Family Budget Blog

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading 2011

2011-04-25T08:58:00.001-07:00

Barnes & Noble is once again offering a free book as a summer reading incentive for kids. All they have to do is read eight books, record the titles on the reading journal form, and bring the form into a Barnes & Noble between May 24 and September 6 to select their free book. There are several free book titles from which to choose.

Go here for complete details and to download the reading journal form.

2011 Free Summer Movie Series at Wehrenberg Theatres

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Information for Wehrenberg Theatres' Family Summer Series 2011 is now available. At 10:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from June1 through August 4 you can see select movies for free.

Go here for participating theatres and schedules.

Featured movies include:

Shrek Forever After

How to Train Your Dragon

Megamind

Yogi Bear

Marmaduke

Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Alpha and Omega

Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

Ramona and Beezus

Best Nook Color "Deal"

2011-04-22T10:52:00.001-07:00

I recently purchased a Nook Color with some birthday and Christmas money I'd been saving. Any retailer I've found that carries the popular ereader sells it for the same price as Barnes & Noble, and it never seems to go on sale anywhere. The best "deal" I've been able to find has been to go through Ebates to take advantage of their cash back. The standard cash back offer from Barnes & Noble through Ebates is 4%, but they recently had a special offer of 6% back, which is when I finally decided to take the plunge. (Some other Ebates online stores also carry the Nook Color, but they offered less cash back.) Although the instore and online coupons for Barnes & Noble exclude Nook products, I couldn't find any such exclusions with the Ebates cash back, but I've still been wondering if this would work as planned. I just got confirmation from Ebates on my cash back ($18.35) from the purchase (Nook Color, plus screen protector and cover). I'm looking forward to delivery day!

If you are new to Ebates, I'd love to refer you through the link in the left sidebar. Thanks!

Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

2011-04-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my recipe for Pumpkin Juice, just in time for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 this Friday on DVD, etc.

The label for Pumpkin Juice at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter lists the ingredients as water, apple juice concentrate, pumpkin puree, apricot puree, sugar, natural and artificial flavor, citric acid, acesulfame potassium, and sodium benzoate. Now, I leave out the sugar and everything else on the list after it, and my natural flavors come from spices. We find that it is sweet and tasty enough without the added sugar. Because of the purees, this is a bit thicker than most juices, but I understand that the WWOHP product is also slightly pulpy. My Vita-Mix does a fabulous job with this recipe. I haven't tried the WWOHP juice yet, but hope to some day soon. I'd love to know from someone who has tasted it, if this recipe comes close to matching the wizarding beverage.

Pumpkin Juice
4 cups apple juice (I make mine from concentrate and add an extra can of water.)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup apricot puree
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Place all ingredients in blender. Process on high for 1 minute. For best flavor, chill in refrigerator. Shake or stir before serving.
(To make the apricot puree, I puree a can of apricots without the juice in my Vita-Mix and freeze the leftover puree for future batches. You can also use jarred apricot baby food.)

This recipe is linked in Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Free Nook Book Title for Easter

2011-04-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Right now, Barnes and Noble is offering a Beginner's Bible tile, The Very First Easter for free. Go here to get it. I don't know how long this will be available at no cost. It looks like a nice book to share with your kids this Easter if you have a Nook (especially Nook Color) or one of the free Nook apps.

Free Yoplait Yogurt

2011-01-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Because women aren't getting enough calcium, Yoplait is giving away one million cups of their original yogurt. Go here to request your free Yoplait yogurt.

Spreadable Butter

2011-01-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Our family uses real butter, but it can be difficult to spread. So, I blend it with olive oil which helps make it more spreadable and adds omega 3 goodness.

Spreadable Butter
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Allow butter to soften to room temperature. Blend with mixer on low to medium speed for approximately two minutes, scraping sides and beaters occasionally as necessary. Add olive oil. Blend an additional five minutes on low to medium speed (again, scraping the sides and beaters occasionally as necessary.)
Pour into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will firm up some once chilled, but should still be quite spreadable. It works well straight from the refrigerator, but for buttering soft breads, you may want to set it out on the counter for a minute or so to help it soften slightly.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Home Depot Kids Workshop August 7

2010-08-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, August 7 is the first Saturday of the month. That means it is time for the Kid's Workshop at The Home Depot. This month's project is a School Bus Pencil Organizer. The free workshops are held every first Saturday of the month from 9:00am-noon. Go here for more details.

Simple Savings-Making Facial Cleansing Cloths Last Longer

2010-08-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Disposable facial cleansing cloths are not something I usually buy for everyday, but they are great for traveling, and we've had a few trips this summer. I will make these wipes last twice as long by simply cutting them in half. A half size cloth works just as well, and my pack of 60 will now last for 120 days. It's an easy job to do while watching the evening news and doubles the value of your purchase, and that works for me.

This post is linked in Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.

Green Monster

2010-08-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

We go through quite a bit of spinach when making smoothies in our Vitamix. It is full of nutrition and is considered one of the "magic vegetables" since the taste "magically" disappears when you blend it with fruit and other smoothie ingredients. We throw a handful of spinach in almost every batch of smoothies we make.

Since spinach is on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list, we buy a big, one-pound box of organic spinach at Costco for $3.99. It contains about ten cups, which works out to $.40 per cup.

Fresh spinach can be frozen for later use in cooking or smoothies. (Just don't expect to make a salad out of it.) I just rinse the spinach, spin it in the salad spinner, and pop it in a zipper freezer bag.

"Green Monster" is a term that can be used for just about any smoothie that contains green vegetables. Here's a recipe for a basic green monster that our family enjoys.

Green Monster
1 1/4 cup diluted juice (apple, white grape, pineapple, almost any juice will do OR use 1/4 cup juice concentrate plus 1 cup water)
1 orange, peeled (leave the white pith)
1 slice pineapple, 3/4" thick, skin removed
1 banana, peeled, fresh or frozen cut into chunks
1-2 cups spinach (1-2 big handfuls)
1-2 cups ice
Add ingredients to the Vitamix in the order listed. Start on variable speed 1 and quickly increase to variable speed 10, then switch to high for one to one-and-a-half minutes.

