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One Hundred Dollars a Month

I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids and a flock of pet chickens. I try and feed my family with $100 a month. With the help of coupons, gardening and bartering I am able to squeeze the most out of our grocery budget and still manage to have a little fun along the way.


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Should I Remove the Rings From My Canning Jars?

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Should I Remove the Rings From My Canning Jars

Now that canning is in full swing, I thought I would address whether or not you should remove the rings from canning jars after the jars have been processed.  I know that a lot of people don’t remove them–and they have been totally fine after years and years of canning.  BUT, the short answer to the question is still yes, you really should remove the rings.

The rings are really only designed to keep the lid on during the processing and cooling part of canning.  After that, they only provide a false sense of food safety, by giving the illusion of a good seal.  Once jars are cooled, take the rings off and store the jars {don’t stack them–that can also affect the seal}.   When a canned good does not have a good seal, eventually the lid will start to lift off of the jar.  When the band is on, it can prevent the lifting–making you think the food is still sealed.

canning{photo credit MamasMinutia}

In addition to giving the illusion of a good seal, the rings can rust.  Rust leads to a nightmare of a time getting the rings off when it is actually time to eat whatever is in the jar.  It also really shortens the life of the rings, and why spend money replacing something if you don’t have to?

I know the jars won’t look as pretty on the shelf without the traditional canning ring band, but seriously, in the end, it is a safety issue for you and your family.  And, the good news is that in the end, it will save you time and money.  No more trying to pry off stuck on rings–and no more purchasing excess rings, just new lids.

Happy canning,

~Mavis

Need help getting started on the canning process?  Go HERE to find out how to can with a water bath or go HERE to find out how to can with a pressure canner.

Know how to can but need some new recipes?  Check out my canning recipes HERE.

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

How I Feed My Family for $100 a Month – Week 27 of 52

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ben and jerrys ice cream

Albertsons $12.45

When it’s 90 degrees outside it’s all about priorities, right? 😉

The HH was really craving Haagen Daz Ice Cream Bars but Albertsons was having a buy 5 get ice cream for $2.49 sale on the Ben and Jerry’s and Klondike Bars so that’s what we picked up instead.

tillamook yogurt

Albertsons $5.79

Yogurt for Monkey Boy and cheddar cheese for Homemade Macaroni and Cheese.

homegrown raspberries and vegetables

Backyard Garden

I don’t know about you but I LOVE the summer months. Even though I don’t have a huge garden this year, it’s still pretty amazing what we can harvest around here on a daily basis. I harvested all these lovely fruits and vegetables last night right before dinner. Multiply that by 7 and it’s pretty easy to see how we can shave some serious money off our grocery list in the summer and fall months.

Gardening is rad. There’s no doubt about it.

smith brothers milk

Smith Brothers Milk Delivery – Sponsored

I didn’t add anything fancy to our order this week, just the basics. 😉 Did you know that Smith Brother’s Farm was voted the 2014 Plant of the Year by Dairy Foods? How cool is that? I think “ll order some chocolate milk for Monkey Boy and some cottage cheese for the HH for net week. We’ll see.

How did you do this week? Do you find yourself hanging out in the ice cream section at your local grocery store this time of year too? What’s your favorite way to cool down in the summer months?

Mavis wants to know.

Total Spent This Week $18.24
Total Spent This Year $984.86
Total Spent This Year on Garden Seeds/Supplies $38.98

Go HERE to read more Shopping Trip Stories.

Smith Brothers Farms Logo

One Hundred Dollars a Month is proudly sponsored by Smith Brother’s Farms, my family’s favorite milk. Check out their website HERE and learn about the over 100 top quality products Smith Brothers Farms can deliver to your porch box.

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Free Kindle Books, Calvin Klein Cami Tops, Mozzarella Cheese, Sponges, Coupons and More

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coleus

Happy Monday!

We had a major thunderstorm last night and it drenched the yard. Sweet diggity! You know what this means right? I get to take a few days off from watering the garden. Weeee! What will I ever do with all my free time? 😉

Have a great day everyone,

♥ Mavis

Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day – InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1-HP Garbage Disposer

free kindle books

Available Kindle Books I think are cool…

The prices on Kindle Books can change quickly, so grab them while you can. Don’t have a Kindle? Download the kindle app on your other devices. It’s easy.

cherry pitter

Looking for a cherry pitter? This OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter is the #1 selling pitter on Amazon.

amazon dealsGet free shipping on all these items:

how-to-make-mozzarella-cheeseHave you ever made your own cheese before? If you have kids home for summer, I think this would be such a fun project to have them help you with!! Find out How to Make Your Own Mozzarella Cheese HERE or Pin it for later. Find more cool projects on my DIY Pinterest Board.

mini spatulas

Get a Set of 6 Silicone Spatulas for just $7.29. {I think I might have to grab these!}

rei sale

REI Outlet Deal of the Day – Thru July 18, save even more on already low-priced REI-OUTLET gear & clothing

calvin klein tank

6pm has some great Cami Tops on sale today – Perfect for summer!

