Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Happy Halloween!!!
I am suuuuuper busy today! Even though it is not even 9am yet I am preparing for the crazy night ahead! I am taking some extra kids with me tonight and I myself am super stoked! I wanted to get out a couple links to you for some last minute make-up ideas for all your spooking tonight! Have fun and BE SAFE!
Monday, October 29, 2012
PUMPKIN SEEDS!!!! YUM!!!I
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year! Fall is on the top of my list! It's crisp and cool, the leaves are changing and it really kicks off the baking season! I love to bake all year long but it's really limited in the summer because I don't want to heat up the house. Fall is the release of that boundary and I am set free to get my bake on!
One of the best things about fall is the bright, beautiful pumpkins all around town. We grow them ourselves but we still love to take the kids and pick out some that are bigger and "just right for them". We usually have about 10 pumpkins carved out on our porch every year. One quick it is that you should carve them just a few days before Halloween. This way you can still use the pumpkin to bake with. It breaks my heart to see, when taking the kids out to go trick or treating, all of these giant pumpkins rotting away with a candle inside... I just want to holler "HEY! I COULD HAVE EATEN THAT!"
I want to share today my easy, yummy, NO BURN pumpkin seeds. One of the best ways to start that we have figured out is to have 2 BIG buckets or bowls on the table. One for seeds and one for guts. Have the kids separate them as they go. This will make YOUR job a whole lot easier.
Pumpkin Seeds:|
Raw seeds
Salt
Water
Take all of your raw seeds and bring them to a boil in a large pot of salty water. As soon as it boils turn it off and remove from heat. Let set for 10 minutes. Drain and spread on pan brushed with olive oil.. Salt or season with your choice of seasonings and then bake for 15 minutes in a 325 degree oven. Shake pan or flip seeds, bake for another 10-15 minutes or until just golden. Done!
The great thing about the water step is that you don't end up with seeds that are crunchy in the middle. These turn out more like store bought ones. They are so good!
Some of the great kinds of seasonings you can use on them instead of salt are:
Lime and Chili Powder
BBQ Rub Powder
No Salt Seasoning (Costco makes a FANTASTIC organic one but Mrs. Dash works too)
This can also be done with other squash seeds! After all that is what a pumpkin is, a winter squash! So now take a look at the grocery store after the 31st when most of the pumpkins disappear and find yourself some others to make this fun treat with! Carve squash all year with your kids! Roast seeds from a Hubbard, Acorn, or whatever other fun shape squash you can find! Use the flesh of it to make pies and bread just like a pumpkin! It's really an endless string of fun if you are willing to step outside of the box!
Enjoy!
One of the best things about fall is the bright, beautiful pumpkins all around town. We grow them ourselves but we still love to take the kids and pick out some that are bigger and "just right for them". We usually have about 10 pumpkins carved out on our porch every year. One quick it is that you should carve them just a few days before Halloween. This way you can still use the pumpkin to bake with. It breaks my heart to see, when taking the kids out to go trick or treating, all of these giant pumpkins rotting away with a candle inside... I just want to holler "HEY! I COULD HAVE EATEN THAT!"
I want to share today my easy, yummy, NO BURN pumpkin seeds. One of the best ways to start that we have figured out is to have 2 BIG buckets or bowls on the table. One for seeds and one for guts. Have the kids separate them as they go. This will make YOUR job a whole lot easier.
Pumpkin Seeds:|
Raw seeds
Salt
Water
Take all of your raw seeds and bring them to a boil in a large pot of salty water. As soon as it boils turn it off and remove from heat. Let set for 10 minutes. Drain and spread on pan brushed with olive oil.. Salt or season with your choice of seasonings and then bake for 15 minutes in a 325 degree oven. Shake pan or flip seeds, bake for another 10-15 minutes or until just golden. Done!
The great thing about the water step is that you don't end up with seeds that are crunchy in the middle. These turn out more like store bought ones. They are so good!
Some of the great kinds of seasonings you can use on them instead of salt are:
Lime and Chili Powder
BBQ Rub Powder
No Salt Seasoning (Costco makes a FANTASTIC organic one but Mrs. Dash works too)
This can also be done with other squash seeds! After all that is what a pumpkin is, a winter squash! So now take a look at the grocery store after the 31st when most of the pumpkins disappear and find yourself some others to make this fun treat with! Carve squash all year with your kids! Roast seeds from a Hubbard, Acorn, or whatever other fun shape squash you can find! Use the flesh of it to make pies and bread just like a pumpkin! It's really an endless string of fun if you are willing to step outside of the box!
Enjoy!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Making Brown Sugar :)
So I like to bake... no secret here, just ask all my friends that are trying to diet... I'm a bad influence with my "come on, just one!" Hehehe... shame on me, I know, but I love to feed people...
With my love to bake I am faced with the rising costs of baking goods. One of the easiest ways to bypass one of the go to's, brown sugar, is to make it! It's just about one of the easiest things that you can make and cheap too. In fact you probably already already have the ingredients on hand if you do any kind of cooking.
What you will need:
A Bowl
Spoon or Gloves
Molasses
White Sugar
Zipper Bag
With my love to bake I am faced with the rising costs of baking goods. One of the easiest ways to bypass one of the go to's, brown sugar, is to make it! It's just about one of the easiest things that you can make and cheap too. In fact you probably already already have the ingredients on hand if you do any kind of cooking.
What you will need:
A Bowl
Spoon or Gloves
Molasses
White Sugar
Zipper Bag
For every cup of sugar add one tablespoon of molasses and the result will be light brown sugar. If you want dark brown sugar then you double the molasses. Store in a gallon zipper bag. It's really that easy!
My little one likes to be hands on so she goes with the glove method and honestly this works better because you can rub the molasses between your fingers with the sugar making quick work of the brown sugar. If you are like me and are a fan of Costco for staples, you can get sugar super cheap and a bottle of molasses will make about 20lbs of brown sugar. 20lbs of sugar in a grocery store is going to cost you a pretty penny and honestly, why buy sugar twice?
