Free (sort of) Wii Game

Look what I got in the mail today:

A few weeks ago Langers Apple Juice was on sale for $.99 at Smiths. I bought a bunch and sent in for this game. You can find the details here: Langers Juice
There is a $1.00 off any Langer's juice coupon that came a out a couple weeks ago so you can get the juice for even less with a sale.

I've heard this game is fun. We will see after Christmas.

Pumpkin Fun

See the 3 pumpkins in the background? We have slowly been cookin' them up. We've tried the following pumpkin recipes:
Pumpkin Bread Mine sunk a bit, but it didn't stop us from eating it up.
Pumpkin Soup I used sour cream instead of whipping cream and it didn't go over too well with the kids.
Pumpkin Pie The kids loved this.
Easiest Pumpkin Cookies:
1 15-oz can pumpkin (1 3/4 c home brewed pumpkin)
1 Spice flavored box cake mix
1/2 bag of chocolate chips

Mix the 3 together and plop on a greased cookie sheet for 18 minutes at 350 degrees.

Canning Fun

My mom couldn't can her grapes this year, so I took it over. It was a mess. I do have a greater appreciation for all her hard work over the years juicing grapes. One day I made a batch of salsa and juiced grapes. I was such a happy homemaker.


Later in the month I made applesauce. My neighbor let me borrow her Victorio Strainer. It totally beats, peeling, slicing, coring, and mashing 'em yourself. I still have some apples in my garage. If I can round up a few more bottles I'll finish up the last of them.

Salsa

This past Saturday I made Salsa again (second time ever). I used a different recipe, which was really tasty. It comes from my Aunt Julie.

Julie's Salsa
50 medium tomatoes, washed, peeled and quartered
4 large onions, chopped
4 sweet red peppers, chopped
4 large green bell peppers, chopped
8 jalepeno peppers, remove seeds for milder salsa (Julie's notes say, "I keep the seeds of 6 and remove the seeds of two")
1 medium garlic bulb, minced
2 T sugar
3/4 c apple cider vinegar
12 t salt (1/4 c)

Cook tomatoes for about 1 hour. While cooking skim off 5 cups of juice. Add onion, red peppers, green peppers, jalepeno and garlic. Cook with tomatoes for 45 minutes. Add sugar, vinegar and salt. Cook for another 30 minutes.

Put in jars and seal. Steam for about 10 minutes. Makes 12-14 pints.

I only had 25 tomatoes so I halved the recipe. "Halved" sounds so weird. I got the tomatoes, green peppers and jalepenos from my dad's garden. (For Sarah) I got the red peppers from Bountiful Baskets.

For My Mom

Aren't they beautiful? Thanks for teaching me how.

Bountiful Baskets 10/2

Look at the great basket I got yesterday:

Potatoes, artichoke, cauliflower, lettuce, grapes, tomatoes, red peppers, cantaloupe, plums, apples, strawberries, and bananas.

I also ordered peaches again. They were Utah ones and look beautiful!


Here is the website if you want to give it a try, orders for Utah start on Monday at 8:00pm:Bountiful Baskets.

A few things I meant to post, but didn't because I was too busy...

The last couple of months Smiths has been having Double Coupon days. This last time I was so excited about my trip that I took a picture of it meaning to share it with the world, but I got too busy.

Another day my MIL brought over a laundry basket full of tomatoes, peppers, and onions. She asked me if I knew how to can salsa. I didn't then, but I do now. I meant to tell you all about it, but I got too busy.

You know how you can use a ton of coupons on trial sized items to score 'em for free? The other day I got all this stuff at Target for 0 dollars. I wanted to let you know, but I got too busy.

Last week at Smiths you could get this gigantic thing of toilet paper for $2.99. Wouldn't it have been awesome if I had told you all about it?
It was the same day that I got this giant thing of cheese for free.
(I heard the coupon is in the October Family Fun Magazine, too). I meant to tell you all about my Smiths trip, but I got too busy.

Finally I wanted to share a new pizza recipe that we liked. It comes from Deals to Meals.
I'm almost never too busy to share pizza, but even this post got away from me.

So there you have it, a bunch of deals and finds that could definitely give this blog some potential. Oh well. Until next time.

Bountiful Baskets

My determination paid off and I made it to Bountiful Baskets last week (18th). I was pretty excited about the basket, especially the apples since my kindergartner had told me about 12 times that he needed one for school the next Monday.



