So what's Baked Oatmeal anyway?

Well, my friend Elm wanted to know about Oatmeal Bake. It is just so yummy, that I am going to share. We sprinkle ours with brown sugar and cinnamon before we pop it in the oven. I also bake, cut up and freeze in squares. This makes for an easy breakfast on those school mornings. Enjoy!

Baked Oatmeal
2 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 c. melted butter

Mix all well. Bake in baking dish sprayed w/Pam for 20-30 minutes at 350 until golden brown. It's good served w/baked, spiced apples (like pie filling), peaches or milk or half & half. Kids who won't eat oatmeal like it. Enjoy!

My First Coupon Shopping Day

Okay, after hearing everyone rave over how much money they are saving for their families, I decided to do a day of Coupon power shopping at Publix today. I was always hesitant because we eat mostly whole organic foods. But because I am trying to save some cash these days, I decided to venture in and see what I could get.

I went to SouthernSavers and IHeartPublix to get the lo down on what to buy. I also went to the publix website and made my shopping list. I had purchased the papers for coupons last Sunday, but honestly, most of the coupons I printed online. I am impressed with what I got. My total ended up being $47.26 and I had a savings of $64.97. Not bad my first time out of the box! This even included a few items that were not on sale and I had no coupons for. But needed. I am going to try and do this power shopping each week along with my organic produce co-op ONLY. We will see how I do.

Today's take included 3 boxes of organic granola bars, 2 1/2 gallons of organic milk and two boxes of organic cereal. And tons of other stuff. Yes, I did buy the toaster Strudel. It was free, so I couldn't pass it up. My girls are really excited about that. They were my helpers today. If you haven't try the coupon and deal grocery shopping. I suggest you get on board for a week and see what you can get for your money. Now we can spend the extra on fun stuff for learning! :)

Meal Planning Week of April 26th

In an attempt to institute meal planning into my life again, I am going to be posting my weekly meal plans here. In the past, when I was doing them on paper, they would be good for a week or two, but then they would be lost in the shuffle of our everyday lives. Here I will have to face them. Atleast weekly. :)

Monday:
Breakfast - Whole Wheat pancakes with maple syrup
Lunch - Hard boiled eggs (or egg salad) with toast, fruit
Dinner - Whole Roasted Chicken, Lima Beans, Potatoes

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Homemade raspberry or chocolate chip muffins (baked and frozen), fruit
Lunch - Pizza Party at our homeschool co-op
Dinner - Sandwiches before soccer

Wednesday:
Breakfast - Cereal or muffins, fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches with Raw Carrots & Fruit
Dinner - Beef Tacos, refried beans, chips with salsa (homemade)

Thursday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal Bake, Pears
Lunch - Elbow Macaroni with sprinkled cheese on top
Dinner - Ham, scalloped potatoes and green peas

Friday:
Breakfast - Eggs and Toast
Lunch - Tomato Soup and cheese toasties
Dinner - Blackened grilled chicken on a bed of greens, fresh baked bread

Saturday:
Breakfast - Waffles with maple syrup, sausage
Lunch - Sandwiches, fruit
Dinner - Fettuccine Alfredo, salad and fresh baked bread

Sunday:
Breakfast - Dad's Speciality Breakfast (He loves doing this!)
Lunch - Leftovers or Sandwiches, fruit
Dinner - Turkey burgers on the grill, potatoes, baked beans

Some Changes Going On

This is a look into our pantry. Notice anything different? I have recently taken some time to dig deeper into the benefit of eating whole, organic foods. I already knew that artificial colors really affected my little gal, D-Doodle. I have always been a fan of whole foods, but have recently been convicted to feed my family properly all the time. Not just when it was convenient. For us, this includes eating organic and local when we can. Because organic is more expensive, I sought out a local whole foods coop through the United Buying Club. I also found a local organic produce coop where we can pick up once a week. I can't believe the amount of fruits and veggies that I get for $43.00! One of the many benefits of living in the south. (Right next to all that Southern Hospitality)

Because organic food is more expensive, I don't buy as many convenience foods. I bake our bread, muffins, cookies, etc... This in itself is a benefit. This doesn't mean I don't buy a few boxes of Annie's Bunnies. :) I must say that K-Doodle in particular is affected by sugar she takes in when we are out and about. A little candy here.....and it gets her craving for sugar right back. She gets this honest... I have a love for sugar myself.

Doing a lot of baking has proven to take time. Well, duh! Between homeschooling, cooking, cleaning and now doing a lot of baking, I am looking into making a much better routine for our week. But that's a post for another day. I will be listed to great books I have been reading about foods soon. Wishing you all a great week. ~ Kat