My finds this Thursday

I had the opportunity to visit Dollar Tree today. OH MY!!

I know that sometimes I go to the dollar stores and find a bunch of nothing but today..woohoo!!

I would want my girlfriend to share some great deals with me ...so here you go, girlfriend!

Water noodles- perfect for the pool season that will be here before you know it.

Garden items- gloves, spades stakes, wire...you name it!

Pots- I was really impressed with wire hanging baskets and coconut liners. (These can be so expensive at garden shops!)

Lanterns- They have the cutest paper lanterns for the patio.

Lunchables- I found a wide selection of lunchables in the fridge section.

Kids shovels and rakes- I don't know about your kidlets but mine always want to "help". We always have a hard time finding these...especially in the fall.

Outdoor eating wear- A wide variety of plates, cups, and these adorable ice cream bowels.

They have water in them so you can keep them in the freezer and they keep the ice cream cold.

Wouldn't it be cute to have a ice cream social for a kids birthday party? Then each guest could take one of these home with them?

I also spied these great large popcorn containers.

While we have these at home already, my warped mind instantly thought of Christmas. Coaches, teachers, friends, neighbors and hairdressers. All those people that you always wonder what to get. Put a large box of microwave popcorn, some boxes of candy, a gift certificate to Blockbuster or other video stores, a couple of coffee mugs, homemade tea or cocoa and homemade cookies.

Very cost effective!

Works for me Wednesday: Keeping my kids safe

I like to think I am somewhere between a helicopter mom and a "just sit there" mom.

On one hand safety is my number one priority. On the other hand I want them to learn to be safe and not by me hovering over them.

We have come up with a good system so I thought I would share!

I found four set of little cones in the $1 bin at Target. We then explained to the kids that they can play anywhere they want...just not past the orange cones.

I can tell you that they have tested the limits a couple of times. (I can also tell you that each time they have tested their limits, the bikes and sidewalk chalk was promptly put away and we went inside.) It didn't take long for them to realize that they would rather follow the orange cone rule then go inside.

I also do not have to hover as much. I can sit on my porch and enjoy watching them. I may even take a magazine outside with me, occasionally.

That works for this mama.

For more great WFMW ideas visit We are That Family!

Mama knows best: Keep sweet tea....sweet!

We as mamas have to be innovative and thrifty all in the same beat. Some how we find new ways of doing things that save us money, time and maybe if we are really blessed.... sanity!


I love me some sweet tea! I also love ice in my tea...after all its best served cold. I just hate the way it gets watered down.


A friend of mine told me that next time I make sweet tea, fill an ice cube tray (I find them in the $1 bin at Target- in fun shapes to boot.) with the tea. I then use the frozen tea cubes in my ice tea.

It keeps the tea cold and nothing gets watered down!


** I have also used this trick for bridal and baby showers. I freeze some fresh mint or fruit such as raspberries in cubes to add a little sparkle to the tea. (I especially like peaches in cubes because it flavors the tea in a lovely way.)



Do you have a money/time/sanity tip to share? E-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Menu Plan Monday: Back to the kitchen!

This is a good week! I have both kids birthday parties under my belt and now I am really ready to dig into my freezer and start a cookin!! I have posted A FABULOUS recipe at the bottom of the menu. I know it sounds different, but try it once and you will be hooked. It is scrumptious!!! Happy cookin, y'all!

Monday: BBQ pork chops, brown rice, broccoli, crescent rolls

Tuesday: Grilled sausage with potatoes and green beans (recipe follows)

Wednesday: Chicken broccoli Alfredo, garlic bread, spinach salad

Thursday: Cheeze-it chicken, mixed veggies, carrot sticks

Friday: Pizza Night, salad

Saturday: Leftover buffet- if its in the fridge you can eat it, but mama is not cookin!

Sunday: Turkey breast roast, twice baked cheesy potatoes, asparagus

Grilled Sausage with potatoes and green beans

3/4 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
1/2 pound red potatoes, quartered
1 large onion, sliced
1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon butter
1/3 cup water

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.

On a large sheet of foil, place the green beans, red potatoes, onion, and sausage. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with oil, and top with butter. Tightly seal foil around the ingredients, leaving only a small opening. Pour water into the opening, and seal.

Place foil packet on the prepared grill. Cook 20 to 30 minutes, turning once, until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender.