Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday: Crock-pot Pot Roast with Carrots, Potatoes, and Onions

 

 Pot Roast is a delicious and simple meal that only requires a few minutes of prep before it cooks slowly all day in the crock-pot and is ready and waiting for you when you get home from work.  Here's how I do Pot Roast...

  1. I like to put my potatoes and carrots underneath my roast, so all those good meat drippings get on them.  So first I wash, peel, and dice my potatoes and carrots, and add them to the crock-pot.
  2. After your roast is thawed, salt and pepper it on both sides, and brown it on both sides in a little oil.  Then add your roast on top of your vegetables in the crock-pot.
  3. In the same pan I browned the roast in, I saute a sliced onion in a little butter.  When the onion is softened, I add about a cup a beef broth to de-glaze the pan.  Then I pour the onions and broth over the roast in the crock-pot.
  4. Cover with the lid and cook on Low 6-8 hours, or until your roast is done.
  5. I serve my roast sliced with a large helping of potatoes and carrots, with a little broth drizzled over it all -- yum-o!
*Refrigerate any leftovers
*Leftover over broth makes wonderful gravy to top a leftover sliced pot roast sandwich, just sayin' :)

Monday, November 25, 2013

Menu Plan Monday: 11/25/2013

This week is going to be very crazy.  I baked some pies for some friends, in exchange for some cash money to spend on all the great Black Friday deals this week!  I having Thanksgiving this year for my family and my husband's; there will be 11 of us.  Since I'm 21 weeks pregnant, I'm going to try and do as much as I can prep-wise on Tuesday and Wednesday, so hopefully I don't fall asleep in my mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving ;)  I kept things pretty simple on the menu as well...

Breakfasts: Bagels with Cream Cheese or Butter

Lunches: Leftovers, or Sandwiches

Dinners:
Sunday - Beef Pot Roast with Carrots, Potatoes, and Onions in the Crock-pot
Monday - Leftover Potatoes, Carrots, and Onions with Baked Chicken Breasts
Tuesday - Homemade Pizza
Wednesday - Out :)
Thursday - Turkey Day!  Smoked Turkey with all the fixings, and pie!
Friday - Leftover Turkey and sides
Saturday - Leftover Turkey and sides
For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Fall Deep Clean: Day #4

The last area to clean was the kitchen, which we broke into two days since you really need a whole day just to scour the floor, which my wonderful husband did for me :)  We moved out the appliances, and vacuumed and mopped behind them.  Everything on the counters got moved and scrubbed under.  Windows washed, curtains washed and dried, and the light globes washed as well.  Here are the results!

View #1 Before:
After:

View #2 Before:
After:

View #3 Before:
After:

ALDI Deals Starting 12/04/2013

Here are some of the AWESOME deals this week at ALDI...
  • Weds. 12/04 ONLY: Cattlemen's Ranch Fresh Beef Stew Kit 2.2 lbs $7.99 ea
  • Naval Oranges 4 lb bag $1.99 ea
  • Blackberries 6 oz $0.89 ea
  • Mixed Pears 4 pk $1.49 ea
  • Grapefruits $0.39 ea
  • Pomegranates $0.89 ea
  • Mandarins 3 lb bag $2.69 ea
  • Simply Nature All Natural Spiral Sliced Ham $2.99/lb
  • L'oven Fresh Cheesecake Sampler 9" 40 oz $8.99 ea
  • Friendly Farms Milk gallons $1.99 ea
  • Baker's Corner Holiday Morsels 10 oz $1.99 ea
  • Baker's Corner All Purpose Flour 5 lb bag $1.39 Limit 6 per customer
  • Baker's Corner Sugar 4 lbs $1.49 ea Limit 6 per customer
  • Goldhen Eggs Grade A Large $1.29 ea Limit 6 per customer
  • Excitemint Soft Peppermint Puffs 10 oz $1.69 ea
  • Kerry Gold Red Leicester or Swiss 7 oz $3.29 ea
  • Life Savers Hard Candy or Gummies 6.8-7 oz $2.49 ea
  • Choceur Dark or Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds Wine Topper 4 oz $1.99 ea
  • Coastal Cocktails Holiday Mixers $4.99 ea
  • Work Zone 18 pc Tool Set and Carrying Case $19.99 ea
  • Work Zone Tool Organizer $7.99 ea
  • Frosty Fern $4.99 ea
  • 5" Easy Orchid $9.99 ea
For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!

