We are unpacked!

We moved on Halloween and I am happy to report that we are all unpacked.  Well, we have a basement of disorganization still, but we are planning to get that taken care of soon.  The main living floor is done.  My husband took my daughter out of the house for about three hours Saturday morning so I was able to just get it done.  Funny what not being interrupted every two minutes can do. My hope is to share some of my organizational strategies in the weeks ahead, including how I converted two junk drawers into a system that works well for us.  Stay tuned!

Thrifty Thursday Tip

It's baking season.  Be sure to stock up on baking goods.  They are the best deals of the year.

And remember if they are all of out something, be sure to get a raincheck.  I was in Walgreens yesterday and was hoping to get flour and raisins.  But instead I walked out with a raincheck for each and was told they had no expiration.  Plus, I have some coupons for Gold Medal Flour coming in the mail.

What's Cookin' -Shell Lasagna

I made this one up to use up some feta cheese that we have.  I've seen variations of this recipe all over the place lately, so I decided to just whip up what I thought might work.  It was so good.  My husband named it Shell Lasagna.  You can add more cheese or sauce to your liking.  These ingredients are really only guidelines.  Sometimes it's nice to be creative...

Shell Lasagna

15 jumbo shells
Tomato sauce with or without meat (use jar or homemade)
2 oz feta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)

1. Cook jumbo shells in boiling water according to package. Drain. Let cool.
2.  In bowl, mix feta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella and 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese together.
3. Stuff cheese mixture in each cooked jumbo shell.
4. Place in each stuffed shell in casserole dish.
5. Pour sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

**You can substitute ricotta cheese for feta cheese**

For more great recipes, check out the Grocery Cart Challenge!

Spin Art

I recently was in thrift store and found a salad spinner for $2.  I've been looking for one for a while now, but they are hard to find.  I think I saw one in a retail store for $30.

I followed these instruction to create some fun art.  My daughter really enjoyed spinning and squirting paint.  It's really fun and easy to do.  And I didn't find it that messy (at least compared to a toddler who will paint with her fingers for 20 minutes or longer).

Dairy-Free Recipes

I just went back and labeled those of my recipes that are free of milk, dairy-free.  If you struggle with meals for those with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, I hope you might find one or two that will work for you!!

Bed Bath and Beyond Coupons

I learned something new this weekend when I was trying to find accessories for curtains.  I had a $5 off $15 purchase coupon and a 20 percent off one item each for Bed Bath and Beyond.  Yes, that store can be a little overpriced, but sometimes they have a little better selection to choose from.  Plus I always scan the reduced rack (we purchased our sliverware from there and paid a fraction of the cost just because the wooden container that holds the silverware was cracked).

I learned this weekend that you can use multiple coupons per item you have at Bed Bath and Beyond. So if you have four 20 percent off coupons, you can use each one for four separate items.  They let me use both my $5 off and two 20 percent off coupons in the same purchase (I had an extra in my purse).  Wow!  I saved nearly $20 total.

So, get on their mailing list.  Their coupons never expire.  You can stock up and make a pretty successful shopping trip at Bed Bath and Beyond!!

I'll be back soon!

We moved this weekend and I have been up to my eyeballs in cleaning and unpacking.  I feel like I've barely gotten a start.  I will post something for Thrifty Thursday tonight or tomorrow and will be back next week for a blog a day!!  Thanks for being patient!!