Couponing Made Simple And So Much More!

Valentines Day

2011-02-14T00:11:00.001-08:00

Kyle took me out for Valentine's Day on Saturday rather than Monday. (We never celebrate a holiday on the actual holiday. It's kind of our thing.) He treated me to lobster, crab, and shrimp and then he took me shopping for...drum roll please...new fluffy bath and hand towels. I'm in heaven! If I went back in time to teenage Barbie and told me that I would be super duper excited about bath towels I probably would have hit me, twice. In the arm. Really hard.

I love my hubby. What a lucky girl I am!

My handsome hubby and I Dec. '09

It looks like Valentines Day has exploded in my house, and not in a good way. IT'S A HUGE MESS of red and pink glitter, candy and there are little love hearts all over the place. For a holiday I really don't care for much this seems a bit over the top, however I love my children and I'm happy to do these things for them. Now I just need to get someone to do the dishes for me and we will be set. Here is the final craft/candy count:

48 Valentine's Day Juice's (Thanks Heather for the adorable idea, you are unbelievable creative!)
100 Cupcake Liner Lolly Pop Flowers
6 dozen cakepops
3 dozen candy heart cupcake toppers

I have a video of how to make the cute flowers, but I can't get the video to load, so HERE is the link to the site I got the idea from. They are so cute, but 100 was overkill. I never ever want to make those awful leaves ever again. They took so long and tested my patience in every way possible.

Here is the cute Valentine's Day Juice. My friend Heather gave me the idea. She made them for her daughter's class and I just couldn't help myself. I had to make them. They have a packet of Kool-Aid and a straw attached. On the back of the label it says Valentine's Day Juice. Heather's where so cute in adorable pinks and purples and she called them Love Juice. I like that name better, but these are for Preston's 5th grade class and I just don't see that going over well for him.

I made cakepops for a Valentine's bake sale that is a fundraiser for The American Heart Association. These are my 3rd attempt at cakepops and I'm getting the hang of it. Kyle, who helped me, used his amazing engineer mind and figured out a technique that made them much smoother and prettier.

That is what we have been up to at our house this weekend. Happy Valentine's Day!

Cookie Wednesday: Valentine's Day Edition

2011-02-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Cookie Wednesday

Valentine's Day Edition

Today's edition of Cookie Wednesday is all about LOVE. And who better to share the baking love with then my babies and my sweet husband. We all crammed into the kitchen and got busy baking.

Kyle wanted to make his favorite cookies Candy Cane Cookies and I wanted to make heart shaped cookies. So we got creative and came up with these adorable cookies.

Just make your favorite, nut free cookies(nuts probably won't cut nicely with the cookie cutter), as a bar by pressing the dough into a greased baking sheet and bake. Once the cookies are baked just take your cookie cutters and cut out the cookies. Allow the cookies cool a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

Once they had cooled, we decorated them with melted candy. That's it! But wait...you have all those left over cookie bits. Here is my husband's creative solution that I LOVE!

How The Cookie Crumbles

* Crumble the cookies on a wax paper lined baking sheet.

* Melt Candy Melts

* Drizzle candy over cookies and decorate with colored sugars, jimmies, whatever!

* Allow to set until hard

* Break up and place in an air tight storage container to enjoy later.

Happy Baking!

Barbie

Baby Deals

2011-02-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Baby Buzz By Barbie

2/3

Pampers Value Packs, $29.99 and Pampers refill wipes 320 – 385 ct., $6.99
Use two $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost: $34.98 for BOTH

Spend $25 on these products and receive a $5 checkout coupon for your next purchase. Limit 1 per printed offer. Sale is essentially a 20% off discount on each item.
Note - Must buy both products to qualify for Register Rewards.

Pampers Cruisers Box Pack Diapers 56 or 64 pk $19.99

Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers $1.50/1 (EXPIRES 01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $14.50

Pampers Wipes 180 to 216 pk $5.99

Final Cost: $4.80

If I am understanding this deal correctly (I had to read it a couple of times and I'm still not 100% positive), you must by both the Cruisers and the Wipes, but you can use the BEFORE price to get them both for $19.30 and then receive $5.00 for your next purchase.

Huggies SNUG N DRY Jumbo packs- Diapers, 8.99

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $1.50/1 (active) (Printable SMART SOURCE COUPON)-01/18

Final Cost: $5.69

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Jumbo packs- Diapers 8.99

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (02-19-11) SS-1/23

Final Cost: $5.19

Huggies SNUG N DRY Jumbo packs- Diapers, Pull ups or Goodnites 8.99

Huggies Diapers, any $1.50/1 (02-19-11) SS-1/23

Final Cost: $5.69

Pampers Jumbo Packs, $8.99 and Buy 1 Pampers tub wipes

Use $2.00 off both diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G Insert

Final Cost: $6.99 Plus $1.00 in Extra Care Bucks

Also, if you sign-up for CVS’s emails and are a valid cardholder, they will email you a coupon for $4/$20 purchase.

Pampers Super Pack Box, $25.00 and Pampers tub wipes for $1.97

Use $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost: $24.97 for both (basically FREE wipes)

Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs, $19.77
Use $2.00/1 1/23 SS
Final Cost: $17.77

Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs, $19.77
Use $3.00/1 printable or $1.50/1 from the 1/23 SS
Final Cost: as low as $16.77

Huggies Pull-Ups Mega Packs, $15.57
Use $2.00/1 printable
Final Cost: $13.57

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers jumbo packs, $8.97 each

Use $2.00/1 1/23 SS

Final Cost: $6.97
Huggies Snug and Dry jumbo packs, $8.97
Use $1.50/1 printable or from the 1/23 SS
Final Cost: $7.47

Pampers Jumbo packs, $8.97 and Pampers tub wipes, $1.97
Use $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost: $8.94 for BOTH

Huggies Travel Size Wipes $.97

Use $.50/1 ANY Huggies Wipes printable

Final Cost: $.57

(2) Pampers Big Pack Box, $39.98
(2) Pampers Tub refill, $2.49
Use two $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost: $40.96 PLUS, receive a $5 Target gift card for buying two

Huggies Travel Size Wipes $.97

Use $.50/1 ANY Huggies Wipes printable

Final Cost: $.57

Shopko- Average of $4.75 for jumbo pack diapers and mega pack refill wipes (320 – 385 ct.)

Shopko is running a promotion this week where you will receive a $10 prepaid Mastercard when you spend $30 on participating Procter and Gamble products. This is essentially a 33% discount. Pampers diapers and wipes are participating and so we will show the deals with coupon matchups!
$4.75 each Pampers Big Packs Box and Pampers refill packs Wipes:

Buy 2 Pampers Jumbo Packs for $8.50 each = $17
Then buy two Pampers refill wipes 320 – 385 ct. for $7.99 each = $32.98
Then use two $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 Procter and Gamble insert – $4 = $28.98
Then receive a $10 prepaid Mastercard for spending $30 before coupons, so when considering this discount = $18.98 for two jumbo packs and two mega pack refill wipes or an average of $4.75 each

$33.49 Huggies Little Movers Diapers Value Boxes:

Buy 2 Huggies Little Movers diapers value boxes for $40.99 each = $81.98
Then use two $3.00/1 printables or $1.50 off 1/23 Smart Source insert or printable- up to $6 off = $75.48
Then receive a $10 Babies R Us/Toys R Us gift card for purchasing 2 packs, so when considering this discount = final is $65.48 for two packs or $32.74 for each value boxes. PLUS – every 10 packs of diapers, get one FREE on the Rewards R Us program.

Babies R Us and Toys R Us is running a gift card promotion on Pampers diapers and wipes. Buy two Pampers value boxes of diapers and get a $10 gift card OR by two Pampers Value boxes of diapers and one value box of wipes and receive a $15 gift card. This is good now through February 5th and in-store only.
$25.32 Pampers Diapers Value Boxes and Value Box of Pampers wipes:

Buy 2 Pampers diapers value box for $40.99 each = $81.98
Buy 1 value box of Pampers wipes (320 ct.) for $10.99 = $92.97
Then use $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 Procter and Gamble Insert = $90.97
Then receive a $15.00/1 Toys R Us/Babies R Us gift card, so when considering this discount = final is $75.97 for all three or $25.32 for each of the three items Plus the two 72 ct. wipes for FREE. And – every 10 packs of diapers, get one FREE on the Rewards R Us program.

Babies R Us and Toys R us is also offering a $15 gift card with the purchase of Babies R Us brand diapers in the value box sizes.

Thanks Thrifty Couple

AWESOME Food Lion Baby Coupons!

$3/1 Pampers Diapers
$3/1 Huggies PullUps or Goodnites (Stack with $2/1 PRINT)
$.50/1 Huggies Wipes (Stack with $.50/1 PRINT)
$1.50/1 Playtex cup
PRINT (Exp 2/28)
$1/3 Gerber Baby Food
$3/1 Gerber Good Start Formula
$3/1 Enfamil, Gentlease, or Lipil
$3/1 Similac Advance or Isomil

Zulily

Zulily's is a daily deal site that offers great deals every day on things for baby, as much as 70% off! This sweet dress is just $21.99 today, down from $50.00. Plus you will get a $15.00 credit for signing up a friend, which would make this dress ONLY $6.99! I just love the little roses. Sign up and start shopping today!

Amazon: Earth’s Best Baby Food 12-Pk – $8.49 + FREE 2-Day Shipping!

Here’s a great deal on Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food from Amazon!

The Seasonal Harvest Variety Pack (comes with -12- 4oz jars) is regularly $19.99. Right now you can get it for just $9.99. Choose the “Subscribe & Save” option to get 15% OFF + FREE 2-Day Shipping. Total will be $8.49 Shipped!

The Organic 1st Fruits Starter Packs (12 Jars) are on sale for only $6.49 Shipped (after Subscribe & Save Option)

$.50 – $.70 per jar is pretty good for Organic Baby food – but I’m curious, do any of you mommies out there make your own from scratch?

HOT $3 Huggies Coupon!

I just noticed over on PinkCouponCafe that there are some great new Huggies coupon available!

GO HERE to print a coupon for $3/1 Huggies Snug n Dry
GO HERE to print a coupon for $3/2 packs of Huggies Wipes

Have you checked out our post on some totally Amazing Amazon Diaper Deals yet? If not – it’s HERE, go see!
For those of you with babies, you might also want to get in on this sweet deal for a FREE designer baby sling! (Just pay shipping) GO HERE to get a $32 baby sling from Udder Covers for FREE with code “breastfeeding”

Cookie Wednesday: Valentines Cakepops

2011-02-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

Valentines Cakepops

I posted on facebook some pictures of the cakepops I made and had a few friends send me messages and texts asking how to make them, so I thought I would give the instructions today for Cookie Wednesday.

Instructions

Prepare one boxed cake mix as directed. Allow to cool completely.

In large bowl, use hands to crumble cake until no large chunks remain. Add icing; mix with fingers (I just put it in my mixer and let it do the work mixing the cake and adding the frosting) until well combined.

Form mixture into cake balls. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours. Melt Candy Melts according to package directions. Dip sticks into melted Candy Melts and insert into cake balls; let set. Wait until candy is completely firm before dipping the pops completely in melted Candy Melts.

Makes 48 – 1 tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1-1/4 in. diameter)
Makes 24 – 2 tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1-1/2 in. diameter)
Makes 16 – 3 tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1-3/4 in. diameter)

Tips

* Make smaller cakeballs than you think you would like. They get bigger as you go, especially if you dip them more than once.

* Only take a few out of the freezer at a time. That way they stay hard and frozen and are much easier to work with.

Here are some photos of a few valentines day cakepops I found online.

What a fun gift to give for Valentines.

2011-01-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

Jamie, from Time 2 $ave Put together today's baby deals. Thanks Jamie!

Zulily: FREE Baby Leg Warmers (Great for Crawlers!)

Zulily - a daily deal site - has these sweet leg warmers for $6.99. You get a $15 credit for signing up a friend

- so you can pick out a couple pair for FREE! This would be great for those crawlers out there :)

Amazon Diaper & Wipes Deals:

Right now, some of the best diaper deals are being found on Amazon - because of their new 30% OFF Code + FREE Shipping!

Pampers SoftCare Wipes 720 Ct is $18.49 (Reg. $25)
Save 30% +FREE SHIPPING when you sign up for Subscribe & Save (option appears on page)
Save extra 20% with coupon code from Dec. Parents Magazine
Total: $9.99 for 720 Wipes!

Pampers 176 Ct Box of Diapers (Size 4) is $40.08
Subscribe & Save gets 30% + FREE 2-day shipping
Then, I use the one-time use 20% off code from December Parents magazine (if you have it!)
Total: $22.40 for 176 Diapers

If you were able to get the $20 Amazon Gift Card for $10 (from Wednesday's Living Social Daily Deal) - these deals are even better!
GO HERE for my previous post.

Parents Magazine for $1:

Get Parents Magazine (includes 20% Coupon for Amazon) from Barnes & Noble for $1!

Go to Barnes & Noble – Type in “Parents” in the search bar
Click on the deal with this magazine, should be the first one
Add the Parents Magazine to your cart (which is priced at $9.97)
Use coupon code K9B9J4H at checkout (will discount $8.97)
Makes it $1!!!

Pampers Gifts to Grow new codes:

This is a *NEW* Pampers Gifts to Grow code worth 10 points!! 4WJDHKU4RPP6PT2
CLICK HERE and look for the Gifts to Grow signup "coupon". You'll also get 100 points for joining!

Diaper Coupons:

Cookie Wednesday: Iced Orange Cookies

2011-01-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

I had some oranges that I really needed to use, so I started looking for cookie recipes that use oranges. I think this cookie recipe is going to become a new family favorite. I did substitute white flour for wheat because it's what I had. I added an additional 1/4 cup of flour. Also, I added white chocolate chips, at the suggestion of my husband, to the last couple of cookies. That was a yummy addition!

