The Froo Gal

Save Money!!

2010-04-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

15 Ways to Reduce Expenses
Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. — Author unknown.
Here’s a list of ideas for reducing expenses. Notice the word reduce. It doesn't say eliminate, although if you have unnecessary expenses, you certainly could eliminate them. Keep in mind that any expense you can reduce will free up money for other things. Think of opportunity cost as you consider these ideas.
1. Make it automatic. Before I see my paycheck, a good portion of it is diverted to my 401(k) and savings. Pay tithing first and save a little. Five to ten percent of what you make each month can add up quick.
2. Use less. This money saving tip is a lesson we all need to learn. We live in a consumer society where waste is a huge problem. If we could all use and consume less there would be less waste, less power consumption, and the benefits for you are SAVING MONEY. Consider using less shampoo when you wash your hair, this may not mean washing your hair less effectively it means not flushing the excess shampoo and your money down the drain. What about saving on heating? Turn the thermostat down or put on extra clothes when you are cold. Turn off lights, the TV and the computer when they are not in use. Each little saving you make will build up and enable you to save money.
3. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify. Think about if something is a want or a need. "Wants" can wait. "Needs" are the priority. It's O.K. to do without. You don't have to "keep up with the Jones." If the T.V., cell phone, computer, or whatever still works, you don't HAVE to upgrade right now.
4. Spend Less. This is not over simplifying the best way to save money! It is essential if you are serious about being a long term money saver and being able to save money every day. Review what you spend and look at ways you can save money. Consider making telephone calls for instance only at off-peak times. Do you really need to have newspapers and magazines delivered? What about using the public lending library instead of buying books or music CDs? Once you start looking for little ways to save money and spend less you will quickly become an expert and really save money.
5. Go through your cell phone bill, look for services you don’t use, and ditch them. Sit down and go through each item on your bill and see if there’s anything there that you don’t use, like a surfeit of text messages or web access or something to that effect. Then call your cell phone company and ask to have those services eliminated. Boom, you’re saving money.
6. Get organized and avoid missed payments. I’ve missed a payment or two because the bill got buried beneath a stack of papers. Get organized and avoid those late payment penalties. If you do miss a payment, call your creditor and ask to have the penalty removed. They’ll usually accommodate the request, at least the first time.
7. Avoid debt. Pay as you go.
8. Create a visual reminder of your debt. Basically, just make a giant progress bar that starts with the amount of debt you have and ends with zero. Each time you pay down a little bit, fill in a little more of that progress bar. Keep this reminder in a place where you’ll see it often, and keep filling it in regularly. It keeps your eyes on the prize and leads you straight to debt freedom.
9. Design your “debt snowball.” Everyone needs a plan to help them get out of debt, so sit down and plot out what debts you’re going to pay off and in what order. Simply having a plan goes a long way towards bringing that plan into action, and paying off debts early is one of the surest ways to put money in your pocket over the long run.
10. Save all the change (coin) in a jar and count it up once a year. Make a donation to your favorite charity with it!!
11. Don’t pay banking fees! I use my bank for free bill pay, automatic deposits, free checks, and free reimbursements for all ATM fees. I won’t pay for any of those services. Consider moving to a credit union. Greater Nevada Credit Union has the best interest rate on their checking accounts…we’ve simplified everything and have put everything in there.
12. Utilize online bill pay with your bank. This serves two purposes. First, it keeps you in much closer contact with your money, as you can keep a very close eye on your balance and be in much less danger of over drafting. Second, it saves you money on stamps and paper checks by allowing you to just fill in an online form, click submit, and have your bill paid. Try it out – and take advantage of it if you’re not already. My bank is a credit union - I just go to their website - log in to my account, go to Bill Pay and tell them to send you a check - that is how I do EVERYTHING! I even have it set up to send the piano teacher her monthly check and I don't even have to think about it!
13. Always ask for fees to be waived. Any time you sign up for a service of any kind and there are sign-up fees, ask for them to be waived. Sometimes (but not always), they will be – and you save money just by being forthright about not wanting to pay excessive fees. I did this with my last cell phone sign-up and got part of my fees waived, cutting down significantly on the bill.
14. Hide your credit cards. Take your credit cards and put them in a safe place in your home, not in your wallet where it’s easy to spend them. If you argue that you need it for “emergencies,” just be sure to keep a small amount of cash hidden in your wallet for these emergencies. Don’t keep plastic on you until you have the willpower to not use it even when you’re sorely tempted.
15. Don’t pay interest on credit cards…and consider giving them up all together. This is obvious, but I soon as you fail to pay off the credit card in full, the high interest payments start to eat away at your monthly budget. If the temptation to spend more than you can pay on a credit card is to great, get rid of the credit card!

Oh What Do You Do In The Winter-Time?

2009-12-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

We went to the Home Depot last Saturday for their Kids Workshop and it turned out to be a success! Totally Free and Totally Fun!

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?catalogId&langId=-1&pn=Kids_Workshops&storeId=10051

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

New Recipes for Laundry Soap and Fabric Softener

2009-11-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have an obsession with homemade laundry soap and here's a new version from my friend Tiffany...with a fabric softener to try...
Thanks, Tiffany!!
Here's what she had to say about it all: "So lately I've been making my own laundry soap and I've decided that I really, really like it. I wanted to share the recipe with ya'll in case anyone is interested. The last batch I made lasted a little over a month and cost me under $2.00. There are alot of different recipe versions out there and I'm guessing they all work about the same."
Here is her recipe:
Laundry Soap
Makes 2 Gallons
1/3 bar Fels Naptha, grated
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup Washing Soda (Arm and Hammer not baking soda)
Hot Water
1. Mix 6 cups of water in a large pot with grated soap. Heat and stir until melted. Turn off heat, add Borax and washing soda. Mix until dissolved. Pour all into big bucket or bowl. Add enough additional water to make 2 gallons (1 more gallon plus 10 more cups of water equals 2 gallons). You can also add essential oil to your detergent if you'd like more scent. Make sure it's pure though because heavy oils can stain clothes.
2. At this point you can put it in whatever container you'd like to store it. I used two empty, clean milk jugs for easy storage and pouring.
3. Before using each time shake the jug. Use 3/4 - 1 cup for every wash.
4. BTW - all of the above ingredients can be purchased at most grocery stores and Walmart on the laundry soap aisle.

