Oreo Dipping, Adult Style

I sat down to plan out my Breaking the Code blog series; I'm really excited about it & excited to see so many of you also excited...that's a lot of excitement.  I think it's going to be good.  It's mid-afternoon and I don't know about you but I always get hungry in the afternoon and need a little snack.  Sometimes I choose a healthy snack but today was not one of those days; maybe because it's Friday.

I opened the fridge to find my coffee that I didn't finish this morning and I immediately thought to pair it with something sweet.  I NEVER buy Oreos and if I do it is to make a pie crust, not to eat by themselves.  I broke one of my cardinal rules this week and bought Oreos because they were such a good deal.  (The cardinal rule is: don't buy something you don't normally buy just because it is a good deal...oops)  I got them for $1.13 a package when they're normally $2.50+.  Come on, you'd do it too, right?

Okay, so here I am with my coffee and a package of Oreos.  I thought, hey, why not dip the Oreo in the coffee?  So, I dipped the Oreo in the coffee.  It was AMAZING!  Don't get me wrong, I love dipping Oreos in milk too, but dipping my Oreo in coffee feels much more age appropriate.  My all time favorite Oreo combination is peanut butter + Oreos (I got the idea from Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan, anybody remember that?).  What's your favorite Oreo combination?

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalms 118:24

Breaking the Code, Part 1: A Deal is a Deal

In March I became a mom.  In April I slowly started doing some work from home.  In early May I started getting back into the office for a few hours at a time.  In late May, I quit my job.  It was a tough decision that I wrestled with for weeks on end.  After several discussions with my husband, we both felt it was the best decision for our family.

Abruptly changing to a one income family meant we needed to evaluate our budget and find more ways to save money.  Before that time I had never paid much attention to our food bill but once I started breaking it down I was shocked at the amount of money we spent monthly at the grocery store.  Granted, not all of that money was on food but also bathroom essentials, paper products, etc, nonetheless, it was shocking.  I think I was most shocked because we hardly eat out so I guess I magically thought that meant we didn't spend much money on food.  A change was needed.

As I tend to do, I over corrected and decided that we needed to put a cap on the food bill, cutting it by about half of what we had previously been spending.  We were not to go over one cent and if we were out of food money, then I guess we were just going to have to starve.  Well that obviously didn't work well.

Then I started to realize that when I shopped for food, I didn't really know what a "good deal" was.  The ads suggest something is a good deal by using words such as "price cut", "save", and "clearance" but were they just trying to fool me?  A deal is a deal right?  Turns out, it's an advertisement so yes, they are trying to convince you to buy their product and they will do everything they can to accomplish that goal.

To break the code and find out what really was a deal, I started to record prices of common grocery items.  Anyone who knows me knows that I love any excuse to create an Excel spreadsheet, so that's just what I did.  Here are the categories in my spreadsheet:

It's a pretty simple strategy.  Item refers to what you are buying.  Price is what you paid for it.  Size would be the weight or quantity.  Column D is not necessary but I was just curious to know what I was paying the most for in terms of price per ounce (to calculate that, you simply divide the Price (column B) by the Size (column C)).

Here are a couple of examples of how you would fill out the sheet.  If you buy a dozen eggs, you would fill it in like this, Item: Eggs; Price: $1.98; Size: 12 count; Price per oz: $0.17 each.  If you buy a box of Ritz crackers, you would fill it in like this, Item: Ritz Crackers; Price: $2.50; Size: 13oz; Price per oz: $0.19/oz.  If you buy grapes, you would fill it in like this, Item: Grapes; Price: $2.00; Size: 16oz (= 1 pound); Price per oz: $0.13/oz.  Get the picture?  This can be a long process if you only take information from your store receipts, so I decided to speed it up and start buying newspapers to get prices from the ads (Tip: Sunday newspapers have the most ads).  

