Meal Planning - with a twist

The 5:00 o’clock dinner bell gongs, and the dreaded, “what’s for dinner” question haunts us.

Do they really need to eat again? Sheesh - didn’t I just feed them?

When I mention meal planning, most women run for the hills because it is just one more thing to cram on our overextended plates.

We know there’s a benefit in having a plan, but the thought of having to actually sit down and work it through leaves us frazzled and overwhelmed.

Right now, you can google meal planning and choose from 5 million entries to read. The benefits of saving time, saving money and saving your sanity will all be shared.

The professionals will tell you to pull out your calendar, gather the family around and brainstorm favorite meals. They’ll encourage you to fill in the calendar dates with your top choices, create a shopping list and go from there.

Meal planning made easy, right?

That’s in an ideal world.

A world in which I wish I lived - a world in which my best intentions meet reality on occasion.

My guess is that many of you can relate;

“Queen of Best Intentions”…maybe tomorrow.

For many of us, this is the most difficult aspect in making our home a haven.

Our families need to eat...every day...all the time...and that cooking rut just grows deeper.

So how do we get around this lack of follow through?

Just do it – with small baby steps!

I had written another post (in my mind), with some general suggestions for conquering Meal Time Mountain, but after brainstorming with many of my friends on this topic, they finally declared…

“Jen, seriously, just tell us what to do, so we can copy you.”

That’s a scary statement, people…but here goes.

I decided to take a one hour challenge, and see how much I could do to prepare for future meals. I attacked this mission with fervor, and planned on conquering it.

Here’s what I did. I had already de-thawed the meats, and had started a crock pot full of black beans that morning.

So I fired up two of my best friends for the evening – my rice cooker and grill.
I grilled ten combined pounds of chicken, pork and hamburger.

While “I” (well, technically, my 13 year old son - train them young as I always say) was grilling, I fried six pounds of hamburger meat, and started my rice cooker.

I made two separate helpings of brown rice and basmati rice.

One hour later, I had eighteen chicken breasts and pork,

chopped, sliced and diced.

The rice, beans and (seasoned) hamburger meat were completed and divided into baggies.

The mouth-watering ribs and hamburger patties flew straight from the grill to being totally devoured by my family (one meal done...in minutes – ugh – they didn’t even stop to relish it).

Let me tell you, it was a true carnivore’s delight.

And since I tend to minimize the meat – they were in hog heaven.

So what does that have to do with meal planning for the Queen of Best Intentions?

Every thing that I had just put into Ziplock bags now offered a minimum of 15 possible meal choices that I could cook up in minutes.

I know you’re thinking…she must be crazy, how is she getting those numbers?

Well, since I have an “emergency corner” of foods that I am never without, I can draw from this stockpile on any given day.

I highly recommend doing this – even if it’s just with a few items. These are staples that I stock up on when the grocer has them at buy one get one free, and I have saved some coupons

Most of these pantry items, I get for nearly free with coupons, but you already now that.

These are the items that I always stock.

1. can of diced tomotoes

2. cans of cream of mushroom or chicken soup

3. flour tortillas

4. shredded cheese

5. frozen vegetables

6. salsa

7. noodles

8. spaghetti sauce

9. sour cream

10. a few "Pillsbury" type items that I have gotten virtually free - biscuits, pie crusts, pizza dough (homemade or store bought with coupon).

With these items and the food I just prepared, I can make:

*Chicken stir fry – chicken, frozen veggies, rice

*Enchiladas or burritos with rice, beans, taco seasoned beef, cheese, salsa, and sour cream

*Simple chicken casserole with diced chicken, cream of mushroom/chx soup, rice, seasoning, and cheese sprinkled on top.

*Simple Chicken pot pie with chicken, cream of mush/chx soup, bag of frozen veggies, cheese, and an all purpose seasoning…I love Homemade Gourmet.

*Chili – hamburger, beans, water, can of diced tomatoes, seasoning, and water.

*Taco salad - romaine lettuce drizzled with either French or ranch dressings, dolloped with black beans, taco flavored hamburger meat, salsa, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips

*Taco dip

*Taco pizza

*Grilled Chicken salad

*Shredded pork with BBQ sauce makes a great sandwich

*Stuffed biscuits with either salsa or spaghetti sauce, hamburger, and cheese

*Spaghetti

Whew, can you believe it, and I was just getting warmed up. Don’t worry if your freezer space is limited. Look how much room it took up?

