Happy New Year

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!!!!!

Gratituesday: Thankful for leftovers!!

This Tuesday I am grateful for leftovers!

We did Christmas at our house this year and only had the immediate family over, 11 people total. Of course, we cooked to much food as usual. We had a 15lb. ham and a 7lb. turkey breast, plus all the fixings. Here are some ideas for using your leftovers.

Leftover Ham:

Ham and Beans:

I froze the ham bone to use later with beans. Just take some beans and soak in a bowl of water for a day. Cook them on the stove until almost tender. Put ham bone and beans in a crock-pot and cook on low until beans are tender. This should take all day. If using canned beans just add to crock-pot. Use what ever kind of beans you like. I like black beans, kidney beans and black-eyed peas.

Ham, Egg and Cheese Biscuits:

Use your leftover biscuits and ham to make breakfast sandwiches. Just fry an egg, add a slice of cheese, slice of ham on your biscuit and breakfast is done.

Leftover turkey:

Turkey salad:

I pulled all the meat off the turkey breast, which was about 2 cups. Add 1 cup mayo, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/4 tsp. paprika, 2 tbsp. relish, 1/4 tsp. celery seed. Mix all ingredients together. Serve with crackers or those leftover rolls.

Turkey soup:

Use the turkey carcase for soup or broth. Just put the turkey in a large pot of water and add a chopped onion, some celery and carrots. Cook until boiling. Boil 5-7 minutes. Drain your broth and freeze or use to make soup.

Leftover potatoes:

Potato cakes:

2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. chopped onion, 2tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Pour 2 tbsp. olive oil in skillet and saute onions until tender. Meanwhile mix mashed potatoes, egg, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Spoon in saute onions and mix well. Using your hands: shape about 1/2 cup potato mixer into patty and place back in hot oiled skillet. Cook 7-8 mins on each side. Enjoy!

Potato cheese casserole:

Mix 3 cups mashed potatoes with 4oz. softened cream cheese. Spread into small baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 mins or until cheese is melted. You can substitute your favorite cheese on top. Sprinkle with some fresh chives and enjoy.

The leftovers are almost gone. It has been nice not having to think of what to cook for dinner these last couple of days. Thank you leftovers!!

What to do with all the Christmas Gifts??

The presents have been open and now it's time to find a home for them. I like everything in my house to have a place. If not, then I give it to someone who can use it.

The Snuggie will stay in the living room, the cast iron pans go in the stove, and the new toaster oven on the counter. My old toaster stopped working about a week ago, so that's going in the trash.

This week I plan on going through my house and gathering all the items I don't use and donating it to Christian Outreach. They are a no profit that sells the donated items in a thrift store and takes the money to help needy families.

Goodwill and the Salvation Army are some other places you can donate your things too. Don't forget to get a receipt if you want it for taxes.

I have two boxes in my shed labeled donate and hand-me-downs. Through out the year when I find something I don't use or can't wear I put it in one of the two boxes. My teenage daughter is going through clothes like water running through a river. She has a job and buys most of them, with coupons and sales. So her hand-me-downs go to my 12 year old niece. She loves getting "new" to her clothes every couple of months.

I wish I could donate some of the food we had left over from Christmas. We always cook way to much. If you have every meet my Grandmother, you'll understand. I have a few ideas floating around in my brain on what to do with all the leftovers. More to come on that.

What do you do with all your leftover food from Christmas? Or do you not have leftovers?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!!

Line Drying even in the Winter

Now that winter is here you might think you have to use your dryer to dry your clothes. Not true! The sun is still shining, most of the days. You just have to schedule your laundry days around the weather.

If you have a wood stove or fire place you can hang your clothes on racks and put beside the fire. It usually takes a load of laundry to dry about 2 hours beside my wood stove. I will rotate the racks so both sides get even drying time. Try putting the racks outside facing the sun. If they are not fully dried by dark bring them in and put over the heater vent.

You can still line dry your clothes outside, just make sure you get them out there in the morning so they will have plenty of time to dry before the sun goes down, at 5pm, yuck! Watch the weather channel and see if it's going to be a sunny day or cloudy. If it's sunny, throw in that load of clothes and head outside.