**Once I started to fill the sheet with several items, I chose to sort them alphabetically.  You can do this in Excel by going to Data in the top toolbar --> Sort --> Sort by: Item; Sort On: Values; Order: A to Z --> OK.  This will put all of your items in alphabetical order so they are easier to find.**

I quickly began to see that I had consistently been paying 2-3 times more for an item than I needed to.  For example, the box of Ritz crackers that I mentioned above, it normally would cost $2.50 for a 13oz box but now I pay no more than $1.30 (that's half the price).  At Walmart (the place with all the deals right?!), you pay $2.58 for an 8.9oz box; I now pay $0.88 (that's a third of the price!).

I was shocked to find how much money I had been throwing out the window.  There are more strategies involved with how to get deals like this and I plan to reveal them over the month of March.  I hope you stay tuned, and in the mean time, start paying attention to what you're paying for items at the grocery store.  It might shock you.

A Go-To Recipe: Cuban Beans & Rice

I am a planner, especially in the kitchen.  I like to plan out my dinner menu for the week and actually write it out on a dry erase board.  I can simply look at the menu board in the morning and decide what time I'll start prepping dinner that day based on the amount of time the recipe takes to prepare.

My strategy has changed a little bit over time.  Back in the days of the honeymoon phase when it was just the two of us, I used to pick recipes I wanted to try and buy groceries based on those recipes.  Now I watch store ads, buy groceries based around the sales and then choose recipes based on what I already have.  Its much more cost effective and easier on our budget.

Most weeks work like how I described above but there are weeks like this week where we just got back from a trip and I have yet to go to the grocery store.  That means I don't have much in my fridge and I'm relying on pantry items.  For days like today I have some recipes that I always turn to, one of them being Cuban Beans & Rice from The Best of Cooking Light Everyday Favorites cookbook (page 117).  It's hearty, it's easy, it's cheap and the ingredients can be flexible.

When I don't have bell peppers on hand, I swap those for chopped carrots.  The flavor doesn't change and it still adds a burst of color.  I don't always have broth on hand but I always have bouillon (my current favorite is Better than Bouillon, it's the only bouillon I have found to not contain MSG), so in place of the broth I add an extra 2 cups water and the equivalent amount of bouillon (2 tsp in my case).  You probably don't have all the necessary spices but it's an up front cost that will pay off in the end.  One jar of spice will last you a long time and it is necessary for flavor in this recipe (especially the fennel seeds!).  I often forget to add the vinegar and diced tomatoes & green chiles after it cooks.  I have had it both ways and don't notice much of a difference in flavor.  The tomatoes & green chiles do add some vibrant color though (the picture above does not include the tomatoes & green chiles).  I personally enjoy mine with a dash of hot sauce (okay, several dashes).  The recipe in Cooking Light does not recommend the peanuts, that is my addition; I love the added crunch.

If you don't have the Best of Cooking Light Everyday Favorites cookbook, feel free to save the recipe card below.  This is a no-fail recipe, full of flavor!  It's one of my husband and I's favorite recipes and I'm proud to say that even Baby J scarfed it down tonight.  Bon Appetit!

My Top Ten for Traveling with an Infant

Baby J turns one next week.  There have been several times over the past year that I have wished for a handbook on parenthood.  Just one book with all the answers, is that too much to ask?  If there were such a handbook, one of the topics I would have looked up is “how to travel with an infant”.  In the first year of his life he has taken 7 trips, 4 by plane, 3 by car, and been to a total of 13 different states (AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, NE, OK, SD, TX and WI).   

Since there is no one handbook with all the answers, I did what every other good parent does: I went to the internet for answers and asked friends who are parents for any tips they might have on traveling.  I overloaded my brain with information and then jumped in the pool of parents traveling with babies for the first time.  Sometimes we sank, sometimes we swam, but there were definitely some items that helped keep us afloat. 