Really Great Fabric Softener
3 C vinegar
2 C hair conditioner (any kind)
6 C water
Step 1
in a seal able container (if you have a couple old liquid fabric softener containers, those work well), combine 2 cups hair conditioner (I use a regular sized bottle- a little less than 2 cups), 3 cups vinegar, and 6 cups water.
Step 2
mix all ingredients together
Step 3
store in air tight container.
Step 4
use same amount you would use with regular liquid fabric softener

Stay-cation!!

2009-08-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

I wish I'd found this sooner...looks like fun!!

http://www.visitsaltlake.com/visit/activities/connect_pass/

Buy one day, get the second day FREE! The Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass is the best way to gain access to Salt Lake's most famous and fascinating attractions. Get it now! This summer the Connect Pass is even better — when you buy your first day, you get your 2nd day FREE! These special Visit Salt Lake Connect Passes are good for the rest of the year, but you have to get them before summer* is over, so Book your Salt Lake Package online now.

*Packages and passes must be purchased from June 20, 2009 to August 31, 2009 and must be used by December 31, 2009.

Kid's Cooking Activities

2009-07-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

I just found an awesome website that I wanted to share with you.
I'm putting together some summer activities for my children and want to have some cooking lessons for them.
This website has some great ideas: http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/

Creamy Banana Bread

2009-07-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

I just got this recipe from a friend...it is so good, I had to share!

Creamy Banana Bread
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups sugar
2 large eggs
1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2¼ cups flour
1½ tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1¼ cups finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 tsp. cinnamon

Directions
Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Preheat oven to 325°F and spray two 8½x4½x2½-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Cream butter and cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar; continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda, stirring just until moistened. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Pour half of batter into prepared pans; sprinkle with half of nut mixture. Repeat layers and bake for 45 minutes. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes more or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 2 loaves.
Nutritional Information:Nutrition per serving (140 g, based on 12 slices): 460 calories, 7 g protein, 24 g total fat (10 g sat., 0 g trans), 55 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 31 g sugar, 80 mg cholesterol, 230 mg sodium, 10 points
Shopping List:1/2 cup butter or margarine, 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, 1¼ cups sugar, 2 large eggs, 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas , 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 2¼ cups flour, 1½ tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1¼ cups finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 4 tsp. cinnamon

Prayer Pretzels

2009-03-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

This was a neat family night for us:

Prayer Pretzels
You'll need:
1 package of dry yeast1-1/2 cups lukewarm water (not hot)2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 cups of flour 1 beaten eggsalt
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let rise a few minutes. Add sugar and salt and blend in 4 cups flour. Turn dough out on floured table or breadboard and knead until smooth. Refrigerate until you are ready to use at your table. Preheat oven to 325 . Lightly grease cookie sheet or toaster oven tray. Cut off 4" piece of dough roll into ropes about six to eight inches, or a length you can easily twist. Twist into shape with loop at top and two arms folded over. Arrange on lightly greased toaster oven tray or cookie sheet allowing space between pretzels for expansion. Brush with beaten egg -- those places you miss will not brown. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes. Ovens may vary so check after 7-8 minutes.

Talk about prayer with your family:
There are many types of prayers. Ask the children if they can think of any:.
Prayers of Gratitude (food - family - home - health - earth)
Peace (giving talk or performing so nerves will be calm)
Safety (travel, etc.)
Someone's health - friend family member facing surgery or medical problem
Strength / Priesthood Blessings (to get through a tough situation)
Sacrament Prayers
Review prayer language
Tell the story of the Pretzel - In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine Monk decided to make use of the dough left over from baking bread. The Monk formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer. This scrumptious treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They began calling the treat "Pretiola", which is Latin for "little reward". Soon it was known to the world as pretzel. The secret of making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our Father in Heaven. Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that has lost it's shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don't pray always to keep our spirituality in place. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. Our "Pretiola" or "little rewards" are the blessings we receive. During this twisting time, it may be possible to talk about what happens when we pray for others. Francis of Assisi said, "The gift of prayer is no small gift, to whomever it is given." It is a gift implying love, thoughtfulness, and often action on the part of the person who says the prayer.
While the children are making their pretzels, ask them to think of one person they can pray for and to challenge them to remember them throughout the day and in their prayers. (Before starting family prayers at night, review the names of those you want to remember so that you can pray for them as a family too.)

Easy Santa Fe Chicken (crockpot)

2009-03-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

I love my crockpot! I'd use it everyday if I could!
Here's one of our favorite crockpot recipes:

CROCKPOT EASY SANTA FE CHICKEN
1 15 oz can black beans -- rinsed and drained
2 15.25 oz cans whole kernel corn -- drained
1 cup bottled thick and chunky salsa
5 or 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts -- (can use frozen)
1 8 oz brick cream cheese -- low fat is fine
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
In a 3.5 or 4 quart electric slow cooker, mix together the beans, corn, and 1/2 cup salsa. Top with the chicken breasts, then pour the remaining salsa over the chicken. Cover and cook on the high heat setting 2.5-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and white throughout; do not overcook or the chicken will toughen. Remove the chicken and cut into bite sized pieces. Add back to the slow cooker. Add the cream cheese (cut into cubes to melt faster), and turn slow cooker to high heat. Heat until cream cheese melts and blends into sauce. Serve over rice. Top with shredded cheese.

Here's a List of Family Favorite Recipes...Yum!

