Pantry challenges...

My daughter made hamburgers last night with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. They were really good. I appreciated her help.

November and December were difficult on the bank account. We had numerous trips to the doctors and dentist. January brings an end to the dentists with two more appointments. Our dog had to go to the vet last night, since her old incision from surgery has opened. She has antibiotics now. It was an expensive trip last night.

Some times, it gets upsetting being the only income in a family of five. We are going to get through this month with less chaos and stress. I'm thankful that my Christmas shopping for the kids is done. I have to get something for my husband and I am finished.

Pantry challenge contines

I have two polish sausage links in the fridge thawing. We are going to saute this with sliced onion and use the steamer to make brown rice with black beans (the rice and beans were bought in bulk). We are going to have fresh salad to go with our meal this evening.

The two visits at the dentist this week cost greater than 500 dollars in co payments. I made the payments in cash and have the rest of the kids work done in January. Our budget has taken a big hit due to the dentist, but the bills have been paid in will continue to be paid in full.

Continued challenge

I have a small bowl of frozen meatballs made from October in the freezer. They are in the fridge thawing along with a container of Italian sausage in spaghetti sauce. I am going to mix these two with the four left over turkey meatballs I have from the other day and add more spaghetti sauce.

We are going to cook some spaghetti, serve the meatballs/sausage combo over it with additional sauce and make a small salad. We have ranch and thousand island dressing for salad.

Continuing with pantry/freezer/fridge clean out...

Today I have a 3 lb container that is half full of BBQ pork that needs to be eaten. It's been taking out of the freezer and is thawing now. We will have left over pork and beans in the fridge, and a small pan of "Jiffy" corn bread that is in the pantry. We will have a small salad on the side. It's about using what we have.

The dentist was very expensive yesterday. My husband and I spoke to the kids regarding Christmas. This year it is going to be very small and since the kids are adult age (20, 18, and 17), they should be able to understand that finances are leaner now.

I hope everyone has a great day!

My own pantry challenge

Well, I'm on vacation from work for three weeks. It started Sunday and doesn't end until December 18th. I am cleaning up the kitchen and found a few things lurking in the freezer that need to be used.

I figured this is a great time while I am off to cut down some expenses. My husband took my daughter to the dentist to get some cavities filled. We are talking big bucks. $$$$$$$. I'm waiting on the sticker shock and phone call.

I am making turkey meatballs, using some lurking bread crumbs, half a jar of "pizza" sauce, lurking motzerella cheese, and some needing to get rid of onion. I also have stuff in the bread machine for "Italian bread", going to make a small salad, and an "apple crisp" with the last four apples that have been sitting on the counter.

I can do all this without having to get to the grocery store. We could probably have meals all month without needing to get groceries, with the exception of milk.