It has now been a few days and I'm sad to report that the bananas and pears were a complete bust. Neither of them ripened, despite my best effort. I also ordered some peaches in addition to the regular basket. I wanted to can them. They were not ripe enough on Saturday. I hoped all week that they would soften up. Today they were starting to spoil. They were unsuitable for canning so I used them for jam. It wasn't a total waste, but they certainly were not very tasty on their own. Everything else has been satisfactory.

Free Cache Valley Cheese

If you subscribe to Parents magazine then you're in luck! There is a coupon for a free package of Cache Valley cheese or butter. There are no size restrictions, so I was able to use it on a 5lb block of cheese ($16.99 value at Smiths!).

The coupon is found in the October issue which looks like this:


The Cache Valley cheese coupon looks like this (coupon down at the bottom):


I've heard the coupon can also be found in the October issue of Parenting magazine.

White Bread Recipe

I tried to make this bread beautiful by adding the butter on top for the pic. Instead it just made it look all weird.

Anyway, we've enjoyed this white bread recipe. It comes from my cousin Kate.

5 1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 T sugar
1 T salt
2 packages Felishmann's RapidRise yeast (I just use yeast from the big package 2 1/4 tsp x 2)
2 1/4 c water
1/4 c butter

Combine 2 c flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Heat water and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Add to dry ingredients, stirring well. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 12x8 inch rectangle. Beginning at short ends, roll up tightly as for jellyroll. Pinch seams and ends to seal. Place loaves seams down in greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise in a warm draft free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Bake at 375 for 30-35 min or until done. Remove from pans and cool on wire rack. Makes 2 loaves.

I actually combine the yeast and warm water first and let it bubble, then add the other ingredients. I have issues with non-rising bread, and doing this has increased my confidence and success rate. I make this in my Kitchen Aid and it works just great.

Bountiful Baskets

As I looked at my near empty produce drawer today I wished again that I had participated more regularly in Bountiful Baskets.

Bountiful Baskets is a co-op run out of Arizona. It is a great place to get a bunch of produce for a great price. The tricky part is that you have to order your basket on Monday for the following Saturday, and you also don't know what items you're going to get. The following things have to line up in order to participate: you must remember to get on the computer at 8:00pm on Monday (for UT) especially where I live because the baskets will shortly sell out, you've got to be available to pick the basket up the following Saturday, and then there is the small issue of money, $16.50 for fruits and vegies, more for add ons. This summer the stars aligned only twice for me.

6/29
cantaloupe, mini watermelon, 6 bananas, 8 nectarines, 18 brussel sprouts, 3 lbs of apples, pineapple, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, 3 tomatoes, 2 celery, 6 corn.

8/7

I'm determined to get a basket this next week. I've checked my calendar, I've got 16 bucks to my name, now I just need to remember order on Monday.

Case Lot Sales

Candi, on the blog Prepared LDS Family, keeps an updated list of the case lot sale prices. She has gone to a lot of work and has invited anyone to use her list (she mentions that you can feel free to donate to her son's mission fund). Check it out for a good reference point.

Utah County Fair

How's your summer? We have been having a swell time. I've done my best to help the kids have fun, without spending money we don't have. We did all we could to hit free swim parties, visit local parks, check out books from the library, and participate in discount promotions for attractions. This next week we have a couple last shin-digs lined up, one is the Utah County Fair


The kids enjoy looking at the livestock, scoring candy from the vendors, and visiting the kids area where they can do a craft. This year they are looking forward to riding three rides at the carnival. Why 3 you ask? Children 5-12 can get 3 ride tickets by completing a short book report form from Reading for Rides. You can download the form here.

Yummy Goodness

I curse the day my mom introduced me to this recipe. It is so easy, tasty, and I always have the ingredients on hand.

Delicious Popcorn:

3 bags of popped microwave popcorn (take out the unpopped kernels)

1 c butter
1/2 c corn syrup
1 1/2 c sugar

Heat over medium heat until boiling. Boil for 2 1/2 minutes. Pour over popcorn on a cookie sheet.

FYI:
When I use super buttery microwave popcorn I reduce the butter to 1/2 cup.
When I don't have microwave popcorn I use the old fashioned stuff, but add a few shakes of salt to the fished product.
I dump the popcorn in my roaster pan. It has high sides so it makes less mess when I pour on the syrup.

Rice Recipes

I'm marking this from a preparedness blog. Looks like some good simple rice recipes.

5 rice recipes

Bosch Mixer Contest

If you're looking for a way to get the best deals on your grocery bill and want someone to make a list for you then you should look into this program called Deals to Meals. There is a two week free trial if you're interested in seeing if it's right for you. I've never followed the program because I'm comfortable with the way I do my shopping right now, but I do enjoy reading the Deals to Meals blog. I especially like the recipes she posts, since she often uses the same items from her pantry that I've got in mine.