This post linked in Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed with Grace and Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here's what's for dinner at our home this week:

Monday - Grilled Cheese, Fresh Fruit and Veggies, Green Monster (recipe posting tomorrow)
Tuesday - Breakfast for Dinner: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese "Burritos", Fruit

Wednesday - Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Green Beans, Strawberries in Vanilla Yogurt

Thursday - Skillet Cheeseburger Macaroni, Carrots, Cinnamon Applesauce

Friday - Pizza, Salad, Smoothies

Saturday - Grilled Chicken, Salad, Potatoes

Sunday - Hot Dogs, Chips, Carrot Sticks, Fresh Fruit

This post is linked in Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

$1.00/1 Grandma's Molasses Coupon

2010-07-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

Go here to print a coupon good for $1.00 off one Grandma's Molasses product.

Simple Savings - It Really Can't Hurt To Ask

2010-07-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

This week, we got a couple of our bills reduced by simply contacting the companies and asking a few questions. We did this previously with our trash service.

The first bill we were able to reduce this time was our monthly phone bill. We've been getting lots of advertising mailers from competitors with lower rates, so we called our phone company and explained that we were considering switching if they couldn't do anything to lower our rates. We ended up getting our bill reduced by twenty dollars a month plus an additional service was added. This will net us an annual savings of $240.

We were able to lower another bill with a simple email. We contacted our insurance agent, asking about the rating on our vehicles and let him know we weren't driving them as many miles as previously recorded. They are now both able to be rated as pleasure vehicles and our rates went down by $54 every six months. This will save us another $108 annually.

We don't have any paid programming services and use only an antenna for our television, but a neighbor did something similar with his cable company after hearing a suggestion in a talk radio show to call and ask for customer retention where he was able to get his cable rates reduced in order to keep him as a customer.

It can't hurt to ask the companies with which you choose to do business if there are any ways you can get your bills reduced. They are frequently willing to work with you in order to keep you as a customer. We asked and were able to save $348 for the year.

This post linked in Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.

Saving Money on Fresh Fruit Smoothies

2010-07-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

No one in my family really cares for eating cantaloupe, which is a shame because they're packed with so much low-calorie nutritious goodness. So when I would see a great produce deal on these melons, I didn't get too excited. Now that I have the Vitamix, I stock up on them. We are able to take advantage of all the nutrition cantaloupe and its seeds has to offer by blending it with other smoothie ingredients.

Right now, our Aldi store has cantaloupe for $.89. When cantaloupe is priced less than a dollar, I pick some up so that we can use some in smoothies and freeze some for later. After washing the outside of the cantaloupe, I cut it in half, then cut each half into eighths for a total of sixteen pieces. I cut off the rind and cut each sixteenth in half. I do not remove the seeds since the Vitamix can blend them right into the smoothie. I place each piece on a wax paper lined jelly roll pan and freeze it. After the melon chunks are frozen, I package the fruit into gallon zipper freezer bags. I'll use two to four frozen chunks when making smoothies for our family. Cantaloupe purchased at this price adds less than $.06 (for 2 chunks or 1/16th of a melon) to the overall price of the batch of smoothies. Plus, we're getting vitamins and fiber from a fruit we might not otherwise be eating, and that works for me.

Be sure to see yesterday's post on Strawberry Lemonade in the Vitamix.

This post linked in Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family.

Vitamix Strawberry Lemonade

2010-07-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

The most common reaction I get when I mention our Vitamix is, "It costs too much. I could never spend that much on a blender." I'll admit, I thought the same thing when I first heard about the Vitamix years ago. Now, I consider our purchase of the Vitamix 5200 an investment in our family's health. It was my birthday, Christmas, Valentine, Mother's Day present, and we use it every day. We are eating more fruits and veggies than ever before.

A friend recently asked me about the price of all of the produce we use to make our smoothies, so I thought I'd explore how I save money with my Vitamix. Last weekend, we were in the area of a local farmer's market so we stopped in to see if there were any good deals on produce there. We found a stand selling grapes in two pound bags for one dollar. Fifty cents a pound is a pretty good price. We were offered a twenty pound flat for eight dollars, making the price per pound even cheaper. We were also able to get a flat with eight one-pound packages of strawberries for six dollars, making them $.75 per pound. They also had lemons three for one dollar. Stocking up on great produce deals when you find them is an excellent way to fill your Vitamix while saving money.

We were able to have lots of grapes and strawberries for smoothies, snacks and freezing. To freeze grapes, line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper, fill it with a single layer of washed, dry (we used a salad spinner) grapes, and place it in the freezer. Once they are firm, I put the frozen grapes in a gallon zipper freezer bag. Strawberries are handled similarly. I take washed, dry (again in the salad spinner) berries, remove the tops, and place them whole on the waxed paper lined pan and freeze them, then transfer them to gallon zipper freezer bags. (The tops don't have to be removed to blend them in the Vitamix, but sometimes the berries get used for other things, so I do remove them. Sometimes I will quarter the berries to freeze them for other uses like fruit and yogurt parfaits.)

Saturday night, we made strawberry lemonade with the neighbors for around a quarter per 12-ounce glass. Sonic sells their smallest, sugar(probably HFCS)-laden no-fruit slushie for fifty cents during happy hour (regularly $1.00). We had whole fruit slushes for about half that price.

Strawberry Lemonade
3 cups fresh or defrosted grapes (red or green)
1 slice lemon 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick with the zest still on
4-5 fresh or frozen strawberries
Up to 1 Tablespoon honey, optional
2 cups ice
Start your Vitamix on variable speed 1 and quickly turn the dial up to 10, then switch to high. Blend on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Makes approximately 36 ounces.
Strawberries can be omitted for plain lemonade.
For limeade use a 1/4 to 3/8-inch thick slice of lime with the zest still on instead of lemon.