It takes a little more work to dry your clothes in the winter but it's well worth it when that electric bill comes in the mail. Don't forget your helping the environment too.

One Skillet Meal: Chicken, Rice and Veggies

One skillet meals are the best. They are easy to prepare and easy to clean up. I created this one skillet meal last week and it was delicious so I decided to share it with you.

Ingredients:

2lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast (diced in bite size pieces)
3 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. diced onions
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. rosemary
1/2 tsp. sage
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 cups of broccoli
1/2 cup sliced carrots
2 cups rice

Pour your olive oil in a large skillet and the chicken, garlic and onion. Cook on medium heat until chicken is no longer pink. Add remaining ingredients and cook until broccoli and carrots are cooked nice and tender, about 30 minutes. Add in cooked rice. Stir and enjoy.

You can substitute any veggies you like or even add some left over turkey. I used brown rice, the one in the boil-n-bag. Yeah, I know, I took the easy route. That is what this recipe is all about. Easy and simple.

Gratituesday: Thankful for a safe Holiday!

This Gratitiuesday I am thankful that my family had a safe and happy holiday.

Thanksgiving Day my sister, her husband and four children, my mom and step father all came to our house. I cooked the turkey and everybody brought a dish. We had more than enough food as usual. I think I gained 10lbs on Thursday alone.

On Sunday, we all packed up and went to have Thanksgiving dinner with my 87 year old great aunt at the nursing home. Her sisters, which are 90 and 83 also came. Along with my 83 year old Grandmother. We rented one of their party rooms and enjoyed another big feast, another 10lbs.

Everyone returned home safe and sound with full tummies. Now it's time to work off all that stuffing and mashed potatoes.

My beautiful teenager eating her Thanksgiving dinner. I think she is ggrrroowwlliinngg at me.

Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday is here. Get some great deals for Christmas while shopping in your pj's.

Origins: $10 off $25 or more. Enter promo code: MONDAY at checkout.

6PM: up to 70% off of New Balance shoes, New $24 deals every hour on Cyber Monday. FREE shipping on orders over $100.

Target: Free shipping on qualified orders of $50 or more. Look for the bullseye.

Wal-mart: Xbox 360 live value bundle $249, Tramontina 6.5 quart cast iron dutch oven $33, Kodak easy share C143 12mp digital camera $69.

Cabelas: Free shipping on order of $99 or more. They have some great deals in their Bargain Cave.

ToysRUs: Save up to 60% on thousands of items. Free shipping on orders of $49 or more from free shipping store.

The Body Shop: 3 items for only $30, plus Free shipping.

Bath and Body Works: 25% off your entire order, online only, enter code CYBER25.

Amazon: Great online deals at Amazon, Susan Boyle CD 50% off, Apple ipod touch 64GB $299.99. These deals won't last, get them before their gone.

Ebates: If you haven't signed up for Ebates, here is your big chance. Shop online through Ebates and they will pay you a percentage back in cash, actually a check. When you refer 5 new members you can get $50. Plus get $5 for every referral. Click here to get started.


Happy Cyber Monday!!!!

This post may contain affiliate links.

Buy 3 Get 3 Free at Bath and Body Works

Bath and Body works has their 3 wick candles on sale for 2 for $20, regularly $19.50 each. I love giving these candles for Christmas gifts. They smell so good.

Another great deal from Bath and Body Works, Signature Collection Body Care is Buy 3 get 3 FREE. Hurry sale ends tomorrow.

Great Online Deals at Ebay

If you missed that special item on Black Friday or just didn't want to get up that early, here are some great deals from ebay. Ebay is running Daily Deals from now until December 20th with FREE shipping.

You can get a 2lb. Sunbeam nonstick bread maker for only $29.99, 57% off MSRP.

How about 3 pairs of Disney stretch gloves for only $6.99. Choose from Disney Princess', Cars, or Mickey.

Gratituesday: Thanks and Giving

This Gratituesday is a special one, two days before Thanksgiving. I am thankful for many things and people in my life.

