Food budgets - need ideas
Posted By: anony on 2009-03-22
In Reply to:
I absolutely cannot go past 400 a month (100 per week) for a food budget for 2 adults (man/woman). I need some suggestions of what kinds of things you would prepare to keep within that budget. I've already got large batches of soup (chicken, pea, bean) so I can freeze some batches on my list and some pbutter and jelly sandwiches, but how would you keep within that amount? Looking for suggestions. - Thanks
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Tiramisu? Try Food Network for ideas, too. nm
s
Holiday budgets - do you have one, keep one and ....sm
what works to keep you in budget if you have one? My husband and teenager went WAY over budget last year for Christmas so this year I've told them that it's cash only for their purchases and no internet shopping (that got them in trouble last year buying too much stuff because they didn't bother to track how much they were spending).
We've got $1300 budgeted for this Christmas. That includes $150 each kid for Santa gifts (2 kids), $100 each for my husband and myself to get each other something, each of us gets $100 total to get gifts for each other (i.e. kids get $100 to buy gifts for each other as well as we parents), $50 each allotted for our 3 parents, $25/each alotted for each of our siblings (small gifts always given - agreed amongst siblings years ago) and $50 to get gifts for the kids teachers and bus drivers. It sure adds up, doesn't it?
It's nice, but food prices insane and food is really bad,
xx
My cat only eats dog food and won't eat cat food or even tuna.
LOL
I am using Angel Food Network for help with food (sm)
Being much more careful not to waste food. No more fast food. Soda only if bought in a two-liter bottle, not singles or fountain. Most of my money waste was spent on food.
Pet food recall -- dog food and cat food
http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=PCA&articleID=300003
My dog loves coconut oil right off the spoon. Try the health food store. Sometimes in food store,
s
Puppy eating cat food, cats eating puppy food...
So I have three cats and a five month old puppy.
Cats eat Felidae, Puppy eats Canidae... or at least that is how it is supposed to be.
Both species eat mainly dry, but puppy gets wet at night when she is in "her room" (kitties do not go in puppy's room at night).
I cannot keep kitties out of Candiae and I cannot keep puppy out of Felidae
Can I relax or is this going to hurt either of them?
Advice very much appreciated!
TIA
A few ideas
Shed not for her the bitter tear,
Nor give the heart to vain regret;
Tis but the casket that lies her,
The gem that filled it sparkles yet.
Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Amiable, she won all; intelligent, she charmed all; fervent, she loved all; and dead, she saddened all.
Ideas..
How about the pastry puff (hot dog, potato, beef) hors doeuvres by Cohen. Frozen aisle, just thaw and bake. They are delicious! Spinach dip in a bread bowl. Chicken fingers. Shrimp cocktail. Stuffed mushrooms. Prosciutto and melon, fresh mozzarella. Deviled eggs. Enjoy the party!
Any ideas???
You all are always so creative and imaginative - please help. I need to buy gifts for my BIL's girlfriend and SIL's boyfriend, somewhere in the $25 range. I have no clue what they like, and asking BIL and SIL is like asking my keyboard - they are no help at all. Thanks in advance!
some ideas...
Although this is from a nominated student themselves you might pull some info from it. Had the pleaure of being a memory and it was indeed an honor.
associatedcontent.com/.../how_to_write_a_successful_national.html - 35k -
Give applicant name and school name, your relation to applicant, how long you have known them. Some of the criteria it is based would be maturity, dependability, motivation, compatibility, integrity, compassion, particpation and attitude.
here are a few ideas
There is a web site that is legit that can help with small amounts. It may not give you money in a short time, but it can help within 30 days. www.modestneeds.org
They even help show you how to write a request that will get approved.
For help with food, try angelfoodministries.com . For $25/month, you get almost $75 worth of food.
For help with any medications, try www.needymeds.com . The drug manufacturers help people who fall between the cracks and cannot afford medicine by providing it for free or for a minimal fee.
Also contact your state's Vocational Services Department. If you have ADHD in my state, they will pay for your schooling and medication and doctor bills and you don't pay it back after school is done.
Don't be afraid to contact your local resources - churches, food banks, Salvation Army - for whatever help you can get. Some of these will provide one-time assistance or every-other-month help.
