My DD had the two wisdom teeth out on the bottoms. She didn't have any on top. Well, she was put under general anesthesia, got them out, and we went home. She slept for four hours, woke up, had her pain meds and antibiotics, a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and THREE MUGS OF BEAN SOUP.
Holy goodness.
She said she felt much better after eating the soup, since she had not had anything since 10 pm last night. She must have a high pain tolerance, she only cried once when she first woke up. She's at the dining room table playing a card game with her sister.
I am feeling relieved.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Using things up, leaving nothing to waste.
Since I am off work until Friday, I am trying to plan for the rest of the week. Today we had chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic in the crock pot with one bouillon cube, some spices, and a cup of water.
There is one thigh left for my working dd when she gets home. I cooked four total and split one with my husband, so the kids could each have their own. We have half a bowl of veggies and the one thigh left over. I have one and a half cups of chicken stock cooling in the fridge.
I am planning for tomorrow's meal. I have a cup of pinto and great northern beans soaking in a huge pot of water. I will let this soak overnight. I have a ham bone and left over ham that needs to be used up from last week. The bone will go into the crock pot in the AM. I am going to chop up what is left of the ham and put this into the crockpot. I took out the small container of ham stock I had in the freezer to thaw. This will go into the crock pot also.
I have some carrots that were left with the ham, and some carrots, and celery that were left over tonight. They are going into the crock pot too. I don't think I will add more, since we have so many left over. We eat a lot of carrots, since they are a fairly cheap vegetable on a budget.
Once that chicken stock cools and the fat rises to the top, I will take fat off (we don't use this), and put the stock into the crock pot with a few cups of water.
Ham and bean soup for dinner tomorrow. It's a crock pot meal that does all the work for me. I may make some biscuits to go with it.
There is one thigh left for my working dd when she gets home. I cooked four total and split one with my husband, so the kids could each have their own. We have half a bowl of veggies and the one thigh left over. I have one and a half cups of chicken stock cooling in the fridge.
I am planning for tomorrow's meal. I have a cup of pinto and great northern beans soaking in a huge pot of water. I will let this soak overnight. I have a ham bone and left over ham that needs to be used up from last week. The bone will go into the crock pot in the AM. I am going to chop up what is left of the ham and put this into the crockpot. I took out the small container of ham stock I had in the freezer to thaw. This will go into the crock pot also.
I have some carrots that were left with the ham, and some carrots, and celery that were left over tonight. They are going into the crock pot too. I don't think I will add more, since we have so many left over. We eat a lot of carrots, since they are a fairly cheap vegetable on a budget.
Once that chicken stock cools and the fat rises to the top, I will take fat off (we don't use this), and put the stock into the crock pot with a few cups of water.
Ham and bean soup for dinner tomorrow. It's a crock pot meal that does all the work for me. I may make some biscuits to go with it.
Dinner 4/28 and 4/29
I was so tired yesterday from working all weekend. All I did was lie on the sofa and catch up on sleep. My kids were at school. My dd was at work, and my husband napped with me.
He went to the store and bought two frozen pizzas for the kids, and a veggie chicken pizza for us. They got baked on the oven and we had them for dinner. I don't know how much they cost, and I just handed over my debit card, so he could get something.
Today is a crock pot meal. I had thawed four chicken thighs over the weekend. They are in the crock pot with five very small potatoes that were growing their own roots. I peeled and cut the last four carrots, and the pitiful soft celery that lurking (I have a new 5 lb bag in the fridge, I didn't want to open a new bag), a whole onion, two cloves of garlic and everything went into the crock pot.
I added a cup of water, one boullion cube, some Aldi "grinder" chicken spices (sage, poultry seasoning, bell pepper, pepper, onion, thyme) and put the lid on.
Dinner is "done" and we are eating around 4:30 or so.
He went to the store and bought two frozen pizzas for the kids, and a veggie chicken pizza for us. They got baked on the oven and we had them for dinner. I don't know how much they cost, and I just handed over my debit card, so he could get something.
Today is a crock pot meal. I had thawed four chicken thighs over the weekend. They are in the crock pot with five very small potatoes that were growing their own roots. I peeled and cut the last four carrots, and the pitiful soft celery that lurking (I have a new 5 lb bag in the fridge, I didn't want to open a new bag), a whole onion, two cloves of garlic and everything went into the crock pot.
I added a cup of water, one boullion cube, some Aldi "grinder" chicken spices (sage, poultry seasoning, bell pepper, pepper, onion, thyme) and put the lid on.
Dinner is "done" and we are eating around 4:30 or so.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Lunch for work this weekend
Friday:
organic flax oatmeal with brown sugar
1 medium banana
raisins
hot tea
Saturday:
Spaghetti with sauce
raisins
1 medium banana
hot tea
Sunday:
two handfuls of blueberries
a handful of peach slices
a few strawberries
baked beans
some sliced deli cheese ends
hot tea
The organic oatmeal is pretty good. I am able to put it in the microwave at work, and mix it with skim milk. The blueberries, peaches, and strawberries are frozen from the dollar store. I bring my own lunches, silverware, tea bags, sugar, skim milk, etc etc.
It saves me some money and prevents me from buying take out or snacks from the vending machine.
organic flax oatmeal with brown sugar
1 medium banana
raisins
hot tea
Saturday:
Spaghetti with sauce
raisins
1 medium banana
hot tea
Sunday:
two handfuls of blueberries
a handful of peach slices
a few strawberries
baked beans
some sliced deli cheese ends
hot tea
The organic oatmeal is pretty good. I am able to put it in the microwave at work, and mix it with skim milk. The blueberries, peaches, and strawberries are frozen from the dollar store. I bring my own lunches, silverware, tea bags, sugar, skim milk, etc etc.
It saves me some money and prevents me from buying take out or snacks from the vending machine.
What's been cooking....
I had to look back at my blog to see when I posted last. I'm working this weekend, and when I clock out in the AM, I am off until Friday.
So, we had my DD's birthday party. We got take out chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. It was awesome. We had it for lunch, and the left overs were for dinner that night for the children, and my breakfast in the AM when I got home from work.
Saturday, I had a lurking box (1/4 full) of thin spaghetti that needed to be used. We used the last of this spaghetti and opened a 2 lb box of spaghetti that I had in the pantry. I used about 3/4 lb total for the five of us. I had a jug of Prego in the pantry, and used half a jug for our spaghetti. That's it. We didn't even have any veggies. I was trying to wake up for work, and didn't want to mess with a big meal.
I am baking tater tots, going to make a box (I know, terrible, but I'm tired) of mac and cheese for the kids, along with the last of the Oscar Myer hot dogs we had in the freezer for dinner tonight. I'm also opening up the last can of baked beans to give them.
It's better than ordering take out. I can't afford it anyway. 12 hour shifts are great, but I am very tired and don't do much "from scratch cooking" while I am at work.
So, we had my DD's birthday party. We got take out chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. It was awesome. We had it for lunch, and the left overs were for dinner that night for the children, and my breakfast in the AM when I got home from work.
Saturday, I had a lurking box (1/4 full) of thin spaghetti that needed to be used. We used the last of this spaghetti and opened a 2 lb box of spaghetti that I had in the pantry. I used about 3/4 lb total for the five of us. I had a jug of Prego in the pantry, and used half a jug for our spaghetti. That's it. We didn't even have any veggies. I was trying to wake up for work, and didn't want to mess with a big meal.
I am baking tater tots, going to make a box (I know, terrible, but I'm tired) of mac and cheese for the kids, along with the last of the Oscar Myer hot dogs we had in the freezer for dinner tonight. I'm also opening up the last can of baked beans to give them.
It's better than ordering take out. I can't afford it anyway. 12 hour shifts are great, but I am very tired and don't do much "from scratch cooking" while I am at work.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Updates on April Challenges
April Challenges Updated
Last month my kids and I went to the dentist. I have no cavities. My daughter has one cavity and my son has two that need to be filled. We made appointments to get them filled this month. While I still have insurance, it's a 60/40 deal, and I pay the 60 percent. They have given me an estimate of my charges.
Updates: My daughter goes to the dentist on April 24th. Her cost will be 165.20
We went to the dentist yesterday and they charged me 243 dollars!! Apparently there was a previous charge for anesthesia (nitrous oxide) that I was unaware of. So, I wrote out the check, and when I got home, I told my daughter to go brush her teeth well. I was so frustrated. GRRRRR. It's going to be written off my taxes.
My son goes to the dentist on April 29th and cost 159 for one filling. They both need conscious sedation. The cost includes the sedation. My insurance doesn't cover it and I have to pay out of pocket.
My daughter also has a oral surgeon appointment this week for her wisdom teeth removal.
UPDATE: We have an appointment for April 30th at noon for the wisdom teeth to be removed. 20 dollar copay I was told.