2009-03-19T16:23:00.001-07:00

CAFE RIO SALAD DRESSING
3 FRESH TOMATILLOS (PEEL OFF PAPER SKIN AND QUARTER)
1 PACKAGE BUTTERMILK RANCH
1 CUP MAYO
1/2 CUP BUTTERMILK
1 CUP CILANTRO
2 GARLIC CLOVES, CRUSHED
1/4 TSP. CRUSHED CAYENNE PEPPER
BLEND ALL INGREDIENTS IN BLENDER AND CHILL FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE SERVING. ENJOY!

Lime Rice
6 cups minute rice
6 cups water
9 bouillon chicken cubes
1 1/2 tsp. dried onion
3/4 bunch cilantro
3 TBS oil
2 limes
Bring water, bouillon, dried onion, cilantro, and oil to boil (I just do it on the stove in a big pot) Add rice. Add juice of 2 limes. Mix well - and then dump it all into a crockpot on low and it will stay warm and cook the minute rice - you can make it a couple of hours ahead because of the crockpot - The cilantro I blend up in my baby food grinder - but I suppose you could do it in any kind of grinder - maybe even the blender –

Here is the recipe for the sweet pork:

1 Pork Roast (some butchers call it the Boston Butt)
1 Cup Italian Dressing
1 Cup French Dressing
1 Cup Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

If you have a huge roast then I would double the sauce. Put in crock pot on low for at least 7 hours. About 1-2 hours before you are going to eat, shred the pork really well. Serve with limes, too, because the lime juice really makes it great!
For the salad, we just did romaine lettuce, crushed tortilla chips, black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and ranch dressing. For mexican haystacks, I do crushed chips, white rice with a little cilantro and lime juice, the pork, cheese, sour cream, and then the following salsa.

Super Bowl Artichoke Dip
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) Artichoke hearts, finely chopped
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Wheat thins
Mix cream cheese, artichokes, mayo, and parmesan cheese. Spoon into 9 inch pie plate. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly
Serve warm as a dip with crackers. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.
Enjoy!

Rice bowls are always a big hit here at the house. The kids love em, and you can do sweet and sour, teriyaki, or everyone's favorite, with peanut sauce! Plus, it's a great way to get the veggies in! Just stir fry for a few minutes and you're done (too much stir frying and you'll get limp veggies that no one will eat!)

Peanut Sauce Recipe:
1 Tablespoon Peanut Oil
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili paste (more if you like it spicier!)
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Chunky Peanut Butter (Jif is best)
1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce

Heat the oil, then add the garlic, chili paste and tomato paste. Fry until fragrant (about 1 min.). Add water, sugar, peanut butter and hoisin sauce. Boil for about 5 minutes. Mmmm Mmmm Good! I usually have to at least double (if not triple) the recipe to keep everyone happy!

Teriyaki sauce:
1 cup Kikoman Soy Sauce
1 1/2 cups brown sugar - make sure you stir until the sugar has dissolved in the soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root (or 2 teaspoons powdered ginger)

P.F. CHANG’S LETTUCE WRAPS

1 head iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts
2 chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons bottled minced ginger
1 bunch green onions
1 large onion, diced
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 T. bottled minced garlic
1/8 t. cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1. Separate lettuce leaves, wash and refrigerate for a few hours (or overnight) until cold and crisp.
2. Dice chicken into small pieces. (This is easier if it's partially frozen.)
3. Stir fry on high heat in a small amount of oil until done. Add diced onion and stir fry for a minute or two.
4. Lower heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, vinegar, and cayenne pepper.
5. Stir to blend and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
6. Add chopped water chestnuts.
7. Rinse the green onions, trim away the roots. Slice thin and use the white bulb plus some of the green tops to equal 3/4 cup.
8. Add the green onion to the skillet with the sesame oil. Cook and stir until onions begin to wilt. Remove from heat.

To serve, Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a platter. Place meat mixture in the center.

Does P.F. Chang's sell their own red pepper sauce? If not, you can find some good stuff in the Asian stores, or the Oriental section of the grocery store. Anybody have a favorite you can recommend?

Won Ton Salad

2-4 chicken breasts-boiled and shredded
1 Head of lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
1 Bunch of green onions-diced
15 won ton skins-cut in strips and fried in vegetable oil

Dressing:
2T sugar
1/2 t. accent
1/2 t. pepper
1 t. salt
1/4 c. oil
1 T. sesame oil
3 T. rice vinegar

Toss lettuce, shredded chicken, fried won tons and diced green onions together. Add dressing just before serving.
Winger's Buffalo Wings Sauce
2 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar3 tablespoons light corn syrup1/3 cup Franks Red Hot pepper sauce (or any other brand of Louisiana hot sauce - but not Tabasco)1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar1/2 cup hot water
Place brown sugar and corn syrup in medium saucepan and melt over medium heat until boiling. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly or it will burn. Add hot water, pepper sauce and vinegar. Stir all ingredients together well and continue cooking at a low boil, stirring often until mixture has reduced to a syrupy consistency (about 15 minutes). The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.

Perfectly Glazed Carrots
1 pound baby carrots
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 Tablespoon butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons lemon juice, or less
pepper, optional

Bring carrots, salt, 1 T. sugar, and chicken broth to a boil, covered, in 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until carrots are almost tender - 5 or 10 minutes. Uncover. Increase heat to high and continue cooking and stirring until the liquid is reduced to about 2 Tablespoons. (1-2 minutes) Add butter and remaining 2 T. sugar.

Toss carrots to coat and cook, stirring often, until carrots are completely tender and glaze is a light gold color, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir in lemon juice. Transfer carrots to serving dish. Season with pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Better Than Anything Cake
1 pkg. German Chocolate Cake
1 can sweetened condensed milk
20 melted caramels mixed with ¼ cup milk
whipping cream
2-3 crushed Heath Bars
Make cake according to directions. Poke holes into cake with a straw or wooden spoon handle. Pour condensed milk and Carmel into holes and over entire cake. Let completely cool. Top with whipping cream and crushed Heath bar.