I wish you well. I only know about these because of I have needed to use each of them at one time or another, and continue to need them.
My ideas
Do you have wood heat? My sister's red setter had thyroid problems that made it itch and loose most of her hair as well as being allergic to wheat in the dog good and the only food that could feed it was Friskies cubes. Allergy testing sometimes is not that expensive. And it might be worth your while and cheaper than going through all the medications and remedies to not have them work and then do the testing. I have found that specialists sometimes are less expensive than the regular vets and they can pinpoint the problem faster and less expensive. So call an allergist vet and ask what it would cost to get him tested. I was scared to death about the expense of taking my dog to a neurologist when she was having seizures and it cost me less than a regular visit to my vet and he spent over 30 minutes with us explaining things. And he knew immediately what to do. But beware of the steroids as I feel that is what caused the seizures in the first place and will never put my dog on them again. Too many side effects. Good luck.
Some more ideas
Summer's on the way, here are some quickies for dinners. Except for rice and baked goods, I do not measure. Ever. It's all in your tastes and preferences. You just put the stuff together until it looks/smells/tastes right to you.
When you have time, simmer a large amount of boneless, skinless, quartered chicken breasts in water/broth until they are just done and still tender. Drain and cool. Shred, dice, chop and use throughout the week. Roasted chicken/turkey is great to use, too.
If you like ham, bake a big one. Have a ham dinner one night, then save the rest for later in the week. Chop it in a food processor for chopped ham, slice it for sandwiches, dice it for soups, wraps, omelets, etc.
When in season, use grapes or sliced fresh fruit such as apples, to serve with some dinners or put in salads. When it's there in front of you, all sliced and pretty, you eat it. Great way to get fruits into the family's diet on the sly! They'll make faces and think you've gone all Martha Stewart on them, but they'll eat it. Same thing with some veggies. Slice cukes lengthwise, slice carrots the same way, put them on the table with a little dish of something to dip them in - some dressing or yogurt. Make them easy to pick up with finger.
Some dinner suggestions using the above:
1. Sandwiches. Any kind. Make them interesting - different breads you slice yourself, bulke rolls, pita pockets, etc. Fill with roasted/sauted veggies, with leftovers, cukes, shredded carrots, etc. Use dark-colored greens or raw spinach instead of iceburg lettuce. Raw spinach goes a long way when using for sandwiches, wraps or rollups. That chicken made ahead can be mixed in with any type of salad dressing or marinade, with salsa, with cranberry relish, etc., gives much more flavor than mayo and a lot less calories. Make wraps and rollups. Add lots of different seasonings. Experiment! Try turkey bacon for BLTs. Serve with roasted potato wedges: slice baking potatoes lengthwise into wedges. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasonings of cohice. Cayanne pepper, salt, dill, tarragon, anything that smells good will taste good! Bake in shallow pan about 45 min. until tender on inside, crisp on outside.
2. Tortillas/buritos/tacos. Fill with chicken, beef, veggies, anything! Experiment. Use the taco seasoning packets you can get at the supermarket to add to cooked lean ground hamburger or cooked chicken. I usually use half as they are quite salty. You can always just wing it yourself by adding cumin, tomato paste, salsa, cayanne pepper, etc.
3. Quesadillas. Brush large frying pan with olive oil. Place soft tortilla in pan, fill 1/2 with filling of choice - great with summer squash, zucchini sauted ahead of time and a bit of cheese. Fold over and cook on M-High heat until golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook other side same way, make sure cheese melts. Slice in wedges, serve w/salsa.
4. Rice. Cook a pot of Basmati or Jasmine rice, makes a huge difference in texture and taste than Uncle Ben's. It's more expensive than regular short grain/long grain rice, but this is your dinner, and the most expensive part of it if you are using leftovers. Add salt, pepper, cinnamon, alspice, clove to rice before covering to simmer for 20 min. Add cooked meat - chicken or hamburger. Another suggestion is to cook some rice, add some sauted garlic, veggies and some lemon-pepper seasoning. Serve with salad, cut up veggies and spciy ranch dressing, slices of fruit with cheese, etc.
