One Frugal Mama

For the love of Pesto

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 04:36:00 +0000

I've been making a lot of pesto lately and we love it! I usually make a batch every other week and freeze it to use throughout the week in recipes.

Ingredients:

3 cups packed fresh basil

4 cloves garlic (use 1 - 3 more if you love garlic)

1/2 cup softened butter

2 cups parmesan cheese

1/2 cup walnuts

olive oil

Add first 5 ingredients to food processor. While blending, slowly add in olive oil until your pesto is the consistency of a thick paste. At this point, I like to taste it and add in a little extra garlic if needed.

Cloth Diapering

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Cloth diapering, of CD'ing, isn't just for hippie mamas anymore! Where I live it's very common for moms to cloth diaper. ACtually, most of the kids in our daycare where cloth - which I love!

So why do I use cloth?

First and foremost, it's cheaper. Disposable diapers average about $1,600 to $2,000 for the first 2 years of a child's life. That's if you're lucky enough to have your child potty-trained at age 2. I have a boy, so that's not quite realistic. So you can add on an additional $600 - $1,000. That's a lot of money!

I purchased several different types of cloth diapers. I have the basic prefolds with covers, then a little bit of everything else. I found lots of deals online on Craigslist and Ebay, some at consignment stores, and several I purchased new for a deep discount on Black Friday. And yes, it's safe to purchase used. I use the sanitary cycle on my washer and a splash of bleach and my diapers are like new.

Secondly, I cloth diaper for the environment. Disposable diapers are the third largest item in landfills. During the course of infancy, a child in disposables will create over 1 ton of garbage added to our landfills. That's a lot of trash, folks.

There are also tons of perks to cloth. They're super cute and come in great colors and patterns. They are gentler on baby's skin and can cut down on diaper rash, and for a baby with sensitive skin like my kiddo that's really important.

Here's a list of some of our favorite cloth diapers:

Flip Diapers - These are covers with a simple, removable insert. They also sell disposable inserts for travel.

Thirsties Covers - PUL covers that go over a prefold.

Fuzzi Bunz Pockets - Easy to use diaper with a removable insert that slips into a "pocket".

For more cloth diapering info I highly recommend the book Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering.

Buying Used Baby Gear

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:12:00 +0000

Babies require so many items. You have to have a car seat, stroller, crib, bouncer, clothes... the list goes on and on. One of the best ways to save money on baby gear is to buy used.

Most baby items can be purchased used. The only items that need to be brand new are car seats. If buying a used crib, be sure it hasn't been recalled or doesn't have drop-sides.

Consignment sales are a great way to save money and get some nice, gently used items.

Craigslist is also great for getting baby items. Often items I see moms selling clothing by the lot, which is a great way to buy a bunch of items and not have to meet up with several sellers.

Ebay. I've found some great diaper bags - I'm a little bit of a diaper bag addict - on Ebay. There are lots of gently used baby items and clothing lots.

Consignment Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:32:00 +0000

Everyone knows that having a baby and buying all the gear they need can be expensive. It can be, but it doesn't have to be. When I was pregnant I decided I wasn't going to break the bank in order for my baby to have everything he needed. I was able to score several cloth diapers, bags and bags of new-looking clothes, and lots of bottles.

I started by going to consignment sale events. These are different than actual consignment stores. Consignment events usually take place over a weekend at a warehouse or empty store. Families price their own items and you'll usually find tons of items at good prices to choose from. A consignment store also has items from families that they're consigning. The prices are typically higher, but sometimes the quality is better.

Kids Consignment Sales has a database of most of the consignment event sales by state.

Consignment Mommies has a database of consignment stores by state.

My Favorite Things in May

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 23:16:00 +0000

I signed up for Target's Spring Beauty Bag and I was so excited when it arrived. I got a really cute pink cosmetic bag filled with samples and coupons for popular beauty products. One item in it that I am now addicted to was the Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes. Whoa baby, these are awesome. They take off all my makeup, including my mascara. And they smell divine. I would buy them by the case if I could.

Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes in Evening Soothe, 30-Count (Pack of 2)

I love love love this song by Fun. I've been hearing it all over the radio and I'm hooked. Definitely my favorite song this month.

We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)

For my first Mother's Day I was spoiled. My awesome husband surprised me with a Kindle Fire, something I've been wanting for a while. I downloaded several books on it to read before bed. It also has wi-fi so I can browse the web and feed my Etsy addiction.

Kindle Fire

Crescent Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Thu, 31 May 2012 06:17:00 +0000

I found this super easy recipe on Pinterest, of course, and we love it. I've changed it up a little bit to suit our tastes, though. We like a little kick, so I've added paprika and sour cream.

Image and Recipe via Comfy In the Kitchen

Ingredients

1 (8 or 6 jumbo count) package refrigerator crescent rolls

2 cups chopped cooked chicken (about 2 - 3 breasts)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 soup can of milk (If you don't have milk on hand, use 1/2 can of water and 1/2 cup of sour cream)

Paprika

Preheat oven to 350

Prepare soup using milk and set aside. Separate crescent rolls. Spoon chicken and cheese onto each crescent; roll and seal to enclose filling. Place in a 9×13 baking dish. Pour soup over rolls. Sprinkle with paprika to taste.

