Saturday, January 29, 2011

Super Diaper Deal.

I just paid $18.90 for 140 count Pampers diapers on Amazon.

Here's how...

Sign up for Amazon Mom.  If you haven't done it, you're missing out.  Amazon Mom allows you FREE 2 day shipping (it usually comes the next business day!), an additional 15% off diapers and wipes AND it's totally free for you to sign up.  What are you waiting for?

Find your diapers:

Pampers Baby Dry Diapers, Size 4 (22-37 Lbs), Economy Plus Pack, 176 Diapers
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers, Size 3 (16-28 Lbs), Economy Plus Pack, 204 DiapersPampers Baby Dry Diapers, Size 5 (27+ Lbs), Economy Plus Pack, 156 Diapers
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers, Size 2, 152 CountPampers Swaddlers Dry Max Diapers, Size 2-3 152 CountPampers Baby Dry Diapers, Size 1 (8-14 Lbs),
Pampers Swaddlers Newborn 240 Diapers

Go here to get the $1.50 off coupon.

When you add your item to your cart, subscribe to it and save 30% on your order.  YOU CAN CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR ORDER. 

I was able to save 20% more thanks to Kelly for giving me a coupon which comes in those parenting magazines I mentioned earlier today on Facebook - let me know if you need that info.

Here is my breakdown:

Thank you soooo much, Cleverly Simple!


Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Thursday Push!

I have to admit, I'm in a fantastic mood today because I'm snowed in and home with my boy!  I woke up and made us these:


I cheated, though - these are Pillsbury, but boy were they delicious.  So delicious, I had 3. 
T E R R I B L E I went outside and shoveled the walk way while Stevie was napping and that was quite the work out, so I'll justify it that way :)

A little motivation for ya:
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Believe that all the tough stuff is worth something even if you don't see the results yet.  You can apply this to anything - weight loss, budgeting, couponing, school - know that there is something great waiting at the end of your journey and it makes it a bit easier to carry on.

Tomorrow is Friday!  How about THAT for motivation?

Easy Peasy Sausage & Pasta Saute


Easy Peasy Sausage & Pasta Saute

You will need:
1 pkg. Smoked Sausage (your fav. kind - a.k.a what ever is on sale!)
1 pkg. uncooked noodles (I used Penne)
1 can Sweet Peas or 1-2 cups frozen (lightly buttered if desired)
1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1/2 cup Shredded Cheese (I used Three Cheese)
1/3 cup Condensed Milk (or heavy whipping cream OR 1/4 cup regular milk)
1 tbsp EVOO

Directions:
Boil water for noodles.  While water is boiling, cut sausage into approx. 1/2 inch slices.  Heat sausage in a large skillet; coat skillet with EVOO first.  Saute sausage until browned (approx. 4-5 minutes).  Add peas and continue to saute until tender.  Add red pepper flakes and stir for about a minute.  In a large serving bowl (or whatever bowl you have - I used a big Redskins bowl, haha) toss the pasta and sausage together.  Add Condensed milk (or subsitute) and cheese and toss until cheese is melted.

Soooo good, soooo good.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Knock Their Socks Off Chicken Enchiladas!



It was my first time making these, and I have to admit - they were D E L I C I O U S.  It was like a little weekday fiesta!  Haha, okay maybe I'm having too much fun with this. 

I picked up a few basic recipes at Allrecipes.com (super fun site) and made it my own.  The coolest part about cooking is that it's not standard - once you learn the basics of cooking and learn how different products go together and taste, it's so easy to come up with something all your own.  I rarely use a recipe to the fullest because I'm kind of a picky eater (sorry Big Steve!), so I am constantly swapping ingredients and it works.

Knock Their Socks Off Chicken Enchiladas
4 Cups cooked and cubed/shredded Chicken (use whatever Chicken you want!)
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
2 Cups Salsa (I used Medium)
2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese
4 Tsp Chili Powder
10 Tortillas (not the small ones - around 6-8 in.)