5. Cook up some pasta. I know, more pasta, but this is different! Noodles works as well as angel hair. Cook ground hamburger. Mix pasta, hamburger, jar of spaghetti sauce together. Put in deep casserole dish that's been brushed with olive oil. Top with shredded cheese. Bake until heated through and cheese has melted. Careful not add too much sauce - you can always add more at the table. Best to keep an extra jar of sauce handy just in case.
7. English muffin pizzas. Let the kids make them.
8. Soups. Maybe not in summer, but on a cold night they are great. My favorite for this time is year is with veggie broth, summer squash, zucchini, finely chopped carrots, mushrooms and garlic that were sauted in olive oil and butter, caramalized onions, chunks of red potatoes with the skins on, dill, tarragon and a lot of fresh ground pepper. Add some shredded chicken if you want. Ham is good with this, too.
9. Sort of Shepherd's Pie: Brush casserole dish with olive oil. Add a layer of red skin smashed potatoes (always leave the skins on), a layer of canned corn, a layer of cooked hamburger, ham or chicken. Repeat, be sure to end last layer with the smashed potatoes. Bake until top begins to brown. Make gravy or use the jar/canned gravy if you'd like.
10. Dinner Pockets. Pillsbury crescent rolls in the fridge section of market. I don't know how many you are feeding but I believe one can makes 4 of these. Unroll the dough, separate along perforations to make rectangles, NOT triangles like you would for the crescents. Place each rectangle on a cookie sheet you've sprayed with veg. oil and make sure the perforated seams are pinched together. In the center of each rectangle, put in anything that's already been cooked. Any kind of meat and/or veggies. Top with shredded cheese if you want. Pull up the corners to the center and pinch closed. Bake according to directions on package.
11. If you can grill outdoors, there's a whole new world waiting for you! Marinate something the night before, grill along with veggies and/or potatoes. No mess to clean inside.
ideas.
Can't beat a BLT or hotdog and chips. Tomatoe soup and grilled cheese. Chicken wrap or tuna salad wrap. We even do BLT wraps.
Last night we had grilled pork chops with a broccoli slaw and grilled apples. When I grill I try to cook extra for another night. I did chops and then fresh sausage dogs for lunch.
What ya got and I'll give you some ideas! Would have rather been a chef than an MT but oh well!
Try this ideas -
Get a Scat Mat. Put it where they want to claw on the furniture and crank it to the highest level. I bet after one buzz on their paws they move on. Are you able to spray them in the act of scratching? Set a water bottle on stream, squirt them the very second they start scratching and say "no." Do not hit or scream hysterically at them. If you cannot secure a Scat Mat then get a carpet protector (you know, those plastic things sold in strips that you place over carpet to protect it - maybe like in front of a door) and turn it upsidedown so that the pointy part is sticking up. They will not want to walk on that, I will bet money on it. I have had 11 cats in my lifetime and they all kept their claws. Try different things until something clicks. If nothing else works then try the Soft Paws, but retraining CAN be done. Good luck. Let us know what happens. :-)
Please, any ideas on this??
I have worked in this field for over 30+ years. I have an aunt that I am very close to. I have been suffering very severly with rib pain (have fibromyalgia) but I told her I went to 2 doctors this past week, my regular and then referred on to rheumatologist and neither basically helped me. I ask specifically to my PCP if I might have costochondritis (would rather have had that then other things worse) so he never said anything 1 way or the other. In telling her today I finally resorted to getting 1 of the medicated back patches from the drug store and how I had had to help myself she told me "well, the doctors really do not want you to tell them what you think it is or what to do for any ailments." I know she is old, but right now I am supposed to go visit her this weekend and I am blowing steam from my ears. After doing the 4s for years and years and also working part-time in all other speciality offices including ortho, neurologic, gynecological, internal just to name a few, I have gotten to where I know a LITTLE about your body. I do not want her to say something like this again and for me to just overlook but my gosh, even after saying possibility about infection in the ribs, I am still NOT checked out for any possibility ??? When you go to your physician do you ever say it might be this or it might be that and what kind of reply would you have for this much loved aunt (although right now has really stepped on my toes). Oh by the way, this is not the first time something like this has been brought up between the aunt and myself. Not working in the medical field she sorta views the doctors as, well you know these holier than thou are folks and would NEVER question their authority.