This post linked in Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed with Grace.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-07-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here's what's on the menu at our home this week:

Monday - Whole Wheat Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Green Beans, Cinnamon Applesauce, Garlic Toast

Tuesday - Breakfast for Dinner: Applesauce Pancakes, Sausage, Fresh Fruit

Wednesday - Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken, Fresh Fruit and Veggies

Thursday - BBQ Chicken Bites, Whole Wheat Shells with Light Cheese Sauce, Fresh Fruit and Veggies

Friday - Pizza, Salad, Smoothies

Saturday - Grilled Hamburgers, Carrot Sticks, Strawberries in Vanilla Yogurt, Smoothies

Sunday - Grilled Chicken Fettuccine with Lowfat Alfredo Sauce, Carrots, Cinnamon Applesauce, Garlic Toast

This post linked in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

2010 Free Summer Movie Series at Regal Theaters

2010-05-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Regal Entertainment Group is once again offering their Free Family Film Festival on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am during the summer. Go here for details and to find the schedule for a theater near you.

Free Lever 2000 Sample from Sam's Club

2010-05-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Go here to request a free sample of Lever 2000 soap from Sam's Club. The membership number is an optional field, so you should be able to get this sample without being a member.

Free 8 x 10 Photo Collage at Walgreens through Saturday

2010-05-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Walgreens Photo is offering a free 8 x 10 photo collage through Saturday, May 8. Go here to create yours. Enter the code GOODTHOUGHTS at checkout and select in-stor pickup to get it for free. This would be a nice free Mother's Day gift.

Apple Pie (Soaked) Oatmeal

2010-05-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

I've been doing my best to make changes in our family's diet as I learn more about nutrition. Soaking whole grains is one of the latest nutrition topics I've been researching. Basically, whole grains are good for you, but to get the most out of them, you need to neutralize the phytic acid in them to aid digestion and absorbtion of minerals. There are lots of good resources available on this topic at the library and through the internet. (Check out Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon or these posts for information on soaking whole grains: Sue Gregg, The Nourishing Gourmet, Passionate Homemaking)

Apple Pie (Soaked) Oatmeal (serves 2-3)

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup warm water

2 Tablespoons yogurt (You can also use kefir, whey, lemon juice, or vinegar.)

1 cup water (or milk)

1/2 cup applesauce

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon blend (or apple or pumpkin pie spice)

sweetener as desired

butter

frozen diced apples, optional

Soak oats for 12-24 hours in first cup of water and yogurt. (I just put them in my saucepan, cover, and leave it on the counter to ferment overnight.) The next morning, add the second cup of water (or milk, if desired) and simmer over medium low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until oatmeal reaches the desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in applesauce and cinnamon blend. Sweeten as desired with maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener. Add butter. Stir in frozen diced apples if desired which will add flavor and cool the oatmeal for little ones.

This post is linked in Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Shop 'n Save Coupon Thursday

2010-05-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

It's coupon Thursday at Shop 'n Save - no coupon necessary.

Go here to see the current ad.

Go here to read my post on Coupon Thursday strategies.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic May 8

2010-05-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 8 is another Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic. From 10:00am-11:00am, your kids can build this trellis planter for free. This would make a nice free Mother's Day gift. The last time we made a planter at one of these clinics, we also got soil and seeds to complete the project. Go here for more information and to pre-register for the clinic nearest you.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading 2010

2010-05-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble is offering a free book as a reading incentive for kids. All they have to do is read eight books, record the titiles on the special Passport to Summer Reading, and bring the form in to a Barnes & Noble location to select their free book. There are several free book titles from which to choose.

Go here for complete details and to download the Passport to Summer Reading.

Borders Summer Reading Program 2010

2010-05-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

This summer, Borders is offering a free book to kids 12 and under as an incentive to get them reading. All they have to do is read ten books, record their titles on the special form, and turn it in to any Borders, Borders Express, or Waldenbooks location to get their free book.

Free book selection includes:
Ramona the Brave
Miss Daisy Is Crazy
Flat Stanley
Dear Mr. Henshaw
The Ruins of Gorlan
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Hoot
Johnny Tremain
The River
The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea

Go here for more details and to download the form.

Daily Free Sample at All You

2010-05-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

All You magazine is highlighting a new freebie every day in May. Go here to see the daily free sample calendar and sign up for the freebie of the day. Click on previous days to find out if those offers are still available.

May 4 - Being Girl Sample Kit (3 Tampax Pearl Tampons, 2 Always Ultra Thin Pads, and 2 Always Ultra Thin Panty Liners)

May 3 - Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA

May 2 - Sample of Gas-X Thin Strips and Coupon

May 1 - Sample of Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner

Visit Coupons.com

2010-05-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's the first of the month, so lots of new printable coupons are available at coupons.com.

Some that look good to me are:

$2.00/1 Dove Deodorant

$1.00 off Welch's Juice

$1.00 off Gensis Today Superfruit Juice

$15 Entertainment books which contain $30 in Shop 'n Save Coupons

2010 Free Summer Movie Series at Wehrenberg Theatres

2010-05-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Information for Wherenberg Theatres' Family Summer Series 2010 is now available.

At 10:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 2 through August 5, you can see select movies for free.

Go here for participating theatres and schedules.

Featured movies include:

Where the Wild Things Are

Lightning Thief

My Dog Skip

The Muppet Movie

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Planet 51

Tooth Fairy

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic May 1

2010-04-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 1 is another Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for kids. From 10:00am-11:00am your kids can build this Schoolhouse for free. Go here for more information.

Home Depot Kids Workshop May 1

2010-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 1 is the first Saturday of the month. That means it's time for the Kids Workshop at The Home Depot. This month's project is a picket fence planter. (My previous experience with this project included soil and a marigold plant.) This would make a nice free Mother's Day gift for Mom or Grandma. The free workshops are held every first Saturday of the month from 9:00am-noon. Go here for more details.

$3.00/1 DiGiorno Pizza and Breadsticks Coupon

2010-04-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Go here to create a Facebook April Fool's Day story and get a printable coupon for $3.00 off any package of DiGiorno Pizza and Breadsticks or scroll down to the bottom and click on the link to get the coupon without fooling your friends.

Bass Pro Shops Easter Event Reminder

2010-04-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that Bass Pro Shops has free Easter activities and a photo with the Easter Bunny again this weekend.

