Mexican shredded chicken
Chicken (see notes)
Taco seasoning- 1 to 2 pkgs.
This is a GREAT cheap way to fill any Mexican dish. It is healthier than hamburger and much cheaper. While recently I have not been able to find hamburger meat for any less than $3 per pound, some part of a chicken is ALWAYS on sale at some store for far less than 99c/lb, and I have seen as low as 29c per pound (though very rare!) Turkey during and after Thanksgiving has had similar great deals. Turkey can be used in the same way. I am hesitant to say this is a recipe rather than a trick. You can use any cut or even a whole turkey or chicken to do this. Pull out your slow cooker or solar oven. Cook chicken or turkey until done in a cup or 2 of water. Add ½ taco seasoning packet for additional flavor.
Pull the chicken or turkey off the bone in small pieces (in other words, I shred the chicken by hand). Place the bones back in a bowl or crock pot with the water. Discard the skin and fat. Take ¼-1 cup of chicken or turkey and bag it for tomorrow. Cook the remaining shredded turkey or chicken with the taco seasoning as you would taco filling. You can use this on “bowls”, burritos, tacos, or any type of Mexican meal. My husband favors this recipe over those chicken strips for $5-6/lb any day.
If you slow cook the bones in a few cups of extra water, you end up with an excellent broth for chicken noodle soup. Just slow cook it on low overnight, and in the morning strain the water. Add back in the cup of shredded chicken or turkey, add noodles and seasoning, and slow cook until noodles are ready to go. If you want, you can even add in some frozen veggies the last hour or so.
Happy eating!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
How to spend less with the coupons you get
ARE YOU A COUPON CLIPPER? Want to profit even more with one extra step?
Imagine getting an extra 10c for every coupon you print and use! My experience as far as food goes? I have never saved a dime using coupons over generic brands. One of a few things happens:
1. Brand name - coupon > generic brand
2,. 3 hours trying to match manufacturer coupons and store coupons= $10.00 savings???? (By the way, that is $3.33/hr.)
The truth is, there are FEW coupons that are “worth it”.
Here is MY List:
Formula- If you are uncomfortable with switching or trying generic brands, these will save you hundreds. The generic and Brand names are so similar it is incredible. The truth is, generic or brand name, the guidelines are extremely strict. But if you are not willing to try generics, sign up with Emfamil or Similac and they will send you checks regularly that will help with the costs of formula.
Diapers- I have yet to find a “Good Generic”. Diaper coupons are king. There is no substitute that stands up to luvs or pampers, so coupons are a must.
The only other things that we can not substitute are soda pop and Macaroni and cheese. My husband LOVES Velveeta shells and cheese, and Diet Rite just doesn’t taste quite right to me.
What are your “must haves”? Make a list, whether it is macaroni, shampoo, razors, or toilet paper. What does your family love that there are no substitutes for? Make that list, and cut coupons for those things. There are others, like Hot Pockets, that there usually aren’t generic brands for. These are always worth clipping too.
Just for that little extra bonus for your time and effort, sign up for either Inboxdollars or send earnings. Also sign up for Upromise. Upromise has exclusive coupons that will donate money to the kid’s college funds (or even yours!). Inbox dollars and send earnings offer you 10c for every coupon you print and use.
Imagine getting an extra 10c for every coupon you print and use! My experience as far as food goes? I have never saved a dime using coupons over generic brands. One of a few things happens:
1. Brand name - coupon > generic brand
2,. 3 hours trying to match manufacturer coupons and store coupons= $10.00 savings???? (By the way, that is $3.33/hr.)
The truth is, there are FEW coupons that are “worth it”.
Here is MY List:
Formula- If you are uncomfortable with switching or trying generic brands, these will save you hundreds. The generic and Brand names are so similar it is incredible. The truth is, generic or brand name, the guidelines are extremely strict. But if you are not willing to try generics, sign up with Emfamil or Similac and they will send you checks regularly that will help with the costs of formula.
Diapers- I have yet to find a “Good Generic”. Diaper coupons are king. There is no substitute that stands up to luvs or pampers, so coupons are a must.
The only other things that we can not substitute are soda pop and Macaroni and cheese. My husband LOVES Velveeta shells and cheese, and Diet Rite just doesn’t taste quite right to me.
What are your “must haves”? Make a list, whether it is macaroni, shampoo, razors, or toilet paper. What does your family love that there are no substitutes for? Make that list, and cut coupons for those things. There are others, like Hot Pockets, that there usually aren’t generic brands for. These are always worth clipping too.