Enjoy!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Free Bath and Body Works Candle!!!
Hey everyone! I was just scrolling through Facebook and saw the most wonderful thing! Bath and Body Works is offering up a free mini candle! You don't even need to print anything if you have a smartphone! You just have to show them your email! And don't fret if you don't get the email right away. It is taking about 20 minutes to get it... Redeem this offer by Oct. 28th!
Go to Facebook
Like the Bath and Body Works page
Scroll down to the offer (currently the most recent post)
Claim offer and wait for email!!!!!
These smell soooo good! Enjoy!
Go to Facebook
Like the Bath and Body Works page
Scroll down to the offer (currently the most recent post)
Claim offer and wait for email!!!!!
These smell soooo good! Enjoy!Thursday, October 25, 2012
Blah... What Helps
I'm not feeling to well today. The last couple weeks have been hard on my family as we are getting used to the fact that daddy will be gone more as he is moving up through his company and so we got our first real taste of it recently. He has been gone 8 days over the last couple weeks and will be leaving again on Halloween for a couple more days. I do have a help in my back pocket though that keeps me going without having to chug 80 million (that is my go-to number just FYI) cups of coffee. Today I have relied on it as I have not been able to really stomach caffeine, but being a mommie I still need to keep up with the kids and do things around the house.
I bought a juicer about a year ago and have loved it for so many reasons. It's a great teaching tool for the younger kids and all of them love the idea of being able to make whatever flavor juice they like. I got a cheap-o $35 dollar one from Walmart and it hasn't failed me yet! No need to run out and buy that shiny $100 wonder model. Mine does the same thing.
Here is my juice that I like to drink to give me a boost and help me fight off whatever is getting me down. All the amazing vitamins and phyto-nutrients in this juice works as a great antioxidant as well. Whatever you do, do NOT peel or seed anything! There is so much good stuff in there!
Jess's Juice
1 large cucumber
3 apples
1 lemon
1 lime
3 hand fulls of baby spinach or kale
1 orange
1 green pepper
2 large carrots
Now don't freak out! It tastes nothing like a cucumber or spinach. It tastes like fruit. When you have your juice it may be a little foamy and that is normal so it is best to either skim the top or drink it through a straw. I usually make up several batches at once and keep it in a pitcher in my fridge so I have it on hand. It is better cold as with any fruit juice so make it as night and don't be afraid to toss in veggie scraps from dinner. Carrot tops, broccoli stems, you name it! It's good for you!
Oh lookie here! I have a coupon for spinach right HERE!!!!!
Enjoy!
I bought a juicer about a year ago and have loved it for so many reasons. It's a great teaching tool for the younger kids and all of them love the idea of being able to make whatever flavor juice they like. I got a cheap-o $35 dollar one from Walmart and it hasn't failed me yet! No need to run out and buy that shiny $100 wonder model. Mine does the same thing.
Here is my juice that I like to drink to give me a boost and help me fight off whatever is getting me down. All the amazing vitamins and phyto-nutrients in this juice works as a great antioxidant as well. Whatever you do, do NOT peel or seed anything! There is so much good stuff in there!
Jess's Juice
1 large cucumber
3 apples
1 lemon
1 lime
3 hand fulls of baby spinach or kale
1 orange
1 green pepper
2 large carrots
thank you thriftynwmom.com for the pic!
Now don't freak out! It tastes nothing like a cucumber or spinach. It tastes like fruit. When you have your juice it may be a little foamy and that is normal so it is best to either skim the top or drink it through a straw. I usually make up several batches at once and keep it in a pitcher in my fridge so I have it on hand. It is better cold as with any fruit juice so make it as night and don't be afraid to toss in veggie scraps from dinner. Carrot tops, broccoli stems, you name it! It's good for you!
Oh lookie here! I have a coupon for spinach right HERE!!!!!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Plug-In Trick
If you are anything like me you really like your house to smell good. I have air fresheners all over. One of those cool automatic ones in the living room, the plug in ones in the kitchen and bedroom and the cone type in the bathroom and kids rooms. I keep the cone type in the kids rooms because they are totally risk free and are cheap cheap, plus they come in like 100 different scents so the kids can be as picky as they want about that and I'm ok with it :)
I was recently looking at my plug in ones thinking that it was really neat that they are interchangeable now days. Most brands refills can be swapped to increase your variety without having to by a new gadget. When I went to go buy a refill I was hoping to find a cinnamon scented one for the holiday season, but they only had apple cinnamon and I never liked the smell of burning applesauce, which is what they smell like to me... Now I was on a mission.
I went home and took a careful look at my refill and right along the top where the "wick" enters the bottle I noticed a seam *excited* and so I grabbed a butter knife that was on the counter next to me *giddy* and popped the cap off *EEEEEE!* It worked! I was totally able to rinse it out and fill it with cinnamon oil! YAY!
The really great thing about this is that you can make it any scent you want! You could even make them to suit your situation. If you have a cold you could put a little eucalyptus oil in one and run that for a couple days, or if you are having a hard time sleeping try lavender oil. You get to pick! It's really great!
Here is a direct link to Amazon's Essential Oil collection! They have some REALLY great deals!
Enjoy
I was recently looking at my plug in ones thinking that it was really neat that they are interchangeable now days. Most brands refills can be swapped to increase your variety without having to by a new gadget. When I went to go buy a refill I was hoping to find a cinnamon scented one for the holiday season, but they only had apple cinnamon and I never liked the smell of burning applesauce, which is what they smell like to me... Now I was on a mission.
I went home and took a careful look at my refill and right along the top where the "wick" enters the bottle I noticed a seam *excited* and so I grabbed a butter knife that was on the counter next to me *giddy* and popped the cap off *EEEEEE!* It worked! I was totally able to rinse it out and fill it with cinnamon oil! YAY!
Here is a direct link to Amazon's Essential Oil collection! They have some REALLY great deals!
