This is my updated list of our favorite Family Tradition Ideas for Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to check back here for more inspiration and ideas for all your holidays and celebrations.

Often, the fondest childhood memories stem from family traditions that are lovingly repeated throughout the years. Family traditions have family at the center of a celebration spending time together and creating last memories. I always refer to traditions as the “we all” of family. “We always” do this on….

If you haven’t already established some creative “We all” Valentine’s Day traditions, why not start one this year? You know that the little things are often the big things and those big things don’t have to be expensive. Here are some inexpensive ways you can start a special Valentine’s Day tradition with the family. Click on the highlighted link to bring you to each creative, yet inexpensive idea to make this year magical.

1. Start today and engage your family’s creativity and sense of excitement by beginning the My Secret Valentine tradition leading up to the 14th.

2. Engage the power of encouraging words with the Ten Things I Love about you free printable cards. (Great printable for any time of the year.)

3. One of my children’s favorites is our Treasure Hunt of Love. I have mixed this up for different holidays, and it’s always such a blast. Read about it here: Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt of Love.

4. For years, our children enjoyed decorating their Valentine’s Day jar and attempting to go “above and beyond” what’s been asked with our Hearts of Loving Kindness Family Tradition idea. Focusing on character building, as well as the fun stuff makes family time that much more intentional. This idea can also be used at any time of the year.

5. Spend an extra few minutes this Valentine’s Day and start the day with these special Valentine’s Day Love Muffins.

6. Sometimes it’s just the little things that make a huge difference, such as these heart shaped ice cubes,

or making this easy Sour Cream Banana Cake. If you have run out of time and realize you want to do something special, but only have about five minutes to whip it up, try this recipe. It’s a keeper.  It’s semi homemade, but allows you to use those free cake mixes that you may have stockpiled recently.

Would you like to make breakfast extra special, but So easy? Tie this Easy Valentine’s Day Breakfast tradition idea into play (and even use store bought muffins.)

For some extra special ideas, check out Once Upon a Family’s Site with gift ideas for Building Loving Relationships and Anniversary (perfect for V-day).

Want some help with the groceries this month?
Enter to win a $50 Walmart gift card as well.

The thought of taking the night off from cooking dinner sounds so wonderfully appealing right now.

Nine times out of ten, if my husband asks me where I want to go out to eat, it’s Cracker Barrel. I’ve shared my devotion to that restaurant here on my blog many times, and my love of them runs deep. The memories that our family has from our years of eating there always causes me to smile and sigh.

You see, I am not a fancy, gourmet type, eat out kind of girl.  Just give me a choice of down home goodness any day and I am so very content. Match that with the fact that I can browse the gift shop, play checkers and sit by the big roaring fire while I wait, and I am more than happy.

I don’t really know why we even look at a menu anymore. Five out of the seven of us chose the same entree each time. Peach pancakes, Uncle Hershel’s Breakfast, Grilled Chicken Tenderloin and lots of Hash-brown Casserole can always be found around our table.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it, and I bet looking at my pictures causes you to do the same.

One of my fortunate readers is going to win a $100  Cracker Barrel Gift Basket filled with some of their favorite products. Do you see the above basket? Yes, I already received one and you are going to get the same thing. It’s so fun!

Since it’s Tasty Tuesday, and I know many of you love kitchen products, not only will you receive fun food items, but you will also receive one of their Cast Iron pans. I’m slowly purchasing a variety of  sizes for my Cast Iron collection because theirs nothing better than a loved and fully seasoned skillet.

If you don’t live close to a Cracker Barrel, most of these items are on sale online. A  fun new fact that I didn’t know is that you can visit any Cracker Barrel location and handpick items from the store to fill a basket with games, sweet treats or goodies. They’ll wrap and decorate the custom-made basket or bundle at no additional cost, and that really makes a great gift.

One Winner will receive this $100 Gift Basket from Cracker Barrel:

Lodge Logic Skillet
Cracker Barrel Pancake Mix
Cracker Barrel Natural Syrup
Cracker Barrel Coffee
Rocking Chair Mug
Cracker Barrel Spiced Apple Butter
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Jumbo 3-in-1 Jumbo Checkers
Traditional Peg Game
Cracker Barrel Peanut Brittle
Moon Pies
GooGoo Supreme
Cracker Barrel Pecan Log
Cracker Barrel Praline Fudge
Bob’s mint sticks
Thin sticks

You have four chances to win, but only one entry is necessary to win.