Get your chicken cooking first, so you can start on other parts to make it more time efficient :)

Preheat the oven to 350.  Stir the Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken, Salsa, and Chili Powder in a medium bowl.  Transfer about 2 cups of this salsa mixture to another bowl and add your cooked Chicken and Monterey Jack Cheese.

Transfer chicken and salsa mixture onto tortillas; roll them and place in a baking dish.  When all tortillas are filled, pour the remainder of the salsa mixture over top of the rolled tortillas and top with some extra cheese if you'd like :) 

Bake for about 40 minutes and VOILA!

This would easily serve a normal family of four, but if you have a Big Steve, you might only have enough for 2 adults and a lunch the next day...LOL!  For small kids, I'd use a very mild salsa; I was too nervous to upset Little Stevie's belly, so he had a separate meal.

So yummy. If you try it, let me know how you like it!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

LIMITED QUANTITY: CVS Gift Card - $4 for $10 Card!


WeShop is offering a $10 CVS Gift Card for $5.  Use code FRIEND20ZT5KXDEC at check out and get $1 off.

If you have $4 to spare, this is a great buy.  Pair this with some EBs to make more EBs or get home essentials!

Thanks, Sevcan for the heads up!


Cafemom.com: Join for Free


Go to Cafemom and join for free.  Cafemom provides an environment for all moms to come together to share ideas, experience, and pictures of adorable babies/children; Cafemom offers support from other mamas for everything from picky eaters to potty training - and even play some games when you're bored!  It's like getting free support from the experts :).

Monday, January 24, 2011

Better Than Stouffers Lasagna.


You will need:
1 lb Ground Beef
1 Jar Spaghetti Sauce (or make your own)
1 (15 oz) Package of Cottage Cheese
1 Pint Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
1/4 Cup Grated Three Cheese (or Parmesan - your choice!)
2 Eggs
1 Package of Lasagna Noodles
8 Oz Shredded Mozarella

First, cook and drain ground beef and return it to the original pan.  Add spaghetti sauce and heat on low.

Preheat the oven to 350.

In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, eggs, and shredded three cheese - I chose the three cheese shredded cheese because Kraft makes it now with cream cheese added, which makes the final product so creamy!

Spread a layer of the meat sauce in a 13x9 in pan and begin to layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella.  Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 45 minutes.  Remove the foil, add more cheese if desired and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes.

Be sure the noodles are cooked, haha!  I served mine not totally cooked, but we stuck it back in the oven for no more than 15 minutes and let the noodles finish up.

This was really yummy and I can make 5 of them with the amount of money I'd pay for a Frozen Stouffers Lasagna.

Enjoy!

Easy Peasy Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings

I haven't figured out how to make delicious food aesthetically appealing yet...
 Props to Mommy's Cooking Adventures for the recipe.

You will need:
Chicken Breast (or your favorite part of the chicken)
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Sweet Onion (of course, I opted out)
2 Cans of Cream of Chicken
1/2 Cup of Water
1 Large Can of Biscuits (8 or 10)
Salt & Pepper to taste

First, add the Butter, Cream of Chicken, and Onion to the Crock Pot and stir until mixed.  Add Chicken (cut up into equal sized peices to ensure proper cooking) and add the water to cover the chicken.  Set Crock Pot on HIGH and cook for 6 hours.  30-45 minutes before serving, cut unprepared biscuits in half, roll them and add them to the Crock Pot.

This was so delicious and so simple!  I will definitely make this again.

What's On Suzie's Menu?

I told you all that I bought enough food for 13 dinners and plenty of lunches - talk about lunch meat galore - by only spending $90 at Harris Teeter on Saturday and another $20 at Safeway today.

I'm going to run down my list of my planned dinners and post them after I make them, so I can make sure I only give you successful dishes, haha!

Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings (beyond yummy and so simple!)
Lasagna
Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas
Ham & Cheese Tossed Ziti
Baked Ziti (meatless - don't tell Big Steve)
Sloppy Joes
Easy Peasy Open-Faced Turkey Sammies
Sausage and Pasta Saute
Spaghetti Carbonara
Hamburger Stroganoff
Tuna Casserole
Grilled Bacon & Cheese Sandwiches w/ Soup
Pepperoni & Ham Pizza Biscuit Bites

Stay tuned for full recipes...

