Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Couponing 101

I know it's a little crazy that I have blogged this much in a week! I guess that what happens when you can't do much but rest... ha ha! We will know more about this babe tomorrow and go from there=)


something's that I've gotten with coupons!
 
 Won't be buying laundry soap for awhile!
 
WARNING: YOU WILL BECOME ADDICTIVE;)

Alright let's get started! How many of you have ever watched the TLC show "extreme Couponing"? Isn't that just amazing!!!! I love that show. Now let me explain that I am just beginning and still learning the tricks and tips but so far it's going great! And this post is basically just sharing what all I have learned from a good friend, Mindy, or what I've just come across online. You also need to understand that you can't be picky with the product if it saves you money. For example if you only like to use only Crest Pro Health toothpaste. Well there's not always going to be just that kind of tooth paste on sale and with a coupon. You will have to widen your Brands. But if its super cheap and it saves you  money then why not?????

So first and foremost you need some coupons.
Where do you get coupons? They are many options out there.
Sunday papers: I buy the double stack, the Desert News and Salt Lake Tribune for $3.00. Right now I found that you can sign up for the Sunday paper for just $20!-you only get either or but I'm sure you could get both for $40. A freaking deal considering if you were to buy the two papers for $3.00 for 52 weeks, that's $156. But before going out and paying $40, I think first just try to see if you even enjoying couponing first.
The coupon inserts that come in the paper are called SmartSource. Coupon lingo is SS.

Weekly Mailer: These coupon inserts come in the mail weekly. These are called Redplum. Coupon lingo is RP.

Printing coupons online: When you find a coupon that you like print it immediately!!!! Sometimes they are only there for like 24 hours and you have a hard time finding it again. This has happened to me many times and I think I've finally learned=) Some of the sites you do have to sign up with an email to print, but that's not a big deal.
Some of my favorites that I have found are:
https://www.hopster.com/ -This one you will have to play around and unlock the coupons: not hard and takes like 10 seconds.

http://www.coupons.com/

http://www.redplum.com

http://m.smartsource.com/default

https://www.brandsaver.ca/en_ca/coupons/

http://www.pgeveryday.com/tag/coupon

I think most of these have a limit on how many of the same coupon you can print in one day or at all.
There's also websites that you can order just a specific coupon or you can order just the inserts and not have to buy the newspapers. Not sure what they are called but just Google it.

Now that you have some coupons... What method is the best to stay organized? I first started with keeping them in separate envelops but that was overwhelming! So switched to a binder  with separators and baseball card inserts.

Labeled separators: This is so you can find your coupons fast. I just have the basics but since I'm getting so many coupons I need more categories! Like for example I have a section for personal hygiene but I have so many razors and deodorant now that I need to have a sub category for each.

Baseball card inserts! Find these in the office/school supply section at Wal-Mart.



Okay now the Apps that I'm currently using.



Grocery IQ: Coupons! You can actually print these coupons off of your iphone or ipad!

Favado: Shows you what stores have what on sale and if there's a coupon you can use too.

Weekly ads: Shows the stores ads and has coupons too.

Grocery smarts: Shows the stores, whats on sale and what coupon to use.

Shopular: Shows the stores and they sales/deals they are having.

Retail Me Not: Shows the stores and coupons for that store.


Cartwheel-deals for Target: get additional % off for those items.

Websites that I follow! A lot of times these websites will tell you what's on sale at what store and then what coupon to use to get the lowest and best price. Some of these also have like a how to start couponing sections THAT I SUGGEST YOU READ!
I suggest just going to these websites and playing around and seeing what you can find and like.
http://www.pricematchwithrachel.com- This lady does price match at Walmart for all the counties in Utah!

http://savvyshopperdeals.com

http://savvyshopperdeals.com/grocery-deals/

http://thewallyworldwoman.com

http://thekrazycouponlady.com

http://www.krogerkrazy.com- Will send you an email telling you about the best deals.

http://freebies2deals.com-Will send you an email everyday telling you about the best deals.

http://www.coupons4utah.com- Will send you an email everyday telling you about the best deals.

http://www.couponmom.com- Will send you an email telling you about the best deals.

