Thursday, December 31, 2009

Be Sure to Head Over to Coupons.com

Today is the last day of the month--and-umm-the year-hee hee! Be sure to go to Coupons.com to get any coupons you might want before they expire! Also, as I always tell you, it's a good time to go through your coupon stash and pull out any expired coupons you might have! Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve everyone!!

Are You Ready for the New Year?

Well, are you? I think I am. I am not too sure. There are so many things from this year that I am hoping will improve next year. One thing is finances. I truly hope I can do much more to help save us money. I also want to get started on a Christmas Club account. Money I make from surveys, I plan to leave in my PayPal as much as possible-more so than I did this year. Though I was not wasteful with it, I had planned to leave it until Christmas. I was able to buy one daughter a coat for Christmas and another a very pretty rug for Christmas, but I would like to have had more in there-perhaps to catch some of those After Thanksgiving Day sales :)

I also really want to spend much less on my family's grocery bill! This is a huge goal for me. I see the deals, but often miss out because it is between paychecks or whatever. This year, I plan to save money back from my grocery budget to grab any deals that might come up. I am also going to try a few All You magazines to see if they are really worth the cost to help save money with their special coupons ;)

Out with the old and in with the new? This can apply to things in your house. Clutter-old. Go through closets, your garage, kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Find those things that you really have no used this year. I have a couple things I can think off right off the top of my head that we have only touched once or twice this year--gone it will be! I also have lots of clothes I went through in the Fall that can go to Goodwill and some that I plan to give away or sell at a yardsale (if it will ever quit snowing here :). There is much more I need to get busy on.

The new? I desperately need to do some new things here-a couple rooms need curtains. I need to replace some mini blinds. And, I need to redo my sewing table (perhaps that will come first before I try making curtains :) I want to treat myself to some cute objects around the house-some picture frames with pictures of the kids and some other decorating items. I also want to actually fix my coffee table and paint/stain it this year! And, my kitchen table and chairs are desperately needing a make over too!

All this may seem like alot, but in baby steps, I know I can achieve it. Going through all things to toss or give away can be broken down into small time periods-I love the 15 minute time period here. It works well for me and sometimes my kids help out and love that it is only 15 minutes!

The curtains I want to make-I know a Walmart that will be losing it's fabric area this February. I know they will clearance out everything. I will keep an eye out on these sales and find fabric for curtains, as well as some other projects I know I will have for next Christmas.

It's all in planning. What are some goals you have for the 2010? Heh, first time I have written/typed that...feel good :)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Free Sandwich from QuikTrip

If you have a QT in your area, go to Coupons.com and print out a coupon for a free sandwich-yum! If your zip code won't bring it up, try 85260.
Also, sign up with QT to take surveys once a month and get a special treat from QT. I have received free drinks, free gum, free sandwiches and even hot dogs or those roll ups :) These have been nice treats for myself while I am out alone, or I pass them along to my husband to grab something quick for lunch during his work day :)

Just Couldn't Stay Away

Last week, I told you I would not be back until after New Year's. Oh, well, there are just too many great deals out there :) Freebies, coupons, etc....I could not stop myself from sharing them :) I promise next Christmas to be more prepared here at home with my Christmas shopping/making to not let my blog come last--and to not let my wonderful readers come last either! I do not one of you to lose out on a good deal!
Anyway, sign up here for Pop Tarts Sprinklings. It is program for moms and you get samples, coupons, etc from Pop Tarts :) Thanks to Money Saving Methods for this great deal!

And, then, for a healthier breakfast, go hereto try to win a free box of Cheerio's and to get $4 in coupons sent to you! Yum! My kids love Cheerio's so this will be a nice deal for our family!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet

Go Here to request your free Home Made Simple coupon booklet. These are great and the coupons usually do not expire for quite a while. I love getting these because they always have great coupons for dish soap and dishwasher detergent :)

Sunday, December 27, 2009

A Couple Recipes to Share

Thanksgiving and Christmas, I always make Pumpkin Pie Squares. It is very much like pumpkin pie, but goes further and you do not have to worry about making a rolled-out pie crust. If you are going to be feeding a big group of people, this is a terrific dessert to make. I have made this for parties and potlucks and have had many compliments on it :) It holds up for quite a few days in the fridge without any sogginess on the crust.

