So, I asked Joe to do a cost breakdown on our meals. Pricing each ingredient and figuring the cost per person.I asked him to do it because...well....he like numbers, and well, I don't. But, I wanted him to do it because:

1: I needed to be convinced that it really is cheaper than eating out.

2: I needed some encouragement and motivation to keep on cooking.

I already know that the food I cook at home is far superior in nutrition than fast food or even convenience foods from the grocery store. But cooking from scratch takes a lot of time and effort and sometimes I just need a reminder that it is  really worth it. On nights when I am really tired and just want to buy a $10 pizza from Costco....I need to know that cooking at home is much better in every way.

Well, I was actually blown away! I did not really think It would be THAT  cheap. Here are some examples of some of the meals we priced:

Split pea (this is a good one to make a big batch of and freeze)

Ham hocks                        1/2lb $1.50
split peas                           4c  $0.65
Onion                                 1/2 $0.15
garlic                                  2cloves $0.01
celtic sea salt                   2T $0.12

Total      $2.33  $0.33 per person (7)

Roast chicken (We ussually only eat half the chicken and then have meat left over and bones for broth)

Whole chicken                   4lbs. $3.96
onion                                   1 $0.29
Sliced potatoes    1           lbs. $0.30

Total      $3.55   $0.51 per person (7)

Here are some breakfast examples:

OATMEAL
Thick rolled oats              7 cups $0.73
Brown sugar                     2 oz. $0.06
Raw Butter                        2 oz. $1.25  
Raw cream                      1/2 pt. $0.75
Blue Berries(optional)   1/4 lbs.$0.27 
 
Total      $3.06  $0.51 per person (6 hubby is not home for breakfast)

Our Total     $1.06  $0.17 per person (6) (This is our total using our own cream from our cow, basically free because we sell milk to come out even)

DUTCH PUFF
eggs (8)                                8  $2.00
1.5 cups wheat berries)   1.5 cups$1.65
2 cups milk                           2 cups $0.75
.5 cup butter                          1/2 cup $0.50
brown sugar syrup(1/8 butter 1/2brown) 1/4 cup $0.16

Total      $5.06  $0.84 per person (6)
Our Total     $1.74  $0.29 per person (6)(with our own dairy and eggs)

This still just blows me a way! People wonder how we make it on one income...well...cooking from scratch and owning our own food producing animals is how. You really should do a cost breakdown on your meals. Even if you do not cook completely from scratch I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Or maybe you will be able to see some ways to cut costs.

For some frugal inspiration.....visit Biblical Womanhood.

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So, I have been walking exactly twice since I mentioned the need last friday. Not bad if I do  say so myself. Each week I am sure it will get a little better. But, I have had to abandon the whole "taking all five kids with me" thing. I mean, really, what was I thinking? Sure, they love to walk with me, but probably not daily. And a nature walk (stopping every two minuets to stuff our pockets and stroller with dead leaves and heavy rocks) is not really what I am going for. Sure, I will still take walks with kiddos in tow...but for exercise something different needed to happen.

Well, I decided  to take advantage of when hubby is home. Last Monday was his day off and I got the opportunity to walk with a friend. Sure I still took two kiddos with me...but all I had was a stroller and not a backpack and two on foot. Now...this is not something I will do very often (leave hubby on his day off to walk with a friend) but it sure  was a  fun way to kick things off. Now we have decided on a bit of a new routine. Hubby gets home about 3:30. So, I will take the two youngest for a stroll  power walk around the block while he tackles some projects with the older ones as helpers. This works. I get a good walk in and the kiddos get a little more individualized time.

For more things that work. Go Here.

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Okay, so here it is. I'll admit it. I have a really hard time letting my littles help me in the kitchen. I like having my space and feel hindered when there are four chairs and eight hands impeding my progress. Especially when two of those hands are toddler hands cheerfully putting egg shells in the pan for me. So....Instead of kicking them all out and forever condemning them to a life lacking kitchen skills, I came up with something that I like so much better. And really, I think that they do too.

They take turns. I have one helper at a time. It is nice one on one time and I can have the helper do things according to his or her skill level. And I am not going crazy trying to keep my potatoes from boiling over while taking said toddler out of the oven.

If you are part of a growing family and need help. Go Here.

If you would like to check out some inspiring kitchen tips. Go Here.

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I am writing this post as a little accountability to myself. You see, I am on my sixth pregnancy and with each I have added a few pounds to my frame. Well those pounds are adding up. At the end of my last pregnancy I felt awful, I could hardly move.

So, here is what I am gonna do. It is simple...I am going to go on a daily walk with the children. Revelutionary, I know. But really, I need to keep it simple or the chances of me not doing it are really high. If I tell the kiddos we are going to do this...they will not let me off the hook. Children are such great motivaters. It is also of a benefit to them....It is school really............PE and a nature walk all in one. Actually it could even be considered social studies as we observe people and homes while walking through the nieghborhood.

So, How do I go on a walk with five young children? Well, I have done it before, so I know it can be done. I have a double stroller and a backpack. Baby in the pack and the 2 and 3 year old in the stroller. the older two can walk. They need to burn some energy anyway. And the backpack and stroller make up for the slower pace I have to keep.

So, I think the main thing is making this a non optional part of my day and actually I think It will become easier the more I do it. I think I might do this right after breakfast...then we will come in for bible time, Thus having  calm and slightly tired out children. Okay,I am getting excited! Also, another benifit will be the possible shorter and easier labor and the ability to shed pounds after the baby is born.

Any other motivating thoughts for me?

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Have you ever had rice pudding for breakfast? We just did, and all I can say is: yummy! This comfort food is an excellent way to kick off the day. Here is how I did it:

I started with leftover brown rice from dinner (about 3cups). Then I put it in a pot with about 2cups milk. Cooked this on med heat untill the rice softened and the mixture started to thicken. Then I added 1/2 c. sugar (but could've done less). I cooked that untill nice and creamy and then added 1c. cream mixed with two beaten eggs. This stayed on the heat untill a litte thicker. When done I stirred in 1T butter  and a little vanilla. Serverd over frozen strawberries to quickly cool it.

MMMMMM. ...Great diversion from oatmeal. The baby cannot stop licking the bowl....niether can I for that matter.

Check out some  ideas over here!

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A few years back I was at a Pampered Chef party and they had this cool garlic press. The thing about it was that you did not have to peel your clove before you stuck it in. You just smooshed it and out came the flesh while the skin stayed inside. Well, a couple of weeks ago I was watching a cooking show and she did this with her regular old press and said that you don't have to peel garlic for any press. And here,this whole time, I was missing out. So, I tried it in my run-of-the-mill press and guess what! It works! Just stick the garlic clove in there skin and all.... out comes the good stuff while the skin stays in.

This has definantly inspired me to use more garlic in my cooking because of the ease. That is a good thing because garlic is sooooo good for us.

For more info on the health benefits of garlic.

For more great kitchen tips!

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