My hound dog gets neutered mid April (already paid for) by Spay VA.
UPDATES: This has been done and they even clipped his toe nails.
My girls have birthdays coming. My daughter is going to be 19, and my other daughter is going to be 17. One asked to go out for a restaurant meal, and there was talk about manicures/pedicures for the 17 year old. I can't afford a big party for them. I'm hoping to get away with the meal/mani/pedi with my budget intact.
Updates: One birthday is done. My daughter that is in high school wants to go out for chicken wings, manicures/pedicures. This will be on Friday, April 25th. We are going to have lunch instead of dinner out, since I will be working that evening. Lunch will be the five of us, mani/pedi will be three of us, with some money put towards a "birthday bag" from the dollar store and a check for 25 dollars.
UPDATES: We agreed to get take out and bring it home. There will be six of us, cake and ice cream from the outlet store, and a birthday bag from the dollar store. There will only be two for pedicures and manicures.
I am waiting on a reimbursement from DD college that she dropped out of. It's supposed to be in my account this month. It's close to 300 dollars which I could put back into my savings.
UPDATES: The paper check came, I thought they were going to just credit my bank account electronically. I was surprised, it's 492 dollars!! Part of it is going into my savings, part of it is going towards my bills for May.
My husband needs a new pair of glasses.
Updates: He got a new pair of glasses. His eye exam was paid for, and I paid 204 dollars for his glasses. I will be taking that off my taxes since I am not reimbursed anything for this purchase.
My car needs an oil change soon. It's about 1500 miles away from needing one.
Last month my kids and I went to the dentist. I have no cavities. My daughter has one cavity and my son has two that need to be filled. We made appointments to get them filled this month. While I still have insurance, it's a 60/40 deal, and I pay the 60 percent. They have given me an estimate of my charges.
Updates: My daughter goes to the dentist on April 24th. Her cost will be 165.20
We went to the dentist yesterday and they charged me 243 dollars!! Apparently there was a previous charge for anesthesia (nitrous oxide) that I was unaware of. So, I wrote out the check, and when I got home, I told my daughter to go brush her teeth well. I was so frustrated. GRRRRR. It's going to be written off my taxes.
My son goes to the dentist on April 29th and cost 159 for one filling. They both need conscious sedation. The cost includes the sedation. My insurance doesn't cover it and I have to pay out of pocket.
My daughter also has a oral surgeon appointment this week for her wisdom teeth removal.
UPDATE: We have an appointment for April 30th at noon for the wisdom teeth to be removed. 20 dollar copay I was told.
My hound dog gets neutered mid April (already paid for) by Spay VA.
UPDATES: This has been done and they even clipped his toe nails.
My girls have birthdays coming. My daughter is going to be 19, and my other daughter is going to be 17. One asked to go out for a restaurant meal, and there was talk about manicures/pedicures for the 17 year old. I can't afford a big party for them. I'm hoping to get away with the meal/mani/pedi with my budget intact.
Updates: One birthday is done. My daughter that is in high school wants to go out for chicken wings, manicures/pedicures. This will be on Friday, April 25th. We are going to have lunch instead of dinner out, since I will be working that evening. Lunch will be the five of us, mani/pedi will be three of us, with some money put towards a "birthday bag" from the dollar store and a check for 25 dollars.
UPDATES: We agreed to get take out and bring it home. There will be six of us, cake and ice cream from the outlet store, and a birthday bag from the dollar store. There will only be two for pedicures and manicures.
I am waiting on a reimbursement from DD college that she dropped out of. It's supposed to be in my account this month. It's close to 300 dollars which I could put back into my savings.
UPDATES: The paper check came, I thought they were going to just credit my bank account electronically. I was surprised, it's 492 dollars!! Part of it is going into my savings, part of it is going towards my bills for May.
My husband needs a new pair of glasses.
Updates: He got a new pair of glasses. His eye exam was paid for, and I paid 204 dollars for his glasses. I will be taking that off my taxes since I am not reimbursed anything for this purchase.
My car needs an oil change soon. It's about 1500 miles away from needing one.
April 25th plans
Last night we finished off the chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, celery, and left over rice. What I did was chop the roast into small pieces and out it aside. I cut up the veggies into smaller pieces and placed in a pan to simmer.
I made a gravy out of butter, flour, beef stock (bought at dollar store, 32 ounces for 1.00), and a small amount of worcestershire sauce. I ended up mixing the leftover rice with the veggies and dumping the gravy over it. I added the pieces of chuck roast to it.
We warmed up the peas and summer squash that was in the fridge. We served it up warm on plates and there's nothing left.
It's my daughter's birthday today. We bought her a cake at Sharp Shopper and chocolate ice cream. (less than 5 dollars total for cake and ice cream, it's an outlet store). We went to the dollar store and bought her a birthday bag filled with goodies inside. We are going to get take out lunch for the five of us and her boyfriend.
I am working tonight and all weekend. We are going to have a plain easy quick meal. It's going to be a meatless meal too. It's pasta and sauce, with steamed veggies on the side. That's it.
I made a gravy out of butter, flour, beef stock (bought at dollar store, 32 ounces for 1.00), and a small amount of worcestershire sauce. I ended up mixing the leftover rice with the veggies and dumping the gravy over it. I added the pieces of chuck roast to it.
We warmed up the peas and summer squash that was in the fridge. We served it up warm on plates and there's nothing left.
It's my daughter's birthday today. We bought her a cake at Sharp Shopper and chocolate ice cream. (less than 5 dollars total for cake and ice cream, it's an outlet store). We went to the dollar store and bought her a birthday bag filled with goodies inside. We are going to get take out lunch for the five of us and her boyfriend.
I am working tonight and all weekend. We are going to have a plain easy quick meal. It's going to be a meatless meal too. It's pasta and sauce, with steamed veggies on the side. That's it.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Dinner 4/24
Well yesterday, we finished up the two containers of chili by serving nachos with chili and shredded deli cheese over them. It was a hit with the kids and my husband. I had the left over one serving of bean soup (I added some chopped up ham and carrots from the other night). It was great. I left the sliced ham in a baking dish with a cover, so the kids and my husband could eat it this week for "picking, snack, and sandwiches. They love it.
Tonight, I have 1/4 piece of beef chuck roast and veggies that need to be used. I'm going to heat up the potatoes and carrots in a frying pan. I'm going to add the left over carrots that I cooked with our ham the other night. I'm going to let this all simmer in a frying pan, and cut up the beef chuck roast in small pieces. I have a carton of beef broth I bought from the dollar store. I am going to make a small pan of gravy (flour, pan drippings, butter, and some beef broth) and add the beef pieces to it.
I am going to serve the beef and gravy over the little bit of potatoes and carrots we have left. We are also going to have steamed peas and summer squash that is left over from this weeks meals.
It actually sounds pretty good!
Tonight, I have 1/4 piece of beef chuck roast and veggies that need to be used. I'm going to heat up the potatoes and carrots in a frying pan. I'm going to add the left over carrots that I cooked with our ham the other night. I'm going to let this all simmer in a frying pan, and cut up the beef chuck roast in small pieces. I have a carton of beef broth I bought from the dollar store. I am going to make a small pan of gravy (flour, pan drippings, butter, and some beef broth) and add the beef pieces to it.
I am going to serve the beef and gravy over the little bit of potatoes and carrots we have left. We are also going to have steamed peas and summer squash that is left over from this weeks meals.
It actually sounds pretty good!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Dinner 4/23
I have two small containers of chili on the fridge. They are dated for March 2014, and have been in the freezer since then.
I am going to get a large bag of tortilla chips today. I'm going to pour the chili over the tortilla chips, shred some deli end cheese and put it over the chili. I'm going to warm this up in the oven for a few minutes and serve it to the children for dinner tonight.
It keeps my budget intact to use up the lurking hidden surprises in my freezer.
I am going to get a large bag of tortilla chips today. I'm going to pour the chili over the tortilla chips, shred some deli end cheese and put it over the chili. I'm going to warm this up in the oven for a few minutes and serve it to the children for dinner tonight.
It keeps my budget intact to use up the lurking hidden surprises in my freezer.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Leftovers that need to be used....
This week we are going to work on getting rid of some of the lurking stuff in the fridge.
One serving of bean soup
two servings of chili
one serving of potatoes/carrots
1/4 of a crock potted chuck roast with 1/4 cup of pan.
The bean soup, potatoes/carrots will be lunch for either my husband or myself.
If I get to the store today, I'm thinking that I will buy some tortilla chips and serve the chili with chips for the kids snack. I can put the chips on a plate, serve it with chili on top, and add some deli end cheese I have in the freezer. The kids would love this as a snack.
I need an idea for the left over roast. I don't want to serve it as a "hunk of beef roast". I'd rather turn it into something else to serve this week for dinner.
Any thoughts???
