Fun at the beach!

School is starting this week and it's going to be cold here in the NW very soon! So this last weekend we took a trip to Garibaldi for a few days of camping at the beach. We also did some school clothes shopping in Lincoln city at the outlet mall. I'm so glad I did, I got almost ALL of the shopping done for less than $300 I think that is really good for 3 kids! Anyway I love love LOVE the beach and last time I forgot my camera so this time I got a little carried away with the pics.

Okay I guess that's enough. Can u tell we love the beach? I didn't even take any pics at our camp site.

7 meals in one day!

For a while now I've been wanting to do the whole Once a Month Cooking thing. But it's seemed kinda hard because first of all that is a lot of food and supplies to buy all at once and also because I have a pretty small kitchen. But since I have been really trying to save money and not eat out, I thought now would be the time to try it out and start out simple just doing one week at a time. I wont actually have all these meals this week but at least I can start stocking up for when I am in the mood for each one again.
It's much easier than I thought it would be. Not that it should suprise me, I always think things are going to be harder than they actually end up being. So I did my grocery shopping this past weekend. I only spent $150 and I still have at least 10 more dinners to make.
So here's what I made, not exactly from scratch but all with fresh veggies. I'm a semi homemade kinda girl.

A big pot of chili which can be for just a bowl of chili, or chili baked with cornbread on top and also chili dogs or chili mac

Creamy chicken and veggie stew (I'll top with buscuits when ready to eat) enough for two dinners and lunch the next day

Creamy chicken and rice casserole

Sloppy Joe's enough for dinner and lunch the next day

Chicken and Rice soup enough for two dinners or lunch the next day

Chicken tortilla soup enough for dinner and lunch the next day


Most of us have our own favorite recipes for all of these dishes, but incase u were wondering how I make mine

For the chicken tortilla soup
Chicken broth (any store bought or homemade)
Chicken breasts cut up or shredded
heavy cream or I use half and half
salsa
tortilla chips
Black beans

For the creamy chicken and veggie stew
I use cream of chicken soup and milk
a bag of frozen veggies or your own mix
cut up chicken breasts
and top with buscuit mix and bake till buscuits are done

Chili

I use all kinds of beans
Kidney beans
black beans
pinto beans
chili beans
red beans
stewed tomatoes
diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
onion
bell pepper
garlic
masa (to thicken)
salt
chili powder
cumin
pepper (black and cayenne)
and ground beef or turkey
u can also add beef or chicken stock instead of water

and for the chicken and rice casserole this is a new recipe for me, I haven't made it before although I've seen many variations
here is the recipe for the one I made

A huge money saving tip!

So lately I've been trying to think of ways to save more money or at least to spend less money. We've decided that we wont be eating out anymore. No fast food or ordering in. Except for special occasions which then we will have to be careful about. So today I found this awesome website where u can buy gift certificates for 50% or more off at local resturaunts. Some have rules but it's very worth it if u ask me.
My 7 year anniversary is coming up next monday and I plan on going out somewhere using the discount. I hope it works out like it seems it should. Anyway u can check it out by clicking here

What Happend?

For some reason all the blogs I was following are gone and it says I am not following any, has this happend to anyone else?

I went on an airplane!

A small and very tight 4 seater plane. It was so much fun. We flew right over Mt. St. Helens. It was so beautiful! Not a great pic but I'm trying to get some better ones and then I can tell you all about that adventure.



So far our summer has been pretty good. I hate the heat but it's not as bad as last summer in Tulsa so I can't complain too much. I do miss it but it's nice to be with friends and family again. We've been busy and it's just now getting to one month since they've been out of school. We took the kids to play mini golf and they loved it! Good thing we only did 1/2 cause it took forever!! So here are some recent pics of how our summer is going so far.

So sad... No other words

So So sad!
Michael Jackson and Farrah Faucet

Rain Rain Come and Stay!!

I't a dark and cloudy NW kind of day! Perfect day to be home doing laundry if u ask me. It's been pouring off and on and there is a river going through the parking lot of our complex. I LOVE IT!
I love the bright and sunny days too but after the hot sweaty weather we've had lately, (it's actually only been in the 70's and low 80's but I have hot flashes!)
a day like this is a breath of fresh air. I actually thought of going outside with the kids to play in it, but even the kids said they didn't want to. Maybe when it's starts up again tomorrow I'll take em out in it to show them how fun it can be. It's not cold, just cool and rainy. Usually I hate when they get dirty and don't even let them play in the dirt or grass, but where's the fun in that. Oh and as I look out the window the sun is coming out. Oh well we live in Washington so it's not like that'll last long.