My daughter and I recently starting going to church on a regular basis and we LOVE it. I am grateful for my church friends.

I am grateful for all the food we have been blessed with. We are stocked and ready for winter.

In two days my family will all be at my home for Thanksgiving. We will enjoy some good food, fun times and just each other. I am grateful for my Family.

Like Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers says, I can't begin to write about all the things I'm grateful for. I'm grateful to my readers.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Give to those who need.

How Do You Do "Black Friday"?

Black Friday is always the biggest shopping day of the year. People wake up before day light and rush out to get the best possible deal. They stand out in the cold for hours waiting for those doors to open. Pushing and shoving to get that special price. And hope the item is not already sold out.

One year my sister, daughter and I did the "Black Friday" thing. Never again. I'm going to stay home in my warm house and shop online.

There are some really good deals online already. Check out Amazon's Black Friday deals of the week. Amazon is adding new things daily, but when their gone their gone. Hurry, beat the crowd!

How do you do "Black Friday"?

Starbucks: Buy One Get One Free Holiday Drink

Visit a Starbucks between November 18-21, from 2-5pm and get Buy One Get One Free Holiday Drink. This sounds like a must do for me. I love their eggnog lattes. Yummy!!

Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad

This is a great recipe for your leftovers from the holidays. You can substitute turkey for the chicken.

2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped almonds (toasted)
1 cup mayo
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. parsley
1/2 tsp. paprika

Boil the chicken in a large pot of water until done. Shred chicken with two forks pulling chicken apart. Mix in all other ingredients and stir well. Enjoy of toasted bread, crackers or by itself.

6PM: 70% off Steven Madden shoes- Today Only!!

Today Only, 6PM is having a sale on Steven Madden shoes and purses up to 70% off.

I found this pair of shoes that are 70% off, regularly $129.95 for only $27.00. I have one pair of Steven Madden shoes and "love them."

Burt's Bees Holiday Grab Bags- 50% Off

Get $90.00 worth of Burt's Bees products for only $40.00 + tax.

Burt's Bees has their men and women grab bags for 50% off. The woman's grab bag features 12 different products. A $50 value for only $25.00, plus get FREE FedX ground shipping with a $40 purchase. Check out the man's grab bag to, only $15.00.

Bonus: Get a FREE Lip Stash mixed with any $35.00 order. This automatically is added to your cart.

Free Sample: Tom's of Maine Toothpaste

Get your FREE sample from Tom's of Maine, courtesy of Walmart. I have recently switched my deodorant to Tom's of Maine and I love it. It's aluminum free!! I haven't tried their toothpaste yet, but that's what free samples are for, right?

Apple Pear Jam

Pears, Pears, Pears. Everywhere Pears.

My grandmother has a huge pear tree and keeps sending me pears by the bucket loads. I have canned more than 30 jars, made two rounds of pear jelly and now have created Apple Pear Jam. It's pretty yummy!!

Ingredients you will need:

4 cups pears (peeled, sliced, and cored)
4 cups apples (peeled, sliced and cored)
1 cup water
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
4 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. nutmeg

Put pears, apples and water in a large saucepan. Cook on medium heat until apples and pears are soft, stirring occasionally. Put in blender and blend until smooth or just use your hand mixer and blend in saucepan. Pour in both sugars, lemon juice and nutmeg. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes. Stir regularly. Pour into jelly jars and seal. Enjoy all winter long. Jams and jellies are great Christmas presents too.

Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers has great tips on canning and preserving food. She has been a big inspiration to me. She has healthy, good for you recipes. Check her out!

Canning Food For Winter

Canning food has been another passion of mine. I love to grow fruits and vegetables in the summer and enjoy them all winter long. Thanks Nana and G'pa for all you guys have taught me.

I haven't talked much about my grandparents but all my thanks go to them. My great grandfather, Mr. Boyles, taught me to garden when I was 10 years old. At age 11 I grew a 3 lb. tomato and my G'pa took me to the local newspaper. They took my picture and wrote a little story about future gardeners. G'pa's daughter, my Nana, Mrs. Bailey, has taught me a lot about canning. She is now 83 and going strong. I love learning new things from her. She is so full of knowledge. Thanks Nana.

