So I was at Wal-Mart today <UUGGHH!!> and was comparing chicken broth.  I usually buy the carton broth as it is usually cheaper.  But to day I noticed that it was $.06 or twice the unit price as the can.  I was shocked to realize that the difference was so much.  I got the cheaper version which was actually not the Wal-Mart Brand at all.  So my chicken broth was $.031 per oz instead of $.06.
You need to keep this in mind at the bulk stores as well like Sam’s Club and Costco.  Take that calculator and watch your per …read more

Last night I did not want to cook.  I was not prepared.  Yes, I know that by preplanning you’ll avoid going out and spending money.  It was so tempting to say, “Let’s order a pizza.”  I almost caved.  But then I looked into my cabinets and refrigerator and found some easy items to fix. 
Here’s a list of items that I like to keep around:

bacon
ham
eggs
cheese
bread
milk
cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup
pancake mix or Bisquick
canned vegetables – corn, cream corn, green beans
cake mix, frosting, brownie mix
crackers or bread crumbs
rice
frozen packages of ground beef and chicken

With these items on hand, it’s easy …read more

If you’re looking to go light this Thanksgiving, or even if you want to justify that extra piece of pecan pie, then try these recipes courtesy of Cooking Light.
Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Balsamic-Fig Dressing
Roast Turkey with Onion and Cranberry Chutney
Wild Rice Pilaf with Sausage, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Celery
Brussels Sprouts with Currants and Pine Nuts
Gratin of Cauliflower with Gruyère
Bakery Dinner Rolls
Pear Pie with Streusel Topping and Caramel Sauce
photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner, courtesy of Cooking Light

My friend Revka at The Porch Light shares 5 ways to save on car insurance.
Lisa shares a recipe for baked banana squares.  This sounds delicious and I’m excited to try a new recipe for my bananas.
Linette shares some tips for grilling vegetables.
Marye shares a recipe for homemade caramel frappuccino. She even gives us a recipe for caramel syrup. Yummmmm!
With gas prices so high, perhaps we could follow some of these gas saving tips.  Check out 101 ways to use less gas.
Junk Creation has some crafts and ideas for Father’s Day.  I think the car nut frame is cute.
Inside Fatherhood has a …read more

Every once in a while, I will share a time saver that might not be such a money saver.  This is one of those times.  Hormel has a great ready cooked bacon package that takes seconds in the microwave.  I got about 15 pieces of perfect bacon that took about 5 seconds each in the microwave.  I could not even burn them!  Just thought you might like them in a quick pinch.

Happy 20 weeks of Frugal Fridays.  Wow!  I can’t believe it’s been 20 weeks.  It seems like only 5. 
Well, it’s blazing hot outside.  If you’re like me, you try not to turn on the stove if you can help it.  Here are some tips to keep you out of the kitchen and keep your house cooler.

 1.  When it’s time to cook something that will freeze well (such as lasagnas, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, chili, etc.) make a double or triple batch for future meals.  These are also great for days when you’re in a hurry.  It will prevent you from spending …read more

I have such fond memories of my mom baking bread, making yeast rolls, wedding cakes, cinnamon rolls, and other fattening, wonderful goodies.  She still makes them, but I’m not around for it. 
I was glad that I stumbled across The Pioneer Woman and found Cinnamon Rolls 101.  She gives you complete step by step instructions for making these mouth-watering treats.  She even includes over 20 photos to walk you through the process. 
Check these out.  Cinnabon better watch out!

Make it from Scratch blog carnival at Stop the Ride!
20 Things to Do with Old Bed Sheets
American Sign Language
Thai Cooking – complete with great pictures

Today I came across a great site for recipes that kids can help make.  We all know that kids are more likely to eat something if they helped make it.  Having your children help prepare a meal or snack is a great way to get them to eat nutritious foods. 
Parent Center has over 400 recipes available that kids can make by themselves or help to make.  Yay for free stuff! 

 
Earlier in the week, I told you about using hamburger in a way to make your meals easier.  Sunday this tip saved me a lot of time.  I had to make something for a covered dish meal for church and had very little time to do it.  I used the hamburger tip to make this easy sherpherd’s pie. 
1 lb hamburger, cooked and drained
1 can mixed vegetables or Veg-All, drained
1 can of tomato soup
diced onions, optional
prepared mashed potatoes, instant or homemade
shredded cheese, preferrably cheddar
Cook hamburger with onions (optional) until done and drain.  Add about 1/2 – 2/3 can of tomato soup …read more