There is a current contest right now to win a Bosch Mixer. I'm very interested in owning one of these babies. Maybe the stars will align just right, and I'll be a proud owner soon enough:)

Yummy Recipe- Black Beans

I Dare You To Eat It has been cooking Cafe Rio type food for an upcoming event. She recently prepared black beans. I gave the recipe a go the other day and highly recommend it. It comes from Favorite Family Recipes.

BLACK BEANS

2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 c. tomato juice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro.

I used dried beans that I cooked in my crock pot.

Disney Movie Rewards

Check out this sweet Disney Princess Scooter we got in the mail a month or so ago. I've been racking up Disney Movie Reward points and redeemed them for this prize. My daughter has been loving it!

Special thanks to my mom and SIL for the reward points.

If you buy a lot of Disney Movies then you should sign up for this program. Most new movies have a paper in the front cover with a code on it that you enter into the program. Here is the link: Disney Movie Rewards. You can also get points for mailing in your movie ticket stubs, though I've never done this (I don't get out much). There are also points floating around in cyberspace that you can use (movie codes are one time use, whereas others everybody can use). Hip2save had a bunch listed on her site a few months ago with a suggestion on something to redeem them for. If you haven't signed up yet you might want to.

More Summer Activities

Free book from Borders.

Up to 4 free admissions to Hogle Zoo, Megaplex, or Bees Game for buying Cache Valley Cheese.

Summer Activities

Kids Bowl Free at Fat Cats. This isn't completely free since shoe rentals cost an arm and a leg, but could still be fun for an occasional treat.

Kids can earn a free book at Barnes and Noble

Low Cal Ranch Dip

I posting this so that I can be reminded to try it:

Health Ranch Dressing
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
3-4 tsp of dry buttermilk ranch dressing
2-4 tbs of water (add more for a thinner ranch)

Put in blender, blend on high for 3 minutes. Stop blender and scrape the sides and blend one more time. Serve with raw veggies, or healthy crackers. Makes 4 servings.

Ranch comparisons.
Serving size for veggie dip 1/4 cup:

Regular Kraft Ranch: 300 cal, fat 32g, protein 0g, carbs 2g
Light Kraft Ranch: 154 cal, fat 14g, protein 0g, carbs 6g
My ranch: 50 cal, fat 0g, protein 7g, carbs 1g

I got this from Meals Fit for a Family

Another Homemade Cleaner

Counter-top Disinfectant

2 Tbsp. ammonia
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1/4 cup vinegar
water

Put ammonia, alcohol and vinegar in a spray bottle and fill with water. This works especially good for counter-tops but may also be used to clean showers, toilets and sinks. Great for most cleaning needs.

Important tip: Never mix ammonia and bleach.

From Living on A Dime

Winco Bulk Prices

Last week I checked out the grand opening of the Orem Winco store. I was pleased with the cheap produce and other specials I got. My favorite part though was the huge bulk foods area. My least favorite part was telling my two young kids who were with me to stop touching the bulk foods area. Anyway My Young Single Adult Life has a current list of all the bulk prices. Totally worth checking out.

Confessions

I re-use zip lock baggies.

Bountiful Baskets

I thought this was a great basket this week.

Cantaloupe, 9 bananas, small pineapple, 11 apples, 6 oz blackberries, 1 pt. grape tomatoes, 2 lbs carrots, romaine, 8 oz mushrooms, broccoli, swiss chard, and 20 red potatoes.

If you'd like to try this co-op, log on to Boutiful Baskets Monday after 4:00pm (for Utah peeps south of SLC). The site is always SLOW at that time, but if you don't get on there shortly after 4 then your chances of getting a basket diminish greatly.

More Homemade Cleaners

These recipes are from Tightwad Mom

Eventually I'll get around to trying them out.

Multi Purpose Cleaner
2 cups of water
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 tablespoon dish soap
1 tablespoon of Borax
Whisk the ingredients together in a measuring cup until Borax is dissolved. Pour into a spray bottle.
This cleaner is great for:

* greasy kitchen messes (especially stove tops)
* dirty refrigerators doors
* cleaning kitchen counter tops
* cleaning kitchen cabinets
* dirty finger prints on doors and walls
* cleaning bathroom counter tops and tubs. Your faucets will sparkle when you are done!