That is how TwoBGardening was born. The Two B's are for Bailey and Boyles.

Black Bean Chili

Chili is so good on cold days. It warms your heart and soul. Even though it is 70 degrees here in central Virginia, winter is coming.

Black Bean Chili:

3 cups kidney beans
2 cups black beans
1 lb. hamburger
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz. can tomato paste
1 medium green pepper-diced
1 medium red pepper- diced
1 medium onion- finely chopped
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. minced garlic

Brown hamburger in skillet. Chop red pepper, green pepper and onion. Pour all ingredients into a large crock-pot. I put the cloves in a tea strainer and hung on the side of the crock-pot, so the flavors would mix, but not have cloves all mixed in with my chili. Cook on high for 5-6 hours.

If using dried beans, soak in water the day before and precook before adding to crock-pot. Otherwise you will have undercooked beans.

Make up a pan of cornbread and Enjoy!!!

Time to Celebrate!!!!!

Good morning everybody. Our inspection is over with. There were 100 questions on the audit and we scored a 97, YEAH!!! Now that that is over with it's back to blogging.

These last few weeks have been crazy for my home life and work life. I have been putting in a lot of hours at work and it has shown on my house. I haven't felt like cleaning my house with all the cleaning going on at work. But today that is changing. Watch out Mr. Clean, here I come.

I have also slacked on cooking. I had prepared meals in the freezer for times like this but was to tired to even cook them. So needless to say we ate out three days in a row (bad mommy). My daughter had no complaints, she likes fast food. We are tightening our belts and back to frugalness.

Busy As A Bee

These last few weeks have been crazy at my job. We are having an audit tomorrow and have been buzzing like bees. Clean this, paint this, wash this. I have put in 54 hours this week and have to be back at work at 9am to finish the cleaning list for the audit at 1pm. I couldn't have done it without my great sister, also my assistant manager, Kristy and Krystal my other side kick. Thanks girls for all your work.
Hopefully I will be back to blogger more this week. After I clean my house, that has been put on hold also.

Red Hot Candy Applesauce

Pretty In Pink!


This recipe has a nice spice flavor to it. All you need is some apples, red hot candies, and some sugar.

14 medium size apples
1 cup red hot candies
2 cups sugar
1 cup water

Peel and core your apples, slice them thin. Combine 1 cup red hot candies, apples and water in large pot. Cook until apples are tender and mushy. Remove from heat. Using your hand mixer, blend up apples in pot until smooth. Add 2 cups of sugar. Freeze in bags or can in jars. Enjoy!!

CVS deals week of 10/17

Time to stock up on the Halloween candy at CVS this week. Fun Size bags are on sale for 2/$5.00, scan your CVS card at the price checker for a $1.00 off 2 bags.
Here are some things I picked up today:

Butter finger 12.5 oz bag $2.50 (used $1.00 off coupon-from price checker)
Resse peanut butter cups 10.5oz bag $2.50 (used $1.00/2 coupon-from price checker)
Kit Kat 10oz bag $2.50 (used $1.00/2 coupon)
10 pack of Duracell batteries $5.99 (used $0.75 coupon)
Two Mentos Gum $1.79 - Buy One Get One Free (used 2-$1.00 SS 10/3)
Schick Hydro 3 razor $8.99- $5 ECBS ( used $4 SS10/3)

Final out of pocket cost= $11.30 plus $5 ECB

Check out Madame Deals for a full list of this week specials.

Teaching Your Kids About Saving

Teaching your kids to save money can start at any age. Most of you know that I keep my two nieces on Wednesday's, so I always have a project for us to do. Most of the time it is cooking. They love to cook.

The other day when I was doing my regular daily reading on Money Saving Mom, I found a new blog. I can teach my child has great ideas for kids of all ages.

After a little digging around her site I found the "Save, Give, Spend Bank". My nieces had so much fun making their banks. I gave each of them 3 dimes, 3 nickels and 3 pennies for their banks. They loved hearing the "clink" sound when the money hit the jars. Krista, the almost 5 year old, is excited about the "spend" jar.