Can you believe all that I got done with one hour and 15 minutes of intentional time set aside to conquer this mealtime mountain.

If I can do this…you can too.

I am passionate about families spending more time connecting at the dinner table (yes, another topic), and less time being frazzled with the process.

With simple meal planning, you not only save time, and HUGE amounts of money, but you enjoy the lost art of shared dinner conversations which makes this priceless.

Let’s continue to make our home a haven by taking time this week to move from best intentions to actually answering the “what’s for dinner question” in our own home.

Are you up for the challenge?

Is there anything still standing in your way?

I can’t wait for you to join me as we balance both the beauty and the bedlam of mealtime mountain.

Since this post was written, we have eaten 10 meals from this hour of work.

Most of those meals took less than 10 minutes to prepare, with most of that time spent de-thawing since I forgot to take it out the night before. Our Mexican night recipes are up..enjoy meals made easy.

Cooking for large groups - meals for the multitudes

What were you doing this weekend?

Were you snuggled up with your main squeeze whispering sweet nothings?
Well, my sweetie was here, but we definitely weren't whispering.
Not when we had a impromptu troop full of "terrible teens."
(Terrible teens? I beg to differ...")
And with that troop came so much beauty and bedlam....

We love to open our home, but it doesn't happen nearly enough during our busy sports season.
Not a good excuse, but just a reality that needs to change.
For some, the aspect of hospitality is overwhelming. I think one major deterrent from opening one's home is the whole food dilemma.
"What should we make? How much will I have to spend; this will be expensive.
I just don't have the time" etc. etc.
We want to create a welcoming home, but in the process, we talk ourselves out of the concept due to an unrealistic pressure to "perform" to some magazine standard.

Since we have now entered the teen years, and will be in the throws of this age group for the next 15 years, we desire our home to be the place they want to gather.
A Welcoming Home/ a Haven of Hospitality is one of those things I passionately pursue, even if it's not alway a reality.

With this desire comes the realization that teens want food....good food....and LOTS of it.
Since this gathering was thrown together at the last minute, I didn't have time to go to the store and stock up on special goodies just for this.
Quite frankly, buying on impulse is something I want to avoid since it eats up the $500/month budget quite quickly.
There are a few main staples that I keep on hand for occasions such as this, and it gives me the freedom to know that I always have something to throw together.
I always have bulk amounts of sour cream in stock to make delicious dips on demand.

This was a great dill dip for the veggies.

Along side the soda I placed this bowl of yummy nutrients, and the first thing that came out of one of the girl's mouth was, "ohh...hmm...healthy snacks?"
I knew I better get it into gear, so I quickly threw together this taco dip.
Yes, I forgot to take a picture until it was almost gone, so just for you I spread the dip around and threw a little bit of cheese back on....hee hee.
Seriously, every single one of my kids (including my five year old) can whip together a mean taco dip and they do it on a regular basis.
This is always a crowd pleaser and served with white corn tortilla chips, it's the best.

And of course, chocolate soothes even the most picky of souls.
These, along with peanut butter cup brownies topped off the evening.

Deciding on the main meal is always the challenge.
Grilling is always a crowd favorite, but depending on the size of the group, it's not always a feasible option. Quite often I go for lasagna, chili or.....

HOMEMADE PIZZA!
I am amazed at how many people shy away from the idea because conjuring up anything with yeast has a scary presupposition.
Trust me...it is not hard to whip up some crust and the price is ALWAYS right.

I can make a large pizza for just a few dollars.
Unfortunately for my guests this week, I was out of pepperoni, and only had a bit of sausage.
So, if cheese pizza is your preference, then the price is really right.

All the moms came up to me the next day and said how the teens were so impressed.
Trust me, this isn't about impressing anyone.
It's about feeding the multitudes, and pizza does the trick every time.

If you have a Kitchen Aid sitting on your counter...unused....get it out.
SERIOUSLY, THIS IS SO EASY, and QUICK!