People I follow on Facebook that post the best deals:
Couponing to be Debt Free
Penny Pitchin' Mom
Money Saving Mom
HotCouponWorld
The Krazy Coupon Lady
Pocket You Dollars
Queen Bee Coupons & Savings
Kroger Krazy
Freebies 2 Deals

If you live in Utah County: On Tuesdays or Wednesdays Wal-Mart will double coupons up to a $1.00 value! I've heard though that some stores aren't doing this anymore so make sure to ask the store manager! I haven't done this yet since I don't live in that county but I'm thinking about going down once a month to do this!
$0.25 coupon = $0.50$0.50 coupon = $1.00
$0.75 coupon = $1.00
$1.00 coupon = $1.00 NO DOUBLE
This site will help you out! http://freebies2deals.com/2014/01/utah-county-walmart-double-coupon-wednesday-january-22nd.html

Tips: It never hurts to ask! A Kroger/Smiths was having a sale on their wipes but mine wasn't advertising it so I asked, showed them a picture and they gave it to me.
Have a copy of the stores coupons policy.
Make sure you have a stores rewards cards or you won't get the best deals! (Kroger/Smiths).
Take it slow and don't get discouraged!

Coupon lingo from the Krazy Coupon Lady:
$1.00/1, $2.00/1, etc: One dollar off one product, two dollars off one product, etc.
$1.00/2, $2.00/2, etc: One dollar off two products, two dollars off two products, etc. You must buy 2 items to receive any savings; you cannot redeem the coupon on one product for half the value.
Balance Rewards: The Balance Rewards program is Walgreens’ new (September 2012)  reward program.  Earn points when making qualifying purchases and then redeem them as a Walgreens gift card.  This program seems to be taking the place of the Register Reward program.
BOGO: Buy one, get one.  Will usually end with “free” or “half off” meaning buy one, get one half off, or buy one get one free.
B1G1, B2G1: Another way to write ‘buy one, get one’.  The “B” stands for “buy”, the G stands for “get”.  The numbers indicate how many of a product you must buy to qualify and the number of products you get when you redeem the coupon or offer.  B1G1= Buy one, get one.  B2G1= Buy two, get one B2G2= Buy two, get two
Blinkie: Manufacturer coupons dispensed by coupon machines found in grocery aisles next to products.  Recognize them by the blinking red light.  Dispenses coupons one at a time in intervals.  Manufacturer blinkie coupons may be redeemed at any store, not necessarily the store in which you found them.
Catalina: Sometimes abbreviated as “CAT”, Catalina coupon machines located at register, dispense long receipt-like coupons that may be used on a future purpchase.  Catalinas, refer to the coupons themselves which may be manufacturer or store coupons.  Some Catalina coupons are advertised and some are generated based on consumer behavior.
Coupon Insert: Coupon circulars inserted into Sunday newspapers amongst the other advertisements.  Smart Source (SS), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor and Gamble (PG) put out coupon inserts, sometimes just called “inserts”. Coupon inserts are a valuable money-saving tool and The Krazy Coupon Lady recommends buying multiple Sunday newspapers in order to have enough coupons to create a stockpile.
Coupon: a note from a store or manufacturer that entitles shopper to a discount on specific product.  Coupons may be clipped form the newspaper, printed from the internet or even downloaded to your store loyalty card.