Just for that little extra bonus for your time and effort, sign up for either Inboxdollars or send earnings. Also sign up for Upromise. Upromise has exclusive coupons that will donate money to the kid’s college funds (or even yours!). Inbox dollars and send earnings offer you 10c for every coupon you print and use.
Monday, January 24, 2011
sears kids advantage program
The most durable children’s clothing- are any superior?
If you are reading this, then your children must tear through clothes like mine do. I am absolutely sure there are brands that are better than others, but when you are done with this post, that will not matter to you anymore. If you have kids that are so hard on their clothes that they can rarely be used for the next child, then check this out!
How about a guarantee if the clothes wear out before your child grows out of them, they are replaced for free?
You have to go in the store to sign up, but every time you spend $100, you get a 15% off your next purchase, you get a wear out warranty. This means that if your child wears out the clothes OR SHOES before they outgrow them, they will replace them for free! Can you ask for anything better?
If you have multiple boys, this works out beautifully, especially if you have an 8 year old who loves to breakdance in his school uniform, this can save you a mint!
To visit www.sears.com.
If you are reading this, then your children must tear through clothes like mine do. I am absolutely sure there are brands that are better than others, but when you are done with this post, that will not matter to you anymore. If you have kids that are so hard on their clothes that they can rarely be used for the next child, then check this out!
How about a guarantee if the clothes wear out before your child grows out of them, they are replaced for free?
You have to go in the store to sign up, but every time you spend $100, you get a 15% off your next purchase, you get a wear out warranty. This means that if your child wears out the clothes OR SHOES before they outgrow them, they will replace them for free! Can you ask for anything better?
If you have multiple boys, this works out beautifully, especially if you have an 8 year old who loves to breakdance in his school uniform, this can save you a mint!
To visit www.sears.com.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
bunk room
Imagine you have 4 kids and a 3BR house. Most people say, "two in each room". Sometimes families have all boys or all girls, or two of each. But what if you have five kids and a 3 BR house? Which kids have to share 3 to a room? This is ALWAYS a topic of conversation in our home. We have 4 boys, 11,8, 17 months, and 5 months (and a stepson, 15, who lives across the country). Our 11 and 8 year olds want to share with the babies, but the 8 year old tends to be extremely careless when it comes to keeping a safe environment for the babies. The solution we have come up with is a bunk room. Two bunk beds, all four boys in 1 room. Not much else. Just beds and clothes. No TV, no video games, no cell phones. This is the "quiet room". The babies can nap, the big boys can read on their beds, but any way it goes, it is the "quiet room". Anyone can be in there any time, but only quiet activities are permitted. A curtain is provided for each childs bed when they are old enough to want their own private space.
The other bedroom is then turned into the "party room". The place where you can play board games, with their toys, video games, have friends over, or watch TV. It is their escape to have fun. It is also a great place for guests to stay or for the kids to have some privacy when their friends are over and not displacing their "room mate". A simple pullout couch, futon, or daybed, TV and old table with chairs, along with their games and toys in the closet is perfect for kids.
It also gives us our television back if we want to watch TV or have some quiet time. Everyone is happy. This design actually gives MORE privacy than 2 sharing each room, and keeps the kids from killing eachother when one is watching TV and the other is doing homework. The best part? Only one room is a disaster because the worst that is in their bunk room can be unmade beds and dirty clothes not put in the baskets. I will be taking this one step further and protecting the carpets with a covering so the kids will be able to do projects and crafts without ruining the carpet, and eventually putting in a highly washable paint for the walls. This should make cleaning a breeze.
Anyone else ever considered bunk rooms?
The other bedroom is then turned into the "party room". The place where you can play board games, with their toys, video games, have friends over, or watch TV. It is their escape to have fun. It is also a great place for guests to stay or for the kids to have some privacy when their friends are over and not displacing their "room mate". A simple pullout couch, futon, or daybed, TV and old table with chairs, along with their games and toys in the closet is perfect for kids.
It also gives us our television back if we want to watch TV or have some quiet time. Everyone is happy. This design actually gives MORE privacy than 2 sharing each room, and keeps the kids from killing eachother when one is watching TV and the other is doing homework. The best part? Only one room is a disaster because the worst that is in their bunk room can be unmade beds and dirty clothes not put in the baskets. I will be taking this one step further and protecting the carpets with a covering so the kids will be able to do projects and crafts without ruining the carpet, and eventually putting in a highly washable paint for the walls. This should make cleaning a breeze.