Go here for more details.

Home Depot Kids Workshop April 3

2010-04-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, April 3 is the first Saturday of the month. That means it's time for the Kids Workshop at The Home Depot. This month's project is a butterfly house. The free workshops are held every first Saturday of the month from 9:00am-noon. Go here for more details.

April Fool's Day Jell-O

2010-04-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun trick for April Fool's Day. Prepare Jell-O in drinking glasses, add straws, and chill. Serve to unsuspecting family members.

No Boiling Baked Penne Pasta

2010-03-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

A neighbor who works at a dairy gave us a large amount of cottage cheese, so I got out this easy recipe that has a taste similar to lasagna without all the work. This makes a good meatless main dish, but you can also add a pound of browned ground beef or turkey to it.

No Boiling Baked Penne Pasta
32-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups water
15-ounce container cottage cheese
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12-ounce box whole wheat penne pasta
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine sauce and water. Stir in cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. Spoon mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 55 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered 5 more minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace.

Bass Pro Shops Easter Events

2010-03-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Visit Bass Pro Shops this weekend for free Easter activities and a photo with the Easter Bunny. Go here for more details.

Free Sample Olay Total Body Wash

2010-03-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Go here to request a free sample of Olay Total Body Wash.

Free Special K Protein Meal Bar

2010-03-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Go here to register for a Special K free trial pack which includes a free Special K protein meal bar and coupons for $1.00 off protein meal bars and $1.00 of protein shakes.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic 3/27

2010-03-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, March 27th is another Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for kids. From 10:00am-11:00am your kids can build this Kaleidoscope for free. Go here for more information.

Free Shampoo and Condtioner After Rebate

2010-03-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Be on the lookout for these Renpure Organics shampoos and conditioners with a Try Me Free mail-in rebate tag on them. I found these buy-one-get-one-free today at Walgreens which makes for two free bottles after rebate. You will need to submit the original form and your original dated store-identified reciept with the purchase price circled within thirty days of purchase.

Free Nature Made Triple Flex Sample

2010-03-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Go here to request a free ten caplet sample of Nature Made Triple Flex. This sample is from Costco, but a membership number is not listed as a required field.

Free Kotex Sample Pack

2010-03-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Go here to request a free sample pack from Kotex. There are a few different packs from which to choose.

Homemade Vanilla Yogurt

2010-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

The kids and I really like vanilla yogurt and eat quite a bit of it. So I was excited to learn how to make my own homemade yogurt in the Crock Pot (no special machine required). I found basic directions at A Year of Slow Cooking and experimented to find the combination of flavors our family liked best. This is great topped with fruit and granola for breakfast or lunch. I can make eight cups of this yogurt for less than $2.00. A pretty good sale price for 8-ounce store-brand yogurt cups is around $.50 or $4.00 for eight cups.

Vanilla Yogurt in the Crock Pot
8 cups (half-gallon) of whole milk
½ cup natural, live/active culture plain or vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup powdered milk (more if using a lower fat milk)
½ cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
Plug in your Crock Pot and turn to low. Add eight cups (half gallon) whole milk. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Unplug your Crock Pot. Leave the cover on, and let it sit for 3 hours. When 3 hours have passed, scoop out 2 cups of the warm milk and put it in a bowl. Stir in yogurt, powdered milk (to help thicken your yogurt), sugar, and vanilla. Then dump the bowl contents back into the Crock Pot. Stir to combine. Put the lid back on your Crock Pot. Keep it unplugged, and wrap a heavy bath towel all the way around the crock for insulation. Let it sit for 8 hours or overnight. In the morning, the yogurt will have thickened. Chill in container(s) in the refrigerator. This recipe makes approximately 8 cups of yogurt. Your fresh yogurt will last 7-10 days. Save 1/2 cup as a starter to make a new batch. Of course, you can make plain yogurt by omitting the sugar and vanilla. The powdered milk can be omitted as well, but the finished product will not be as thick. This can also be made with lower fat milks, but it will not be as thick.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic 3/13

2010-03-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, March 13th is another Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for kids. From 10:00am-11:00am your kids can build this Tabletop Basketball game for free. Go here for more information.

Philidelphia Minis Offer at Kraft First Taste

2010-03-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

If you are a member of Kraft First Taste, there is an offer out now for a free trial of Philidelphia Minis via snail mail coupon. Log into your account to check and see if the offer is available to you. If you are not a member yet, go here to sign up to be elligible for similar offers in the future.

Michaels Free (and free with purchase) Events

2010-03-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 6 is a free yarn doll make-it-take-it event from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Sunday, March 7 is a write your name make-it-take-it with the purchase of a $2.99 3-pack of canvases from 1:00pm-5:00pm.
Go here to view the March/April calendar of events.

Freezer Cooking in Batches

2010-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

I really like the convenience of freezer cooking. I just have a difficult time spending one whole day devoted to cooking a month's worth of meals. By the time the day is done, I'm tired, crabby, and I don't feel like cleaning up the ginormous mess that generally goes along with a big freezer cooking session. I have found that it works better for me to do my freezer cooking in batches as I cook my meals.

One of the easiest, most convenient freezer cooking things I do is to brown my meat ahead of time. This makes mealtime preparation quick and convenient. Last night, I browned a large batch of ground turkey, divided it into 2 cup portions and sealed them in quart-sized zippered freezer bags. (One pound ground meat is roughly two cups when cooked.) I will use this for sloppy joes, chili, baked mostaccioli, skillet dinners, or added to spaghetti sauce. I've used it straight out of the freezer, allowing it to "defrost" as the recipe simmers. It's nice to have the meat already prepared for quick, easy dinners.

This post is linked in Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.

Home Depot Kids Workshop March 6

2010-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, March 6 is the first Saturday of the month. That means it's time for the Kids Workshop at The Home Depot. This month's project is a rain gauge. The free workshops are held every first Saturday of the month from 9:00am-noon. Go here for more details.

Visit Coupons.com

2010-03-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Visit coupons.com to print the new coupons for March.