Couponing:
[koo-pon-ing, Kyoo-] (v.) the practice of redeeming discount coupons in order to save money.
Couponer: [koo-pon-er, kyoo-] (n.) A person who collects and saves coupons to redeem them on products, such as groceries.
CRT:  Cash Register Tape. Usually used when talking about CVS pharmacy, CRTs print at the bottom of your receipt and are generated based on your purchasing history (seemingly random).  CRTs are specific to the store where they were printed.  They are usually product specific coupons, example: $1.00 off any deodorant purchase.
Double Coupons: Select stores always double coupons up to a certain value, usually $0.50.  If your store doubles coupons up to $0.50 off, any coupon $0.50 or under will be doubled in value.  Coupons $0.51 or greater will be worth face value, no doubling.  You do not need to present two coupons for one item.  Each coupon will be worth twice the value.  Other stores may double coupons on a particular week day, usually a slower day like Tuesday.  Other stores may offer physical store ‘twice-the-value’ coupons.  Even other stores may feature double coupons on a special promo week basis and will advertise this in their weekly ad.
ECB:  Extra Care Buck CVS pharmacy program; now renamed Extra Bucks.
eCoupons: Electronic coupons may be downloaded onto your store loyalty card or cell phone.  Download from your PC or go mobile and download to your loyalty card through your cell phone.  Grocery coupons must be downloaded to your loyalty card and will be deducted automatically when you swipe your card at checkout.  E-coupons may be downloaded to your cell-phone for other retail items such as movie rentals.  Download a coupon using the mobile ap and show your discount code to your cashier. 
Extra Bucks: CVS rewards program, formerly called ECBs.  Extra Bucks print according to the store’s weekly or monthly advertised deals. When you make a qualifying purchase, you receive the coordinating Extra Bucks value as advertised. Extra Bucks are similar to catalinas or register rewards, but they print directly onto the bottom of your receipt.
EXP: Expires or Expiration Date
Handling Fee: Refers to an amount, usually $0.08, paid by the manufacturer to reimburse the store for the trouble of accepting a coupon.  The handling fee is usually used to pay a clearing house to sort, organize and bill the manufacturer.  If a store chose to sort its own coupons, they will keep the handling fee.
IVC: Instant Value Coupon.  IVCs are store coupons found in the weekly Walgreens ad.  IVCs may be stacked with a manufacturer coupon.
KCL: Krazy Coupon Lady, refers to TheKrazyCouponLady.com
Krazy: Intensely enthusiastic about or preoccupied with saving money by using coupons.
MIR: Mail in Rebate, refers to rebates which must be submitted by mail.  These are the traditional rebates that require you to mail in both your receipt and proof of purchase in the form of UPC barcodes.