Anyone else ever considered bunk rooms?
family fun
Family fun night is a great way to keep up to date on what is going on with your kids. In the day and age of single parents and dual income households, it is more important than ever to find time to spend with the entire family. Even two hours one night a week is a large step to making sure you are up to date on your family's lives. There are many things you can do that are cheap or free on family fun night. Here is just a small sample of the possibilities:
1. family game night- whether they are board games or video games, it is a great way to bond and promote family togetherness. It also gives you control over friendly competition. There are many awesome games out there that are for everyone.
2. family movie night- This is a great one, but only once a month or so. It is fun to watch a movie with the family with a big bowl of popcorn and sodas for everyone, but it does not promote a lot of talking. That is why I only recommend it maybe once a month. I highly recommend doing Redbox, and if you sign up online, you will get free movies on occasion, and you can also reserve a high demand movie. A good popcorn popper can save you money depending on the size of your family.
3. family cooking night- One day your kids are going to have to support themselves. As a mom of 4 boys, chances are that learning how to cook will benefit at least one. Try making your kids a part of cooking one night.
4. family craft night- Why not stock up that unused closet shelf with crafts and supplies? This not only makes a great family fun night, but is a great relief for a mom who is stuck with a foot of snow and 4 stir crazy kids running around. The best place I have found for craft kits is www.orientaltrading.com. It is not only very reasonable, they usually come in sets. Use them for family fun night, and stash the rest for later.
If you rotate these on a monthly basis, it gives good variety and a time for family. Other great options are: a pot luck for family, makeovers (boys probably won't appreciate this but girls will!), sports night, playground night, or anything that makes the kids happy.
1. family game night- whether they are board games or video games, it is a great way to bond and promote family togetherness. It also gives you control over friendly competition. There are many awesome games out there that are for everyone.
2. family movie night- This is a great one, but only once a month or so. It is fun to watch a movie with the family with a big bowl of popcorn and sodas for everyone, but it does not promote a lot of talking. That is why I only recommend it maybe once a month. I highly recommend doing Redbox, and if you sign up online, you will get free movies on occasion, and you can also reserve a high demand movie. A good popcorn popper can save you money depending on the size of your family.
3. family cooking night- One day your kids are going to have to support themselves. As a mom of 4 boys, chances are that learning how to cook will benefit at least one. Try making your kids a part of cooking one night.
4. family craft night- Why not stock up that unused closet shelf with crafts and supplies? This not only makes a great family fun night, but is a great relief for a mom who is stuck with a foot of snow and 4 stir crazy kids running around. The best place I have found for craft kits is www.orientaltrading.com. It is not only very reasonable, they usually come in sets. Use them for family fun night, and stash the rest for later.
If you rotate these on a monthly basis, it gives good variety and a time for family. Other great options are: a pot luck for family, makeovers (boys probably won't appreciate this but girls will!), sports night, playground night, or anything that makes the kids happy.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
your electricity bill
Everyone knows that if you turn lights off it saves money. There is a part that is also common sense that you are fighting a battle you can not win with kids. There are alternative ways you can save money and energy at the same time. It also will not take you 10 years to see a return on investment in these creative products.
#1 Crank Lanterns
These are small "lanterns" that consist of LED lights and a hand crank to power them. These are great when you are putting little ones to bed that are afraid of the dark. They can just recrank them when they are still awake, and it can be right by their bed for that glass of water or potty trip in the middle of the night. You can use them all the time if you would like to. Place one next to you while you are reading, and it is even possible to buy one for each family member to minimize the use of your lights in the house. There are even crank lanterns with radios and cell phone chargers.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
#2 Solar cooker
Solar cookers are great for sunny areas. It can save you a ton of money on cooking dinner. Even if you live in an apartment or a rental, you can utilize this. You can use it in many ways the same as your oven, but is of great use as a slow cooker. It can save you a large percentage off of your cooking bill by using this on a regular basis. There are many different sizes and designs of these, so it is best to choose one that suits your own individual needs.
For more information, SEE THIS ARTICLE.
#3 Get rid of Phantom power.
Smart power stips prevent the use of power by electronics that are slowly increasing your utility bill whether you are using them or not. These smart power strips cut off that excess power usage. It is not necessary to buy one for every single outlet, but for information on common culprits, see THIS ARTICLE.
#4 Portable solar panels
For under $500, and in some cases, less than $200, you can find some great portable solar panels that you can use to charge batteries and all types of things. If you pair these panels up with battery type appliances, then it is possible to power many different things. For a list of things that are available as battery powered, SEE THIS ARTICLE>
#5 Solar shower
Solar showers are traditionally used by putting hot water in the bag, and and placing it outside for an outdoor shower. The sun warms the water. For more detailed information on the benefits of this, CHECK THIS OUT.