Some that look interesting to me:

$.75 off Gold Medal Flour
$1.00 off Cottonelle 12 pack or larger
$.75 off Chex cereals
$1.50 off 2 boxes Kashi TLC bars
$.75 off Nature's Own bagels
$1.00 off So Delicious coconut milk
$2.00/4 So Delicious coconut milk yogurt

Little Ceasars $3.99 Pizza Today

2010-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Today, Wednesday, March 3rd is Customer Appreciation Day at many St. Louis area Little Ceasars Pizza locations. Today only, they are selling their large Hot-n-Ready single-topping pepperoni, cheese, or sausage pizzas for $3.99, no limit. I recommend calling ahead to make sure your location is participating in this promotion.

Tomato Soup

2010-03-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for a homemade tomato soup recipe that tastes similar to the smooth (no tomato chunks) canned variety. This is my adaptation of several recipes I've tried. This makes enough for two dinners for my family or one dinner plus plenty of leftovers for lunch for those of us who really like tomato soup. I like to serve it with grilled cheese and apple slices.

Tomato Soup
6 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons flour
46-ounce can tomato juice
1 1/2 cups water
3 Tablespoons sugar
3/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground celery seed
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour, and stir to form a smooth paste. Add tomato juice and water, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar and seasonings. Simmer until heated through.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace, and Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on the menu for this week:

Monday -Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Apple Slices

Tuesday - Sloppy Joes, Corn, Oven Roasted Potato Wedges

Wednesday - Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner, Green Beans, Cinnamon Applesauce

Thursday - BBQ Chicken Bites, Macaroni and Cheese, Carrot Sticks

Friday - Pizza, Salad, Smoothies

Saturday - Parmesan Chicken, Penne Pasta, Salad

Sunday - Breakfast for Dinner: French Toast, Sausage, Fruit

This post is linked in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals Day 7

2010-02-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

It's day seven of Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals. Today's offers is $.10 4x6 prints (no minimum order) with the coupon code 10CENTS or the in-store coupon here.

The week-long offer through Saturday, February 27, is 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Visit W Photo for complete details.

Cuties Coupons

2010-02-26T06:04:00.001-08:00

I've depleted my supply of Cuites Clementine coupons from recent fliers, so I was excited to find that there are coupons for $1.00/5-pound box and $.55/3-pound bag here. When you click to print, you will get both coupons on the same page with an expiration date of 5/31/2010.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom and Erika!

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic 2/27

2010-02-26T05:47:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, February 27th is another Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for kids. From 10:00am-11:00am your kids can build this LoweBot for free. Go here for more information.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals Day 6

2010-02-26T05:41:00.000-08:00

It's day six of Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals. Today's offers are 50% off everyday photo books with coupon code EVERYDAY or 54% off ink cartridge refils with in-store coupon here.

The week-long offer through Saturday, February 27, is 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Visit W Photo for complete details.

Happy Birthday, Swagbucks!

2010-02-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

It's Swagbucks 2nd birthday, so I thought I'd do my first post about the search engine rewards program and how I got a free set of Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles for my family.

With Swagbucks, you do not earn Swagbucks with every search you do, but you have the potential to "win" them at random in various amounts. I have usually "won" at least one (now ten with the new changes) buck in fewer than five searches in the morning and again in the evening. More searching doesn't necessarily yield more bucks.

From time to time, you come across various Swag Codes you can enter without a search to increase your Swagbucks total.

You also can get Swagbucks for any referrals you get. Which is why I'd truly appreciate it if anyone were to sign up under me through one of my Swagbucks links.

The people at Swagbucks are updating some things in celebration of their birthday. Now, when you win Swagbucks, the amounts are ten times more than you would have won previously. However, the prizes in the Swag Store also cost ten times more.

In my opinion, Amazon e-gift cards are one of the best prizes they have available. With the new changes, you can get a $5.00 e-gift card for 450 Swagbucks which can be "won" with no referrals in less than a month. Maybe that doesn't sound like a lot of money to some, but it's free.

Swagbucks does limit you to redeeming 2 prizes per day and to 5 of any item in a month. I was unaware of this when I started saving my Swagbucks. I had saved up enough to get a set of Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles for my family on Amazon and then had to redeem them gradually over a few days to get enough e-gift cards for the purchase. Then I found out that Amazon e-gift cards were only dispersed on certain days of the month, so I had to wait some more until the redemption codes were posted to my account and ready to use on Amazon. Had I known this in advance, I would have been cashing in my Swagbucks each time I had enough to get an e-gift card.

The bottom line is, Swagbucks is a fun program that is worth the small amount of time it takes to get some free stuff, and I would reccommend it to others.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals Day 5

2010-02-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

It's day five of Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals. Today's offer is one free 8x10 print with the coupon code FREEPHOTO or in-store coupon here.

The week-long offer through Saturday, February 27, is 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Visit W Photo for complete details.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals Day 4

2010-02-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

It's day four of Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals. Today's offer is 50% off photo canvases with the code CANVAS (online only) or $.99 film developing with the in-store coupon here.

The week-long offer through Saturday, February 27, is 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Visit W Photo for complete details.

Cinnamon Blend

2010-02-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

When my son was in kindergarten, he came home with a request to send in his favorite recipe that I make to be included in a class cookbook. When I asked him what recipe was his favorite, he replied, "Applesauce!" When I told him that it was just (unsweetened) applesauce in a jar from the store, he said, "Yeah, but you put cinnamon on it." (We picked another favorite for the book.)

When he was in first grade, he had to make an "All About Me" poster which included his favorite food. He added a construction paper bowl of applesauce and used glue stick and cinnamon like glitter to scent the creation.

Applesauce is still a favorite dinner side dish topped with a special cinnamon blend that also works well in recipes calling for pumpkin or apple pie spice. It's great stirred in oatmeal, mixed with sugar for cinnamon toast, or just about anywhere you'd use plain cinnamon. I printed the recipe with a label maker and put it on my spice jar to make things easy when I want to refill it.

Cinnamon Blend
1/4 cup cinnamon
1 Tablespoon allspice
2 teaspoons nutmeg
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday at Ballancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals Day 3

2010-02-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

It's day three of Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals. Today's offer is 50% off 11x14 posters with the code POSTERSIZE or the in-store coupon here.