Manufacturer:
The company who produces the brand items:  Dove soap manufacturer, Pace Salsa manufacturer, etc.
MFR: Manufacturer abreviation.
Manufacturer Coupon: A coupon created by the manufacturer, or by a marketing company on the manufacturer’s behalf.  Manufacturer offers a discount to shoppers in order to entice them to buy their product.  When a coupon is redeemed the manufacturer reimburses the store for the entire value of the coupon, plus a handling fee, aprox $0.08.
OOP: Out-of-Pocket; refers to the amount of money you will pay a store to make your purchase.  Does not include and after-purchase savings, coupons or rebates.
OYNO: On Your Next Order.  Store promos such as Spend $25, save $10 on your next shopping order.  OYNO refers to savings that you will not see on your first transaction, but that may be applied to your next purchase.  Most OYNO coupons have no minimum purchase.  If you spend $25 and receive a coupon worth $10 off your next order, there is no minimum purchase on that next order.  If you spend and value over $10, you may redeem your coupon.  If you spend under $10, you may use your coupon, but will forfeit the difference.
One Coupon per Customer: Limits you to only using one “like” coupon per customer or person, per shopping trip.
One Coupon per Day: Limits you to only using one “like” coupon in a 24 hour period.
One Coupon per Purchase:  Refers to your ability to use one coupon per item.  Meant to enforce the point that you may not use two of the exact same coupon for one item.
One Coupon per Shopping Trip: Limits you to only using one “like” coupon per shopping trip.  If you change locations, then it’s a new shopping trip and you can you another “like” coupon.
One Coupon per Transaction: Limits you to only using one of this coupon per transaction.  You may request to do separate transactions.  Example:  If you have 5 coupons that read “one coupon per transaction” you may request to separate into 5 transactions and pay 5 times.
Peelie:  Adhesive manufacturer coupons found on products in the store.  Peelies are often good on a wider selection of products than the one it is stuck to.  Be sure to read the fine print on the peelie to discover if the coupon may be used on a smaller size or different variety of the same product, to allow you to maximize savings.
P&G: Proctor and Gamble manufacture a wide range of consumer goods and are one of the largest corporations in the world.  Proctor and Gamble puts out monthly coupon inserts filled with coupons for a variety of Proctor and Gamble produced brands, just a few of which include: Always, Bounty, Crest, Dawn, Gillette, Olay, Pampers and Tide.
PSA: Prices starting at; when a group of items are on sale, such as Fiber One products 25% off.  We might write “PSA $2.09″ and list a group of Fiber One coupons.  This means that the cheapest Fiber One product is $2.09 and prices go up from there.
Purchase: a purchase refers to buying any item.  If I buy 30 items on a single shopping trip, I just made 30 purchases.
Purchase-Based Coupon: Purchase-Based coupons specify a dollar amount off a minimum dollar future purchase.  Some common values:  $2 off $10, $3 off $15, $4 off $20.  Purchase based coupons may be used in addition to store and manufacturer coupons.
Raincheck: A Rain Check is a written slip that you can request from a store when a sale item is out of stock.  When the store restocks the item, after the sale period is over, a rain check entitles you to purchase for the previous sale price.  Store may include an expiration date as well as a quantity limit on your rain check.  Rain checks are usually issued at the customer service desk.
Rebate:  A rebate is a refund of part or all of the amount paid.  KCL refers to rebates as programs that offer you cash back for making a qualified purchase.  Rebates are sponsored by a store or a manufacturer.  Either clip and mail UPC barcodes or enter receipt proof of purchase online, then wait for your rebate check in the mail.
RR: Register Rewards.  Walgreens drugstore rewards program, and version of the catalina coupon.  Look for the same machines located at register, dispensing long receipt-like coupons that may be used on a future purchase.  RRs cannot be ‘rolled’ like catalinas.
Rolling Catalinas: refers to the practice of separating your purchase into multiple transactions in order to use register catalina coupons from your first transaction to pay for your second transaction.  Another catalina prints from the 2nd transaction that pays for the 3rd transaction and so on.
RP: Red Plum.  Formerly known as Vallasis, Red Plum coupon inserts and website feature coupons from a variety of manufacturers.  Red Plum is part of Valassis Interactiv.
SCR:  Single Check Rebate, Rite Aid Drugstore monthly rebate program.  Each  month pick up your rebate booklet to see hundreds of dollars in possible rebate savings.  Shop with coupons, save your receipts and enter quick information online.  The SCR system stores all your rebates and totals them each month.  Request your monthly check be mailed to you and cash it like any other check!  No clipping barcodes or UPCs, no mailing or stamping an envelope.
SS: Smart Source. A marketing company, like RP, Smart Source coupon inserts and website feature coupons from a variety of manufacturers.  Smart Source is part of News America Marketing Co.  Smart Source coupon inserts can be found in most Sunday papers.
Stacking: Stacking may refer to using any two promotions together.  When a coupon coincides with a promotion, we say “stack the coupon with the sale or promotion”.
Stacking Coupons:  Stacking coupons refers to using both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on one product.  Nearly all stores will allow you to “stack”.  Only one manufacturer coupon may be used per item.
Stockpile (v.):  to buy many items at a time in order to build your stockpile.
Stockpile (n.):  a food storage or stash of food and non-food items.  Stockpiling is a key principle to The Krazy Coupon Lady methods.  Buy items when they’re on sale and you have a coupon.  Buy products before you need them and build up a stockpile of food and toiletries.  When you run out of an item shop from your stockpile.
Store Coupon:  A coupon created by the store to entice you to buy a certain product at their store.  Stores receive no reimbursement from store coupons.  Store coupons may be found in the weekly ad, printed online or downloaded as e-coupons.
Store Loyalty Card:  A free card which you present at checkout to receive additional savings.  Fill out a short application to receive a loyalty card at your local grocer.  If you don’t want to carry the card, the cashier can look up your preferred card by entering your ten digit phone number.
Transaction: a transaction refers to your entire purchase, especially the payment you make for that purchase.  If I buy 30 items and then pay the cashier, I just made one transaction.
Tear Pad:  A pad of manufacturer coupons found near product on shopping aisles.  Tear pad manufacturer coupons may be used at any store, not just the one where you found the coupon.
WAGS: Abbreviation for Walgreens Drugstore
UPC: Universal Product Code. Bar code printed on product packages that can be scanned electronically.
WYB:  When You Buy.  Some sales or coupons require purchase of multiple items.  When reporting a deal on KCL, we always include a final price.  Example:  Buy 2 Mint Milano cookies $2.00 each, use 2 $1.00/2 coupons, Final Price: $1.50 each, WYB 2.  You must buy 2 in order to use the $1.00/2 coupon, so the final price states “WYB 2″.
YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary.  A phrase used to describe that an experience one shopper has may differ from your experience.  One store may allow you to stack additional promos and another location may not do the same.  Some stores, such as that ‘one’ SuperCenter, who do not have a universally enforced coupon policy will often let one customer do one thing and another do something completely different.  If we receive an email from a reader with a great shopping scenario, we might report it and say, YMMV until we see if stores nationwide are allowing the same scenario.
- See more at: http://thekrazycouponlady.com/beginners/lingo/#sthash.4Yz78uT0.dpuf

