my heart lies in the mountains


You may remember waaaay back when I first started this blog I posted about our upcoming Costa Rica trip. Well, it is that time again!

We had our first informational meeting today about the trip set for late July. We will be returning to the small town of Grano de Oro, Costa Rica to help the Jones' family who are missionaries there. We learned so much about what God wants from us up on that mountain. Eric and I seriously have a heart for this trip, even though we have only been once. We have prayed diligently about going again since we got back last year. Right now God is sending us a resounding yes.

So we get to start the cycle of fundraising, support letters, and working overtime to raise the money it will take to get us there. (We aren't super worried about the money it would take to get us back...;) )

Right now all we are asking for is prayer.

Pray for the Jones' family as they prepare for us.
Pray for the people who have/have not decided to go.
Pray for wisdom for our sweet leader, who is also my Pastor's wife.
Pray for Eric and I that we would continue in God's will for this trip.
Pray for the people of Costa Rica that they would see Christ's love through our actions and service.

Part of my heart (and Eric's) lies in the mountains of Grano de Oro. I am so excited to go back and leave more of it.

great grub 19

I really can't take too much credit for this next recipe. My friend Kimberly actually made it for us a long time ago and I stole it and adapted. (That makes it mine, right?) On our never-ending quest to make frugal and healthy meals, this side dish is perfect. This dish goes with so much stuff! Tuna melts, salmon, the choices are endless. Gotta love a veggie that acts like a starch...

Faux-tatoes
(Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes)

Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower
- mayonaise
- butter
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- corn starch

Directions:
Chop cauliflower into florets and steam. I like to steam mine in a microwaveable bowl with a small amount of water for about 7-10 minutes. Put the cauliflower, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste into the food processor until combined. Add a tablespoon of butter and 2 tables poons mayo and combine. Add about a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken. Keep adding mayo or butter until cauliflower becomes desired consistency (like mashed potatoes).

Enjoy!

exceeding abundantly


Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

feb/march 200 challenge


I did my grocery shopping today! I am shopping on the 15th of every month so I will go from 2/15 - 3/15 with this months groceries. I went to Aldi first with my list and got a good majority of my groceries and fresh produce there. I only spent $58.51 there.

Next stop was Wal-Mart. They carry a few things that Aldi just doesn't have. Also, we are trying to cut out high fructose corn syrup and use more natural sweeteners like raw local honey and agave, and even some of Aldi's "Fit&Activ" brand contains hfcs. This month I had to buy toilet paper and sponges, but those were my only non-food items. I spent $98.08 there.

That brings my total to $151.59. Now I will go back for milk and probably bread before the month is out, but that is still seriously under budget! Now for my meals...(some meals are frozen from last month, and no that isn't cheating!)

Dinners:
- Frozen Veggie Soup and biscuits
- Frozen Lemony Lentil Soup and cheese toast (x2)
- Buffalo chicken quesadillas
- Chicken fajitas
- Cheesy chicken and rice with broccoli (x2)
- Shepherds pie with corn (x2)
- Spaghetti with garlic bread
- Baked ziti with spinach
- Baked salmon, rice, and spinach
- Baked salmon, rice, asparagus
- Hot dogs and baked beans
- Burritos (x2)
- Greek crock pot chicken
- Crock pot chicken and black eyed peas
- Veggie pasta with Braggs
- Frozen pizza (x2, for Wednesdays, not able to cook)
- Black bean quesadillas
- Mexican lasagna
- Enchiladas (x2)
- Tuna melts and faux tatoes (x2)
- Mexican lentil casserole

Breakfast/Lunches
- Cinnamon rolls
- Fried eggs
- Honey Oatmeal muffins
- Whole wheat blueberry pancakes
- Yogurt with honey and granola
- Trail mix, mixed nuts
- Hot dogs
- Tuna with crackers
- Biscuits and gravy

That is 28 dinners! We will also have leftovers for lunches and dinners too. If you want to join The 200 Challenge just go on over to Sarah's and link up!

great grub 18

Mmmmmm muffins. Definitely one of my favorite food groups! I don't make them too often, but I love inventing new muffin recipes. My new obsession right now is local raw honey, and I am trying to find new ways to use it other than in green tea! So muffin + honey = genius.

Honey Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old fashion oats
- 1/2 cup wheat germ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 egg

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400.
Combine all the wet ingredients in a large bowl with a whisk. Combine the dry ingredients separately. Gently fold in the dry ingredients to the wet until moist. Grease a 12 cup muffin tray. Fill the cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

the 200 challenge


I, and a few of my friends, and joining up with Sarah at Clay in His Hands for The 200 Challenge. The goal here is to spend less than $200 per month for the entire year of 2010. I am so excited! I am always looking for new ways to live the frugal life. Right now I am 6 days past my Meals for a Month Challenge...which has also included not going to the grocery store! I can honestly say I am so proud of the fact that I haven't been to the grocery store since January 1st, and we have eaten every meal at home. (Minus a few generous friends/family that treated us!) I am aiming for stretching this out to February 15th so that we can enjoy a nice meal out for Valentines Day, which was the original inspiration for this challenge. I think we will make it!

Typically I spend less than $200 on groceries per month, but that doesn't always include toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. I also want to incorporate personal care products into that category as well like shampoo, make-up, deodorant, etc. I also do 1 month grocery shopping, where I buy everything we need for the month, and I only go back once for milk, fresh veggies and fruits, and bread or eggs. My "big" trip will be on the 15th, so I will post then about what I bought and how I saved!

be still


Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10