Stretch that Penny!

I have recently discovered a wonderful new blog that is all about saving you money when it comes to dinner. $5 Dinners shows you how to make dinners for your family for under 5 bucks. There are recipes, coupon sources, and links to other blogs that are all about saving you cash. My favorite find has been Retail-Me-Not. It is a great site for discounts at your fav retail stores online. I will definitely be checking these sites for more money saving tips! 

© The Simple Wife

Neighbor Goodies

Cookies are one thing that my family does well. So this past Sunday I went to Mom's to get her expertise on making our traditional Pumpkin cookies- delicious chocolate chip pumpkin cookies with brown sugar icing!!! You may remember them from my Thanksgiving post:

 I have tried to make them once before but it didn't go so well, so I needed her on hand to help out, since she knows the recipe by heart. After 120 cookies were made I assembled goodie baskets for our 2 favorite neighbors. I used my monogram tags again: one for the Grahams, and one for the Hasteys. I hope they enjoyed them as much as I ALWAYS do. Thank goodness for Christmas baking!

© The SimpleWife

BBQ made Easy

My husband is a self-professed Grillmaster, and this Sunday he did not disappoint. Since the weekend was winding down with my brother's wedding on Saturday, we decided to have a nice and relaxing lunch for my dad at our house. 

Erik whipped up some of his delicious kabobs.

They were a yummy combination of seasoned steak, chicken, zucchini, corn and juicy tomatoes.

I contributed a simple and zesty pasta salad.

Recipe includes:

• Tri-colored pasta
  
• Sliced black olives
  
• Diced tomatoes
  
• Cubed genoa salami & provolone cheese (any meat or cheese of your choice will do)
  
• Dry Italian seasoning
  
• Italian dressing
  

**Tip: Don't use too much dressing it should just lightly coat the ingredients, too much will over power!

We had a blast enjoying the yummy food and hanging out on the front porch relaxing. Then to end the wonderful day I made the best thing for dessert: a drive to one of my favorite places on Earth...

Orange sorbet is a cool and refreshing way to end a perfect summer day! Happy grilling to all!