Okay like I said I'm just beginning and I hope that this will help you if you decide to try to coupon. Just try it, what can it hurt right?! Just try to never pay full price and see how much you can save.

GOOOOD LUUUCK=)

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Freezer Meals

So since babe is coming soon my mom and I decided to be wise and make some freezer meals! We made a total of 30 containers from 16 different types of entrees! I'm the one who makes dinner at night unless my mom isn't working so I'm so glad we did this so I can just pop it into the oven because I know I won't want to cook nor have the time when this cowboy decides to come:)

I'm sorry I don't know why blogger cut off the words. I tried to fix it but this is the outcome.

Our deep freeze is now chuck full!

So here's what we did...
I'm super picky about food (actually about everything) so it took me awhile to find some good freezer meals that sounded appealing and easy to make. Plus I needed a good variety because I hate eating the same sort of thing over and over.
Once I thought I had enough recipes then I went thought each one and made a list of categories for all the ingredients. So like there was a meat category, dairy, pasta, canned, etc. that way I could find it super easy in the store and not waste time. (Since I can't really do much Blake went for me. He was there for 2 hours but he got it done:) thanks honey!) but before you go to the store.... Check your cupboards or pantry to see if you already have some of the ingredients!
Also side notes***** buy hamburger in bulk at Costco! It comes out to be around the same price if you were to buy it at Walmart but the quality is sooo good! Honestly it's hard for us to go back to Walmart hamburger, lots of chunks of fat even if you get the high % kind. Also there bag of chicken! It's around like $22 or so for a 10lb bag but again the quality of the chicken is sooo good and 1 piece is huge! And shout out to the precooked bacon.. We are kind of Costco fans:)

 
Aright now lets get down to busy! Here are most of the recipes I used. We made lasagna and chicken enchiladas but that's my mom recipe so it won't be on here sorry.


Freezer Meal Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe
http://musthavemom.com/2013/10/freezer-breakfast-sandwiches-recipe.html
Freezer Meal Breakfast Sandwiches
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Breakfast
Prep time:  
Cook time:  
Total time:  
 
Great breakfast sandwiches that you can make ahead and freeze.
Ingredients
  • English Muffins or Bagels
  • Cheese – Any Kind of Slices I used American
  • Ham, Sausage, Canadian Bacon – to your liking
  • Eggs
  • Milk
Instructions
  1. First you are going to make your eggs. Beat them in a bowl with a little bit of milk to make scrambled eggs. Pour into a hot pan on medium heat. Use a large, flat pan. Unlike when you usually make scrambled eggs, DO NOT stir them up. Let cook until cooked halfway through and then flip over, cutting in square portions to make it more manageable. Let cook until cooked through. This makes flat eggs that are easy for sandwich making.
  2. Toast the bread lightly.
  3. Top each bottom bread piece with cheese. Fold your cheese in quarters to make a square in the center of the bread. This way when you reheat the sandwich the cheese won’t ooze out the sides as much.
  4. Top with meat – If using frozen sausage patties then place them on the sandwich frozen, do not heat them.
  5. Top with eggs and remaining half of bread.
  6. Wrap in a paper towl – I use Viva because they work the best when reheating later.
  7. Place in a gallon zip top bag and freeze – be sure to squeeze out all the air from the bag.
  8. To Eat: Remove sandwich from bag, leaving the paper towel on. Loosen the paper towel and microwave 1-2 minutes until hot.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich
Slow Cooker Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich (An easy quick freezer meal)
Freezer meal directions: If you are making this into freezer meals then just drop these ingredients into a ziploc freezer bag, label and freeze.  See how easy this is for a freezer meal? No chopping, mixing or anything. You can thaw it out for 24 hours in your freezer the day before you cook it. Or honestly sometimes I will freeze this roast in the bag upright so I don’t need to thaw. I will then cook it a bit longer (like on low for 8-10 hours).