Thanks everyone for the ideas! (nm)
x
Thanks for your ideas sm
I am very grateful for your ideas and did a little extra shopping for the future yesterday. Last evening I offered ground sirloin mixed with ground turkey (they did not ask) and made some tasty meatballs and patties. I offered them a choice, which they loved. One had a meatball sub, the other two had the cheeseburger choice with low fat cheese and when one finished, he wanted what his sister had, could not resist the smell of the meatballs. I allowed him both. He has quite an appetite! We had fun. I also introduced baked sweet potato fries. They made their own deserts with chocolate low-fat yogurt which they called "ice cream" with a cherry on top and a few chocolate sprinkles (they loved doing their own). Made their own low-fat chocolate milk shakes. Overall, the evening went very well. I added some of your suggestions to my cupboard for future visits. I am the "Grammy" and sometimes I get very tired. I did offer them "two" choices which they (being siblings) seemed to be attracted to. I have to remind them and myself that I am not a restaurant, a bank or a hotel. When the food goes well, the rest of the evening is pretty easy. We watched "Home Alone," played cards, Chutes & Ladders with the little one and had fun together. Thanks for the future menu ideas. Ages 5, 9 and 11, all different kiddos. You know how it is. : )
Thanks nm You have the best ideas about everything!
:>)
Thanks for the ideas, everyone!
It's cool out today, so I think I'll hang it outdoors.
2 ideas
Get a little Skookie cast iron pan (they have them at Sportsmans Warehouse). Make the Skookie once and then you have the pan. (If you haven't had one it is a huge cookie or brownie baked in a small cast iron pan. Get those bags of pizza dough mix (Martha's or whatever - they have it at Wal-Mart) and make it up (you just add water) and press it into the oiled pan. Bake 10 minutes and then add on a spoonful of sauce or olive oil and garlic and 5 cheese Italian blend and some parmesan and bake it again until brown and bubbly. Lunch. Save the dough for tomorrow and do another kind! Like Canadian bacon and pineapple. These are really good. The crust comes out just right like brick oven pizza. If you are really hungry or you have company, get a big cast iron pizza pan and do the same with the whole batch of dough. The leftovers are soooo good.
My mom lived alone for a long time and she had the same problem and did not like fast food, so she would make a big recipe of enchiladas and then freeze them individually for her lunch. Yum. If you don't know how to make them post back and I'll tell you. It is really easy and so much yummier than PB&J or tuna.
I lied, third idea. Make tostadas. Fry up or bake a corn tortilla and spread it with refrieds and add cheese, salsa and lettuce, sour cream, or whatever. Instant lunch! Now I am ravenous and need to check the freezer contents.
Ideas
Here is a website where you can download and print out things (Christmas themes) such as dot-to-dot, word search, find the difference in the elves, matching game, santa's village activity page and Christmas coloring pages. http://familyfun.go.com/printables/season/specialfeature/christmas-printables-ms/
Oriental trading company has a holiday bingo game.
You might also want to check out www.enchanted learning.com. Tons of stuff on there for kids, not sure if they have Christmas stuff, but lots of educational things.
Any ideas???
My husband is turning 40 in a week and a half. Any ideas on presents (i'm tired of giving practical stuff) and ways to celebrate? My 6-year-old wants to take him out to eat but I feel we should do something more?? 
Okay, trying to think of other ideas for you - sm
Tell him all that you love about him but how sad it makes you when he does this, that, and the other. Spell it out to him. Men need VERY specific instructions sometimes. Try to keep it short and to the point. Sometimes they just think everything is fine and keep doing the same thing over and over. Maybe someone else has other ideas?? :-)
no ideas but
I don't have any ideas on what to get her - other than maybe take her out to eat somewhere nice? flowers or a plant maybe?? But I think she will be happy and touched that you want to do something special for her. .
ideas...
Those flowers made out of fruit or cookies are really nice, and did you try Hallmark? There is one by me that has tons of little gifts that say the most beautiful things.