1. Pacifier Clip + extra paci -  A pacifier clip is essential for keeping the pacifier off the floor and in safe keeping.  Although it's pretty good, the clip is not 100% foolproof at keeping the pacifier germ-free so when it does make contact with something dirty, just switch it out with the backup paci.  *I bring multiple backups because you never know when one might get lost and in my experience you NEVER want to be without a paci.
2. Snap N Go Universal Infant Car Seat Stroller - If you are traveling with an infant car seat, this is essential.  It is the easiest way to get through the airport with a baby and the easiest stroller to travel with in the car because it takes up so little room.  I also found it useful to run errands around town.  This has been one of our most used baby items and I can't emphasize how essential it is for traveling!
3. Ergo Carrier - If you are flying but not bringing an infant car seat, a baby carrier is a must.  It's an easy way to carry baby through the airport while keeping your hands free to roll a luggage bag.  My baby is a squirmer (his nickname is Wiggle Buns) so I need something to reign him in while I'm walking through crowds of people.  Although he sometimes fights the carrier, he eventually gives up the struggle and enjoys the ride.  *This is also helpful if you are traveling alone with a baby, don't have a stroller and need to go to the restroom. I learned that the hard way one time but luckily the janitor lady held Baby J while I quickly went potty. When you have to go, you have to go.
4. Car seat/Stroller Gate Check Bag - If you are traveling with a car seat or stroller, you won't want to be without these bags.  They are useful for many reasons.  First and foremost, they keep your car seat and stroller clean (luggage compartments on planes are far from clean).  Two, they identify your car seat and stroller (there is a place on the bag to write your information in permanent marker).  Three, they are obvious as to what they hold and bright red so the plane attendants often unload them first which means you don't have to wait as long on the jet bridge.  We considered several types of car seat bags, some with wheels, some $100+, but in the end we were very happy with these and according to my husband they are easy to carry with the handle that is attached.
5. Backpack with easy access side pockets - We have an over the shoulder diaper bag that works for every day occasions but when it comes to traveling, I need something bigger and with more pockets.  For flying, I particularly like to have secure side pockets like the netted ones in the picture.  The back pack needs to be able to hold diapers, wipes, clothes (see #10), bottles, food (see #8), entertainment (see #7), wallet, phone, etc.  When flying, I try to have Baby J sucking or swallowing on take off or landing to help his ears deal with the pressure changes.  Sometimes that meant nursing (see #9) or sucking on a paci, but sometimes it meant taking a bottle.  The netted side pockets were perfect for bottle storage!  I could get to them fast, put them away easily and if they were to spill, it wouldn't get on anything else in the bag.   
6. 2-sided blanket - I quickly came to the conclusion that diaper changing pads that come with diaper bags are just a waste of space.  For traveling I would much rather have a 2-sided blanket because it can be used for comfort, warmth, privacy (see #9) and diaper changes.  By 2-sided I mean that it has sides with two very different prints of fabric.  I like this feature because then I strictly reserve one side for germy surfaces (diaper changing stations) and the other side for Baby J to touch & cuddle with.  
7. Phone or Tablet - Every time I saw a parent letting their child play with their phone or tablet I immediately judged them and thought they were using it as a cop out for entertainment so they wouldn't have to play with their children.  That was before I became a parent.  I have now walked in their shoes and have resulted in the same decision.  Although it's not a toy that I let Baby J play with often at home, I will use it in public places to spare others the sound of a crying baby.  To the parents who came before me and did the same thing, thank you.  
8. Favorite snack - Once babies reach the age where they can eat solid foods, you should never go anywhere without snacks.  Baby J started with puffs and Cheerios, then transitioned into bananas, yogurt melts, Goldfish and Ritz crackers.  Snacks keep a tummy full, a baby occupied and help pass the time.
9. Nursing Camisole + Cardigan - If you are a nursing mom, this is the most convenient clothing to wear for travel.  To make it even easier, wear a nursing camisole with built-in cups so that you don't have to wear a bra.  The nursing camisole provides the easiest and quickest access for nursing while the cardigan acts as a cover up and extra privacy.  Sometimes the nursing cover wasn't always convenient to grab or added too much bulk in an airplane seat that is already cramped.  Instead I would choose the window seat so Papa J could help provide privacy and just use my cardigan or the blanket (see #6) to prevent any exposure.
10. Extra change of clothes (baby & mom) - A friend gave me this advice and I'm glad she did.  The first time we flew with Baby J he pooped and had a blowout.  Unfortunately the blowout leaked on to my lap and we both needed a change of clothes.  Although we couldn't do anything about the mess until we got off the plane, it was nice to have poop-free clothes to change into.  Since we're on the subject, it's also good to bring a grocery sack or trash bag to put the poopy clothes in, and maybe a Tide pen or Spray-n-Wash wipe because baby poop has been known to stain.  

