Homemade Instant Oatmeal

This weekend Sean wanted oatmeal for breakfast, but I was still sleeping. I heard Michael and Sean trying to find instant oatmeal and Michael told Sean that whenever he tries to make the old fashioned Quaker stuff he messes it up. So viola... in an effort to make it easier for Michael (yes, he's getting spoiled now that I'm a SAHM) and to teach Sean to make it himself, I premade containers. These handy 1/2c Rubbermaid containers (which were things I used when I made Sean's homemade baby foods years ago) were perfect. I explained to Sean all he had to do was get a bowl, empty the contents into it and fill the small container twice with water. He knows how to use the microwave (thanks to St. James Montessori), so he just pops it in himself for 2-1/2 minutes and it's done!! I even added the amount of sugar I normally add for Sean so he doesn't sugar it himself. This is a great way to get your kiddo to eat a healthy breakfast and teach them some independence.

Couponing

In an effort to save as much money as possible, my new obsession has become couponing. Thanks to the show Extreme Couponing (on TLC Wednesdays at 8pm CST) I've learned a few things on getting the most bag for my buck. I highly recommend checking out it. Here is a website for one of the ladies featured in the show:
The Krazy Coupon Lady
She breaks it down for you on her site and gives ALOT of resources. I've gotten a few of my friends hooked on the show and starting the couponing craze!!

I was so excited yesterday that I got a tub of Pampers baby wipes for $1.50 at Albertsons. I also scored FREE Ivory soap because of a sale and my coupons. FREE is good!!!

I told Michael that any money that was left over from the grocery budget at the end of the month because of my couponing was going into our savings. My GOAL... to only use $100 of our allotted budget every month. I'm trying to get THAT good at the couponing. Who couldn't use more money in their savings account these days?

Waffle Addicts - 3 days and counting

Nana & Papa gave us a waffle iron for Christmas so naturally Sean wanted waffles Sunday morning.


We've had waffles for breakfast for the last 3 days. I actually don't mind making a hot breakfast now, since waffles are WAY easier than making pancakes.

Easy Quesadillas

I don't pretend to be a great cook. I'm proud of myself just for cooking at home. I leave all the fancy recipes and cooking to my BFF Kimberly (http://www.eathomelive.com/). I aspire to be like her one day in the kitchen. But for the rest of us slackers... I was pretty impressed with this AWESOME easy recipe from E-mealz



1 package of flour tortillas (10 count)
1 package of shredded cheese (whatever your preference... I use cheddar or colby jack)
1-2 containers of Oscar Myer southwestern flavored chicken strips (found where the prepackaged deli meats are)

The rest is simple... place one tortilla on a microwave safe plate spread desired amount of chicken and cheese. Cover with a second tortilla and microwave on high for 1 minute. Ta-da!!! Just serve with some sour cream and salsa.

This is a great lunch or snack for kiddos. No more canned pasta meals for me!!!

eMealz

Okay Michael turned me onto this since we listen to Dave Ramsey ALL the time now :)

I signed up for it and we're on week 2. For those who know us... we eat out more than we do at home. This plan actually has me cooking dinner every night and we only had one menu item we didn't like.