White Bean Chili
3 cans Great Northern White Beans (total about 48 oz)4 cups cooked and cubed chicken breasts1 T olive oil1 medium onions, chopped4 garlic cloves minced1-2 4oz cans chopped mild green chilies2 t ground cumin1 1/2 t dried oregano1/4 t cayenne pepper6 cups chicken stock or canned chicken brother3 cups grated Monterey jack cheese In crockpot - combine ALL the ingredients except the cheese (don't drain the beans). After chili comes to a boil, turn the crockpot to low - Stir in the cheese 1/2 hour before or leave it on the side for people to do it themselves. You can serve it with salt/pepper, Lime chips and sour cream on the side as well - If you really have a lot of time - BBQ the chicken outside, then cut it up and put it in the soup - but not worth the work unless you're in that cooking mood!

Crock pot Lasagna
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked 1 jar spaghetti sauce ¼ c water
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained 1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 carton (16 oz) cottage cheese 2 c mozzarella cheese

Break noodles in half. Place half of the noodles in the bottom of greased crockpot. Stir Italian seasoning into meat and spread half over the noodles already in crockpot. Layer half of the sauce and water, half of the cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese over beef.
Repeat layers. Cover and cook on low heat 4-5 hours. Do not cook more than 5 hours.
Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
8 oz Swiss cheese, cubed
8 oz ham, diced
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 box of stuffing
1-2 T. butter
PREPARATION:
Brown chicken and place chunks in baking dish, add cubes of swiss cheese and small pieces of ham. Mix cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of milk; mix well and pour over all. In a separate pan, melt butter, pour in dry stuffing, mix. Pour stuffing over casserole. Bake about 30 minutes at 350° or until tender and bubbly.

Café Rio Pork Roast #2
3-4 lb. pork sirloin roast1 C. Pace salsa1 1/3 C. brown sugar1 C. 7-up
Place roast in crockpot. Mix salsa, brown sugar and 7-up together. Pour over roast. Cook on low all day (8 hrs). Shred with forks before serving.
*Serve on top of salad, or use to make burritos. Then we add warm black beans, cooked rice, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing. The below dressing is also really yummy if you want to make it instead of using plain ranch.
1 1/3 C sour cream3/4 C. mayo1 bunch cilantro4 TBS. salsa verde1 pkg. ranch dressing mix2 cloves garlic1/8 tsp. tabasco saucejuice of 1 lime
*Or you can get some really fancy-schmancy rolls and serve them as sandwiches - any way you make it, it’s to die for!

Chicken Enchiladas (the easy version)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 4oz. can chopped Ortega Chili
8 oz. sour cream
1 doz. corn tortillas
1 med. onion, chopped
1 1/2 - 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken…(canned works well also)
Jack Cheese, grated.
In a bowl combine chicken soup, sour cream, ortega chili, 1/2 c jack cheese 1/4 c. chopped onion and set aside.
Cut tortillas into bite size pieces and add to soup mixture, mix. Add chicken and combine well. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray. Add mixture and top with Jack Cheese.
Bake approx. 30 min. uncovered until bubbly and cheese starts to brown a bit.
I’m a big make and freeze ahead girl and this casserole freezes and bakes well!

Baby-Sitting...Puttin' in your time, saves the dime.

2009-03-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some ideas for qualitiy baby-sitting for free!
* Start a baby-sitting exchange with a friend.
Here's how it works: On a weekend night, once your friend's kids are in bed, go over and baby-sit until 11:30p.m. while your husband stays home with your kids. Then, on the following weekend, put your kids to bed around 7:30-8 p.m., call your friend to come over, and then go out until 11:30. Here are some advantages for the exchage: the kids keep their normal bedtime routines, no payment is made for baby-sitting, each couple enjoys some alone time and even the mom doing the baby-sitting has a relaxing evening!
*Start your own Baby-Sitting Co-op.
Here's some ideas for rules. Both parent and sitter must report hours to the coordiator; time is rounded off to the nearest fifteen minutes. Sick children are not to be left at a sitter's house, nor are you allowed to watch other children if your child is ill. Do not discuss problems with co-op children with anyone else but the parent, and report children's behavior honestly with the parents. Parents provide all meals and snacks needed.

Keeping Those Cavities Away!

2009-02-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I went to the dentist. I found a coupon and thought, "this is a good deal." So, I packed up the kids, and away we went. Upon a quick examination, the dentist declared that I had FIVE cavities. I'd never had a cavity before and now I had FIVE! "No Way!" I thought. I waited a few months and finally decided that I'd better get a second opinion. Well...guess what! I didn't have any cavities! Zip! Zero!
Moral of the story: buyer beware out there and if something seems out of sorts, get a second opinion. I saved hundreds of dollars by getting that second opinion and now I'm more determined than ever to have good dental hygiene!
The dentist that I now go to recommends a few things to help keep those cavities at bay. Here's his suggestions:

* Floss at night with Glide Floss:

* Rinse in the morning and at night with Act Restoring Mouthwash:

Only One Type of Mouthwash Won’t Rinse Fluoride Away
When you use a mouthwash after you brush and floss, you might think you're completing your daily oral care routine the best way possible. But, you’re not. When you use an ordinary, non-fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing you may actually negate the fluoride efficacy of toothpaste. ACT Fluoride Rinses and Restoring Mouthwashes contain the highest amounts of fluoride available in rinse form without a prescription.

Get the Facts
Regular use of ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse can:

Help prevent cavities in children over six as their teeth are developing
Strengthen tooth enamel
Prevent white spot lesions in teens with braces
Help protect the roots of adult teeth as their gums begin to recede

ACT Restoring™ Anticavity Mouthwash adds the additional benefit of killing bad breath germs. That’s why we call it 3 ACTs in 1 bottle.