Below is a summary of the travel we have done, what type and at what age.  It also states whether I would choose that method of travel again or if I think the other type would have been better.

Bon Voyage!!

Award for Best Valentine

The award for best valentine this year goes to my husband.  Hands down.  No contest.  He is always gracious and giving but this year he went over the top.  It all started Wednesday night...

Wednesday:  A surprise announcement that Papa J had a 4 day weekend.  Even 1 day off over a weekend is hard to come by in the life of a college football coach, let alone a FOUR day weekend so that put me on top of the world.  

Thursday:  This year we opted to make our cards instead of buying them at the store.  We take different approaches to this.  Papa J made mine on the computer, very digital and perfect with a twist of humor.  Baby J and I made ours for Papa J with pieces of scrap paper, glue, an ink pad, thumb prints, well, you get the idea, very kid friendly and cute.  Next to my card was a beautiful bouquet of flowers from none other than my baby boy.  He already has a keen taste for floral arrangements I must say.   

His gift: a surprise trip to El Paso, TX in June to see our good friends and their new baby girl.  My gifts: one was to be revealed Friday night and the other on Saturday afternoon.  How exciting, I love surprises!!

Friday: I woke up with anticipation for what the day would hold.  I even painted my nails pink glitter on top of pink just to show my excitement for the Valentine's holiday.  The day was relaxed, full of time to run errands, cross things off my to do list, and generally be worry free because Papa was home and there was an extra set of eyes on Baby J.  I have been known to be late to many functions over the years and can still be found guilty of that, but not when it comes to a date night with my man.  I start getting ready hours in advance and when the time comes, I am ready to hit the door because when you have a baby sitter lined up, you take advantage of it.  After dropping Baby J off, we made our way to the nearby town of Flandreau, SD to try a local joint called Mad Mary's.  

I love trying new restaurants and this one had been on my radar for over a year so bonus points to Papa J for making it the restaurant of choice.  They are known for their steaks so we both indulged in filet mignon wrapped in bacon.  It was delicious and perfectly cooked!  With no curfew from our baby sitter we made our way to the local movie theater (which recently turned digital, woot woot) and watched The Lego Movie.  It was very funny but something I'll have to watch again because I slept through 1/3 of it.  I just can't do movies past 9pm anymore (man that makes me sound old).  

Saturday:  This day started with my surprise for Papa J, the final Valentine's treat: chocolate covered strawberries.  They are his favorite!  

The afternoon surprise was a trip to the spa for an ultimate spa pedicure, 45 minute facial and 60 minute massage, oh and lets not forget the most important part, 3 hours of no crying babies.  Awwww, bliss.  It was spectacular!  The service was great.  The environment was relaxing.  I just wish I could have stayed longer, but I'm glad I didn't because there was another surprise waiting for me at home.  While I was gone, Papa J had cleaned the WHOLE house, even scrubbed the toilet and shower.  I was blown away.  

Even if he had asked me what I wanted for Valentine's Day I don't think I could have come up with all of this.  It was beyond perfect.  It was exactly what I needed.  HELP WITH BABY J + QUALITY TIME WITH MY LOVE + HELP AROUND THE HOUSE + ALONE TIME all risen to the power of a bouquet of beautiful flowers = one happy mommy who will be cherishing this Valentine's day for years to come.  Thank you honey!!!