7 Tips that Save the MOST Money on Food

I promised you a post on saving money on food.  

So...here are my 7 best tips for saving grocery money,

1. Shop at Aldi.

I feel sorry for those of you who don't live near an Aldi.  Aldi is by and far, my largest grocery saving tip. Unlike other discount stores, they sell pretty much all the basics, plus they have an extensive line of gluten-free and organic foods. And their staples, (milk, eggs, meat and produce) is almost always cheaper than the mainstream grocery stores...even the mainstream grocery stores on sale. 

2. Make My Own Yogurt.

This is a HUGE money saver for me.  We eat A LOT of yogurt and it is actually very easy to make yourself.  You don't need a fancy yogurt maker...all you need is a crockpot, a thermometer and a strainer (if you wish to make Greek yogurt, you can skip the strainer if you don't want Greek yogurt). You can find tutorials on line, but here is what I do.

1) Heat one gallon of milk to 84 degrees (Celsius).

2) Cool the milk to 40 degrees (Celsius).

3) Thoroughly mix the cooled milk with 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt in your crock pot.

4) Put the lid on your crock pot and stick it in the oven with the heat OFF, but the oven light ON.  The heat from the light keeps the yogurt at the perfect temperature.

5) Let the milk culture for 8-24 hours. 

6) Place the yogurt in the fridge and strain if so desired. I usually desire this, because we like thick, creamy yogurt.  

3. Avoid Snack Foods, Deli Meats and Extras.

These are foods which offer very little nutritional value or satiety, and just add "fun."  They are okay as a treat occasionally, but making them a regular part of your diet, will kill your budget and isn't too good for your health either.

I consider these foods to be things like

-chips (although I do make an exception for corn chips used in tacos). 

-crackers

-cookies

-deli meats

-bacon

-pepperoni

Now, here me out on the deli meats, bacon and pepperoni things. Those things all add taste, but they don't add much nutritionally. None of them contain much protein and they are all quite expensive if you buy the healthier versions without all the junk in them (like nitrates, etc.).  And I only buy the healthier versions, because nitrates scare me. 

That one slice of bacon with your eggs or pepperoni on the pizza or few slices of turkey in a sandwich really don't add that much benefit, nutritionally speaking. Although they can be quite tasty.  However, if you are on a tight food budget, spices are a less expensive and healthier way of adding taste. 

So, for the most part I skip them and they really are only an "occasional" food for us.  Because, ultimately I'd rather go for health, than taste....most of the time. 

4. Produce on Sale.

This is sorta  no-brainer, but it makes sense.  Buying seasonal produce on sale, saves a lot. We eat A LOT of produce, but certain things I only buy certain times of the year, when they are on sale.

5. Whole Chickens.

Whole chickens are a great deal!  For about $5-$6, most families can get at least 2 meals out of a whole chicken.  Roast it one day, and use the bones for soup, the next. 

6. Shop your Pantry/Freezer First.

Food that you don't use, is just wasted money.  So, when planning meals, take stock of what you already have and then replace those items as they go on sale. Many people ONLY recommend buying pantry staples on sale...and when they are on sale, stock up for at least 6 weeks worth.  I have heard that grocery stores rotate what is on sale, on a 6-basis, so buying 6 weeks worth of something on sale, should get you through to the next sale.

One of the best ways to save money, is to only buy what you actually eat.  If you are buying tons more than you are consuming, then a lot of that food will end up going to waste. 

Disclaimer:  I'm not a prepper and I'm not into food storage.  I try to keep between a few days to a 2 weeks worth of food in the house at all times, but nothing more than that. Usually by the end of the week, we have a few days worth of food left, but I really need to get to the store.  I mean, we might have a lot of a particular item, if I had recently stocked up on that, but we don't have a lot of EVERYTHING. 

And actually, Aldi tends to have low prices all the time, so you don't need to stock up when on sale...you can just count on getting the low prices whenever you go. 

7. Shop Less Frequently.

This is a biggie.  Quick trips to the store add up quickly.  I shop weekly, and that's it.  Some people are able to shop only twice a month, or even once a month, but I find that I need to go weekly. But, I almost never go more than that.  Unless it's something we absolutely NEED (like toilet paper), we make do until the next time I go to the store.