Disinfecting Cleaner

2 tablespoons ammonia
1/2 cup alcohol
1/4 white vinegar
2 1/2 - 3 cups water

Pour first three ingredients in a spray bottle. Add in water. Screw spray nozzle on spray bottle tightly and shake to combine ingredients.

Bountiful Baskets- For Posterity's Sake

It's been a couple weeks since I've gotten a basket. Way back on March 27the I got these goodies:


Romaine, cauliflower, strawberries, pineapple, asparagus, sweet potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, apples, bananas, and tangerines.

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

I've been interested in homemade cleaning products lately. I wanted to save this recipe from The Grocery Cart Challenge to try. Hopefully I'll get to it soon so I can review it's effectiveness.

Homemade Tile and Grout Cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda
1/3 cup ammonia
1/4 cup white vinegar
7 cups warm water

Put the water and then all the other ingredients in a gallon container and shake to mix. Make sure to keep this away from anything with bleach in it. Pour into a spray bottle and spray onto tile and grout. Let sit for about 5 minutes and then wipe with a damp cloth, sponge or scrub brush. This really cuts through soap scum well too.

Springville Reams Deals

Through Mar 27th:

Russet Baking Potatoes- $.29/lb
Russet Potatoes- $1.69/15lb
Small Jonathan Apples- $.39/lb
Avocados- $.79/each
Carrots- $.89/2lbs
D'anjou Pears- $.59/ea
Grapefruit- $.20/ea
Mushrooms, Sliced or Whole- $.99/8 oz
Radishes & Green Onions- $.33/bunch
Bananas- $.37/lb
Broccoli or Cauliflower- $.69/lb
Roma Tomatoes- $.79/lb
Iceberg Lettuce- $.79/ea
Navel Oranges- $.39/lb

Bountiful Baskets

Yesterdays pickup included:

6 bananas
14 small apples
1 mango
1 1b of strawberries
20 tomatoes
2 asparagus bunches
2 green onion bunches
2 celery stalks
1 orange cauliflower
1 head of romaine
1 head of savoy salad
1 lb of kumquats

Ordering starts at 4:00pm on Monday for our area. Here is the link if you want to try and snag one for Saturday the 27th: Bountiful Baskets

Springville Reams Deals

Here are the produce deals this week:

Celery- $.69/lb
Cucumbers- $.39/ea
Pink Grapefruit- $.34/ea
Limes- $.20/ea
Cilantro- $.25
Fresh Express Premium Romaine Salad- $.99/9 oz
Fresh Express Cello Spinach- $.99/9 oz
Fresh Express Green & Crisp Salad- $.99/9 oz
Pineapple- $.39/lb
Asparagus- $1.49/lb
Large Green Skin Avocados- $.69/ea
Green Cabbage- $.33/lb
Green Onions- $.33/bunch
Zucchini- $.59/lb

Bountiful Baskets and Reams

This was last weeks haul from BB

1 1 lb strawberries, 12 oz blueberries, 13 bananas, 5 pears, Asparagus, Pineapple, cabbage, green leaf, spinach, 9 braeburn apples, and 7 zucchinis, and 8 small cucumbers.

I didn't get a basket for this week. When I got on the site on Monday it was SOOOOO slow. When I checked back on Tuesday they were all gone. Oh well. I think I will hit Reams this Saturday for their early bird special.

Early Bird Specials

SATURDAY MARCH 13TH, 2010 ONLY
6 AM – 9 AM ONLY

ALL ITEMS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

MEAT DEPT.
•Ribeye steaks “Valley Tradition Brand”
$3.29 lb (Reg. Price 8.99 lb) limit 15 lbs
•Frozen Tilapia fillets
$1.99 lb (Reg. Price 5.99 lb) limit 20 lbs
•Frozen snow cod fillets “Pollock”
$1.50 lb (Reg. Price 3.99 lb) limit 10 lbs
•10 oz Land of Frost assorted lunch meat
2 / $ 3.00 (Reg. Price 3.29 ea) limit 8
•2.6 oz Armour Lunchmakers
$ .79 ea (Reg. Price 1.49 ea) limit 18
•16 oz Big Buy bacon
4 / $5.00 (Reg. Price 2.49 ea) limit 10

PRODUCE
•Jonathan Apples
4 lbs / $1.00 (Reg. Price 1.99 lb) limit 8 lbs
•2.5 lb Russet Potatoes
2 bags / $1.00 (Reg. Price 1.99) no limit
•Small Hass Avocadoes
4 / $1.00 (Reg. Price 1.29 ea) limit 8
•Lemons (Limit 10 )
5 / $1.00