ALDI Deals, Starting 11/24/2013

Here are some of the AWESOME deals this week at ALDI...
  • Potatoes $1.99/10 lb bag
  • Yellow Onions $0.79/3 lb bag
  • Celery $0.79 ea
  • Sweet Potatoes $1.19/3 lb bag
  • Cranberries $0.99/12 oz bag
  • Pineapple $1.49 ea
  • Baker's Corner Gingerbread Cookie Mix 17.5 oz $1.69 ea
  • Baker's Corner 6-in-1 Baking Sprinkles Jar 7.2 oz $2.99 ea
  • Clancy's Dipped Peppermint Pretzel Stars 7 oz $1.99 ea
  • Clancy's Holiday Tortilla Chips 14 oz $1.49 ea
  • Season's Choice Broccoli Cuts 16 oz $0.85 ea
  • Benton's Candy Cane Chocolate Sandwich Cremes 15.25 oz $1.99 ea
  • Belmont Candy Cane or French Silk Pies Thaw and Serve 24-28 oz $5.99 ea
  • Friendly Farms Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer 16 oz $1.49 ea
  • Huntington Home Holiday Accent Rug 20x30' $6.99 ea
  • Huntington Home 2 pc Holiday Towel Set $3.99 ea
  • Boulder Holiday Disposable Containers 3 or 5 pc sets $1.99 ea
  • Boulder Holiday Gallon Storage Bags 40 ct $1.99 ea
  • Boulder Limited Edition Holiday Print Paper Towels $0.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Baking or Pastry Utensils $3.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Silicone Baking Mat $4.99 ea
 For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their homepage!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Weekly Spending Report: 11/17-23/2013

This week I really tried to only pick up things that I knew I would need for the upcoming holidays.  As well as the things I would need to round out this week's menu plan.  Here's what I ended up with...
  • Wednesday's CVS Trip: $10.08 oop, Earned $11 ECB's
  • Wednesday's ALDI Trip: $13.87 oop
  • Wednesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $15.24 oop
  • Wednesday's Walgreen's Trip: $9.08 oop
  • Wednesday's Giant Trip (no picture, just cake mix, toilet cleaner, and tortilla chips): $6.35 oop
Total OOP: $54.62 - $11 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $43.62
Linked to Couponaholic!

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Fall Deep Clean: Day Three

Tuesday was day 3 of our Fall deep clean, and we did the living room.  Everything got dusted, wiped down, moved and vacuumed under.  The windows got washed and the curtains were washed and ironed.  We also washed and dried the futon cover and our winter blankets on the backs of our chairs.  Plus all the junk got removed.  The living room is now all ready for our holiday guests!

First view Before:
After:
Second view Before:
After:

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

ALDI Deals, Starting 11/20/2013

Here's some of the AWESOME deals at ALDI this week...
  • Weds. 11/20 ONLY: Butterball Fresh Whole Turkey $1.29/lb (avg. weight 13 lbs)
  • Weds. 11/20 ONLY: Custom Made Meals Fresh Stuffed Pork Chops $4.99/lb 
  • Potatoes 10 lbs $1.99 ea
  • Yellow Onions 3 lb $0.79 ea
  • Celery $0.79 ea
  • Sweet Potatoes 3 lb bag $1.19 ea
  • Cranberries 12 oz bag $0.99 ea
  • Pineapples 1.49 ea
  • Beaumont Dark Chocolate or French Vanilla Hot Chocolate Mix 8 oz $1.29 ea
  • Beaumont Bagged Coffee Holiday Assortment Mocha Mint, White Chocolate Chunk, or Gingerbread 12 oz $4.99 ea
  • Gourmet Select Popcorn Tins Caramel Corn, Cheddar Cheese, and Butter 18 oz $4.99 ea
  • Specially Selected Bite-sized Salami Original or Spicy 8 oz $2.99 ea
  • Clancy's Pretzel Rings 20 oz $1.49 ea
  • Clancy's Bagel Chips Sea Salt or Roast Garlic 6 oz $1.79 ea
  • Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen French Bread Pizzas Vegetable or 5 Cheese 9.2-9.9 oz $1.99 ea
  • Season's Choice Steamable Baby Brussel Sprouts 12 oz $1.29 ea
  • Baker's Corner Molasses 16 oz $1.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Cast Iron 5 Qt Braiser, or  6 Qt Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Red or Blue $29.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Cast Iron Trivet 7.5-8" Diameter $4.99 ea
  • Huntington Home Christmas Roll Wrap $1.99 ea
  • Huntington Home Christmas Gift Bag Set $2.99 ea
  • Huntington Home Christmas Gift Tags $0.99 ea
For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Monday, November 18, 2013

The Fall Deep Clean: Day Two

Today Joe and I tackled two rooms, but they were small and fairly easy.  First up was the hallway...
Before:
 After:
Ahh, so much better!  Then it was onto the bathroom...
Before:
After:
Yeah, two more rooms done!  Tomorrow it's onto the living room!  
Is anyone else getting their house geared up for the holidays?