Do you have any money saving tips to share??  I'd love to read them!

Linking up with Kelly for 7QTF. 

Food Modesty

I'm currently tying this while trying to eat yogurt with half my mouth completely numb after some long overdue dental work (at least the dentist said it was long overdue).  It's a fun experience I tell you. 

Meanwhile, I'm also guest-posting over on Joanna's wonderful blog, Wrapped in Engaged Bliss.   Joanna is a crunchy, Catholic, animal-lover like myself.  She writes about modesty, saints and NFP among other fun things.  Check her out!

And, check out my post on Food Modesty!

What We Eat: A Whole, Natural Foods, Clean-Eating Weekly Meal Plan on a Budget

In my last post, Courtney asked about our weekly meal plan and what we eat on a weekly basis.

Well, I aim to please....so I thought I'd do a post about what we eat on a regular basis. 

1. How We Eat

We try to eat a whole, natural, unprocessed foods diet...on a (tight) budget.

I eat gluten-free, but the rest of the family does not.  Which means, I only make gluten-free baked goods and cook with gluten-free pasta, but everyone else does eat whole-wheat bread. 

While, I'm a fan of organics...about the only organic foods we eat are the ones we grow ourselves (or my parents grow and give us....which means mostly yellow squash or zucchini right now).  I only very rarely buy organic because we simply can't afford it.  I wish we could, but I figure it's better to at least eat unprocessed, whole, natural foods....even if they aren't organic.

2. What I Buy

I do buy a few "ready-made foods" (bread, ice cream, peanut butter, chocolate chips, jelly, corn tortillas, tomato sauce and corn chips). Most of what I buy is relatively unprocessed however. 

So, this is what you'll find in my weekly shopping cart (or trip to the farmer's market or Amazon shopping cart).

-whole milk

-assorted vegetables (broccoli, beans, kale, lettuce, spinach, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, asparagus, spinach)...generally whatever is on sale.

-assorted fruits (again...whatever is on sale) but I ALWAYS buy bananas.  Always.  I never go to the store without buying bananas.

-potatoes (red or white)

-rice (I like jasmine rice)

-meat (usually chicken or beef or turkey...whatever is on sale).  Occasionally all-natural sausage (the kind without BHT, or MSG),  Rarely, I do buy pork, but it's not something we often eat. 

-gluten-free pasta (I prefer rice pasta because I try to limit corn)

-oatmeal (old-fashioned oats)

-chocolate chips (gotta have some treat..right!)

-nuts and seeds (walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds)

-peanut butter

-jelly (I do try to buy only the all-natural kind without high-fructose corn syrup)

-cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, Parmesan)

-beans (black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, lentils)

-bread (the "healthiest" whole-wheat bread I can buy that isn't too expensive)

-ice cream (again..you gotta have your treats)

-corn tortillas

-eggs

-frozen vegetables (usually broccoli or beans)

-olive oil

-coconut oil

-honey

-butter

-maple syrup

-gluten-free flour blend 

-sugar

-spices

-corn chips (occasionally)

-tomato sauce (I try to buy the least processed kind without high fructose corn syrup)

-gluten free flour blend

I don't buy all these things every week..but these are pretty much the only things I ever do buy.  Occasionally I buy a treat like gluten-free cookies or potato chips...but that is usually only when we have a trip or a party or something.

So, that's what I buy....here is what we eat.   

3. Breakfast:

homemade Greek Yogurt (here is a great tutorial on making homemade Greek yogurt in your crockpot) with honey and nuts/seeds/chocolate chips (I do nuts/seeds...the kids do chocolate chips).

fruit

oatmeal

eggs

peanut butter toast or buttered toast

4. Lunch:

leftovers

peanut butter sandwich

fruit

salad

frozen veggies

grilled cheese

cheese/bean quesadillas (made with corn tortillas)

cheese/bean nachos (with corn chips...this is more a treat" lunch)

carrots

corn chips with homemade guacamole or hummus or salsa (occasionally..more of a "treat" thing)

5. Snacks:

fruit

yogurt

cheese

nuts

carrots

homemade granola bars (occasionally)

homemade muffins or cookies (occasionally)

-healthy chocolate bars (made with coconut oil, honey and cocoa)