One serving of bean soup
two servings of chili
one serving of potatoes/carrots
1/4 of a crock potted chuck roast with 1/4 cup of pan.
The bean soup, potatoes/carrots will be lunch for either my husband or myself.
If I get to the store today, I'm thinking that I will buy some tortilla chips and serve the chili with chips for the kids snack. I can put the chips on a plate, serve it with chili on top, and add some deli end cheese I have in the freezer. The kids would love this as a snack.
I need an idea for the left over roast. I don't want to serve it as a "hunk of beef roast". I'd rather turn it into something else to serve this week for dinner.
Any thoughts???
Dinner 4/22/14
Since my husband gave away the ham bone and all the leftover meat to his friend, I put our other ham in the crock pot with the last bit of fresh pineapple, and four large carrots that I peeled and chunked. We are going to have some steamed long grain rice, some steamed peas, and I will steam some "summer squash" for my husband.
I need to go to the store, since we are out of eggs, bread, and milk. I'm trying to hold off for a few more days.
I need to go to the store, since we are out of eggs, bread, and milk. I'm trying to hold off for a few more days.
What'a been cooking...
I have been working, and am off now until Friday evening. So, here's the scoop:
Easter Sunday my husband and kids made a ham, steamed green beans and broccoli, and a friend brought over mac and cheese. I ate dinner with everyone and went to work. I got home Monday morning and found that my husband gave the ham bone and all the left overs to his friend to take home. It was a 10 pound ham!!!!
HOLY CRAP.
No ham bone for bean soup this week. SIGH.
We went to Chipolte last night for dinner. It's a mexican grill and serves really great fresh food. It cost about 45 dollars for the five of us, for a meal, tortilla chips, and soda. It was a fun time.
Work lunches:
Fri: left over bean soup
apple
raisins
peanut butter/raspberry jam sandwich
Sat: Left over roast, carrots, potatoes, cheese and crackers
Sun: two slices of ham, various veggies, rice
peanut butter cup, 2 hard boiled eggs
Easter Sunday my husband and kids made a ham, steamed green beans and broccoli, and a friend brought over mac and cheese. I ate dinner with everyone and went to work. I got home Monday morning and found that my husband gave the ham bone and all the left overs to his friend to take home. It was a 10 pound ham!!!!
HOLY CRAP.
No ham bone for bean soup this week. SIGH.
We went to Chipolte last night for dinner. It's a mexican grill and serves really great fresh food. It cost about 45 dollars for the five of us, for a meal, tortilla chips, and soda. It was a fun time.
Work lunches:
Fri: left over bean soup
apple
raisins
peanut butter/raspberry jam sandwich
Sat: Left over roast, carrots, potatoes, cheese and crackers
Sun: two slices of ham, various veggies, rice
peanut butter cup, 2 hard boiled eggs
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Dinner 4/19
When I got home this morning from work, I put dinner in the crock pot. We have a small roast, a couple of carrots, potatoes, an onion, three small cloves of garlic, two stalks of celery, some spices, a little worchestire sauce, and some water....it smells wonderful now.
I'm glad I put dinner in the crock pot when I got home. It makes the afternoon much smoother when I wake up for my next shift.
I'm glad I put dinner in the crock pot when I got home. It makes the afternoon much smoother when I wake up for my next shift.
Friday, April 18, 2014
April 18th dinner
Since I am working night shift all weekend (including Easter). I am on orientation for my new position, and this is my second night there. My first shift was last Sunday.
I have a frozen lasagna that I just put in the oven. It's a prepackaged meal (I use them sometimes) and was bought on sale. Well, it's baking and we are going to have steamed green peas and corn to go with it.
Lunch for work tonight:
bean soup
medium apple
raisins
1/2 peanut butter/raspberry jam sandwich
I have a frozen lasagna that I just put in the oven. It's a prepackaged meal (I use them sometimes) and was bought on sale. Well, it's baking and we are going to have steamed green peas and corn to go with it.
Lunch for work tonight:
bean soup
medium apple
raisins
1/2 peanut butter/raspberry jam sandwich
The frugality continues...
We are in use it up mode at my home. The kids are on Easter break and have five days off. Today is their second day, then the weekend, and Monday are spent at home. They go back to school Tuesday morning.
In an effort to keep the budget down, and keep the teenagers bellies fed (what a job I have to say. Teenagers can EAT MASSIVE amounts of food), yesterday was two scrambled eggs per teen for breakfast. This morning we are serving two scrambled eggs per teen, and a serving of ham.
I pulled the ham slices out of the freezer to serve with the eggs. The ham slices were from a ham shank back in March. The piece of tape is dated 3/28. The container has two thick slices of ham in it.
I'm thinking two egg omelette with ham inside. That should keep them happy. It also will stretch the ham to fill the teens up. We have some shredded hash browns I can serve with it.
In an effort to keep the budget down, and keep the teenagers bellies fed (what a job I have to say. Teenagers can EAT MASSIVE amounts of food), yesterday was two scrambled eggs per teen for breakfast. This morning we are serving two scrambled eggs per teen, and a serving of ham.
I pulled the ham slices out of the freezer to serve with the eggs. The ham slices were from a ham shank back in March. The piece of tape is dated 3/28. The container has two thick slices of ham in it.
I'm thinking two egg omelette with ham inside. That should keep them happy. It also will stretch the ham to fill the teens up. We have some shredded hash browns I can serve with it.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
What's been happening...
We washed three loads of laundry today, and hung outside to dry. The kids are on Easter break, starting today and go back to school on Tuesday. I washed, the kids hung, folded and put all the laundry away. I got paid for my two weeks, and the new computer training 8 hour class. I wrote out all the bills I had in my shoe box (equity line, electric bill, car insurance, pest control, student loan, and medical bill). I'm waiting on the water bill to arrive. I had my dd sign her check that came from the college (originally my money, it was my account that paid for her education), and we took that to the bank. I put it right back into my checking account.
I had to pick up my hound dog's heart medication. I ordered her some new cardiac healthy food. Paid cash for both of these. I put gas in my husband's vehicle. I am going to gas mine tomorrow prior to going to work, so it will be ready for this weekend's three shifts.
Since I'm working again, I took out two containers of bean soup and the two containers of chili that were in the freezer. I'm planning on taking the soup and/or chili this weekend for my work lunches.
I need lunch for three shifts (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night).
I DIDN'T go to the grocery store. We have tons of food.
I took my dd to her oral surgeon's appointment. They are going to bill the dental insurance for today's visit. We have a 50 dollar deductible on dental, so I'm expecting a bill for this. I found out that she only has two wisdom teeth on the bottom!!!
We scheduled the appointment for April 30th, after her big 17th birthday. I didn't want her in pain or uncomfortable for her celebration. Since the provider is a MD in the company I work for, it's only 20 dollars for the two wisdom teeth to be extracted, and that apparently includes nitrous oxide, placement of an IV line for fentanyl and versed for sedation.
I asked the billing office twice to make sure once everything is finished, I would not receive a bill for 2,500 (my deductible for medical insurance). They were convinced that it was an "office visit" and not considered a "procedure". UMMMM, it consist of an IV, narcotics, benzos, removal of teeth, heart monitoring during the procedure, airway monitoring.........sounds like a procedure to me.
Dinner tonight:
left over homemade chicken soup (it's finished now)
left over salad
peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches (REALLY GOOD, I HAD ONE).
the last few pieces of banana bread
I had to pick up my hound dog's heart medication. I ordered her some new cardiac healthy food. Paid cash for both of these. I put gas in my husband's vehicle. I am going to gas mine tomorrow prior to going to work, so it will be ready for this weekend's three shifts.
Since I'm working again, I took out two containers of bean soup and the two containers of chili that were in the freezer. I'm planning on taking the soup and/or chili this weekend for my work lunches.
I need lunch for three shifts (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night).
I DIDN'T go to the grocery store. We have tons of food.
I took my dd to her oral surgeon's appointment. They are going to bill the dental insurance for today's visit. We have a 50 dollar deductible on dental, so I'm expecting a bill for this. I found out that she only has two wisdom teeth on the bottom!!!
We scheduled the appointment for April 30th, after her big 17th birthday. I didn't want her in pain or uncomfortable for her celebration. Since the provider is a MD in the company I work for, it's only 20 dollars for the two wisdom teeth to be extracted, and that apparently includes nitrous oxide, placement of an IV line for fentanyl and versed for sedation.
I asked the billing office twice to make sure once everything is finished, I would not receive a bill for 2,500 (my deductible for medical insurance). They were convinced that it was an "office visit" and not considered a "procedure". UMMMM, it consist of an IV, narcotics, benzos, removal of teeth, heart monitoring during the procedure, airway monitoring.........sounds like a procedure to me.
