Coconut-Pecan Frosting

I shared last week that I was grateful for another birthday. This week, I want to give you my grandmother’s recipe for the coconut-pecan frosting on the cake that my husband made for my sister and I this year. The cake was wonderful!

Coconut-Pecan Frosting
1 c. evaporated milk
1 c. sugar
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
¼ lb. of butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1- 1/3 cups coconut
1 c. chopped pecans

Combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter or margarine, and vanilla in a saucepan. Boil over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture thickens, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Add coconut and pecans and beat until cool and of spreading consistency.

You will love this great Menu Plan Monday frosting!!

-Robin

Join us this week for Thrifty Thursday!

Happy Sunday!

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 KJV

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to spotlight childhood cancer and survivorship issues related to childhood cancer nationally. I would like to take this time to remember and say a prayer for all of the children and families that deal with cancer every day.

Any money donated to help a family in need is a wonderful gift. Let’s remember these special children and their families this month and every month of the year.

-Robin

Family Friday - Mini Golf

One of our favorite family activites is miniature golf. Here in the Midwest, it is definitely a seasonal activity, so we are trying to squeeze in a few more rounds before winter comes.

The added benefits to the game include family time, lots of laughs, and we can sneak in some educational moments as well. We have our children keep score and add up the totals at the end. Seeing who comes in first can make even math fun!

Does your family enjoy mini golf?

-Julie

Thrifty Thursday- Buying in Bulk

One of the things I love most about being a homemaker, other than the family, is balancing the budget. We run a pretty tight budget around our house when it comes to material things and supplies. I have found that we save a lot of money by buying in bulk.


The last time I went to Costco, I saved money on bread, cereal, light bulbs, coffee, and milk. We have found that if you go to Costco and buy their generic brand you save the most money. Costco also puts out coupons about once a month for special deals. Here is my bulk buying, money saving techniques:


Bread is bought in double loaves. We freeze one loaf and use one loaf.


Milk is $1.00 cheaper per gallon than at our grocery store. We buy all that we will need in a 2 week time period. Some people freeze milk, but we do not.


Meat is bought in large trays, so we bring it home and repack it using our food saver.


Chicken- Fresh chicken is usually not cheaper. This is more of a convience item for us. The grocery store sales are much better. Frozen chicken is cheaper or about the same price as the grocery store.


Salmon is a great deal if you buy a large tray and repack it in portion sizes.


Cereal is cheaper unless you go to the grocery store with a handful of coupons.


#10 gallon cans of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes are much cheaper. I make my own spaghetti sauce with these and freeze it.


Oatmeal is usually cheaper in bulk.


Baking goods are usually cheaper- powdered sugar, brown sugar, flour, and chocolate chips. These are all easy to store and great if you buy them just before the holiday season. Then, you can use some and store some.


Spices are cheaper in bulk.


When you shop wholesale you will usually get a good deal. The best thing to do is compare prices and sale prices at your grocery to your wholesale store. You will probably find that some things are cheaper and some things are not worth the addition space that is needed to store your items. What items do you find are cheaper in wholesale stores?


-Robin

What idea do you have to share for Thrifty Thursday? You can find details on how to participate here.

Paper Bag Books

I have a very thrifty craft idea that Works For Me. We often make paper bag books. The kids use them for gathering treasure on nature walks and as scrapbooks for special memories. They couldn't be easier, so I thought I would share the steps.

Begin with a few paper lunch bags. You will get two pages per bag since you will be folding them in half. We usually use four. Alternate the folded end left and right (photo 1). This will give you flaps and pockets on alternating sides once you assemble your book.

Fold all of your bags in half and punch holes on both sides of the fold, top and bottom (photo 2).

Run a piece of ribbon or string thru the holes to the outside of the bags (photo 3). Tie the ribbon in a knot to hold your book together.

Decorate your cover and interior pages (photo 4). A simple sheet of stickers from the craft store and some photos can make a fabulous scrapbook. Hand the kids a glue stick and let them loose! For a nature album, they can slide their finds into the pockets and folds and jot notes of the things they see during your walks.

I hope that you enjoy making your own paper bag albums!

-Julie

Another Birthday

Today, I am so grateful for another birthday! My twin sister and I celebrated a big 30th birthday with family this past weekend. I always thought that I would be sad to kiss my 20s good-bye, but I am so glad to be where I am in my life with good friends, great family, and my own growing family.

It was especially great to spend time with my twin. Birthdays have always been a special time for us. She visits me or I visit her and we get to celebrate together. This Gratituesday, I am so grateful for a healthy and happy birthday with family. Life only gets better with time!

-Robin