Money saving tips from Mimi w/ recipes

Mimi had some great tips to help us along our money saving adventure.....

let me share a little of how i save and make meals. dont get me wrong, i still take my family out when i dont feel like cooking but waaaay less often.

1. find out when the local 99 cent store gets shipments and shop there first before you go to the local grocery store. they have fruit and veggies, bread and even frozen stuff. i get most of my produce there. you just have to use it faster than normal. buy for the week. along with my produce, i buy yogurt, name brand 100% whole wheat bread, bagels, tortillas (wheat, flour and corn) regularly.

2. buy kids snacks and crackers at the 99 cent store, dollar tree and big lots. they are MOST TIMES cheaper than even with a coupon.

3. sally's beauty supply carries a brand called GENERIC. I use the Paul Mitchell products that I love and the ingredients are exactly the same and listed on the back for $4.99 - $6.99.

4. water down the kids juice! half to a quarter of juice and the rest water! it is better for them also.

5. only order water when you go out to dinner.

6. buy an entertainment guide and use it when you go out. there are also store coupons in the back. there are even movie coupons! use your 20% off coupon and buy it at bed bath & beyond for $20!

i wish i could stay and write more. i will later but here are some ideas to share. i hope you like them. they save this stay at home mommy LOTS of money! here is a cheap and easy casserole that taste like a corn dog and goes a long way!

cheap and easy casserole

1 large can of baked beans (like 20 oz or so)

1 package of good tasting hot dogs ( like nathans) it makes a difference

1 box of corn bread mix ( i buy the cheap trader joes one)

put layer of beans at the bottom of a casserole dish. cut the hot dogs in small round slices and layer them over the beans. after making the wet cornbread mix with all the ingredients, spread it over the top gently. bake in the oven according to the bread time or until brown. its yummy! let me know when you try it!

ok, here's one more...

we call this spaghetti / fideo at our house. it is so healthy and kid friendly.

1 package of fideo noodles (like broken angel hair pasta)

1 soda can size V8 juice

1 can of chicken broth

2 garlic cloves

1/4 onion

season salt like Lawry's

brown the noodles in a pan with about 1 TB oil. add broth, V8, and season salt (about 1 tsp). throw in the whole garlic cloves and whole onion. stir gently. bring to a boil. bring to a simmer and cover for about 10 minutes. that's it! get your bagged salad from the 99 cent store and your favorite salad dressing and you have a meal!

love and savings,

mimi