Next week I think we are going to do the "I spy activity bottle".

Shrimp Pasta with Vegetables

Shrimp is one of my favorite seafood, so when my local grocery store had it on sale this week I had to stop and buy a pound. I had recently bought one of McCormick's already measured spices for shrimp. I was missing some of the ingredients for their primavera version, so I made up my own.

Shrimp Pasta with Vegetables:

1 1/2 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. minced onions
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme leaves
8 0z. penne noodles
1 lb. shrimp,peeled and deveined
2 cups vegetables ( I used red peppers, carrots and lima beans)
1 cup milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 tbsp. butter

Cook pasta in a large saucepan as directed on package. Add the shrimp and vegetables the last 10 mins of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Mix remaining ingredients in sauce pan until boiling. Add the shrimp, vegetables and noodles back into the pot. Cook an additional 3-5 mins stirring occasionally.
Serve immediately.

This will make enough to feed a large family. Add more vegetables or crab meat to go even further. Enjoy!!

Free tub of Cottenelle Moist Wipes

Give a tub, get a tub. Click here to sign up for a free tub of Cottonelle moist wipes and share one with a friend.

Cottonelle will send you a coupon in the mail (allow 3-4 weeks) and they will send your friend an email to get one free too.

Hurry, I'm sure this deal will go fast.

BOGO coupon for Steaz Tea

Have you tried Steaz Tea? Here is your chance.
Sign up for Steaz Tea email and they will send you a coupon for Buy One Get One Free.

Steaz Tea is USDA organic, fair trade and all natural. The white tea with lime and pomegranate is my favorite, the green tea with peach is yummy also.

Steaz tea are priced around $1.25 at my local Whole Foods store. They are also sold at Target.

Organic Valley Coupons

Here are a bunch of Organic Valley coupons. Some of my favorites are: $1.00 off 2 half gallons of milk, $1.00 off cream cheese, $1.00 off cottage cheese and many more. Click, clip and save.

Earthbound Farm: $0.75 coupon

Enter for a chance to win a Free cook book from Earthbound Farm. They are giving away 10 cook books daily from now until October 15. Plus you can print a coupon for $0.75 off any Earthbound farm organic product. Double your chances by entering on Facebook.

I love their Romaine Hearts. This is the only lettuce my daughter will eat in her salad. Picky eaters, gotta love em'.

Five Deals Under $5.00 (Pirates of the Caribbean)

BuyCostumes.com has some great deals on Pirates of the Caribbean costumes for kids and adults. Each week day they are discounting five deals under $5.00. It begins at 9am CDT and ends when they are "Sold Out".
There is still time to get your child "Jack Sparrow Pirate hat with beaded braids" for only $1.99 (regularly $21.99). If your child wants to be a pirate skeleton, it's on sale for $4.99 (regularly $49.99).

I'm still undecided on what I will be for Halloween. Trying to stay on a budget at Halloween time is hard for me. I like scary costumes. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

Pumpkin Muffins

Notice only five muffins, I couldn't wait until the pic was taken. So yummmmy!!


Finally, no more $1.39 pumpkin muffins. It use to be my routine to stop by my local Dunkin Donuts and get a cup of coffee and a pumpkin muffin once or twice a week. Even with coupons it adds up quick. I have come up with a awesome pumpkin muffin recipe. These are very moist and bursting with pumpkin flavor.

Muffin:

3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder

Strudel Topping:

1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp. melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or line muffin pan. In a large bowl combine pumpkin puree, white sugar, brown sugar, melted butter and egg. Stir until combined. Mix in flour, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda and baking powder. Pour into muffin pan, filling 2/3 full. In another small bowl make the strudel topping. Combine all ingredients and sprinkle on top of each muffin. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 6 large muffins.