FK_FBK_Sweetie_BOGO_15RO_300x250_mn_020414Get two COMPLETE outfits for kids for only $29.95 shipped right to your door from FabKids. Love it – stay in the FabKids club to get playfully styled outfits, year-round. Don’t love it – cancel anytime for any reason with absolutely no strings attached. No penalties. No problem. Get your FabKids offer HERE.

tennis magazine cover

Discount Mags is offering a 1 year subscription to Runner’s World Magazine for $5.99 or Tennis Magazine for only $4.50 a year when you use code MAVIS at checkout. This deal will expire tonight 7/14/14 at midnight EST so be sure and grab your subscription before then.

Low-Sugar-Strawberry-Jam-Recipe-Pomonas-PectinIf you’re in jam making mode, check out this recipe for Low Sugar Strawberry Jam or Pin it for later.

Scotch Brite Anti Bacterial Heavy Duty Sponge

Get a 21 pack of Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges for just $12.53 shipped when you use the subscribe and save option at checkout on Amazon. This price beats Costco!

arm-and-hammer-laundry-detergent coupon

Check out these New Printable Coupons:

Find More Printable Coupons

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Weekly Meal Plan – Menu Plan Ideas Week 27 of 52

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menu plan ideasEven though I don’t make a weekly menu plan, I still love the idea of having a bunch of recipes right in front of me to choose from. Here are a few recipes from my recipe collection I thought you might like:

Homemade-Poppy-Seed-MuffinsBreakfast Ideas 

Traditional Raisin Scones – Nothing says a summer morning like some tea and scones.  {Pin for Later}
Rustic Apple Galette – This makes an awesome Saturday morning breakfast.  The whole family will love you for it.  {Pin for Later}
Homemade Poppy Seed Muffins – Make ’em now, and then sleep in while the kids “get their own breakfast.”  {Pin for Later}
Blueberry Banana Smoothie – Blueberries have officially hit the stores in my neck of the woods.  It’s the perfect time to whip up these smoothies.  {Pin for Later}

Egg and Cheese English MuffinsSlow Cooker  and Freezer Meal Ideas

Taco Soup – If taco night needs a twist, try making this soup.  All the goodness of tacos packed into a delicious soup.  {Pin for Later}
Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken – This is the perfect recipe for nights when you just need everything to be easy.  {Pin for Later}
Roadside Sliders – Handmade hamburger patties, ready to grill when you are.  {Pin for Later}
Egg and Cheese Muffins – This is another perfect option for quick and easy make head camping breakfasts.  {Pin for Later}

baked tomatoes

Soups , Salads and Main Dish Ideas

BBQ Salmon With Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce – This is my favorite way to eat salmon.  It’s perfect for grilling season.  {Pin for Later}
Baked Tomatoes with Pine Nuts and Basil – These are awesome along side some BBQ’d chicken.  {Pin for Later}
Chicken and Kale Enchilada Recipe – This is a great way to hide kale.  You still get the nutritional punch without the bitter taste.  {Pin for Later}
Maple Soy Chicken Thighs – For a summer variation, throw these on the BBQ instead of in the oven.  {Pin for Later}

Vegan Recipe - Chocolate Coconut Ice CreamCookies,  Snacks and Desserts

Vegan Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream – This ice cream not only tastes awesome, it’s also super rich and creamy.  {Pin for Later}
Homemade Peanut Butter – Slather it on crackers, save it for lunches, dip apples in it, or just eat it with a spoon.  {Pin for Later}
Homemade Marshmallows – Perfect for s’mores season.  {Pin for Later}
Dehydrated Kiwi Fruit – These are a tasty on-the-go snack.  {Pin for Later}

easy peach freezer jam recipeCanning Recipe of the Week

Easy Peach Freezer Jam – I love freezer jams, no standing over a hot pot of boiling water!  {Pin for Later}

What are YOU planning on making this week?

~Mavis

Looking for more recipes? Check out my recipes boards on Pinterest

Also, be sure to check out:

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Mavis Butterfield Etsy