*Brush at least morning and night with Colgate Total Toothpaste:

Colgate Total^® toothpaste is #1 recommended most often by dentists and the first to be approved by the FDA and accepted by the ADA to fight plaque and gingivitis.

Complete 12-hour protection fighting a full range of oral health problems.
It helps prevent plaque and gingivitis — even after meals
Fights tartar build-up, bad breath and helps prevent cavities.

Available in a variety of flavors and forms. Choose the one that is right for you. Total Advanced Whitening Paste, Total Advanced Clean, Total Advanced Fresh Gel, Total Clean Mint Paste, Total Whitening Paste, Total Whitening Gel, Total Plus Whitening Liquid and Total Mint Stripe Gel.

I Love Foam Soap!

2009-02-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

I love Bath and Body Works Hand Soap. But I consider it a luxury and I pride myself in being economical so I always buy the big refill soap at Walmart and use and reuse the dispensers. I stumbled upon this recipe for foam soap...and I love it. It fulfills my need to use and reuse, and lets me have my Bath and Body Works Soap at the same time! I bought the foam soap on sale at Bath and Body and now I refill the foam dispensers with my favorite regular Bath and Body hand soap. However, this will work with anything! It's my new favorite frugal trick!

Foam Soap Refill

Don't throw away your foam soap dispenser or spend extra on the refills when you run out. It's easy to make your own! This also works with shampoo.

1 bottle

Ingredients

3 tablespoons liquid hand soap or Joy dishwashing soap
2/3 cup warm water

Directions

Gently mix soap with water.
Do not shake.
Pour into foam soap dispenser.

Reading Suggestion: The I Do Cookbook for the Bride and Groom

2008-12-03T13:24:00.001-08:00

I use this cookbook on a weekly basis.
Amazing recipes and great menu planning ideas.
Makes a great gift for newlyweds!
For more information see: www.idocook.com

Reading Suggestion: How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

2008-12-03T13:18:00.001-08:00

You don't need to spend a lot of money on learning resources for your kids. This book is worth it's weight in gold! Very easy to use and I've found it very effective with my kids. You don't have to do the program in 100 days...I just did 10 to 15 minutes a day.

Amazon Review:

SRAs DISTAR® is the most successful beginning reading program available to schools across the country. Research has proven that children taught by the DISTAR® method outperform their peers who receive instruction from other programs. Now for the first time, this program has been adapted for parent and child to use at home. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a complete, step-by-step program that shows patents simply and clearly how to teach their children to read.

Twenty minutes a day is all you need, and within 100 teaching days your child will be reading on a solid second-grade reading level. It's a sensible, easy-to-follow, and enjoyable way to help your child gain the essential skills of reading. Everything you need is here -- no paste, no scissors, no flash cards, no complicated directions -- just you and your child learning together. One hundred lessons, fully illustrated and color-coded for clarity, give your child the basic and more advanced skills needed to become a good reader.

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons will bring you and your child closer together, while giving your child the reading skills needed now, for a better chance at tomorrow.

Reading Suggestion: The Total Money Makeover

2008-12-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

I love Dave Ramsey! He changed the whole way I look at money!

Radio talk-show host and bestselling author Ramsey (Financial Peace) is less a financial analyst and more of a preacher, which explains both his popularity and the appeal of this book, which just might gain a wide audience. The bedrock of his system is simple: work hard, pay what you owe and stay out of debt. His main commandment is "Pay cash." He first exhorts the reader to take "baby steps," which are designed to build on each other: first, save $1,000 as an emergency fund; then, pay off all debts from smallest to largest; save a larger three-to-six-month emergency fund; finally, start to save for college and pay off your home mortgage. Ramsey understands the difficulty in putting these steps into action, and therefore packs his book with personal testimonials from everyday people who have used his system and have become debt free, with obvious struggles. The key is what Ramsey calls "Gazelle intensity," which is to live a financial life the way a gazelle saves itself from an attacking cheetah-"outmaneuver the enemy and run for your life." While Ramsey provides some helpful charts and graphs so readers can keep track of their efforts to follow his steps, the strength of this book is that it is a straightforward motivational tool. He provides the brutally direct truth about the hard work it takes to become free of debt, and his directness is a great part of the book's charm.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reading Suggestion: The Tightwad Gazette

2008-12-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

This is a must read! Tons of great ideas!

Amazon.com Review
Though tightwad seems like a derogatory term, author Amy Dacyczyn wants to assure you that it's okay to be a penny-pincher. This self-styled "Frugal Zealot" wrote and published The Tightwad Gazette for over six years to spread the frugal gospel. Each issue contained tips from her personal experience and from her many readers. The wealth of information contained in all these issues has been compiled into one volume for the first time. You'll find literally thousands of ideas for saving money, from the simple or practical to the difficult or bizarre. On the simple, practical side, Dacyczyn advises would-be tightwads to keep track of price trends at several stores in a "price book" and to buy in bulk when prices are low. Other, stranger offerings include tips for turning margarine-tub lids into playing-card holders, old credit cards into guitar picks, and six-pack rings into a hammock or volleyball net. More helpful are inexpensive recipes for making homemade versions of pricey, well-known products and ingenious ways to fix broken or damaged items. The book's disorganization encourages browsing, but the detailed index will point you to the exact page for specific items. Dacyczyn's occasional "thriftier than thou" tone is balanced by the friendly support for frugality that infuses every page. She even reminds her readers that it's okay to "sweat the small stuff"--because this small stuff is the essence of frugality. --C.B. Delaney

Product Description
At last--the long-awaited complete compendium
of tightwad tips for fabulous frugal living!