GROCERY DEPT.
•24 pack Western Family 16.9 oz premium drinking water
2 / $5.00 (Reg. Price 3.99 ea) no limits
•9.9 – 16 oz Keebler Assorted townhouse crackers
4 / $5.00 (Reg. Price 3.99 ea) no limits
•14.5 – 16 oz Keebler assorted Sandies cookies
4 / $5.00 (Reg. Price 3.89 ea) no limits

JAXIE’S DELI
•Honey Maple sliced ham
$1.99 lb
Plus crazy specials all morning
The early bird gets the worm

Week long deals there:
Red Onions-$.69/lb
Asparagus- $.79/lb
Jonathan Apples- $.39/lb
Russet Potatoes- $.69/5lb
Red Bell Pepper-$.59/each
Fresh Express Cello Spinach- $.99/9 oz
Fresh Express Garden Salad- $.99/12 oz
Grapefruit- $.29/ea
Pineapple- $.69/lb
Small Hass Avocadoes- $.50/ea
Mini Carrots- $.99/1 lb
Lemons- $.33/ea

Shopko: Kid's Tough Promise

My son was a little sad this morning when I told him to change his pants for another pair. They had ratty ends and a huge hole in the knee. He told me not to worry about the knee since all the kids at school wore pants with holes in them. Normally I'd make him wear them until the end of the year (like all the other moms, apparently) but I bought the pants at Shopko so I returned them today and exchanged them for a new pair. All for zero dollars.

Anyway, if you've got children that wear out the knees I highly recommend buying pants from Shopko since their "Kid's Tough Promise" says they will replace any clothing item that wears out before your child outgrows it. I bought 2 pairs this year for $13 each. I've replaced them both once. Great deal for me.

Sears has a similar policy.

Meals- Spinach Salad

Here is a delicious Spinach Salad that I'm posting today for my SIL Julie. Her husband requested I give it to her :)

Big Bowl of Spinach (9 oz package)
1 small head of lettuce (if desired)
3/4 lb fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 c. grated swiss cheese
small purple onion, sliced thinly

Toss and chill, before serving add the dressing

Dressing:
3/4 c sugar
1 1/2 Tb green onion, chopped finely
1 1/2 Tb poppy seeds
1 c oil (not olive)
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp dry mustard
3/4 c Red Wine Vinegar

The dressing covers 2 large salad bowls, so I mix it up and use half. Add chicken breast to make it a tasty meal.

Case Lot Sale Prices

Here is a link to a blog that has a list of caselot prices and comparisons. It is a great reference. Prepared LDS Family Blog

Powdered Milk

I have thought of doing a post like this, especially since we had the occasion to try out 4 different varieties of powdered milk at our home over the last few months. Here is a great review from the Utah Preppers blog, which saves me from writing a big post.

Of the 4 we tried recently (Albertsons brand, LDS cannery, Morning Moo, and Country Cream), I actually liked the Albertsons brand the best followed by Country Cream. I got a screaming deal on the Albertsons milk. It was a close out deal when the store was switching over. I wish I would have known how cheap it was at the time or I would have bought all that was available. Oh well. My kids don't care for the Morning Moo at all. Anyway, for what it's worth I will probably buy a couple of the Country Cream variety again for drinking milk (to use when I can't or shouldn't go to the store) but will stock up on cannery milk when I can for long term storage as it's the best price.

Springville Reams Deals through the 6th

Asparagus- $.99/lb
Large Russet potatoes- $.29/lb
Russet Potatoes- $1.59/15lb bag
Broccoli- $.69/lb
Small Texas Pink Grapefruit- $.29/ea
Lg Texas Pink Grapefruit- $.59/ea
Red, Green & Romaine Lettuce- $.59/ea
Cello Sliced or Whole Mushrooms- $.99/8 oz. pkg
Acorn, Butternut or Spaghetti Squash- $.59/lb
Cabbage- $.39/lb
Cello Carrots- $1.89/5 lb
Cauliflower- $.79/lb
Pineapple- $.79/lb
Cucumbers- $.39/ea
Green Bell Peppers- $.49/ea
Large Navel Oranges- $.39/lb

Bountiful Baskets

This was yesterday's haul from Bountiful Baskets.


7 apples, 7 oranges, 2 lemons, 2 bunches of asparagus, 5 lbs potatoes, 2 lbs mini peeled carrots, 1 lb strawberries, 9 bananas, 11 pickle cucumbers, 1 head of broccoli, bunch of swiss chard, and 1 head of romaine.

If you'd like to try it out sign ups on the website start Monday at noon and go until baskets run out or 10pm Tuesday.