With a dough hook, homemade crust is a reality in minutes.
Even if you have to do it by hand, it's so fun.
It will just take a bit longer than a few minutes, but only ten...max.

I am in the middle of redesigning my site, and once I do, I will be adding some video tutorials.
Homemade pizza crust will be one of them.

I am completely about making it quick, easy and affordable.
Yes, homemade sauce would be the optimal, but I got this Ragu with my doubled coupons when it was on sale BOGO Free. Yipee...and I know the teens could care less. :)
*One thing I do when I use store bought sauce is to add in a few additional spices to give it that homemade sauce taste (Homemade Gourmet spaghetti seasoning, or basic Italian spices such as oregano, basil, garlic powder etc.).
I sprinkle them right on top of the sauce and sometimes over the crust.

I made four large pizzas that all went quickly. If it was for our family, I would have made 3 of them a veggie supreme, but considering how they initially responded to the raw brocolli, I stuck with 2 1/2 cheese. But guess what, the brocolli and carrots were gone by the end of the night. :)This is another thing I make in bulk. If you are going to make dough, why not triple the recipe? You may freeze the raw dough, or make the pizzas and freeze them before baking.
This recipe will make one large pizza.
Recipes for yeast items scare me....they make it seem SO much more difficult than it is.
I have typed up the real recipe, but I will highlight the reality of just how simple it is.

And yes, I got myself into trouble by telling my friend that she needs to learn how to do this. Now she corralled me into teaching a Keeper's Club girls group how to make it this week.
9-13 year old girls are each going to make one.
If they can, you can.

Crusty Pizza Dough

1 package active dry yeast
I buy this in bulk at Sam's/Cosco...1 tb=1 package
1 cup warm water (105 degrees F to 115 degrees)
I have never ever taken the water's temperature.
Stick your finger in the water. If it burns you, it's too hot. Think NC summer day hot.
1/2 tsp salt
I love to use garlic salt for a little extra umph.
1 tsp. olive oil (or any oil)
2 1/3 cups - 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
(I actually have a grain grinder and can do my own ww flour)

Dissolved yeast in warm water in warmed bowl.
Nope, don't do that either...who has time to warm a bowl.
Add salt, olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups flour.
Attach dough hook, and mix for 1 minute.

Continuing on low speed, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough clings to hook and cleans side of bowl. Kneed on low speed for 2 minutes.
This is where a video may come in handy. Cleaning the side of the bowl means the dough will begin to pull away and lump together in a nice kind of ball.

Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover, let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk...about 1 hour.
Punch down.
In theory, this all sounds ideal, but when you have a room full of teenagers wondering when their food is coming, I am not about to tell them they have to wait for the dough to rise.
For the first two pizzas, I literally skipped this step. Isn't that awesome to know?
JUST SKIP IT . THEY WILL STILL BE GREAT!
Once I mixed the dough, I just rolled it right out.
While the first two pizzas were cooking, I did "force" a rise with the remaining dough by giving it that extra time to rise a little before punching it down, but not necessary.

Brush 14 inch pizza pan with oil; sprinkle with cornmeal (nope, didn't do that either).
Press dough across bottom of pan forming a collar around edge to hold filling.
Top with desired fillings.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

And look at all these happy campers.
Even though the dough didn't rise, I think they were quite content.
And now Morgan, Katie, and Lindsey...you are all blog stars....hee hee.
Yes, I found out that one of these sweet girls actually read my blogs....yikes.
Now I can't say anything I want about my kids anymore. :)

Posted at $5 Dinner Challenge
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Housekeeping is happening...for my special guests

hi there - I just needed to warn you about the dust that's going around Beauty and Bedlam.

Sweet, Sweet Domestic Chicky is helping me spruce up around here for the guests that are coming over on Wednesday, and we're reworking many aspects. Keep coming back, it's only going to get better thanks to her.

Many of you have asked, and I thought you might like to see the Promo that is being shown for the next four days on Fox.
I had a little heart attack when I was told that.
WHAT? They are actually advertising this segment.....ahhhh!
And aren't you thrilled that this screen shot captures my best side?