Pumpkin Pie Squares
Crust:
1/2 cup butter or margerine, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
Cream butter/margerine with sugar until creamy. Add in flour (you may find it does not all incorporate). Then, fold in oats (same with oats-it may not all work itself in-that is ok). Then, put this mixture into a 9x13 pan (I like to use glass because then I can just keep the squares in there for easy trasport/fridge storage). Using hands, pat the mixture out as evenly as you can. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 15 mins or until set. Basically, until set means make sure you are not seeing much butter in your crust just sitting there. I don't let it get very brown if that helps you more :)

Filling:
This is your basic pumpkin pie filling-so if you have a favorite, use it here. If not, here is what I have used for years (probably from a can of Libby's Pumpkin :)
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
*on spices, I use 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice in place of individual spices above*

Beat eggs and sugar. Add in pumpkin and evaporated milk. Then add salt and spices and mix until you can see spices are blended evenly into mixture. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to help it along. Pour over baked crust (the crust does not have to cooled first-it can be warm from the oven). Bake at 350 until pie filling is set. I usually turn the oven down to about 300 after about 20 mins. but that is with my oven. I remember doing this often with pumpkin pies too. With these squares, I find it helps to not overbake the crust. Let cool before cutting into squares.


Another thing I started making Tiny Chicken Turnovers this year-I made them for New Years Eve last year and then again for the Super Bowl. When I made them for NYE, my husband suggested they needed cheese-so I added some shredded cheese for The Super Bowl-it really did add something extra :) Also, I love this recipe because you do not have to use just a chicken mixture-I actually used leftover turkey :) But, you could easily use ham, shredded beef, etc...You can just use the crust and fill with whatever you want. These do take a while, but they are really worth it. And, you can make these ahead of time and freeze. Then, reheat in the oven. Also, I was nervous because I am terrible with pie crusts! But, these came out nicely! I am even thinking of using this for pie crusts next time!

Tiny Chicken Turnovers:
Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 cup butter or margerine, chilled
5 tablespoons cold water

In a bowl mix together the flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Place in fridge for a bit to make it easier to roll.

Filling:
3 tablespoons chopped onion (I like to chop mine really fine of use a bit of onion powder instead)
3 tablespoons butter
1 3/4 cups shredded, cooked chicken meat
3 tablespoons chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
or
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, diced
Shredded Cheese (no amounts here-I suggest adding in as much as you think your family might like-you can even leave this out if you like:)

Melt butter in hot skillet. Add chopped onion and saute until tender. Add in shredded chicken, chicken stock, garlic powder and whatever other seasonings/spices you might like. Stir well, then add in cream cheese. Remove from heat and allow cream cheese to melt into mixture.
I love making the mixture the day before-unless I plan to store these in the freezer. It saves time, but it also allows the flavors to mingle and we all know mingling is a good thing ;) I just store it in the fridge until I need it.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/16 of an inch. I do not measure it.. I just roll it out pretty thin. Using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter or biscuit cutter or glass about that size, cut out circles. Place a heaping teaspoon of chicken mixture into center of circle. Fold circle over and using a bit of water around the inside edge of the circle, seal. You can use a fork to make pretty indents all around that sealed edge. Then, using a sharp knife, cut a small air hole in the top of the pastry. Reroll any scraps and keep going until you run out of chicken or dough :) I make up pans as I go along-this way I am working on a pan while one is baking. It helps with time-and if you have kids, they might relaly enjoy helping with these! It would be great for the little ones to help with the filling part.
Bake for 15-20 mins at 375. Just until golden brown.

Once again-this one is easy to make your own-up the spices, use less. Add some flavors to the crust such as some spicy seasonings and carry that on in your filling. You can also use less butter/margerine if you like. Try playing with that part-maybe taking out a TBS or two each time you make these. Don't be intimated by the pastry dough-it really was very easy to work with :) And, this is a really frugal recipe-you can really use up things you might have in the fridge/freezer that need to go!
I have reheated these in both the oven, on about 325 until hot, and in the microwave for about a min. Both worked well.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Well...Christmas is Here!

I have been really busy the past week and half getting things ready for Christmas, doing activities with the kids and preparing for our school break . Hence, I have not posted much on my blog and I am sorry. I promise to be back next week posting deals, sales, coupon match ups, etc. If you shop at Reasor's in Owasso (and perhaps other Reasor's have the same deal) they have Sprite, Sprite Zero and a couple other Coca-Cola brand drinks on sale for 89 cents, but there are $1 off 4 coupons attached to the bottles (these are for the 2 liter bottles). That makes them about 63 cents per 2 liter :) You could stock up for Christmas and New Years Eve (we like to put a maraschino cherry into the Sprite on New Years-we call them Cherry Bombs :)
I hope you ahve a very blessed Christmas! Stay safe, warm and enjoy yourself! We are looking at a White Christmas here in the Tulsa area this year :) Should be cold, but should be pretty!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Swagbucks--are you signed up yet?