ICED ORANGE COOKIES
courtesy of : www.RecipeGirl.com

COOKIE DOUGH:
11 Tbsp (5½ ounces) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (5¼ ounces) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup (4 ounces) freshly squeezed orange juice (grate zest before juicing)
2 Tbsp grated orange zest (the rind of 1 large or 2 small oranges)
2 cups (8 ounces) whole wheat flour

ICING:
2 cups (8 ounces) powdered sugar
2 Tbsp (1 ounce) unsalted butter, softened
1 Tbsp grated orange zest (the rind of 1 small orange)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbsp (1 ounce) freshly squeezed orange juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Prepare dough: Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat in egg, then orange juice and orange zest, scraping the bowl. The mixture will look curdled; that’s OK! Add the flour, beating until smooth. Drop dough by Tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.

This is my dough before adding the flour. See how it has curdled. Once the flour was added it was just fine.

Bake the cookies: Bake cookies, reversing pans midway through (top to bottom, bottom to top), until they’re just barely beginning to brown around the edges, 10 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool.

Prepare the icing: Beat the sugar, butter, orange zest, vanilla and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Beat in orange juice until the mixture is spreadable. Spread icing on the cookies when they’re completely cool, using a generous 1 tsp. icing for each.
Servings: 30
Yield: 30 cookies

Nutritional Information per cookie: calories 97, fat 5.32g (sat fat 3.24g), cholesterol 20.28mg, sodium 81.05mg, carbohydrates 11.73g, fiber 1.04g, protein 1.41g

Target Toy Sale

2011-01-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Target Toy Clearence

I understand that Target is clearencing out toys for so cheap. I don't have a Target near me so I looked online and found some really good deals online.

This package of Paperoni is on sale right now for $3.24. That is a savings of over $9.00.

To make this deal even better if you shop through EBATES you will get 3% Cash Back! All you have to do is sing up, search for Target in the search box and follow the link. Ebates send you a checks every quarter with the Cash Back you have earned. I love Ebates!

Baby Deals 1/13/11

2011-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Baby Buzz

by Barbie

Diapers

FREE Sample of Diapers!

Send an e-mail to Paige@cooldiaps.com with:
Your Name
Address
Phone Number
Size of diaper you would like to try

and they will send you a FREE sample of Cool Diapers!
These diapers will be soon be sold in Babies R Us beginning on January 26th. How great is that! I love free diapers!

Pampers Cruisers Box Pack 56 or 64 count for $19.99

Use: Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $15.49

Buy 3 packs of Walgreens Brand Diapers jumbo packs for $6.00 each
Receive $3.00 Walgreen's cash. Limit 1 coupon per printed offer. Final Cost: $15 for 3 pks of diapers
or

Buy 4 packs of Walgreens Brand Diapers jumbo packs for $6 each
and
Buy 1 pack of Walgreens Brand Wipes that are on sale for $2 each
Receive $5.00 Walgreen's cash. Limit 1 coupon per printed offer.
Final Cost: $21.00 for 4 pks of diapers and 1 pk of wipe

Pampers Big Pack for $19.99

Use $1.50/1 12/26 P&G (01/31/11)

Receive $3.00 in Extra Care Bucks

Final Cost: $15.49

Purchase 2 Huggies Big Pack for $19.99 each or $39.98 total
Use $3.00/2 printable
Receive $3.00 in Extra Care Bucks
Final Cost: $33.98 for two or $16.99 each

Pampers Jumbo Box $25.00
Use $1.50/1 12/26 (01/31/11)P&G
Final Cost: $23.50

Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs (Buy 2),$19.77 each or $39.54 total
Use $3.00/2 printable
Final Cost: is $36.94 for two

Huggies Pull-Ups Mega Packs, $15.57.
Use $2.00/1 printable
Final Cost: $13.57

Pampers Super Value Box, $40.99
Use $1.50/1 Pampers coupon 12/26 P&G (01/31/11)
Use the $5.00 in-ad coupon or Babies R Us printable coupon
Final Cost: $34.49
PLUS – every 10 packs of diapers you buy through Babies R US, get one FREE with the Rewards R Us program.

And Babies R Us and Toys R Us is currently running a promotion where you will get a $15.00 gift card when you buy any three participating items. And don't forget that you can get cash back on your Babies R Us and Toys R Us purchases by shopping through EBATES. Just sign up and search Babies R Us or Toys R Us and follow the link.

Baby Necessities

Zulily

Zulily is another great daily deal site that offers up to 70% OFF items. These adorable gloves are just $7.99 each and they have layette sets starting at 12.99 each. Regularly they are $30.00. That is a $17.01 savings!

PLUS you can get it FREE! Here’s how:

Sign up for Zulily
Refer a friend by clicking on the "send invite" button and fill out the e-mail information
You will earn $15 when your friend makes a purchase

Thanks Jamie at Time 2 $ave

Have you checked out the Kohl's Clearance Sale? I went on a shopping spree today and got some of the sweetest outfits for my little guys for an additional 10% off the clearance price by using the code new6135. They are also offering FREE shipping on every order of $75.00 or more.

Plus, if you shop now through January 17th you will earn your Kohl's Cash. For every $50.00 you spend, you will get $10 of Kohls Cash to use between Jan 17th through Jan 29th.

AND this deal gets even better. Shop through EBATES and you will receive CASH BACK from your purchase. Just sign up or sign in, search for Kohl's and follow the link.

FREE American Baby Magazine + More Baby Freebies!

Go here to receive a FREE Subscription to Baby Talk and a FREE 6 month subscription to American Baby magazine. These are great magazines for new parents and parents with little ones. And they sometimes have coupons instead pertaining to baby items!!

Get a FREE UdderCovers Nursing Cover with the code: breastfeeding
Also Score a FREE Members Mark Formula Sample, just click “Free Sample” Tab. Choose from Complete or Gentle Formula.
3 Parent’s Choice infant Formula Samples here, here and here
Also get a Free certificate good for ONE Enfamil ProSobee Sample
$3/2 Huggies Diapers & $3/1 Similac Coupons available HERE

Thanks, Hip2Save!

Baby Food

My youngest has started eating baby food and I have been looking for deals (which are hard to come by) and in the process came across this fantastic website to make your own baby food. I thought I would share the link because the recipes are really simple and you decide what goes into your babies tummy.

I have a friend who shared this tip with me. You can freeze your homemade baby food by placing in into ice cube trays. Cover the tray with plastic warp and freeze it. Once the food is solid, just pop it out of the tray and into a labeled freezer bag. The baby food is ready in individual servings that just need to be thawed and warmed.

Cookie Wednesday: Cheesecake Brownies

2011-01-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

I think brownies are pretty amazing as they are, but combine those brownies with cheesecake and I'm in heaven! I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

My favorite basic brownie recipe

In a large mixing bowl mix well:
2 cubes butter, melted
4 eggs
2 c. sugar

In a separate bowl stir together:
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 c. flour
5-6 Tbl. cocoa powder

Then add
1 tsp vanilla

For the Cheesecake Brownie recipe you will need to set aside 1 c. of brownie batter.

Pour the remaining batter in a foil lined (bottom and sides) and greased 9x13 baking dish.

Cheesecake Layer:

2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese at room temperature
2/3 c. granulated white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs

Spread cheesecake layer evenly over brownie batter. Then using the reserved brownie batter drop dollops of batter over the cheese cake. Then taking a butter knife or tooth pick swirl the brownie batter dollops through the cheesecake mixture.

Bake for 25 minutes in a 325 degree preheated oven.

Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan using the tin foil. Peal away tin foil and cut into bars.

Happy Baking!

And The Winner Is....

2011-01-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

After the very scientific method of writing each entry on a slip of paper and having my husband draw one out of a bowl....The winner of the Date Night Challange is:

Mrs. Tellez

Please e-mail me your contact information at couponingmadesimple@gmail.com and I will get your gift basket out to you.

The Ugly Couch!

2011-01-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

My little sister entered the ugliest couch you ever did see into an ugly couch contest to get me a new couch. I told my friend Jamie, over at Time 2 $ave and here is her post for it. I just got such a kick out of her post, I had share with all of you.

Children's Place

2011-01-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Children's Place Monster Sale just got better. Enter the code DNEWS1C and get an

additional 15% off your purchase.

I just purchased this adorable outfit for a few baby shower gifts for just $13.58 each! Plus, if you shop through EBATE you will get 3% cash back on your purchase.

Now that is a fantastic deal!

Earth's Best Diapers

2011-01-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

I just found out about an amazing deal on Earth's Best Diapers at Babies R US, TODAY ONLY! I am going to link you to The Krazy Coupon Lady for all the details and the necessary coupons. This deal makes diapers cost between .09 and .16 each. I usually pay .22 each, so this is a really good sale.

Family Blog Update

2011-01-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to updating my family blog, Small And Simple Things with all the fun from the past month and Our Christmas. I'm so proud of myself.

"Healthy" Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-01-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

"Healthy" Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie

Nutritional Content:
1/2 the calories or regular Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
300% RDA Vitamin A
20% RDA Fiber
Lots and Lots of Calcium from all of those delicious MILK Chocolate Chips....mmmmmm

Here I am, 5 days into my diet, and I am craving cookies. I decided to make a "healthy" cookie for today to keep me on track with my New Year's resolution. In college I had a roommate who was (well is) a dietatian. She taught me one of the best healthy living tips I have ever learned. To have 1/2 calorie cookies, eat half a cookie. I am going to combine her words of wisdom with my own healthy living tip for the day. To have 1/2 calorie cookies with 300% of your daily Vitamin A and 20% of your fiber and lots and lots of calcium eat 1/2 of each cookie from 2 dozen of delicious cookies. I love "Healthy" Cookie.

I got this recipe from Christy over at The Girl Who Ate Everything. She iced her cookies with Brown Sugar Icing, but I'm on a diet and so I had to skip that step, even though it sounds delicious. (I was really just too tired to do that step.)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 350.
Cream together:
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter, softened

Then add:
1 14 oz can of pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg

Sift together the following dry ingredients and add to the wet ingredients above:
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
Milk Chocolate Chips

This dough will be very wet. Drop onto parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 mintues. Do not over bake.

Here is Christy's icing recipe:

3 Tbl. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
2 c. powdered sugar

In saucepan, heat butter and brown sugar over medium to med-high heat until bubbling and thick. Cool 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup milk. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Happy Baking!!!

The Mini Social---KIDS Clothes Daily Event!

2011-01-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Mini Social

The Mini Social is a daily deal site for kid deals only! To get people to try it out – they're offering a $10 off $10 purchase credit if you enter merry10 at checkout. This special ends on January 7th - so you don't have much time to use it!

I am LOOOOOOVING this adorable organic tulip romper above for $17 (reg. $42). After your credit, it's just $7!
Also, it's the last day to get in on the rainboots & umbrella sale! Get some adorable rainboots for just $9, or this Cowgirl umbrella for only $3!!

The Mini Social
Also - for each friend you refer to The Mini Social, you'll earn a $10 credit. That means, you can continue to score deals like this throughout the year!

Thanks Jamie from Time 2 $ave!

OH SNOW!

2010-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

We have had so much snow over the past 10 days. I thought I would post a couple pictures of our winter wonderland.

Baby Deals 12/30

2010-12-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

Baby Buzz

by Barbie

Diapers

Albertson’s

Huggies Diapers, 88-144 ct. value pack

Final Cost: $29.99

Pampers Diapers, 86-144 ct. value pack

Reg. $29.99

USE Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (EXPIRES 12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $28.99

Pampers Diapers, 86-144 ct. value pack

Reg. $29.99

USE Pampers Diapers or Pants $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $28.49

Pampers Cruisers or Swaddlers Big Pack Diapers, 48-96 ct.

Reg. 19.99

USE: Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $13.49

Pampers Cruisers or Swaddlers Big Pack Diapers, 48-96 ct.

Reg. 19.99

USE: Pampers ThickCare Wipes 72 count pack FREE up to $3.50 when you buy any one Pampers Diapers Box (EXPIRES 12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $14.99 AND a FREE item!

Pampers Wipes, 180-216 ct.

Reg. 5.99 on sale this week for $4.49

Final Cost: $4.49

Rite Aid

Pampers Cruisers or Baby Dry Big Pack Diapers

Reg. 19.99

USE Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $18.49

Pampers Cruisers or Baby Dry Big Pack Diapers

Reg. 19.99

USE Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (EXPIRES 12-31-10) PG-11/28 and (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $18.99

Pampers Reward- $1.00 -Buy 1 item

LIMIT 2 per household Sale Price listed is BEFORE/AFTER subtracting 1.00

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Pack

Reg. 8.88/7.88

USE Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $6.38 (after Pampers Rewards)

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Pack

Reg. 8.88/7.88

USE Pampers Diapers or Pants $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $6.38 (after Pampers Rewards)

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Pack

Reg. 8.88/7.88

USE Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $6.88 (after Pampers Rewards)

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Pack

Reg. 8.88/7.88

USE Pampers UnderJams Night Wear or Easy Ups, any $1.50/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28 Final Cost: $6.38 (after Pampers Rewards)

Smith’s

Pampers Cruisers Diapers, sizes 3-6, 48-96 ct

Reg. 19.99/18.99

USE Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $17.49

Pampers Baby Dry Diapers, sizes 3-6, 48-96 ct

Reg. 19.99/18.99

USE STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Pampers Baby dry diapers, any, exp Dec 25 $1/1 (active) http://www.kroger.com/Pages/default.aspx -11/02

Final Cost: $17.99

Pampers Cruisers Diapers, sizes 3-6, 48-96 ct

Reg. 19.99/18.99

USE STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Pampers Cruisers Diapers, any, exp Dec 25 $1/1 (active) http://www.kroger.com/Pages/default.aspx-11/02

Final Cost: $17.99

Pampers Baby Dry or Cruisers Diapers, sizes 3-6, 48-96 ct

Reg. 19.99/18.99

USE Pampers Diapers or Pants $1.50/1 (01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $17.49

Walgreen’s

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers 20 to 50 pk

Reg. 8.99 Receive a $1.00 coupon with purchase. Limit 1 coupon per printed offer.
USE Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1.50/1 (1-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $6.49

Diapers.com

30% cash back on diapers

use code:madesimple

Not valid for existing Diapers.com, Soap.com or BeautyBar.com customers. Some restrictions apply.