I will just say now that the power of editing is unbelievable. I am a bit nervous.
My secret is out....find out what it is....the very last line of the promo.
And here, I was just having an "off the air" discussion with the reporter on what I started off doing in college. :)

And it really is Ok if you laugh at me and not with me...my hubby did, and he loves me anyhow.




Edited to add: This is where the full segment is shown.
Click Here to get to the link.

Couponing Geek - free food

Yes, I am confessing.
For the last two weeks, I have been a couponing geek.
As part of my recovery, I am confessing it and getting it out in the open.
I carry my coupon binder around, and ponder how I can fit one more thing in my pantry/freezer as a result of my triple coupon week at Harris Teeter.
(It goes through tomorrow so get on out there you SE folk).

BUT, the beauty from this bedlam is that I am not alone in this geek squad.
Some of my friends have jumped on the band wagon with me,
and we are slowly starting to convert other unsuspecting prey.
On Tuesdays, a few of us sit around during our home school group, cut coupons, and line up the best deals around town.
It's a sickness I tell you.
This week we started chuckling out loud when some of the other moms (who don't coupon) questioned how in the world we could actually sit for two hours and talk about this stuff.
It was pretty funny, and then my epiphany occurred...coupon geek.

So, on behalf of my dear blogless friend, I am going to share the email that I just received.
And since you don't know her....I think it's OK that I didn't get permission first. :)
(Love me anyhow, Rebecca).
Isn't it so fun to have friends with which to share your crazy obsessions?
Everyone needs a few faithful friends like that, and I have found them. :)

Hi to My Couponing Divas,

Ok, I can barely stand it, I'm so excited. I'm hoping that coupons are not becoming an idol in my life! :o)

I'm attaching a picture for the groceries that in the end HT will be paying me to buy. For everything purchased, I paid $23.15. I then got catalinas for a $10 gift card and 3 coupons for free milk (valued at $4.69 each - who would pay that much for milk??), which totals future savings of $24.07. Yippeeeee!!!

I did find that on Wednesday morning I was VERY tempted to cut my time with the Lord short just so I could get to HT. I might just be addicted.

OH, it's good to have girl friends. :)

Designer wardrobe on a frugal budget

First Frugal Fashionista post

With frugal living becoming the new buzz word of the year, people are becoming more aware of the many options for
living on less...and loving it!
While some people may be open to saving dollars by eating at home, or possibly cutting a few coupons here and there, wearing someone else's cast away clothes seems like it's crossing the line.
Well, we are going to change your mind about this. Just because you may buy clothes second hand doesn't mean you have to look like it's second hand.

This new weekly series called the Frugal Fashionista will:

1. unpack your reservations about
choosing second hand clothes
(you've told yourself you just can't get past the smell),
2. give you tips on where to look
(all stores are not created equal),
3. teach you how to browse efficiently
(ugh, I just don't have the time to go through all the racks)
4. give you a place to start
(we'll begin with some basic "easy to find" core wardrobe pieces that all thrift stores or yard sales will have),
5. give you the opportunity to share some of your frugal fashionista finds.

Each week I'll show you a designer labeled outfit that was put together typically for $15 or under. That will includes the accessories and shoes.

My desire is that this will peak your curiosity, open up a financial savings possibility that you may never have before considered, and spruce up your own wardrobe at the same time.

Last fall I was interviewed on the news about my Good Will shopping. The reporter took me by surprise with one of her questions.
She asked, "Do you have to shop at Good Will?"
I thought that was a bit bold of her, but for me, that was an easy answer.

At times in our earlier marriage (with four children in 5 1/2 years), I may have needed to, but now that I can afford to buy retail, I would never go back. The quality and variety of clothes that I have become accustomed to would never fit into our debt free living budget if I were to purchase them retail.

Last year, I hit one yard sale in a very wealthy neighborhood. The wife was clearing out her closet and brought out over 75 designer pieces of clothing and 20 pairs of shoes. Her hubby told me after she left that she was just getting started on the first closet. WHAT? Many of these items still had the tags on and some of the shoes had never been worn (yes, I know the used shoe topic is a whole different ball game. I'll save it for a separate post. :)
After you hit one "jack pot" like that, the thought of paying $1000 for the pieces that I purchased from her would make me hyperventilate.

Maybe this season will be your "jack pot."