Question Moms


Question Moms is another one of those survey sites I love so much.  You get $3 just for signing up and giving your own basic information.  When new surveys are available, you will be contacted via email and it will be posted in your account.  The best part about Question Moms is that you aren't bothered with surveys that you don't 'qualify' for because surveys are posted to your account based on the information you fill out originally. 

Surveys are a great way to earn a little bit of extra income.  I've said before that you WON'T get rich doing these surveys, but an extra $10 here and there is always nice, especially if you know how to stretch that $10.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Harris Teeter Shopping Trip.


I am not a professional grocery stacker.  Sorry!
 What you see:
2 cans of Condensed Tomato Soup
1 Bag of Purina Dog Chow
2 Boxes of Mueller Penne Pasta
1 Box of Mueller Spaghetti
1 Box of Mueller Pasta Shells
1 Bag of Mueller Egg Noodles
1 Jar of Ortega Salsa
1 Packet of Pioneer Brown Gravy
4 Cans of Cream of Mushroom
3 Cans of Cream of Chicken
1 Can of Cream of Celery
1 Box of Instant White Rice
3-4 lbs of Ground Beef
2 Boxes of Earthbound Salad
2 lbs of Bananas
2 Packs of Hot Dog Buns
1 Pack of Hamburger Buns
2 Loaves Arnold Bread
1 Pack of Frozen Dole Fruit
1 Box of Dino Buddies
2 Pillsbury Grand Biscuits
1 Box of Land O Lakes Margarine
2 Packs of Kraft White American Singles
4 Bags of Assorted Kraft Shredded Cheeses
2 8oz Boxes of Cream Cheese
1 Tub of Ricotta Cheese
1 Tub of Cottage Cheese
1 Tub of Daisy Sour Cream
18 Ct Eggs
1/2 Gallon Smart Balance Milk
1 Pack Oscar Mayer Carving Board Turkey
1 Pack Oscar Mayer Carving Board Chicken
2 Packs of Large Tortillas
1 Pack Pepperoni
1 Pack of Gwuerney Bacon

Grand Total Before Coupons/Discounts: $185.83
Total HT Member Discounts: $40.80
Total Coupons Tendered: $54.40
Total Savings: $95.20
Total OOP (Out of Pocket): $90.63

I am so happy with the savings, but I have to admit that I'm bummed I didn't pay attention to the Harris Teeter Meal Deal:
This week's "Meal Deal" includes:
  • Buy the 11.75" Good Cook Frying Pan at $12.99 with your VIC card
AND GET THESE ITEMS FREE!!
  • One (1) dozen Harris Teeter Grade A Large Eggs;
  • One (1) 20 oz Simply Hash Browns; and
  • One (1) 12-16 oz Harris Teeter Bacon
Enjoy a Great Meal and Great Savings for $8.37!

*Must purchase all 4 items in a single transaction with your VIC card to receive this great deal.  Limit one transaction per household. Offer good through January 25, 2011.
I bought two of those FREE Items and I need a new frying pan anyways...DARN!  Lesson learned.

I have a shopping trip to Safeway planned for tomorrow and some CVSing to do, but I have everything in the list above (plus I had chicken already) to make 13 meals + lunches and breakfasts.

Now I have to go read/study/workout.  Yay for sleeping in until 7 tomorrow :).

4 Major Benefits of Menu Planning.


Benefits of Menu Planning:

It saves time during the week nights.  If you're like me, then having time to think about what to make during the week is pretty much non-existant.  Taking the time to pick meals for a whole week (or two weeks like I just did) takes some time, but you suck it up and do it once then you don't have to think about it for the rest of the week (or two)!  This gives you time to hang out with your family more and will add to your quality of life I've been doing it for only 3 weeks and it has helped me maintain my composure through the weeknight frenzy.