Buy Local, Buy Fresh, Save Money

Here are my goodies I bought from my local produce store, C-ville Market. If you live near the Charlottesville, Va area and haven't been to C-ville market, I suggest doing so. They have great local produce, yummy cheeses, wine and dairy items. Every week you can check their website for weekly specials. At the bottom of the page is a coupon for a FREE item. This week it is a 3lb. bag of onions. There are also coupons in the Val-Pak for extra savings. Here is a break down of what I bought.

Black cat shaped candies (for Halloween cupcakes): $1.22
Blue cheese crumbles: $3.43 ($7.79 lb.)
Mocha coffee candy (for the ride home): $1.40
Gummi bears: $1.05
Gummi pumpkins: $2.16
Bananas (reduced 0.29lb) 9.76lbs: $2.83
Sharp cheddar cheese: $3.28
Cucumbers (3 for 0.99): $0.99
Celery: $0.99
10lb. Russet potatos: $2.49
Green beans (0.99lb): $1.26
Local Peaches (0.99lb): $2.92
Red bell peppers (0.99lb): $1.55
Local Nectarine (0.99lb): $2.72
3lb. bag of Onions (0.99): Free with coupon
$5.00 off with coupon from Val-Pak

Total spent: $23.99

Buy Fresh, Buy Local and Save Money. Also, Check out your local Farmers Markets for great fruits and veggies.

Ebook from Heavenly Homemakers 25% off

Laura at Heavenly Homemakers has a great recipe for Homemade Chicken Broth. She is also slashing the price of her ebook "What to do with chicken in your kitchen". Regular price is $4.95 but get it through Sept. 14 for only $3.71.

If you haven't visited her site, please take a moment and do so. She has some awesome recipes.

This post contains an affiliate link.

Request a free sample of Teasta Teas

Teasta Teas is giving out free samples. Select your favorite two and add to cart. Then enter code "TRYME" and receive them free. I had a hard time deciding, there are some delicious ones to choose from.

Chocolate Oreo Truffles

This recipe came from Kraft Foods. It is sooo chocolatey delicious. I made these for a Christmas party last year and they were a big hit. I had two ladies come up to me with pen and paper in hand wanting the recipe.

So, when it came time for our Meals on Wheels antique road show and bake sale, I decided to make these to sell at the bake sale. ( I volunteer once a week with Meals on Wheels) It's a great program if you have any elders that need a hot cooked meal. Our antique road show and bake sale has been a big hit the last few years, bringing in a lot of money for our clients meals.

Recipe:
1 package (1lb. 2oz.) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
1 package (8oz.) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
2 packages (8 squares each) Baker's semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Mix three cups of the cookie crumbs and the cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 (1")balls.
Dip balls in melted chocolate, place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Store leftovers in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Last year I crushed up some candy canes and sprinkled them on top. I left the oreo crumbs off this time. Experiment and Enjoy!

More Bake Sale recipes to come, apple bread, pumpkin roll and pineapple upside down cake.

Free Gain dish liquid and $0.97 Tide Stain Remover at Wal-mart

( $1.91 O.O.P. plus tax)

My local Wal-mart has Gain liquid dish soap for $0.97 and Tide stain remover marked down on clearance for $3.97 (reg. price $6.97). There are coupons in 8/29 P&G insert for $1.00 off Gain and $3.00 off Tide stain remover.

5 Deals under $5 from Buy Costumes

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Call me crazy but I've always liked Halloween. We have our annual Halloween party each year the weekend before Halloween and it's a blast. We have boo houses for the kids, bobbing for apples, sack races, candy and lots more spooky treats. Costumes and decorations can get expensive. I was so excited to see that BuyCostumes.com was having their $5 daily deals again this year.


BuyCostumes.com is offering their 5 deals under $5, five days a week. The deals start at 9am CDT and end when they are sold out. Check back each day for different items. You have to be quick, they sell out fast.

This is a great offer if you have multiple kids. Costumes can be very expensive. There are also decorations and props for your Halloween parties for $5 also.

Labor Day Back To School Shopping

Summer is coming to an end and time for back to school shopping. This Labor Day weekend head over to 6PM and check out their Back To School deals. 6PM is offering FREE shipping on orders over $100, don't worry if you don't spend $100, their shipping is only $6.95.