New Customers: Earn Cash Back from Diapers.com

1. Shop diapers

2. Enter the code "GET30BACK" at checkout

3. Earn 30% cash back on diapers for 3 months

*See site for details

Now that is a great deal!

Cold and Flu Season Survival

Vicks BabyRub 1.76 oz,

USE Vicks Childrens NyQuil Cold and Cough Liquid 6 oz, Vicks Vapor Inhales .007 oz or Vicks VapoRub 1.75 oz $4.00/2.00 Puffs FREE up to $1.99 when you buy any TWO Vicks products (EXPIRES 12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $2.00 and FREE Puffs

Vicks BabyRub 1.76 oz,

USE Vicks Childrens NyQuil Cold and Cough Liquid 6 oz, Vicks Vapor Inhales .007 oz or Vicks VapoRub 1.75 oz $4.00/2.00 Vicks Product, any $1/1 (1-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost: $1.00

There is a $3.00 off coupon for Zarbee's Cough Syrup at Coupons.com (link found in the side bar) Print it now before it's gone.

Clothes, etc...

The Children's Place

60% off, Plus an extra 15% off...Can't miss this deal!

Online: Items are as low as $2.99 in the clearance section at The Children's Place. Plus, you can use code C6C2010 to get an additional 15% off. Shop The Children's Place Online HERE

In Store: If you would rather go to a store, you can print out the extra 15% off coupon too! You will also be able to take an extra 30% off clearance items

FREE UdderCovers Nursing Cover:

This is a great gift for a new mom, or for an upcoming baby shower present! Go to UdderCovers and use the code Thanksgiving or breastfeeding at checkout to get it for free. ($32.00 value) Or you can use the same code and get the gift set for only $5.00. Just pay shipping $9.95.

FREE American Baby & BabyTalk Magazine Subscriptions!

Go HERE and scroll down to FREE MAGAZINES to score a FREE Subscription to both Baby Talk and American Baby Magazines!
I loved getting these magazines when my kids were still babies – especially for the occasional great diaper/formula coupons hiding inside!

Cookie Wednesday: Moon Pie

2010-12-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

Moon Pie

Since we have one last Wednesday before the diet season begins I thought I would make something sinfully delicious for Cookie Wednesday. There are a few steps to the crust and it will make some dirty dishes, but I promise the steps are not too difficult and the mess is so worth every delicious bite!

Crust:

Preheat oven to 400.

1 1/4 c. water

1/2 c. plus 2 Tbl. Butter

Bring to a boil in a sauce pan. Then add:

1 1/4 c. flour (I add 1/2 c. then stir until it is smooth using a wire whisk. Then add the remainder stirring with a large spoon.)

Once a ball forms put the ball into a mixing bowl and allow to cool. Once it has cooled to room temperature add:

5 eggs, one at a time stirring with a wire whisk or electirc mixer on a low setting until the egg is fully mixed in.

Spread crust on a greased baking sheet. It will be very thin in some spots. Bake for 30 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN! Bubbles will form in crust making it look like the surface of the moon. Once baked, allow to cool completely.

2nd Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

3 1/2 c. milk

Two 3 oz. packages of instant milk chocolate, vanilla, or banana pudding (your preference)

Mix together until smooth. Spread over crust.

Top with:

sweetened whipped topping

drizzle with chocolate syrup

and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top

Happy Baking!

Over The River And Though The Woods

2010-12-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

To Grandmother's House We Go!

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!!!!

Warmest Regards,

Barbie

Alaska Travel Book

2010-12-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Travel Alaska - Get the Hottest Book from the Coolest State! Click Here

This is so fun. Kyle and I really want to go to Alaska for a second honeymoon someday and this just made us want to go even more. I can't wait to get my travel book and start planning.

Check out this website. There is a lot of really great stuff in there like this:

North Pole, Alaska where the 400,000 letter addressed to Santa, North Pole, Alaska arrive.

Only a 15-minute drive south of Fairbanks, the rest of North Pole also keeps up the Christmas theme year-round, with holiday decorations and trimmings even if it’s 80 degrees in July. You can wander down streets named Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane or stay the night at Santaland RV Park. The town comes alive in December with the annual North Pole Christmas In Ice Contest attracting ice carvers from across Alaska and from as far away as China and Russia. The Winter Festival draws crowds with activities and fireworks. Radio stations from around the world call City Hall with disc jockeys asking what the temperature is or if ”Santa Claus really lives there” and it’s not unusual for national TV newscasts to broadcast live from the Santa Claus House. And at the North Pole Post Office, on South Santa Claus Lane, more than 400,000 pieces of mail arrive annually simply addressed to ‘Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska.’

Baby Deals 12/23

2010-12-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

The Baby Buzz by Barbie

for 12/23

This week is pretty sad for the baby deals. Hang in there through the holiday and hopefully things will pick up. I do know there is a fantastic deal coming up from Diapers.com so, keep watching!

The Children's Place

Save 15% Everyday in December with December10A
Save on Thursday 12/23 20% off with code D7C2010
Save on Friday 12/24 15% off with code E7C2010

Don't forget to go through Ebates to get an additional 3% cash back on your purchase!

__________________________

Coupons.com has the following baby coupons: (Just click on the Coupons.com button on the side bar.)

Similac
$3.00 off

Triaminic
$2.00 off (On sale this week at Walmart for $4.97 so after the coupon it would be $2.97)

__________________________

Diapers

Smith’s (Kroger)

Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers, jumbo pack 8.99

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (01-01-11) SS-12/5

Final Cost: $6.99

__________________________

FREE UdderCovers Nursing Cover:

__________________________

FREE American Baby & BabyTalk Magazine Subscriptions!

Santa Whoopie Pies

2010-12-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

Only 3 more sleeps 'til Santa comes! Here is a simple, recipe that would look just adorable on a plate next to a big glass of milk for Santa. Don't forget a carrot or two for the reindeer.

*These cookies can easily be prepare the day before by simple wrapping the prepared cookie individually in plastic wrap and storing in a large zip tight freezer bag in your refrigerator.

Santa Whoopie Pies

I have 2 options for making these cookies. I prefer a lighter chocolate flavor so I like the first one best, but my husband thinks the second makes a better cookie. It's just a matter of person preference and what you have in the pantry.

1 box of Devil's food cake mix and 1 box of white cake mix

4 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2 boxes Devil's Food cake mix, if you want a richer cookie

4 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

Filling:

1 (8ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

Christmas colored sprinkles or jimmies for decoration

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix cake mix with oil and eggs. The dough will be rather firm. Roll dough into1 inch balls and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Gently press the dough out a bit then bake for 8-10 minutes. When the cookies are finished baking let them rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Once the cookies are at room temperature prepare filling by first creaming the butter and cream cheese until completely blended. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Then add the vanilla extract.

Spread the underside of one cookie with the filling and then sandwich it with the bottom of a second cookie. Gently press the cookies together. Roll the cookie in the jimmies or sprinkles. Makes 2 dozen completed pies.

Gourmet Popcorn

2010-12-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

I just love the way gourmet popcorn looks, but I do not like the price tag. So I got creative and did some research and came up with a delicious recipe that I just love. I also tried a recipe from a cookbook that my husband, who doesn't care for popcorn, loved!

Candy Cane Popcorn

1 c. popcorn kernals, popped into a very large mixing bowl.
1 1/2 lb. almond bark, melted in a double boiler
1/2 lb. milk chocolate, melted in a double boiler then placed in a disposible pasty bag

1 c. Andies Peppermint Crunch, melted in a double boiler and placed in a disposible pastry bag. (This will require thinning by simply squirting a few second squirt of non-stick cooking spray directly into the candy as it melts to make it thin enough to drizzle.

Once popcorn has been popped and almond bark is melted slowly dizzle Almond bark over popcorn. Carefully bring popcorn from the bottom of the bowl up to the top by very gently brining it up with a large spoon. Let gravity do the real work of covering the popcorn. You are simple bringing it back up to the top.

Spread popcorn over a large area covered in wax or parchment paper. Allow to cool.

Drizzle Milk chocolate over the top of the popcorn. Repeat with the Andies Peppermint Crunch. Let sit over night, if you can resist that long.

Cherry Cordial Popcorn

This recipe comes from the cookbook 'Chocolate Never Failith' by Annette Lyon

1/2 c. water
1/4 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cherry flavor drink packet (such as Kool-Aid)
1/2 c. popcorn kernels, popped or 2 bags microwave popcorn, popped
1/2 c. melted chocolate

Cover a large area with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar and salt, stirring until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil, uncovered, for 4 minutes. Remove from heat until it becomes still. Add the drink mix packets. Stir well until the powder is integrated. Pour the syrup over the popcorn, continually drizzling the syrup from the top while scooping both the popcorn and the syrup from below. Let gravity do the coating. Keep scooping syrup from the bottom of the bowl to drizzle at the top, turning popcorn until it's well coated. Spread the popcorn onto the parchment. Melt the chocolate and drizzle over the top of the popcorn. Let the popcorn and chocolate cool and harden before breaking into bite-size pieces and store in an airtight container.

Winter Break Survival Kit: Indoor activities

2010-12-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Some of my families favorite boredom busters are board games, video games and movies, but when the board games have been played and you don't want the kids spending another moment in-front of the TV we all need some help finding activities to keep the kids busy. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

This site has so many great activities to keep your little ones busy during the break. We are going try this one for sure:

Bouncing Raisins

Materials

6 raisins
Glass tumbler
Vinegar
Baking soda (or Alka Seltzer tablet)

Directions

Pour a cup of water into the glass jar.
Add one teaspoon of baking soda and stir until dissolved.
Gently add one-fourth cup of vinegar and wait until it stops fizzing.
Drop in three or four raisins.
Watch and see what happens (it takes about 10 to 15 minutes).

Note: The gas, carbon dioxide, that forms when you add vinegar to the baking soda forms bubbles all over the raisins. The raisins start to rise as the bubbles of carbon dioxide carry the raisins upwards and they fall when the bubbles are released.

Here are 20 more fun activities:

1) Plate of Bubbles - All you need for this fun activity is a small plate, a plastic drinking straw, dish washing liquid and tap water. Place two drops (that's all you need!) of dish washing liquid in the center of a plate. Carefully run tap water onto plate, pointing water over the dish soap to create some foam or bubbles. Carefully place the plate on a flat, sturdy surface, such as the kitchen table, and have your child point his straw into the water. To create bubbles, blow gently and slowly into the sudsy water. Not too fast, it won't work! Slow and steady will create huge bubbles!

2) Animal Jumble - This works best with 3 or more children, but can certainly be adapted for 2 kids. Assign each child a 'secret" animal part, the child choosing the animal. Have them draw their part on white or construction paper. The idea is that each child does not know what the others are drawing. For example, have Bobby draw the head (maybe he chose a dog), Cindy draws the legs (she chose an elephant), and so on. When they are all finished drawing, have them cut out their parts and tape the animal together. Have fun choosing a name for their animal. You may be the first to discover the "Dog-aphant-monk-iraffe"!

3) Cartoon Strip - Many parents will remember this from their own childhood! You will need a pad of paper and something to draw with. At the bottom of the pad, starting from the left, draw a stick figure, a box car, cartoon dog, anything you want to put into motion. On the next page, draw the figure again with a slightly different pose and a positioned a little bit to the right of the page before. Repeat this process on each page until you reach the right side of the pad. Now fan the pages with your thumb to watch your character move across the page!

4) Coffee Can Stilts - Turn 2 coffee cans upside down so that the plastic lids are on the bottom. Poke a hole on each both sides of each can using a screwdriver (parental supervision is recommended). Use rope, bailing twine, or several strands of yarn braided together for strength and thread through one hole. Thread the other end of the rope through the hole on the other side and tie off inside the can. Be sure that the rope is long enough so that when your child stands on the cans, the rope is high enough for them to hold in their hands comfortably without hunching over.

5) Cookie Cutter Glitters - Pull out the construction paper, glue, glitter, stickers and cookie cutters. Kids can trace around the cookie cutter shapes, spread glue over the shape and decorate with glitter and stickers. This can be a messy craft, so be prepared with a disposable table cloth and garbage can for scraps. Using a vacuum with a hose attachment is a much easier method of cleaning up glitter than a broom.

6) Feely Box - Use any box that closes or has a lid, a shoebox is ideal. Cut a hole in the side of the box large enough for a child's hand to fit inside. Place an object inside the box and see if they can guess what it is. If they can't guess right away, let them ask questions or provide them with clues until they figure it out.

7) Hide the Object - Using any ordinary object (stuffed animal, vitamin bottle, drinking cup, etc), play this fun hide and seek game with your children. Simply have your child hide their eyes, then place the object somewhere in plain view (on the fireplace mantel, on top of the TV, near the front door, etc) and then have them look for it. Another idea is to use objects relating to a particular theme each day. For example, if your Kindergartener is focusing on the letter "A" that week, use objects that begin with "A" (apple, alligator [stuffed of course!], etc) You can adjust this game for older kids by hiding the object a little deeper. You might place the vitamin bottle halfway behind the picture of Grandma, or maybe tucked halfway down the side of the couch.

8) Writing Box - If your house has kids, you need one of these. You can find shoe box sized plastic containers with lids from your local dollar store. Stock the box with crayons, markers, colored pencils, small plain paper pads, stickers, stencils, a pencil sharpener and an eraser. This box should be kept stocked so that when needed, everything will be at your fingertips. Explain to children that this is a "special" writing box and that everything that comes out, must go back in for the next time they want to get creative.

9) Picnic Indoors - Pack a basket with paper plates, utensils and cups. Make sandwiches, pack fresh fruit, pretzels, a thermos of juice, and yogurt for dessert. Spread a blanket on the living room floor and serve a picnic lunch indoors! Add to the fun by dressing in summer clothes or beach attire. Be sure to wear your sunglasses and your sunscreen!