1) When was the first time you ever went to the Cracker Barrel? If you haven’t, what fun foods, candy or Cast-iron Cookware would you like to try from their site?

(Note: Scroll to the bottom of this post and click “Post Comment”. You must be on my site – you can’t do this through a reader.)

2) Follow me on Twitter @beautyandbedlam and/or @crackerbarrel and tweet:

Enter to win a $100 @crackerbarrel Gift Basket from Balancing @beautyandbedlam http://beautyandbedlam.com/tag/giveaways/ #giveaways #food

3) “Like”  my Balancing Beauty and Bedlam’s Facebook Fan page or Cracker Barrel’s page (if you already do, promote this contest on your page)

4) Subscribe to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam by email or in a reader and stay on top of all of my daily posts! If you already subscribe, please leave a separate comment letting me know that you are currently a subscriber (thank you!).

Entries for this giveaway will close on February14 at 11:59 pm. The winning entry will be selected via random.org. The winner will be contacted directly and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

So now that you are all entered, what are you cooking up for Tasty Tuesday? I can’t wait to be inspired, right after I dive into my pure maple syrup and pancakes, that is.

Please follow my simple guidelines for Tasty Tuesday which include linking directly to your recipe post and not your home page url, avoid linking up to the “carnival” you host, as well as linking back to my blog, so that everyone can join in the fun.

Every guest enters our home through our laundry room/mud room/junk room. It’s one of those nemesis in life that I have finally come to terms with, and a prime example of the physical necessity in balancing beauty and bedlam.

I’ve done everything I possibly can do make over that small area and give it a touch of class, from fresh coats of paint to hanging a beautiful laundry room chandelier, but if I don’t stay on top of that room, the fragrant assault when one steps over the threshold and no amount of beauty can make up for the damage done.

So when I was asked to review the new Glade® Expressions™ fragrance mist and the new Glade® Expressions™ oil diffuser it was a new brainer. Many of you have seen pictures of my stockpile, and Glade products are there in abundance. They always have great sales, and paired with some high dollar coupons (grab a $1.50 printable coupon here), it’s one of the most practical ways of ushering friends and family members into a haven with the Welcoming Scent of Home, rather than the “three teen age boys who just worked out” smell.

The main thing I noticed right away is how they have customized their new products to not only smell wonderfully, but to make a statement in the home decor.  Not only did every single one of my kids and my hubby walk in and mention how great our laundry room smelled (with no knowledge that I placed the oil diffuser in there), but my daughter exclaimed how cute it was.

It’s been a week now since I placed the Pineapple – Mango oil diffuser in that room and the long lasting fragrance is still going strong – no electricity needed and easy to refill.

Best yet? You all get the chance to try it out as well, with my $50 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway.

One reader will win a $50 Walmart Gift Card

You have four chances to win, but only one entry is necessary to win.

1) What room do you need the Welcoming Scent of Home?

2) Follow me on Twitter @beautyandbedlam and tweet:

Enter to win a $50 @walmart Gift Card from Balancing @beautyandbedlam http://beautyandbedlam.com/tag/giveaways/ #giveaways

3) “Like”  my Balancing Beauty and Bedlam’s Facebook Fan page (if you already do, promote this contest on your page)

4) Subscribe to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam by email or in a reader and stay on top of all of my daily posts! If you already subscribe, please leave a separate comment letting me know that you are currently a subscriber (thank you!).

See contest rules for details.

Last week I happened upon this two year old photo. If there’s one thing that’s been a constant in our home, it’s the way our eldest always has his little sister’s best interest at heart.

He cares for her. He dotes on her, and he helps model how other boys should treat her. Yet as he gets older, and his schedule gets busier, I fear that his priorities might change, and his desire to care for her in the same way might wane.

So imagine how my momma heart melted when I walked into the family room this week, and saw the two of them taking a twirl on our “dance floor.”

Eight and eighteen years old, magic happens when siblings engage and invest in each others lives.

The impact of the older siblings on the younger ones affect their self esteem, their social behaviors, their friendships and relationships.

Moms, take heart. (I speak to myself on this one.) This is hard work. It doesn’t just happen.

It’s worth the investment of time it takes to develop and engage the hearts of your children, and point it towards their siblings.

In the midst of loud arguments, in the midst of the rash decisions, we continually remind our children that friendships come and go, but their siblings will always be there for them.

That mentality has to start at home. It has to be nurtured and given wings, and often it means making tough decision which then gives the time necessary to allow that to happen.

Fight for that family time. Fight for that Meal Time. Fight for Unity.

In the midst of “brotherly love” and those physical signs of “affection”, we fight for those relationships. We remind them it’s not about competition or comparison, but about TEAM.

In the midst of  hurt feelings or miscommunication, we continue to teach our child to apologize, and fight for reconciliation.

In the midst of yelling at each other, which ironically happened in the middle of writing this post, we fight for peace and open communication.

And in those  moments that are leading towards a mommy meltdown,

we take heart, because during that extremely hard day, one just might walk into the midst of  Cinderella’s Ball and know that every moment is worth it.

Invest the time. Be purposeful in their interaction. We won’t regret it.

There are tons of great new printable coupons that have been reloaded for the month. Print then now before they are gone. I’m highlighting just a few of the organic coupons that are available.

$10 off $10 Order at Vitacost. Yes, this is our family’s new favorite place to shop. For more info, see my last post about Vitacost and how you can shop for it through Ebates for a greater savings.

I’ve enjoyed these free downloads all year. They have some great ideas.

Download a Free Valentine’s Day Craft Book.

Click Here to Download a free Mr. Food Valentine’s Day desserts e-book.

Download a free Superbowl Appetizer E-book from Recipe Lion. Love having them in all one place. If you receive the recipe newsletters, you may just opt out.

Once Upon a Family offers  really special gifts for any special occasion, but specifically, the Love Collection is 50% off.  (Shop Once Upon a Family for a Date Night Deck, Love Notes Box, I Love You Pillow, Silk Heart Album, Love Tags and More.)

Online Deals: Remember to check my on-line coupon data base any time you shop online. There are always savings available.

20% off Kohl’s order Expires today
Use Deal Code: SMS7873 to receive an additional 20% off your entire order at Kohl’s

25% off Gap order TODAY only
Use Deal Code: GAPEVENT to receive 25% off total order. Expires 2/4

$75 OFF order at New York and Company
Use this code at checkout to get a $75 discount on orders of $150 and up: 1523. Expires 2/7

20% off Macy’s order
Use Deal Code: RED for 20% off entire Macy’s order which includes some great sale and clearance prices. expires 2/5

15% off I-800 Flowers Use Deal Code: DEALPRO15 at checkout for an additional 15% off your order.

25% off Teleflora order Use Deal Code:EMCS25 at the checkout to receive additional 25% off order.

Top In Store Retail Coupons:

Bath & Body Works Coupon Free Anti-Bac with $10 Purchase (exp: 2/5/2012)
Build A Bear Coupon $5 Off $25 Purchase (exp: 2/14/2012)
Cache Coupon $25 Off $125 Purchase (exp: 2/6/2012)
Express Coupon $25 Off $75 OR $50 Off $150 Purchase (exp: 2/5/2012)
Family Christian Coupon 30% Off Entire Regularly Priced Purchase (exp: 2/19/2012)
Family Dollar Coupon $5 Off $25 Purchase (exp: 2/5/2012)
Hallmark Store Coupon Buy 1 Hallmark Card Get 1 Free (exp: 2/15/2012)
Kohl’s Coupon 15% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 2/5/2012)
Lane Bryant Coupon $25 Off $75 Purchase (exp: 2/27/2012)
Mens Wearhouse Coupon 25% Off Outwear Clearance Purchase (exp: 2/5/2012)
New York & Company Coupon $35 Off $75 or $75 Off $150 Purchase (exp: 2/6/2012)
Old Navy Coupon $15 Off $75 Purchase (exp: 2/16/2012)
Staples Coupon 15% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 2/6/2012)
The Childrens Place Outlet Coupon 20% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 2/7/2012)
Ulta Coupon $3.50 Off $10 Purchase (exp: 2/11/2012)
Walgreens Coupon $5 Off $35 Purchase When You Take Daily Feats Quiz on Facebook (exp: 2/15/2012)
Yankee Candle Coupon Buy 2 Regularly Priced Large Jar Candles Get 1 Free (exp: 2/20/2012)

Top Restaurant Coupons (all Printable):

Baskin Robbins Coupon Buy 1 Cone Get 1 Free (exp: 2/5/2012)
Burger King FREE Onion Rings on 2/4 & 2/5
Einstein Bros Bagels Coupon $4 Off Bagel Bucket When You Pre-Order for Super Bowl Weekend (exp: 2/6/2012)
Evos Coupon Buy 1 Value Meal Get 1 Free (exp: 2/14/2012)
Logans Roadhouse Coupon Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree on 2/5 Only
Marie Callender’s Coupon Buy 1 Entree and 2 Beverages Get 1 Entree 1/2 Off (exp: 2/29/2012)
McAlister’s Deli Coupon Buy 1 Entree and Receive 6 Valentine’s Coupons for Free Kids Meal WYB 1 Entree (exp: 2/14/2012)
Mimis Cafe Free Cup of Soup with Any Purchase When You Wear Red on 2/3 (exp: 2/3/2012)
Planet Hollywood Coupon $10 Off $20 Food & Drink Purchase (exp: 6/30/2012)
Quiznos Coupon Buy 1 Sub or Salad Get 1 Chip or Cookie and Fountain Drink Free (exp: 2/8/2012)
Smokey Bones Coupon $10 Off $20 Purchase (exp: 2/4/2012)
Souper Salad Coupon $5.79 Buffet (exp: 2/14/2012)
Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen Coupon Buy 1 Cheese Slice Get 1 Free (exp: 2/29/2012)

Thanks to Surviving the Stores for help with the restaurant coupons.

A few years ago, I distinctly remember a period of time when any day I actually got out of my sweats, my children inquired as to where we were going. I am one of those who really like being comfy, yet I know that how I dress affects how I act.

When I sleep in sweats and then never get out of those sweats throughout the day (cough, cough, not that I am admitting to ever doing that), it sets the tone for the day.  I am more sluggish, more lazy and somehow that emotional state can spread to another day.

Growing up, my parents would never let me wear jeans or sweats to school. I never understood that mentality and fought it for years, but I finally got it. They wanted me to dress as if school was my “job.” And they knew that when I wore sweats, it added a different tone to the day. Can I glean from that wisdom and apply it to my role as the Family Manager?

Every once in awhile, those stay in PJ’s days are completely necessary to just de-stress and relax, but once I saw a pattern developing, and it was affecting how I treated my days, I started implementing just a few changes.  If you are a stay at home mom, you may see yourself in this pattern. Now, I am not saying you need to get dressed up every day just to get spit on by the baby, but why don’t you try one small thing each day to take care of yourself.  Maybe it’s fixing your hair a bit more, putting on some make up or adding a fun accessory. For the last 20 years, I’ve always said, “I won’t leave the house without lipstick, mascara and earrings.” That funny mantra still lives on.

The above Frugal Fashionista outfit is a perfect example of how one can be so incredibly comfy cozy, spend virtually no money, and still feel good about how you look.

It all started with this White Gap shirt. I bought it at a yard sale only for the fabric, since I didn’t think it would be very flattering. It was one of those shirts I knew I could sleep in, but never thought I would wear out. It’s pajama like material and the soft fabric on my skin just makes me happy.

Last week, I found this purple asymmetrical shirt in the same kind of jersey knit, cotton fabric as my Gap shirt. The wonderful thing about this shirt is not only does it have the comfy cozy feel, but it gives the pop of color I like, paired with the long look that helps draw the eye away from those problem areas we talked about last week.

This sweet DIY felt flower pin was given to me by Kimba. By adding it to my shirt,  it adds just enough pop to really dress up the look. These flower pins are so easy to make once you get the hang of it, and there are so many fun options.

I definitely feel a tutorial coming on.

Last week, I casually mentioned doing a 30 Day Hair Challenge and I am SO going to do that on the blog in March. I love being able to fix my hair in 30 seconds, and that’s one of the main reasons I keep it a bit longer. Yet this look is a perfect example of how by  just taking one extra minute to put a few curls in it, and then pulling it loosely to the side, instead of my long pony tail, changed it up without needing to take a long time getting ready.

Remember last week we talked about how belts give a slimming appearance? Well, when I’ve worn this in the past, I have not tied it and kind of hid the string behind the shirt. I tied it this week and really do think it gives that illusion, especially with the purple over it. I wouldn’t wear it out without another shirt over it because it’s not that flattering solo.

And that’s my Frugal Fashionista Comfy Outfit that is cozy enough to sleep in,  but cute enough to wear out anywhere.

And that  sweet, silly girl is just another of my beautiful distractions as my son tried to get these pictures taken.

So, am I the only one that sometimes wants to choose cozy over cute?

How do you balance the two?

There are a lot of iconic Superbowl commercials, but I bet if you asked any true blue football fans about the 1980 “Mean Joe” Greene Super Bowl Coke ad where he hobbled down the tunnel,  gets offered a  Coca-Cola by the young fan, this would forever stand out as one of the most memorable ads of all times.

In fact minutes ago, my husband walked through the door from work and I asked him, “Do you remember the Mean Joe Greene commercial where he….” Yes, he finished the scenario.

So this Sunday, right before the big game, it’s being done all over again, just 22 years later with a slightly older Mean Joe. There are some fun twists though to this new ad. His refreshment isn’t quite Coke, but the new Downy Unstopables In-wash Scent Booster. And it’s definitely no longer a little boy handing him something; it’s actress Amy Sedaris.

I chuckle at this Downy’s Superbowl Commercial because if you’ve ever had an athlete in your house, especially football players who bring their pads and uniforms home, you know the desperation one feels in attempting to get the smell half way acceptable and honestly, in our home, Downy is our children’s number one pick. They ask me to get the “good smelling stuff.” This new scent- boosting formula contains four times more perfumed ingredients than liquid Downy, and I’m feeling quite certain it will finally be a perfect match for our three teenage son’s sports uniforms.

If you are like me and would love some free Downy samples. They will also be entertaining viewers throughout the big game by hosting a “Touch Downy” giveaway on their Twitter Page: @downy . Some Twitter followers will win free samples of Downy Unstopables and Unstopable Fan Packages throughout the game. To make the giveaway easy to follow, use the hashtag #TouchDowny.

Each time a team scores a touchdown, people who tweet the hashtag at the Downy Twitter account (@Downy) will receive Downy products and gift cards to the NFL shop.

So are you ready for some football?

Or how about just the commercials? Grab a sneak peak of Downy’s Superbowl Commercial. It brings back so many memories for me.

Let’s take a quick poll? Who else remembers the 1980 version? Ask the football fan in your life. I bet they do?

“This is a sponsored post by Downy. All fond memories of Superbowl Ads and my family’s true love of Downy are all mine.

I know it’s hard to believe, but I have never liked Tootsie Rolls.

Does that aline itself as an American travesty? Is that similar to snubbing All American Apple Pie and Baseball?  If it is, then I have found the solution.

My friend introduced me to these incredibly easy to make chocolate chews with only four ingredients, and trust me, this Homemade Tootsie Roll recipe has pulled me right in and made me a candy maker.

I am a convert. I have always avoided making any kind of candy, but this recipe was simply fool proof, and the ingredients literally whipped up in about five minutes.

This basic combination of ingredients is what pastry chef have used for years to make mold-able chocolate.

It stays fresh for a LONG time, and it’s so easy to shape anything. My girls had such fun shaping it, almost like play dough, to form flowers, children’s initial, snakes (for the boys, of course) what ever your heart desires. I think it would be a perfect upcoming recipe to try for Valentine’s Day.

I admit. The homemade tootsie rolls shown above never made it into individually wrapped candies. It pretty much stayed wrapped in one big roll and we just helped ourselves at will.

Hearts of Loving Kindness –

For years, we implemented a unique Valentine’s Day tradition that encouraged thinking of others through out the month of February. It was a way to get our children’s eyes off themselves and make it fun to serve others. You may begin it now and continue through til Valentine’s Day or make it a month long event.

This tradition idea can be adapted to best fit the personality of your family, but we used pretty hearts during the month of February to teach the value of loving kindness to others in our lives. Find a small box or jar and invite your children to help decorate it any way you want: with stickers, artwork, photos or a big red ribbon. Feel free to use our free printable hearts template or make your own.  Place all of the blank hearts inside the jar and as they wait “patiently” wondering what you are doing, share this tradition idea with your family.

Every time you observe a family member doing something kind for someone else, or going above and beyond typical family behavior, write their name and what they did on a heart. String it up on a ribbon and hang it in the kitchen or family room for all to see. You can put four to six hearts on a ribbon by cutting a slit at the top and bottom of the heart and slipping each heart up the ribbon and then tie a knot at the top of the heart to hold it in place. The more hearts your family sees dangling, the more they will want to add to the festive display. At the end of the month, determine what the special treat will be to end a wonderful month of looking to put others first. Remember to spend time throughout the month, dinner time works well, reading out loud each new heart. You will be reminded of the power of encouraging words as you see their faces light up as their heart is read.

