gravy

Ok, so I have no idea to what degree I'm inventing this.  It could be so over-done and I'm behind.  Quite possible in fact since this was actually my first attempt at making gravy.  But since its different from what my recipe said, and its only adding good things- including flavor, I thought I'd share the idea in case its new to you too. 
While roasting an extra turkey today from the plentiful turkeys on sale at Thanksgiving, I threw in some carrot and celery pieces as mentioned in my turkey roasting recipe.  Nothing new there.  But, instead of straining the gravy and trying to push a bit of veggie through, I took out the veggie pieces with a little gravy for liquid and took my immersion blender to them! Then I had tiny veggie chunks which I added back into my gravy for flavor.  Got to say, tastes Great to me!
Why waste good vegetables and throw them out?

Believe It Can Be and Make It Happen

Like Pastor Rick Warren said today- 'If you believe you can do it, you can.  If you believe you'll fail, then you will.  If you think you'll stay in debt forever then you will.'  -- Almost a quote.  If you think you'll [fill in the blank] forever or never be able to [fill in the blank], then you're right!  Those that doubt will always find excuses and reasons why they will fail.  Those that believe it can happen work towards that goal, don't let problems stop them, and finally achieve.  Both will encounter 'bumps' in the road, but both react to them very differently. 
So what are you going to do with this information?  Play it off as some rambling or "preaching", then I already know what your outcome will be-(and I don't want to join you).  Give this some real thought and go for what you really want, and I believe you will have amazing results.  Perspective is an amazing tool.
Thanks for the great pep talk today Pastor Rick!