Enjoy
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Fabric Softener... On The Cheap
I was just looking at my bottle of fabric softener noticing that I was almost out. I guess I will have to make more. Thank goodness it only takes a few minutes because remember how I was telling you before that I work a couple days a month... yeah, that's today. However it is so quick to make I can shot out this blog real quick to let you know how before I head to work! Did I mention that because of the ingredients it actually helps keep your washer smelling fresh? Double duty! Who doesn't like that? This is also great for people with allergies because you can buy all natural conditioners and products you know you are not allergic to and use that! No more awful breakouts!
Fabric Softener (that helps keep your washer clean!)
2 c White Vinegar
1 c Conditioner (whatever brand and scent you like)
1 c Warm Water
2 or 3 drops Essential Oils (optional)
That's it. Really it's that simple. Make sure you stir the concoction and not shake it. If you shake it you will end up with lots of foam. I pour it all into a bottle and just tip it side to side until it's mixed up. The great thing is that it is so customizable! Hmm... is that even a word? Well it is now. Anyway, you can find both conditioner and vinegar at the dollar store and since you use the same amount as you do with a normal fabric softener this is way cheap! Oh, and don't worry about the fear of vinegar smell. There is none! Your clothes come out of the dryer smelling great! You can use it in a softener ball, like a Downey Ball or put it right into the washer's built in dispenser! Easy Peasy! Oh and it is fine for front loaders as well!
Fabric Softener (that helps keep your washer clean!)
2 c White Vinegar
1 c Conditioner (whatever brand and scent you like)
1 c Warm Water
2 or 3 drops Essential Oils (optional)
That's it. Really it's that simple. Make sure you stir the concoction and not shake it. If you shake it you will end up with lots of foam. I pour it all into a bottle and just tip it side to side until it's mixed up. The great thing is that it is so customizable! Hmm... is that even a word? Well it is now. Anyway, you can find both conditioner and vinegar at the dollar store and since you use the same amount as you do with a normal fabric softener this is way cheap! Oh, and don't worry about the fear of vinegar smell. There is none! Your clothes come out of the dryer smelling great! You can use it in a softener ball, like a Downey Ball or put it right into the washer's built in dispenser! Easy Peasy! Oh and it is fine for front loaders as well!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Teri-Yummy
One of our favorite things to eat is Chinese food. It is our oldest daughters favorite and is more than acceptable to all the rest. Kids love Teriyaki. It's sweet and fun to eat and here is the best for me, easy to make. Tonight we are making beef teriyaki so I thought before I hit the kitchen I would share my easy weeknight hit with you :)
Beef Teriyaki:
In a bowl mix together
1 c soy sauce
1/3 c brown sugar
1/8 c toasted sesame seeds (get recipe RIGHT HERE!)
1/2 tsp ginger
3 tsp vinegar
3 cloves crushed and diced garlic
Take 2 lbs thinly sliced beef and saute with a couple crowns of broccoli chopped up into small pieces. For the meat the very simplest thing to do is to run to your stores butcher block and ask for whatever roast they have on had to be sliced thin. Ask for a "carne asada cut" or if they don't know what that means, just ask for a 2 or 3 on the slicer. It should look like this:
Beef Teriyaki:
In a bowl mix together
1 c soy sauce
1/3 c brown sugar
1/8 c toasted sesame seeds (get recipe RIGHT HERE!)
1/2 tsp ginger
3 tsp vinegar
3 cloves crushed and diced garlic
Take 2 lbs thinly sliced beef and saute with a couple crowns of broccoli chopped up into small pieces. For the meat the very simplest thing to do is to run to your stores butcher block and ask for whatever roast they have on had to be sliced thin. Ask for a "carne asada cut" or if they don't know what that means, just ask for a 2 or 3 on the slicer. It should look like this:
Just stack the meat and slice it into strips. Perfect every time!
When the meat is just about done pour on the sauce and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve it over rice or chow mien noodles. My kids love the crunchy ones the best. This meal is so easy and fun to eat you'll make it all the time! Try adding other veggies or pineapple to change it up!
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Bunny Love
So my (almost) 16 year old is in love with bunnies. She has been since she was a baby. She used to have a book called Fluffy Bunnies. It was one of those cardboard ones for little ones. We read that book every day and by the time she was a year old she could say half of the words in it and I had long since memorized it cover to cover.
Last year we got her a bunny. We have lots of animals already and thought that this would be good for her as something she could raise on her own. She did very well with the one and he is a happy, chubby, spoiled, Fluffy Bunny. Being as her birthday is only a couple days away I conspired with a friend of mine to get my girl a show quality female rabbit while she was away for the weekend. The bunny, now named Orchid, is 3 months old and just a sweetheart. When my daughter got home she literally squealed when she walked in to her room and saw the set up with this new little bunny girl.
We live in a farming area. There is a small city close to us but all around is farming and orchard community. I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world. I really think that this is going to be a good thing for my daughter as she will be able to raise and breed show rabbits from profit. Plus this is an animal that she absolutely loves so that's even better.
I think that it is important for kids to have good work ethic and if you have the space and ability this is a very cheap and easy way to show it to them. Rabbits are fairly inexpensive to take care of and are wonderful pets. If there are fairs in your area you can also enter them there for a whole new twist on how agriculture works. It's a wonderful experience for the whole family!
If you have ever wondered how to breed and raise rabbits you can check it out at the Raising Rabbits website. It gives you all kinds of info to help you on your way. One of the best tips I can give is to make sure that you feed them well. Rabbits shouldn't live on pellets along. Fresh fruits, veggies and lots of hay are great for them and will make a happy rabbit :)
Last year we got her a bunny. We have lots of animals already and thought that this would be good for her as something she could raise on her own. She did very well with the one and he is a happy, chubby, spoiled, Fluffy Bunny. Being as her birthday is only a couple days away I conspired with a friend of mine to get my girl a show quality female rabbit while she was away for the weekend. The bunny, now named Orchid, is 3 months old and just a sweetheart. When my daughter got home she literally squealed when she walked in to her room and saw the set up with this new little bunny girl.
