A Long Time Coming

Well, it has been a really long time since I have posted.  Since then I have really started to analyze my priorities and realized that at that point, the little amount of free time I had I wanted to spend with my husband.  I also went and considered shutting down this blog and creating a more "math teacherish" blog.  When I thought of that I was a little sad because my faith and being frugal are very important to me and I didn't want to leave them out.  My final decision has been to continue with this blog, but most definitely on the side and only for "kicks and giggles" and possibly for far away friends.  Just a warning: it might contain a bit more math than the average person cares for.

So many things have happened since I last wrote.  Family has come and gone.  My husband and I have gotten baptized (finally!- long story).  Lots of couponing over the summer, followed by practically no couponing now (Aldi's can fit better in my school schedule and still fits in the budget).  Creating a "new to me" amazing teacher wardrobe all from Goodwill (seriously I have nice wool pants from Banana Republic, Gap, Limited, and Express for just a few dollars!).  Creating a cleaning schedule (I used to have one before I was married, but somehow that went to the wayside after the ring went on the finger).  Going to games to support my students.  Reading and reading and reading lots and lots and lots of articles on teaching.  Freezing corn, strawberries, blueberries, and wild raspberries.

My hope is to write down specifics on these accomplishments for days when I feel discouraged.  Also, possibly I hope to possibly inspire some of you to try some new things or maybe try something again that didn't work for you in the past.  In high school I tried to go to Goodwill and I could never find anything.  However I have made out like a bandit this summer, and I am better dressed than I ever was before! 

I am looking forward to sharing more with you in the future!

Free Best Life Buttery Spread

I went to Meijer today and was able to pick up 6 FREE Best Life Buttery Spread.  I also picked up a cup of Skinny Cow icecream for $0.25!  Note: I only buy one newspaper a week, and I was able to accumulate 4 $1/1 coupons, plus 2 $1/1 printables.  For more details go here.

Menu Plan Monday: 6/21-6/27

It is the official beginning of summer!  It has definitely arrived where I live.  We have been enjoying the warm weather on the lake.  I have been settling in to the new summer routine (vs. hectic schoolyear) and have learned that even though I now have a lot of time to cook, I dread it.  I am definitely not a 1950's housewife. 

Being a problem solver, I figured I needed to solve this problem of the "angst" that I felt every night when I had worked hard all day and still had dinner hanging over my head at night.  Turning on the stove seems like the most awful thing to do when the house is heating up from the summer sun.  I have found three possible solutions:
1. Cold meals- not easy to find suitable with a meat/potatoes husband
2. Crockpot/Homemade microwaveable dinner: lots of possibilities
3. Freezer meals- my personal favorite:)

This week I am back to freezer cooking.  I am really looking forward to being able to just thaw something out and put it in the oven/microwave/crockpot/stove on any weeknight where I don't want to be "chained" to the kitchen.  I really like being free to help my husband in the evening, so easy "heat and eat meals" are perfect for me.  Here's my menu for the week:

Monday: Chicken, green pepper, mushroom BBQ kabobs (just brush BBQ sauce on the kabobs and grill until they are done)

Tuesday: Parmesan, Chicken, and Broccoli Noodles

Wednesday: Ground beef tacos

Thursday: Burgers on the grill

Friday: Chicken & Wild Rice Crockpot Casserole

Bonus Meals: Egg salad sandwiches/ cold meat sandwiches

**Freezer Meals**
Sausage Hash
Garlic Ranch Chicken
Pizza Calzones
Breaded Smothered Chicken

**Bible Study Snacks/Desserts**
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Fudgy Oreo Icecream Dessert - use homemade hot fudge recipe

For more menu ideas visit Organizing Junkie.