Day 18 of 31 days of Pinterest

OK, I admit it I am a fun mom. As many moms I know who are organic, no sugar, no dye, special diet yada yada moms that is just not me (well not all the time anyway). I do follow healthy eating plans most of the time but I allow for special food treats more than I should I am sure. While this particular treat sounds awful to me I just knew it was something my girls would love when I was taken via pinterest to this blog (when I say awful don't take that wrong I just dislike artificial fruit flavors other than banana) but these colorful treats are to cute not to make.

They are just cute, fun and colorful. You even could use something other than trix like the organic version of these that are pretty yummy or even fruity cheerios which I happen to like more than most artificial fruit. things. This blogger gave a great photo tutorial on how she made these and its basically the same as making rice crispy treats.

Day 14 of 31 days of Pinterest

When I first saw this pin. I was drooling, the organization, the frugality, the simplisity. While im no where near as organized as this blogger. I just love her set up. Totally drool worthy. As a Christain woman I bow to know one on earth but I got a flash of Waynes World Alcie Cooper scene where they bow and say "we're not worthy" This blog is jam packed with all kind of goodness.

Just look at these awesome jars.

Now firstly, I really never heard of people making their own mixes before. Sure I have made brownies, biscuts, cakes and such from scratch but the idea of jaring them and making them convienat as a box of mix is awesome. You get the goodness of homemade, healthy & cheap and the ease of  "cooking from a box" Yes, Please, and Thank you. Check out her blog here for recipes and more info.

<center><a href="http://thefantasticfrugal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Fantastic Frugal" src="http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w461/CrawMichStudios/tff31pin.jpg"/></a></center>

Day 13 of 31 Days of Pinterest

Lucky Number 13 today. I was delighted to come across this pin from this blog post I have told myself for years I really need to start once a month cooking, or even once a week cooking would be nice. I even bought myself a nice deep freeze. Let me tell you what occupies my deep freeze, Popsicles, bags of ice and frozen veggies. Such a waste. The idea of OAMC is daunting to me. I promised myself I would read a bunch on how to do it and I will start it in the beginning of June so I can enjoy the summer with my girlies. This blogger made it sound so doable she did a fantastic job showing how she prepared for this. I was surprised at the savings she had even with "shopping" in her own pantry first. Their are tons of recipes out their for this type of cooking she listed the ones she used and she had a cooking partner which is a fantastic idea. Id love to get a local friend in on this with me when I take the first steps into doing this.  I can't wait to give this a whirl using my own recipes.

So tell me, what is in your freezer! and do share your favorite freezer cooking tips, this mama needs all the help she can get... thank goodness I married a chef!

Take your daughter to work day photos

I didn't get as many photos as I would of liked, these two where awfully busy I felt I would get in the way. She mostly helped Daddy but she did wait on one table and was super excited to get a nice tip from them. The couple really enjoyed her. She asked them as they cleared the plates "did you like it" all stern like I was cracking up from my booth lol. She was a riot and has us laughing a lot.

Her favorite thing, the french fry cutter she was almost too short to reach it lol

It was really nice because she got to see what I do to (usually when the kids are in bed) I was working on the graphics for the restaurants new website and taking photos for the menu on the site. I talked to her about writing html, and how I make logos and such. Dad's stuff was way more interesting. He loved having a helper he was finished almost an hour early by having a little helper in the kitchen.

Taking menu shots was fun and made me hungry. Here is a little food eye candy for you.

Buffalo Chicken Salad YUM!

Fun Food Friday

I often see these adorable lunches made by other moms. I usually sigh, and say to myself "some people have too much time on their hands" Then, I started showing my kiddos some of this food art and saw their little faces light up and realized nope, these are just moms coming up with creative ways to get their little ones to eat healthy. While I certainly don't have the time to do this daily I aim for once a week and "Fun Food Friday" was born.

My youngest little sweety going gaga for fruit kabobs

Busy Mom Breakfasts

I'll be the first to admit that my kids love cereal and would be content with that nearly 7 days a week. It's a no effort breakfast for me because 3 out 4 of them can fix cereal with out assistance and they can help the one who does need help. I don't like to spend a lot of time on breakfast and cleanup because we have school work to get to but I have found a few easy, low clean up breakfast ideas that I have added into our morning routines with ease. Some things I have done forever and other things are wonderful Pinterest ideas.

Easy Dinners to feed 6 for about $10

Now I am writing this assuming you have some of the basic ingredients on hand like butter, condiments etc.

As a homeschooling mom with a husband who works crazy hours I don't really put a lot into our dinners. I'm sure their are some fantastic recipes for cheap meals out their but a recipe that is long or has to many steps, or to much prep is a big old turn off. It's not to say that I don't ever cook anything like that. I just rather reach for the easy, little thought, low prep meals that my family loves.

Please keep in mind I am giving price estimates, based on the products we buy in Ohio where food may be cheaper or more expensive than your regional location. All our meals feed 6 (2 adults and 4 kids, but to be fair my oldest 2 eat adult portions)