Frugal Friday - clothing swap

I'm sharing this week one of the best ideas I think I've ever heard. My church is hosting a Clothing Swap! We did it at Christmastime too, but this one is, of course, meant to be in time for back-to-school.

Over the years, with my big boys, I've consigned, I've donated to Goodwill, and so on. But I love the Clothing Swap because I can pass along a good-but-not-perfect item to someone who can use it. I can't consign an item if it has a flaw - even if it's still in good shape, and even if the flaw is very minor - they won't take it. But my boys would still wear it if it fit them! So... with the Clothing Swap, someone who might use it has access to it. And I can find gently used jeans for this boy who has legs like Stretch Armstrong.

Here's how we organized this event:
Items are collected for about two weeks, and then sorted for the swap. Times are posted for daytime 'shopping' and evening 'shopping' so that everyone has the opportunity to look for clothing. No underwear or household items are accepted. Everything that is left at the end of the swap is donated to charity. You get to clean out the closets and everyone is happy!

What's your Frugal Friday tip?
Share here.

Works for Me Wednesday - the wisdom of moms

One of the things I have discovered with blogging is that there is a wealth of information available when you network with other moms. I have learned amazing coupon skills and gained knowledge about budgeting. I have found ways to earn money and points that I would never have known about otherwise. Thanks, Moms!
This week, I'd like to call upon some of that wisdom. I need to know about experiences any of you may have had with thyroid issues. I'm facing some things right now and will be making a decision about surgery, and I want to hear your experiences. I've heard it said that if you have to have something go wrong in your body, the thyroid is the easiest to fix. However, when it's in YOUR body, it's hardly ever a minor thing!! Please share, and help me make an informed decision. Tell me all about your thyroid experiences - whether or not they involved surgery. I'll share more details if you'd like - let me know - but I'd really appreciate your wisdom in this.

And by the way, do share what works for you!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - a tried and true fave

This week's Tempt My Tummy Tuesday is about menu planning - a subject that is near and dear to my heart. The recipe I want to share is a family favorite - it is always well received and there are never any leftovers!

Marinated Flank Steak

**the recipe calls for 1/2 c oil for the marinade, but I always omit it and it has never failed me**

• 1/4 c sherry
• 1/4 c soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 crushed clove of garlic
• 1 flank steak, about 1 - 1.5 lbs.

Combine all ingredients in a resealable bag. Allow to marinate overnight (at least - I have let it go for 2 days). Grill over medium coals for about 8 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. You can also broil this in the oven for about 6 minutes per side.

I serve this with mashed potatoes, a tossed salad, and fried okra if my big boys are home. It is their favorite.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that if I find a flank steak in the reduced meats at the grocery store, I can bring it home, toss it in this marinade, and then into the freezer. Then, when we decide to eat it, I take it from the freezer and leave it in the fridge to defrost. SOOOOOOOO easy.

Share your temptations at Lisa's!

July's last Monday.... and the Menu.

We did a really good job of following last week's menu. Yea us! Unfortunately, ds#3 came down with a middle ear infection so his appetite was less than stellar, but he seems to be perking up. The cookout for Marine Son's friends was a success, and the leftovers will make an appearance on this week's menu.

Sunday~ Out to eat for Grandpa's birthday. Too full for anything else after that!
Monday~ Leftovers from cookout: burgers, dogs, & sausages.
Tuesday~ Sandwiches & chips
Wednesday~ Hubby & Marine Son out to eat, so I just may treat ds#3 to dinner & a movie (he's been wanting to see G Force)
Thursday~ Family Dinner at Olive Garden
Friday~ Mom is going scrapbooking, so hubby & ds#3 will fend for themselves.
Saturday~ Steaks on the grill, cucumber salad (from the garden), broccoli, twice baked potatoes (from the freezer)

What's cookin' at your house?
Share at Laura's.

Frugal Friday!

I've been on the hunt for a local source of beef and I've found one! We paid a visit to this farm last weekend and were sold immediately. It's about 20 minutes from our house, and we saw firsthand how things are run. Ds#3 went all around with the owner's son and they fed turkeys, chickens, horses, goats, and collected eggs. How much fun could a little boy have?? He loved it, and hubby picked the owner's brain for taking care of our garden. We'll be buying eggs and beef, and perhaps veggies (we've not decided about that yet - we usually grow the ones we like). So I am happy with this find because it's frugal, it supports local farmers, and it is healthy for my family. If you would like to research what's available in your area, visit Local Harvest.

Share your frugal ideas here!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - tomatoes!

This week, I'm going to share a creation that *I* came up with all by myself!

We have tons of tomatoes from our garden; I've made tomato/spaghetti sauce and we have them on sandwiches & salads, and still there are MORE.
So I needed an appetizer-ish thing to serve my family on Sunday while we were ravenously waiting for the chicken to grill, and I came up with this little number.



Roasted Tomato Dip

• Tomatoes (I used grape but this method would work with any kind)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt & pepper (I used about 1 tablespoon oil). Spread on baking sheet lined and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Remove tomatoes from oven, toss with 4-5 leaves of fresh basil and 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar. (You can pulse this in a food processor for a smoother consistency.)

• 4 ounces cream cheese (any variety will work)
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan (the stuff in the can is fine, but fresh is good too)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

In a bowl, combine 4 ounces cream cheese, 2 Tbsp parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Spread in serving dish and top with tomato mixture. Serve with french bread, cucumbers, or any other veggies you like. You can serve this dip warm or room temperature.

Hope you like it - my family ate it ALL.
Share your temptations at Lisa's!

Menu Plan Monday

What a week. I had a migraine all week long. All week. YUCKO. This week should be better. So here's the menu:
Sunday~ ds#3 was baptized, so we invited the family over to celebrate. Chicken, sausage & hotdogs on the grill, rice, corn on the cob, cucumber salad, biscuits & cornbread. Cake & ice cream for dessert.
Monday~ Bourbon chicken (which has no bourbon), leftover rice and leftover cucumber salad.
Tuesday~ Chili with macaroni or baked potato.
Wednesday~ Roast in the crock pot with pearl onions & mushrooms, mashed potatoes & gravy, Caesar salad, biscuits.
Thursday~ Breakfast for Dinner.
Friday~ Must-goes (I am sure there will be some. If not, BLTs.)
Saturday~ Marine son will be home for the last time before his deployment. We will have a huge party for his friends, so we'll be cooking burgers on the grill for about 40.

Share your menu or get some inspiration at Laura's!