Springville Reams Deals

These prices are good through Saturday:
Russet Potatoes- $1.49/15lbs
Fresh Express Premium Romaine Salad- $.99/9 oz
Fresh Express Green & Crisp Salad- $.99/9 oz
Fresh Express Spinach- $.99/9 oz
Grape Tomatoes- $.99/Clamshell
Large Oranges- $.33/lb
Red Potatoes- $1.50/5 lbs
Extra Large Avocado- $.69/ea
Iceberg Lettuce- $.69/ea
Pineapple- $.59/lb
Radishes & Green Onions- $.33/bunch
Small Pink Lady, Gold, Ambrosia, & Gala Apples- $.69/lb
Jumbo Yellow Onions- $.33/lb
Red Seedless Grapes- $1.29/lb
Jumbo Yams- $.59/lb
Cantaloupe- $.69/lb
Mini Peeled Carrots- $.99/1 lb
Red Onions- $.69/lb
Broccoli or Cauliflower-$.79/lb
Roma Tomatoes- $.89/lb

And on Saturday from 6-9am they have these deals:
•“CASE ONLY”Boneless skinless chicken thighs (frozen)
$1.00 lb (Reg. Price 2.99 lb) limit 40 lbs (Sold in a 20 lb case $20.00)
•91% super lean ground beef monster pack
$1.59 lb (Reg. Price 3.69 lb) limit 20 lbs
•“CASE ONLY” Fresh Boneless skinless chicken breast
$1.50 lb (Reg. Price 3.99 lb) limit 2 cases (Sold in a 40lb case $60.00)
•4 oz Ocean Eclipse assorted seafood
$.79 ea (Reg. Price 1.39 ea) limit 24
•1 oz Miceli’s string cheese
8 / $1.00 (Reg. Price .34 ea) limit 40
•10 oz Kaukana assorted cheeseballs $1.49 ea (Reg. Price 3.99 ea) limit 6

PRODUCE
•Asparagus
$ .99 lb (Reg. Price 3.99 lb) limit 4 lbs
•Large choice navel oranges
lbs/$1.00 (Reg. Price 1.99 lb) limit 8 lbs
•8 oz Cello mushrooms whole or sliced
2 / $1.00 (Reg. Price 1.99 ea) limit 4 packs

GROCERY DEPT.
•18.3 oz Betty Crocker fudge brownies $.99 ea (Reg. Price 2.19 ea) no limits
•15 oz Keebler E.L. fudge original or chips deluxe cookies
3 / $5.00 (Reg. Price 3.59 ea) no limits
•9 oz Kelloggs Assorted fruit snacks 4 / $5.00 (Reg. Price 2.89 ea) no limits

Look What I Won!

Aren't these cute? They are from wesqueak.net. The giveaway was from Slavetosave's blog, and is actually the second time I've won. My other prize was 6 tickets to the aquarium in Sandy, which I won back in November.

Anyway, I could choose any We Squeak shoe. Being spend conscious I decided to get a big pair for my 4 year old which could then be passed down to my baby. Well, as the name suggest, the shoes "squeak" when you walk on them. I can imagine the squeak is a lot cuter on a baby then it is on my older son. Luckily, the squeaker is easily removed.

Slavetosave has a few open contests that you can still enter:
Bravado Designs Nursing Bra
Loreal Lash Boost
Bumbo
Cocooi Babywrap Swaddler

Look at this Deal!

Baby J received these in the mail on Monday:

Two jumbo sized packages of Pampers diapers. Woo Hoo!

We are part of a diaper survey. I have to try out each package for 5 days and take a survey about them. Pretty awesome savings. This survey is through mysurvey.com, which I've been a member of for like 3 years. There are a ton of paid survey sites out there. I participate in mysurvey.com and kidzeyes.com. Periodically, I receive emails from them telling me there is a survey available. The surveys last anywhere from 3 to 20 minutes. You receive points which accumulate and then can be redeemed for prizes. I always choose the cash. Obviously I'm not earning a ton of money, but I like the $10 every now and then and the occasional free product to test.

Produce Makes Me Happy

I can't express how happy it makes me to have a fridge drawer full of produce. Things are just better when I can tell my kids to grab a piece of fruit or a carrot if they're hungry.

I missed last weeks Bountiful Baskets order, but was able to visit Reams on Saturday for an "Early Bird" sale. Look at all the stuff I got for under $13.00.

I would have grabbed more oranges, but they were out. I wasn't an early enough bird apparently.