Dinner tonight:
left over homemade chicken soup (it's finished now)
left over salad
peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches (REALLY GOOD, I HAD ONE).
the last few pieces of banana bread
Updates on April Challenges
April Challenges Updated
Last month my kids and I went to the dentist. I have no cavities. My daughter has one cavity and my son has two that need to be filled. We made appointments to get them filled this month. While I still have insurance, it's a 60/40 deal, and I pay the 60 percent. They have given me an estimate of my charges.
Updates: My daughter goes to the dentist on April 24th. Her cost will be 165.20. My son goes to the dentist on April 29th and cost 159 for one filling. They both need conscious sedation. The cost includes the sedation. My insurance doesn't cover it and I have to pay out of pocket. My daughter also has a oral surgeon appointment this week for her wisdom teeth removal. Since we have not met our deductible, I will find out exactly what our cost will be. The conscious sedation and wisdom teeth removal will be taken off my taxes (since I have to meet a deductible and am not reimbursed for this).
My hound dog gets neutered mid April (already paid for) by Spay VA.
UPDATES: This has been done and they even clipped his toe nails.
My girls have birthdays coming. My daughter is going to be 19, and my other daughter is going to be 17. One asked to go out for a restaurant meal, and there was talk about manicures/pedicures for the 17 year old. I can't afford a big party for them. I'm hoping to get away with the meal/mani/pedi with my budget intact.
Updates: One birthday is done. My daughter that is in high school wants to go out for chicken wings, manicures/pedicures. This will be on Friday, April 25th. We are going to have lunch instead of dinner out, since I will be working that evening. Lunch will be the five of us, mani/pedi will be three of us, with some money put towards a "birthday bag" from the dollar store and a check for 25 dollars.
I am waiting on a reimbursement from DD college that she dropped out of. It's supposed to be in my account this month. It's close to 300 dollars which I could put back into my savings.
UPDATES: The paper check came, I thought they were going to just credit my bank account electronically. I was surprised, it's 492 dollars!! Part of it is going into my savings, part of it is going towards my bills for May.
My husband needs a new pair of glasses.
Updates: He got a new pair of glasses. His eye exam was paid for, and I paid 204 dollars for his glasses. I will be taking that off my taxes since I am not reimbursed anything for this purchase.
My car needs an oil change soon. It's about 1500 miles away from needing one.
Last month my kids and I went to the dentist. I have no cavities. My daughter has one cavity and my son has two that need to be filled. We made appointments to get them filled this month. While I still have insurance, it's a 60/40 deal, and I pay the 60 percent. They have given me an estimate of my charges.
Updates: My daughter goes to the dentist on April 24th. Her cost will be 165.20. My son goes to the dentist on April 29th and cost 159 for one filling. They both need conscious sedation. The cost includes the sedation. My insurance doesn't cover it and I have to pay out of pocket. My daughter also has a oral surgeon appointment this week for her wisdom teeth removal. Since we have not met our deductible, I will find out exactly what our cost will be. The conscious sedation and wisdom teeth removal will be taken off my taxes (since I have to meet a deductible and am not reimbursed for this).
My hound dog gets neutered mid April (already paid for) by Spay VA.
UPDATES: This has been done and they even clipped his toe nails.
My girls have birthdays coming. My daughter is going to be 19, and my other daughter is going to be 17. One asked to go out for a restaurant meal, and there was talk about manicures/pedicures for the 17 year old. I can't afford a big party for them. I'm hoping to get away with the meal/mani/pedi with my budget intact.
Updates: One birthday is done. My daughter that is in high school wants to go out for chicken wings, manicures/pedicures. This will be on Friday, April 25th. We are going to have lunch instead of dinner out, since I will be working that evening. Lunch will be the five of us, mani/pedi will be three of us, with some money put towards a "birthday bag" from the dollar store and a check for 25 dollars.
I am waiting on a reimbursement from DD college that she dropped out of. It's supposed to be in my account this month. It's close to 300 dollars which I could put back into my savings.
UPDATES: The paper check came, I thought they were going to just credit my bank account electronically. I was surprised, it's 492 dollars!! Part of it is going into my savings, part of it is going towards my bills for May.
My husband needs a new pair of glasses.
Updates: He got a new pair of glasses. His eye exam was paid for, and I paid 204 dollars for his glasses. I will be taking that off my taxes since I am not reimbursed anything for this purchase.
My car needs an oil change soon. It's about 1500 miles away from needing one.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Frugal cooking....
My goal is to not throw groceries away. It's like throwing money in the trash can. It's terrible the amount of wasted food tend to throw away. Imagine buying groceries, deciding not to eat them, and them tossing everything.
There's a lot of hungry folks in this world. We could solve the hunger problem with the amount of food that ends up in the landfill.
So, I have four bananas that have BLACK, and I mean BLACK peels. I don't want to toss them, since I paid good hard cash for them at the store. I decided to peel them and make a loaf of homemade banana bread.
4 bananas
2 cups of flour
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup of fat free milk (didn't say in the recipe, but without some sort of liquid, the batter is very thick)
walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips (I don't have any of this stuff!!!!!!!)
I am baking it at 350 for an hour. The kids will like this for breakfast or a snack before bed. The recipe came from my Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
There's a lot of hungry folks in this world. We could solve the hunger problem with the amount of food that ends up in the landfill.
So, I have four bananas that have BLACK, and I mean BLACK peels. I don't want to toss them, since I paid good hard cash for them at the store. I decided to peel them and make a loaf of homemade banana bread.
4 bananas
2 cups of flour
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup of fat free milk (didn't say in the recipe, but without some sort of liquid, the batter is very thick)
walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips (I don't have any of this stuff!!!!!!!)
I am baking it at 350 for an hour. The kids will like this for breakfast or a snack before bed. The recipe came from my Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
Dinner 4/16 using things up...
3 large carrots
1/2 onion (that was going soft)
2 stalks celery (that was going softer)
4 small containers of chicken stock, one container had a small chicken thigh in it. (homemade, dated 1/6/14, 3/16/14, 3/16/14, 4/8/14)
2 cups of ziti (to be boiled later and put in the soup)
The fridge is beginning to look a bit better, since we used up a lot of the left over stuff in the past week and a half. The carrots were peeled, sliced and put into the crock pot. The half an onion I was using for salad was getting soft, so it was peeled and put into the crock pot. Two stalks of celery were cut up and also placed in the crock pot. I had four various containers of homemade chicken stock (made from the drippings from the crock pot, along with chicken frames) that were needing to be used. Everything is in the crock pot with a little water to cook all day. I didn't add any spices, since there's all kinds of goodness from the chicken stock (and one of the containers was from my "sticky chicken attempts".
I was looking up a garlic parmesan roll to make with our soup. I found one on allrecipes. We are going to have those (I will use my bread machine to do the work, and bake in the oven), and a small salad (lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing). That's dinner for the five of us today. I'm sure there will be left overs for my weekend shifts at work.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garlic-and-Parmesan-Dinner-Rolls/Detail
1/2 onion (that was going soft)
2 stalks celery (that was going softer)
4 small containers of chicken stock, one container had a small chicken thigh in it. (homemade, dated 1/6/14, 3/16/14, 3/16/14, 4/8/14)
2 cups of ziti (to be boiled later and put in the soup)
The fridge is beginning to look a bit better, since we used up a lot of the left over stuff in the past week and a half. The carrots were peeled, sliced and put into the crock pot. The half an onion I was using for salad was getting soft, so it was peeled and put into the crock pot. Two stalks of celery were cut up and also placed in the crock pot. I had four various containers of homemade chicken stock (made from the drippings from the crock pot, along with chicken frames) that were needing to be used. Everything is in the crock pot with a little water to cook all day. I didn't add any spices, since there's all kinds of goodness from the chicken stock (and one of the containers was from my "sticky chicken attempts".
I was looking up a garlic parmesan roll to make with our soup. I found one on allrecipes. We are going to have those (I will use my bread machine to do the work, and bake in the oven), and a small salad (lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing). That's dinner for the five of us today. I'm sure there will be left overs for my weekend shifts at work.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garlic-and-Parmesan-Dinner-Rolls/Detail
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Work Lunches...
Since I am back to work, I usually pack a lunch, since I can't really afford to go buy something in the hospital cafeteria.
Sunday night I went through the freezer for some "hidden surprises". I took a single serve container of chili that was dated made in March 2014. I also took a half cup of frozen blueberries, and a few slices of frozen peaches.
Today I took a single serving of bean soup that was made and frozen in March 2014. I also took a medium size apple, and a few tea bags for brewed hot tea.
Since I am back to work, I'm hoping to continue to bring those "hidden surprises" that need to be used and eaten. It keeps my budget intact. We have a refrigerator and microwave at work for employee use.
Sunday night I went through the freezer for some "hidden surprises". I took a single serve container of chili that was dated made in March 2014. I also took a half cup of frozen blueberries, and a few slices of frozen peaches.