Other ideas
Definitely try Lane Bryant. Also many of the nicer department stores have plus size dress sections. I found a site, www.tjformal.com and they have plus size prom dresses but depending on your age, style preference, etc. you might find something appropriate. Also I found something called VereNique Plus Size that has some beautiful gowns. Also Venus Modest has sizes up to your size that are absolutely stunning. I took your word that money was no object, some of these are upwards of $600 before alterations. No store to go to unless you happen to live in Missouri.
Thanks for the ideas.
no msg
No ideas but I like to
and when I hear about a nice place to visit I go online to try to find their city website or visitor's and convention bureau. Many of these will allow you to get on a mail list and send you tons of free info, brochures, MAPS, and COUPONS! I have family that lived in FL, but just moved back, and I had been collecting a lot of info for those areas in hopes of planning a trip to see them next spring so I know there is a ton of info for Florida. You just have to do some research and visit a lot of websites and give yourself time to get the info in the mail. Even did it for my local surrounding areas where I live and was amazed at what I found.
Oh, and if you do think of camping go to the coleman website and those for other camping gear and many times they have checklists and such that you can download. Makes live MUCH easier, especially for first timers.
I think this would help anybody with ideas
thedollarstretcher.com
Need ideas please
Hey everyone. I almost never do this, but I want to bake some things this year (like cookies, candy, etc) to put in Christmas tins to give to some people. I need some ideas on what things we (kids 8 & 9 and I) can do together. I already have this one chocolate cherry bars that my friend made last year and they were so good, so I am definitely going to make them, although they're not that easy, but I just need some ideas of some good (and pretty easy) things to make. Would appreciate any ideas. Thanks!
A few ideas...
Assuming you are looking for budget items:
1. 2009 calendars
2. Crossword puzzle/brain teaser workbooks (Large print)
3. Paperback whodunit (Large print)
4. Magazine supscription
5. Battery operated candle or night light
6. Lap/throw blanket
7. Warm knit hat, ball cap for men, gloves, scarves
8. Reading aids, i.e. battery-lit magnifying glass.
9. Designer luxury towel set
10. Assorted greeting cards they can mail to others
11. Books on tape
12. Skid-proof slippers
13. Sun-catchers/refrigerator magnets
14. Digital picture frame
15. Gourmet coffee/cup
16. Disposable camera
17. Gourmet jelly/jam (fig preserves was my mom's favorite)
18. Small clock or radio
Ideas
We are getting ready for a major snow/ice storm coming through Michigan late tonight and throughout tomorrow. We try to be as prepared as possible.
We are lucky in that we have a wood stove, so that keeps us plenty warm. If you are using kerosene, use precautions for fire safety. To keep say just the living room toasty, hang sheets in archways and such to keep the heat in.
We also keep extra jugs of water in the basement for the toilet. If I know in advance a storm is coming, I will also fill the tub up with water, LOL. My husband makes fun of me every time (I do this for thunderstorms as well). You can also melt snow to use if you run out or do not have a supply.
Prior to storms such as today, cell phones are charging as well as any rechargeable flash lights, kids handheld games, etc. Candles are being put out as well.
We make sure that the propane tank for the grill has some in it in case we lose power for days and days and need to start cooking mass amounts of food.
I always make sure that we have bread, cheese, butter (grilled cheese), peanut butter and jelly, milk (can stay outside if need be). Grilled cheese and soups are easy to cook on the woodburner. Make sure to have drinking water.
I try to make sure that laundry is caught up including extra blankets from storage.
We also make sure we have extra gas because of course we will be snowmobiling!
Two ideas
First idea is I would tell my sister its none of her business how much money my mom has. That's is moms money and moms business to do with what she wants and as kids we have no right to expect anything from mom (I'm kind of talking as though I'd be talking to my sister). I would say to her if your so bloody interested in how much money mom has why don't you come out and ask her and then while you're at it tell mom what exactly it is you want. I'd say to my sister the truth is you don't know what she has, what her bills/expenses are, if she owes people or what and I think it's horrible that you are thinking more about moms money than mom.