Ingredients
  • 1 3-4 lb Boneless Beef Roast (chuck or round roast)
  • 2 Cans Beef Consumme
Instructions
  1. Place roast beef into your slow cooker.
  2. Pour beef consumme over roast beef.
  3. Cook on high 4 hours or on low 6-8 hours.
  4. Once roast beef has cooked, remove from slow cooker with tongs. Break apart lightly with two forks.
  5. Separate fat from beef au jus leftover in crockpot.
  6. Serve with buns, dip sandwiches in au jus.

Café Rio Sweet Pork
http://freezermealsforus.com/2012/03/cafe-rio-shredded-pork-and-cafe-rio-creamy-salad-dressing/

Ingredients:
2 pounds pork (we like to use boneless pork ribs)
3 12oz. cans Coke (NOT diet)
1/4 c. brown sugar
dash garlic salt
1/4 c. water
1 can diced green chilies
3/4 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (I used Old El Paso brand, medium spiciness)
1 c. brown sugar
Put the pork in a heavy duty Ziploc bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight.
Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don’t let it get TOO dry). Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.
 
In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.
 
Put shredded pork and sauce in crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours. That’s it! (making this recipe x4 for a meal swap)
FOR FREEZING:  PLACE PREPARED PORK INTO QUART SIZED BAG AND FREEZE. THAW. REHEAT ON STOVETOP.
 
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Ingredients
1 box large pasta shells
1 15oz container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded Italian Cheese (mix of Mozzarella and Provolone)
Small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup thawed frozen spinach*
1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded/chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups marinara sauce, divided
1/2-3/4 cup shredded Italian cheese (mix of Mozzarella and Provolone)

*First squeeze all of the extra liquid out of the thawed spinach, then measure. 1/2 cup thawed and squeezed spinach = ~1 cup still frozen spinach

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a 9×13* baking dish by pouring 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish and spreading around. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook according just a minute or two less than the directions on the box (this will make them easier to handle/fill, don’t worry they will finish cooking during the bake time). Drain and let cool for a minute.
While the noodles are cooling, combine the ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian cheese blend, chopped basil, spinach, chicken, salt and pepper. Using a large spoon, fill the cooled shells with the filling. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish. Top shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with 1/2-3/4 cup of Italian cheese.
Tightly cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread to make a deceivingly easy delicious meal!
*Instead of a 9×13 pan you can divide the recipe into 2 pie pans or smaller baking dishes, which is what I did.
**For freezing, make recipe as written but instead of baking, cover with plastic wrap and then 2 tight layers of foil, then label and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, it can go straight in the oven with an extra 15 minutes or so, just don’t forget to remove the plastic wrap first!



Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ÂşF.  Prepare stuffing as directed on package.  Mix soup and mustard in medium bowl; stir in chicken, broccoli and ham. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese slices and stuffing.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.

Read more at http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe.html#ciMuwXYuaLmZUliK.99


Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ÂşF.  Prepare stuffing as directed on package.  Mix soup and mustard in medium bowl; stir in chicken, broccoli and ham. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese slices and stuffing.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.

Read more at http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe.html#ciMuwXYuaLmZUliK.99


Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ÂşF.  Prepare stuffing as directed on package.  Mix soup and mustard in medium bowl; stir in chicken, broccoli and ham. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese slices and stuffing.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.

Read more at http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe.html#ciMuwXYuaLmZUliK.99

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ÂşF.  Prepare stuffing as directed on package.  Mix soup and mustard in medium bowl; stir in chicken, broccoli and ham. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese slices and stuffing.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.