Really, if you haven't, you should! It is a great way to earn points that you can use toward all sorts of things, including gift cards to places like Amazon.com, Ding.com, etc...I have even used it to get PayPal cash! If you search for anything online, then try this! It is powered by Google and Ask.com, so you know you are getting good searches.
If you sign up under me, I get points from you. The same happens when you get friends to sign up under you too! So, try it out for yourself!
Search & Win

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Great Deal at Walmart (atleast at Owasso Supercenter)

I got this deal from Couponing to Disney. Print the refrigerated cookie dough coupon from here for $1.50 off any Nestle refrigerated cookie dough. Then, head on over to Walmart where, at mine, the ones you just break off the little squares of dough, out on a pan, and bake, are only $2! That makes these packages of dough 50 cents! I am wondering if the price of these might be $2 at most Supercenters because COuponing to Disney is not in my area-not even my state, and my price was the same as her Walmart.
I got two just for a convenience thing on Christmas Eve when we make cookies for Santa. I happen to know Santa loves white chocolate macadamia nut cookies ;) And, I thought he might like to try the Turtle cookies too :)

Friday, December 11, 2009

Arm & Hammer printable coupons

Go here to get your free printable Arm & Hammer coupons. Some nice ones here, so hurry!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Food Pyramid and Reasor's sales/coupon match ups

I really did not find many coupon match ups this week. But, there are some really good sales-including a good sale at Reasor's this Saturday with their 12 hour sale! Finally, one that happens on my regular shopping week ;)

Food Pyramid
Best Choice Flour-5lb-98 cents


10 lb bag of Idaho Potatoes-$1.77

Musselman's Applesauce-23-24 oz-98 cents

Best Choice Sugar-4 lb bag-98 cents (limit 1)

Farmland Cooked Ham-$1.99/lb

Imperial Margerine-2/$1

Coffemate Creamers-$1.70-50 cent coupon (11/1 RP mailer) doubled to $1.00= 79 cents

Libby’s Vegetables .59cents -$1 off 4 (9/22 RP) = $1.36/4

*****************************************************************
Reasor's
~12 hour sale~
Imperial Margerine-2/$1

DaVinci Pastas-16 oz-69 cents

Christmas Wrapping Paper-select varieties-75 cents

Morton Salt-3/99 cents

Crystal Farms Chunk Cheese-7-8 oz-4/$5

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa-88 cents
 
~Regular Weekly Sale~


Parkay Margarine 5/$5-.75 on 2 (11/15 SS)=$1.25 for 2 or about 63 cents each

Herbal Essences-$2.89-$1 that came in mail with free bottle offer= $1.89

Nestle Jingle Bells-2/$5-$1 on one bag Here =$1.50 per bag!

Best Choice Almond Bark-$1.69

Old Orchard juice frozen concentrate-4/$5

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Right@Home Holiday@Home Gift Pack

Don't forget-today is the start of the new week to sign up for a new gift pack! Here is the info from Right @ Home -http://www.rightathome.com//offers/200912-gift-w2:

Create precious holiday memories with family and friends in a clean and inviting home—with a Right@Home™ Holiday at Home gift basket. Each gift basket is filled with your favorite products from the makers of Ziploc®, Glade®, Scrubbing Bubbles® and more, to help you keep your home ready for guests and full of cheer.
Each gift basket includes:
• 1 Ziploc® Brand Medium Snap 'n Seal Container
• 1 25-count box of Ziploc® Brand Storage Bags
• 1 15-count box of Ziploc® Brand Freezer Bags
• 1 pack of Ziploc® Brand Big Bags (with 3 different sizes of Big Bags)
• 1 package of Pledge® Natural Beauty Wipes
• 1 Glade® Scented Oil Candles Tin
• 1 Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel

*Terms & ConditionsThe first 2,000 people to respond from December 8 to December 14 will receive a Holiday At Home gift basket. For your chance to receive a gift basket, simply complete all required information on the offer form by December 14, 2009, 11:59:59 p.m. Central Time (CT). Offer available to U.S. residents only. Gift baskets available until December 14, 2009, or while supplies last. Only 2,000 gift baskets available. Limit: one (1) gift basket per household/address. S.C. Johnson is not liable for any typographical errors in the offer or any illegible, lost, late, damaged, separated, misdirected, incomplete, stolen or non-delivered email or redemption requests. Gift baskets will be mailed by March 15, 2010. If you have received a gift pack from Right@Home™ in the last 180 days, you are not eligible for this month's offer.

Check back on Tuesday, December 15 for next week's offer.

Cute $1 stockings at Old Navy!

Went to Old Navy last night and they had their stockings, which are normally $9.50, for only $1!! These are girly, atleast I think they are, but my youngest son wanted one in his favorite colors, which he now wears around the house on his foot-lol! But, even if you have a stocking, these are so cute and would make great little gift holders to give to someone like a friend, family member, etc...Or, how about stuffing treats you are baking/making for neighbors into one?! Wrap them in pretty plastic wrap, celophane, etc, and place your baked goods in the stocking. I think it would be very cute :) There are many ideas for these...even donating some to a good cause.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

What to do with Old Socks?