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I wanted to begin with all the core wardrobe pieces, but this is what I was wearing today and i had the camera in hand. Nothing fancy, but frugally fantastic.
One of the quickest ways that I feel like a "million bucks' is when I wear a fabulous pair of boots. Even though I am definitely a comfort over looks kind of a gal, I can suck it up for a few hours to top off the outfit. :)

And of course, the camera battery died with this shot, so I couldn't retake it.

Leather Aerosols that had no wear on them
( and no, they are not your grandma's brand anymore) -
$6 at Good Will (plus 10% off since I have the frequent shopper card, oh yes I do).
This is about as much as I will spend on footwear.

One thing I love is trying new accessories.
I used to quite conservative with my accessories - small hoop earring etc.
Now I experiment with a large variety of styles, and have fun.
If I don't like them, I can pass them on. I only spent $1.
Perfect example - long brown earrings - $1 (new at yard sale).
Chunky necklace - $2 (ys)

Sheer Anne Taylor blouse - $3.25 (GW)
brown shell under shirt - $.50 (ys)
Banana Republic jeans - $1 (ys)

Let's see how we did:
Earrings -$1
Necklace - $2
Shirt - $3.25
tank top - $.50
Boots - $5.40
Total cost of outfit:
$12.15
Now, that's a good thing!

Next post in the series is done:
Building a Core Wardrobe - Frugally

Proverbs 31 - She Speaks Conference

Proverbs 31 Ministries is dedicated to Bringing God's Peace, Perspective, and Purpose to Today's Busy Woman.
Don't you just want to post that mission on the mantle of your home? (Or I'd be fine if you just tape it to your computer). :)
When I first heard about Prov. 31 two years ago, I knew this was a ministry whose heartbeat was closely aligned with my own.
For those of you who follow my blog, purposeful intentionality is something that I am committed to, and Proverbs 31 has a group of women boldly declaring God's love and grace. It doesn't get more intentional than that.
Last year, I led worship for a church that had asked Luann Prater to be their speaker. Over the past 8 months I have been slowly peaking into the lives of these women through their blogs. It is a true joy to see how God is using women whose hearts are fully yielded to Him.

A few years ago Prov. 31 began The She Speaks Conference: an amazing speaker/writer/blogging conference.
They are graciously giving away one scholarship to a blogger,
and I would love to be considered.
But guess what? The post is due - today/now (it's 2:30am) - and I thought the deadline was Sunday. It all fits with my "no editing" policy here at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.

Quite honestly, this is a win-win.
My regular readers get to find out about an amazing ministry. And as part of our "God Watch time," my husband and I have decided that I am definitely going to She Speaks. We are watching and waiting to see how the Lord will use this time in my life and I am excited.

For the last two decades, the Lord has called me to many ministries that were "visual - up front" kind of positions.
First as a youth pastor, and then with a mixture of various leadership roles primarily focusing on ministering through worship and drama.
As I started having multiple children, requests were made for me to speak to womens groups.
The thought thrilled me.
I had been surrounded by many amazing mentors, including a Proverbs 31 mother, and felt that I had a passion to share specifically with other young moms.

Yet this quote, given to me by my former worship pastor, sums up the struggle that raged within me as I deliberated on a speaking ministry.
"The greatest impediment to your spiritual intimacy is your giftedness. Because you are gifted, you are going to be able to make life work within the church without ever knowing God well."

