Make Your Own Cereal - Everything Cereal Recipe - Save Money

I have to confess that I do not like eating breakfast until 10 am or later. I usually skip it entirely; however, I have a husband who wakes up hungry. Not only do I not like to eat it, but I also don't like to smell food cooking in the mornings. This is a problem for a hungry husband who does not eat eggs, so I try to have foods available for him to eat even if it is just homemade granola or cereals. 

I recently pulled out two of my favorite cookbooks searching for new ideas. You can find my post about cookbooks here: My Favorite Cookbooks for more details. I came across a recipe for Everything Cereal inside the More-with-Less cookbook and thought that I would give it a try. 

I made a few changes and made notes in my cookbook based on Number One
Husband's preferences. My oven cooks cereals fast, so I changed the time.

This recipe made 5 1/2 pounds of cereal for the cost of one 14 oz box of healthy cereal on sale and it is really good. This recipe can be made in smaller quantities, and you can use your favorite ingredients. I used pumpkin seeds, pecans, dates and raisins. I added a touch of brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. That reminds me I need to add 1 tsp of salt to my notes. 

I stored the cereal in 1/2-gallon mason jars and one 1/2-pint jar.
We snaked on the rest. 

I must say that this turned out really well. I even liked it, and I am not a fan of cold cereal.

I do not like milk at all. What am I going to do with five pounds of cereal you ask? I will use it as a snack, in yogurt, in fruit crisps and as topping for fresh fruits in addition to a breakfast cereal for Number One Husband. I encourage you to give it a try.

Enjoy!

Mrs. Smith

Make Your Own Homemade Lunchmeat - Save Big!

Even the cheapest lunch meats have risen to astronomical prices. Beef bologna is ringing in at an astounding $8 a pound. Add in condiments, veggies and bread and it becomes an unaffordable option. The better lunchmeats, without nitrates, ere upwards of $16 a pound. The good news is you can make your own for much less. 

I can purchase chicken breasts for $2.56 a pound. I add a little seasoning, marinade or both and viola I have homemade lunch meat. There are other options besides chicken, but we are going to focus on chicken today. 

Choose your favorite seasonings.

Choose your favorite marinade.

Or both, and let it sit in the fridge overnight or longer. The longer the wait time, the more flavorful the lunch meat will be. I used salt, pepper and chipotle for this batch.

Pan fry, grill or bake the chicken breasts. Do not overcook or the meat will be dry.  My favorite is cracked pepper and season salt. 

Slice it as thick or thin as you like.

And enjoy fresh healthy lunch meat and for less than $2.60 a pound.

Make your sandwich your way and serve it with sides like potato salad, Kimchi, sliced fruit, soup or a garden salad. This is a great method to save money, and it is an easy meal to make and take on the go. I encourage you to try it out. 

Take care,

Mrs. Smith

Trick To Save Money At The Dentist...

 

I snapped this picture of a car in the parking lot of the dental office. 

I went back to the dentist to have my crown made for my implant and adjust the first crown that I received. I can now chew on my left side and in about three weeks I will have a new front tooth. This has been a long process that started over five months ago. I am ready for this to be over and grateful that it has all gone according to plan. 

I wanted to share that I was able to get a 10% discount by paying by check. The processing fees for debit or credit cards are expensive for businesses. If you know that you are going to have a medical procedure or a large expense, ask your provider about a discount if you pay by cash or check. I saved over $400 by just asking!

Learn to do good!
Seek justice, relieve the oppressed,
defend orphans, plead for the widow.

Isaiah 1:17

Take care,

Mrs. Smith

Free or Almost Free Activities For The Whole Family...

 

During the pandemic most of us were forced to live life inside our own homes, cook in our own kitchens, and find joy in the mundane within our own walls. We were forced to take a look at ourselves and the life we were living without outside influences. 

Many people took stock of their personal relationships. Divorce and marriage rates declined; however, divorce rates went back up. Marriage rates are still 30% below pre-pandemic levels. 

Financial decisions were delayed or postponed indefinitely. Financial hardships hit the lower- and middle-class families the most. The powers that be still tout a great economy all the while the financial hardships keep getting harder and harder. 

The one thing that we learned during the pandemic was how to stay home. We also learned how to live by ourselves in the homes that we built. Houses are built, but homes are what we create inside the walls. 

Staying home during the pandemic saved a lot of families from total financial ruin. It probably

also helped some people put funds away for this rainy day that we are struggling through right now. Staying home can still save anyone who is struggling financially during this super-inflation period that we have been experiencing for the last few years.

It's not like it was during the pandemic. Children can go to school or to the local pool. We can go to church or to the park, and we can meet our family and friends inside our homes. We can socialize with each other without the fear of getting or giving a deadly plague. All these things are free of charge! 

Please stay home if you are sick!

We can break bread together. Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to spend time with others. We can have a meal together without breaking the bank. Whether it's a picnic in the park or a taco bar served at home with friends, it is the quality time spent together that counts. 

If you are struggling to make the ends meet, making these changes now can prevent certain financial ruin. Eventually, credit cards will get maxed out. Then what? Live like your life depends on it now before you lose all your options. 

If you are looking for free activities no matter the reason, you are not alone. Reach out to your friends and neighbors. Be a supportive friend and receive much needed support.

Free or Almost Free Activities

Go for a bike ride.

Dust off the gym equipment in the basement and get fit.

Go for a walk.

Take the kids to the pool or to the park.

Watch a free movie at home with popcorn.

 

Go to the library and get books to read at home.

Check out free events in your area. Pack your own snacks and food from your pantry.

Have a picnic with food that you already have.

Host a taco or pizza party in your home. If everyone brings something the cost is minimal.

Have a yard sale! Raise some cash and clean out your house at the same time. It is also a great way to meet your neighbors.

Music in the park.

Hike local trails.

Camp with the kids in the backyard.

 

Host a sleepover for the kids.

Trade overnight babysitting with your friends to enjoy a free date night at home.

Take a long soak in the tub, light some candles and relax.

Host weekly board/card games in your home. 

Have a treasure hunt for your kids.

Bake something!

Read a classic book aloud to your family like Call of the Wild.

Have a nice conversation! 

Take a free class online or in person.

 

Become a local volunteer!

These are just a few ideas on how to enjoy yourself while not spending money. Staying home is the most cost-effective way to save money. I hope that you and yours have a blessed summer!

Mrs. Smith