Springville Reams produce deals are advertised in the Sunday Daily Herald. If you don't get the paper you can sign up for the Savvy Shopper emails. Or you can watch for the list on my preferred website Pinching Your Pennies.

This weeks deals:
Red, Green or Gold Bell Peppers- $.50/each
Large Russet Potatoes- $.25/lb
Red & Green Seedless Grapes- $.99/lb
Cucumbers- $.33/ea
Red or Green Pears- $.89/lb
Large Oranges- $.39/lb
Red Potatoes- $2.99/20 lb
Roma Tomatoes- $.59/lb
Dole Salad Blends - $1.50
Apples- $2.99/5lbs
Carrots- $.99/2 lb
Leaf Lettuce- $.69/ea
Asparagus- $1.79/lb
Medium Yellow Onions- $.33/lb
Organic Roma Tomatoes- $.99/lb
Zucchini- $.69/lb
Cabbage- $.39/lb
Lemons- $.33/ea
Small Texas Grapefruit- $.34/ea

Look at this GREAT deal!

I got all this baby food for zero dollars. That's right, absolutely free. I was lucky enough to receive this from a fellow freecycler. Three Cheers for Freecycle!

How Poor Am I?

Our tough economic climate has led me to start a little game I like to call, "How poor am I?"

It goes like this:
I find that the 4 lbs of chicken legs and thighs in my freezer are freezer burnt. I ask myself, "Should I still use them?" and then the game question, "How poor am I?"
The answer this time was "yes, I still use them."

Another time:
I make macaroni and cheese and the kids I babysit do not eat it. Should I scoop it up and save it for my kids' lunch tomorrow?..."How poor am I?"
The answer this time was "no, throw it away."

The other day I purchased some Tostitos chips from Walgreens. After the store promotion and mail in rebate they would be free. The only variety available was the "hint of lime" variety. Don't ever buy them, they are disgusting. Of course I was bummed because although I'll get some money back in the future for them, I was left with time wasted and a product I couldn't use. On the package there was a product guarantee. I thought, "Should I call?" then I asked myself the question, "How poor am I?" The answer this time was, "yes." I called and explained my dissatisfaction with the "hint of lime" flavor. Today I received 2 coupons for a free product.

This led me to call: Rhodes, Kraft, and Mars to comment on their products.

I also re-use zip loc baggies. Yes I'm that poor.

:)

(Tongue and cheek- we have food to eat and can pay our bills)

Frugality Gone Bad

Nobody likes a freezer burnt chicken...use it up before it goes bad. I'm just saying.

Bountiful Baskets

This week's basket included:
1 Pineapple
9 Pink Lady Apples
10 Small Bananas
4 Asian Brown Pears
1 Green Leaf Lettuce
1 bunch of Asparagus
1 3pk of Garlic
7 Mandarin Oranges
1 Jicama
6 Corn on Corb
4 Small Zucchinis
1 Cauliflower

Free tickets to Disneyland

As am sure you all know, this year you can earn a free ticket to Disneyland by doing certain service projects. My family made 2 fleece blankets for Project Linus. I signed up for this service the first week of January. At the time this was one of the only available service projects remotely close to me (it was the South Jordan chapter of Project Linus). There are a ton of opportunities now (closer to home too). Anyway, last week we turned in our blankets, along with some cards the boys made. Today I received my 4 tickets via email (you have to 6 or older to participate). Hurray for Disneyland!

Of course, it remains to be seen whether we'll actually make it to California. With our current economic situation it's not a possibility, but maybe by the end of the year. Even if we don't make it I'm only out $13 in fabric, 2 hours of time, and $20 in gas, all for a good cause. We can donate the tickets too, so someone else can use them if we can't.

Check out Disneyland.com for more information.

The Prudent Homemaker

No it's not me, but isn't that a catchy title? I'm personally more of a "Happy Homemaker." Anyway, I've been enjoying this site:

The Prudent Homemaker

Check it out for inspiration on stocking up on food storage essentials, using up what you have stored, and all around frugality.

Interesting Blog

This woman has challenged herself to not go to the grocery store for 3 months. She is 7 days into her challenge so far. It will be fun following her.

Preparing-One Day at a Time

Bountiful Baskets this week

There are still some Springville slots left if anyone wants to try this out this week. Call me if you have any questions.

Bountiful Baskets

Bountiful Baskets this week

Springville added baskets this week if anyone wants to try it out. The pickup is Reagan Elementary at 10:45am

Here is the link: Bountiful Baskets You can sign up on the website now until Wednesday at 10 pm.

