Save Money on Groceries: Freeze Fresh Fruit

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Christie

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Have you ever gone to the grocery store to buy frozen fruit for smoothies or fruit salads and gasped at the price?  It can easily cost $2 to $3 per pound of fruit, if not more.  I don’t pay that much for fresh fruit. Why would I pay that much for frozen fruit?

Since my husband and I have started drinking more smoothies, we go through a lot of fruit. We can easily use 2 pounds of strawberries a week for smoothies alone. That adds up quickly if i were to buy them frozen at $2.99+ a pound frozen, or $2.00+ fresh out of season. Since strawberries are currently in season I buy extra to freeze, and usually I pay just $0.99 a pound that’s a huge savings!

The process is so easy!  Simply wash fruit, slice if needed, and place in a single layer on a lined cookie sheet. Place in freezer until completely frozen and then transfer to a freezer bag.

Here are some fruits I have frozen:

  • Strawberries:  Wash fruit and remove leaves. Slice if needed. Strawberries can last up to 1 year in the freezer.

  • Banana:  You may leave them peeled, or simply remove the peel and freeze the banana.  Great to use in smoothies or banana bread!  Freeze up to 3 months.
  • Pineapple: Remove the skin and cut into chunks. You can freeze for up to 6 months.
  • Grapes:  Wash, dry and de-stem.  Frozen grapes are a fantastic healthy snack on a hot Summer day. They can last for 3 months in the freezer.
  • Blueberries: Wash and destem. Perfect for smoothies, homemade muffins or pancakes, or any recipe that calls for blueberries. Freeze for up to 12 months.

I am so looking forward to freezing fresh peaches this Summer. What fruit have you tried freezing?

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Delicious Fruit Smoothie

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Christie

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This morning I went to make a Green Smoothie and realized I forgot to pick up Spinach. So I decided to go ahead and make a smoothie anyway, this time with just fruit. After all, it’s still loaded with vitamins.

Oh was this smoothie so delicious! I made the mistake of sharing a taste with my son.  He loved it. I couldn’t drink it fast enough after that. He kept following me around asking for more until it was all gone.

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This smoothie will be the perfect Summer treat for you and your kids.  One that you won’t feel guilty about serving them. Serve it up as smoothie drink, or freeze it into popsicles. Either way, the kids will love it!

 

Delicious Fruit Smoothie

1 apple

1 orange, peeled

1 banana

10 strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1 cup milk

3/4 cup cranberry juice

1.  Wash fruit and slice into large chunks.  Place fruit in blender (softer fruit on the bottom).

2.  Add milk and cranberry juice.

3.  Blend on high until fruit is liquid.

If using a Vitamix, place all ingredients in blender.  Select Variable 1, turn blender on and increase speed to Variable 10 quickly.  Place blender on high and blend for about a minute.



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Baby Food: Semi-Homemade Blueberry Yogurt

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Christie

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Yogurt is a staple food in most baby diets.  Yet at $2+ for a four pack, the expense can add up rather quickly. Not only that, but have you ever looked at the ingredients? It doesn’t even contain real fruit. It only has “fruit flavoring”.

By making your own yogurt you can:

1.  Save money – I paid roughly $4.50 and made 16 2-ounce serving portions!

2.  Serve real fruit

3.  Use any flavor combo you want – Most stores just carry banana or vanilla flavored.  Make your own and use any fruit you want!  I am so looking forward to making peach yogurt!!

Blueberry Yogurt

32-oz container full fat plain yogurt

4 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen), cleaned

2 tblsp honey (use sugar if your baby is under 12 months)

Directions

1.  Place blueberries and honey in a small saucepan.  Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until juices come out of the fruit.

2.  Let blueberries cool for at least 30 minutes.

3.  Place blueberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. In a large bowl, mix blueberries and yogurt together.

4.  Spoon into desired containers (you may use individual containers, or put into a large one and take out portions when needed)

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Adoption: The Final Call

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Christie

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Friday, April 27, 2012. A special date marked in history for our family.

This was THE day we had anticipated, anxiously waiting.  At 7 pm it would officially be 72 hours since Gavin was born and the birth parents were going to sign surrenders.

Oh did time seem to pass so slow that day! Farid and I tried to keep ourselves busy.  We met our caseworker at the agency to sign our paperwork. We left gifts at the agency for the birth parents, since we were unable to bring them ourselves.

And we waited.

That evening we spent time with family at my parent’s house, celebrating my youngest brother’s 21st birthday.  We kept our phones close by, constantly checking to see if we received a text message from our caseworker, updating us on the status.

Finally, we received a text saying the birth parents and their caseworker were on their way to the hospital to sign the paperwork and visit with Gavin one last time.

By about 8 pm we decided to start driving toward the hospital, as it was a 45 minute drive.  Halfway there, our caseworker called to let us know the paperwork had been signed.