Menu Plan Monday: 11/18/13

This week Joe and I get to go to the anatomy sonogram for the baby, and we are so EXCITED!!!!  We are also doing our Fall deep cleaning before the holidays, 1 room each day.  Plus, we are going to Joe's grandfather's house to work on Thursday, and there is a dinner we have to attend on Saturday.  So, it's gonna be pretty crazy this week.  Here's what's on the menu plan, which I tried to keep uber simple!

Breakfasts: Bagels with Cream Cheese or Butter

Lunches: Leftovers or Sandwiches

Dinners:
Monday - Leftover Pork with Baked French Fries
Tuesday - Hotdogs with Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese - Just keepin' it real here ;)
Wednesday - Sonogram/Errand Day - Out :)
Thursday - Working @ Pap's house, Out with him :)
Friday - Crock-pot Chuck Roast with Onions, Potatoes, and Carrots, and Homemade Bread
Saturday - Blacksmith dinner we need to attend

Extras: Brownies

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

The Fall Deep Clean: Day One

I totally forgot to take before pictures yesterday morning before we started to tackle the bedroom.  But here are the after pictures, and they are amazing!  Everything has been scrubbed, dusted, washed, moved, and remade.  It's so nice to have everything so sparkly before the holiday season.



Monday, November 11, 2013

Menu Plan Monday: 11/11/2013

This week my niece turns 18!  We celebrated with her at Texas Road House - so much fun, and delicious.  Joe and I don't have much planned for this week, no therapy or doctors appointment for my preggo self - yeah!  Here's what's on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Bagels with Butter or Cream Cheese

Lunches: Leftovers, or Sandwiches

Dinners:
Sunday - Texas Road House for a Bday celebration!
Wednesday - Leftover Lasagne and Garlic Bread
Thursday - Working at Joe's Grandfather's House, so we'll probably eat out with him.
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Homemade Pizza Pockets (using leftover dough)

Extras: Brownies

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

ALDI Deals, Starting 11/06/2013

Here are some of the awesome deals at ALDI this week...
  • Weds. 11/06 ONLY: Roseland Fresh Pork Roast Meal Kit 2.75 lbs $6.99 ea
  • Bananas $0.44/lb
  • Pineapple $1.49 ea
  • Red Grapes $1.19/lb
  • Pomegranates $1.49 ea
  • Grape Fruit $0.39 ea
  • Gala Apples 3 lb bag $1.99 ea
  • Select Appleton Farms Hams $0.99-$1.49/lb
  • Friendly Farms Milk 1 gal All Varieties $1.99 ea
  • Sweet Harvest Cranberry Sauce Whole Berry or Jellied 14 oz $0.89 ea
  • L'oven Fresh Brown and Serve Rolls 12 oz $0.99 ea
  • Chef's Cupboard Turkey or Herb Stuffing Mix 6 oz $0.69 ea
  • Happy Farms Cheese Blocks Assorted Varieties 8 oz $1.79 ea
  • Stone Essentials Gravy Mixes Assorted Varieties .87 oz $0.39 ea
  • Chef's Cupboard Julianne or Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes 4.5-5 oz $0.79 ea
  • Bake House Creations Crescent Rolls Reduced Fat or Butter 8 oz $1.49 ea 
  • Bake House Creations Pie Crusts 2 pk $1.49 ea
  • Baker's Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin 15 oz $0.89 ea
  • Baker's Corner Apple Pie Filling 21 oz $1.69 ea
  • Baker's Corner Baking Morsels 11-12 oz $1.29 ea
  • Baker's Corner Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 oz $1.19 ea
  • Country Side Creamery Butter Quarters Salted or Unsalted $1.69 ea
  • Happy Farms or Fit and Active Cream Cheese 8 oz $0.99 ea
  • Friendly Farms Extra Creamy Whipped Topping 8 oz $0.89 ea
  • Choceur Advent Calender 2.65 oz $0.99 ea
  • Choceur Premium Advent Calender 8.47 oz $4.99 ea
  • Boulder Oval Turkey Roasting Pan $0.89 ea
  • Boulder Oven Roasting Bags 2 pk $1.49 ea
  • Nature's Nectar Sparkling Apple Cider 25.4 oz $2.29 ea
  • Specially Selected Chocolate Cover Cranberries or Cherries 10 oz $3.49 ea

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Monday, November 4, 2013

July Yard Sale/Flea Market Finds

July didn't yield a lot of deals, but that was directly related to the fact that there wasn't many sales to go to.  But, the deals we did find were awesome.  Here's what we were able to find...