Today I took a single serving of bean soup that was made and frozen in March 2014. I also took a medium size apple, and a few tea bags for brewed hot tea.
Since I am back to work, I'm hoping to continue to bring those "hidden surprises" that need to be used and eaten. It keeps my budget intact. We have a refrigerator and microwave at work for employee use.
April 15th, using it up continues...
2 pizza crust
one cup of warm water
1 cup of diced ham from the freezer (dated 3/24/14)
one small onion
two cloves of garlic
2 medium pieces of deli cheese ends
This all becomes three personal pan pizzas that have enough pizza in them to feed the five of us.
I worked on a mandatory computer class for charting today. I will get paid for 8 hours of pay for today. I'm thankful.
My husband went to the eye doc today. He has a new pair of glasses to the tune of 204 dollars. There was an adjustment of 172 dollars taken off the total cost. I think it's still expensive, but I took the cash out of my checking account to pay for his glasses. I am going to save my receipts and write it off my taxes in January 2015. My daughter received a check from her college adventure. It was supposed to come to me, but it's written to her. It's for a total of 400 dollars and some change. I am going to get her to cash this so I can put it back into my bank account. I would like to deposit this into my savings account.
The rest of my night consist of cleaning up the kitchen, gathering dirty laundry to wash, sort through some recycling, and work on my budget for May. My next pay day is April 17th. It's supposed to be for the two weeks I was told were gong to be paid for, and 18 hours of orientation/EPIC training for my new job. It should be all there, but glitches happen sometimes.
one cup of warm water
1 cup of diced ham from the freezer (dated 3/24/14)
one small onion
two cloves of garlic
2 medium pieces of deli cheese ends
This all becomes three personal pan pizzas that have enough pizza in them to feed the five of us.
I worked on a mandatory computer class for charting today. I will get paid for 8 hours of pay for today. I'm thankful.
My husband went to the eye doc today. He has a new pair of glasses to the tune of 204 dollars. There was an adjustment of 172 dollars taken off the total cost. I think it's still expensive, but I took the cash out of my checking account to pay for his glasses. I am going to save my receipts and write it off my taxes in January 2015. My daughter received a check from her college adventure. It was supposed to come to me, but it's written to her. It's for a total of 400 dollars and some change. I am going to get her to cash this so I can put it back into my bank account. I would like to deposit this into my savings account.
The rest of my night consist of cleaning up the kitchen, gathering dirty laundry to wash, sort through some recycling, and work on my budget for May. My next pay day is April 17th. It's supposed to be for the two weeks I was told were gong to be paid for, and 18 hours of orientation/EPIC training for my new job. It should be all there, but glitches happen sometimes.
Monday, April 14, 2014
back to work...
Last night was my first night at my new position. Since I have almost 8 years of nursing behind me, I am on orientation for two weeks, so I can get a feel of the place, and find my way around. I don't quite have the routine from only one shift, but I will know more at the weeks end. They are going to keep my previous work schedule of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night shift.It's wonderful to transfer within a company.
So, last week I earned 18 hours of pay with all the computer charting classes, and orientation. my previous position owes me for two weeks of back pay. I'm not sure if it will be in this week. I find out on Thursday morning. I've incurred some medical expenses in the month I was out of work. I'm waiting for the final expense on this. I have 850 in my checking and NEVER TOUCHED MY SAVINGS. It still has it's 3800 in it.
Yesterday was my daughter's birthday. I spent 20 dollars at Dollar Tree getting "birthday bag supplies", paid for lunch out (a BIG EXPENSE), and gave her a check for 25 dollars. We had some leftovers to take home.
My daughter (she's soon to be 17) made kielbasa last night for dinner. We have some left over for tonight's meal. I bought my son a pair of sneakers over the weekend. My daughter's birthday is on the 25th, so we are going to celebrate her big day soon.
I was at work last night and my husband decided to host a Easter dinner/potluck with a few friends. He told me about this when I got home this morning. I'm kind of upset about it. We are supposed to supply the Easter ham, and everyone else is going to supply stuff. I have to work that whole weekend, and wasn't really keen on the idea of having people over to celebrate. I just wanted it to be the five of us. I feel like I'm whining. The ham is small, and I was planning on having left over ham for the freezer.
Dinner tonight is left over kielbasa which I will heat up on top of the stove. We have left over french fries from my dd's celebration, some salad from Saturday to finish up, and steamed veggies from the freezer.
I have an 8 hour computer class to attend tomorrow for my new position. I will put something in the crock pot in the AM for tomorrow's dinner. I haven't made it that far yet in the planning process.
My hound dog is at Spay VA today. We pick him up tomorrow and will be able to bring him home from his neutering. My husband has an appointment tomorrow to get an eye exam and new glasses. He is in desperate need of a new pair of eye glasses. My insurance will pay only a certain amount towards glasses.The eye exam is only 20 dollars out of pocket.
So, last week I earned 18 hours of pay with all the computer charting classes, and orientation. my previous position owes me for two weeks of back pay. I'm not sure if it will be in this week. I find out on Thursday morning. I've incurred some medical expenses in the month I was out of work. I'm waiting for the final expense on this. I have 850 in my checking and NEVER TOUCHED MY SAVINGS. It still has it's 3800 in it.
Yesterday was my daughter's birthday. I spent 20 dollars at Dollar Tree getting "birthday bag supplies", paid for lunch out (a BIG EXPENSE), and gave her a check for 25 dollars. We had some leftovers to take home.
My daughter (she's soon to be 17) made kielbasa last night for dinner. We have some left over for tonight's meal. I bought my son a pair of sneakers over the weekend. My daughter's birthday is on the 25th, so we are going to celebrate her big day soon.
I was at work last night and my husband decided to host a Easter dinner/potluck with a few friends. He told me about this when I got home this morning. I'm kind of upset about it. We are supposed to supply the Easter ham, and everyone else is going to supply stuff. I have to work that whole weekend, and wasn't really keen on the idea of having people over to celebrate. I just wanted it to be the five of us. I feel like I'm whining. The ham is small, and I was planning on having left over ham for the freezer.
Dinner tonight is left over kielbasa which I will heat up on top of the stove. We have left over french fries from my dd's celebration, some salad from Saturday to finish up, and steamed veggies from the freezer.
I have an 8 hour computer class to attend tomorrow for my new position. I will put something in the crock pot in the AM for tomorrow's dinner. I haven't made it that far yet in the planning process.
My hound dog is at Spay VA today. We pick him up tomorrow and will be able to bring him home from his neutering. My husband has an appointment tomorrow to get an eye exam and new glasses. He is in desperate need of a new pair of eye glasses. My insurance will pay only a certain amount towards glasses.The eye exam is only 20 dollars out of pocket.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Today's plan...using things up.
Since we ate all the leftovers last night, I pulled out a "hidden surprise" from the freezer. I have one container labeled "10 meatballs with sauce" dated 3/21/14. It's thawing out on the breakfast bar.
I took out a jar of garlic marinara from the pantry that I bought at Dollar Tree. I'm going to cook some ziti I had from Sharp Shopper (5 lb for 2.99). I'm cooking about 2 and a half cups worth. I'm going to mix the sauce and meatballs together and top the ziti with it for dinner.
We are going to have a nice salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and the last few colored peppers), ranch dressing for the salad, and steamed green beans to go with it.
I have a new charting system at work I'm being trained on for my new position. I went for a four hour class on Monday evening. Today is a four hour class, and I work Sunday night, 8 hour training class on computer for Tuesday, work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
I like that my life is getting back to my "normal". I did have to spend some cash this week. I put gas in the car, bought my son a new pair of sneakers, and my daughter needs some "female stuff". When I get home this afternoon, I would like to spend some time with the kids.
My oldest has her 19th birthday tomorrow. She wants to go out. She requested a "steak place". I requested to go at lunch time (11-3) since it's cheaper prices and I have to be at work for 7. We compromised, it's the steak place at lunch time...works out for all five of us.
I took out a jar of garlic marinara from the pantry that I bought at Dollar Tree. I'm going to cook some ziti I had from Sharp Shopper (5 lb for 2.99). I'm cooking about 2 and a half cups worth. I'm going to mix the sauce and meatballs together and top the ziti with it for dinner.
We are going to have a nice salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and the last few colored peppers), ranch dressing for the salad, and steamed green beans to go with it.
I have a new charting system at work I'm being trained on for my new position. I went for a four hour class on Monday evening. Today is a four hour class, and I work Sunday night, 8 hour training class on computer for Tuesday, work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
I like that my life is getting back to my "normal". I did have to spend some cash this week. I put gas in the car, bought my son a new pair of sneakers, and my daughter needs some "female stuff". When I get home this afternoon, I would like to spend some time with the kids.