6. Dinner:

Crock pot macaroni and cheese (made with gluten free pasta)/ vegetables

Homemade pizza (with gluten-free crust)/ vegetables

Roast chicken/baked potato/vegetable

Chicken/rice/vegetable curry/stir-fry

man-pleasing chicken/mashed potato/vegetable

baked fish/roasted potato/vegetable

curried ground beef/rice/vegetable

gluten-free pasta/meatballs/vegetable

beef/bean tacos/vegetable

curried sausage/rice/vegetable

sausage/pasta/vegetable

beans/rice/vegetables

soup (made with homemade stock)

gluten free pancakes/eggs/fruit/vegetables

hamburgers/homemade "fries"/vegetables

7. My Cooking Style

I apologize for not having more recipes.  Most of the things I make, I don't actually use a recipe.  I just throw ingredients together. For example. for a curried stir-fry I just throw in spices like curry powder, ginger along with onions, garlic and olive oil.  For tacos I don't use a seasoning mix, I just brown ground beef or turkey and then throw in some beans, onions, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. For soup, I use homemade stock and then just throw in a veggies, pasta, meat, potatoes, rice, whatever strikes my fancy. 

I put onions, garlic, salt and olive oil in just about everything (why, yes..I am Italian). Sometimes I use mustard. Usually, it tastes pretty good.

For vegetables, I usually roast whatever vegetables I have.  This works for just about everything (with the exception of spinach and lettuce)...broccoli, green beans, zucchini, kale, collards, mustard green, asparagus, Brussels sprouts. eggplant, etc.  I just toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and whatever else I feel like and bake it in the over at 350-400 degrees (depending on how fast I want it to cook) for 10-30 minutes (greens take less time....things like broccoli, zucchini, eggplant take more like 30 minutes.)

I'm not a very precise cook so I can't be real precise in my instructions.  Sorry.

That's how we eat.  I'd love to hear about how YOU eat.  I'm always looking for new ideas.  It definitely feels like we get stuck eating the same things over and over again. 

(Since there are 7 headings and it's Friday...I'll call it 7 Quick Takes Friday and link up with Jen)

7 Ways America is Still Great

Happy 4th of July!!  I hope your day is filled with food, festivity and fun.

A lot of people are really down on the good ole' U.S of A.   I tend to be one of them.  I will admit my patriotism tends to lag a lot at times.

But, there are lots of GOOD things about our country.  And, the 4th of July is the perfect time to celebrate those things!

1.  Free Public Libraries

While public libraries existed even in ancient times, Ben Franklin is credited with starting public libraries in America.   And, they are pretty cool.  All sorts of books and other media you can borrow, all for free.  I love free stuff.  And libraries just keep getting better..there is interlibrary loan and downloadable materials.  Shh...don't tell...but I still use my library card from places we no longer live to borrow kindle books.

2. Denim

With Hello Kitty shirts on top.  What could be better?

Seriously, denim was invented in America.  And everyone loves denim.  They just do.  I would be willing to bet that at least 98% of all Americans own at least one article of clothing that is denim..whether that is jeans, a jacket, a skirt, a jumper...just about everybody wears denim.   It goes with just about everything, is universal, can be dressed up or down, and unless you are talking about denim jumpers, is generally a very flattering material.  We all love denim!

Update: I have been informed that denim was not invented in the United States, that it was invented in Europe.  LEVI's were invented in the USA though.  I still think of denim as being an American thing...you know..cowboys and all.  Plus, I've been told that in the USSR during the 80's, jeans were a symbol of american capitalism/freedom and were banned for a period of time.  They had to be purchased on the black market...so that makes them an iconic American item, right?

3. Apple Pie, Hamburgers, Deep Fried Twinkies, Need I Say More?

You just have to love American food.  I mean hamburgers?  Who doesn't love a good hamburger.  Even vegetarians love hamburgers which is why they sell those things called veggie burgers.  Americans are crazy for hamburgers....because they are goood.

And, apple pie...who doesn't love apple pie?

Actually, I don't think my dad loves apple pie.  But, he also doesn't wear denim, so he is an anomaly for sure.

And, let's talk about another distinctly American food.  Like deep-fried Twinkies...something I am sure is no doubt found only in America.  Now, I've never eaten a deep-fried Twinkie and I probably never will....but still, doesn't the idea just sound so delicious and disgusting at the same time. The paradox of American food. 

