One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. We have something we’d like to share with you. The little man here is pretty excited about it. We’ve been asked by the folks at Alexia Foods to participate in... more

Planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or just need a fresh Mexican night to get into the warm weather season? This Cinco de Mayo menu has a little something for everyone. Ole has been out of town this week. Days seem longer when there’s no one to share in the daily duties with you, the teeth brushing, hair braiding, sheet washing, diaper changing duties that come with four kids. I instantly miss having that other person there to call on and share with. When your hands are full and you can’t... more

This past week was all about frugal meals in the Eat Well Spend Less series, and I was so excited to see everyone’s contributions. There were such great ideas, from pantry meals to budget-friendly ingredients, this group showed they know how to cook on a dime. I showed you a week’s worth of meals here at Chez Olmanson, sharing how all the meals fit together and breaking down our budget into four sections: produce, meat, dairy and eggs and whole grains and other staples like beans. ... more

Welcome to Week 1 in the Eat Well, Spend Less series. This week I’m focusing on how meal and menu planning can save you money, including where to start and what to think about as you’re planning for the most financial benefit. Food prices seem to be soaring. When I look back and think of the early days of my family’s grocery budgeting, I’m amazed at how much we could do with so very little. The dollars stretched on forever, and the sale prices were just that much lower.... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. Starting this week I’m participating in an exciting series that was spearheaded by Jessica from LifeasMOM focusing on how we can continue to feed our family without breaking... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. I spent the last two days at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago with Hoover. My family holed up in Minnesota missing me like crazy. I think. Those bacon... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. You’ll have to excuse me. I think it’s Tuesday or something. The kids had Monday off for Presidents’ Day. They had yesterday off for a teacher work day.... more