I never wanted to make "church work."
At that season in my life, I knew that the door needed to stay shut.
I was so busy with things....good things....Godly things.
I was serving in ministry opportunities that produced subtle pats on the back, and accolades for things that came easily to me. It was painful to I realize I was making "church work," and it wasn't just about Him.
Spending time just falling in love with Jesus...singing to Him...only for Him, was the deepest desire of my heart.
I stepped back and worshipped for an audience of One for the next few years.
In the last few years I have felt the Lord releasing me to a new season of ministry life.
A season where He has whispered it is good to go and share my beauty and bedlam.
I am passionate about encouraging women to remove the masks that society has placed on them, and relish in the beauty of who they are in Christ.
Authenticity and transparency are my desire each time that I speak, and its refreshing to share what the Lord has revealed to me through my "attempt" at balancing it all.
It's only been in the last few months that I have begun to see myself as a blogger, and hopefully, the message I communicate in written word is identical to who I am in real life.
So why then do I want to go to She Speaks?
Since the doors has swung open, I will be taking the advanced Speaker's Track.
I desire strategic direction and mentoring from women who have gone before me on this journey.
I feel as if I am paddling upstream, and considering this unbalanced boat is typically filled with my five children rocking it rambunctiously, I need to get a better rudder system.
Or at least many more life preservers. :)
She Speaks will be that lifeguard/coach that will allow me to navigate my journey more effectively.
I know that I will leave with the necessary tools of intentionality to patch up my barely buoyant boat, and finish strong...
And of course, do I even need to mention the encouragement from being with a group of like minded women who love my Jesus with their whole heart?
AND the opportunity to sing praises to Him with 600 other ladies.
Ah - for me, that is a slice of heaven.
My hubby has been encouraging me to take a step forward with my speaking and it's been amazing to have him as my biggest cheerleader.
With his unemployment, this is a big leap of faith, but God is so faithful to provide.
It's when our God Watch gets exciting.
Oh, and I can't forget another important reason.
I will be feeding Emily and the Nester chocolate from the front row during their talk.
That's pretty important as well. :)
What are real friends for if they don't share their chocolate?

Thank you, P31 ladies, for all the time that you have already put into this conference.
I know it's going to be such a blessing to many, and I can't wait to meet you all in person.

It's now 3:45am and I believe I met the deadline (pretty please?).
So good night.
I can't believe I stayed up to do this, but I saw that Lysa put the deadline as "by Friday" and I got really nervous.
Can someone now come and mother my children for me?
I'm going to need a nap. :)

Tea Parties all day long...

From the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked banana bread,
to the soothing sips of a simmering beverage,
the kitchen is the heart and home of our fondest memories.
As a frugal mom, it's a temptation to create a
"don't touch, that's expensive"
environment.
Instead, create a haven that whispers,
"You are my special treasure, and all that I have is yours."

Almost daily, when my girls ask for something to drink,
they pick one of my special cups.
I take this mundane moment to remind them of the true treasure they are
simply because...

they are fearfully and wonderfully made.

And this ordinary moment
becomes extraordinary.
They don't know it now,
but they will...

What are you going to do today to change the mundane to the marvelous?
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And just so I don't lead you astray as to the pristine, prim and proper bonnet wearing (learning how to stick out her pinky finger when she's drinking) cherub that I am raising....

Now, that's more like it!

And I do believe that these pics were taken first thing in the morn
and that was orange juice in those tea cups. :)

This is all part of our Beautiful Life (brought by the Inspired Room).

Banana bread - baking in bulk

There are so many things that I love to do with one hour of my time.
Some choices benefit me.
Some choices benefit my family, and some benefit a whole bunch of people.
My choice of an hour benefited all three categories, and it even included a horse.

Quick breads and muffins are not only a
fantastically frugal option in feeding our family,
but they also create the "Welcome Home" atmosphere I am trying to instill by tantalizing most of our senses.
It warms my heart to have the kids open the door and exclaim,
"Oh mom, it smells so good in here."
Smells have a way of transcending time, don't they?
I bet all of us can close our eyes, remember a favorite recipe that was prepared in your home growing up and that smell triggers a specific feelings, even to this day.

As usual, I quadrupled the recipe.
Doing this takes an additional 30 seconds, but reaps hours of added pleasure.
Banana breads freezes wonderfully, and having some on hand gives you the opportunity to share with others...for no other reason that "just because."
I made two regular banana bread loaves, and then for the last two, I sprinkled chocolate chips on one, and mixed the last of my frozen strawberries into the other.

Pull out some of those specialized pans that you have hiding in the back of your cabinet.
Don't wait for special occasions - your family is that occasion.
You can see the recipe for
this EASY and QUICK delight in this past post.

In under an hour, I had four delicious quick breads waiting to be devoured.
Make sure you set the timer nice and loud. Don't go take a bath (ha) or run an errand or go feed the neighbor's horse who came to the fence for his daily snack.
I got side tracked in the middle of my baking time by this beauty and when I came back in the house my breads were a little.. hmm... "golden."

And as a parent, I recommend you put some guidelines on the distribution of these delights.
You can be guaranteed there were some consequences when I saw my son's "little piece."
"But mom, I told you I was just grabbing a little piece of the chocolate banana bread. You told me that was fine. "
Bedlam, I tell you....sheer bedlam. :)

Frugal buying tip: I never pass up bananas when they have been marked down anywhere between $.19-.29/lb
Typically, they have gotten just a bit ripe, but they will be perfect for baking.

Quick and easy banana bread recipe:
Ingredients
8T (1 stick) butter, at room temp
3/4 cup Sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (all purpose) flour
1 cup (whole wheat) flour
1 t. Baking soda
1/2 t salt
3 Large bananas (mashed)
1 t. vanilla (I have added almond extract for a variation in flavor)
1/2 C. pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped -(optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (grease bread pan)
2. Cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Sift all purpose flour, baking soda & salt together, stir in whole wheat flour & add to creamed mixture, mixing well. (I don't sift the flour, but I know "officially" you should for lighter bread).
4. Fold in bananas, vanilla and nuts (fold...as in dump & mix :)
5. Pour mixture into pan, bake 50-60 min. or til cake tester comes out clean - cool in pan 10 min., then in rack. (or if you're in my house...hide the rack in some dark secluded cabinet as it cools)
Makes one loaf.

Enjoy some more bulk baking posts:

Easiest Ever Sour Cream banana cake/bread
Bulk Baking - First edition
Bulk Baking - Second edition -best ever cookie
Bulk Baking - muffins

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Posted at:
The Inspired Room - Beautiful Life series
Tasty Tuesday

Decorating a mantle on a yard sale budget

One of the joys of living frugally is the creative aspect that you can tap into for just a few dollars.
With my walls painted a dramatic green,
I desired to go with the shabby chic look. Since I
have been stuck with the same mantle decor for awhile,
I decided to shop my house (and yard sales) in a quest for some white pieces,
and get it ready for spring.
Because I have made a conscious decision to avoid any impulse purchases, my home decor is always a work in process.
It varies greatly from yard sale season to yard sale season, and honestly, that is part of the fun.
Since I collect anything having to do with teacups, tea parties or hospitality, the white tea pot shown above was a sheer joy for a mere $.50.
I found a few bunches of white flowers at another yard sale for another $.50, and together, that's one delightful dollar .

I am on a perpetual hunt for white pieces, since I am going to re-do one of my hutches and display all the milk ware glass/white pieces that I find.
This is where patience is a virtue.
This above water pitcher was $1, and I found an amazing white iron works piece at a yard sale for $5. (I wanted to hang it before this post....ugh).
It's going to take the place of the two oval pieces, and I think it will make the perfect statement.
And see the frame above?
I had one little open space left on the mantle,
and couldn't think of what to with it,
so I improvised with a $.25 brass frame.
And I re-purposed it, instead of throwing it out.
(from my post "When Brass and Spray Paint meet")

I got crafty a few months ago with the
intentions of hanging this plate on the wall.
But when I shopped my house, I found this to be the perfect spot.

It started as this wonderful handmade gift from a friend,
but was in the box for Goodwill after a dishwasher disaster.
The labels came off (bottom left corner) from the heating process.

So I spray painted it white,

took a regular piece of scrapbook paper,
rounded the corners,
and then spread a bit of Modge Podge on top to glue it down.

It was still a bit plain,
so I cut one of the yard sale flowers branches,
glued it down in the middle and attached a bit of my daughter's hair ribbon.
LOVE.IT.HERE (for now :).
It makes me feel all Martha Stewardish.

I am currently on the hunt for ugly plates ($0.25)
to spray paint.
They will adorn this $1 yard sale mirror.

So let those creative juices go wild this yard sale season.
To think that I can create a marvelous mantle arrangement for $10 (even though it doesn't meet all the designer tips for layering), and then change it around as I find things to improve upon....
is a good thing.
I've learned to appreciate the process.
********************************

In case you missed these other ideas:
*Shopping the house with a little spray paint
*When spray paint and brass meet

Posted at:
Metamorphic Monday
Frugal Friday
Spring Fluffing party at Rhoda's