Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix!

No need to buy those expensive packets again! Taco seasoning is quick and easy to make! Make a large batch and store in a jar. 3 Tablespoons = 1 store bought package.
2 Tablespoon Sea Salt
2 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
2 Tablespoon Paprika
1/4 Cup ground Cumin
1/2 Cup Onion Powder
1 Cup Chili Powder
Mix well. Shake jar to mix before each use. This makes quite a bit, you can easily 1/2 or 1/4 the recipe if you would like.
To spice it up try adding black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
Sauce to thin? Thicken it up with a little corn starch.
Want to add flavor to your next BBQ? Try adding some taco seasoning to your burger patties or add a bit to some mayo for a fun kick!
What are some fun ways you use your taco seasoning? Leave your ideas below in the comments! I would love to hear them!

Clean your fridge!

A simple way to remove smells from your fridge or lunchbox is to simply wet a sponge or small towell with white vinegar. Wipe the surface that needs cleaning, and let dry. The vinegar smell will go away when it dries and will neutralize all other smells!

Homemade Drain Cleaner

The drain is clogged and none of the kids will fess up. You have no idea what is down there but it is still down there. Here's what you do:
Pour 1 Cup Baking Soda down into the drain
Next pour 2.5 Cups Hot Vinegar down the drain
Repeat if necessary. You can also try following this with pouring hot water down the drain as well to clear out any remaining clog.
Bonus: Use the baking soda/vinegar reaction as a science experiment with the kiddos! It is always a crowd pleaser!

Homemade Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Homemade non-stick cooking spray:
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil Poured into a 1 Cup or larger measuring cup (Can also use canola oil but I like to use Olive Oil)
Fill the rest of the 1 Cup measuring cup with water (So 1 cup of water minus 3 Tablespoons)
This should make 1 Cup of spray. Pour mixture in a spray bottle and use like regular non-stick spray. Be super frugal and pick up a spray bottle at the dollar store! Mix Well Before Each Use!

Dryer Balls and Fabric Softener Alternative!

Has anyone else tried these? I stopped using fabric softener a long time ago. I can't use it on the cloth diapers and it coats your clothes and towels making them less absorbant. Instead of fabric softener I throw in a 1/2 cup of vinegar which has worked wonders and saves lots of $$$. The vinegar gets rid of the smells in the cloth diapers like nothing else will! Put the vinegar in a downy ball and it will release it at the right time. Plus you can put in lavendar or teatree oils or whatever you prefer for a nice smell. I have even heard of people putting a drop of their favorite oil on a washcloth and throwing it in the drier for a nice smell as well. I would try just one drop first, you don't want to over power the clothes!!
The other day while walking around the local dollar store I saw a new product they carried...Dryer Balls! I had seen them on tv and at Fred Meyers but was never willing to pay the price for them. However, I was willing to try them for $1. I am so glad I did!! My towels are so light and fluffy again and I'm not sure if this is true for everyone, but my clothes seem to dry faster as well! Double win! I have heard that tennis balls work just as well. So check out your local dollar store and see if you can find them. I usually find a lot of name brand items there at a significant discount!

Homemade Carpet Stain Cleaner!

We've all been there. White carpet is a stain magnet for kids, it just is. Here are a few ideas to help rid your carpet of those stains!
#1
Mix 1 Cup White Vinegar and 1 Cup warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray directly on the stain and let sit for a few minutes. Clean up with warm soapy water and a sponge.
#2
Make a paste out of:
1/2 Cup Vinegar
1/2 Cup Salt
1/2 Cup Borax
Rub paste into stain and let sit for a few hours. Vacuum up.
Simple!

Make your own Window Cleaner!

I think you will be surprised just how easy this is! And just as effective as the store bought versions!
3 Tablespoons Vinegar
1/2 Tablespoon Dish Detergent
2 Cups Water
Mix together in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Simple!

Make your own Oxi spray stain treatment!

I love Oxi-Clean. I love it because I have 3 kiddos and because it WORKS! Now that we are living off of one income I have had to cut costs even more then normal. So when I finally realized that even wih sales and coupons Oxi-Clean was sill not fitting in my budge, I set out to make my own. This recipe is very simple and like most things I reccomend trying it out on a sample piece of fabric first, and do not leave it on to long to avoid light spots.
1 Cup Peroxide
1 Tablespoon washing soda
Mix well in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Yep, that's it! Simple and effective! Life doesn't get much better then that! Now you can keep your clothes stain free at a fraction of the cost!

Canned Blackberry Jam

Canning is more then a hobby for me. I love it! There is just an amazing feeling I get everytime I open my pantry and see dozens of canned jars staring back at me filled to the brim with yummy foods for my family that I prepared. So, I thought what better way to get everyone else excited about canning then to share some of my recipes that I have gathered over the years. If you have any you would like to share please do! I love new recipes!

Blackberry Jam
3 quarts blackberries
6 Cups Sugar
4 glass Pint size canning jars with rings and new lids

In a large saucepan heat the blackberries until the juice comes out. Slowly add the sugar, mixing well. Bring to a boil, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or so mixing often.
Pour the mixture into the sterilized pint jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Wipe the edge clean, cap and seal.
Process in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes, or adjust time for altitude if necessary.

Mix it up! Not enough blackberries? Try adding different types of berries for your own unique flavor! Just remember how much of which berry so you can reproduce it later when you realize how yummy it is!

Soooooo.....I'm back!

I know, I know. It has been a couple of months but I have been crazy busy. Between canning and traveling to my sister in laws wedding, packing to move and everything else....I guess I put the blog last on my list of priorities...
But, I am back now with lots of ideas to keep us busy! If there is anything specific anyone is interested in reading about on here just let me know. If its a recipe, a craft, a product review, or anything else just leave a comment or e-mail me at valhawker@gmail.com.

Cloth Diapering Tips and Tricks!

There are sooooo many to list so I will put a few and anyone can add more in the comments. :)
1)Use your pocket diapers without the inserts as swim diapers!!
2)Use baby powder on your baby's bum to help prevent the solids from sticking to the cloth diaper.
3)Do not use diaper rash cream with your cloth diapers This will not only stain them but also make them not as absorbent where the cream is. You can however use petroleum jelly as this will easily wash away and not stain or effect the absorbency of the diaper.
4)Line dry your diapers outside to naturally sun out stains. To help prevent diaper stiffness, line dry in the morning or afternoon, when the heat is not at the highest for the day. You can also throw them in the dryer for about 5 minutes to "fluff" after bringing them back inside.

Snappi!!

I LOVE our sanppi's!  The toddler version is almost too small for my 2.5 year old, but he is BIG for his age!!  I wish I had known about these sooner!
I included a graphic to show you just how EASY these really are.  If you are like me and are trying to find the most economic way to diaper your little one, try one of these snappi's paired with a prefold and diaper cover.  These usually run about $4 new but sometimes online you can find them online in packs of 2, 3, 4, etc to save $$.  I believe the toddler size is only available in mint green and white.  I would not buy these used as I am sure these wear out after time, but you will have to decide what works best for you and your family. 
I am so afraid of using pins that one of us will get poked, especially since my little guy is so darn wiggly!!  The snappi eliminates these fears for me!  No poking and so quick!
I am not being compensated in any ways for these reviews, they are my own opinions.  I am just trying to help other cloth diapering parents find what will work best for them!  Please let me know if you have any questions!  :)

Babyland Cloth Diapers

For anyone getting ready to try out cloth diapering or for anyone who just wants to bulk up their cloth diaper stash, I would look into these diapers.  They are pocket diapers with snaps to adjust sizing.  Depending on where you buy them, sometimes they come with only one insert, I tried to only buy the ones with 2 inserts included.
I bought 10 online through e-bay and paid about $5 each including shipping!  The colors are bright and cheerful, the snaps adjust to fit size 7 lbs to 35lbs, and after a few months of wear and washing mine still look new!  My little guy is 39 lbs and these still fit him on the largest setting.  When I ordered mine, they came from China so they took about 2 or 3 weeks to get them, but they were worth the wait for me!
If your baby is a heavy wetter like mine, you will want to use 2 inserts to prevent leaks.  I have a hard time using these for night time diapers just because my little guy likes to drink at least one bottle of water at bedtime.  For the day these work great for us.  You will have to buy a couple and try them out to determine how well they will work for you.   To be honest, I still have not found the "perfect" night time diaper for us.  With the amount of water we drink, it may be impossible.  Most nights he has no leaks but there have been many times I have changed him a few hours after he has fallen asleep just in case.
I wash all diapers by hand when soiled with solids to prevent stains which is probably not necessary but makes me feel better.  Then off to the diaper pail they go.  Depending on what is going on I wash about every 1 to 2 days.
I do have other brands that I use, but I always reach for these first.  I am going to review all the brands and types of diapers I have and post them on this blog.  If you have any questions please let me know.  I am not compensated in any way for reviewing these, I just want to let other cloth diapering mammas out there know that there are ways to get started in cloth diapering without breaking the bank!!

Diaper Junction!

Save $5 off $50 at Diaper Junction - Use coupon AFL550 - Some restrictions apply.

Diaper Junction just released a new coupon code! Take $5 off a $50 order!! Plus when you order a flip cover get free shipping on your whole order!! Just use coupon code FLIPSHIP! I just ordered mine! And don't forget to register with them to take advantage of their stash cash program. The more you spend, the more you can earn for free diapers!!

Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards

Here is a list of promo codes so far. If you have any more to add to the list, please share it with me! :)
BFSFFMHFHCWCPGB
SLHPGDSPRWCDPGB
BGJRJLNWQBHNPGB
BFXRHQZZHCNLPGB
BJDWPWPXBZZNPGB
BHQXZMKTGBZRPGB
BHQWTLDZFKJTPGB
BFSJXBBWQDCCPGB
BRSJTFPNPXPQPGB
BDGTWXSQBJTXPGB
BHNXGRWNDTQKPGB
BDTXQTXPHPGXPGB
BJBNWFHCHRFFPGB
BFRJWLQPSGZJPGB
BFJCWFCCTFPPPGB
BGGCLHNZGFZZPGB
BFMJCPNQCJBNPGB
BDTWBWZGNZKQPGB
BFCWDQLZKNPMPGB
BFNMBKDSPXRCPGB
BHGKFQLRTLMPPGB
PQKXBRXMDTBWPGB
BCSRMTKWNZZGPGB
BGTRQWCSXXZRPGB
BCTDHBQWLPZKPGB
BFGHQNGNLPQPPGB
BFGMRKBCNNHHPGB
BFGSKHHXKPFTPGB
BCSQDDNXQFBBPGB
BCWPPSDLLFSFPGB
BDHDNFBJGHCMPGB
BXZWTNJFSLHCPGB
HKNZJZGMDNKBPGB
MLXRCCNRWKKWPGB
PBWSMQGKCLBKPGB
PLWGFZRJNXFWPGB
QWBZLJFJLPMDPGB
TPJNGDZCQBHGPGB
WHTZHNBDQFXKPGB
XZRSSFHSQGFLTMN
ZXLRKBTBBMNNPGB

Pamers Gifts To Grow Promo Codes

It can be hard to stay on top of these so here is a list so far. If you have more, please let me know and I will add it to the list! Please note that codes found on items you purchase can only be used once. :)
PAMPERSGTG10PTS (Added 10/25/10)
PAMPERS4MOMSOND
2BEGINEARNING50
GIFTSTOGROW4MOM
JOINNOW4REWARDS
10ptsfreecode4u
PUNTOSPARAMI123
gifts2growbonus
CAREFORNEWBORNS
GTGCOUPONPOINTS
GTGTENMONTHCODE (Added 7/19/10)
WELCOME2PAMPERS (Added 7/19/10 worth 50pts!)
GTGFIVEMONTHS10 (Added 7/14/10)
GTGGETREADYSOON
FACEBOOKJUL2010
25GTGSUMMER2010
15GTGSUMMERFUN
GTGSUMMERFUN5PT
GTGSPRINGFREE10
GTGLEARNMORE089
GETSTARTEDNOW10
XKCMYXFVD96VXVK
OHAMANDAAWGTG08
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG
GTGPLAY3USA2010
WELCOME2GTG2010
JOINTHEFUNGTG09
WELCOME2VILLAGE
As a side note, pampers is currently offering a promotion where you can trade 150 pampers points for a $3 coupon to diapers.com to use on pampers products! Combine the coupon(s) with promo code: VALL4681 at diapers.com for an additional $10 of your first order and a $5 credit towards your second order!! If you have enough pampers codes to trade in for the $3 off coupons, you can combine multiple coupons in the same order!! I just ordered $49 worth of pampers diaper wipes, and cloth diapers and used the promo code and a lot of coupons and only paid $16 including shipping! Shipping at diapers.com in free when you spend $49 or more BEFORE coupons. :)