Bake at 350 uncovered for 30 mins.

Serves 2 - 4

Price per serving ~ $2 per person

Daycare

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to find an amazing daycare for PJ. They absolutely love him, and he adores them as well. There are two women who run the infant area who are so kind and warm. PJ spends his day being read to, getting lots of snuggles and singing songs. There is an infant area that's seperated, but during music time they bring the infants to the toddler area so the babies can watch and participate.

During PJ's first week they posted lots of pictures on their parents-only Facebook page. I love being able to see updates and pictures of him throughout the day. It makes being away from him all day just a little bit easier.

Here's my favorite picture of him enjoying his friends at daycare.

Creamy Tortellini Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Wed, 30 May 2012 05:23:00 +0000

I discovered this recipe on Pinterest and am hooked. I made a batch last Sunday and had it for lunch each day. It was so yummy and filling, the perfect lunch for work.

Image and recipe via BHG

Ingredients:

1 1/2 - 2 oz. white sauce packet

4 cups water

14 oz. can vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

7 - 8 ounce package dried cheese tortellini (about 2 cups)

12 ounce can evaporated milk

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves or torn spinach

Ground black pepper (optional)

Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Place dry white sauce mix in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Gradually add the water to the white sauce mix, stirring until smooth. Stir in broth, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Stir in dried tortellini. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 1 hour more or high-heat setting for 45 minutes more.

Stir in evaporated milk and fresh spinach. If desired, sprinkle individual servings with black pepper and Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.

3 Months Old

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Wed, 30 May 2012 05:12:00 +0000

My boy is already 3 months old. My, where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday he was a tiny little bean snuggled up on my chest. Now he is a busy little guy, giggling and cooing at the sound of my voice.

To get me through the last few months there have been a few products that were absolute lifesavers.

We love the Summer Infant SwaddleMe blankets. PJ loves to be swaddled and he sleeps soooo much better when he's snug in his swaddle. And being the frugal mama I am, I was able to find these at consignment sales for about $2 each. Score!

The Rock n Play sleeper was highly recommended when I was pregnant. I was so glad we invested in one. During his first few weeks PJ slept in the Rock n Play next to the bed and I could easily reach over and check on him. Being cuddled up in the confined environment helped him sleep better, plus being inclined help with his hiccups and spit up. I bought mine on Craigslist and had hardly been used. Plus, it's very easy to completely take apart and wash. Great for the mama of a pukey baby like mine.

Our most favorite product, by far, is the Homedics SoundSpa. This magic machine has 3 different songs, plus 3 nature sounds. Our favorite part, though, is the projection. There are 3 different discs included that project rotating images on the wall or ceiling. Once we lay PJ down and turn on his "show" he stares at it and coos until he falls asleep. He also loves the Rock a Bye Baby song and instantly settles down when we turn it on.

Photo Card

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:35:00 +0000

Welcome Banner Boy Baby Announcements

Design your birth announcements with Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Paxton James

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:18:00 +0000

Paxton James arrived on February 12, 2012 at 8:02 pm. He was two weeks early, weighing in at only 6 lbs., 5.5 oz. and was 21.5" long.

He is the most beautiful baby we've ever seen, of course, and couldn't be more perfect.

Whew it's dusty in here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:41:00 +0000

It's been a long time, hasn't it?

I'm bringing blogging back. For some reason these hormones are making me super chatty!

Oh wait, I didn't tell you?

Yep. Mr. Crafty and I are expecting!

Our little monster will be debuting in February.

Origins Free Cleanser Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:05:00 +0000

In honor of Earth Day today, Origins is offering to swap your current facial cleaner, full or empty, for one of their full-size cleansers.

I love their products because they're free of parabens and phthalates, and they make my skin look and feel great.

Click HERE to print the coupon.

What a deal!

Thanks Origins!

Totally Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Have you seen this great tutorial site? I stumbled across it today and it's become my new favorite site!

Some of the tutorials are so adorable! They've really inspired me to spend more time in my craft room...

Easy Quilted Potholder

Folding Credit Card Wallet

Crockpot Kitchen Coffee Soap

There are TONS of tutorials to browse through here. What are you planning to make?

I've Been Featured!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:02:00 +0000

My favorite craft store has featured me

as their daily Featured Crafter!

Go check out my popular wreath that they chose to feature. :)

Thanks ThinkCraftsBlog and CreateForLess!

Photobucket is down...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:13:00 +0000

And it makes my blog look wonky... Sorry!

Newest Etsy Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:18:00 +0000

We have so many creative people here in Portland! I love browsing Etsy for new Portland artists and

supporting my local community.

Here are some of my newest local favorites:

Lavendar Vanilla Vegan Soap by prunellasoap

Canvas Tote by NikoletteBags

Adorable! Sterling Silver Bow Earrings by TwistedDesigns

This is gorgeous! And it would look stunning on my dining table...