A second thought I have is all depending on what kind of a relationship you have with your mom. If your open enough with her like I was with my mom I would say. You know mom I have to talk to you about something that is bothering me that so-n-so keeps harping on me about. She keeps talking to me about your money and it's driving me crazy and I'd like it to stop. I don't know what to tell her but I don't want to hurt her feelings. Your finances are your business and yours alone and what you want to do is fine by me.
As for your moms husband that is a tough one. If your mom is worried about anything I would definitely have her file for a power of attorney/executor in charge of her estate. My mom didn't trust her husband at all so she put my sister and him both with dual whatever it is called. That way he could not do anything without my sis' knowledge (they live across country so I couldn't be on it). If it was my mom I would just say to her that if you are worried about anything talk to a lawyer and make sure papers are drawn up so that your wishes are abided by.
But I think it depends on your relationship with your family. If it was me and I didn't care what my sister thought I would tell my mom what she is saying. If I didn't want to hurt my mom's feelings I would tell my sister that maybe she should go have a sit down with my mom and tell her why she is so interested in her money. Especially since mom is getting up there and whatever she has may be needed to support her for the rest of her life (especially in these economic times).
I wish you the best. Money and family matters are never an easy thing to discuss.
Thanks for all the ideas!
I think we have it priced to sell. We bought it for $52,000 two years ago and since then we have cleared the land, put on a new roof, put in a new A/C unit, painted, redid the bathroom floor and put in a new sink a cabinet, repaired a lot of structural issues (thank God my FIL owns a construction business!) and then some other little things here and there. We have priced it at $65,000. We had a realtor come out at one time and talk to us about selling it and she said she would put it at $70,000, but my DH wants to try to tell it ourselves first, so we priced it at 65,000. Oh and the land is fenced in for 1-2 horses.
Considering two houses down from us the house is on a half acre lot and priced at 115,000, i think we're about right, or at least I hope so!
Looking for ideas for my own son's
graduation from high school. I'm looking for any ideas. My son will graduate this May. He will have a job waiting for him in the police department. Not going to college (yet). Hoping to get his own apartment over the summer. My parents are giving him $1,000.00 for graduation which is far more than I can afford.
Any ideas? If you say monetary gift - how much??
TIA - I'm afraid May will be here before I know it! 
Thanks for your ideas. nm
x
Some ideas
If we celebrated V-Day, which we don't because I think it's over-rated, but if we did how about this...
A night at a B&B, or
A massage by a prefessional masseuse (sp?). or
A nice plant (flowers shouldn't be just for women). or
A night at the movies/dinner.
Those would be my ideas.
here are 2 ideas
when you're in the grocery store keep your cart to one side of the aisle so others can get by.
when you are driving and you see someone's turn signal to move into your lane, don't speed up so they can't get over.
so ok, these are common sense things. but hey, some of us have been living our lives this way before anyone thought up the term 'random acts of kindness,' so if you can start thinking of other people when you're in the grocery store and driving, maybe common sense will spill over into the rest of your life and 'random acts of kindness' won't be just a fad, it will become a way of life.
Any ideas on this?....sm
I have a beagle house dog who is overweight. Well I noticed a couple of weeks ago she was limping on her back leg. She quit though and was fine. Then Wednesday night I kept hearing her crying. I would go check on her and she was laying on the couch just periodically crying. I had noticed she was limping again earlier. So I went to look at that back leg. Well when I just touched it she yelped. She was obviously in pain. I picked her up and when I did she yelped again. I put her in my bed and got a better look and it was swollen from the knee down but mostly the knee. So I put a heating pad on it and we went to bed and she laid very still and left the heating pad on her. The next day the swelling was gone, but she still was limping. So I called the vet. They said they couldn't see her until Monday. So they told me I could come in and pick up a pain/anti-inflammatory to ease the pain. I gave her that and she is on cloud nine. She is acting like nothing is wrong. I am sure the medicine is making it feel better so I am still gonna take her to the vet Monday to check it out. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this. The weird thing is my friend has a beagle to inside and he is the same age as mine, which is 5 years old, and he did the exact same thing a couple weeks ago. She gave him aspirin and he got okay but he still occasionally limps. That is weird. Any ideas?
A few ideas . . .
Homemade pizza. It tastes great and is cheaper than a lot of the better tasting frozen pizzas. Initial costs are more, especially since it works out better to buy in bulk.