I called my parent’s house.  As soon as I said, “It’s official! Gavin is ours!!” the house erupted with cheers from the entire family. I’m pretty sure the whole neighborhood heard.

Gavin was finally ours.  The child we had prayed years for was ours.

As we sat in the hospital parking lot waiting for the birth parents to leave, (as they did not want to see us) our hearts were so full yet so heavy.  My heart grieved for the birth parents as they made this loving sacrifice to give Gavin to us.  No sweeter gift could be given!

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Holding Gavin in the NICU that night, we remembered the goodness of the Lord.  His timing is always perfect. The road had not been easy, but we had learned much.

This past Saturday, we celebrated with family at Gavin’s first birthday party.  Although I didn’t purposefully plan the date this way, it was April 27, 2013 – exactly one year from receiving the call that Gavin was ours.

God is good, all the time!

1 year

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Adoption: The Beginning of the End

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Christie

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It was the day after Gavin was born.  Farid and I finally received word from our caseworker that we could go up to the hospital to visit.

As we got to the hospital, we went to see the birth parents along with our caseworkers.  We stood in the hospital room, for what felt like ages, talking with them.  After awhile, the birth father asked if we wanted to see Gavin.

Of course we did!

The little guy was still in the NICU and we weren’t even sure if we could see him together.  We didn’t have the bracelet, which would allow us to see Gavin a little more freely.  The birth father was only able to take one person at a time.

My heart was so full.  Gavin was still in an incubator, hooked up to oxygen – which was basically teaching him to breathe properly on his own.  But we were able to hold him.

As I held Gavin, I had the chance to talk with the birth father.  He wanted us to stay at the hospital to hang out with him and the birth mom so they could get to know us better.  They wanted to know if we were excited.

As much as we would have loved to stay at the hospital, we only had a limited amount of time.  We were unable to stay at the hospital without the caseworkers present.

I assured him that we were so very excited. I shared our story.  From the beginning of our marriage we had wanted children, but after a couple of years doctors had told me my chances of conceiving were slim to none.

I shared with the birth father that before Gavin was even born, we loved him.  We wanted him.  We prayed for him.

At some point, the birth father went to get Farid.  After talking to a nurse and explaining that we were Gavin’s adoptive parents, the nurse allowed Farid and I to stay without a birth parent present.

Those 20 minutes we had together were so precious.  We prayed over Gavin. We whispered Scripture in his ear. We let him know how much we loved him.  We took as many pictures as we could.

Leaving the hospital that day, we had no idea what the next day would bring.  It turned out that we would not be able to go back to the hospital until the Parental Release was signed.  The birth family wanted as much time as they could with Gavin alone.

So again, we went back to waiting.  Tomorrow I’ll share what happened next.

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Celebration Day: Gavin Turns One

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Christie

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A year ago we sat in a waiting room for hours, awaiting the birth of Gavin. It was nerve racking.  His birth would be the beginning of a 72 hour wait before he could become “ours”.

In the meantime, we wondered if we would be able to see him or even hold him.  Oh, my arms ached to hold the little bundle.

Born at 6:50 pm, Gavin was immediately taken to the NICU due to rapid breathing and having had swallowed fluid during birth.

And we waited.

It would be the decision of the birthparents on whether we could see Gavin or not.

Finally, after 9 pm, the birth father told us we could come see Gavin.  We couldn’t hold him. Gavin was hooked up to oxygen and some other machines, laying in an incubator.

But we could touch him.

I slipped my hand through an opening. As I touched his little hand, his tiny fingers curled around one of mine.  Who knew I could love someone so deeply so quickly, when he wasn’t “part” of me.

Yet he was part of me.  I may have not carried him for 9 months, but I had PRAYED for him for so much longer than that!

Later this week, I will finish Gavin’s Adoption Journey, but for now, I want to celebrate him.

From the start, Gavin brought much joy to our family.

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While he slept through the first month of his life….

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…he turned into an active little guy that doesn’t like to take naps.

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He’s a fun-loving, energetic boy

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That sometimes gets into trouble

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He loves music

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And for sure has an endless appetite.

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What an incredible, amazing year!

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Baby Food: Homemade Applesauce

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Christie

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One of the first foods I fed my son was applesauce.  He loved it from the start.  Even now at one-year old, he still eats applesauce every day.  Mostly, I mix it into his oatmeal each morning, but sometimes he eats it as it is.

The great thing about homemade applesauce is that it’s easy to make and it can be for anyone:  babies, children, adults!  Since apples are naturally sweet (especially if you use golden delicious), sugar is not necessary.

Applesauce

6 medium apples (I like Golden Delicious the best)

Directions

1. Wash, peel, core and slice apples.

2.  Place apples in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap and cook 5 for 5 minutes.  Let apples cool for about 5 minutes.  The apples should be soft, easily pierced with a fork.