Soups, soups, soups

My 8 year old commented the other day, "We sure eat a lot of soups lately." This is largely in part to recent budget cuts but also because I love the new dutch oven pot I got for Christmas (thanks mom). I have been loving the soups though. The best part is that I've had 95% of the items in my home already so I didn't have to buy things. The following have made appearances over the last 3 weeks.

Caribbean Black Bean Soup
1 pound dried black beans
2 Tablespoons canola oil
2 medium red onions, chopped
4 jalapenos, seeded and minced (I only added one, then added more heat in my own serving)
2 Tablespoons peeled and minced ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
8 cups water
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 12 oz. each ) peeled and cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 bunch green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
2 limes cut into wedges

Place beans in colander and pick through, discarding any stones or debris. Rinse beans with cold running water and drain. Transfer beans to large bowl. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and let stand overnight. Drain and rinse beans.

In 6 quart saucepot, heat canola oil over medium heat until hot. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 10 minutes. Add jalapenos, ginger, garlic, allspice and thyme and cook, stirring, 3 minutes.

Add beans and water; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until beans are almost tender.

Add sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and salt; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until beans and sweet potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes longer.

Transfer 1 cup bean mixture to blender; cover with center part of cover removed to allow steam to escape, and puree until smooth. Return to saucepot. Stir in green onions and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze onto individual servings.


Red Potato and Ham Soup
6 red potatoes diced with skins
1 onion diced
1 cup of ham diced

1. first heat a dutch oven(large pot) over medium heat with 4 tablespoons of olive oil
2. add onion and about 1 tsp salt, saute until tender
3. Add the ham and continue to cook until brown around edges, about 8 minutes
4. Add diced potatoes and continue to cook for about 5 minutes
5. Add enough water to cover ingredients about an inch
6. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 45 minutes, until potatoes are tender
7. With a potato masher, mash the mixture and watch it thicken up. Make sure to leave some
texture.
8. Add about 2 cups 1% milk, bring back to a simmer, and it's ready to serve
9.As a garnish I add shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream

I also made this with chicken which was tasty.

Chicken Tortilla Soup
I know there are a bazillion variations of this recipe. This one is tried and true though!
1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 10 oz can enchilada sauce
1 med onion, chopped
1 4 oz can chopped chilies
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 c water
1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
1 t ground cumin
1 t chili powder
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 bay leaf
1 10 oz can corn
1 15 oz can black beans
1 T dried chopped cilantro
toppings: cheese, sour creams, lime, chips

Combine all but toppings in a crock pot. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.

Bountiful Baskets

I had my first experience with "co-ops" this last weekend. I participated in Bountiful Baskets.

A lot of people on PinchingYourPennies have talked about this, and it always looked appealing, but had never tried it out. Since I had a few grocery dollars to spend, and a very empty produce drawer I signed up.

The program is set up where you pay $15 for a basket of miscellaneous fruits and vegetables. This weeks basket included: 8 bananas, 7 Braeburn apples, 1 lb strawberries, 8 tangelos(?), 5 large grapefruits, 3 lbs pears, 7 red peppers, 3 zucchinis, 2 cucumbers, 10 roma tomatoes, broccoli, and a head of green leaf lettuce.

You can also purchase additional add ons. They had a "mexican basket" for $7.50 that ended up having tomatillos, onions, avocadoes, tortillas and a few other things. Also a granola packet that looked delicious and some 9 grain bread (which I ordered).

Some things I learned is that there is a one-time $3 fee and a $1.50 handling fee each time you order. No sales tax though. There are a limited amount of baskets available and you don't know what items will be included in your basket. You are also asked to occasionally volunteer. It was interesting showing up at the pick-up site, which for me was Reagan Elementary. There were a ton of people there.

Overall I was pleased with my first time experience and will sign up again in a couple weeks. Utah Deal Diva has a post on her blog about another co-op that I hope to try sometime. Check it out here: Crossroads Urban Center Co-op

Emergency Essentials Food Storage Analyzer

Emergency Essentials has a pretty neat food storage tool on their Preparedness Pantry site. It is a food storage analyzer where you input the items in your food storage and the ages and genders of the members in your family. It will then tell you how long your food storage will last. You can include items in buckets, #10 cans, MRE, and even regular grocery items.

You'll be happy to know that my family of 7 has a current supply of food that will last us 114 days.

I liked the analyzer because I could see where some obvious holes in my food storage lie. I know I could use a lot more grains, more sugar, more oil, and meats. Well, from the looks of it I could use a little more of everything.

Check it out, then post about it on your blog and you can get a $10 gift card to Emergency Essentials. Happy food storage analyzing!