My oldest has her 19th birthday tomorrow. She wants to go out. She requested a "steak place". I requested to go at lunch time (11-3) since it's cheaper prices and I have to be at work for 7. We compromised, it's the steak place at lunch time...works out for all five of us.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Frugal Five
1. Balanced the check book.
2. Eating all the left overs.
3. Kept the heat off all week.
4. Washed laundry in cold water.
5. hung to dry.
2. Eating all the left overs.
3. Kept the heat off all week.
4. Washed laundry in cold water.
5. hung to dry.
Dinner 4/11
I was looking through the fridge and we have tons of left overs. I mean, there's so much stuff crammed in there, that it's almost a hazard to open the door.
So, I took out half a can of baked beans, two baked pork chops with mushroom gravy, a plate of onion rings, a container with green beans and corn, some apple crisp, and a crock pot half filled with a small piece of roast, and numerous veggies to go on the counter.
When my husband gets home with the kids, (they went sneaker shopping) we are going to have a clean out the fridge night for dinner. Every one can pick and choose what they want to eat, warm it up in the microwave, and be happy.
I went to orientation this week for my new position. I start Sunday night (new pat week) with a preceptor and will work with them for a few weeks, until I get the lay out of the land. I'm so thankful to have a new job. It's been a rough month. I will work right now, weekend night shift, and the director was OK with me doing that. I'm hoping it stays that way.
I'm so thankful.
So, I took out half a can of baked beans, two baked pork chops with mushroom gravy, a plate of onion rings, a container with green beans and corn, some apple crisp, and a crock pot half filled with a small piece of roast, and numerous veggies to go on the counter.
When my husband gets home with the kids, (they went sneaker shopping) we are going to have a clean out the fridge night for dinner. Every one can pick and choose what they want to eat, warm it up in the microwave, and be happy.
I went to orientation this week for my new position. I start Sunday night (new pat week) with a preceptor and will work with them for a few weeks, until I get the lay out of the land. I'm so thankful to have a new job. It's been a rough month. I will work right now, weekend night shift, and the director was OK with me doing that. I'm hoping it stays that way.
I'm so thankful.
4/10 dinner
I was at orientation yesterday and got home to my husband putting dinner in the oven. Can I say that I love this!!! I'm hoping that when he doesn't want to cook, that he continues when I go to night shift after orientation.
He made a package of pork chops we had in the freezer, and added a can of cream of mushroom soup over it. He steamed some frozen green beans, corn, and served the last of the broccoli from the other night. It was pretty good and I didn't have to cook. The kids washed dishes.
I could faint.
He made a package of pork chops we had in the freezer, and added a can of cream of mushroom soup over it. He steamed some frozen green beans, corn, and served the last of the broccoli from the other night. It was pretty good and I didn't have to cook. The kids washed dishes.
I could faint.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Started orientation at new job...
from 8-4 today, tomorrow, and as long as all my background and clearances are fine, Friday.
OMG I am tired. I didn't know this morning that my gas light was on, so I had to stop at the gas station before leaving for the high way....
Rules:
1. make sure the gas light is not on before you go to your first day. OMG.
2. I had a sweater with me, bring some gum or hard candies to keep my mouth from being BONE DRY.
3. all the powerpoints and computer work make my head hurt. Bring tylenol or ibuprofen.
So, I met a lot of folks today. Lunch was free, since new folks were given a voucher for the cafeteria. I will bring my lunch tomorrow, since looking at the cafeteria, the options were fresh salad (which I like), and sandwiches. I like a hot lunch (since it's what I'm used to), and a cup of tea.
It's a 30 minute ride. I called my husband and told him that I was on my way home at 4. I got home a few minutes past 4:30 and he made dinner. THUD!!!!! I couldn't believe it.
a chuck roast (it's been forever since we had one)
carrots
potatoes
onions
and a cup of tea.
OMG I am tired. I didn't know this morning that my gas light was on, so I had to stop at the gas station before leaving for the high way....
Rules:
1. make sure the gas light is not on before you go to your first day. OMG.
2. I had a sweater with me, bring some gum or hard candies to keep my mouth from being BONE DRY.
3. all the powerpoints and computer work make my head hurt. Bring tylenol or ibuprofen.
So, I met a lot of folks today. Lunch was free, since new folks were given a voucher for the cafeteria. I will bring my lunch tomorrow, since looking at the cafeteria, the options were fresh salad (which I like), and sandwiches. I like a hot lunch (since it's what I'm used to), and a cup of tea.
It's a 30 minute ride. I called my husband and told him that I was on my way home at 4. I got home a few minutes past 4:30 and he made dinner. THUD!!!!! I couldn't believe it.
a chuck roast (it's been forever since we had one)
carrots
potatoes
onions
and a cup of tea.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Dinner 4/8
So, the taco ingredients from last night are finished. I took the frame and skin of the chicken and put it in the crock pot with two cups of water. It made a beautiful chicken stock this morning when I strained everything. I am blessed. It went into the freezer, labeled, dated and ready for soup at some point.
Tonight's dinner is an easy one.
Dollar Tree onion rings
pork beans (canned)
steamed broccoli
a small salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber with French or Ranch dressing)
pan fried hot dogs (no buns, will have to be on bread for those who want it)
home made apple crisp (a few apples peeled, sliced, covered with two single serve packages of organic brown sugar with whole oats and flax oatmeal, some cinnamon, and a touch of butter baked in the oven).
Tonight's dinner is an easy one.
Dollar Tree onion rings
pork beans (canned)
steamed broccoli
a small salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber with French or Ranch dressing)
pan fried hot dogs (no buns, will have to be on bread for those who want it)
home made apple crisp (a few apples peeled, sliced, covered with two single serve packages of organic brown sugar with whole oats and flax oatmeal, some cinnamon, and a touch of butter baked in the oven).
Monday, April 7, 2014
Dinner 4/7
We are in us it up mode...so with that thought process, we are finishing up the rest of the chicken I made from late last week.
I will pick the rest of the meat off, use the skin and bones for the stock making (crock pot), and we are going to have tacos for dinner tonight. I have a boxed kit that contains hard and soft shells, some salsa, and taco seasoning. I'm thinking that I will slice two medium apples to serve with our meal. It will hopefully encourage the kids to eat the fruit and get more nutrition into them.
I will heat the chicken up after dicing it small, add some taco seasoning, a little water, and let this simmer. I have some lettuce that I can shred, some tomatoes, a small onion, and even a few colored peppers that need to go. I will make it all look presentable and have the kids make their own tacos for dinner.
We have some block cheese I can grate in the blender, along with some open salsa (3/4 gone) that can be scooped out and placed on a dessert plate for those who want salsa with their tacos.
The red/yellow/orange peppers are lurkers. The ones that don't get used tonight will be placed in the freezer to prevent then from going bad and being tossed out. The chicken I'm hoping will be used completely and we will be finished with it, other than stock making for the freezer.
I will pick the rest of the meat off, use the skin and bones for the stock making (crock pot), and we are going to have tacos for dinner tonight. I have a boxed kit that contains hard and soft shells, some salsa, and taco seasoning. I'm thinking that I will slice two medium apples to serve with our meal. It will hopefully encourage the kids to eat the fruit and get more nutrition into them.
I will heat the chicken up after dicing it small, add some taco seasoning, a little water, and let this simmer. I have some lettuce that I can shred, some tomatoes, a small onion, and even a few colored peppers that need to go. I will make it all look presentable and have the kids make their own tacos for dinner.
We have some block cheese I can grate in the blender, along with some open salsa (3/4 gone) that can be scooped out and placed on a dessert plate for those who want salsa with their tacos.
The red/yellow/orange peppers are lurkers. The ones that don't get used tonight will be placed in the freezer to prevent then from going bad and being tossed out. The chicken I'm hoping will be used completely and we will be finished with it, other than stock making for the freezer.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April Challenges
Last month my kids and I went to the dentist. I have no cavities. My daughter has one cavity and my son has two that need to be filled. We made appointments to get them filled this month. While I still have insurance, it's a 60/40 deal, and I pay the 60 percent. They have given me an estimate of my charges.
My hound dog needed one vaccination. I called the vet to see if they would be willing to give him the vaccination, without having to get a well visit too. They will usually weigh him, check out his body, etc and charge me 50 dollars. He was just there last month for a well visit and deemed healthy. They agreed to just give the vaccination and charge me 35 dollars. I paid cash for this. He gets neutered mid April (all ready paid for) by Spay VA.
My car needs an oil change soon. It's about 1500 miles away from needing one.
My girls have birthdays coming. My daughter is going to be 19, and my other daughter is going to be 17. One asked to go out for a restaurant meal, and there was talk about manicures/pedicures for the 17 year old. I can't afford a big party for them. I'm hoping to get away with the meal/mani/pedi with my budget intact.