3.  Place apples in your blender or food processor.  Puree to a smooth texture.  (You may add a little water if needed).

4.  Spoon sauce into desired containers.  Once completely frozen, you may remove from containers and place in freezer bags if desired.

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Birthday Party on a Budget

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Christie

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This is an exciting week at our house.  Our “baby” turns 1 on Wednesday. Where has the time gone?

Since I am in the middle of planning my Gavin’s party for Saturday, I thought I’d share with you a few tips to throw a birthday party on a budget!

Determine Your Budget

Having a set budget is a MUST, otherwise you probably will be spending money you don’t have to spend.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead allows you to shop for the best deals for party supplies, decorations and food.  It gives you time to set aside money in advance so you know how much you have to spend.

Create Your Invite List

Will you have family only? Family and friends?  How many people can potentially come?

Most of our parties are family only, and it is still a houseful!  Growing up, my parents gave us “friend” parties when we turned 7, 13 and 16. Even then we chose close friends.  Having five kids, this saved my parents a lot of money, and it made the “friend” parties even more special, a milestone to look forward to.

Plan the Menu

Food can be a huge expense, but your budget may be limited.  Here are a few ideas to save money on the menu:

  • Make your own cake – A ½ sheet cake at Walmart costs $24.98.  You can easily make a cake or two yourself for just a fraction of the cost.
  • Buy food that is on sale
  • Skip the “main meal” – Serve appetizers and dessert or simple cake and ice cream
  • Ask for help – If your family is anything like mine, they are more than willing to bring an appetizer, dessert or side dish.

What tips do you have to save money on birthday parties?

 

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Adoption: Waiting for Baby

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Christie

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A year ago today, my husband and I anxiously waited for a phone call from our caseworker, waiting to hear that we could go to the hospital to await the arrival of our soon to be son.

The Friday before we had met with the birth family, assuring them we were ready for the arrival of the baby.  It was now a Tuesday, and the birth mom had a doctors appointment.  The birth mom was so ready for the baby to be born, and was hoping to go to the hospital from her appointment to be induced.

The phone call never came.

Instead, we received a phone call from our caseworker saying that the birth mom’s caseworker had spoken with her before the appointment.  She was nervous. She was questioning her decision to place her child for adoption.  At the same time, the birth mom wanted to know what formula we wanted to use, and whether or not we wanted a circumcision.

By Wednesday afternoon, we had still not heard back from our caseworker about the status.  For all we knew, the birth mom had went to the hospital, had the baby and decided not to call her caseworker.  Maybe she changed her mind about adoption after all.

Those days were excruciating.  My emotions were completely raw.

Finally, Farid texted our caseworker to get an update.  The birth mom had gone to her doctors appointment the day before and the doctor wanted her to wait one more week before inducing, unless the baby came sooner. She was feeling more confident about her decision to place her baby for adoption, and she decided to not nurse the baby in the hospital.

Oh the relief!

Since my husband still had off work that week, we spent as much time together as we could. We made a trip to Ikea, bought bookshelves and turned our little loft area into an office space.  We went to see a movie.  We went for walks together.

Those days as we waited were precious to us. God knew we needed that time together. Not only were they precious days together, they were days of continuing to wait on God and meditate on His promises!

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord…Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13,14)

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Beef and Cheddar Pot Pie

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Christie

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We have had some cold Spring days by us recently, even some late snow flurries!  These cold days have made me want comfort food all the more.

A few years back I came across a similar recipe for this Beef and Cheddar Pot pie.  It quickly became a favorite meal.  Though it calls for 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, I often just put 1 pound of beef and bulk up the meat mixture with some added veggies.

This meal is one of my favorite meals to bring to mom’s who just had a baby.  Typically these families receive a lot of chicken and pasta, so the beef and cheddar offers a nice variety. The mom, dad and kids all love this dish.  I usually pair it with simple sides like a salad and green beans, and sometimes even roasted potatoes.

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Beef and Cheddar Pot Pie

Meat Mixture

1 small onion, diced finely

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

2 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup beef broth

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Biscuit Topping

1 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

4 T butter

1/2 tsp salt

Meat Filling Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2.  Brown the ground beef and diced onion together in a large skillet over medium heat.

3.  Stir in tomatoes and broth. Season with salt and pepper.

4.  On low heat, simmer meat mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.  Pour into baking dish evenly.

Biscuit Top Directions

1.  In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter and cheese with a pastry blender.

2.  Add milk and stir with fork until thoroughly mixed.

3.  Dollop dough over meat mixture and spread evenly.

4.  Bake until lightly browned, about 45 minutes.

*  This dish can be made in advance and frozen.  To reheat after freezing, cover with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.

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