4. Football 

Actually, I Hate Football. 

But, a lot of people love it.  I mean, A LOT of people LOVE it.  My football loving hubby had to explain this to me, but football isn't just about football.

Football is a community activity.  Football brings people together.  If you watch the football game on Sunday afternoon, you have something to talk about with your co-workers on Monday.  People bond over football.  It's weird...and I don't get it...but that is what people do.  So, I guess anything that brings people together is a good thing.

5. There is still some semblance of religious freedom.

They haven't managed to take away all our rights to religious freedom just yet. And, compared to other parts of the world, we still have it pretty good here in America. 

6. Homeschooling and Education

In America, you can homeschool.
 In Germany, you can't.
  I'm glad that America believes in enough freedom to give parents the right to educate their children however they deem best...whether that is public school, private school or homeschool.

And speaking of education...the public education system in America is pretty amazing.  It has it's faults...that is for sure, but how great is it that EVERY child in America is able to be educated FOR FREE.  EVERY CHILD....FOR FREE.   That's way better than a lot of other countries. 

7. In America...the poor are rich. 

We've had times where our family income was below the poverty line (coughlawschoolcough).  And you know what...compared to most of the world, we were rich.  We were super rich.   We had a safe, comfortable house to live in, central air conditioning, plenty of food, working vehicles, cell phones, laptop computers.

In America, we think being poor means not being able to afford Disney vacations or a new vehicle every few years or for every kid to have their own bedroom.  People think they need 2000+ sq feet homes for 4 people and if they can't afford that, they are poor.   We say we are poor all the time, but what we really mean is that we can't afford luxuries. Even for people who really can't afford necessities (like food) there are plenty of government programs and food banks and soup kitchens that offer assistance.   If you are going to be poor, you're a lot better off being poor in America than being poor in other parts of the world.

God Bless America!

Happy 4th of July!

Linking up for 7QTF

Five Easy, Peasy, Super Yummy Recipes for Summer

I've spent many a summer living without THE GREATEST INVENTION EVER (a.k.a central air conditioning).    It's horrific, I know.  But, some of those crazy people in the North still think you don't need it and we're about to move to a place that doesn't have it (gasp of horror here), so I'm sure I will be making use of these recipes quite often. 

1. 

One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

Does your grocery story offer reduced sale bananas that are are starting to turn brown?  If so, snatch those babies up.  Snatch them ALLLLLLL up.   When you get home, peel them, cut them into pieces, stick them in freezer bags and pop them in the freezer.

Then, when you want a sweet treat, just throw some frozen banana in your food processor and blend, blend, blend until it turns into wonderful delicious, smooth and creamy ice cream.  Try it.  It really does work and you don't need ANY other ingredients.  I've always said that a banana is nature's perfect food and this just proves it.   If you wish, you can add a bit of vanilla, but it's not necessary.   if you want to experiment, you can make chocolate by adding cocoa powder, peanut butter by adding peanut butter or strawberry by adding jam.  I've even heard of people adding Nutella.  If you add cocoa powder, I would add just a tad of a sweetener (honey or sugar or maple syrup).  Either way, it's all delicious.  My favorite is to add cocoa powder, peanut butter and just a tad of honey.  A most delicious way to get your bananas in and all you need are frozen bananas and a food processor. 

2

Smoothies

Everyone already knows about smoothies, so I don't really have to give you a recipe.  You basically just throw some yogurt or milk in with some frozen fruit and whatever else you want to throw into your blender or food processor.  Peanut butter, coconut oil, flax seed, spinach, kale...the possibilities are endless.  My favorite is to throw in an entire lime (peel and all)...gives a delicious tropical taste and all that vitamin C is so good for you.   Plus, the green of the lime disguises the green of the any veggies you throw in. 

3.

Scrambled Egg Muffins. 

These are perfect when it's too hot to stand over a stove and cook eggs.  Or, if you just want something that is do-ahead, quick and easy...make a whole batch ahead of time and eat them for a quick breakfast on the go.

I love this recipe.

4.

Cold Roasted Chicken

I know what you are thinking....roast a chicken in the summer??  Hear me out.