It requires less grocery store visits.  If you plan your meals ahead of time, you will be aware of exactly what you need for the remainder of the next week or two.  How I do it: I just came up with a new way to make a grocery list; I choose 12-14 recipes (for 2 weeks) that I want to make for the following weeks and write down the ingredients and put a tally next to it to indicate that 1 of my recipes calls for it.  Going on, I just tally if another recipes calls for the same ingredient.  For example:

ground beef - II
shredded cheese - II
tuna - I

Based on the information above, I have 2 recipes that need ground beef, 2 that need shredded cheese, and 1 that needs tuna.  Easy enough?  You can pretty it up later if you want a more organized and neat grocery list.

It saves you money!  Making a grocery list alone saves you money if you stick to it.  Something might look like an awesome deal and you may even have a coupon for it, but if you don't need it, it's not really a great deal - it's a waste of money.  You can also scope out which grocery store has the best deal on the items you need by looking through the circulars or online at the weekly ads.  Gather up coupons for the products and you have yourself a great deal.  Just an FYI - I just created a draft list of what I need for 13 dinners as well as lunch meats, produce, and dog food and I will spend about $125 before coupons.  I know for a fact that I have coupons for most of the products on my list; I'm really excited to share with you all how much I actually spend.  That is a little less than half of what I used to spend before I decided to plan and will go well over half of my old budget with the coupons I have.

It's better for you than eating out.  This is stating the obvious, but no matter what you make at home - even hamburgers and french fries - it is WAY  better for you than going to McDonalds.  Don't get me wrong, I, admittedly, love a good fast food run every now and then, but we all know it's not beneficial for our bodies or minds.  Chances are, one of your New Years resolutions involves becoming heathier or loosing weight - this is a great way to keep that resolution so you don't have to make it again next year.

Where I have gone 'wrong' with Menu Planning:
Menu Planning is relative - there is not a true 'wrong' way to do it, but I've found way to do it better for myself.  This week is the first time I've decided to plan 2 weeks based on recipes and not based on the coupons I have or the deals going on.  It occurred to me last night that getting 100 bottles of juice for $5 sounds like a great deal, but not if I will never use 100 bottles of juice (for the record, my son could probably go through 100 bottles of juice).  I started off planning my grocery trip by looking at the ad.  I found myself saying, "AWESOME" a couple times to deals, but if I don't need it for the next couple of weeks, I won't buy it.  This may not be good advice for you because some of you might not be on as limited a budget a I am right now.  If you have the money to spend, stockpiling is not a bad idea, but I want to stick to my budget first and foremost - even if that means sacrificing a coupon that's about to expire ::SIGH::

I also realized that planning meals for a specific day ahead of time is unrealistic.  If I have a list of recipes, I can just as easily choose which one to cook the night before (so any meat is thawed) based on how I'm feeling or what comes up.  I've forgotten in the last couple of weeks to take meat out, so instead of freaking out that my menu isn't going to be right, I'll just cook something that doesn't involve thawing or use a meat that thaws faster.

Tomorrow I will post my planned meals along with some recipes and my grocery total to give you all more of an idea and to PROVE that this does work.

I really hope this helps you all as much as it's helped me.  I've got a lot of financial responsibilities that probably don't even touch what some of are experiencing.  I'm not embarrassed or insecure about sharing it because I know I am one of a million going through the same thing.  I had a mini meltdown today when I calculated how much (or how little!) money I have to work with this pay period, but when I calmed down and started planning, I found that I can do it if I stick to my budget.  What a relief!  My hope is that, by sharing my personal experiences, you will find that relief, too.

Have a fantastic Friday!

$1 off Hillshire Farm Sandwich Meat

Go to Hillshire Farm's Website and snag 4 coupons that value at $1 off any Hillshire Farm Sandwich Meat just for voting for your favorite sandwich.  It will print two coupons first, so just hit the 'Back' button in the pop up window until it prints again.

Safeway has Hillshire Farm on sale for $2.99 this week, so you're looking at major savings!

Easy Peasy BBQ Franks.

Sorry I missed the Thursday Push, but the good news is that we all made it to Friday!

I didn't take a picture last night because I am a nut, but I made the world's easiest spruced up hot dogs.