Crust - yeast, flour, veg. oil, sugar, and water - $10 (should last for at least 20 pizzas).
Pizza sauce - jar - $1 (lasts for about 3 pizzas).
Mozerella Cheese - shredded or block - $2 (lasts for 1 pizza).
Pepperoni/Canadian Baccon - sliced - $8 (lasts 6 pizzas).
After the initial purchases, you are looking at a cost of about $2/pizza, especially if you can buy the cheese in bulk (works out to be cheaper) and use cheaper toppings (veggies are cheaper, as well as not presliced meat).
Simple meatloaf. That calls for an egg, a lb of burger, some stale breadcrumbs, and some seasonings. Costs about $4. Add some potatoes and some veggies. That should be enough for 2 meals. Total cost is about $10 for 2 meals.
Hotdishes aren't too bad in price.
Hashbrown hotdish . . .
1 lb of burger ($2.50), 1 lb of hashbrowns ($2.50), 1 can of cream of mushroom ($1.25), onion powder ($2), veggie of choice ($2-$3), and cheese slices on top ($3), with option of french friend onions ($3). This is enough for at least 2 meals. Total cost - $17
So just with the last 2 options, you are looking at about $30 for 4 meals. Average that amount per month for dinner, and you are looking at $240 for all your dinners for an entire month.
Or . . . if you don't mind boxed food . . . mac & cheese (2 boxes - $4), homestyle bakes ($3/box), etc.
Hot dogs, romen noodles, brats, corn dogs, etc. are quick, cheap meals.
You can even splurge and get a couple of steaks each month, and still stay within budget. Pop is super expensive, so try to stick with juice you make yourself and milk.
Junk food is super expensive. If you like snacks, popcorn (popper is only like $20) made yourself is way cheap.
If you want more ideas, feel free to e-mail me.
My family (my husband, myself, and my 18-month-old son) stay within a $500/mo budget for all household items (food, diapers - about $90/mo, clothes, toilet paper, etc.). It isn't easy, but it can totally be done.
Some ideas
Is the leg swelling one-sided? This could be worrisome for a DVT. Another thing I have typed and seen is cellulitis causing leg swelling.
Took my husband's grandmother in for this, and they first did an ultrasound to rule out DVT, which indeed was ruled out, then gave her Lasix and an antibiotic. They suspected it was cellulitis. She also had a rash, though. They suggested she wear TED hose, elevate the legs, and increase water. All is fine now. Her leg was pretty bad, though. You couldn't even make a dent with your finger on it, it was so tight.
Good luck with this, hope it's not anything worrisome.
Two more ideas
1) Um, mom, I don't quite know how to say this but... Hubby and I have rented a suite (or we're going to bring a room divider) because we plan to be hot-and-heavy every single moment that the kids are asleep. We're going to a sunny location, but we won't be needing our sunscreen, mom....
or
2) Mom, You know I'd love for you to come, but you know how possessive Hubby is, and he just won't let me bring anybody else but us. By the way, mom, do you think you could watch the kids for a week? THANKS MOMMY, YOU'RE THE AWESOMEST!
cat food
My dog eats the cat food all the time, no problems. I was actually told that when dogs are sick and won't eat it is good to give them cat food because it is so tasty to them. My cat also will eat the moist dog food with no problem. I wouldn't worry about it.
dry cat food
Please please educate yourself on your animal companion's needs when it comes to diet and nutrition, please read below article for some exceptional insight into our cats and their food requirements. This is only one site, but there are many more that support these facts.
http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/bpo_ch4.php
I don't put anything on my food....
except maybe a little salt and butter on my veggies. No ketchup, no mustard, no mayo, no syrup on my pancakes, just a tiny bit of salad dressing to taste. Been that way my entire life.
Sorry. I was only looking for the food rec
and didn't see the sad stuff.
Red food dye #5 in the food. sm
Most dog foods have red food dye in them and many labs and lab mixes are allergic to red food dye. Try finding a food without the red food dye and give it a couple of weeks. You'll probably see a HUGE difference.
pet food
Iams is giving away free pet food if you register at
iamspromise.com thought I would share for all you pet lovers
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