We live in a farming area. There is a small city close to us but all around is farming and orchard community. I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world. I really think that this is going to be a good thing for my daughter as she will be able to raise and breed show rabbits from profit. Plus this is an animal that she absolutely loves so that's even better.
I think that it is important for kids to have good work ethic and if you have the space and ability this is a very cheap and easy way to show it to them. Rabbits are fairly inexpensive to take care of and are wonderful pets. If there are fairs in your area you can also enter them there for a whole new twist on how agriculture works. It's a wonderful experience for the whole family!
If you have ever wondered how to breed and raise rabbits you can check it out at the Raising Rabbits website. It gives you all kinds of info to help you on your way. One of the best tips I can give is to make sure that you feed them well. Rabbits shouldn't live on pellets along. Fresh fruits, veggies and lots of hay are great for them and will make a happy rabbit :)
Friday, October 19, 2012
Holiday Shopping Has Begun! Clothing Coupons!
I try to do some shopping all throughout the year. That gets harder as time goes on though because when dealing with teenagers you never know what is cool today... because it is surely NOT what was cool yesterday. Ugh... oh the fun of being a mommie. Wouldn't trade it for the world BUT I have had to make some changes to the way I shop.
Stocking stuffers and the go to's like funky pens, animal hats, socks, gloves, and all the other old standbys can easily be picked up along the way but when it comes to fashion (which seems to cost more every second!) I have had to wait until fall to pick up the "cool" stuff.
I was looking at an amazing blog that I love to browse called Thrifty NorthWest Mom because, well, that's where I live! LOL! You should totally check it out because it has a ton of great deals and not just for the NorthWest. Well today they posted some amazing coupons that I had to share because they are incredible! A whole bunch of retail coupons!
Here is a list!
Stocking stuffers and the go to's like funky pens, animal hats, socks, gloves, and all the other old standbys can easily be picked up along the way but when it comes to fashion (which seems to cost more every second!) I have had to wait until fall to pick up the "cool" stuff.
I was looking at an amazing blog that I love to browse called Thrifty NorthWest Mom because, well, that's where I live! LOL! You should totally check it out because it has a ton of great deals and not just for the NorthWest. Well today they posted some amazing coupons that I had to share because they are incredible! A whole bunch of retail coupons!
Here is a list!
- Ace Hardware - $5 off $25 Expires 10/22
- Ace Hardware – Facebook Exclusive BOGO Free Ace Brand Pleated Air Filter Expires 10/31
- Aeropostale - $10 off $50 Expires 10/31
- Babies R Us - 10% – 20% off purchase Expires 10/22
- Barnes & Noble - 15% off one item Expires 10/21
- Barnes & Noble - 30% off Halloween Gifts & Decor Exp 10/21
- Bath & Body Works - Free Signature Care Collection item w/$10 purchase Expires 10/28
- Cacique - $25 off $75 Expires 10/31
- Carter’s – Facebook Exclusive 20% off $40+ purchase Expires 10/24
- Children’s Place - 20% off purchase Expires 10/21
- Express - $25 off $75 Expires 10/22
- Gap Outlet - 10% off $75+ purchase Expires 10/19
- Hobby Lobby - 40% off regular priced item Expires 10/20
- JoAnn’s - 50% off regular priced item Expires 10/31
- Lane Bryant - 30% off purchase Expires 10/21
- Lane Bryant - $25 off $75 Expires 10/31
- Michael’s - 40% off regular priced item Expires 10/20
- New York & Co - $20 off $50 Expires 10/19
- Old Navy - 20% off purchase Expires 10/24
- Old Navy – Facebook Exclusive $10 off $50 Expires 10/24
- Payless Shoesource - $10 off $50 Expires 10/25
- Sears - 15% off purchase Expires 10/31
- Toys R Us - 10% – 20% off purchase Expires 10/22
- Ulta - $3.50 off $10 Expires 10/20
- Yankee Candle - $15 off $45 Expires 10/28
Woohoo! There is something in here for everyone! Go THRIFTY NW MOM to get a ton more great offers and have fun shopping!!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Amazing Marinade
Things can get boring sometimes. Chicken... Pork... Beef... Fish... Repeat. When you are building a meal for a big family you have to make sure to keep flavors new and fun. If not the kids will be staring at their plate wishing they were anywhere else but sulking over a plate of pork chops.
This marinade is wonderful and with one simple step you take it from something simple to something insanely good! Here we go!
Marinade for meat (just about any meat and lots of veggies too!)
4 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted in a dry hot skillet for 3-5 minutes until nutty brown)
They should look like this
10 Cloves garlic (smash these on the counter under a wooden spoon)
1 c Soy Sauce
1/2 c Apple Cider Vinigar
1 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
1 Orange (sliced peel and all)
Place meat and/or veggies in zipper bag and pour in marinade. Squeeze out all the air and leave at least an hour, but over night is best.
The secret here is the toasted seeds! It gives the marinade a nutty flavor and the oranges and vinigar give it a sweet and sour tang! It is a hit every time and is AMAZING on the grill!
Enjoy!
This marinade is wonderful and with one simple step you take it from something simple to something insanely good! Here we go!
Marinade for meat (just about any meat and lots of veggies too!)
4 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted in a dry hot skillet for 3-5 minutes until nutty brown)
They should look like this
10 Cloves garlic (smash these on the counter under a wooden spoon)
1 c Soy Sauce
1/2 c Apple Cider Vinigar
1 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
1 Orange (sliced peel and all)
Place meat and/or veggies in zipper bag and pour in marinade. Squeeze out all the air and leave at least an hour, but over night is best.
The secret here is the toasted seeds! It gives the marinade a nutty flavor and the oranges and vinigar give it a sweet and sour tang! It is a hit every time and is AMAZING on the grill!
Enjoy!
Shopping Change...
I used to Never shop at Safeway. It was expensive. Plain and simple. I was always an avid shop hopper and I still am to some extent, but lately I have has a lot better luck at Safeway.