The week-long offer through Saturday, February 27, is 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Visit W Photo for complete details.

Free South Beach Living Bar Sample

2010-02-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

Go here to request a free sample of South Beach Living Fiber Fit S'mores Bars.

(Thanks, Free Snatcher!)

Free Tide with Febreze Sample

2010-02-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

Go here to request a free sample of Tide with Febreze plus a $1.00 coupon.

Free Olay Body Wash Sample

2010-02-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

Go here to request a free sample of Olay Total Effects Body Wash.

Free Pancakes at IHOP 2/23

2010-02-22T06:20:00.000-08:00

Visit IHOP tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23 for their National Pancake Day Celebration and get a free short stack of pancakes from 7:00am-10:00pm. All they ask is that you "consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network, or other local charities." Go here for more details.

Free Jack in the Box Grilled Sandwich with Large Drink Purchase 2/23

2010-02-22T06:14:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23, Jack in the Box is giving away their new grilled sandwiches free with the purchase of a large drink. Go here for complete details and to see if your location is participating.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals Day 2

2010-02-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

It's day two of Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals. Today's offer is 40% off digital prints of all sizes (4x6, 5x7, and 8x10) with the coupon code DIGITAL40 or the in-store coupon found here.

The week-long offer through Saturday, February 27, is 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Visit W Photo for complete details.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on the menu this week at our house:

Monday - Chili, Corn Bread Sticks
Tuesday - Montreal Chicken Sandwiches, Corn, Apple Slices
Wednesday - Skillet Mostaccioli, Salad, Applesauce, Garlic Toast
Thursday - Sloppy Joes, Macaroni and Cheese, Peas
Friday - French Bread Pizza, Salad, Smoothies
Saturday - Chicken Parmesan, Green Beans Garlic Toast
Sunday - Grilled Chicken Fettuccine with Low Fat Alfredo Sauce, Carrots, Applesauce, Garlic Toast

This post is linked in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Walgreens 7 Days of Photo Deals

2010-02-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Last year, Walgreens had a 7 day promotion with a different deal featured each day. The deals are back starting today. Through Saturday, February 27, you can get 30 4x6 prints for $3.00 with the coupon code WINTER30 and 20% off photo gifts with the coupon code WONDER20.

Today's daily deal is $1.99 magazine covers (regularly $5.99) online with the coupon code COVERIT or with in-store coupon here.

Visit W Photo to take advantage of the daily deal.

Free Pretzel at Auntie Anne's 2-20

2010-02-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

Stop by Auntie Anne's February 20 from 10:00am-3:00pm for a free original or cinnamon sugar pretzel. Visit Auntie Anne'sFree Pretzel Day website for more information.

Big Lots 20% Off Coupon

2010-02-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

Go here for a printable coupon for 20% off your entire purchase during Big Lots Friends & Family event this Sunday, February 21 from 5:00-9:00pm. Become a member Big Lots Buzz Club Rewards program for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree and to get future 20% off coupons. Since they do not accept manufacturer's coupons, these coupons are one of the best ways to save at Big Lots.

Legolympic Snowboard Halfpipe Arena

2010-02-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, here, our family has been really excited about the winter Olympics. And, well, Legos are kind of a way of life around our house. So, my son constructed a tribute to snowboard halfpipe gold and bronze medalists Shaun White and Scott Lago. Now we have a new addition to our Legolympic display with this halfpipe arena complete with a Lego Lago and a helmetless champion. Since Lego helmets don't quite fit on minifigures with hair, we'll just have to hope Shaun is extra careful with his Double McTwist 1260s.

Free Lever 2000 Sample for Costco Members

2010-02-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

If you are a Costco member, you can go here to request a free sample of Lever 2000. (You will need to enter your membership number.)

Shop 'n Save Coupon Thursday Strategies

2010-02-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'll admit I'm a bit envious of all of the bloggers who share the wonderful deals they've gotten at stores that double coupons of all values. Dierberg's and Schnucks, the double coupon stores in our area are still using a policy from about 20 years ago when high value coupons weren't as common as they are now. (Double coupons apply to manufacturer coupons valued at $.40 or less; limit 3 identical coupons and 15 total coupons doubled. Anything over the 15 coupon limit or over $.40 are redeemed at face value. Whoopie!) So I go to Shop 'n Save on Coupon Thursday (No Coupon Necessary).

If you aren't familiar with Shop 'n Save's Coupon Thursday, their registers are programmed to automatically take $10 off your bill once your total reaches $50 excluding fuel, fresh milk, pharmacy, beer, wine, spirits, lottery, gift certificates, Entertainment books, stamps, MoneyGram, Rug Doctor rentals, gift cards, tobacco, and sales tax (but before coupons are deducted).

I thought I'd share a few of the strategies I use on Coupon Thursday to get the most bang for my buck.

1. Wait for Coupon Thursday

I watch my ads and wait for Coupon Thursday. While I may run to Shop 'n Save for a couple of necessities once in a while, I do not do big trips until Coupon Thursday. I think I need to track the freqency of Coupon Thursdays because currently the pattern of their occurance seems quite random.

2. Shoot for $50

Getting $10 off a $50 purchase is like getting 20% off your bill. The more you go over $50, the more that percentage goes down.

3. Carry a Calculator

I carry a calculator with me as I shop, keep a running total as I add items to my cart so I know when I reach the magical $50 goal.

4. Study the Ad

Now is the time to pick up sale items. Remember, that $10 is like 20% off the sale price, too.

5. Use Coupons for Free Items

If I have a coupon for a free item, I save it for Coupon Thursday. Anything I'm getting for free is like lowering the $50 goal. A $3.00 free item is like getting $10 off a $47 purchase. I've redeemed coupons for free pet food even though we don't own a pet and donated them to a local animal shelter.

6. Use High Value Coupons

Remember the $50 goal is before coupons are deducted.