Amazon.com Review
Though tightwad seems like a derogatory term, author Amy Dacyczyn wants to assure you that it's okay to be a penny-pincher. This self-styled "Frugal Zealot" wrote and published The Tightwad Gazette for over six years to spread the frugal gospel. Each issue contained tips from her personal experience and from her many readers. The wealth of information contained in all these issues has been compiled into one volume for the first time. You'll find literally thousands of ideas for saving money, from the simple or practical to the difficult or bizarre. On the simple, practical side, Dacyczyn advises would-be tightwads to keep track of price trends at several stores in a "price book" and to buy in bulk when prices are low. Other, stranger offerings include tips for turning margarine-tub lids into playing-card holders, old credit cards into guitar picks, and six-pack rings into a hammock or volleyball net. More helpful are inexpensive recipes for making homemade versions of pricey, well-known products and ingenious ways to fix broken or damaged items. The book's disorganization encourages browsing, but the detailed index will point you to the exact page for specific items. Dacyczyn's occasional "thriftier than thou" tone is balanced by the friendly support for frugality that infuses every page. She even reminds her readers that it's okay to "sweat the small stuff"--because this small stuff is the essence of frugality. --C.B. Delaney

Product Description
At last--the long-awaited complete compendium
of tightwad tips for fabulous frugal living!

Stain Removal

2008-12-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Stain Removal

Usually, I just use some of my homemade laundry soap and scrub it in, and throw it in with the wash.
But for the stubborn stains, try this:

HOT WATER (enough to fill a big, clear plastic tub) , equal parts(about a cup of each) BIZ and the blue DAWN LIQUID DISH DETERGENT.

I throw all the stained clothes into the tub of hot water ( make sure the clothes are all the same color, don’t mix colors and whites) and let it sit for a couple days. if the stains are still there, I leave them in the water up to a week. then I dump the entire tub of clothes and soapy water into the washer. If there’s still stains, I repeat the process. (THIS FORMULA IS VERY SLIMY SO WEAR GLOVES)

For heirloom pieces, the only difference is rinse it well and then lay the item on a big towel, roll it up like a long snake, and then wring the excess water out. Hang it to dry.

It’s worth a try, the fabric/clothes are ruined anyway so why not try it out!

I’d love to get some comments on this subject, so let me know what you think! (success? bad experience? I want to know!)

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2008-11-15T15:39:00.001-08:00

This is one of my most requested recipes. Instead of going out for Chinese, try this one tonight:

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2 pkgs. Ritz crackers, crushed
1 1/2 T. Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. season salt
Mix these together, put in bowl.

1 (8oz.) container plain yogurt, put in another bowl
1/2 c. melted butter (to drizzle over chicken)
8 chicken breasts, cut in 1/2 and pat dry
Dip chicken pieces in yogurt, then dip in cracker crumbs, set on 13 x 9 inch pan, not touching each other. Now drizzle melted butter over chicken. While baking, make sauce.

Sauce:
1/2 c. ketchup
3/4 c. water
1/2 small can drained crushed pineapple or tidbits, add just before serving
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. cornstarch, min in 1/3 c. water to thicken
1/4 c. vinegar (apple cider)
Simmer 30 minutes. Serve over rice. Baking time: 45 minutes. Temp: 350. Serving Size: 6-8.

The Cost of Raising Children

2008-11-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Can you believe how expensive it is to raise kids?!?!?!
I take this as a challenge and think that I can do a better job for way less than this:

The table below shows the estimated annual costs of raising a child, based on a survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The table shows costs based on a family with two children on a per-child basis. The data comes from the Consumer Expenditure Survey by the U.S. Department of Labor, conducted from 1990-92.The figures have been updated to 2001 dollars using the Consumer Price Index.

The USDA ends its cost survey when a child legally becomes an adult at age 18. It does not include any estimates for sending your children to college nor does it offer any cost estimates if your child remains in your home as a dependent after the age of 18. The College Board reports that in the 1998-99 school year, a resident student at a four-year private college will spend about $23,578 a year; a student at a public college will pay $9,008 a year.

See the footnotes¹ below for further information. If you're a single-parent family, use the Single-Parent Family table.

Dual-Parent Family

Age of Child	Housing	Food	Transportation	Clothing	Health	Child care/ Education	Miscellaneous	Total
Before-tax income: up to $39,100
0 to 2	2,500	910	780	370	460	840	630	6490
3 to 5	2,470	1,010	750	360	440	820	680	6,630
6 to 8	2,380	1,300	880	400	510	560	680	6,710
9 to 11	2,150	1,560	950	450	560	340	720	6,730
12 to 14	2,400	1,640	1,070	750	560	240	900	7,560
15 to 17	1,940	1,780	1,440	660	600	400	660	7,480
Total	41,520	24,600	17,610	8,970	9,390	9,990	12,720	124,800

Before-tax income: $39,100 to $65,800
0 to 2	3,380	1,090	1,160	430	610	1,380	980	9,030
3 to 5	3,350	1,260	1,130	420	580	1,530	990	9,260
6 to 8	3,260	1,600	1,260	470	660	980	1,030	9,260
9 to 11	3,030	1,890	1,330	520	720	640	1,250	9,190
12 to 14	3,280	1,900	1,450	870	720	470	1,250	9,940
15 to 17	2,820	2,110	1,840	780	770	810	1,010	10,140
Total	57,360	29,550	24,510	10,470	12,180	17,430	18,960	170,460

Before-tax income: $65,800 and up
0 to 2	5,370	1,440	1,630	570	700	2,090	1,630	13,430
3 to 5	5,340	1,630	1,600	560	670	2,270	1,650	13,720
6 to 8	5,250	1,970	1,720	610	770	1,560	1,690	13,570
9 to 11	5,020	2,290	1,800	670	820	1,090	1,720	13,410
12 to 14	5,270	2,400	1,920	1,100	830	840	1,900	13,170
15 to 17	4,810	2,530	2,330	1,000	870	1,470	1,660	14,670
Total	93,180	36,780	33,000	13,530	13,980	27,960	30,750	249,180