BBQ Franks

1 C Kethchup
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 C Water
3 Tbsp A1 sauce or Worcester Sauce (I used Bold & Spicy A1)
1/2 Tsp Ground Mustard
1/2 Tsp BBQ Spice (any BBQ flavored spice will work!)
S&P to taste
1 package Hot Dogs

Simply combine all ingredients except the hot dogs and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add hot dogs and simmer for another 15-20 minutes.

Serve in hot dog buns or, if you're like me and realize at the last minute you don't have any hot dog buns, serve over toast, or eat it plain!  Pick some sides  - a starch and a veggie - and you're done!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Mueller's Pasta - Endless Printing coupons!


Okay, I just found the COOLEST deal.  Mueller's allows you to print multiple copies of a $1 off coupon, which makes the pasta $0.59 at my store or FREE!  Awesome.  Just go to Mueller's   website (you have to join) and print them!  They expire 2/18/11, so hurry up!  Grocery stores often put pasta on sale 10/$10, which would give you totally free pasta.  I am so excited about this!

Chocolate Chip Blondies.


Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe

Since I made a dinner that required very little effort last night, I decided to make some delicious treats for the family.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) HERSHEY’®S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla just until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to brown sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
  • Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

BOGO: Minute Maid Orange Juice


Go to Minute Maid's Facebook Page and 'Like' them to get a coupon for a Buy One, Get One Free 64 Oz Carton!  As with most printable coupons, it can be printed twice!  AWESOME DEAL!

Thanks, Rose Knows Coupons!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Pampers Gifts to Grow: 10 Free Points


Log into your Pampers account and enter code:

4WJDHKU4RPP6PT2

Hurry!  The code expires January 21, 2011.

Chicken Parmesan with Creamy Pasta Bake and Garlic Bread

this picture does not do it justice!
Chicken Parmesan
3-4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1 Egg
1 C. Bread Crumbs
3 Tbsp. Poultry Seasoning
2 Tbsp. EVOO
1/2 Jar of Your Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
3-4 Slices of Cheese (your choice)

Bring a pot of water to boil (for the Pasta Bake to be prepared in a moment) and preheat the oven to 350.

Coat a  large skillet with 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and allow to get hot on medium heat while preparing chicken.  Mix dry ingredients (Bread Crumbs and Poultry Seasoning) and pour onto a large plate; evenly coat the plate.  Beat one egg in a bowl large enough to coat the chicken in.  First, dip the raw chicken in the egg, wiping off excess before transferring the dry ingredients.  Coat with dry ingredients and add to large skillet.  Do the same for the remaining chicken.  Continue to cook on Medium/High heat about 5-6 minutes on each side.  Add one slice of cheese to each piece of chicken and cover.  After cheese melts, pour 1/2 jar of Spaghetti sauce over chicken and cover to keep warm.

Creamy Pasta Bake
1 box of Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
4 oz Cream Cheese
1 Egg
1 1/2 C. Milk
1/2 (the other half!) of your Spaghetti Sauce

Add Cream Cheese to prepared spaghetti after draining and allow it to melt.  In another bowl, beat the egg and add the milk.  Add this mixture to the Pasta and Cream Cheese.  Pour 1/2 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce over pasta and bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with garlic bread (mine was Texas Toast, but you can make your own!)

Time Management: 6 Tricks of a Busy Bee (My Plan)


I started my classes last week.  At this point, I have 1 online course (Communications), a class on Saturdays from 9-2:30  (Computer Appl/Science - my teached didn't even show up!), and a class on Sundays (Anatomy) from 9-2:40.  My Computer Science class will be done in March and I will start another online course (Humanities), a Tuesday night course (Medical Terminology) and a new Saturday class that is, thankfully, signicantly shorter - 1-2:50 (Basic Orientation class that is mandatory).  I have to admit, I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed thinking about what is going to happen to all the stuff I used to get done on the weekends!

