Just when I think we went straight from winter to summer here in south Dallas, it starts getting cool again and it happened literally overnight. I went to check the weather this weekend and this is what I foundWe were technically about to go from the 90’s to the 40’s. There is an old saying that

This means that there isn’t much to slow down the polar and arctic air masses that move rapidly across Texas battling the southernly winds (so I’ve been told). This does leave a fair amount of unpredictability in how to dress myself and the two little ones each morning. Flip flops and a bright yellow flower headband one day, fuzzy boots and fuchsia tights the next. Eh, for the baby, not me.

We’re onto week two of my “Q” (coupon) challenge. I wish I could have done more, but I have to pace myself. I am not going to make any extra trips just to get a deal and it’s really hard to do any kind of shopping with children. This puts some major limits on what I can get, but that’s probably a good thing. Even with as laid back as I am I can still tend to be obsessive compulsive at times. Anyway, here is the scoop-

Since the weather has gotten warmer SJ has a newfound fascination with sitting in the freezer/refrigerator. Have you ever seen a cat run into the room when you get out her food? That’s how this is. All you have to do is open the door to the freezer and SJ comes running in as quick as her little baby legs can carry her just to plop down on the bottom ledge and chill out. Although it is adorable, it’s one of her more expensive habits, so it is quickly interrupted by an energy efficiency talk from me and tears from her as I remove her from the ice box. What can I say? Our family just loves to chill, maybe that’s why I’ve been so into freezer cooking. Speaking of which, I just wanted to finish out this series with a few links that go along with the information that I have shared this week.

Money Saving Mom- How To Plan Bulk Cooking

The first time I made this I put 2 Tablespoons of Cayenne pepper instead of chili powder. Oops. Way too spicy! However, as long as you don’t do that this meal is DELICIOUS and makes a great freezer entree’. If you like mexican, then give this one a try!

And if you just can’t get enough links go click on some Saturday Stumbles at SimplyStaci.net.

Makes 4-6 large sandwichesIngredients2 strip steaks, about 1 inchthicksalt and pepper2 tablespoons olive oil1 onion, sliced thin1 red bell pepper, seeded ad sliced thin1 tablespoon stak sauce1/2 teaspoon dried oregano4 (6 inch) sub rolls6 ounces thinly sliced deli provolone cheesePat steak dry with paper towels and rub saute spice liberally into each side. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium high heat until rippling. Cook steaks until well browned, 5 to 6 minutes per side (this is all the cooking time the steaks get so cook them according to your preference). Meanwhile, add remaining oil, onion, bell peppers, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to empty skillet and cook until vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes (you can cook them longer if you are not going to freeze them). Off the heat, stir in steak sauce, oregano, and sliced steak until well combined.Keep in an air tight plastic bag in freezer. Thaw overnight and reheat in frying pan until warm all the way through, about 8 minutes.Divide steak mixture among rolls and top with cheese. Arrange sandwiches on rimmed baking sheets and bake until cheese is melted and rolls are golden brown around edges, about 5 minutes. Serve.

Linked up with Food on Fridays at annekroeker.com

This week I am talking about my experience with freezer cooking. We don’t only eat meals prepared and frozen ahead of time, but we are starting to eat about 12 meals a month this way and it has been working out great. But what is the point? Well, I am glad I asked. Here is my list of top ten reasons for bulk cooking once a month.

1. It takes the guess work out of your meal planning. Instead of worrying what is for dinner tonight or this week you plan it all out once a month, and then you are free to think about other things.

2. It saves money because you can buy some things in bulk, and our family tends to eat out less when we have the meals already prepared and waiting in the fridge.

3. It saves a time because you get all of your rinsing, chopping, baking, grilling etc. done at once, instead of making trips to the pantry and measuring and stirring every night for every little recipe.

4. It is less clean up (this goes hand in hand with #3) you use the same knives, spoons, or cutting board and get it all out of the way. The night you actually heat the meal up there is very little cleaning involved afterwards.

5. It is a great backup plan to have in case of an emergency. The first month we did this we were iced in for several days. Another time we had a bit of a financial crisis, but at least we didn’t have to worry too much about groceries. It was SO nice that we had already had all of these meals stocked in the freezer.

6. The buddy system keeps you going. Because a lot of people do their freezer cooking with a friend it gives you a date that you have to have your cooking done, and this kind of accountability means you are more likely to actually follow through with making your home cooked meals.

7. It motivates you to try new things. Before the freezer meals I was in a little bit of a cooking rut, but now I am trying new recipes to have ready for the big cooking day.

8. It can be healthy. It depends on the menu you choose, but most likely if you are eating out less and cooking meals mostly from scratch you tend to eat healthier.

9. There is a rewarding feeling of satisfaction that comes when you have a freezer full of tasty meals. It leaves you with a sense of accomplishment.

10. It’s fun to cook with a partner, and also to see what others online are doing with their freezer meals. It’s like being a part of a little community.

Those are some of the reasons I have come to like it, and tomorrow I will be posting a home video I made that I even “scripted” and “directed” that shows some of how I execute a month of meals. It should be all kinds of cheesy fun.

Oh, yeah, and check out Oh Amanda too for many more top ten lists!

Disclaimer: I am not a frugal blog, and so these posts will probably not make sense and will seem pretty random to my regular readers, if that’s you, you can just ignore these weekly updates. But, when I did this 3 years ago I saved hundreds of dollars. So if, documenting my deals and posting pictures of pads and oatmeal is going to be the motivation I need to get a truckload of free stuff then count me in. Week 1