Deceptively Delicious Recipe - Grilled Cheese - Success/Fail

Again, another attempt at a child friendly dinner that happens to have a hearty does of veggies was a semi-success - semi-failure again.

I used a little less margarine and a little more cheese. I also used hearty wholegrain for ours, and regular wholegrain for M's sandwich. My husband probably took 3 bites before he stopped and asked, "What kind of cheese is this? " It paired nicely with Muir Glen Creamy Tomato soup.

M stuck her fingers in the cheesy goop a few times and licked her hands off. She then opened up the center of the other pieces. This may have been because I burned the bread using margarine to toast the bread instead of olive oil. whoops. Maybe I will have better luck next time.

Take the Time At the Register... and Get the Club Card!!

I'm pretty sure I have signed up for just about every store club card there is, (well at least at the stores that I shop at)!  Of course, as a result I'm on just about on every junk mail list there is! Why am I happy about this you ask? Coupons! I get coupons for almost every business that I frequent. What do I do with the rest of the junk? I recycle them of course! Ulta sends me coupons every few weeks or so, usually for $3.50 off a purchase of $10.00. I regularly get emails from Borders with a 30% off 1 item offer. Do I carry cards? No way! I have way too many things to carry around with me. I just give my phone number at the cashier.

I know there are people out there who do not want companies to be privy to their shopping habits and private information. Yet, the more companies that know about their customers (especially their buying habits) the better they can tailor their business to the consumer.

I know that some buyer cards accumulate points and expire after a certain time period.. completely lame! Even if I am not sure if I will frequent a store I usually sign up for the card just in case they send out one of those "members only" offers. So next time you are asked at the register to sign up do take the couple of minutes and sign up, it could save you more than you think!

Save Money With an Indoor Herb Garden

I'm the kind of cook that likes a lot of color. Of course I use dry herbs when fresh herbs are not available but obviously fresh herbs are so much more flavorful and appealing. My wonderful mother put together an herb garden for us and we have saved so much money as a result. Our little planter resided outdoors for the summer and it has since been moved inside.

As long as you are taking good care of your herb garden you will have it around indefinitely. Usually a few sprigs will suffice in a recipe and you can combine several types in one container. In ours we have chives, parsley, basil, and oregano.

There is an initial investment to begin a herb garden, but it will indeed save you money over time. As long as you have a sunny spot in your home (8 + hours of light is best), and if you can take care of a houseplant you can have an indoor herb garden too.


You can usually but together a similar herb garden for around $10.00 in supplies. Seeds are the most frugal way to start of course and will result in a longer wait to reap the benefits. If you do decide to get starter plants you will have a larger initial investment, but still well worth it! How many times have you paid a ridiculous chunk of change for fresh herbs at the grocery store and didn't use the full amount you paid for?


Waste no more my frugal friends!