Single-Parent Family

Age of Child	Housing	Food	Transportation	Clothing	Health	Child care/ Education	Miscellaneous	Total
Before-tax income: up to $39,100
0 to 2	2,240	1,010	730	330	220	530	380	5,440
3 to 5	2,550	1,060	640	350	330	720	500	6,150
6 to 8	2,710	1,340	740	410	390	650	670	6,910
9 to 11	2,600	1,550	530	420	490	310	540	6,440
12 to 14	2,600	1,550	620	710	520	400	520	6,920
15 to 17	2,760	1,690	970	830	520	300	600	7,670
Total	46,380	24,600	12,690	9,150	7,410	8,730	9,630	118,590

Before-tax income: $39,100 and up
0 to 2	4,820	1,560	2,220	470	510	1,290	1,580	12,450
3 to 5	4,820	1,650	2,130	500	690	1,620	1,690	13,410
6 to 8	5,290	1,980	2,240	570	790	1,510	1,870	14,250
9 to 11	5,180	2,380	2,030	580	950	880	1,740	13,740
12 to 14	5,190	2,380	2,110	950	1,000	1,260	1,720	14,560
15 to 17	5,340	2,470	2,290	1,090	990	1,030	1,800	15,010
Total	92,850	37,110	39,060	12,480	14,790	22,770	31,200	250,260

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Estimates are based on 1990-92 Consumer Expenditure Survey updated to 2001 dollars using the Consumer Price Index.

¹ The figures represent estimated expenses on the younger child in a two-child family. Estimates are about the same for the older child, so a family of two would then double the total cost. Thus, a family with two children and an income of less than $39,100, could expect to spend somewhere around $249,600, for two children by the time they each had reached age 18. If you have only one child, the USDA assumes you'll spend slightly more on that child and suggests multiplying the total expense for the appropriate age category by 1.24. If you have three or more children, the USDA assumes you'll spend slightly less per child. To estimate expenses for each child in a family with three or more children, multiply the total expense for each appropriate age category by 0.77. For expenses on all children in a family, these totals should be summed.

Budgeting Ideas

2008-11-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

I think we can all agree that our parents lived a very different way of life than we do today. I was helping my mom clean out a closet the other day and we stumbled upon a small pamphlet that was written in 1978 that included various ways to save the average family time and money. I started reading several pages aloud with my mom and we laughed until we cried!! Did people really live like this?? Life is so much easier today with dependable disposable diapers, easy bill pay, and five dollar pizza places. A lot has changed in 30 years!! But, I think there is still some to be learned from those that have gone before us.

Here’s a list of my favorite ideas to save you time and money that still may be relevant in today’s world:

· * Set up a monthly cooperative dinner party where each couple brings one course for the meal. Besides being an enjoyable evening, there’s minimum work and expense. Play some games and it’s a fun date night!

· * If you work and buy your lunch, take a brown bag lunch several days to save money.

· * Stock up when products go on sale. It’s smart to have a food-storage of products that you need and you’ll use!

· * As a general rule, the more preparation you do in the kitchen, the less costly the meal will be. You pay for everything the food processing company does! Use that kitchen of yours! Not only foods, but cleaners and toys for the kids can be made in the kitchen that will save you money!

· * When you don’t have time for a regular shampoo, you can use baby powder to dry clean your hair. Just sprinkle a little powder through your hair and brush out. The powder will absorb excess oil and leave your hair ready for a quick set.

Here’s a list of money saving ideas that are for the die-hards:

· * When baby grows too long for his one-piece ropers that snap at the crotch, cut and hem them to make T-shirts.

· * Recycle stained baby clothes by sewing a “bib” over the stained area. Cut a pretty scrap of fabric onto the bib--large enough to cover the stained area. Trim with rickrack and attach to the garment front.

· * Don’t throw away your old shower curtain. Use it to make a cute little rain outfit for your toddler with poncho and rain hat to match. Add bows and decorate with pinking shears.

Previous generations have learned to use, re-use and recycle to accommodate tougher financial times. We can learn from them and adjust our way of life to fit the challenging economic times we’re in today!

Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole

2008-11-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
8 oz Swiss cheese, cubed
8 oz ham, diced
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 box of stuffing
1-2 T. butter

PREPARATION:

Brown chicken and place chunks in baking dish, add cubes of swiss cheese and small pieces of ham. Mix cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of milk; mix well and pour over all. In a separate pan, melt butter, pour in dry stuffing, mix. Pour stuffing over casserole. Bake about 30 minutes at 350° or until tender and bubbly.

Crock Pot Lasagna

2008-11-02T12:46:00.001-08:00

Crock pot Lasagna

12 lasagna noodles, uncooked 1 jar spaghetti sauce ¼ c water

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained 1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 carton (16 oz) cottage cheese 2 c mozzarella cheese

Break noodles in half. Place half of the noodles in the bottom of greased crockpot. Stir Italian seasoning into meat and spread half over the noodles already in crockpot. Layer half of the sauce and water, half of the cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese over beef.
Repeat layers. Cover and cook on low heat 4-5 hours. Do not cook more than 5 hours.

Kool Aid Play Dough

2008-06-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

Make something else with Kool Aid this summer...
This is always a hit at my house:
Kool Aid Play Dough
1 cup Flour
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 pack Kool Aid
1/4 cup salt
2 Tbsp. cream of Tartar
1 Cup water
Mix Flour, salt, cream of tartar, and Kool Aid in Medium pot. Add water and oil. Stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. When mix forms a ball, remove and knead.
Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Our Family School...putting some purpose into summer...

2008-06-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

We are having a summer of life skills. I want my kids to learn how to clean, cook, ride a bike, swim...you know, just the basics of life. Sugardoodle.net has some great summer lesson plans that have helped us have some structure to our summer and given me the chance to help my kids with some math and reading skills. Of course we have hours of free play and run around and play time, but it's nice to make something meaningful happen this summer.
We're also trying to be more active as a family. We've found city walking trails, we've taken the kids to the high school track and let them run and ride to their hearts' content, we've gone swimming...all for very little-to-no cost.
At the beginning of the summer, I had the kids pick something they wanted to learn how to do. My little guy wanted to learn how to make pancakes, my little gal wanted to jump off the high dive. We've tried to have learning and teaching moment everyday.
We're having a great summer!!