10) Paper Bag Puppets - The easiest form of this requires only a paper lunch bag and crayons or markers. Simply draw on a face and you have a puppet! To make the characters more elaborate, decorate with yarn for hair, buttons for eyes, and glitter for cheeks. Ribbon can be added to the hair or made into a bow tie for the "neck". Draw on eyelashes and lips with colorful markers.

11) Collages - Save old magazines and catalogs and store them in a cabinet just for this purpose. Have the kids cut out pictures and paste them onto a piece of cardboard or construction paper. You can let them cut out whatever they want, or assign each child a letter of the alphabet or a theme to go by for a more challenging project. Keep a trash can close by for the scraps and be sure to keep a stock of glue sticks on hand!

12) Coloring Pasta - Place a handful of dry, uncooked pasta, such as ziti, rotini or farfelle, into a plastic zipper baggie. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar and 2-3 drops of food coloring. Close the baggie and have the kids shake the bag until the pasta is completely colored. Spread out onto a paper plate or paper towel and allow to dry. Use several baggies to create different colors. Once the pasta is dry, kids can use yarn to string together pieces to make necklaces and bracelets, or glue them to paper plates or construction paper to create a work of art.

13) Shadowboxes - Paint the inside of a shoebox with black or dark blue poster or acrylic paint. If you don't have any paint handy, you can glue black construction paper inside the box. Using white crayons or stickers, create a nighttime scene with stars and the moon on the black background. You can use small plastic toys to create a scene inside your shadowbox, or make your own with construction paper and glue. Cut out small pictures from coloring books and color and adhere to your scene. Hang a spaceship or shooting star with a piece of string and glue.

14) Indoor Hopscotch - If you have a cement basement floor, use chalk to draw out a hopscotch board. When you are finished playing, the chalk will wash off with a mop and warm water.

15) Family Memory Game - Play a family memory game with your kids by asking questions like "What is Grandpa's first name?" and "Who is married to Aunt Tammy?" Look through old photo albums and see if kids can guess who is who in each picture.

16) Hot Beanie - This variation of the old favorite "Hot Potato" uses a beanie type toy. Have everyone sit in a circle and toss the beanie from one person to another, never knowing where it's going to end up.

17) Name That Tune - Hum tunes from popular songs and see who can guess it first. Whoever guesses correctly becomes the next "hummer".

18) Create a Story - You can do this out loud or have kids write their entries on paper. Someone starts the story with "Once upon a time there lived a...", that person chooses the character and setting (princess in a far away land). The next child tells the next part of the story, and so on around the room, the story changing with each new addition.

19) Never Ending Adjectives - Ask your child to point out an object, then takes turns coming up with adjectives for that object. For example, you may say "a ball", your child would say "a big ball". The game might continue with "a big round ball", "a big round bouncing ball", "a big round bouncing white ball" and end with "a big round bouncing white beach ball".

20) Sardines (Reverse Hide-n-Seek) - One child is the hider, everyone else is a seeker. The hider hides while the seekers seek. However, when a seeker finds the hider, instead of pointing him out, he joins him in the hiding place. Soon, the children will all be stuffed in one place, like a box of sardines! The first child to find the hider gets to hide next.

About the Author
Amanda Formaro is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. While Amanda's professional background was originally in finance, she chose to stay home to raise her family after her third child was born. Amanda enjoys tole painting, crafting with her kids, walking her dogs and working on her website FamilyCorner.com Magazine.

Breakfast Casseroles

2010-12-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is not my picture. Thank you Google Images!

I can't believe I am about to type this, but Christmas is next week. It's Thursday and Christmas is NEXT WEEK...I'm so excited! Usually for Christmas morning breakfast we have a huge breakfast with pancakes, bacon, eggs, all the good, heart attack on a plate stuff and all the mess. This year I don't have time for the prep and mess because we are having family and friends over for dinner and I really don't want to spend my entire day in the kitchen. I pulled out my recipe box today and put together this group of recipes for breakfast casseroles. I will need at least two casseroles to feed our family with 7 kids, 3 of whom are teenagers. I just can't decide which to make because they are all so very yummy! Enjoy!

French Toast Casserole

1" thick slices french bread, allowed to dry over night then place in a 9x13 dish

In a bowl:
8 eggs, whisk well
1 milk
2 c. heavy cream
a pinch of salt
2 Tbl. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla

Whisk these ingredients together, then pour over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate over night.

The next morning preheat oven to 350*

In a separate mixing bowl cream together:
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter, softened2 Tbl. light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
then stir in:
1 c. chopped pecans

Bake for 35-45 minutes at 350*.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Preheat oven 375*

2 pkg buttermilk grande biscuts quartered
Mix together:
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. butter, melted
Dip biscuits in the mixture and place in a 8x8 buttered dish.

1 1/2 c. blueberry's tossed with
1/2 c. sugar

Sprinkle 1 c. oatmeal and blueberries over biscuits then drizzle with a little melted butter.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Peach French Toast Casserole

Prepare the night before.

Slice a loaf of day old french bread into 1" slices and let dry a few hours on a wire rack.

In a pan on medium heat bring to a boil:
2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
Boil until the sugar disolves.

Pour in the bottom of a 9x13, buttered baking dish then top with 1 large can of sliced peaches, drained

In a mixing bowl, wisk together:
8 eggs
2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Dip 1" slices of dried french bread into egg mixture and place over peaches.

Place in refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350* for 30-35 minutes.

Egg and Sausage Casserole

Remove crust and cube 8 slices of bread, allow to dry on a wire rack for a few hours.
layer in a 9x13 greased baking dish

1/2 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
1 1/2 lb. cooked link sausage, cut into thirds
6 eggs,wisked
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 c. milk

Layer cubed bread in dish with 1/2 grated cheese and sausage. Wisk together eggs, dry mustard, salt and milk in a bowl and pour over top of bread/cheese/sausage. Top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350* until cooked through. (30-45 minutes or so)

Baby Deals for 12/16

2010-12-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Baby Buzz by Barbie

for 12/16

Free Canister of Enfamil Formula

Go to the link HERE to get your free canister of baby formula. (I have a little hint...this prints as a certificate, to get a free can at your Dr.'s office which is great, but they almost always have samples that you can just ask for at each appointment. They also often have diaper, wipes and baby Tylenol as well and are in my experience more than happy to give them to you.)

Similac Coupon

There is a $3.00 Off Similac coupon from Coupons.com.

Gerber Baby Food

I'm very excited about this deal because my little guy just had his first solid food this week so I am going to need to stock up on baby food. Like Gerber Baby Food Company on Facebook and receive printable coupons for:

Buy ONE get ONE FREE Gerber Infant Cereal
Save $1 off TWO Gerber 2nd Foods 2-Packs

Save $1 off THREE Gerber 3rd Foods Jars

Bi-Lo Baby Wash

This week they are having a BOGO on Disney baby wash

Diapers

WalMart

Huggies Baby wipes 60ct AND 180ct. 7.81

Huggies Baby Wipes, any 60 count or larger AND 180 count or larger $1.50/2 (active) Coupons.com-11/01

Final Cost: $6.31

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers Jumbo Pack. 8.97

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $3/2 (active) Coupons.com-11/12

Final Cost: $7.47

Albertson’s

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Jumbo Pack Diapers. 8.97

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $3/2 (active) Smartsource-10/29

Final Cost: $7.47

Smith’s (Kroger)

(These are a really great deal!)

Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers, jumbo pack 8.99

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (01-01-11) SS-12/5

Final Cost: $6.99

Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers, jumbo pack 8.99

STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Huggies little snugglers or little movers , exp Jan 4 $2.50/1 (active) This Link-11/29

Final Cost: $6.49

Walgreen’s

Pampers Cruisers Box Pack Diapers 56 or 64 pk $17.99 Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $16.99

Buy 2 participating items and receive a $3.00 Register Reward for your next purchase. Limit 1 per printed offer. The sale comes down to basically a $1.50 off discount on each item. The sale price is listed BEFORE/AFTER the voucher is calculated in.

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers 19 to 50 pk $9.00/7.50

Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers Diapers, any $1.50/2 (active) This Link-11/24 Final Cost: $6.75

Pull-Ups 19 to 50 pk $9.00/7.50

Final Cost: $7.50

Baby Wipes

Walgreen’s

Pampers Wipes 180 to 216 pk $5.99

Final Cost: $5.99

Huggies Wipes 64 or 72 pk $2.50

Final Cost: $2.50

FREE UdderCovers Nursing Cover:

FREE American Baby & BabyTalk Magazine Subscriptions!

Hot Cocoa Cookies

2010-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

I found the original recipe for these tasty cookies from The Girl Who Ate Everything's 12 days of Cookies and it was love at first sight. They are just so cute with all those gooey marshmallows on top and so delicious stuffed with all those chocolate chips.

I don't know why my pictures always look so yellowed, but those are white marshmallow all over these delicious cookies.

Here is my version of Hot Cocoa Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*.
1 c. butter, softened.
1 c. sugar
2/3 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
Cream all these ingredients together. Then add:
1 small box of instant milk chocolate pudding mix
3 packages of hot cocoa mix
Just pour the powder right into your sugar and egg mixture.
3 c. flour (more or less depending on the humidity in your kitchen. Mine is usually around 30% so adjust accordingly.)
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. each white, milk and semi sweet chips
mini marshmallows, if desired.
Mix in dry ingredients and chips. Spoon onto lightly greased baking sheet and cook for 8-10 minutes. If you are adding marshmallows, press them into the cookies about a minute before they are finished cooking. Out them back in the oven and allow to bake until the marshmallows have puffed up. Allow baked cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before placing on a wire rack to cool completely.

Third Time's A Charm Fudge

2010-12-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

I declared war on Fudge last night. I had intended to share the most amazing recipe for Old Fashioned Fudge in the whole wide world, but after 2 failed attempts (it turned to sugar, twice!) I am now sharing the never fail, Marshmallow Fluff Fudge or Fantasy Fudge as it is called on the back of Jet Puff Marshmallow Creme. I made my trip to the grocery store last night and got the ingredients and started today's baking with this delicious fudge. In West Yellowstone there is a little sweets shop that is attached to the Christmas In Montana store and they sell a huge selection of fudge. My favorite is the orange fudge. I am almost positive (like 89%) this is the recipe they use. It's fantastic and try as I may I can't mess it up, and I have tried.

Fantasy Fudge
or Marshmallow Fluff Fudge, as we call it in my home

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine

1 small can (5 oz.) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup) (Do not use sweetened condensed milk.)

1-1/2 pkg. (12 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped (I just use a bag of Chocolate Chip)

1 jar (7 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme

1 cup chopped Walnuts

1 tsp. vanilla

LINE 9-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan; set aside. Place sugar, butter and evaporated milk in large heavy saucepan. Bring to full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 4 min. or until candy thermometer reaches 234°F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
ADD chocolate and marshmallow creme; stir until completely melted. Add walnuts and vanilla; mix well.
POUR immediately into prepared pan; spread to form even layer in pan. Let stand at room temperature 4 hours or until completely cooled; cut into 1-inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

FREE Wrapping Paper and Tissue Paper at Walgreen's

2010-12-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

It looks like Walgreen's has pulled this deal, but you are welcome to try.

Walgreens Register register rewards are making the holidays easier on the pocketbook. Hallmark products (including tissue paper and wrapping paper) have a fantastic register rewards attached. I would go now, they are going to sell out quick.

Possible Scenario #1:
Purchase 2 Hallmark Wrapping Paper, B1G1 Free @ $1.99
Use 2 of the $.50 off Hallmark Wrapping Paper Coupon
You will pay $1.99, BUT you get a $2.00 Register Reward Back
Total cost FREE!

Possible Scenario #2:
Purchase 2 Hallmark Wrapping Paper, B1G1 Free @ $1.99
Use 2 of the $.50 off Hallmark Wrapping Paper Coupon
PLUS
Purchase 4 Hallmark Tissue Paper, 3/$1 (with In Ad Coupon)
Pay $3.32, but get a $5.00 Register Reward Back
Total cost: FREE, Plus you get $1.68 BACK!

Possible Scenario #2:
Purchase 6 Hallmark Tissue Paper, 3/$1 (with In Ad Coupon)
Pay $2.00, but get a $5.00 Register Reward Back
Total Cost: FREE, Plus you get $3.00 BACK!

My Grandma's Old Fashioned Caramels

2010-12-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am sure this isn't origianlly my Grandma's recipe, but she taught me to make this delicious candy so she gets the credit.

Grandma's Old Fashioned Caramels

1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 can sweetened and condensed milk
1 1/2 c. butter
chopped walnuts if desired
(This isn't exactly diet food!)

Put all ingredients in a pan over medium low heat and let cook until it comes to firm ball stage, stirring every few minute. (The butter will separate as it melts and as my husband said, it looks gross.) While it's cooking, butter a 9x13 dish. (if adding walnuts do it just after it reaches the firm ball stage, 245-250 degrees. This stage can be determined by dropping a spoonful of hot syrup into a bowl of very cold water. In the water, use your fingers to gather the cooled syrup into a ball. If it has reached firm-ball stage, it will feel firm and pliable but still slightly sticky, and will retain its shape when removed from the water but will quickly lose its shape at room temperature. So it may look gross, but if you love old fashioned caramel this is the recipe for you. Pour the caramels into the pan and let cool. Once the caramel has cooled cut it into piece, warp in small piece of wax paper and put in a plastic storage bag.

Neighbor Treat Plates, Part 2

2010-12-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Today's kitchen marathon has begun. I am almost 1/2 way done and I'm so excited. I just need a few more extra's to finish off my snowmen and reindeer. I am off to make more pretzels, except these will be done in white chocolate with sugar crystals. Then Candy Oranges, fudge and caramels. Tonight, after my babies are in bed I will be making my first batch of Divinity. Wish me luck!

