Big Changes

I made the first big (and scary) step to be home more with the kids! I stepped down as a "Senior" assistant, and cut my hours at work. This lowered my hourly rate and I lost my insurance. It is going to be a huge adjustment, but Handy Hubby and I both think that the sacrifice we are making financially will reap more important benefits for the family. So now the real journey will begin...stay tuned for the two steps forward (and probably one step back) we are going to be taking.

Christi Kreg

5 dinners 1 hour

For the last 4 months (and the next two) I subscribed to an online menu service that built and organized a months worth of dinners (20 total). The idea is one day a week you spend an hour prepping the weeks dinners.

I have really enjoyed the ease of the menu plans, and we have really liked all the recipes we have tried. That being said, it was a great starting point for me but there are some major drawbacks.

1) Finding an hour (plus time to grocery shop and set up for my cooking hour) every week where the kids are occupied and I'm able to focus on multiple recipes, is tough for this working mommy.

2) Life happens and we end up having dinner at one of our parents houses, or are running around until too late to cook. I've had food go bad because I thought I would get to it so I didn't freeze it, or it wasn't a freezable meal.

3) The service only helps with my dinner needs, and because Handy Hubby and I both work we need quick and easy breakfast and lunch items as well.

http://5dinners1hour.blogspot.com/

The girl who runs the site offers a free sample menu and if you need help in the menu planning area, I highly suggest you try it out and see how it works for you!

Facebook Deal

Best deal found so far? $10 off $10+ purchase at Pier One! Thanks again to Krazycouponlady for posting about the coupon on Facebook. For $5.50 out of pocket I scored an acrylic tumble (which I have been desperately wanting but refuse to pay $10 for) and a basting brush (which will work much better than my current paper towel method).

While at the store the manager mentioned that the "Friday Flip Flop Deals" on Pier Ones Facebook page are usually really good. There were some great kitchen goodies that I would love since I'm cooking more these days, so I guess I'll have to like their page and check them out.

Christi Kreg