Another Favorite...

2008-06-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

www.disneyshopping.com is another favorite kids' clothing website.
They have an outlet as well. Look for their free shipping events...

Kids Activities...

2008-06-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Gotta love the public library for free summer fun.
We get movies, books, and attend activities for free all year long.
Love it.

Children's Clothing for Less

2008-06-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have a rule: never spend more than $5 on a piece of clothing for my kids. I know of people that have a $3 limit. I always check with thrift stores first...but I've heard that yard sales are the way to go for the cheapest prices available.
For new clothing items, I have found the The Children's Place has incredible sales. Check out their outlet online...just go to www.childrensplace.com and click on the outlet icon.
Do you know of any other great websites with great discounts?

Homemade Baby Wipes

2008-06-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Try to buy a good roll of paper towels for less than a dollar and you'll get a batch of these baby wipes for about $0.50.
Making your own baby wipes will not only save money, but you will know that no harsh or drying chemicals are touching your baby's bottom.

What You Need:
· Round plastic container (Rubbermaid #6 or #9 works well)
· Thick, strong roll of paper towels
· Sharp knife to cut paper towel roll in half (Be Careful!)
· 2 cups hot water
· 2 Tablespoons baby shampoo or baby wash
· 1 Tablespoon baby oil

Here's How:
1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a knife.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in container.
3. Place the paper towels in the container with the cut side facing downward.
4. Secure lid tightly and allow to sit until all liquid is absorbed into the paper towels.
5. Turn the container upside-down and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6. Open container and 'start' the roll by removing the cardboard center and pulling a towel from the inside of the roll.
7. Wipes are now ready to use.
Tips:
1. Save the other half of the roll for use next time you make wipes.
2. Make sure the container is closed tightly after each use to prevent drying out.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2008-06-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Use your kitchen for more than just food preparation!

Once you get the hang of this, it's sooo easy. One batch costs me about $1.50 and lasts a couple of months. And that's doing a load or two everyday. It works great with front loading washing machines as well. For me, this works as well as Tide...try it and let me know what you think.

Here’s what you need:
- 1 bar of soap (I use Fels-Naptha because I feel like it cleans the best)
- 1 box of washing soda (look for it in the laundry detergent - it comes in an Arm & Hammer box and will contain enough for six batches of this stuff)
- 1 box of Borax (contains enough for lots of batches)
- A five gallon bucket with a lid (or a bucket that will hold more than 15 liters - ask around - these aren’t too tough to acquire)
- Three gallons of tap water
- A big spoon to stir the mixture with
- A measuring cup
- A knife
Step One: Put about four cups of water into a pan on your stove and turn the heat up on high until it’s almost boiling. With a knife, start shaving strips off of the bar of soap into the water. Keep the heat below a boil and keep shaving the soap. Eventually, you’ll shave up the whole bar, then stir the hot water until the soap is dissolved and you have some highly soapy water.
Step Two: Put three gallons of hot water (11 liters or so) into the five gallon bucket. Mix in the hot soapy water from step one, stir it for a while, then add a cup of the washing soda. Keep stirring it for another minute or two, then add a half cup of borax. Stir for another couple of minutes, then let the stuff sit overnight to cool.
And you’re done. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll have a bucket of gelatinous slime that’s a paler shade of the soap that you used. One measuring cup full of this slime will be roughly what you need to do a load of laundry.

Financial Defense 101

2008-06-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Financial Defense 101!
One of the best parts of any Financial Game Plan is the Financial Defense. What is Financial Defense? In a quick definition, Financial Defense is getting the most for your dollar. It’s using what you have and coming up with new solutions to get what you want. It’s stretching your dollar and getting you the best deal.
I’ve taken a personal challenge this year to be the best financial defensive player on our financial game! I want to keep our life-style, but for less. I don’t want to give up the family vacations, but I do want to spend less for them. I don’t want to live off beans and rice and rice and beans, but I do want to spend less on what we eat. I can’t forgo the disposable diapers, but I do want to spend less on baby care products and stretch my dollars so that one day I can pay for my kids’ education. Raising a family on less is a challenge! And that’s my challenge to you: become a Financial Defensive Player and spend less on what you want most!
In this blog, I want to explore different ways to make and save money. For the last couple of years, I’ve been experimenting with new ideas and concepts and I’ll post my best finds on this blog.
For your best Financial Game Plan, please join me on my way to Financial Independence through Financial Defense!

The Froo Gal

Save Money!!

Oh What Do You Do In The Winter-Time?

New Recipes for Laundry Soap and Fabric Softener

Stay-cation!!

Kid's Cooking Activities

Creamy Banana Bread

Prayer Pretzels

Easy Santa Fe Chicken (crockpot)

Here's a List of Family Favorite Recipes...Yum!

Baby-Sitting...Puttin' in your time, saves the dime.

Keeping Those Cavities Away!

I Love Foam Soap!

Foam Soap Refill

Don't throw away your foam soap dispenser or spend extra on the refills when you run out. It's easy to make your own! This also works with shampoo.

Write a Review! (optional)

Ingredients

Directions

Reading Suggestion: The I Do Cookbook for the Bride and Groom

Reading Suggestion: How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Reading Suggestion: The Total Money Makeover

Reading Suggestion: The Tightwad Gazette

Stain Removal

Stain Removal

Sweet and Sour Chicken

The Cost of Raising Children

Budgeting Ideas

Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

PREPARATION:

Crock Pot Lasagna

Kool Aid Play Dough

Our Family School...putting some purpose into summer...

Another Favorite...

Kids Activities...

Children's Clothing for Less

Homemade Baby Wipes

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Financial Defense 101