With these 5 small investments, not only are you saving money on your electric and gas bills, but you are very prepared for any adverse weather conditions. You may just end up being the only one after a thunderstorm who still has lighting, hot water, a way to cook, and power for a small TV or other form of entertainment. If you put the savings from these aside in a special investment account, and as prices go down for solar panels, you may even save enough to pay for solar panels and get completely off the grid.
#1 Crank Lanterns
These are small "lanterns" that consist of LED lights and a hand crank to power them. These are great when you are putting little ones to bed that are afraid of the dark. They can just recrank them when they are still awake, and it can be right by their bed for that glass of water or potty trip in the middle of the night. You can use them all the time if you would like to. Place one next to you while you are reading, and it is even possible to buy one for each family member to minimize the use of your lights in the house. There are even crank lanterns with radios and cell phone chargers.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
#2 Solar cooker
Solar cookers are great for sunny areas. It can save you a ton of money on cooking dinner. Even if you live in an apartment or a rental, you can utilize this. You can use it in many ways the same as your oven, but is of great use as a slow cooker. It can save you a large percentage off of your cooking bill by using this on a regular basis. There are many different sizes and designs of these, so it is best to choose one that suits your own individual needs.
For more information, SEE THIS ARTICLE.
#3 Get rid of Phantom power.
Smart power stips prevent the use of power by electronics that are slowly increasing your utility bill whether you are using them or not. These smart power strips cut off that excess power usage. It is not necessary to buy one for every single outlet, but for information on common culprits, see THIS ARTICLE.
#4 Portable solar panels
For under $500, and in some cases, less than $200, you can find some great portable solar panels that you can use to charge batteries and all types of things. If you pair these panels up with battery type appliances, then it is possible to power many different things. For a list of things that are available as battery powered, SEE THIS ARTICLE>
#5 Solar shower
Solar showers are traditionally used by putting hot water in the bag, and and placing it outside for an outdoor shower. The sun warms the water. For more detailed information on the benefits of this, CHECK THIS OUT.
With these 5 small investments, not only are you saving money on your electric and gas bills, but you are very prepared for any adverse weather conditions. You may just end up being the only one after a thunderstorm who still has lighting, hot water, a way to cook, and power for a small TV or other form of entertainment. If you put the savings from these aside in a special investment account, and as prices go down for solar panels, you may even save enough to pay for solar panels and get completely off the grid.
solar power advantages and disadvantages
The question came to me the other day from a friend considering putting in a $30000 solar power system in order to save money. Is this cost effective? Yes and no.
The truth is that at this point, depending on where you live and what tax rebates and incentives are available to you would be that deciding factor. Two things are true no matter where you live:
1. Solar power is getting less expensive to install as there are advances in technology.
2. If your house is not properly sealed and set up to conserve energy, you are wasting a lot of money.
So before you go and jump in with both feet, there are many things to consider.
If you are looking at spending $10000 to save $1000 per year, why not look elsewhere first?
From the days of the old victorians through the days of "cookie cutter" houses, homes were a purchase done with the heart. Most people will pick a home without first calling the electric company to find out how much it has costed the previous owner to heat. I know, because I did it.
My heating bill was as high as $300 a month when I lived in Chicago due to lack of insulation among other things. Many times it takes money to save money, but most people can save $1000 a year on their utility bills with a little bit of elbow grease and less than $1000 on supplies.
So many recommendation for anyone trying to save money and being more self sufficient, is to start with baby steps. Either way, your pocketbook will thank you later!
The truth is that at this point, depending on where you live and what tax rebates and incentives are available to you would be that deciding factor. Two things are true no matter where you live:
1. Solar power is getting less expensive to install as there are advances in technology.
2. If your house is not properly sealed and set up to conserve energy, you are wasting a lot of money.
So before you go and jump in with both feet, there are many things to consider.
If you are looking at spending $10000 to save $1000 per year, why not look elsewhere first?
From the days of the old victorians through the days of "cookie cutter" houses, homes were a purchase done with the heart. Most people will pick a home without first calling the electric company to find out how much it has costed the previous owner to heat. I know, because I did it.
My heating bill was as high as $300 a month when I lived in Chicago due to lack of insulation among other things. Many times it takes money to save money, but most people can save $1000 a year on their utility bills with a little bit of elbow grease and less than $1000 on supplies.
So many recommendation for anyone trying to save money and being more self sufficient, is to start with baby steps. Either way, your pocketbook will thank you later!
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