I am waiting on a reimbursement from DD college that she dropped out of. It's supposed to be in my account this month. It's close to 300 dollars which I could put back into my savings.
My husband needs a new pair of glasses. Enough said. I need to work on this soon.
My hound dog needed one vaccination. I called the vet to see if they would be willing to give him the vaccination, without having to get a well visit too. They will usually weigh him, check out his body, etc and charge me 50 dollars. He was just there last month for a well visit and deemed healthy. They agreed to just give the vaccination and charge me 35 dollars. I paid cash for this. He gets neutered mid April (all ready paid for) by Spay VA.
My car needs an oil change soon. It's about 1500 miles away from needing one.
My girls have birthdays coming. My daughter is going to be 19, and my other daughter is going to be 17. One asked to go out for a restaurant meal, and there was talk about manicures/pedicures for the 17 year old. I can't afford a big party for them. I'm hoping to get away with the meal/mani/pedi with my budget intact.
I am waiting on a reimbursement from DD college that she dropped out of. It's supposed to be in my account this month. It's close to 300 dollars which I could put back into my savings.
My husband needs a new pair of glasses. Enough said. I need to work on this soon.
Today's meal
My husband and girls spent the day out. They had bowls of cereal and milk this morning before they left.
My son and I stayed home. I washed several loads of laundry with dollar tree detergent and fabric softener, hung to dry. I was able to dry two loads out on the back porch. It's a sign of spring!!
My son had cereal, milk, and a banana. I had a banana and a nectarine for breakfast.
I still have some chicken left form the other day. I took one whole chicken breast and chopped it up. I added a small bit of BBQ sauce until moistened and served it on bread for my son. I told him it was a BBQ chicken sandwich, and gave it to him. He inhaled it. I had a half a sandwich with another nectarine.
My husband called and is bringing home Little Caesars. He told me that my part time job kid is paying for it. I told both of them that I would make a nice salad to go with it. We have lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and the last of the French dressing, or the whole bottle of Ranch to use up.
That's about all folks. I laid on the sofa a lot today. I'm tired and want the stress to move out of my life. I want my sense of normal back.
My son and I stayed home. I washed several loads of laundry with dollar tree detergent and fabric softener, hung to dry. I was able to dry two loads out on the back porch. It's a sign of spring!!
My son had cereal, milk, and a banana. I had a banana and a nectarine for breakfast.
I still have some chicken left form the other day. I took one whole chicken breast and chopped it up. I added a small bit of BBQ sauce until moistened and served it on bread for my son. I told him it was a BBQ chicken sandwich, and gave it to him. He inhaled it. I had a half a sandwich with another nectarine.
My husband called and is bringing home Little Caesars. He told me that my part time job kid is paying for it. I told both of them that I would make a nice salad to go with it. We have lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and the last of the French dressing, or the whole bottle of Ranch to use up.
That's about all folks. I laid on the sofa a lot today. I'm tired and want the stress to move out of my life. I want my sense of normal back.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Meals today
Breakfast:
Kids had cereal and milk. I had a handful of grapes and a half pb and j sandwich.
Lunch:
I pan fried the last couple of hot dogs for the children. They each had two on bread, I had one with no bead. My husband wasn't home. I also made a "box mac and cheese" for the children. They finished that off, using a little margarine and reconstituted powdered milk. I didn't have any mac and cheese. I also had a few more grapes.
Dinner:
We are having what's left over from our "Sticky chicken". I had half a plate full of carrots, and a chicken quarter. I did have three small pieces of potato. The kids had some chicken, potatoes, and carrots. No fruit right now.
Snacks:
pb&J
apples
bananas
grapes
oranges
Kids had cereal and milk. I had a handful of grapes and a half pb and j sandwich.
Lunch:
I pan fried the last couple of hot dogs for the children. They each had two on bread, I had one with no bead. My husband wasn't home. I also made a "box mac and cheese" for the children. They finished that off, using a little margarine and reconstituted powdered milk. I didn't have any mac and cheese. I also had a few more grapes.
Dinner:
We are having what's left over from our "Sticky chicken". I had half a plate full of carrots, and a chicken quarter. I did have three small pieces of potato. The kids had some chicken, potatoes, and carrots. No fruit right now.
Snacks:
pb&J
apples
bananas
grapes
oranges
Frugal things this week...
1. cleaned my back yard up
2. sold aluminum cans to a shop at 65 cents a lb, 12 lb total. My husband used the cash for his soda habit.
3. washed multiple loads of laundry in cold with dollar tree detergent, hung to dry.
4. folded multiple loads of dry clothing, the kids put everything away.
5. used my crock pot a few times this week.
6. balanced my check book.
7. didn't touch the money in my savings.
8. got my hound dog her vaccination, did not get charged for a "well visit", an additional 50 dollars for that. It cost 35 for just a vaccination.
9. went to the grocery store and didn't buy many snacks for the kids.
10. using portion control for my servings of dinner. I'm still working on that "feeling hungry" thing.
11. The heat has been off since APRIL 1st.
2. sold aluminum cans to a shop at 65 cents a lb, 12 lb total. My husband used the cash for his soda habit.
3. washed multiple loads of laundry in cold with dollar tree detergent, hung to dry.
4. folded multiple loads of dry clothing, the kids put everything away.
5. used my crock pot a few times this week.
6. balanced my check book.
7. didn't touch the money in my savings.
8. got my hound dog her vaccination, did not get charged for a "well visit", an additional 50 dollars for that. It cost 35 for just a vaccination.
9. went to the grocery store and didn't buy many snacks for the kids.
10. using portion control for my servings of dinner. I'm still working on that "feeling hungry" thing.
11. The heat has been off since APRIL 1st.
Friday, April 4, 2014
New job....
I have received the phone call. I accepted the new position I have been interviewing for all week. I get a physical on Monday, and I'm waiting for a new transfer date. I'm so thankful. They have lifted my suspension, revoked it, going to pay me for all the time I've been off, and i am so thankful.
I am so emotional and I'm crying a lot.
I am so emotional and I'm crying a lot.
What's been cooking and life...
So, I went to the two follow up interviews with the facility that is 30 minutes from home. It went great and I spoke with multiple nurses in various roles. I attended a staff meeting and was introduced as "a critical care nurse considering employment in the ICU or med/surg unit". I was there for a few hours and when we were finished, I went back into the director's office. I asked her for my portfolio and she asked me, "Well, can you tell me what position you would like to be placed in?" She said that everyone in the ICU "loved me" and med surg was looking at me to work with them. I choose ICU since I have that back ground. She said that she was going to contact HR and that they would expedite the transfer, since I have 15 other applications, and an interview next week with a cardiology office. I'm waiting to hear today from HR with the official offer. My pay/health and dental insurance/retirement would stay the same, since it is in the same company. I'm so thankful.
HOLY CRAP!!!
Cooking:
Since I had in terview and left the house at 2:45 and didn't get home until 9 last night, the kids had potato chips, a few sodas, and cereal. My husband figured that he wasn't going cook. It's not our best moment at all, but one night isn't going to hurt them.
Tonight's meal:
I took a whole chicken and put it in the crock pot. There's five potatoes, four huge carrots, one onion, two cloves of garlic, and two stalks of celery with the chicken. I also had left over "sticky chicken" spices that needed to go. So, I rubbed the spices into the chicken and used some on the veggies to enhance the meal. It's in the crock pot now, and we will eat around five PM. Since I went to the store yesterday, we are going to have a small salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber) and grapes on the side. I'm thankful to have fresh produce in the house.
HOLY CRAP!!!
Cooking:
Since I had in terview and left the house at 2:45 and didn't get home until 9 last night, the kids had potato chips, a few sodas, and cereal. My husband figured that he wasn't going cook. It's not our best moment at all, but one night isn't going to hurt them.
Tonight's meal:
I took a whole chicken and put it in the crock pot. There's five potatoes, four huge carrots, one onion, two cloves of garlic, and two stalks of celery with the chicken. I also had left over "sticky chicken" spices that needed to go. So, I rubbed the spices into the chicken and used some on the veggies to enhance the meal. It's in the crock pot now, and we will eat around five PM. Since I went to the store yesterday, we are going to have a small salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber) and grapes on the side. I'm thankful to have fresh produce in the house.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Shopping for April
Dollar Tree:
pancake syrup
worcestershire sauce
laundry soap liquid
liquid fabric softener
two garlic marinara
pizza sauce
20 ounces long grain rice
dry pinto beans
dry kidney beans
great white northern dry beans
3 crest toothpaste
2 rolls bounty (HAVE NO IDEA ON WHY I BOUGHT THEM)
1 oil of olay soap
3 bars dial
tater tots
onion rings
frozen berries
frozen peach slices
frozen blueberries
saran wrap
I had a bunch of coupons totalling 3.45 off. Out the door was 21.96
CVS:
jug laundry soap 2.00
dog food 10.49
chocolate bar (for the ride home from my interview)
I had 2.75 off the dog food, along with a 1.00 off care buck, and 74 cents off the chocolate bar.