7. Keep a List of Value Items Your Family Uses

There are certain items on which Shop 'n Save offers the best price or I can't get at Aldi, so I get them at Shop 'n Save during coupon Thursday (whole wheat macaroni noodles, unsweetened applesauce).

8. Take Advantage of "Catalina" Deals

Sometimes, companies reward you for buying a certain amount of their products, by issuing a coupon at the register good on your next purchase. These deals are sweeter if you can buy the items with coupons.

9. Use the Entertainment book

You can get an Entertainment book at the customer service desk at Shop 'n Save for $30. Inside the 2010 book are six coupons good for $5 off a $50 or more Shop 'n Save grocery or gift card purchase, so you break even on the purchase of the book and any other coupons you use make it a deal. They are also offered online here (regularly $35, but are currently discounted to $21 plus shipping).

10. Look for Pharmacy Promotions

Occasionally Shop 'n Save pharmacies offer gift card promotions for new or transferred prescriptions.

The more strategies you can combine, the bigger your savings. My best Shop 'n Save trip cost me $.67 out of pocket and yielded me a $3 coupon good on my next purchase. That's like being paid to take home more than $60 in groceries.

$1.50/1 Kashi Heart to Heart Coupon

2010-02-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Vocalpoint has a printable $1.50/1 Kashi Heart to Heart cereal or cracker coupon here (click on "get a coupon"). As usual, you can print the coupon twice, but you can also click "help" in the lower right hand corner of the coupon printing page to have it mailed to you.

Betty Crocker Coupons

2010-02-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

Betty Crocker has a new site called Bake Sweet Memories which has a coupon page now featuring coupons for:
$.50/ Pam Cooking Spray
$.50/1 48-oz Wesson Oil
$1.00/Betty Crocker Cookie Mix and Tub of Frosting
$.50/1 Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
$.75/1 Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix

Update: This new coupon site has gotten a lot of publicity, and many people have responded to the offers. It looks like they may have print limits set for the entire promotion because some of the coupons are no longer appearing. If the coupon offer you were wanting to print is not there, check back later to see if it becomes available.

Free Fekkai Sample

2010-02-17T14:23:00.001-08:00

Go here to request a free Fekkai product sample. You can choose from Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner, Technician Color Care Shampoo and 3-Minute Mask, or Glossing Cream.

Walgreens Excedrin Deal

2010-02-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Starting Sunday, February 21, Walgreens will have Excedrin (20-24 ct.) for $2.50.

Use a $2.00/1 Excedrin printable coupon.

Pay just $.50.

You could get Excedrin Menstrual Complete for $2.50.

Use a $2.00/1 Excedrin printable coupon.

Pay just $.50.

Get a $2.00 Register Reward, making this deal better than free.

This is not a product my family normally uses, but I plan to pick up this deal in anticipation of the Girl Scouts April Showers personal care item drive.

Thanks, For the Mommas!

Free Abuelita Sample

2010-02-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Go here to request a free sample of new Abuelita Granulado. After you submit your sample request, you will have the opportunity to print a coupon for $.75/1 Abuelita product.

Thanks, Mojo Savings!

$2.00/1 Land O'Frost Coupon

2010-02-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

Visit Land O'Moms to get a printable coupon for $2.00/1 package Land O'Frost Premium lunch meat.

Beer Bread Mix

2010-02-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Beer Bread is a nice side on soup nights. Although it is an easy quick bread, you can make the mix ahead of time stored in a ziploc bag in the pantry short-term or freezer for even easier preparation later. I'd love to know how this recipe compares to the popular Bountiful Beer Bread Mix from Tastefully Simple, but I'm not willing to spend $5.49 to find out.

Beer Bread Mix
3 cups self-rising flour (or half all-purpose and half whole wheat)*
1/3-½ cup sugar
* If not using self-rising flour, add 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder and 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
Beer Bread
Beer Bread Mix
12oz beer
2-3 Tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients except melted butter together, stirring just until blended. (You may have to use your hands to get the dough mixed thoroughly.) Dough will be sticky. Pour into greased bread loaf pan. Spread melted butter over the top of the bread before baking (or during the last 10 minutes of baking). Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on the menu for this week:

Monday - Harvest Cheddar Soup, Beer Bread, Apple Slices

Shrove "Pancake" Tuesday - Breakfast for Dinner - Applesauce Pancakes, Bacon, Fruit

Wednesday - Skillet Cheeseburger Macaroni, Green Beans, Applesauce

Thursday - Chicken and Rice, Carrots

Friday - Homemade Cheese Pizza, Salad, Smoothies

Saturday - Crunchy Oven Fried Tilapia, Oven Roasted Potato Wedges, Green Beans

Sunday - Dinner out with Christmas gift cards?

This post is linked in Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Lego Family Time Legolympics

2010-02-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

There have been a lot of promotions from game companies encouraging family game nights, but I wanted to share another idea for an evening of family fun with Legos. Lego has a very basic set called Builders of Tomorrow (6177), and they have been promoting it by featuring monthly building instructions on their site here. They've also teamed up with Family Fun Magazine to offer even more instructions each month here. They are PDF files that you can print and/or save in a file on your computer.

We've got quite a large stash of Lego sets, and we could probably create many of the mothly designs out of what we already have, but I really liked the idea of having one special set that was only for Lego Family Nights. The kids get excited when I pull out the "Family Lego Box". The Builders of Tomorrow set retails around $30.00.

Our family has been eagerly anticipating the start of the 2010 winter Olympic games. We've been using some of the monthly building instructions and the Builders of Tomorrow set to create a fun little Olympic display. (The only things pictured that were not made from the monthly building instructions and the set were the medal podium with minifigures, the torch-bearing minifigure added to the 2010, and the US flag which is actually a Mega Blocks set we found at the dollar store a few years ago.)

Bass Pro Boat Show

2010-02-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

Bass Pro Shops are having free family activities on Saturdays and Sundays during their boat show weekends (February 13-21) starting at noon. Raingutter Races where you can build a boat and race it looks like one activity that could possibly count as a Cub Scout elective. The Casting Game also looks like fun. Go here and select your location for more information on specific times and activities available.