Yummy Chicken Casserole!

This dish in my family is not only kid approved, but hubby approved as well! I like an easy dish that pleases the whole family!

Ingredients:
1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 family size can cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayo ( I like the Kraft brand mayo with olive oil, great flavor and half the fat!! )
3.5 cups veggies ( I like broccoli, but choose any combo you like)
1 box stuffing ( I prefer the chicken flavor, but choose any flavor you prefer)

Directions:
Fry the chicken until cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, mix the cream of chicken soup and mayo completely. Add in the veggies. Once chicken is cooked, stir it in the mix as well. I mix everything right in the casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. While it is baking, prepare the stuffing as directed on the box. When the casserole is done, put the prepared stuffing in a even layer on top of the casserole and put it back in the oven at the same temp for an additional 15 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!!

This can easily serve 4-6, especially if served over white rice. Mmmmm!

Root Beer Cupcakes!!

This looks so yummy!  Can't wait to make these this weekend!!
http://crazibeautiful.com/cooking/root-beer-cupcakes.html

Best Sugar Cookie Frosting Ever!!

Ingredients

• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• food coloring

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.

Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies!!

These are Brian's favorites!!

Ingredients:

1 c. sugar
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. margarine
1 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar

Directions:

Beat sugars, margarine and oil until creamy. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Mix flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar in separate bowl. Mix dry ingredients into sugar mixture. Roll into 1 inch balls, then dip in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Makes about 5 dozen.

Caramel Apples

 Another recipe shared with me by a church member years ago.  When I was young I got quite a burn while making caramel apples, using the crockpot seems like an easier way for me!
Super Easy Caramel Apples!!
Ingredients:
2 packages (14oz) bags caramels
1/4 cup Water
8 Medium apples

Directions:
1.  In crock pot, combine caramels and water. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 1 1/2hours, stirring frequently.
2. Wash and dry apples. Insert stick into stem end of each apple.
3.  Turn control on low. Dip apple into hot caramel and turn to coat entire surface.
4. Holding apple above pot, scrape off excess accumulation of caramel from bottom apple. Place on greased wax paper to cool.

Bacon Cheese Crock Pot Dip!

 This was shared with me by a friend from church a few years ago.  Everyone loves it!!
Crockpot Bacon Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
2 pkgs. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, cut into cubes
4 cups shredded Colby-Jack Cheese
1 cup half-and-half
2 Tablespoons mustard
1 Tablespoon chopped onion
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
1. Place cream cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, half-and-half, mustard, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper sauce in crock pot.
2. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, on low 1 hour or until cheese melts. Stir in bacon; adjust seasonings.
3. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Homemade Lavender Baby Powder

This simple baby powder is great for the skin and sweet smelling!
Ingredients:
1 Pound Cornstarch
1/2 tsp. Lavender essential oil (optional)
Add the cornstarch to a Ziplock type bag and add the essential oils slowly.  Close the bag tightly and shake until there are no more clumps.  Let sit for a few days for best results.  Salt shakers work well to evenly distribute the powder, but feel free to be creative and come up with your own containers!

Homemade Bubble bath for children (Or Mom) ... (Not Tear Free)

This is not tear free, if you need tear free see my earlier post.
Ingredients:
1 Bar Castille soap (grated) (Or soap of your choice)
1 Quart Water
4 Tablespoons Glycerin (can also use coconut oil, but it tends to be more expensive, and I am allergic to it so I tend to not use it...)
Essential Oil of your choice (Optional, tea tree or lavender are good choices)
Over medium to high heat, add the water and grated soap to a large stock pan.  Stir until soap is dissolved.  Add glycerin and essential oils if using.  Store in a clean container of your choice.

