Freezer-Pleaser

Today I decided to clean out the fridge. We are going to be gone most of the weekend. So I had to decide what I needed to use or prep before it would go bad. After a overview of what I had to use. I decided that it would be best to go ahead and prep and freeze some of my fresh produce. I just didn't think it would last much longer.

Here is what I did.

I washed and cut Green Peppers, Red Onions, Sweet Onions, and Strawberries. I then placed my cut up produce in a even layer on trays lined with waxed paper. I then patted the produce dry with a paper towel. After they were fairly dry I placed the trays in the freezer to flash freeze. After flash freezing I placed everything into freezer bags.

I also made croutons you can click here to read my post on making your own croutons. I try not to waste anything. Freezing has come in handy so many times. I have often bought more produce than I was able to use. This also comes in handy when you find rock bottom prices on produce that needs to sell ASAP. Freezing will give you some extra time to use it. Just about everything can be frozen with the right method.

*Note: If you try to skip the process and just put your cut up produce in a bag before flash freezing. It will freeze together in big clump. (Yes, I this know from experience.)

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

I quit buying microwave popcorn about 2 years ago (unless I can get it for free or really cheap) and started making my own.

Here is how I make it. You will need a brown paper lunch bag, a clip like the one in the photo, popcorn, and desired toppings.

• Put about 1/3 cup popcorn into paper bag.
• Close top of bag with clip (you do not need oil).
• Pop in microwave on regular popcorn setting ( when popping slows down remove).
• Top with salt and melted butter.
• Enjoy

Frugal living Why do it?

I was reading one of my favorite blogs and came across this post and I had to share it with you. I have a passion to save the most money I can and share my journey with all my followers. Money is tight and I want to continue to be a stay at home mom. This post summed up my feelings on why you should live on less.

What do you do with left over bread?

Make Croutons !

Here's the deal I can not throw anything away. So I save all my left over bread (buns, crusts from sandwich bread I cut into dinosaur shapes for my son) and store it in the fridge until I have a large bag full. The rest is easy.

• Cut bread into cubes.
• Drizzle with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings (I use Italian seasoning).
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Mix bread gently until evenly coated.
• Spread bread out on baking pan.
• Bake at 300 stirring often until bread is crispy.