Be sure to check in throughout the day as I add to my treat plates. And then again tomorrow throughout the day for...COOKIES!!!!

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

2010-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

I firmly believe Chocolate makes everything better and Chocolate dipped pretzels are one of the best examples I can think of to prove it. These are very simple and fun to make.

Here is what you need:

Pretzels (I used the big sticks and the mini twists)
Melted Chocolate, I made 20 large sticks and about 2 dozen mini twist with 1.25 lbs.
Melted White Chocolate, you will only need a little bit to drizzle

Dip pretzel in chocolate. Lay on wax paper to cool. Once the chocolate has hardened drizzle with white chocolate. Let cool again. That's it.

Hint: There are a lot of methods to drizzle the chocolate, but the one I like best, that makes the least mess is to melt the chocolate inside a disposable icing bag. Just put the chocolate in the bag, place the whole thing in the microwave for 20 second intervals, kneading the chocolate inside the bag before heating again. When the chocolate is melted just snip the tip of the icing bag and drizzle. When you are done, just toss the whole mess in the garbage. How clean and tidy is that!

Reindeer On A Stick

2010-12-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

These little guys still need eyes, but they are cute just like this.

These are my new favorite Christmas treat. Not only are they very fattening and delicious, they are quick and easy to make. I made my entire batch in under 20 minute.

Oreo's
Peanut Butter
Pretzels
Chocolate Candy Coating
Red Hots
White M&M's

lollipop sticks
cellophane bags
ribbon

Open the Oreo's and spread some peanut butter inside. (It occured to me after I had these all dipped that some of the candy coating would have worked well too.) Then, very gently, press the lollipop stick into the stuffing and put the oreo back together. Melt your candy coating in a small, deep dish according to the directions on the package. Meanwhile, arrange pretzels in sets of two's on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Dip the Oreo's into the chocolate candy and place on pretzels. Allow candy to set. (I put them in the freezer for a few minutes.) Attach a Red Hot (nose) and two M&M's (eyes) using a little melted candy. Finish decorating as desired. Once the candy is hard place in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon.

Marshmallow Snowmen that Sparkle!

2010-12-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

I am using the picture from the blog I got the idea to from because my poor little snowmen are a bit naked. I need to make a trip to the store for a few extra's to finish these little guys off.

These little guys are just too cute to pass up. They taste like peeps only better. If you are a saint this would be a fun activity to let your kids help with, but if you are like me and just got the kitchen cleaned, put them to bed first, because these have all the ingredients necessary for a huge mess in little hands.

1 large bag, plus in my case, 1 more marshmallow
light corn syrup
sugar crystals
whatever suites you for decorating them
long Popsicle sticks
pretzel bags
ribbon
paint brush

If you want to add arms you will need
mini marshmallows
little pretzel sticks

Begin by putting the marshmallows on the sticks. If you are adding arms, put the mini marshmallows on the pretzels and set aside. Now, using the paint brush, paint corn syrup on the marshmallows then roll them in the sugar crystals. Set them on a wax paper lined cookie sheet to dry. (If you are adding arms, attach each set of arms after applying the sugar, but before letting it dry.)

Decorate as desired using the corn syrup to attach your goodies to the marshmallows.

Once they have dried completely place them in pretzel bags and tie a bow at the bottom.

Baby Buzz

2010-12-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

Baby Buzz

by Barbie

12/9

Robeez

I was so excited when I saw this I want to buy them right now. How cute are they! You can get a pair of shoes and a Hungry Catepillar book for $19.99 with free shipping! There is a boy set and a girl set available.
-Thank you Swaggrabber

Fisher-Price Stack and Roll Cups

Amazon is selling the Fisher-Price Stack and Roll Cups for only $5.99 shipped FREE with Amazon Prime or with Super Saver shipping.
- Thanks Thrifty Couple

Orajel Toddler Product Coupons

My little guy ha 3 teeth coming in right now and all I can say is thank heaven's for Orajel Toddler Products. I love the swabs.

Don't miss out on these printable coupons and stock up while.

Save $1 off any ONE Orajel Baby Tooth & Gum Cleanser

Save $1 off any ONE Orajel Toddler Training Toothpaste

Pedia Care

Rite Aid

It's cold and flu season, so don't miss out on this great deal on all the necessities to get you through those long days and nights with sick little ones.
Pedia Care Reward- $2.00 -Buy 1 item
RECEIVE THIS REWARD MULTIPLE TIMES BY PURCHASING MULTIPLE ITEMS (No Limit Listed) Sale Price listed is BEFORE/AFTER subtracting 2.00

Qualifying item-
Pediacare, 4 oz 5.99/3.99
Final Cost: $3.99

Qualifying item-
Pediacare, Infants Fever Reducer, .5 oz 5.99/3.99
Final Cost: $3.99

Walmart

Huggies Baby Wipes 60ct AND 180ct.

7.81 Huggies Baby Wipes, any 60 count or larger AND 180 count or larger $1.50/2 HERE-11/01

Final Cost: $6.31

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers Jumbo Pack.

8.97 Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $3/2 HERE-11/12

Final Cost: $7.47

Huggies LIttle Snugglers or Little Movers Jumbo Pack Diapers.

8.97 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $3/2 HERE-10/29

Final Cost: $7.47

Albertsons

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, 20-50 ct. jumbo pack

$9.99 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (EXPIRES 12-11-10) SS-11/14 and (1-1-11) SS-12/5

Final Cost: $7.99

Huggies Diapers, 20-50 ct. jumbo pack

$9.99 Huggies Diapers, any $1.50/1 (EXPIRES 12-11-10) SS-11/14

Final Cost: $8.49

Pampers Diapers, 20-40 ct. jumbo pack $9.99

Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $8.99

Smith's (Kroger)

(Best Deal I found this week on diapers)

Pampers Diapers, Jumbo

8.99/8.49 Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $7.49

Pampers Diapers, Jumbo 8.99/8.49 STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Pampers Baby dry diapers, any, exp Dec 25 $1/1 (active) This Link-11/02

Final Cost: $7.49

Pampers Easy Ups, 1-6 ct Jumbo

8.99/8.49 Pampers UnderJams Night Wear or Easy Ups, any $1.50/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $6.99

Pampers Easy Ups, 1.6 ct Jumbo

8.99/8.49 STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Pampers Easy Up Trainers, any, exp Dec 25 $1/1 (active) This Link-11/02

Final Cost: $7.49

Huggies Wipes, 64-72 ct

2.59 Huggies Baby Wipes, any 64 ct. or larger .50/1 (12-11-10) SS-11/14

Final Cost: $1.59

Walgreens

Huggies Little Movers Big Pack Diapers 56 or 64 pk

$18.99 Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers Diapers, any $1.50/2 (active) This Link-11/24

Final Cost: $18.24

Huggies Little Movers Big Pack Diapers 56 or 64 pk

$18.99 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (12-11-10) SS-11/14

Final Cost: $16.99

Pampers Cruisers Big Pack Diapers 56 or 64 pk

$18.99 Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $17.99

FREE American Baby & BabyTalk Magazine Subscriptions!

Christmas In Utah

2010-12-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

My friend Mindy asked me to do a post listing great places to see Christmas lights in Utah. I started and found SO MANY fun thins go to do. Here is the list.

***PLEASE If you know of anything I can add take a moment and e-mail them to me at couponingmadesimple@gmail.com or leave a comment here.***

Here is what I have found:

Temple Square

Salt Lake

Dress warm and take in the lights and sounds of Temple Square at Christmas as you stroll around the temple grounds or see the displays inside where it's warm. Admission is always free. There are various events going on as well. Check out this article HERE for more information and links to even more information.

________________________________________________

Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo

Salt Lake

Where wildlife meets wild lights! ZooLights! returns to Hogle Zoo this holiday season with more sparkling lights, over 250 animated light displays and more nightly fun than ever before! View glittering animated animals made out of lights, warm up under heaters and enjoy a hot chocolate and deep fried s'more along the way. Take a ride on the Conservation Carousel (weather permitting) and then stop in to see Santa in EdZoocation Station! Stop into the Wild Zootique to finish your holiday shopping and pick up some hologram glasses to see the lights as never before.

Go to their website HERE for all the details.

PLUS!!!! There are discounts available. Go to THIS link to learn more.

________________________________________________

Wheeler Historical Farm

Salt Lake

Wheeler Farms is celebrating the holidays with their Annual Festival Of The Lights. This is a great deal: $25.00 for a family of 6 or $5.00 a person will get to ride a wagon through the light forest, warm by the fire and then visit with Santa. Get all the details HERE.

________________________________________________

Ogden's Christmas Village

Ogden

Go to Odgen City's website HERE to learn about this adorable miniture Christmas Village. Visiting the Christmas Village was one of my favorite Christmas traditions from my childhood, even thought we refer to it as going to see the frozen babies. (I don't remember the story behind the nickname, but I assume it has something to do with the little dolls that are in the cottages looking a bit cold. Mom, feel free to fill in with a comment at the bottom of this post. I'm sure we would all like to know why we call it the Frozen Babies.)

________________________________________________

Historic 25th Street and Union Station

Odgen

While you are there don't forget to check out Historic 25th Street. On 25th and Washington businesses have decorated their store windows. They even have a contest for the best window display. And check out the tree at Union Station.

________________________________________________

Fantasy at the Bay

Willard Bay State Park

Fantasy at the Bay

Willard Bay - Cottonwood Campground

Located off I-15's exit 357

Hours: 5 - 10pm nightly

Admission is $8 per vehicle

Hot chocolate, chili, etc available around large campfire

You can drive through the lights or take a free horse-drawn hay wagon ride

Also, I believe for a few dollars more you can take a wagon ride around and visit with Santa. We did this last year and had a lot of fun. Take the wagon ride, it's worth the extra money.

Willard Bay State Park

900 West 650 North #A
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

-Thanks Trish Tidings

________________________________________________

Winder Farm

West Valley

Perhaps my favorite is Winder Dairy. Take a drive down the historic Winder Lane. Then visit the Country store for some Hot Chocolate and Scones with fresh churned butter. Very fun! Winder Farms are located on 4400 West and 41 00 South in West Valley City. LINK here for more information on Winder Farms. (note: There is a charge for the Hot Chocolate & Scones)

-Thanks coupons 4 Utah for the information

________________________________________________

Gardener Village

West Jordan

The Elves have escaped from the North Pole and are hiding around Gardener Village. Children, ages 12 and under are invited to join in a scavanger hunt to find the Elves. You can print the scavanger hunt form HERE then head out to find the elves. Plus you can get some Christmas shopping done while you are there.

A link to the hours and directions are HERE

________________________________________________

Holdman Christmas Lights

Pleasant Grove

You need to go to the website HERE to really apprecate all the work this family puts into their lights. Check out the video's. My personal favorite is the Carol of the Bells from 2007. WOW! Be sure to check the hours and days they are available.

________________________________________________

Thanksgiving Point Holiday Lights

Lehi

Go to the link HERE for all the details, admission fees, and directions. We went to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point for Halloween and where not disappointed. I'm excited to go for Christmas and see the lights. Who doesn't love Thanksgiving Point!

________________________________________________

CLAS Ropes Christmas Cruise

Provo

I think this sounds really fun. I'm going to take my family. I will let you know what we think.: Come enjoy a lighted riverboat ride on the lower Provo River. There are thousands of lights reflecting off the water, holiday scenes along the shore, and Christmas music on the boat. Santa even comes to visit on his canoe. Last year close to 2,000 people enjoyed our Christmas Cruise during the month of December. We have two professional excursion boats that can accommodate 40 people per ride. Since the boats are uncovered, blankets and warm clothes are strongly encouraged. The ride is a round-trip experience that takes 25 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes, on the hour and half-hour.

More details are availabe at the link HERE

________________________________________________

Christmas Utah

Murray

Christmas Utah is an animated Christmas Light Show synchronized to music. Christmas Utah runs from the weekend after Thanksgiving until New Years every year. Christmas Utah is located in Murray on 5631 So. Whispering Pine (831 East). Traffic can get very heavy. We like to just park at the church and take a fun walk. You can follow Christmas Utah on their Facebook page LINK.

-Thanks coupons 4 Utah for the information

________________________________________________

The Hancey's house

Centerville

1375 N 200 W

Centerville

Hours: 5:30 - 10:30 pm Sun-Thursday; 5:30-10:30pm Fri-Sat (rock music plays after 9:30pm)

FREE; donations optional for charity

-Thanks Trish Tidings

________________________________________________

The Morrison's house

Riverdale

1198 W 5525 S

Riverdale

Hours 5:30-9:00pm Sun-Thurs; 5:30-10pm Fri-Sat

Free

-Thanks Trish Tidings

________________________________________________

"Trees of Light"

The Burnett's house

South Weber

8021 S 2700 E (on frontage road right off 89 - west side of 89)

South Weber

Hours: Dusk - 9pm weekdays; dusk-10pm weekends

FREE

-Thanks Trish Tidings

________________________________________________

Lights Before Christmas

Layton

"Lights before Christmas"

Layton Commons Park

Hours: after dusk. Runs until January 1

Family Hayride through the lights on Wednesday ,December 8 from 6-8pm

FREE

-Thanks Trish Tidings

________________________________________________

Neighborhood lights

Taylorsville

Apparently there are 15 hours in Taylorsville that put the house from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to shame. All I can find at the coordinates for the beginning of the cul-de-sac, but you can map them online.

N 40° 39.298 W 111° 58.206

Neighbor Treat Plates Part One.