Homemade Tear Free Bubble Bath For Babies and Toddlers

Typically I buy the Walmart brand to save money, although Johnson's has several bath time washes that I absolutely love!  Use whatever brand you prefer.
Ingredients:
1 Cup Tear Free Baby Shampoo
1 1/2 Cups Water
Optional:
Food Coloring
1/2 tsp. Glycerin (this is not tear free, even though it is a small amount, I only use this for older toddlers who have learned to not get the water and bubbles in their eyes)
Pour all ingredients into the bottle you are using.  I simply refill a previous bottle.  Shake well.  It will get foamy as you shake it but will settle after awhile and look more like bubble bath.  Use as mush or as little as you like!

Homemade Silly Putty

So easy!  I love it (and the kids do to)!  This was shared with me by a friend a few years back.  Works wonders!
Ingredients:
1 Cup Elmers Glue
1 Cup Laundry Starch
Food Coloring
Mix everything together, and enjoy!

Homemade Playdough!

Who doesn't have fond memories of playing with playdough as a child?  I know I loved playdough then (and maybe now too)!  Be creative when storing your playdough....empty clean babyfood jars work wonders for storing it!!
Ingredients:
1 Cup Cold Water
1 Cup Salt
2 tsp. veg. oil
food coloring  (Use how many drops you want, pictured is 20 red drops)
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Cups Flour
(For some reason the salt did not make it into the picture....maybe a certain 2 year old had something to do with that?)

In a bowl, mix everything except the flour.

Gradually add the flour...I add mine a 1/2 cup at a time.  Mix well.  Little hands make great mixers!

If dough is too moist, add more flour.  Store in an airtight container.

Pictures coming!  My phone is sending them to me as I type this!!  :)

French Dinner Rolls

These rolls like any dough takes some time to make, but when done properly, they are a great addition to any dinner!!
Ingredients:
4 Cups White Flour
2 tsp salt
1 TBLSP sugar
1/4 Cup Butter, softened
1/2 oz yeast (4.5 teaspoons)
9 oz. lukewarm milk (just over 1 cup) plus an extra tablespoon for glazing

I put a bag of wheat flour in the picture because I usually do 1/2 white flour and 1/2 wheat, but that is up to you!
Directions:
1) Sift the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in the sugar. Rub the softened butter into the mixture until blended.

 2)  Cream the yeast with 4 tablespoons of milk.  Stir in the remaining milk.  Pour into the flour mixture and mix until it forms a soft dough.

 3)  Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or so until smooth and elastic.

4)  Place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with lightly oiled plastic wrap.  Leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.  It should double in size.

5)  Turn dough back out onto lightly floured surface and gently knock back.  Divide into 12 equal pieces.  Shape into balls  and space evenly onto 2 lightly greased baking sheets.    Using a sharp knife, cut a cross in the top of each roll.  Cover with lightly oiled clear wrap and leave to rise again in a warm place for about 20-30 minutes until doubled in size again.

6)  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Brush the rolls with milk and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Basic Cleaning Ideas!

We've all been there...last minute plans and guests about to arrive at any moment! Need some ideas to quickly clean the house? Well, here ya go!
Toilet bowl cleaner: Mix 1/4 Cup Baking Soda and 1 Cup vinegar. Pour into basin and let sit for a few minutes. Simply scrub and flush and admire the clean!
Deoderize the garbage disposal: Depending on what you have on hand, either slice a lemon and send it through or peel an orange and send just the peel through. Either way your kitchen will smell citrus fresh!
Deoderize that musty garage/basement/???: Slice an onion and place slices on a plate in middle of the room. Leave for several hours or overnight.
Basic carpet stain removal: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the stain and let sit several minutes. Clean with a brush or sponge and warm soap water.
Heavy duty carpet stain removal: Mix 1/4 Cup each salt, borax, and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum up!

Remove Crayon Marks From Walls

The fact that this is so simple and works so well still amazes me!! I didn't believe it when I first was told about this so I put it to the test! Well, the results speak for themselves!! My 2 year old is quite the artist, but when his crayon drawings moved from paper to the walls, I knew I was in trouble. If you have the same problem, here is what you need:
Washcloth
Toothpaste
Water
That simple!