July 20th we stopped at the Gamber Fire Dept Flea Market.  It was hotter than hot, so there wasn't a lot of people set up, maybe 35.  There also wasn't a lot of buyers there either, because we were able to park right on the lot.  We were late getting there, about 11, and the show was over at 1, so people were in the 'I don't want to pack it up and take it home' kinda mood, my favorite, as it makes for some great deals!  Here's what we ended up with...
3 vintage Children's books $0.50 ea = 3/$1.50
3-7 ct + handle Scotch Brite Toilet Scrubbers (originally $2 each) = 3/$2
1 Over-the-door Ironing Board Holder (originally $3.50) = $2
1 Round Litter Box with Lid (not pictured, originally $10) = $5
Total OOP: $10.50


Menu Plan Monday: 11/04/2013

With my morning sickness continuing into the second trimester, I still haven't been making many meals.  I try to cook every couple days, while remaking the leftovers over the days in between.  So far, just for the two of us, it's been working pretty good, and things are getting used up, so I count in a win.  Here's what I making this week...

Breakfasts: Bagels with Butter or Cream Cheese

Lunches: Leftovers, or PBJ/Egg Salad/Ham Sandwiches

Dinners:
Sunday - Pizza Hut $10 Pizza
Monday - Meatloaf (Recipe to Come), and Onion Rings
Tuesday - Leftover Meatloaf
Thursday - Dinner with Joe's Grandfather, probably at Chili's :)
Friday - Leftover Pork, Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
Saturday - Soup and Bread - TBA

Extras: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

ALDI Deals, Starting 11/13/13

Here are some of the AWESOME deals this week at ALDI...
  • Weds. 11/13 ONLY: Custom Made Meals Fresh USDA Choice Beef Pinwheels $6.99/lb
  • Friendly Farms Milk Gallons $1.99 ea all varieties
  • Potatoes 10lbs $1.99 ea
  • Yellow Onions 3 lb bag $0.79 ea
  • Celery $0.79 ea
  • Sweet Potatoes 3 lb bag $1.19 ea
  • Cranberries 12 oz $0.99 ea
  • Pineapple $1.49 ea
  • Kerry Gold Irish Cheese Dubliner or Blaney Castle 7 oz $3.29 ea
  • Cheese Club Premium Macaroni and Cheese Assorted Varieties 5.5-7.25 oz $0.59 ea
  • Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps 7.2 oz $1.89 ea
  • Sweet Additions Stevia No Calorie Sweetener 9.7 oz $3.79 ea
  • Sweet Harvest Cranberry Sauce, Whole Berry or Jellied 14 oz $0.89 ea
  • L'oven Fresh Brown and Serve Rolls 12 oz $0.99 ea
  • Baker's Corner Light Brown Sugar or Confectioners Sugar 32 oz $1.19 ea
  • Baker's Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin 15 oz $0.89 ea
  • Baker's Corner Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 oz $1.19 ea
  • Baker's Corner Baking Morsels Assorted Varieties 11-12 oz $1.29 ea
  • Happy Farms Cheese Blocks, Assorted Varieties 8 oz $1.49 ea
  • Countryside Creamery Butter Quarters, Salted or Unsalted 16 oz $1.69 ea
  • Peanut Delight Peanut Butter Dark or White Chocolate 16 oz $2.49 ea
  • Anchor Hocking 4 pc Insulated Tote and Dish Set $14.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Digital Meat Thermometer $9.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Electric Gravy Boat Warmer $9.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Carving Knife Set $9.99 ea
  • Kitchen Living Electric Knife with Storage Case $14.99 ea
  • Huntington Home Holiday Table Cloth and Napkin Set Assorted Colors $9.99 ea
  • Easy Home 6' Utility Table $34.99 ea
  • 5" Christmas Cactus $3.99 ea

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!