Somehow, I have to factor in my 39 hour/week job, classes, house chores, cooking, baby, working out and relationship time.  I haven't really perfected my list, but I believe having these basic rules will help me survive the next 15 weeks.  Here we go:

1.  Create a basic To-Do list.  Now, you may be a little different than I am, but I cannot inundate myself with insane To-Do Lists that pin point time and day; my life is just simply not that organized.  But I do need to keep a basic To-Do list for things that need to be done daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.  I haven't yet perfected this system yet, either, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve!  To be continued in future posts...
2.  Don't save it all for the weekends.  This is SO important because now my weekends and time with my son have been cut drastically, so the last thing I want to do is be away from him all day and come home to tidy up the house.  I've decided to break up my chores.  For example, I used to have 'laundry day' on Saturdays, but I have recently started to do it throughout the week; this has made doing laundry a lot less time consuming.  I've decided that I will fold all the laundry as it comes out of the dryer and set it in my bedroom to be put away after Stevie goes to bed (8:00pm). 
3. Combine tasks when possible.  Personal Example: I read/study while I'm doing cardio.  There is no reason why I can't do both, plus the mind is sharper and more alert during working out anyways, so it's sort of a perfect opportunity.  Another great example: clean up as you cook.  I try to do the dishes while I'm cooking so the end clean up is minimal.  I am ALL about mutlitasking.
4.  Switch it up.  There is nothing more mundane than doing the same thing every single day.  Don't get me wrong, I do like to have some sort of consistency, but I feel like I lose the meaning of living when I know exactly what is going to come every day.  I recently started to wake up earlier twice a week to work out and maybe get a load of laundry in before the house is up and running.  Listen, I like sleep as much as you do, but there is something so satisfying about having a small part of my tasks done before the rest of the family is even awake!  Plus, it's a great opportunity for a little 'me time.'  If i can get up at 4 am to do this (and I am not a morning person), you can get up a little earlier to do it too. 
5. Don't skimp on time for yourself.  My boyfriend is a busy body; I love him to death, but sometimes I wonder why he doesn't see how wonderful the opportunity to 'just be' is.  Yesterday for about an hour and a half, I had a chance to take a nap!  Stevie was taking a nap, dishes were done, laundry was done - no, my house was not immaculate, but is that even realistic with a child and boyfriend (who is much like an overgrown child himself, haha)?  In addition to resting, time for yourself includes taking care of your body.  Your body needs cardiovascular exercise to be healthy.  I can think of a million reasons why I don't want to exercise and sometimes I succeed in talking myself out of it, but the honest truth is that you benefit greatly from it.  Not only does it get your heart going and aid in weight loss, but you do feel fantastic when you begin to incorporate exercise into your daily (or almost daily) life.  Remember that doing things that are beneficial for you is not selfish, it's necessary.
6. Don't forget to nurture relationships.  I have failed pretty miserably here.  I maintain a clean house, I provide food for my family, I make my bed every day, but all of that is worthless if I forget to acknowledge and love the people I do it for.  Take time to enjoy watching your child/children play and take time alone with your significant other.  Speaking of, who wants to watch Stevie so big Steven and I can go out?  ;).



Sunday, January 16, 2011

Easy Peasy Recipe: Chicken & Broccoli Fettucine Alfredo with Parmesan Garlic Toasts

Apologies for the super late post, but it's better late than never.

This is one of my fake outs - nothing is actually cooked and it took me about 20 minutes to complete.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
2 cups broccoli
1 jar Alfredo Sauce
1 package Buittoni pasta (you can use any, I got this practically free)
3 cups Grilled & Ready Chicken strips

Boil pasta as directed.  Combine Alfredo with broccoli and chicken.  It all heats up together!  It's awesome and easy.  Mix in with pasta (I like to mix it all!)

Toasts
3 Hot Dog Buns halved
2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp Garlic

All you have to do is butter the bread up and add garlic over it.  Broil until brown and crisp.

This is literally one of the easiest meals I throw together during the week.  It's a time AND energy saver.  Everyone needs to take it easy every now and then.

Must Try Recipe: Farm Stand Buttermilk Donuts


The Twisted Chef posted a new recipe for Buttermilk Donuts and I am DYING to try them.  I'll have to give it a whirl this week and send some with the baby to the babysitter.

Thanks, Twisted Chef!