There are great deals on shoes, jeans, purses, shirts and much more. I recently bought a pair of Reef flip flops 60% off. They are so much more comfortable than those $2.00 flip flops.

Free Snack from Kashi

Kashi is giving away FREE snacks. You can choose from TLC cereal bar Ripe Strawberry, TLC chewy granola bar Trail Mix or TLC crackers Original 7 Grain. Just jump over here and request your FREE sample. Thanks Kashi!! Yummy!!

Buy One Get One Free at Harris Teeter 9/1-9/7

Harris Teeter has a lot of Buy One Get One Free this week. Some of my favorites are:

Ken's salad dressing: Buy 2 get 3 FREE ($3.25 each)
Activia deserts-4pk: $1.50 ($1.00 off coupon from SS 8/29 insert)
Del Monte fruit smoothies: Buy One get 2 FREE ($2.99)
Eight O'Clock coffee: Buy One get One FREE ($5.75 for two)
Skippy Peanut Butter: Buy One get One FREE ($1.37 each)

These are just some of my favorites. Check out all the coupon match ups from Madame Deals.
I usually wait until the weekend to do my grocery shopping but I have found out that the shelves are sometimes empty. So we went today and the shelves were full. JOY!!!

My total out of pocket was $39.96 and I saved $59.46. One mistake I did make was on the Mueller's pasta. They were suppose to be BOGO and I bought 6 total, well the lasagna, penne and bowties rang up regular price. I did not catch it at the register, so if your headed out to get this pasta make sure to watch at the register. The BOGO signs were posted on all the noodles. I live to far away to go back today. Bummer....

Fandango Tickets $4.00 from Groupon

Groupon has a great deal for Fandango tickets for only $4.00 (up to $12.00 value). This coupon doesn't expire until Feb. 28, 2011. The offer is valid at more than 16,000 stores nationwide. Limit one per person. Not valid on IMAX or 3D movies. You have four days left to buy these tickets or while supplies last. HURRY!!!

Bacon Wrapped Apple BBQ Chicken with Pears

Cooking is a passion of mine and when ever I find a new recipe I have to try it out. When I ran across this Bacon Wrapped Apple BBQ Chicken recipe from $5 dinners , I knew it would be a hit in our house. I added some fresh canned pears to the recipe to give it a sweet taste. We had my step-dad and mom over to enjoy it with us. My step-dad made this comment, "this meat is so tender a baby could eat it." Yummy!!

Here is my version:

8 boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 bottle of BBQ sauce
1lb. bacon
1 granny smith apple (grated)
1 jar of canned pears

I first wrapped the bacon around the chicken. Placed it in the crock-pot. Then mixed BBQ sauce, grated apple and pears. Stir it up and pour over chicken. I cooked it on low for 4 hours, then turned it on high for 4 more hours. You probably could cook it on high for 5-6 hours and be fine. I just had to run some errands and didn't want it cooking on high the whole time I was gone.

Just add your favorite side dishes and voila, dinner is served. Enjoy!!

Fall Vegetable Gardening: Part 1

It's about that time to start your fall vegetable gardening, depending on your first frost. Here in Virginia we usually get our first frost in late October. Find out your frost date.

Mid August is the perfect time to get those fall vegetables in the ground. Check your soil for the correct pH levels. Summer plants will drain a lot of the nutrients from your soil.

Determining when to plant, you need to know the average date when your area gets its first killing frost. Once you have determined the frost date, look at the plants you want to grow and look at the number of days for maturity, plus the number of days for harvest, add two weeks for Fall Factor (slowing growing due to cooler nights). This will give you how many days you need to count back from your areas frost date.

Example:
I am going to plant Spinach:
Days to germination: 8-10
Days to harvest: 45
Two week fall factor: 14 days

Equals = 67-69 days

Virginia's frost date: October 20

Which would have been last week, August 13. Have no fear, the seeds are still going to be planted. Hopefully I'll be able to get them in the ground by this weekend. Stay turned to what I plant in my fall vegetable garden.