The great thing about roasting a chicken is that you can roast it slow and low, or quick and hot. 

Just take a whole chicken, sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika.  And then roast in the oven at either 300 degrees for about 4 hours or 400 degrees for about 2 hours.  Do this when you AREN'T home or will be outside (so you don't heat up the kitchen with you in it.  It will be okay...I'm always leaving the house with roasting chickens in the oven and I haven't burned anything down....yet.   However, if you do this and burn your house down, I take no legal responsibility and can not be held liable.
.
When the chicken is done, pull it out, let it cool, pull all the meat off and and use that meat to make cold chicken salad, or chicken tacos or just eat it plain.

Chicken salad is my favorite.  I just throw some cut up chicken over any green salad, and in the summer we eat green salad in spades thanks to these grow boxes.

Then take the carcass and throw it in the crockpot, cover with water, add some salt and cook on low overnight.  The crockpot doesn't heat up the kitchen and you will have super healthy and nutritious bone broth in the morning to use for soups, or just to drink.

5.

Cold Pasta Salad

Another refreshingly cool, delicious meal for summer.  Cook the pasta ahead of time, drain and then run under cold water to cool off.  Toss with whatever assortment of veggies, meat and cheese you like.  I'm a huge fan of mozzarella cheese balls, cut salami, broccoli, carrots, zucchini , slivered almonds and spinach.  Toss the whole thing with some olive oil mixed with a bit of red wine vinegar, fresh basil, oregano, chopped garlic and a bit of Parmesan cheese.  The possibilities are endless...just throw whatever you want in there.  We always use gluten-free pasta because that's what we do around here, but you can do yours however you like.

I hope you enjoy these recipes...I know I do!

(Linking up for Five Favorites)

The Advantages of Picky Eaters....and How We Deal With Them

Picky eating....it's a topic most parents struggle with.  How to deal with it?  Do you allow it?  

Picky Eating Has Advantages....Yes, it really, really does.  At least in my very, very limited scope of experience.  My children who are picky are naturally thin and more in tune to their body's natural feelings of fullness and satiation than my child who is not picky.  I've seen these children (on occasion) leave the bottom half of an ice cream cone because they were full.  They frequently leave food on their plates.  I consider that a good thing, because they don't overeat...ever.   Even if it's their favorite food, they don't overeat. In our society nowadays, that is big. That is HUGE. That ability to be in tune to your own body and not overeat is major.  Maybe if we lived in a society where food is scarce, this would be a disadvantage.  But, in the land of the plenty, I consider it to be an advantage. 

My experience with adults is even more limited, but I think adults who tend to be a bit picky may be a bit less likely to overeat and a bit more in tune their body's natural feeling of satiation.  Just a generality and there are a million and one exceptions, but very, very generally speaking the people I've have known who have been on the picker side, tend to be a bit on the thinner side.  Again, there a million exceptions, or course.

Since some kids are naturally choosy about what they eat, we only let them choose healthy foods.   We generally eat a very whole foods, natural diet.   My kids can't be all, I'm only going to eat frozen chicken nuggets and Kraft Mac N' Cheese and Lucky Charms, because I never buy those things.  Never, ever, ever.   Our weekly grocery shopping cart generally consists of things like milk. cheese, yogurt, meat/fish, eggs, butter, oatmeal, whole grain bread, peanut butter, "natural" jelly, pasta, rice, beans, nuts, baking supplies, large amounts of fruits and vegetables and of course ice cream (which is only for Sundays). 

  We don't buy convenience foods or packaged foods or things like that.  So, my kids can't decide to only eat crackers and chicken nuggets and peanut butter fluff sandwiches because we don't buy those things. 

I try to make at least one thing each person likes at each dinner.  Our dinners generally consist of meat/starch (rice or pasta or potatoes)/vegetables or something meatless like homemade macaroni and cheese, homemade pizza or bean dishes.   Each child does not have to eat everything, but they have to eat something and they have to eat at least a very tiny portion of vegetables.  

If they are still hungry after dinner.  If they absolutely don't like anything (besides the vegetables), they can choose to eat an acceptable dinner alternative, but they have to get/make it themselves.  The choices for this in our house are pretty much yogurt (whole milk, plain, organic), oatmeal, peanut butter sandwich, cheese sandwich or eggs.  I don't cook a second dinner, but I don't prevent them form making their own healthy alternative either. 