First, wet the washcloth. Smear on some toothpaste and scrub those walls! That simple!
Here is my wall before (the wonderful artwork!)

And after a little bit of toothpaste and elbow grease!

And finally the last picture...the final results! My wall returned to its normal state...for now!

Make your own Febreze for pennies!

I LOVE Febreze! It makes your rooms smell lovely, what is not to love about that? The only thing about Febreze that I do not love is the price tag... Why pay that much when I can make it myself? Here's what you do:
4-5 Tablespoons Downey Fabric Softener(For best results I use Downey with Febreze, but feel free to try another fabric softener. I buy the Downey when it is on sale and I have a coupon to use! Plus I can use the remainder of the bottle for actual fabric softener. To make that last longer I have a trick for that too! But that is for another time!)
Spray bottle (Make sure it is nice and clean!)
Simply add the fabric softener to the bottle and fill almost all the way to the top with warm water. Shake to mix well and start spraying!

Freeze your eggs easily!

I am a Costco kind of shopper! I love to buy in bulk to save $$. Unfortunately, my refrigerator doesn't always have room for everything! Since we have an extra freezer, I have had to teach myself how to easily freeze many items for later use. One thing I learned is how to freeze eggs. Freezing eggs can be a great help! It is so easy and great to use for last minute baking projects! The easiest way I have found is this:
To freeze the whole egg, crack the egg and whisk until blended. I freeze mine individually, but you can do many at once. For one at a time eggs, I place the blended egg in a muffin tin and freeze. Once frozen, pop out of the muffin tin and place in a Ziploc bag. When ready to use, take out one egg at a time and thaw in a bowl in the refrigerator. If you freeze them all together, measure out 2 Tablespoons of egg mixture to equal 1 egg.
Quick, easy and fun for the kids to help with!

Feezing Bananas

We have all been there...you buy a bunch of bananas and by the end of the week there are always one or two that didn't get eaten and are starting to turn brown. What do you do? Well, I love to make smoothies so I take the old bananas and freeze them. There are many idea out there on how to do this, but the way I freeze bananas is like this:
First peel the banana (simple enough)
Second, dip the banana in lemon juice. The easiest way I have found is to put lemon juice in a plastic bag and add the bananas one at a time to get a nice coating. This will help keep the banana from turning brown.
Lastly, place the bananas in a freezer zip lock bag and freeze. I like to freeze in packs of 2 if possible as this is how many I usually add to my smoothies.
When ready to use, simply add the bananas still frozen directly into the blender with your other ingredients and blend!
Another way is to slice the bananas and flash freeze. To do this, simply slice the bananas after dipping in lemon juice and place on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, remove from the cookie sheet and place in a Ziploc freezer bag or Tupperware.
Super easy and makes sure no bananas are wasted ever again!

Tatertot Casserole

If anyone else is like me, they like to cook a lot of food at once, and enjoy dinner from the freezer all month long! I also love freezing leftovers in Tupperware in lunch size servings for the hubby to take to work. This recipe is not only oh so good, but it works perfectly for freezing to cook later or freezing leftovers (if there's any left!)
There are so many variations out there, but this is my family's favorite version:
You will need:
1 lb. ground breakfast sausage (Can also use hamburger)
1 can or small frozen bag of corn (not cream corn, just corn)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (or 1 family size can)
1 Cup of milk
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (or how ever much you prefer)
1/2 of an average size bag of tater tots (or enough to cover the casserole)
Directions:
Brown and crumble sausage as you usually would. Drain fat. Spread sausage as first layer in the bottom of your casserole dish. In a medium bowl, mix cream of chicken soup and milk. Pour half over the sausage in the casserole dish. Next add a layer of corn. Layer the last half of the soup mixture over the corn layer. Spread generously with grated cheese to cover. Lastly, arrange tater tots over the top to completely cover the casserole. Bake at 375 for 50-60 minutes. If tater tots are not crispy, return to oven and bake until crispy.
I do not have pictures right now, but I am making this dish on Saturday and will make sure to take pictures then. Until then, enjoy!
NOTE: 1 of my 3 kiddos will only eat this with ketchup (like any other dish for him!). You can also try adding a layer of diced tomatoes or ?? Be creative!

