Plum Tree

Sticking to the theme of saving money on food, I decided to purchase a plum tree this summer. I don't even eat plums, but my family does. I figured that in addition to saving money on fresh fruit that we can eat, can or freeze; my daughter will learn where food really comes from. I will have to start researching recipes now...can you make a Plum Crisp?

Potato Plants

Great Idea:

While I'm no urban homesteader, I'm making slow progress each summer to growing more of the food my family eats.  This year I tried planting potatoes for the first time. The process really seemed to easy.  You merely dig a hole, drop the potato in, and fill it up.  Within a week, I already had potato plants sprouting.  Other than watering them regularly, there was virtually no maintenance needed.  About a week ago the plant began to wilt.  It was then that I decided to dig up the ground and see what (if anything) grew.  I was amazed to fine that after only planting 6 potatoes, I now had 40 fresh, new potatoes!  Over the next few days I was busy peeling my potatoes and cooking up some delicious mashed potatoes using some chives that I was growing as well.  Unfortunately, my garlic plant didn't fare so well, so we had to run to the store for that addition.

So Easy

                           The GoGo Squeeze
These packets are so handy!  It is essentially a juice box of applesauce.  They come in variety of flavors that are super yummy for your little one.  Each packet is filled with 100% fruit and all natural ingredients.  I love to throw some GoGo Squeezes in my daughter's diaper bag or to tie her over while dinner is cooking.  It is a quick, clean, healthy snack for those moments when they want something NOW!  A box of 4 is less than $3.00.


**For the Thrifty Mom:  There are now a ton of varieties of these fruit snacks.  Check for the store brand to save some cash.


Link to more information on the GoGo Squeez:
www.gogosqueez.com

When my toddler is hungry NOW!

Quick Healthy Meals for Toddlers

I don't always have a ton of time to make a healthy dinner for my toddler....especially when she has decided that she is hungry RIGHT NOW!  I recently came across these handy little meals from Gerber Graduates.  They are amazing!  Super healthy - full of meat and veggies.  The BEST part?? They are ready to eat in only 30 seconds.  The come in a variety of meal options and are quite reasonably priced (under $2.50 a meal). I highly recommend checking them out.  


**For the trifty mom: Target makes a very similar option in their Up & Up line.

Link to Gerber's Meal Options:
http://www.gerber.com/toddler/products/meal_options.aspx

Link to Target's Up & Up Options:
http://www.target.com/p/UP-CHK-RICE-6-6OZ-CHCK-RICE-MEAL-6-6/-/A-13971546