Lime and Cream Platter by siriusfnord

Smitten With Myself - Yellow Flowers by PrintMakerJenn

What are your neighbors crafting in your neck of the woods?

Sewing Book Rave

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:49:00 +0000

I must say that I owe much of my love of sewing

to Amy Butler.

It was seeing her gorgeous fabric prints and patterns that really drove me to learn to sew.

I recently purchased her book One Yard Wonders and can not say

enough great things about it!

It comes with 101 sewing patterns and great ideas to spivy up your home, all with color photos using her famous fabrics. Love.

Watch out for future posts of my experiences with her patterns and some pictures!

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Crock Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 06:06:00 +0000

This recipe is super yummy - and very easy!

And if you follow Weight Watchers each serving is only 9 points. Yay!

1 package sliced mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
28 oz canned diced tomatoes
15 oz canned tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
6 pieces dry lasagna noodles, not cooked
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

In a large skillet mix mushrooms, onion and garlic. Sautee. Stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes.

In a small bowl mix 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese.

Spoon 1/2 tomato mixture into your slow cooker. Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over tomato mixture. top with half ricotta mixture. Repeat, creating layers. Finish with last 1/3 of tomato mixture.

Add parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sprinkle over lasagna. Let sit about 10 minutes to firm up.

Beef or ground turkey can be added, too. I chose not to and it still turned out great.

Where young people go to retire...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:34:00 +0000

Tonight is the premiere of the new show Portlandia.

I can't wait to see how Portland is portrayed.

This is supposed to be a sketch comedy about two locals, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, living life in bridgetown. You'll have to check it out!

Portlandia looks hilarious!

Resolution Progress Check-In: Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:05:00 +0000

Well it's been one week since my 2011 resolution post and I'm happy to report that I've made some progress!

Yesterday I started at my local Bikram Yoga studio. I was prepared to sweat, but I had no idea what Bikram would actually be like. Whoa! It was very difficult, but I felt amazing afterwards. It relieved so much stress and all of my muscles felt warm and strong - exactly the feeling you want after a hard workout. Here in Oregon there's not much opportunity to sweat, so it also did wonders for my skin. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

I've also been tracking my calorie and water intake. Lately I've been bad about drinking water, so it's really important to track it so I know how much to drink and it forces me to drink more!

As for the calories, I have a limit each day and have been very good about staying within that range. I've been eating a lot of soups lately, which are filling, but low in calories. I've also been eating more fiber and taking probiotics and a great pre-natal vitamin. {Prenatals are great for ALL women, not just pregnant women}

I think I'm making good progress towards a healthier, happier life! How are your New Year's resolutions coming along?

So long 2010...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:17:00 +0000

I couldn't be more ready for 2011!

2010 has not been the best of years for me, so here's hoping 2011 will be a little gentler. :)

I'm trying to be more diligent about goal-setting, so without further ado, here are my New Year's resolutions.

1. Stop procrastinating. I have always been a procrastinator and at the age of 27 I really should stop doing that now, don't you think?

2. Be more punctual. See #1 for more explanation. ;)

3. Lose 50 lbs. Yikes! This is a big one. That number seems so daunting, but I'm already down 5 lbs. within the last few weeks and I'm working my way there, slowly but surely. I just joined a local yoga studio so I'm hoping to take Bikram yoga at least twice a week, along with my regular gym.

4. Sew more! I have some beautiful projects that I've started, but have yet to finish. I hope to get several things up on my Etsy page within the next few weeks.

Here's to the New Year!

May yours be filled with happiness and love.

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 06:06:00 +0000

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”

~ Paulo Coelho

Felt Flower Holiday Wreath Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

I absolutely loved this project. I chose to do this in a deep red to be festive, but this would look great in all different colors to match the season or your decor. Enjoy!

You'll need:

1/2 yard of 36"wide felt - cut into about 3"x 3"squares

Vine wreath

Hot Glue (lots and lots of it)

{Please excuse my ugly craft chair :) }

Cut the felt into 3" by 3"squares. A half yard will make about 60 or so squares.

Start at the edge and cut a swirl pattern into each square.

From the middle of the swirl, roll up the felt to create a flower shape. The looser you roll it the larger it will be. I chose to roll them rather tightly for a more "closed flower"look, but you can do this part however you'd like.

Dab a little hot glue on the flower to close it, so it holds together and doesn't unravel.

Arrange the flowers and glue onto the wreath. I wanted a bit of vine to show through, so I centered the two rows of flowers on the wreath so it wasn't completely covered.

Once the flowers and glued on you can trim the sharp corners of the felt. I chose not to to give it a little bit of a modern look.

Voila! So easy and adorable.

Etsy Finds Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Jeni) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:45:00 +0000

Need some holiday gift ideas? I bet you'll love these...

Hand Stamped Holiday Pillow Cover by JoshuaByOak

Snow Kissed Branch Necklace by PiperBlue

Love and Red Neck Warmer by Elde

Modern Bird Dessert Pedestal by BurlapAndBlue

Have fun Christmas shopping.

You only have 22 days left!