2010-12-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Cookie Wednesday: Chocolate-Covered Cherry Delights

       Over the weekend I am taking part in a cookie bake-off (wish me luck!) as well as delivering treat plates to my neighbors, which means I am going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Today's Cookie Wednesday is the first in a series of three. Today's for Cookie Wednesday I am making: Chocolate-Covered Cherry Delights. I am also making Cherry-Chocolate Christmas Mice and Snowman Cake Pops here at Couponing Made Simple.
       Please join me tomorrow at Couponing Made Simple for my candy section with my Grandma's Homemade Caramels, my grandpa's favorite Old Fashioned Fudge, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels and Candy Oranges and I am even going to try my first batch of Divintiy. As well as some cute Chocolate Reindeer Suckers, and Marshmallow Snowmen that sparkle.
       Then come back on Friday for MORE Cookies! Sugar Cookies, Snickerdoodles, and of course Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies. (And, if I have any energy left over, I may do some Pumpkin Whoopie Pies as well.)
       If anyone would like to volunteer to come and clean my kitchen that would be great! :)

Chocolate-Cover Cherry Delights

I am using Taste and Tell's picture because my husband took mine to work before I got a picture. It worked out nicely, since I take awful pictures.

I found this recipe on a blog I follow 'Taste and Tell'. The cookies looked so yummy I have been anxiously awaiting Wednesday morning. I couldn't take it any longer and had to give them a trial run on Monday. My husband took the with him on Tuesday to work to my taste testers and they gave them a 9 out of 10. Below is Debora's recipe from Taste and Tell. At the end of the recipe will be my hints.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Delights

adapted from Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
makes 2 dozen cookies
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 10-oz. jar maraschino cherries*
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

       Preheat the oven to 350F. Melt the butter and mix in the sugar. When the mixture has cooled off a bit, add the egg and mix. Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla and cocoa, stirring after each addition. Add the flour and mix well. The dough will be stiff and a bit crumbly.
       Drain the cherries and reserve the juice.
       Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place on a greased cookie sheet, 12 per sheet. Press down in the center of each ball to make an indentation. Place one cherry in each indentation.
       In a double boiler, combine the chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Heat on low, stirring, until the chocolate chips have melted. Start adding in some of the reserved cherry juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the sauce is thick and will glob off a spoon. If it won't glob off, keep adding juice until it is the right consistency. Spoon a small bit of the sauce over the center of each cookie - just enough to cover the cherry. It shouldn't drip down the sides.**
       Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
*you probably won't use the whole jar of cherries
**I had quite a bit of the chocolate frosting left over. Good thing it makes a great snack on top of graham crackers!!
My Hints, These cookies are a dark chocolate lovers dream come true. I love chocolate, but I'm more or a milk chocolate girl so these had just way too much chocolate for me. If I where making them for myself I would reduce the cocoa by 1/2 and increase the flour accordingly. So if you are like me and want a little more milk chocolate taste give that at try. . Use good quality melting chocolate and cherries. Also, for storage, keep them on a paper plate in a sealed bag with a slice of bread (don't let the bread touch any of the cookies directly, just be in the bag with them). They are made with butter they will get hard quickly. The bread will help keep them moist. This works with any cookie that you want to keep soft and does not use shortening for the fat. Shortening cookies should stay soft.

Cherry-Chocolate Christmas Mouse

1 bag of Hershey kisses, unwrapped
slivered or sliced almonds (both make adorable little ears, so use whichever you have on hand)
1 jar of maraschino cherries with the stems
1 bag of chocolate chips, melted or a 1/4-1/2 lb. chocolate bark (from the butcher)
2 tsp. shortening

Drain a jar of maraschino cherries and place the cherries on a paper towel to dry. Open your kisses.

In a double boiler melt your chocolate and stir in shortening until smooth. If you are using Almond Chocolate you won't need to add the shortening. Holding the cherries by the stem, dip them in the melted chocolate, place it on wax paper, then join the cherry to the bottom of a kiss.

While the chocolate is still soft place sliced almonds between the cherry and the kiss to make the ears.

With white frosting (or cupcake pearls) - dab eyes on each chocolate kiss and add a nose. Place your mice in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets.

I embellished with tiny little bows just for fun, but you don't have to. Also, they are cute with or without eyes and a nose. It's really up to you.

That's it! Now you have your own little mouse army. (It feels like a mini version of The Nutcracker is happening in my kitchen.) Let the chocolate harden in the fridge and you will have the sweetest little
Cherry-Chocolate Christmas Mice.

Snowmen Cake Pops

These are my first attempts at Cake Pops. There is a learning curve for me for sure, but I think they turned out simply adorable!)

* Frozen Cakeballs (for a tutorial on how to make Cake Pops go the Bakerella's link HERE)

* 2 pkgs white candy coating

* Edible food decorating markers (I piped black royal icing instead, but I think I will splurge on the markers next time.)

* Wilton’s Crunch Rainbow Topping

* Lollipop sticks and lollipop-sized cellophane bags and ribbon

Prepare cakeballs and melt a little candy coating according to the directions on the package. Dip the lollipop stick into a little melted candy coating and add two rolled cakeballs. Re-shape the body of your snowman so that they are look like snowmen. You will want to make sure the bottom cakeball is flattened a little so that the finished snowman stands up well. Refreeze them until they firm up again. If you try to dip pops that aren’t firm, you end up with crumbs in your melted chocolate bowl (which I did), which then transfers to the balls and they won’t look very pretty (it really didn't look pretty, in the future I will only take a few cake pops out of the freezer at a time).

Once they’re pretty solid, they’re ready to dip. It works best to use a small, but taller bowl for the melted candy coating with these double cake pops. Once dipped, gently shake off excess and place standing up on waxed paper to dry.
After they have set and are hard, use the black food writer to add the details. Take an orange brownie crunch topping, dip the flat part in a little bit of melted chocolate and adhere to snowman. Put your finished snowmen into bags and tie with a little ribbon.

Snow Days

2010-12-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!!!

       This is the first post for my Christmas Break Survival Kit. Over the next few weeks I will be posting ideas for fun things to keep everyone entertained during the Christmas Break and hopefully make some wonderful memories for your family while you are at it. If you have ideas that you would like to share, please e-mail them to me at couponingmadesimple@gmail.com. I will include as many as I can.

       Go sledding or snow tubing. Don't have a sled or snow tube? Make one! Check out this link to learn how to make a sled out of cardboard. (My husband, who has done this, recommends using waxed cardboard because once the cardboard gets wet, it doesn't work as well.) Also, many ski resorts have tubing hills where they provide you with the tube and usually have some sort of lift to get you up the hill, but they can be pricey so ask if they offer discounts on certain days, have group discounts (invite all your friends) or coupons. Try making a sledding hill in your yard. Pile and pack a hill of snow to sled down. It doesn't have to be big to be fun.

       Build a snowman. Don't forget the accessories. Use old halloween costumes (Snow Superman is currently in my front yard) or go through your closets and dress your snowman in something that you are no longer using. Carrots and coal are traditions, but who said you have to use them. Your kitchen is filled with wonderful accessories that can be made into some fantastic creations.
        Have a snow sculpting contest. This is a great way to get your kids creativity going. Think of the snow as your clay and it can become anything. Want to add a little color? Try adding some food coloring to cold water in a spray bottle. Be careful not to over do it or your creation will melt. Or, try dabbing concentrated food coloring directly on your snow creation with a paint brush.
***Be sure you have the right kind of snow. You will need the sticky snow. The kind that crunches under your feet. Powder is great for skiing, but doesn't build hold together well and slush is just a wet mess.
       Got Powder? Try making a tradition snow angel. OR...get creative. Lay on your side and make a profile. Position yourself in a jumping or running position. Try making a snowflake by sitting in the snow and then "stamping" the snow with your arms and legs. Make patterns. Kneel and create a pattern around you with you mittens. Try using other household items, a rake, a broom, a tennis racket, balls, cookie cutters, anything!
       Have an ice cube scavenger hunt. Freeze colored water in ice cube trays then hide them in the snow. Have your kids go out and find them.
    Play Footprint Tag. The rules are the same as regular tag except that you can only step in others footprints in the snow.
       Build a fort or snow castle. Do you have a bucket of beach toys? Take them out in the snow. We use things like trick-or-treat buckets, loaf pans, cardboard tubes, cake pans, ice cube trays, cereal and mixing bowls to create neat shapes.
   Do you have a future scientist in the family? Here are a few experiements they are sure to love:
       Try Catching snowflakes by place a black sheet of paper into a freezer until cold. Take outdoors and use a magnifying glass to view snowflakes that land on the paper.
       Saving snowflakes is fun to do and easier than you may think. You will need: a clean microscope slide or small piece of thin Plexiglas, a spray can of clear of lacquer, a container with a lid, and a magnifying glass or microscope. Allow the slide, container and lacquer to cool outside so the snowflakes won't melt when they land on the slide. Spray a very thin coat of lacquer on the slide and tilt it so any extra spray runs off. Allow lacquer to set for a few minutes. You can catch several snowflakes on each slide, spray them and then place them in the container and cover with lid. Leave slide outside to harden for three to four hours. After they have hardened, you can view your snowflakes with a magnifying glass or microscope.
       Snow insulation: Make some Jell-O following the directions on the box. Divide the prepared Jell-O evenly into two plastic containers with lids. Place one on top of the snow and bury the other under the snow. Which one freezes first? Try the activity again, wrapping containers with insulating materials like a scarf. Does it take longer for the Jell-O to freeze now?
       Snowball thermometer: On a mild day, make snowballs of the same size and place them on different surfaces outside, e.g. rock, patch of grass, sidewalk, parked car. Check to see which one melts first.
       Snow melting rate: On a mild day, place sheets of different colored paper (including a sheet of black and one of white) on the snow in full sunlight for two-three hours. Use stones to hold them down. Then observe which one sank the deepest into the snow.

Here are a few more:
*Balance an icicle on your nose. (cold, but possible)
*Go ice scating.
*Write in the snow with an icicle.
*Have a snowball fight. (My husband and I had an impromptu snowball fight a few days ago and ended up in a heap in the snow laughing. What a wonderful memory.)

Don't forget to catch a few snowflakes while you are out there. It isn't just for kids!

Shoe Carnival

2010-12-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Shoe Carnival

Go to the link HERE to print your coupon! Plus, (I love coupons like this) you can print this coupon additional times, so print a couple extra and take them with you to the store to share with others.

Old Navy Sale + % off Coupon + $ off Coupon = HUGE SAVINGS!!!

2010-12-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

THIS IS GOOD TODAY ONLY...GO NOW!

Old Navy is having a sale today where most items are 40% off. Like Old Navy on Facebook, play barkers bones and you can print a coupon for $5-$10 off your purchase of $50.00 or more, AND go to the link HERE and you will get another coupon for 30% one item, excluding performance fleece (you can print it multiple times).

Here is what I did...I printed 4 30% off coupons.
I played Barkers Bones and got a coupon for $10.00 off of $50.00

First transaction: I bought $50.00 worth of clothes. Used the $10 off plus one 30% off coupon on top of the sale prices. My final cost was just over $37.00, when it would have been over $90.00

Then I checked out 3 more times, each time with a separate item using a 30% off coupon.

More Christmas Traditions

2010-12-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

This is not news to anyone that knows me, but I LOVE Christmas! I mean LOVE! I put up my tree the first day it snows and sticks or November 1st, whichever comes first. Yes, since I live in the mountains near ski resorts, that does mean my tree is up before Halloween. I blame my mom who always made holidays just sparkle with magic. I think the thing that makes them the most magical for me are the many, many traditions we have. Here are just a few more for you. Maybe you will adopt one or two for your family. Also, I would love to hear your traditions as well. Please comment here and/or join me at Couponing Made Simple and share your traditions. I'm always looking for new traditions to add to our celebration.

Twinkle Lights

I recently read about a family that spends one night each week driving around town looking at the twinkle lights. I love this idea and this year we are going to add it to our family Traditions. My mom and dad use to drag us all over town and made us sing carols, off pitch with made up words and all, while we looked at the lights on Christmas Eve (probably to help pass the time). I think it's time to introduce my kids to the same, but maybe without the carol singing.

Wrapping Them In

A new tradition we started last year in our family was to have all the kids sleep downstairs in the family room together. After we have tucked them in for the night, we wrapped the doorway at the top of the stairs. Of course having an enormous sleepover on Christmas Eve was pure excitement and I don't think a couple of the kids slept all night, but that is part of the fun.
On Christmas morning the kids got to break through the wrapping paper. It was so much fun. We got to see our kids faces as they saw the gifts for the first time. Already, now that we are in a new home, the kids want to know where they are sleeping and if we are wrapping them in again. This will be a tradition we will continue for years to come. It's just so much fun for all of us!

The Cereal Game

Another of my favorite traditions, from my childhood is The Cereal Game. One of the last things we did before we went to bed was to set the table. We used my mom's best china and stemware. Then Santa would leave breakfast. He always left the individual serving boxes of cereal, wrapped, juice, and fruit.

On Christmas morning, after we had opened a few gifts and my dad made pancakes, bacon and eggs, we would gather round the table to play the cereal game. We put all the wrapped mini boxes of cereal in the center of the table and then, using the same rules as the white elephant game, we would open and steal the boxes of cereal from each other. This was really just about playing the game because if we did decide to eat cereal we just had whatever kind suited us. It was just a fun way to spend more time together on Christmas morning laughing and enjoying one anther's company and making the magic of the day last. Now my kids look forward to the game as well.

Opening Gifts Throughout the Day

I had a love/hate relationship with this tradition as a kid, but now that I am the parent I just love it. We torture our children and make them open their gifts throughout the day, rather than all at once, first thing in the morning. I think we appreciate each gift a little more if we are not rushing on to the next thing. We like to save the "big" gifts for that evening to keep the magic and anticipation going. It just makes the day so much fun.

Gift's To Our Savior

While we love to celebrate both, we try to keep the birth of Christ and Santa separate. Every Monday night is Family Night in our family and on the first Monday of December we begin what we call Gifts to Our Savior. (Again, a tradition from my childhood carried on to my children.) From that day until Christmas Eve we preform secret acts of service for one another, our extended family, friends, and neighbors. We write on slips of paper the act of service we preformed and put them in a box that we keep on the coffee table. We like to keep Christmas Eve centered around Christ until just before bed when one of Santa's elves leaves a Santa Bag on our step. So that evening, just before acting out the Nativity, we wrap the box and place it under our tree as our gift to our Savior. We never open the box, just put it away. Maybe one day, years from now, we will open them and remember those happy memories of our children sneaking into each others rooms to make a bed, or the acts of service we never even knew happened. I think it's a wonderful way to remember the true meaning of the holiday.