I spent 9.62 total.
Sharp Shopper
8 chicken thighs 0.99 lb
3 boxes of cereal
a few pounds of bananas
3 lb apples
2 lb grapes
lettuce
tomatoes
3 lb oranges
10 ln potatoes
package of 20 ct hot dogs
48 bottles of water
3 packages of pumpkin spice cookies
3 pizza crust mixes
2 gallons of fat free milk
one cuucmber
2 loaves of bread
1 lb sliced cheese
2 lb deli cheese ends
3 lb italian sausage
20 ounce frozen corn
20 ounce green beans frozen
I spent 69.60 st the outlet.
I have a total of 300 dollars a month to feed the five of us. I still have a decent size pantry.freezer. hidden suprises to choose from.
pancake syrup
worcestershire sauce
laundry soap liquid
liquid fabric softener
two garlic marinara
pizza sauce
20 ounces long grain rice
dry pinto beans
dry kidney beans
great white northern dry beans
3 crest toothpaste
2 rolls bounty (HAVE NO IDEA ON WHY I BOUGHT THEM)
1 oil of olay soap
3 bars dial
tater tots
onion rings
frozen berries
frozen peach slices
frozen blueberries
saran wrap
I had a bunch of coupons totalling 3.45 off. Out the door was 21.96
CVS:
jug laundry soap 2.00
dog food 10.49
chocolate bar (for the ride home from my interview)
I had 2.75 off the dog food, along with a 1.00 off care buck, and 74 cents off the chocolate bar.
I spent 9.62 total.
Sharp Shopper
8 chicken thighs 0.99 lb
3 boxes of cereal
a few pounds of bananas
3 lb apples
2 lb grapes
lettuce
tomatoes
3 lb oranges
10 ln potatoes
package of 20 ct hot dogs
48 bottles of water
3 packages of pumpkin spice cookies
3 pizza crust mixes
2 gallons of fat free milk
one cuucmber
2 loaves of bread
1 lb sliced cheese
2 lb deli cheese ends
3 lb italian sausage
20 ounce frozen corn
20 ounce green beans frozen
I spent 69.60 st the outlet.
I have a total of 300 dollars a month to feed the five of us. I still have a decent size pantry.freezer. hidden suprises to choose from.
Got paid...
I received my 36 hour paycheck from my employer. I have another two weeks due to me on the 17th of April. I have two interviews today with the Director of HR, and the Director of the unit and her staff this afternoon beginning at 3:30, 4:00, and then was requested to attend their staff meeting from 5 until 6:30. I'm hoping I get the position. I am so anxious about my finances.
I paid my student loan minimum, and May's mortgage. I was snowballing my equity line (separate from my primary mortgage (Dave Ramsey), but I stopped until I am able to get employment. I need everything I can in my account right now.
I am out of a few groceries. I am running low on pantry items. I need to get to the grocery outlet, Aldi, and Dollar Tree while the children are at school. My oldest daughter is working noon until 6, so I will be taking her to work.
I went to Goodwill and found some nice casual business clothes for today. I spent 24 dollars, bought four pairs of pants, and two tops. I have a nice short sleeve knit top with flowers on it, and hunter green pants for today. My daughter helped me pick it out between the clothes that I bought.
I paid my student loan minimum, and May's mortgage. I was snowballing my equity line (separate from my primary mortgage (Dave Ramsey), but I stopped until I am able to get employment. I need everything I can in my account right now.
I am out of a few groceries. I am running low on pantry items. I need to get to the grocery outlet, Aldi, and Dollar Tree while the children are at school. My oldest daughter is working noon until 6, so I will be taking her to work.
I went to Goodwill and found some nice casual business clothes for today. I spent 24 dollars, bought four pairs of pants, and two tops. I have a nice short sleeve knit top with flowers on it, and hunter green pants for today. My daughter helped me pick it out between the clothes that I bought.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Frugal exercise...recycling, reusing, getting all you can from it.
I'm getting a work out this morning. I decided since it's April, it's time to get started with the basic yard work. My back yard has a bunch of dormant fruit bushes (2 blueberry, 2 raspberry, and a bunch of strawberries), a dormant butterfly bush, and two lilac "trees" with leaves beginning to burst open. Did I say that I love my yard~~being outside does a good thing for my mood and outlook.
I also have two hound dogs. They are happy to be outside to play, but they are messy. Enough said.
I have a bunch of fallen twigs, and limbs form the lilacs, and four rose bushes that were pruned earlier in the fall. I have rose limbs and lilac twigs all raked up in a nice pile to take to the landfill for their mulching project that have started. I also have a bunch of dead grass and leaves that I am going to have my husband put into the compost bucket (near the roses). (reusing what would be considered trash by others).
It's taken me about 45 minutes to get everything gathered up and in a decent pile to make the process quicker when my husband gets up. I am going to have him sort through the limbs, and place the yard waste that can be composted, into the bucket. I'm going to bag up the limbs to take to the yard waste part of the landfill, so that they can mulch it down. (recycling, reusing, promoting a no waste Earth).
I have a big yard trash can filled with aluminum cans. I put them into three large trash bags. They are going to be taken to Zuckerman's Metal this afternoon. We are going to sell the back at 60 cents a lb. Granted, it's not going to bring in big bucks, since these are soda cans. But my husband will use the few dollars to put back into his soda habit. We are using mycokerewards.com to insert the codes to get enough points for free coupons. 250 points will get a free 12 pack, combined with selling of the aluminum cans, I guess it would work out. I don't know what Zuckerman's does with the cans, but it's a win win for the five of us to use their services.
Selling the cans will bring in cash for his soda habit, entering the codes on the case will increase the points we have, we will earn more to get free soda coupons, and keep repeating the cycle.
I have a ton of glass, plastic, cardboard recycling that needs to get out today. In only a week, we have one bag of trash that needs to go to the landfill also. (recycling, saving the landfill for actual trash).
I will be bringing home the trash bags that I used for bagging up the aluminum cans, and the limbs from the lilacs, and roses.
I also have two hound dogs. They are happy to be outside to play, but they are messy. Enough said.
I have a bunch of fallen twigs, and limbs form the lilacs, and four rose bushes that were pruned earlier in the fall. I have rose limbs and lilac twigs all raked up in a nice pile to take to the landfill for their mulching project that have started. I also have a bunch of dead grass and leaves that I am going to have my husband put into the compost bucket (near the roses). (reusing what would be considered trash by others).
It's taken me about 45 minutes to get everything gathered up and in a decent pile to make the process quicker when my husband gets up. I am going to have him sort through the limbs, and place the yard waste that can be composted, into the bucket. I'm going to bag up the limbs to take to the yard waste part of the landfill, so that they can mulch it down. (recycling, reusing, promoting a no waste Earth).
I have a big yard trash can filled with aluminum cans. I put them into three large trash bags. They are going to be taken to Zuckerman's Metal this afternoon. We are going to sell the back at 60 cents a lb. Granted, it's not going to bring in big bucks, since these are soda cans. But my husband will use the few dollars to put back into his soda habit. We are using mycokerewards.com to insert the codes to get enough points for free coupons. 250 points will get a free 12 pack, combined with selling of the aluminum cans, I guess it would work out. I don't know what Zuckerman's does with the cans, but it's a win win for the five of us to use their services.
Selling the cans will bring in cash for his soda habit, entering the codes on the case will increase the points we have, we will earn more to get free soda coupons, and keep repeating the cycle.
I have a ton of glass, plastic, cardboard recycling that needs to get out today. In only a week, we have one bag of trash that needs to go to the landfill also. (recycling, saving the landfill for actual trash).
I will be bringing home the trash bags that I used for bagging up the aluminum cans, and the limbs from the lilacs, and roses.
Dinner April 1st and 2nd.
We had left over homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs, and ziti. It's packed away for the rest of the week, so we have lunches for those who are going to be home. My husband and I will be home, and I had to tell the kids that they were to pack their lunches, since they are running out of cafeteria money, and I can't give them any right now. SO, it's spaghetti sauce and pasta for everyone's lunches.
Tonight's dinner is boneless pork chops. I bought a package of five for 1.81 on clearance at Sharp Shopper last month. I was going to serve the last of the asparagus with it, but my husband ate it. So, we are going to have steamed broccoli and some mashed potatoes. I have some BBQ sauce for the pork chops, so I think we are going to use that up.
Tonight's dinner is boneless pork chops. I bought a package of five for 1.81 on clearance at Sharp Shopper last month. I was going to serve the last of the asparagus with it, but my husband ate it. So, we are going to have steamed broccoli and some mashed potatoes. I have some BBQ sauce for the pork chops, so I think we are going to use that up.
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