I don't make them clean their plate.  If they don't finish everything, I put it away and usually Ben or I will  eventually eat it as leftovers.   I'm not picky that way. 

I make sure they are hungry. I've found that not allowing snacks in the 2 hours before dinnertime encourages better eating at dinner.  If they're hungry, they eat more, eat better and are less picky. 

I don't sweat it. In my experience, most kids do outgrow picky eating and become a bit more adventurous as they get older. They may still not eat everything, but they eat more and more. 

Some big parenting expert...can't remember who...(maybe Dr. Sears?  maybe Ellyn Satter? anyone know?) once said something along of the lines of your job is to provide healthy foods, your child's job is to eat it.  It was something like that anyway.  The gist is, the parent decides what is served and when and the child decides if they want to eat it or not.  And, that is what we do.   Starting with babies.  I basically do child fed weaning, which means I let my babies self-feed themselves, starting with table food, right around 6-7 months.  They basically feed themselves from then on.  Yes, this is quite messy, but they get pretty adapt at feeding themselves and using utensils earlier than they probably otherwise would.  And, since they are given table food right from the beginning, they never have to transition to it, they just start eating it. 

This is what we do.  It remains to be seen of course, but I'm hopeful that our children will continue generally healthy eating habits once they are grown.

How do you handle picky eating in your house?  Any tips or tricks?  What works and doesn't work for you. 

Theme Thursday: Double

Ice Cream is a staple food in our house. We eat ice cream every Sunday after Mass.    Which basically means that lots of Sundays we eat ice cream for breakfast.  What makes a better Sunday morning breakfast than ice cream?

Sadly, I was not able to take a picture of a double scoop of my absolute favorite flavor. My favorite, favorite flavor is  

Unfortunately, it is only available in the New England during baseball season.  , 

So, here is a double scoop of Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream.

Notice the light...the shadows.  I think I have a real future as a food photographer here, don't you?

After I artfully scooped out this ice cream, and then carefully and professionally haphazardly and quickly photographed it,  I did not consume any and put it back in the cartoon to save for next Sunday.  Because we only eat ice cream on Sundays.   And, if you'll buy that, I've got some ocean front property in Arizona,..,...

Go see Cari for more Theme Thursday Double shots.

7QTF all about food and what a good mom I am (or not).

1.

This baby 

is addicted to these:

or these:

About 2 weeks about we took a long car trip with family...a whole bunch of us in a big passenger van.  My brother and Heidi were sitting next to Elsa, and she'd cry and then get quiet, so I was all 

What's going on with Elsa?  And, they were all Oh, she's crying so we're feeding her cheesy puffs and she quiets right down..she loves them.  Me: Oh, ok..carry on then. 

So, now we have a new strategy to get through LONG car rides.

2.

My sister and brother are/were in town, so we've been having A TON of parties lately..like two a week, which means Elsa has been eating an obscene amount of these, because we bring them out at every party.

Get her addicted to salt and artificial flavorings young I say.

3.

Oddly enough though, I am adamant that she doesn't eat sugar..so she hasn't been allowed to have all the ice cream and cakes the rest of us have been partaking in.  Not sure why I let her eat potato chips but not cake....but hey...I never claimed to be rational or logical or consistent. 

4.

Speaking of potato chips, Sr. Veronica claims that Herrs potato chips (only available in PA) are the best.   But, she also really loves these (blech)

so, I wouldn't trust her taste buds.

5

Okay...enough about junk food, so you don't all report me to CPS.  My baby does actually eat a few healthy foods and actually loves this vegetable. 

5.

Ok...enough of that healthy stuff...back to junk food.

John made up his own recipe for dessert pizza.

Here it is.  A (gluten-free) sugar cookie crust with chocolate sauce, ice cream, and sprinkles.

6.

So, of course, Greta wanted to come up with a recipe for her own dessert pizza.  Hers is a gluten-free sugar cookies crust with chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles (for cheese) and gluten-free oreo cookies (for pepperoni)...all shaped like a heart. 

7.

And, whenever Sr. Veronica comes to visit, she always makes us ice cream cake.  It's like famous in our house-hold...this year, Heidi helped. 