Read more at http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe.html#ciMuwXYuaLmZUliK.99

Simple Pasta e Fagioli

http://www.hormonal-imbalances.com/2012/08/pasta-e-fagioli/
Pasta e Fagoli
Ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 small white onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 zuchinni, finely chopped
  • 2 15 oz can cannelloni or great northern beans
  • 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp basil
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 32 oz container of chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 oz dry Ditalini pasta or other small pasta
  • grated parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
Directions:
In a deep pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium
heat for about 2 minutes. Add carrots, zucchini, and celery.
Cook for 7-10 minutes or until carrots are slightly soft,
stirring often.
Add beans and tomato sauce to pan and stir.
Ladle out 2 cups into food processor, blend till smooth,
return to soup. Then add the chicken broth, basil, bay leaf,
parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water and
bring to slow boil. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring
occasionally. Remove bay leaf.
Add pasta and cook uncovered until pasta is al dente,
according to pasta directions. Stir every few minutes to
keep pasta from sticking, adding water if needed.
Serve warm with crusty bread and topped with cheese.


Chicken Spaghetti (2 - 8x8 casseroles)
http://pregnant.livejournal.com/17071127.html


Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts - boiled & shredded
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
4oz jar of pimentos, diced
3C thin spaghetti, broken into small pieces
2C shredded cheese
1 tsp seasoned salt
1/8 tsp cayenne
salt & pepper to taste

Boil chicken, keep 2C of broth. Cook spaghetti in the
remaining broth. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients
together. Mix in the saved chicken broth gradually.
You want the mixture to be creamy, slightly soupy,
but not drippy. Press into pans and top with more
cheese. Wrap in foil.
Reheating - Thaw casserole. Remove foil &
place back in baking dish. Cook at 350 for 45m.

**I found a great idea for freezing casseroles -
line the 8x8 pan with foil, fill with casserole, and put
in the freezer overnight to get some shape.
The next day, you can pull out the foil insert &
you'll be able to reuse the pan & save space
in the freezer.**


Baked Ziti (2 - 8x8 casseroles) couldn't copy photo
http://pregnant.livejournal.com/17071127.html

Ingreidnets:
1lb cottage cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3oz + 1-1/2C Parmesan cheese
1/2C onion, chopped
28oz tomato sauce
1lb ziti
8oz mozzarella
20oz Italian sausage/ground beef
5 garlic cloves, pressed
1T olive oil
15oz diced tomatoes
1/2C + 2T basil
1C whole milk
1tsp oregano
1tsp sugar
3/4tsp cornstarch
salt & pepper

Whisk cottage cheese, eggs, & 1C Parmesan
together in a medium bowl; set aside. Bring a large
pot of water to boil, cook pasta until it begins to
soften but is not yet cooked through, 5-7m.
Drain the pasta.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook meat until nearly browned. Add in the onion
and garlic and continue to cook until the onion is
softened and meat is completely browned.
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and oregano;
simmer until thickened, about 10m. Off the heat,
stir in 1/2C basil and the sugar, and season
with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl stir together the cornstarch
and milk. Transfer the mixture to the now-empty
stockpot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and
cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes. Remove the pot
from the heat and add the cottage cheese mixture,
1-1/2C of the tomato sauce and 3/4C mozzarella.
Stir to combine. Add the pasta and toss to coat
thoroughly with the sauce.

Split the pasta into 2 foil-lined 8x8 baking
dishes and spread the remaining tomato sauce
evenly over the tops. Sprinkle the remaining
cheeses over the tops.

Reheating- Thaw. Remove from foil &
transfer back to an 8x8 baking dish. Cover with foil,
bake at 350 for 30m. Remove foil &
bake for an additional 30m.
Philly Cheese Steak Soup x 2 couldn't copy photo
http://bethany.preciousinfants.com/2008/06/19/june-oamc-grocery-list-recipes-and-pictures.aspx

3/4 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 green pepper, diced
1 medium white onion, diced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
6 cups milk
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can beef consomme
3/4 lb cooked beef or rib eye, diced
8 ounces provolone cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 tsp pepper

Melt butter in large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add green peppers, onion, and mushrooms and saute until tender (about 5 minutes).
Add flour and cook another 5 minutes stirring often. This is an important step to cook out the flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer stirring often until soup thickens. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in beef consomme, salt and pepper.
Slowly stir in provolone until all is melted and incorporated into soup. Remove from heat and stir in roast beef. Serve with a crusty loaf of french bread. To freeze: Prepare soup as directed and allow to cool. Place in rigid freezer container. Seal, label and freeze.
To serve: Thaw in fridge. Reheat in microwave or on stovetop,stirring to recombine the soup.

