WFMW, Hospital Packing List

It's only been 18 months since I did this the last time--this=giving birth--but it is amazing how much I've forgotten!

Since I hit 37 weeks this week, I think it is time to pack my bags!

Pre-made packing lists work for me! I feel like I will be much less likely to forget an essential by using some of the lists I've found:

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/basics/checklist-packing-your-overnight-bag/

http://www.babycenter.com/packing-for-the-hospital-or-birth-center

http://www.gerber.com/Tools/Hospital_Packing_List.aspx

I'd also love to hear what you think is a "must" to have while in labor. Please leave any suggestions below!

Head over to www.wearethatfamily.com for more WFMW!

Introducing Baby to Our Fur Babies, (almost Wordless Wednesday)

This picture was taken almost 18 months ago-

Baby Koala meeting our 2 Fur Babies.

It's hard to believe Baby #2 will be here in 5 weeks!

I'm hoping Baby Koala is as welcoming to his sister

as the Fur Babies were to him!

Join in Wordless Wednesday fun

at www.5minutesformom.com and www.3kidsandus.com!

Cheap, Healthy Recipes

I wanted to share a couple of recipes I've made lately.

Can I call it a recipe if I don't have exact measurements?

I was inspired by all the hummus related talk at Pioneer Woman, and the bean salad/cilantro chatter at My Charming Kids...as we are slowly trying to take steps to healthier eating around here.

Black Bean Salad

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1/4 chopped onion

1 handful chopped cilantro

3/4 juice of a medium lemon

Pinch of Salt

Pinch of Garlic Salt

Mix all ingredients, chill.

Serving idea: Cut Avacado in half, spoon bean salad on top.

This was a big hit for all ages--from my 1 year old, to my hubby, to my MIL and Mom. It is light and refreshing!

Make-do Cilantro Hummus

1 can garbanzo beans

2 cloves fresh garlic

1 handful cilantro

Salt to taste

1 Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Mix all ingredients in food processor.

Tahini is not in my budget, we were out of olive oil, etc. I used what we had, and this turned out pretty tasty! My husband spread it on bread, and I used it as a dip for carrot sticks. Very versatile!

Cheap Healthy Recipes work for me! Check out more Works for Me Wednesday at http://www.wearethatfamily.com/!

Super Savings Saturday, 82% Savings

I've been falling off the coupon-ing wagon again lately.

Between work, my family, and my pregnancy (not in that order of priority)--couponing does not make it into the schedule.

I had a (small) burst of energy this week, and decided to get some coupons together and make the trip to Walgreens. It was totally worth it--I saved 82%!

Here is what I scored:
4 St Ives Body Washes
1 Right Guard Deodorant
4 Packages of Diapers
6 John Frieda Shampoos and Conditioners
2 Carmex
3 Reusable Walgreens Totes

Estimated Retail Value: 120.00
Total paid OOP after coupons: 19.00
Savings: about 82%

I had a very patient cashier in the cosmetics area (they always seem to be more friendly in that department) that let me complete several transactions, and roll the Register Rewards I was earning.

I also made a stop at another Walgreens and purchased 2 Shick Titanium Razors (9.49, on sale buy 1 get 1 free), used 2 4.00 off coupons, and got both for 1.50!

If you have time to stop at Walgreens today, I highly suggest it.

You can find more Walgreens deals here @ Hip2Save:
http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/06/walgreens-deals-614-620.html

And get the scoop for the sales starting tomorrow here:
http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/06/walgreens-deals-621-627.html

Free Photos

Crystal at Money Saving Mom (www.moneysavingmom.com) has a great post about how to score some free photos.



Check out the details here: http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/06/new-members-offer---get-25-free-4x6-prints-when-you-join-shutterfly-limited-time-offer.html



I'm planning to take advantage of the CVS photo deal and print out some pictures of baby Koala.

Wordless Wednesday, Baby Belly

Baby Belly, or

"Beebee" Belly as my 17 month old son would say....

less than eight more weeks until he meets his baby sister!

Join in on the Wordless Wednesday fun @ www.5minutesformom.com and www.3kidsandus.com!

Menu Plan Monday and my 1st Toddler Bento

I'm an aspiring Bento maker--anyone with experience out there?



I'd love to hear hints, tips, and see your creative pictures!


Above is a picture of my first attempt (sorry for the upside down shot). It consisted of cucumbers, strawberries, green pepper strips, sausage links, garbanzo beans with tomatoes, and yogurt parfait. The strawberries, pepper strips and cucumbers made up a smiley face.

The strawberries were a hit--the green pepper strips, not so much!

The plan for dinner this week:

• Egg rolls, fried rice, homemade egg drop soup
• Baked Fish, Edamame
• Breakfast for dinner--Sausage, Eggs, Waffles, Fruit
• Turkey Meat Mini Meatloaves, Green Beans
• Beans, Rice, Tortillas
• Salad and Soup--not sure what type of soup. Any summer soup recommendations?

For some great menu ideas, head on over to http://www.orgjunkie.com/!