Have you all tried the Just For U yet? I am really impressed with this program! There where a couple things that I liked to buy at Safeway before the program change. Dairy was always a good bet there and if you go in on a week night around 9 they usually had juice jugs and half cartons marked down. My kids will drink a gallon of OJ in 2 days so who cares if it is 3 days from the pull date?
Because the Just For U program tracks your purchases it can generate coupons detailed to your needs. Not only does it do that, but it also gives you free things once a week! One week I got 4 different spices FOR FREE! It was nearly $20 worth of spices for nothing! It also has a great app so you have your list of what you want from the store right there! It loads all the coupons on your card and you can see those on your phone so you won't miss anything. Plus you can load manufacturers coupons on your card through the site for you and stacks the coupons instantly in the check out! HOW AWESOME!
Check it out on the Just For U Registration Page.
You won't be disappointed!
Have you all tried the Just For U yet? I am really impressed with this program! There where a couple things that I liked to buy at Safeway before the program change. Dairy was always a good bet there and if you go in on a week night around 9 they usually had juice jugs and half cartons marked down. My kids will drink a gallon of OJ in 2 days so who cares if it is 3 days from the pull date?
Because the Just For U program tracks your purchases it can generate coupons detailed to your needs. Not only does it do that, but it also gives you free things once a week! One week I got 4 different spices FOR FREE! It was nearly $20 worth of spices for nothing! It also has a great app so you have your list of what you want from the store right there! It loads all the coupons on your card and you can see those on your phone so you won't miss anything. Plus you can load manufacturers coupons on your card through the site for you and stacks the coupons instantly in the check out! HOW AWESOME!
Check it out on the Just For U Registration Page.
You won't be disappointed! A BIG THANK YOU!
If you all hadn't noticed before my blog was kind of... well... yeah, it was boring. Well now it looks so much better and I have my friend to thank for that! Soooo I want everyone to go check out her most amazing blog here:
Sexy Vegan Mama
It has a ton of great recipes and tips on how to make great vegan food! Things you would never think of like CHOCOLATE!!!! Mmmm... chocolate....
Thank you friend! <3
Sexy Vegan Mama
It has a ton of great recipes and tips on how to make great vegan food! Things you would never think of like CHOCOLATE!!!! Mmmm... chocolate....
Thank you friend! <3
Incentive
My husband works for a great company. He is an area manager as well as runs his own store. He works for a beauty supply company and the perks are endless.
Today I am SO very excited. With all these kids and having a tight belt there are just some things this lady can't afford to do... like take exotic trips to far away places. Oh how I long to be one of those families sometimes. I see my friends post on sites about how much they loved visiting France or how the trip to South America blew their mind. Well it's time for me to join that elite club! Today we get our passports because in April we are going to Jamaica!
His company has this great incentive plan. Not only do they get quarterly bonuses and free products, but if you have been a manager for such and such a time and you make good numbers, then they send you away with your +1 (THAT'S ME!) to some far away amazing place! 4 days and 3 nights with ALL our expenses paid for. ALL OF THEM! Like as in "the only thing you need money for is souvenirs." They pay for us to go on excursions, all our food, all our drinks, everything! Ahhhh... How I can not wait!
Did I mention that it's at the Rose Hall Hilton!!????
Check It Out!
Today I am SO very excited. With all these kids and having a tight belt there are just some things this lady can't afford to do... like take exotic trips to far away places. Oh how I long to be one of those families sometimes. I see my friends post on sites about how much they loved visiting France or how the trip to South America blew their mind. Well it's time for me to join that elite club! Today we get our passports because in April we are going to Jamaica!
His company has this great incentive plan. Not only do they get quarterly bonuses and free products, but if you have been a manager for such and such a time and you make good numbers, then they send you away with your +1 (THAT'S ME!) to some far away amazing place! 4 days and 3 nights with ALL our expenses paid for. ALL OF THEM! Like as in "the only thing you need money for is souvenirs." They pay for us to go on excursions, all our food, all our drinks, everything! Ahhhh... How I can not wait!
Did I mention that it's at the Rose Hall Hilton!!????
Monday, October 15, 2012
Crumby...
Several months ago I was in the supermarket and was looking at the price of bread crumbs... Seriously people? I can not believe you pay that much for something so simple to make! It's seriously insane that they want to charge you up to $6 for a can of stale bread! I shook my head and walked away but it got me thinking...
What do you throw your money away on? No, really... what are the silly things that you buy that you could make in a matter of minutes at home? How much money could you save on that every year? When I think about it I just want to die... So much money wasted on such simple things... Like bread crumbs.
I haven't bought laundry soap in over a year now because I make my own... and truth be told, it works better than Tide!I make my own fabric softener and I also found a recipe to make my own body wash out of any kind of bar soap I so desire. A gallon at a time for the cost of 2 bars of soap and some glycerin. Can't wait to try that one out! I'll post it when I do to let you know how it turned out :)
Right now, though, I am going to show you how easy it is to make bread crumbs... oh and make a big batch all at once so you can store the leftovers in the freezer and just pull them out as needed:
Bread Crumbs
Take your bread of choice and set out on cookie sheets before you go to bed.
Sleep.
Wake up.
Take dry bread and run through food processor or grater.
Done.
Yeah... it's really just like that. Check it out! You even get to sleep in the middle of this recipe! How awesome is that? If you want Italian bread crumbs then add some seasoning... parsley, parm and rosemary. Whatever you like! Chances are you have a loaf of bread hanging out on your counter that has been open a couple days anyway!
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Just For Laughs!
I guess I should have told you guys that my weekends are usually the most busy time of the week. I wanted to share this with you because it is absolutely HILARIOUS! When you are done shaking your head slowly from side to side in utter awe of what is being said... then feel free to fall off your chair in laughter!!!!
Move The Deer Crossing Signs!