Now, go check out Jen for more quick takes. 

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.

Tony, tony come around

Something's lost and can't be found. 

My mom is in a documentary on St. Anthony.   You can watch it online at certain times...it premiered last night (on the Feast of St. Anthony), but is being shown a few more times for the next few days.   

It's very well done and I learned a lot from it...for example did you know that St. Anthony was made a saint less than a year after he died?  I didn't.

And the part with my mom was filmed in our own living room...which you can see pictured here.  Pretty cool...they had filmmakers filming in our house (we were in FL at the time though...so we missed the movie sets and lights and all that)!! 

2.

And, speaking of St. Anthony, since he's good at finding things I think I need to ask him to find us a job. 

3.

And, just because we're speaking of St. Anthony..if you are interested in learning more about him..you can read my mom's book. 

4.

It's been raining and cold. (like 65 degrees cold).like forever here in RI!  And, I LOVE IT!  After 3 years of perfectly sunny and perpetually hot weather in Fl.....I'm so ready for some rain and drizzle and cooler weather.

5.

And, speaking of cold weather, I had to go through our old baby clothes to come up with some warmer clothes for Elsa...since just about everything I have for her is only appropriate for temperatures above 75.   And, I came up with this adorable shirt...which was given to us 11 years ago when I had Heidi...so she is the 3rd Bentrup baby girl to wear it.  It has a matching black pants..but for some reason I can't find those.   Love those super cute  baby clothes...I don't save much when it comes to baby clothes..but this is one of my favorites. 

She keeps looking at the fur on the sleeves quizzically and picking at it.   And, I love that poodle. 

6.

Do any other bloggers get to the end of their quick takes and run out of things to say?  No? Just me...okay then.

7.

Oh, I thought of something.   I'm trying to come up with new recipes/meals that are both meatless and cheese-less (eggs are fine though).   Anyone have any good ideas?  We generally try to follow the Perfect Health Diet  (rather imperfectly I might add)..but that means we generally eat meat/fish/rice/potatoes/rice pasta/veggies for most meals.   Before we started this diet, we used to eat a lot of cheese based meals..but certain family members seems to have developed an intolerance to too much dairy.  All that meat can get expensive though....so I'm looking for more things that are meatless...but without dairy.  Legumes are not allowed on the PHD..but we don't follow it perfectly so I'm okay with them once in awhile.

And, now that I've finished my 7QTF...go see Jen for more. 

Five Favorites

Time for another Five Favorites!!

Here are all the things

that make my heart sing.

Super lame poem..yes?  Well, I never claimed to be a poet..and I sure do know it.

1.

Ignore the yucky wet hair. 

My chair.  I have been reunited with my chair, we didn't have it in FL, but when we came back up to RI, there it was...waiting for me all those years.  I bought this chair from a yard sale for $75 several years ago, and it is still my most favorite piece of furniture.  I love this recliner chair.  It is so comfortable. Notice how I have it set up next to my laptop and the air conditioner.  Now, I just need an never-ending supply of chocolate, and I may never move again.

2.

Today's weather..in which we do NOT need the air conditioner.

After 3 years in Fl with regular 90 degree temps...this is GLORIOUS! I love this weather...sunny, breezy, mid-60's.  Gorgeous!

3.

This fruit..on sale.   My FAVORITE!!

And, Jessica from Housewifespice is doing some sort of link-up this week with a mystery ingredient, and this week's ingredient is cherries. Which sounds like fun...except I eat my cherries way too fast to be able to actually use them in a recipe.  I wonder if bowlful of cherries counts as a recipe?  I don't know..but I love, love, love, love, love, love, love fresh cherries.  And, none of my kids like them..so when they go on sale, I buy bags and eat them all myself.  

4.

That we just got new school books and can't wait to use them excitement!!  We got some new books in the mail this week and my kids are all eager to do school.  Too bad I can't bottle up that excitement and pull it out next February?

5.

Monk.

Am I too embarrassed to admit that I love this show?  I am..but I'll admit it anyway.  There is just something so endearing about a phobic, OCD brilliant Sherlock that goes around solving impossible murders with crazy story-lines.  I started watching this show during my morning exercise, and I LOVE it. 

So, those are my five faves!  You can see Hallie for more!