We are a one-income family living in a two-income world. I am incredibly greatful that we're able to swing this even if it means doing without things like a 2nd car or impulse shopping. I am also super appreciative of my sweetie, Andrew, for supporting my desire to stay home b/c he's a very low-risk kind of guy. I know he'd sleep easier if we had more money in our savings but for now, this is where we are.
This month is a bit of a 'perfect storm' with three unusual bills (like renewing our liscence plates) coming in at the same time. A financial area that is very loose with us is groceries - no budget, I just try to buy what's on sale. Looking to tighten that up, I found tons of sites that list budget meals that are also healthy. That's impt to me and I get really annoyed that the cheapest things at the grocery store are the processed, chemically things (see blueberry flavoured nuggets below!).
My plan for April is threefold:
1)Make a menu plan. I've done this before and it's so lovely not to be staring blankly at the cupboards at 5pm wondering what to throw together. Instead of doing a weekly plan, I'm making a list of 30 meals, doing a MONSTER order at Costco and then only going to the grocery store for fruit/veggies as we need them. Less waste, less 'Ach, there's nothing, lets order pizza.'
2)Get up. Because Andrew is awesome, he's been getting up with the kids and I've been sleeping in. Love him. How-ev-er, I find when I do get up, I'm entering a room full of energy and that sets me off-kilter. Getting up with them, or even before them is a gentler way to start the day and if I throw a load in the laundry while the coffee is brewing, I'm ahead of the game. This means more time for play!
3) Make breakfast. Part of the menu plan is wholesome breakfasts, preferably ones that can be prepped the night before. Thanks to Trina for putting that bug in my ear. Again, it's a more civilized way to begin the day (and in a house full of little boys, I'm all about making things civilized!), not to mention the nutritional benifits. Today, we had cake.
The recipe is easy but if your family doesn't normally eat whole wheat flour, they'll probably find it too dense. Ease your way in with 1/4 ww and 3/4 white and if it's a hit, keep upping the ratio. Check out the recipe here as well as other yummy early morning meals. {plus I copied it below with my modifications}
*Bonus - the Bill Cosby routine she mentions is:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xsjr1_bill-cosby-chocolate-cake_shortfilms
October 14, 2008
(You know that song right? Dad is great, he gives us chocolate cake! It’s an old Bill Cosby comedy thing. Matt sings this song everytime I make this for breakfast!) (Anyway…)
This is a super easy breakfast that can be made ahead of time…or made fresh the morning you plan to eat it. I adapted my Giant Breakfast Cookie recipe to make this cake, and it’s moist and yummy. Especially with a glass of milk!
“Mom is Great” Breakfast Cake (yes, I humbly named it myself)
1 cup butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup buttermilk {make your own with 1T lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 1 cup combined. Let sit 5 min then stir and measure out your 3/4 cup for the recipe}
2 cups whole wheat flour {or use some white if you're not accustomed to all whole wheat}
2 cups whole rolled oats
¾ cup honey {i used 1 cup}
2 eggs
1 t. sea salt
1 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
1 cup raisins, chocolate chips or other dried fruit {I'll use more next time}
Stir together butter, buttermilk, flour and oats in a glass bowl. Cover with a cloth and allow the grains to soak on your counter overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Stir in honey, eggs, salt, baking soda and vanilla. Fold in raisins, chocolate chips or dried fruit. Pour into a buttered 9×9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
{I used an 8x8 and had to cook it an extra ummmm, 10 minutes, I think, with tin foil over it so it wouldn't burn}