Move The Deer Crossing Signs!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Shake N' Bake
So I bought some Shake N' Bake a couple weeks ago at my kids request. Not something I normally buy, I don't really care for it AND it's full of nasty stuff that isn't good for you. I'll let you all know how much I hate interior isle food another time... Anyway, it was spendy. Like $3 for a box that didn't even cover all the chicken I needed to make for my family. Tonight I broke out the deep fryer and wanted to make chicken. I know, I know... but it's called Shake N' BAKE. Yeah well it works the same as a regular fry coating so that is what I used it for.
Tonight I decided to make a fry batter of my own and I'll tell you, not only is it super SUPER cheap to make, but it is about a bajillion times better than anything you can buy in a printed carton. Even my kids thought it was outstanding and as all mothers know, that is key to whether a recipe will go in the box or not.
Chicken Fry
2 1/2 c flour
Heaping 1/8 c sweet mesquite seasoning (I use Kirkland brand)
2 Tbsp garlic powder
3 Tbsp organic no salt seasoning (again Kirkland)
1 Tsp fresh ground pepper
3 eggs whisked together with 2 cups milk.
Dip your chicken in the milk mixture then dredge through the flour mix and fry according to directions on your fryer. This is amazing stuff and will be sure to please everyone!
Tonight I decided to make a fry batter of my own and I'll tell you, not only is it super SUPER cheap to make, but it is about a bajillion times better than anything you can buy in a printed carton. Even my kids thought it was outstanding and as all mothers know, that is key to whether a recipe will go in the box or not.
Chicken Fry
2 1/2 c flour
Heaping 1/8 c sweet mesquite seasoning (I use Kirkland brand)
2 Tbsp garlic powder
3 Tbsp organic no salt seasoning (again Kirkland)
1 Tsp fresh ground pepper
3 eggs whisked together with 2 cups milk.
Mmm... FREE Chocolate!
I just ran across this and thought it was great! Who doesn't like free chocolate? Especially moms ;)
Just follow this link and get your free bag of Lindt Chocolate Truffles!
Lindt Freebie
Enjoy!
Just follow this link and get your free bag of Lindt Chocolate Truffles!
Lindt Freebie
Enjoy!
Our Family Cows
My husband has been out of town helping on our families ranch. His parents live there and are getting on in years so it's good for him to be up there. A little note about my in-laws... I am probably the luckiest wife on the face of the planet. They are some of the most incredible people I have ever met. Hard working with huge hearts and a love for each other that I could only wish to have. Ok, that sounded bad, but honestly I have never met two people more in love then them. It's beautiful. They own nearly 200 acres in the high country of Washington and raise Highland Cattle. They are 100% organic fed and the meat is just amazing. They grow all of their own feed and the cows have the run of some of the most beautiful countryside I have every laid my eyes on.
I mean seriously... they may have commercials on TV that tell you that happy cows come from California, but I pretty sure that these ones are happier. I know I would be with views like these!
Or you could just find a ranch and pet one! They are sooooo cute!
I mean seriously... they may have commercials on TV that tell you that happy cows come from California, but I pretty sure that these ones are happier. I know I would be with views like these!
If you ever have the chance to enjoy a good Highland Cattle steak or burger you really should go for it! It is not like anything that you will get in the supermarket! It is absolutely amazing!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Smile!
Whew... busy long day, but totally ending on a good note so... YAY! That makes me smile :)
I have 3 kids in the home right now and am a (mostly) stay at home mom. My husband has a good job, but with one in high school, one in middle school and one in grammar school, life is really expensive if I don't tackle it right. Don't get me wrong, I love it! There are times when having a tight budget has really paid off! Pun totally intended ;) There is something about cooking, making laundry soap, or crafting festive decor together that makes a family unit seem more connected <3
...but sometimes I just want something for free... I know... I know... BUT YOU DO TOO!
So here it is, I have a really great site to share with you! It's one of the best things I have ever joined and if you are looking for something to do in your spare time this is great for you! It's called Smiley360! It is free to join and once you do there are opportunities to accept missions. The missions are product reviews and we all know that you can't review a product unless you have product to review :)
The last mission that I accepted was for Homestyle Stock. I took a very short survey on how familiar I was with the product and then they sent me a package! It had a box of the Homestyle Stock, a really nice ladle, and a bunch of high value coupons for $1 off to keep and to give away! Once I was done with the stock I went back to site and reviewed it. Easy as pie! I have accepted lots of great missions through them so now I share it with you here:
Smiley360 Sign Up Page
Another great thing about Smiley360 is that they are associated with Operation Smile which is a great organization that helps kids with cleft pallets and lips get the surgery they need to not only be able to live a normal life, but in some cases, be able to live at all! GET ON BOARD! Children are so precious!
I have 3 kids in the home right now and am a (mostly) stay at home mom. My husband has a good job, but with one in high school, one in middle school and one in grammar school, life is really expensive if I don't tackle it right. Don't get me wrong, I love it! There are times when having a tight budget has really paid off! Pun totally intended ;) There is something about cooking, making laundry soap, or crafting festive decor together that makes a family unit seem more connected <3
...but sometimes I just want something for free... I know... I know... BUT YOU DO TOO!
So here it is, I have a really great site to share with you! It's one of the best things I have ever joined and if you are looking for something to do in your spare time this is great for you! It's called Smiley360! It is free to join and once you do there are opportunities to accept missions. The missions are product reviews and we all know that you can't review a product unless you have product to review :)
The last mission that I accepted was for Homestyle Stock. I took a very short survey on how familiar I was with the product and then they sent me a package! It had a box of the Homestyle Stock, a really nice ladle, and a bunch of high value coupons for $1 off to keep and to give away! Once I was done with the stock I went back to site and reviewed it. Easy as pie! I have accepted lots of great missions through them so now I share it with you here:
Another great thing about Smiley360 is that they are associated with Operation Smile which is a great organization that helps kids with cleft pallets and lips get the surgery they need to not only be able to live a normal life, but in some cases, be able to live at all! GET ON BOARD! Children are so precious!
FREE STARBUCKS!