Ten Acts of Giving

Another of my favorite traditions is our Ten Acts of Giving. As a family, again on that first Monday in December, we select Ten Acts of Giving to do for others by Christmas Day. These can be anything from providing Christmas for someone in need, to shoveling snow for a neighbor for the entire month. We make a plan of how we are going to accomplish our Acts of Giving and then set out to do them together as a family. If you would like to share your Acts of Giving, please join me at A Season of Giving, where you can share your ideas, inspiration and pictures. I would love to hear your stories.

Cookie Wednesday Excitement!

2010-12-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

I just have to post how excited I am for next Cookie Wednesday. I just found my recipe and I can't wait to share it. I thought it would be fun to give a little sneak peak.

Are you as excited as I am?

2010-12-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Weekly Baby Deal Roundup: 12/2/10

The Baby Buzz by Barbie!

TOYS

WalMart

Little Tikes Discover Sounds Kitchen Discover Sounds Camera Bundle $24.97 Shipped!

This normally retails for $37.97, but they have marked it down to only $24.97 Shipped (to the store) or have it shipped to your home for only $2.97 more.

Plus they are throwing in the Discovery Sounds Camera FOR FREE!!!!

Discovery Store

Discovery Store: Sights ‘N Sounds Splash Table $30.94 Shipped!

The Discovery Store has the Sights ‘N Sounds Splash Table marked down from $59.99 to only $29.99. Plus for super cheap shipping use coupon code SAVE5 (new users only) and save $5.00. Shipping is $5.95 so with the code you get it shipped for only $.95. So the total after shipping with the code is $30.94!

Disney Store

Disney Store: B1G1 Free Plush Toys

Now through December 3rd get Buy One Get One FREE on Disney Plush Toys! Shipping starts at $4.95 or is free with coupon code “SHIPTODAY” on orders over $75. If you shop through EBATES you can earn 7% cash back!

Baby Food

Gerber Baby Food

Get some great Gerber Baby Food Coupons HERE

Buy any two 4-pack of Gerber Yogurt Blends Get one free Max. Value ($3.29)
Get Coupon

$1 off 3 two-packs of Gerber NatureSelect 2nd Foods Purees
Get Coupon

$1 off any 3 Jars of Gerber NatureSelect 3rd Foods Purees
Get Coupon
Buy any two 4-packs of Gerber Graduates Yogurt Blends Snacks Get one Free (Max. Value $3.29)
Get Coupon

Diapers

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers

26-96 ct.. big pack $19.99 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (12-11-10) SS-11/14

Final Cost: $17.99

Huggies Diapers

26-96 ct. big pack $19.99 Huggies Diapers, any $1.50/1 (12-11-10) SS-11/14

Final Cost: $18.49

Pampers Diapers

48-92 ct. big pack $19.99 Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $18.99

Pampers Wipes or Refills

180-216 ct. $5.99 Pampers Wipes, any 180 ct. or larger $1/1 (11-30-10) PG-10/31

Final Cost: $4.99

Huggies Baby wipes

60ct AND 180ct. 7.81 Huggies Baby Wipes, any 60 count or larger AND 180 count or larger $1.50/2 (active) HERE-11/01

Final Cost: $6.31

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers Jumbo Pack.

8.97 Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $3/2 (active) HERE-11/12

Final Cost: $7.47

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Jumbo Pack Diapers.

8.97 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $3/2 (active) HERE -10/29

Final Cost: $7.47

In Utah we have Smith's rather than Kroger, so check with your local Kroger to be sure the prices are the same as those I have listed for Smith's.

Pampers Diapers

Jumbo 8.99/8.49 Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $7.49

Pampers Diapers

Jumbo 8.99/8.49 STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Pampers Baby dry diapers, any, exp Dec 25 $1/1 (active) This Link-11/02

Final Cost: $7.49

Pampers Easy Ups

1-6 ct Jumbo 8.99/8.49 Pampers UnderJams Night Wear or Easy Ups, any $1.50/1 (12-31-10) PG-11/28

Final Cost: $6.99

Pampers Easy Ups

1.6 ct Jumbo 8.99/8.49 STORE COUPON, Kroger Stores Card Load, Pampers Easy Up Trainers, any, exp Dec 25 $1/1 (active) This Link-11/02

Final Cost: $7.49

Pampers Gifts to Grow

Head over to Pampers Gifts to Grow and Enter: LoveComesEarlyT for 100 additional points!

Click here for more Pampers Points!

Thanks MyDallasMommy!

Carter's

I just can't get enough of Carter's. I guess that's because with 7 kids I buy so many clothes.

Here are the current active codes and coupons.

20% Off $40 or more
Use Carters Coupon JINGLE

$10 off purchases of $50 or more [Exp. 12/22]
Online: Use Carters Coupon Code NVCW1DM
In-store: In-store Printable Carters Coupon

20% off $50 or more [Exp. 12/31]
Online: Use Carters Coupon Code FTM1CBC2
In-store: In-store Printable Carters Coupon [Exp. 11/24]

Free Shipping on $50 [Exp. 12/16]
Use Carters Coupon Code CHEER

Free shipping on $75 or more
Use Carters Coupon GIFTS

Join the Celebration club and start earning your way to $10 savings today

FREE American Baby & BabyTalk Magazine Subscriptions!

I Survived!

2010-12-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

The past week has been a bit crazy. I abandoned my poor blog all together to dedicate my time to my new project, A Season Of Giving. After talking to a few other coupon bloggers (Jamie and Kasey at Time 2 $ave and Kristin at Couponing to Disney), we all put our heads together and came up with a way to give back this holiday season. We wanted to do something to help others, but the logistics seemed a bit fuzzy. So we came up with the idea of having a blog dedicated just to giving. A place to encourage people to give this holiday season. It's a place you can share your stories of the acts of giving you have done, or the acts of giving others have done for you. It's a place to help inspire you to do something for someone else and make the holidays merrier one person at a time. Check it out HERE.

If you have a story or inspiration you would like to contribute please e-mail them to me at aseasonofgiving@gmail.com.

Cookie Wednesday: Andes Creme de Menthe Chunk Cookies

2010-12-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

Cookie Wednesday: Andes Creme de Menthe Chunck Cookies

I bet Santa would love some of these left out for him on Christmas Eve.

First I need to thank my friend Kathleen for sharing her talents today for Cookie Wednesday. She volunteered to bake the cookies for me. I appreciate her kindness for so many reasons: I don't have to go to the grocery store, I don't have to bake, clean up a mess, and I won't have cookies laying around to eat causing me to wear stretchy pants...again! Isn't she a doll! I just love her. And so talented! You should check out her cake decorating blog.

On to the recipe:

Andes Creme de Menthe Chunck Cookies
(Found on the back of the Andes Creme de Menthe packages)

1/2 cup salted butter-softened
3/4 c dark brown sugar
1/2 white sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs

Cream butter, sugars and eggs. Then add remaining ingredients. Blend until mixed.

1 pkg. (10oz) Andes baking chips
2 2/3 cups sifted all- purpose flour

Stir in chips then add flour. Chill in the fridge for1 hour. Measure (Or do as I do and don't measure) 1 oz dough, form ball & slightly flatten. Raise oven rack one above middle & bake 350 for 8-10min. Cool on pan 2 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

Makes about 4 dozen

P.S. The dough tastes great, like Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Yummy!

Happy Baking!
(After seeing her pictures I have decided they are worth the trip to the grocery store, the baking, the mess, and the stretchy pants. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.)

Christmas Traditions: Parties

2010-11-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

We love Traditions around here and one that makes the holiday season even more fun are the parties. Here are a few of my favorite Party Ideas:

Cookie Exchange

There are many variations, but the one that I like best is when everyone selects their favorite cookie recipe. They will need to prepare one dozen cookies for each person attending. So if you have invited 5 guests each will need to bring 6 dozen cookies. One dozen for you. One for them. And one dozen for each of the remaining 4 guests.

The day before the party have your guests e-mail you their cookie recipes so you can have them printed and ready to distribute. Be sure to have enough copies of each recipe so that everyone takes home each of the recipes. While you are at it, make labels for the cookies as well.

Have cute take home containers ready. Anything from paper plates to Chinese take-out containers work. Just be sure it is something your guests won't have to hassle with returning to you.

Be sure to have plenty of goodies and drinks for your guests. I like serve fruits, veggies, crackers and cheeses so that my guests have something less sweet . Then just sit back, relax and enjoy your party.

Death By Chocolate

Again, this is for those of us with a sweet tooth. Ask each of your guests to bring something sinfully delicious with chocolate as the star. This is a huge favorite with my friends who love chocolate as much as I do. We like to make this a ladies night only. Leave the hubbies and kid-o's home, go to your favorite restaurant for dinner and then have a death by chocolate dessert. WOW! Don't forget to bring copies of your recipe along, as I'm sure everyone will want a copy.

White Elephant or Yankee Swap

The rules for White Elephant Gift Exchange are so varied. I have played many versions and the one I like best involve a little more competition than the ones where you read a story passing the gifts left and right around a circle. (Here is a great story if you would like to give it a try: Left, Right, The Night Before Christmas Game.) In my family the rules are simple. We sit in a circle with the gifts in a pile in the middle. Someone (usually the youngest goes first) picks a present. They open the gift. Then it's the next persons turn. They may either steal an opened gift or select a present from the pile. If a gift is stolen, the person who just lost their gift then takes a turn to select a present from the pile or steal a gift from someone else. We set a limit that a gift can only be stolen 3 times after the initial unwrapping. That way the game ends, eventually.

The definition of a White Elephant Gift is something that costs more to maintain than is worth. Keep that in mind while shopping/savaging for your White Elephant Gift, but anything useless is always fun. A few of the items we "won" last year included: a large McDonald's bag of individual servings of ketchup, a Styrofoam head, and a collection of cords to various electronics that had gone the way of the dump. My mom always hides a treat in her gifts and my grandma usually adds some money somewhere. So if you know someone who is notorious for adding a little something extra, pay close attention when they add their gifts to the pile and work on your poker face when you open the gift and keep the goodie hidden. You don't want to let on you actually got something good.

A word to the wise...don't pick the "pretty" gift. In my experience that is always a sign that you are getting something really awful.

Ugly Sweater Party

(This picture is my favorite part of this whole post.)

Ugly Sweater Parties are a fashion show and a party all in one. What could be better!

First things first...you need an ugly sweater. HERE is my favorite place to buy them. Also, check your local thrift and second hand stores. They usually have some this time of year.

Second: Plan a few fun games to keep your guests entertained. Maybe have a White Elephant Exchange.

Third: Food! (May I suggest a pot luck) Be sure to have lots and Lots of good things to eat and drink as your guests will be hungry since they will be to embarrassed to go out before the party. Last year my husband and I, after sitting in the parking lot at the grocery store saying "I'm not going in" "Well, I'm not going in", ended up at the McDonald's drive through and got a bunch of hamburgers and apple pies to take as our pot luck item. When we got to the party we learned we where not the only ones with the same problem.

Prizes: Don't forget you will need prizes for the ugliest, ugly sweater. My husband who won first place in the Ugly Sweater Contest last year took home a gallon of milk. The point is, it's an ugly sweater party...just make it fun.

Caroling Party

All you need to pull a Caroling Party off is: A group of friends and/or family who enjoy singing, song books, and something hot cocoa or cider and cookies for after the caroling. You can go door to do or just stay in and gather round the tree and sing. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

LEFTOVERS! LEFTOVERS! LEFTOVERS!

2010-11-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

Have some leftovers from Thanksgiving? Here is a great recipe that will make those leftovers disappear.

Turkey Filled Stuffing Rolls

The original recipe came from Rhodes Rolls Cookbook and used Chicken and tyme rather than turkey and sage. Also, to simplify rather than making your own dough, you can use 12 Rhodes Texas rolls, thawed.

Bread Dough:

1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. warm milk
1 Tbl. yeast
1/3 c. sugar1 egg, beaten
1/3 c. butter, softened
1 tsp. salt
3 3/4 c. flour (a little more or less depending on your humidity)

Proof yeast in sugar, milk and water. Once it has doubled, add butter and egg. Mix until incorporated. Add salt. Add flour a little at a time allowing it mix well. When the flour is added (it should be slightly sticky) kneed dough on counter top. To prevent the dough from sticking rather than flouring surface and your hands, spray surface and hands with non-stick cooking spray. This keeps the dough light and moist. Kneed until gluten is developed then allow to rise in a large mixing bowl, again sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover bowl with plastic warp and a dish towel and allow dough to rise in a warm spot until it has doubled twice, punching dough down after it has doubled the first time.

While the dough is rising prepare:

Turkey Filling

8 oz turkey breasts cut into 1 inch cubes.
1 Tbl. butter
1 3-oz. pkg. of cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp. sage powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Saute turkey in butter to warm. Mix turkey, cream cheese, sage, salt and pepper.

Once dough has doubled twice, divide into 12 rolls and press each roll into 3 inch circles and divide filling amoung the 12 rolls. Pull edges together to seal.

1 c. dried herb stuffing
1 egg, beaten

Crush herb stuffing into crumbs. Dip each filled roll into egg and then roll in crumbs. Place smooth side up in muffin tins sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake 350* for 20-25 minutes. Serve warm. They are also yummy with leftover gravy poured over the top.

Turkey Enchiladas

2 c. diced turkey breasts
1 small can green chili's in their juice
1/2 c. sour cream
2-3 c. grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 large can green enchilada sauce

8 tortillias

Pre-heat oven to 350*. Pour a little of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

In a bowl mix turkey, chili's sour cream, 1/2 of cheese, and both soups. Mix well. Spread mixture on tortillias, then roll them up and place in baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Cookie Wednesday: Caramel Oatmeal Chewies

2010-11-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Caramel Oatmeal Chewies

How to make cookies the day before a holiday:

1. Go to the store, or better yet, send teenager or husband for you.
2. Buy cookies.

But, if you are bored...or gluten for punishment (like me), try these:

This recipe is a first for me. I gave Kyle a choice between a few recipes, all of which I have never made and this was the one he picked. It comes from the Nestle Toll House Best Loved Recipes Cookbook.