Double Stuff Oreo Cakesters Offer at Kraft First Taste

2010-02-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

If you are a member of Kraft First Taste, there is an offer out now for a free trial of Double Stuff Oreo Caskesters via snail mail coupon. Log into your account to check and see if the offer is available to you. If you are not a member yet, go here to sign up to be elligible for similar offers in the future.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic 2/13

2010-02-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, February 13th is another Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for kids. From 10:00am-11:00am your kids can build this jewelry organizer for free. Go here for more information. This little project would be a nice gift for a child to make for mom or a sibling for Valentine's day, an upcoming birthday, or to put away for a Christmas gift.

$1.00/4 Del Monte Fruits and Veggies

2010-02-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Go here to print coupons for $1.00/4 Del Mondte canned fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, or fruit cup snacks.

Reynolds Wrap Coupons

2010-02-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Go here to print coupons good for $1.00/1 Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil (excludes 20, 25, and 30 sq. ft.), $.50/1 Reynolds Wrap Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum, and $1.00/1 Reynolds Parchment Paper.

Valentine Heart-Shaped Pizza and Chocolate Fondue

2010-02-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is traditionally a family affair at our house. Nothing terribly fancy, just our standard homemade pizza shaped into a heart, some strawberries and other yummies dipped in chocolate fondue, and fruit and veggie smoothies. Maybe a game or puzzle after everything is cleaned up and the Peanuts Classic, Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.

Thin Pizza Crust in the Bread Machine
3 teaspoons yeast
¾ - 1 cup tepid water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ cups flour
Dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, and olive oil. Pour into bread machine pan. Add flour. Set bread machine on dough setting. Check dough after 5 minutes or so to see if any extra water or flour needs to be added. Yield: 2 pizza crusts.
Top and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Easy Chocolate Fondue
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
6 ounces evaporated milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Melt chocolate and combine addtional ingredients according to fondue pot directions. Dip cubed pound cake, fruit, pretzels, cookies, marshmallows into chocolate and enjoy.

This post is linked in Tasty Tuesday at Ballancing Beauty and Bedlam.

$.75/3 Contadina Products Coupon

2010-02-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

Go here to print a coupon for $.75 off 3 canned Contadina products 15 oz. or smaller.

ConAgra Coupon Booklet

2010-02-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

Go here to request a free ConAgra coupon booklet from Walmart by mail.

Free Sample Burt's Bees Toothpaste

2010-02-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Go here to request a free .5 oz. sample of new Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste Multicare with Flouride Formula.

(Thanks, Common Sense With Money!)

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on the menu this week:

Monday - Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Carrot Sticks, Apple Slices

Tuesday - Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, Corn, Applesauce

Wednesday - Barbeque Chicken Sandwiches on Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls, Roasted Potato Wedges, Carrots

Thursday - Baked Ravioli, Green Beans or Salad

Friday - Chicken Tacos, Corn

Saturday - Crunchy Oven Fried Tilapia

Sunday - Valentine's Day Heart-Shaped Pizza, Strawberries dipped in chocolate fondue, Smoothies

This post is linked in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Campbell's Soup, V-8 Fusion, and Pepperidge Farm Bread Coupons

2010-02-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

Go here to print coupons for:

Campbell's Chunky soups
Campbell's cooking soups
V-8 Fusion Juice
Pepperidge Farm bread

$1.00/1 Muir Glen Coupon

2010-02-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Go here to print a coupon for $1.00 off any Muir Glen product. This coupon prints with a 30 day rolling expiration date.

$1.25/1 Chocolate Cheerios Coupon

2010-02-05T20:00:00.001-08:00

Go here to print a coupon for $1.25/1 Chocolate Cheerios coupon. (Mine look like they print with a 60 day rolling expiration date.)

I was sent a full-size sample box of Chocolate Cheerios as a part of General Mills' Pssst... program, and they are quite yummy. (I stretched them by adding some Original Cheerios.) If you aren't already a member of Pssst... go here to register and become a member.

You can still sign up to get coupons by email for Original and Multigrain Cheerios.

Box Tops for Education Coupon Booklet

2010-02-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Go here to sign up for a free $10 coupon booklet from Box Tops for Education.

Home Depot Kids Workshop February 6

2010-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 6 is the first Saturday of the month. That means it's time for the Kids Workshop at The Home Depot. This month's project is a car display. (I'm really hoping it'll be the right size to fit a Pinewood Derby car.) The free workshops are held every first Saturday of the month from 9:00am-noon. Go here for more details.

Eat Better America Coupon Booklet

2010-02-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Go here to sign up for a free $10 coupon booklet from Eat Better America.

$.75/1 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Coupon

2010-02-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

Go here to print your $.75/1 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish coupon good on a 6.6-8oz bag of Original, Pretzel, Parmesan or Flavor Blasted Xplosive Pizza Goldfish flavors.

Right now, Dierberg's has Goldfish on sale 10/$10, making them $.25 after coupon. Shop 'n Save also has Goldfish on sale for $1.68, but I don't think you are able to stack the $.75/1 coupon with the $2.00/3 coupon in their ad.

(Thanks, Common Sense With Money!)

Freezer Cooking Day Results

2010-02-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

After finishing the Eat From the Pantry Challenge, we were able to get our deep freeze defrosted (Yea!), so we were set to start refilling it during Freezer Cooking Days hosted by Jessica at Life As Mom and Crystal at Money Saving Mom.

I got most everything on my original freezer cooking day list made. The one thing I didn't get to was the cereal snack mix because I was missing an ingredient. However, I did make my own peanut butter in the Vita-Mix to make up for it. The kids thought it was pretty neat to be able to make your own peanut butter

Pictured above are the results of all the work:

4 quarts spaghetti sauce

2 quarts turkey broth

14 cups turkey broth

6 quarts loaded baked potato soup (3 meals)

1 pint peanut butter

freezer mashed potatoes (3 meals)

dozen banana muffins (3 were eaten before the picture was taken)

Montreal chicken sandwiches (2 meals)

BBQ chicken bites (3 meals)

chicken breast nuggets (3 meals)
parmesan chicken seasoning (forgot to include in the picture)