I was just told about this and had to tell you guys about it too! Starbucks is giving away a free cafe latte on the October 15! They are trying out their new Verismo machines and we get free coffee out of it! Score! Here is a link to the store locator to make sure that there is one near you doing it but I am in the middle of no mans land and they are doing it here so I'm sure you're good ;)
Starbucks Verismo Locator
This is only running from 4pm to 6pm that night so make sure you get in there!!!
Starbucks Verismo Locator
This is only running from 4pm to 6pm that night so make sure you get in there!!!
Oh Fudge...
I love this time of year. I really start to get into the cooking and baking mood and it makes me happy. One of my favorite things to make is fudge because it is soooo stinkin simple. I have all these recipes that call for marshmallow this and temper that but I have come up with the easiest fudge in the world and you can add just about anything to it! Here is the basic...
Easy-Peasy Fudge
Prepare a double boiler so that it is simmering.
In the top of the double boiler add 1 package of chocolate chips and begin to melt.
Once the chips have started to melt then add one can of sweetened condensed milk.
Stir these until the chocolate is completely melted and the milk is well mixed in.
Pour into prepared pan. Cool in fridge.
Done
I told you it was easy! Now, if you don't have a double boiler then you can place a sauce pan or metal bowl on top of a sauce pan. Make sure that the water in the bottom IS NOT touching the bottom of the other bowl/pan or you will scald your fudge and that is a sad day situation. I like to line my pans with wax paper before pouring it in because it just lifts out and you can easily pull the wax paper from the fudge. Also I have found that when you go into the hispanic food section they have sweetened condensed milk that is not only cheaper, but comes in a couple different flavors!
Some things that I like to do with my fudge:
-Add a 1/4c Nutella
-Use white chips and add nutmeg (Eggnog)
-Use dark chocolate chips and add cranberries
Enjoy!
Easy-Peasy Fudge
Prepare a double boiler so that it is simmering.
In the top of the double boiler add 1 package of chocolate chips and begin to melt.
Once the chips have started to melt then add one can of sweetened condensed milk.
Stir these until the chocolate is completely melted and the milk is well mixed in.
Pour into prepared pan. Cool in fridge.
Done
I told you it was easy! Now, if you don't have a double boiler then you can place a sauce pan or metal bowl on top of a sauce pan. Make sure that the water in the bottom IS NOT touching the bottom of the other bowl/pan or you will scald your fudge and that is a sad day situation. I like to line my pans with wax paper before pouring it in because it just lifts out and you can easily pull the wax paper from the fudge. Also I have found that when you go into the hispanic food section they have sweetened condensed milk that is not only cheaper, but comes in a couple different flavors!
Some things that I like to do with my fudge:
-Add a 1/4c Nutella
-Use white chips and add nutmeg (Eggnog)
-Use dark chocolate chips and add cranberries
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Farmly... pets that feed us...
I love animals. LOVE them to pieces... here is a rundown of the love we have in our house. 1 ferret, 1 duck, 1 bunny, 1 dog, 1 fish, 3 cats, 3 kittens (looking for homes) and 11 chickens (1 unintentional rooster).
I wonder if many of you know the joy of having a back yard flock. They are so soothing, to watch these beautiful red birds roam around in the cool of the day. Knowing that they are not only organically fertilizing your yard and eating a large amount of insects, but at the end of the day, 10 of these lovely ladies will produce 5-8 eggs. Now that may not sound like too many but trust me, if you go a day or two with out baking or a day without a bunch of eggs for breakfast, it adds up fast! I usually have at least 2 dozen eggs, organic and free range mind you, in my fridge. I save about $12-$14 a week! This is great because as I said before... I am a bargain hunter. They take very little maintenance and the feed only costs about $14 a month. Less if you have stuff in your yard we can eat. They love to eat all kinds of weeds and bugs so the only time they really have much of a food expense is in the winter. Not to mention the kids get a kick out of them. It's a great teaching tool about the way that the animals provide for us when we provide for them as well as the circle of life. Give it some thought and see if you can't try your hand at it. Most cities, even larger ones such as Seattle, allow for 3 or 4 back yard hens.
I wonder if many of you know the joy of having a back yard flock. They are so soothing, to watch these beautiful red birds roam around in the cool of the day. Knowing that they are not only organically fertilizing your yard and eating a large amount of insects, but at the end of the day, 10 of these lovely ladies will produce 5-8 eggs. Now that may not sound like too many but trust me, if you go a day or two with out baking or a day without a bunch of eggs for breakfast, it adds up fast! I usually have at least 2 dozen eggs, organic and free range mind you, in my fridge. I save about $12-$14 a week! This is great because as I said before... I am a bargain hunter. They take very little maintenance and the feed only costs about $14 a month. Less if you have stuff in your yard we can eat. They love to eat all kinds of weeds and bugs so the only time they really have much of a food expense is in the winter. Not to mention the kids get a kick out of them. It's a great teaching tool about the way that the animals provide for us when we provide for them as well as the circle of life. Give it some thought and see if you can't try your hand at it. Most cities, even larger ones such as Seattle, allow for 3 or 4 back yard hens.
Confession
I am a magazine addict... I can't help it. I am always signing up for free magazine subscriptions and asking for them instead of standard gifts for my birthday and Christmas. I get Working Mother, Family Fun, a couple different cooking ones and All You. All You has got to be one of the most amazing magazines I have ever subscribed to! I love it so much that I decided that this needed to be a permanent thing and asked my mom to get this for me for a gift every year. Just the magazines motto tells me that we have something in common. Enjoy life for less... Now that's what I'm talking about! There were a couple things in this months issue that I wanted to share with you! I just got it today in the mail and with my quick glance these are the things that caught my eye right away! BTW this months issue boasts $74.40 worth of coupons inside!