I have a grocery sack full of old socks. I also have a laundry basket full of socks waiting to be matched. I am not sure I will ever find the mates that go with these socks, but I stay hopeful that one day, maybe, just maybe, I will find the mate and reunite a happy couple once again.
But, I have many socks with holes in the feet. I am not sure what my family does, but they tend to get holes in the soles often! So, I have been looking around the internet for some neat ideas, and I did come across some. But, a friend reminded me of making arm/wrist warmers with the socks, and even leg warmers. I thought about it...and then I noticed a pair of socks on my sewing table that had been mutilated. When I asked the child who was the owner of these socks, why she did that, she told me she was trying to make wrist warmers, but messed them up...SO...I guess my kids WOULD like some wrist warmers :)
I am going to cut right above the ankle, stitch them up a bit there, just to reinforce and make sure they do not fray. But, Im going to take these a step further and decorate them nicely. Maybe by hand with some embroidery floss and maybe some with my sewing machine and a cute stitch. This will make them look nicely, but, also, since our socks are mostly white, I thought this would be a great way to know whose wrist warmer is laying on the floor after they come in from the cold-lol!! These will make a great stocking stuffer I think :)

Do you have lots of socks and wondering what you can do with all of them? It seems a shame to throw them away...How about using them to make a nice, warm quilt? One of my kids used them to make a fabric picture collage. They made great clouds in her picture :) Of course, there are sock monkeys, but you can use any sock and make any animal. My mom even took socks-though she used new ones-and made my kids sock babies. They adored those and a couple of my kids still have them! You could cut the tops into strips-as in making rounds with them-and use them in a loop loom to make potholders. Or, believe it or not, socks make terrific dusting clothes-slip one on each hand and off you go! Perhaps even floor dusters on your feet as well?


Here are a couple sites I found with sock craft ideas:
Sock and Nylon Crafts
 The New Homemaker
do stuff! Fingerless Mitts
Argyle Sock Scarf Instructions
Martha Stewart Sock Dog
HGTV Sock Dog
By the way, I have been once again making things for my kids this Christmas-a pair of jammie pants of my youngest son and some matching American Girl jammies-yes, he has a doll too-why doesn't AG make American Boys? Anyway... I have also made a couple AG outfits, working on jammies for each of my daughters' dolls as well-need to make my own pattern I suppose. I didn't like the one I used last year. And, I think I will make my oldest son one of those sock dogs :) He will love it. I will post pics once I am done to share :) If you are sewing or creating, feel free to share! I would love to know what others are doing!!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Right At Home Holiday at Home Gift Basket Give-Away

Be one of the 1st 2,000 to enter and you might win a gift basket from Right@Home. Below are the items included in the basket. A new basket give away will start next week, on Dec 8th, so keep your eye out for the next one :)
*From the site*
Create precious holiday memories with family and friends in a clean and inviting home—with a Right@Home™ Holiday at Home gift basket.




Each gift basket is filled with your favorite products from the makers of Ziploc®, Glade®, Scrubbing Bubbles® and more, to help you keep your home ready for guests and full of cheer.



Each gift basket includes:

• 1 Ziploc® Brand Medium Snap 'n Seal Container

• 1 25-count box of Ziploc® Brand Storage Bags

• 1 15-count box of Ziploc® Brand Freezer Bags

• 1 pack of Ziploc® Brand Big Bags (with 3 different sizes of Big Bags)

• 1 package of Pledge® Natural Beauty Wipes

• 1 Glade® Scented Oil Candles Tin

• 1 Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel



*Terms & Conditions



The first 2,000 people to respond from December 1 to December 7 will receive a Holiday At Home gift basket. For your chance to receive a gift basket, simply complete all required information on the offer form by December 7, 2009, 11:59:59 p.m. Central Time (CT). Offer available to U.S. residents only. Gift baskets available until December 7, 2009, or while supplies last. Only 2,000 gift baskets available. Limit: one (1) gift basket per household/address. S.C. Johnson is not liable for any typographical errors in the offer or any illegible, lost, late, damaged, separated, misdirected, incomplete, stolen or non-delivered email or redemption requests. Gift baskets will be mailed by March 15, 2010.



If you have received a gift pack from Right@Home™ in the last 180 days, you are not eligible for this month's offer.



Check back on Tuesday, December 8th for next week's offer.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

New Coupons at Coupons.com

Don't forget-new month, new coupons! Go to Coupons.com and check out the new ones to be printed :) Also, it is a good time to go through your coupon stash and pull out any expired. I also went through my coupon file folder (the one I hold all those coupon section in) and discarded all the old coupons and even some coupon sections that were expired! Haven't done that in a couple of months, so there was a lot there!!