Some cool weather plants are spinach, kale, turnips, mustard, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, lettuces and onions. These plants thrive in the cooler days. If your area is calling for a mild frost, around 30 degrees, cover your plants with a light tarp, 5 gallon buckets, or netting. This will keep them from the frost bite.

Enjoy your fresh garden vegetables up to the first frost. This is usually when fresh vegetables rise in cost at the grocery stores.

Don't forget about your local farmer's markets. They are in full swing right now.

Saving with Groupon!!!

Groupon is a new an exciting website where you can purchase items 50%-75% off. There is everything from hair cuts to restaurants. There were some delicious cupcakes at 50% off the other day and I missed it. Bummer, maybe next time.

It's FREE to sign up. You pick your city or any city and Groupon will send you an email each day with a cool money saving offers. Click here to find out all the details.

When you get your friends to sign up you can receive $10 when they make their first Groupon purchase. Go ahead and give it a try. It's FREE. We all love FREE.

CVS: $32.94 in product/ $1.89 profit

CVS has some pretty sweet deals this week. I bought all of these products and made $1.89.

Here is what I bought:




Dulcolax, Hydro razor, Shaving cream, and Lysol hand soap. Paid out of pocket $7.11 and received $9.00 ECB's.

Thanks goes to Mrs. Moneysaver for all the coupon match ups.

Back-2 school ebooks on sale @ Heavenly Homemakers

It's back to school time and Laura at Heavenly Homemakers has her "school type items" 20% off. Laura has written many e-books for kids of all ages. The items are "Learn your letters, Learn to serve curriculum kit, Fill Em' Up e-book, Do the Funky Kitchen e-book." She also has some awesome cookbooks you can buy.

Click on over and check it out. Enter code "BACK2SCHOOL" to get 20% off.


This post may contain an affiliate link! Thanks, Amy

Healthy Lunch Box Snacks

School is about to begin and so are ideas for a healthy lunch.

I am pretty blessed with a daughter who likes healthy foods. She can be picky but she loves her salads. Salads are a great way to get in their veggies. Ice burg lettuce is one of the worst nutritional lettuces. Try Romaine Hearts lettuce, it looks and taste the same, only better for them. You can add their favorite veggies like cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, etc. Instead of the croutons, try sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.

Apples: cut up your apple and core. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in a two cups of water. Add your cut up apples. This is save your apples from turning brown.

Celery sticks are great with peanut butter or cream cheese.

Baby Carrot sticks are a kids favorite, they are sweet and healthy.

Cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes.

Make a mix of sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, m&m's, pretzels, cheerios. It's a great salty sweet mix.

Sandwiches can be cut out with fun cookie cutters. Heart shapes or dinosaurs.
Wraps are another fun idea. You can make your own healthy wraps and add in lunch'n meat or the chicken left over from last nights dinner.

Yogurt is only healthy treat. It comes in a lot of different flavors for all kids enjoyment.

Peanut butter banana sandwiches are a tasty healthy idea. Butter your bread with peanut butter, slice bananas and place on peanut butter side. Top with another slice of bread and enjoy.

Fresh fruit is always a favorite in our house. Blueberries, strawberries, orange slices, pears, kiwi, grapes. If it's a fruit we love it.

What are your favorite healthy lunch box snack ideas???

End Results of Freezer Cooking Day

Here are the end results of my freezer cooking day last week. It only took me 4 hours in the kitchen. That includes clean up and all, not bad huh?!?



This is an awesome recipe for Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls from MoneySavingMom. I gave a pan to my mom to take with her this weekend camping. Everyone loved it. Actually a lady she works with wants me to make her some. Delicious and easy.

Banana bread muffins. Great for freezing. Just wrap individually in saran wrap and place in freezer bag. They thaw out quickly.


Stuffed Shells for seven dinners, remember it's just my daughter and I.




Fifteen Fajitas and three stuffed peppers. Fifteen homemade tortillas. Yummy!!

Also not pictured is five taco burritos, one coconut rosemary meatloaf, and french toast sticks. This should last us at least a month. All we have to do is add some side dishes(applesauce) and dinner is done.