Here is what I have for you (for now!):
butterball.com/savings is offering up 5 $1.00 off coupons for turkeys that are good through December 31! Yes that is 5 coupons per person! Woohoo! Right on time!
spinbrush.com/specialoffers.html has a really great coupon for $2.00 off the Arm and Hammer Spinbrushes! These make really fun gifts and with this coupon you can pick them up at a pretty good price!
hamiltonbeach.com/products/new-products-3-quart-slow-cooker-33138.html This really cute 3qt slow cooker is new to Hamilton Beach and if you enter coupon code ALLYOU5OFFHB into the checkout you get $5 off making it only $14.99!
bachikbaby.com not only has free shipping in the US but they also have a coupon code for their super adorable knit animal hats! Enter GHREADER to bring the price down $5!
schwans.com FREE PIZZA! Who doesn't love that? Make sure to head over to their site and get in on the free dinner! Enter coupon code AY and get $5 off! There are several pizza's for $4.99 here: schwans.com/products/categoryDetail.aspx?c1=11452
So if you aren't convinced just by this free pizza that All You is worth the money you spend on it then I challenge you... buy one issue. It's amazing! You'll love it! I promise!
Here is what I have for you (for now!):
butterball.com/savings is offering up 5 $1.00 off coupons for turkeys that are good through December 31! Yes that is 5 coupons per person! Woohoo! Right on time!
spinbrush.com/specialoffers.html has a really great coupon for $2.00 off the Arm and Hammer Spinbrushes! These make really fun gifts and with this coupon you can pick them up at a pretty good price!
hamiltonbeach.com/products/new-products-3-quart-slow-cooker-33138.html This really cute 3qt slow cooker is new to Hamilton Beach and if you enter coupon code ALLYOU5OFFHB into the checkout you get $5 off making it only $14.99!
bachikbaby.com not only has free shipping in the US but they also have a coupon code for their super adorable knit animal hats! Enter GHREADER to bring the price down $5!
schwans.com FREE PIZZA! Who doesn't love that? Make sure to head over to their site and get in on the free dinner! Enter coupon code AY and get $5 off! There are several pizza's for $4.99 here: schwans.com/products/categoryDetail.aspx?c1=11452
So if you aren't convinced just by this free pizza that All You is worth the money you spend on it then I challenge you... buy one issue. It's amazing! You'll love it! I promise!
Me...
I am not a 100% stay at home mom. I have 3 kids at home, one at college and a stepson that does not live in our home. My husband works about 50 hrs a week as an area manager for a retail company and I am a (very) part time merchandiser. I work only a few times a month but it is a little extra money for things we need around the house and whatnot. We are very active in the church. My husband and I both teach AWANA and are leaders in our youth group. Our church is big and full of great people. Not the stuffy hoity toity type... is that even how you spell that? I have no clue but you probably get the idea... :) We live about 15 minutes from town in a rural setting. We have lots of animals and gardens all over. There are natural foraging opportunities all around us that I LOVE! Wild grapes, walnut trees, berries, mushrooms... all kinds of stuff. We live in Washington state on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain range. I couldn't be happier with where we are. I love coupons and deals. I am an avid bargain shopper and will let you in on my deals as I find them. There is one place that I LOVE to check out every day and so I will share it with you here:
http://hunt4freebies.com/
This site is great and I get all kinds of stuff off of it! Have fun looking through all of the posts! You will love it if you are anything like me. :) I often keep samples of things like heartburn meds, tea, and dog food in the car for those times you weren't planning for or I'll use some of the little med samples to make care packages for sick friends. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!
http://hunt4freebies.com/
This site is great and I get all kinds of stuff off of it! Have fun looking through all of the posts! You will love it if you are anything like me. :) I often keep samples of things like heartburn meds, tea, and dog food in the car for those times you weren't planning for or I'll use some of the little med samples to make care packages for sick friends. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!
Oh today...
My day usually starts at about 6am... if I'm lucky. Today it started at 6:05! Score! My typical morning is that of getting kids out of bed, dressed, fed, "oh-no"s which consist of forgotten signed forms and whatnot from the back pack. Then there are morning chores that need to take place. Check the garden, feed the chickens, feed the ducks, cats and dog, check the grapes, set out the water. Done... for now. Then the kids are off for the day onto the school bus and my day really begins. I make bread, dessert, get dinner started in one way or another. Today it consists of putting a corned beef into the crock pot. Mmm... one of this mama's very favorites. I also made a coconut pie. It is my grandma's recipe and I couldn't live without it. It is supper simple and is so incredibly easy to make. Today I will show you how :)
Grandma Sook's Amazing Coconut Pie
Preheat your oven to 350 and grease a 8x8 square pan or 9in pie pan
2c milk
3/4c sugar
1/4c butter (softened)
1tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1/2c baking mix (she made her own but bisquick works just fine!)
1 1/3c coconut plus 1 cup for on top.
Now here is the best part... Throw it all in a blend aside from the extra cup of coconut! Blend for about a minute and a half and then pour into the pan. Sprinkle the rest on top and press down then bake for 40 minutes! Now let it cool for a little while and place in the fridge until you are ready to serve it! Keeps for 4 or 5 days, but it never lasts that long in my house. Enjoy!
Grandma Sook's Amazing Coconut Pie
Preheat your oven to 350 and grease a 8x8 square pan or 9in pie pan
2c milk
3/4c sugar
1/4c butter (softened)
1tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1/2c baking mix (she made her own but bisquick works just fine!)
1 1/3c coconut plus 1 cup for on top.
Now here is the best part... Throw it all in a blend aside from the extra cup of coconut! Blend for about a minute and a half and then pour into the pan. Sprinkle the rest on top and press down then bake for 40 minutes! Now let it cool for a little while and place in the fridge until you are ready to serve it! Keeps for 4 or 5 days, but it never lasts that long in my house. Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
HA! I WIN!
Well well well... I have finally figured out the ins and outs of this whole blog thing and am ready to go! I am so excited to be able to get this out and be able to share my life as the mother of 5 (counting the husband 6, because we all know how they can be sometimes), married, and living in a rural area... Trying my best to keep things cheap and being able to stay at home with my kids on a strapped budget! Lets see how we do :)
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