Homemade Dishwasher Soap

This is one of my favorite soap recipes! It is so easy, and so inexpensive! It uses ingredients I already have in bulk around the house! Double or triple the recipe to last you a long time! One note, be sure to use a good rinse agent. Either a store bought kind, or my personal favorite....plain white vinegar! Super cheap and super effective! Now that's my kind of cleaner!
What you will need:
A large container (I used a canning jar, but anything sturdy with an airtight lid should work...think empty butter or ice cream container....or ?? Use your imagination, anything lying around the house is frugal!)
Borax (I prefer 20 Mule Team brand, great quality and easy to find)
Washing Soda (DO NOT confuse with baking soda, you will find this at most grocery stores in the laundry detergent aisle...pictured is Arm & Hammer brand, not picky on brands but I do like this one for most of my cleaners)
Salt ( I use sea salt for everything as pictured, use what you have)
Measuring Cup(s) (one 1 cup and 1 1/2 cup)
Spoon (nothing fancy, just to mix it!)

Alright, first of all, depending on how much you will be making, it may be easier to measure it all out and mix in a mixing bowl. For one batch, combine 1 Cup Borax, 1 Cup Washing Soda, and 1/2 Cup Salt. Mix well.
To use, add 1 to 2 Tablespoons for each load. No need to fill the soap dispensers in the dishwasher.
Pictures will be added soon, I had to post this from my phone and it will not let me upload the pics from here.
Hope you like this recipe as much as I do and remember the note above about the rinse agent....otherwise you will not be as pleased with the results! Enjoy!

Brown Sugar Muffins....Yummy!!

So my first recipe for this blog is a very yummy recipe my dear sister in law has shared with me. It makes for a wonderful breakfast treat! Brown sugar muffins are super easy and oh so yummy!! Here is what you need to get started:

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt


Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture just until combined. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Depending on the size of muffins you make, this should make about 12 standard size muffins.

Enjoy! (Pictures coming soon!)

Swagbucks

Has anyone tried out swagbucks yet? I am thinking this is a good way to trade in some of the old playstation games and redeem a few gift cards for myself!! If you haven't tried it, here is a link:
http://www.swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=1744569
They have all kinds of rewards and ways to earn points. I am going through all of the old PS2 games no one plays anymore to check and see what they are worth! :) I will update later on how well I do!! I did see that they have an offer for a free netflicks trial that you earn swagbucks for just trying it! I just cancelled our Blockbuster online and am seriously considering trying out Netflicks. With this offer, what is there to lose?!

Time to get started!

Ok then! I am finally ready to go! I will be posting recipes, reviews, crafts, tips, etc. Since I am posting this from my phone, I am going to wait until tomorrow to post my first recipe! Any suggestions for content or products to review please let me know! I will do my best to make sure it happens! Current book I am reading: The Duggars: 20 and Counting! I will be sure to let you know my thoughts on it! So far, I love it! It really is a peak into their lives before the cameras and fame. Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar are simply inspirational to me. To live 100% debt free while raising so many children in a Christian home is quite a feat! But, I will save all of those thoughts for that future blog.
I mainly wanted to start this blog to help other moms (and dads!) Learn to live frugally and still chic as I try to do!! There are certain things I have learned from trial and error that I think others would find useful as well!
Well, that is all for tonight! More to come tomorrow!! :)

Whats to come!

Welcome everyone!!
This is just the beginning!! I have lots in mind to share and I welcome your comments and/or suggestions! Coming this week (or as soon as I can post the pictures) is how to make your own laundry soap, fabric softener, cloth diapers, and of course favorite recipes!! I will try to take pictures of everything and I have lots in mind for crafts too.
I would like to help with ideas for the home, family, and pets! I am a mother of a 2 year old and step mother to a 7 and almost 10 year old. As a stay at home mom I try to come up with ideas to strengthen our faith, stretch our budget, and simplify our lives! I hope the ideas posted here will help you do the same!