From a mom’s point of view, I think one thing that is important to remember is to focus on the “character qualities” and not just the actions. There is already so much pressure for children to “perform,” so instead of pointing out what they “did well,” note the character quality behind it, such as perseverance, diligence, encouragement, kindness, servant-hood etc. As we build up their love tank, by affirming their character qualities, the begin to understand a truer sense of their value. For instance, during a particular hard “mommy day,” my daughter made me a smoothie and served it to me. Often, I find that I want to point out what a good cook she is becoming (which she is), but my desire is to continue to encourage her sweet servant’s spirit and her thoughtfulness, not just the fact she cooks well. Now, this is something hard for the kids to understand, but I continue to point out the difference as I model a paradigm shift.

You will have plenty of opportunities during the month to talk about how and why we do things for others simply out of the “kindness of our hearts.”

Make it a family tradition to focus on the value of loving kindness every February and be sure to preserve those precious memories in a Valentine’s Day Book with a photo of family members holding their Hearts of Loving Kindness.

Create your own crafty hearts or use our free heart template to print off your own hearts to enjoy this new Valentine’s Day tradition today.

Discover lots of other inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas at my holiday celebrations category.

It’s the last day of the month, which means my January Pantry Challenge has come to a close. We started out by understanding the need to get organized and I offered a simple Freezer Checklist that might help. Then we addressed the issue of stockpiling food and when is “enough, enough?” If you haven’t read the comments, there is lots of great wisdom in them. I interrupted my Pantry updates, by sharing about Game Day foods and my love for this Beer Dip recipe, even though I don’t drink beer.

Truth be told, it was officially interrupted twice this month when we hit the Pepperidge Farms Thrift Store I(and got two cartloads of items – hello – Goldfish for a quarter) and then when my hubby came home with a fridge full of some amazing mark down meat specials declaring, “You will be so proud of me. They had double stickers on them.”

I almost scolded, well, in fact, I may have started to chastise him for interrupting our Freezer and Pantry Challenge until I realized just what an act of service that was, and only a nagging wife would not appreciate the great shopping. So I shut my mouth, realized I had taught him well, and chuckled when our teen age sons declared him a hero for actually stocking up some great food in the midst of our challenge.

Over all, the month has been a huge success, but I did not attack our chest freezer nearly enough to de-thaw it, which was one of my main goals. There’s still a 20 pound organic Turkey that I purchased for only $0.99/pound after Thanksgiving that I need to cook up, as well as a plethora of other unnamed objects that have disappeared into the abyss, but we only spent approximately $400 for our family of seven, so I was thrilled with the savings. I am actually going to extend my Freezer challenge through February and not make any frozen food purchases, since the food in the freezer must be eaten up and March is National Frozen Foods month. I want it cleared out since lots of stockpile deals will be occurring then.

I made so many crazy, yet yummy concoctions this month, which I will slowly post, but here are just a few new recipes that I recently posted using only  ingredients that I had on hand.

Lots of yummy soups accompanied with  Homemade Dumplings and these easy popovers (regular and cinnamon sugar sweet popovers)

I cleared up the mystery of London Broil and you all gave some great London Broil recipes (so moist and delicious)

Cheesy Cracker Chicken Recipe (3 ingredients)

Cheese and Egg Puff Recipe (but clear out your fridge and make it a meal)

I’ll follow up one more time as I work my way through this freezer because I am going to have to get awfully creative with what lurks in it, while still having my kids think I am a half way decent cook.

How did the rest of you do? Did anyone try the Pantry Challenge this month for any portion of time?

Remember, just jump in and give it a try. Even if it’s just for a week, use up what you have and be challenged to more creative in the kitchen.

Check out how my other friends made this Pantry Challenge work for them:

• Tammy’s Recipes
• Good Cheap Eats
• The Finer Things in Life
• Getting Freedom from Debt

Thanks for sharing your Tasty Tuesday inspiration. (If you are reading through a reader or by email, click over to check out over 100 recipes that are shared each week.)

Simple Rules for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods –  As always, please link directly to your recipe post and not your blog URL, so that everyone can find the recipe months from now.

Also, link back here in your post so that everyone can join in the fun, it’s just common courtesy of blog carnivals. Please do not link up a recipe meme that you have started. Thanks for your understanding.