SERVES 8

Chicken Cordon Bleu couldn't copy photo
http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe.html

Ingredients:
1 (6oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tblspoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked an cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese

Read more at http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe.html#ciMuwXYuaLmZUliK.99
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Prepare stuffing as directed on package.
 Mix soup and mustard in medium size bowl; stir in chicken, broccoli and ham.
Spoon into 2-qt casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese slices and stuffing.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until heated through.


Alright so there's some recipes=) and here are some side notes!

*Now  to make it easy...first we boiled about 8-10 large chicken breasts for everything that called for
chicken and then we just shredded it all using a hand beater.
*For the sweet pork marinate it like it says the night before and put it into the crockpot first thing in the morning.
*Also my mom had cooked all the hamburger before too so that was already for the big day.
*Chop all the veggies at once and store them into baggies/containers so when you are ready you can just pop them in.
*We also bought just tin foil storage containers instead of using nice casserole dishes, plus you don't have to do hardly
any dishes this way just make sure you spray them with pam before putting food into them.
*Put the tops on and then also put 2 layers of tinfoil over it too.
*For the soups we put them into galloon sized freezer bags and doubled it. just make sure you get as much air out
as possible!
*With the chicken spaghetti I had extra spaghetti, hamburger, and red sauce so just made a thing of regular spaghetti.
*Also made just some simple breakfast burritos: sausage, hasbrowns, eggs, and salsa that I wrapped up in tinfoil.
*Had extra sausage so added it to the pasta e fagioli.
*Label each dish with what it is and directions.

Yes this does take all day but it's sooo worth it! I hope this helps and that you enjoy your meals as much as we will enjoy ours=)

 

Friday, January 17, 2014

Baby Baby Baby

So this post is mostly just for me and the pictures have all been on instagram and facebook so sorry...

This pregnancy has certainly been challenging! I think I was sick till about 18 weeks! And we didn't really announce it until I was 16 weeks. I had some bleeding and stuff happen so was a little nervous. I will say that I am so very grateful for even being able to carry a baby! It really is just a miracle and mind blowing if you really think about it all! I feel humbled that Heavenly Father has decided to bless us with such a sweet spirit! At first when we found out it was ANOTHER BOY I was really sad and down, but now that I think about it... I'm really excited! They are going to be the best of friends and be on the same team and rodeo together! Busy but fun;)


18 weeks

20 weeks

22 weeks

23 weeks + Halloween

25 weeks



31 weeks + Christmas PJs

33 weeks

Almost 35 weeks

Carseat that I made! I didn't like any on etsy and I'm so picky so made mine own. I started in Sept/Oct. and finally just finished it!!!! It took forever and alot of patience. I couldn't have done it without the help of my mom and Blake's grandma. At first I thought of this is going to be so fun and maybe I'll make some for my pregnant friends.... HA! Yeah freaking right! More stressful than fun but I'm glad I did it and happy with the outcome. 



How Far Along:  34 weeks and 4 days
Weight Gain/Loss:  20 lbs (I'm really proud of this because I gained a freaking ton with McCoy)
Sleep:  Not sleeping very well. Getting up to pee alot and having heartburn (started to take some pills though)
Movement: Lots and head is down.

Best Moment This Week: Buying diapers for $5.97 a pack!!!
Food Cravings/Aversions: Anything sweet, chocolate, and Dr. Pepper.
What I Miss: Sleep and being able to be active
Stretch Marks:  Nope =) not yet...
Belly Button:  It's neither. It's just flat and there. Ha ha
Wedding Rings:  Still on!
Mood: Tired and easily irritated (so my husband says)
Labor Signs: Unfortunately yes. Contractions, cramping, dilated to a 2, and 80% effaced. Trying to take it easy so this babe can cook longer! I don't think we could handle having a baby in the NICU  with our crazy life/schedule. 
Milestones: I can still fit into my Hollister skinny jeans! Can I get a HELL YEAH for that?!
Upcoming Appointments/Events: Pregcheck(so uncomfortable to have someone's hands up your yahwho) and just my weekly stress test to check fluid and how he is handling contractions. 
What I look forward to: Having a healthy baby that will be able to eat well!
Weekly Wisdom: If your husband makes you lay down to rest... take advantage of it;)