Here is what I learned by making this recipe: First, these turned out better than I thought they would. I expected something okay. They're good. Kyle took the batch with him to work and they where a huge hit. I would make them again with a few variations to the recipe. I want to try them sometime with a shortbread crust. I think I would like that better, since I'm not a huge fan of oatmeal. Don't be afraid of adding the flour to the caramel. It actually works. Use quick oats rather than old fashioned. The old fashioned oats are a little overpowering. And, DO NOT try to cut them just after getting them out of the fridge. Let them come to room temperature first.

Caramel Oatmeal Chewies

1 3/4 c. oats, quick or old fashioned
1 3/4 c. flour, divided
3/4 c.packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter or margarine, melted
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. caramel ice cream topping

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Combine oats, 1 1/2 c. flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in butter; mix well. Reserve 1 c. oat mixture, press remaining oat mixture into the bottom of the pan.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Mix caramel with remaining four in a small bowl; drizzle over chocolate chips almost to the pan edges. Sprinkle reserved oat mixture over the top.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack then refrigerate until firm.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen bars.

Happy Baking!

Making Time for Your Someone Special Challange

2010-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Making Time for Your

Someone Special

Challange
Week 2

Holiday madness is in full-swing. Shopping, wrapping, decorating, crafting, parties, baking, planning, cleaning. That makes me tired just looking at that list. Extra time is in short supply and budgets are getting tighter. Often we brush aside date night because we just don't have time, we are too tired, or we can't afford dinner and a move. I know it does in my house, and what could be more important to make time for? I want to pose a challenge to keep the romance alive during this wonderful, but crazy season.

Challange: Pick a night each week that you and your special someone dedicate to spending 2 hours together. NO TV, movies, or spending money. Be creative, have fun. Parties don't count. This is quality time just with your spouse.

Here is a list of a few of my favorite ideas:

*Take a drive around town and see the twinkle lights.
*Have a carpet picnic. (Put the kids to bed, throw a blanket on the floor, have a yummy dinner, then give foot massages and talk.)
*Game night
*Wii Sports Olympics (Make gold medals our of whatever you have laying around the house and play the sports. Award the winner in a awards ceremony.)
*Go sledding, make snowmen or snow angels. Catch snowflakes on your tounge.
*If it's warm, go star gazing and find constellations.
*Barrow your kids play dough and get creative.
*Make and decorate gingerbread houses or graham cracker houses.
*Make s'mores over your range.
*Who said date night has to be at night? Have a romantic breakfast after watching the sunrise.
*Have a snowball fight.

Each Friday I will re-post this post. All you have to do is comment with what you did that week for date night (keep the comments G rated, please). Each week your comment will be entered into a drawing for a date night gift basket ($50.00 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice, $25.00 gift certificate to a theater near you and a gift basket of sparkling cider, chocolate, and other fun goodies to spice things up.)

All entries must be post by midnight on December 31st, 2010. The drawing will be held on January 1st, 2011.

For additional entries: (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry.)
*Follow this blog. (One time additional entry)
*Blog about this giveaway linking my blog to the comment. Then come back to this post and comment that you did. (One additional entry per week.)
*Comment on Facebook about this giveaway. Then come back to this post and comment that you did. (One additional entry per week.)

Our Date Night:
It's a surprise...I will update on Sunday with the details.

My surprise date went south because I ran out of formula and we had to turn date night into an emergency trip to Costco and then rush home. Regardless, we still had a great time, just the two of us enjoying eachothers company. We held hands rather than holding little ones hands and no one was screaming at us from the back seat. I loved every minute.

I am going to have a fun evening planned for the two of us tonight after the babies are in bed. We need a real date after the weekend and before the next weekend.

Traditions: Santa Bag

2010-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Santa Bag

See that red bag with the snowflakes, in the back..not the best picture, but you get the idea.

Santa Bags are one of my favorite traditions from my childhood and I have continued that tradition with my own family. They are now one of my kids favorite traditions.

Starting on Thanksgiving night, if everyone has been good all week Santa sends an elf to our house with a bag filled with a game to play together as a family, a movie, a treat, or a small toy for each child. The elf puts the bag by the door, rings sleigh bells, knocks a few times and runs. I still get excited when I hear the bells.

How to make a Santa Bag of your own: Find someone who sews, give them a few yards of fabric, some cording and tassels and tell them to have at it. In lieu of compensation show them how to coupon. I think that's a great trade.

Things you will need:

Bells

An athletic neighbor who can ring bells, knock and run really fast.

Fun things to fill the bag. I pick-up most of the gifts at the dollar store.

Be sure to leave the bag out for the elves to pick up that night. (This is also a handy way to get letters directly to Santa quickly.)

On Christmas Eve Santa fills our bag with pj's for everyone in the family, a game to play together to help pass the time, and a treat to enjoy together.

We leave the bag out that night for Santa to re-fill and on Christmas morning our kids find it under the tree filled with gifts.

Now you can start a Santa Bag Tradition of your own.

I am participating in Infarrantly Creative and Tatertots and Jello’s Blog Hop for a chance to win a Mint Cleaner. It is the revolutionary machine that cleans your hard floor surfaces for you.

Click here to join the blog hop and a chance to win!

The Mint Cleaner is available at the following places:

Amazon

The Mint Cleaner

HSN

Bed, Bath & Beyond

The $15.00 Challange -Smiths

2010-11-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

My husband received a $15.00 gift card today from his employeer as a Thanksgiving Bonus. How nice is that. I wondered how far I could stretch that gift card and came up with the $15.00 challenge.

Rules:
The total before tax can not be more than $15.00.
All of the coupons used must be printable, nothing from the mail or newspaper.

Here is what I came up with for this week for a Total Before Tax of $14.82. Looks like I get a treat at the register with my left over money!

You Shopping List:
Product, Size (Quantity) If no quantity is listed, just buy 1

1st Transaction:
Celery
Kroger Potatoes, 10 lb bag
7Up 2 Liter (3)
Idahoan Potato Pouches, (2)
Kroger Broth, 14oz (2)
Stove Top Stuffing, 6 oz (2)
Green Giant Vegetables, 7-10 oz (3)
Sara Lee Pumpkin Pie, 37 oz (2)
Cool Whip, 8 oz.
General Mills Cereal, 9-17.1 oz (2)
Pillsbury Pie Crust (2)
Pillsbury Ready To Bake Cookies (2)

2nd Transaction:
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce 14-16 oz.

Celery
Final Cost: $0.50

Kroger Potatoes, 10 lb. bag
Final Cost: $1.39

Kroger Sour Cream or Dip, 16 oz.
Final Cost: $.88

7Up, 2 liter (Buy 2 Get 1 Free)
Final Cost: $1.34 for 3

Idahoan Potatoes 4-4.1 oz pouch
Use This Coupon: Idahoan Potatoes 4oz or larger $.40/1 Group B-11/01 Print Twice
Final Cost: $1.20 for 2 pouches

Kroger Broth, 14 oz can
Final Cost: $.66 for 2 cans

Stove Top Stuffing, 6 oz.
Use This Coupon: $1/2 HERE
Final Cost: $1.00 for 2

Green Giant Vegetables, 7-10 oz
Use This Coupon: Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables, any DND .60/3 Group B
Final Cost: $.90 for 3 boxes.

Sara Lee Pumpkin Pie, 37 oz and Cool Whip 8 oz.
Use This Coupon: Sara Lee Frozen Desserts, any $1/1 This Link Print Twice
Plus Extra Promotion: Buy any 2, get 1 Cool Whip 8 oz. FREE
Final Cost: $3.00 for 2 pies and 1 Cool Whip

General Mills Cereal
Use This Coupon: Boo Berry, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs any, Cookie Crisp any, Count Chocula, Dora The Explorer, Franken Berry, Golden Grahams, kix any, Lucky Charms any, Reeses Puffs, Trix DND $1/2 (active) Group A-11/01 AND Group B-11/01
Final Cost: $1.98 for 2 boxes

Pillsbury Pie Crust
Use This Coupon: Pillsbury Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts, any DND .50/2 (active) Group A-09/01 AND Group B-09/01 Print Twice
Final Cost: $1.48 for 2

Pillsbury Ready To Bake Cookies
Use This Coupon: Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough, any DND $1/2 (active) Group A-10/01 AND Group B-10/02 Print Twice
Final Cost: $.98 for 2

Plus: GET $1.00 BACK AT THE REGISTER FOR BUYING 4 PILLSBURY PRODUCTS
A Catalina will print at the register for the $1.00 off. Use the Catalina for a second transaction:

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce 14-16 oz.

Total Before Tax: $14.82

Carters Printable Coupon 20% off $50

2010-11-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to get your Carter's Printable Coupon for 20% off your next purchase of $50.00 or more. (Or got to their Facebook page)

Don't forget Carter's lets you combine a % off coupons and a $ off coupons on the same transaction for even bigger savings.

HERE
Be sure to sign up to be on their mailing list to receive all their coupons and special by invitation only sales.

2010-11-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

The Weekly Baby Deals Roundup: 11/18

The Baby Buzz by Barbie!

Huggies Baby wipes 60ct AND 180ct. Reg $7.81
Use Huggies Baby Wipes, any 60 count or larger AND 180 count or larger $1.50/2 - 11/01 Here
Final Cost: $6.31

Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers Diapers Jumbo Packs. Reg $8.98
Use Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2.50/1 (active) Here-11/01
Final Cost: $6.48

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers Jumbo Pack. Reg $8.97
Use Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $3/2 (active) Here-11/12
Final Cost: $7.47

Huggies Diapers, big pack $19.99
Huggies Diapers, any $1.50/1 (12-11-10) SS-11/14
Final Cost: $18.49

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, big pack $19.99
Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $3/2 (active) Here-11/12 Print Twice
Final Cost: $18.49 each

Pampers Diapers, big pack $19.99
Pampers Diapers or Pants, any $1/1 (11-30-10) PG-10/31
Final Cost: $18.99

Luvs Reward- $4.00 off at the register for each item purchased listed below

RECEIVE THIS REWARD MULTIPLE TIMES BY PURCHASING MULTIPLE ITEMS (No Limit Listed)

Sale Price listed is BEFORE/AFTER subtracting 4.00

Qualifying item-
Luvs Diapers, Family pack 16.99/12.99
Final Cost: $12.99

Huggies Reward - $3.00 off at the register for each item purchased listed below

RECEIVE THIS REWARD MULTIPLE TIMES BY PURCHASING MULTIPLE ITEMS (No Limit Listed)

Sale Price listed is BEFORE/AFTER subtracting 3.00

Qualifiying Item - Huggies Jumbo Packs - Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers $8.99/$5.99

Use Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2.00/1 SS - 11/4

Final Cost: $3.99

Qualifiying Item - Huggies Jumbo Packs, ANY 8.99/5.99

Use Huggies, Any $1.50/1 (active) SS-11/14

Final Cost: $4.49

Qualifiying Item - Huggies Jumbo Packs - Huggies Goodnights 8.99/5.99
Use Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2.00/1 SS - 11/4
Final Cost: $3.49

Qualifiying Item - Huggies Jumbo Packs - Little Snugglers Diapers 8.99/5.99
Use Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2.00/1 SS - 11/4
Final Cost: $3.99

Qualifiying Item - Huggies Jumbo Packs - Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers 8.99/5.99
Use Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers, any $2.50/1 Print twice Here (Buy 2)
Final Cost $3.49

Qualifiying Item - Huggies Jumbo Packs - Snug and Dry Diapers 8.99/5.99
Use Dry Diapers, Any $3/2 Print twice Here (Buy 2)
Final Cost: $4.49 each

Get 30% off at The Children’s Place!

The Children’s Place has a 30% coupon available right now but it’s only good through tomorrow (11/18/10) so don’t delay if you want to take advantage of this great deal! Click 30% off coupon to get yours!

Also, they have a good deal on gift cards right now for the holidays. GO HERE to see our post.

Old Navy is having a sale for 50% off Clearence plus
use your 30% off your entire purchase coupon from last week or print another one HERE.

Wahoo!

Great Deal on Toys at Kohl's this week: Fisher Price toys are marked down as much as 40% off. Use the code: EXTRA20 for an additional 20% off. Plus you get free shipping on all orders of $75.00 or more. HERE is a link to all of the deals

Coupons.com

Be sure to print the following coupons from Coupons.com Here

Save $3.00 Similac®

$1.00 OFF ZarBee's Cough Syrup

Save $2.00 HUGGIES®

Save $2.50 HUGGIES®

Save $3.00 HUGGIES®

Save $5.00 Enfamil

Cookie Wednesday: Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Cookies

2010-11-17T07:43:00.001-08:00

Cookie Wednesday

Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Cookies

These cookies make my mouth water. They are my go-to cookie when I want something that is both sweet and salty. They are best just out of the oven, still warm, so I like to make a big batch and freeze the dough. Then when I want to bake some cookies and don't want the mess they are ready and waiting for me. All I have to do is bake.

Mason woke up early this morning and helped me bake. What a good helper! He just wants to eat the cookie dough, but who doesn't. I think it might actually be impossible to get this kid to hold still. Sadly this was the least blurry picture. I really need a photographer. Any want to come to my house really early Wednesday mornings to take pictures of cookies? Free cookies!

Okay, on to the recipe:

Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Cookies

The big recipe for feezing

Preheat your oven to 350*

2 c. butter (4 sticks), softened

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

4 eggs

4 tsp. vanilla

Cream these ingredients together until smooth.

In a seperate bowl mix together:

2 tsp. + 1 pinch and maybe just a little more salt

2 tsp. baking soda

5 1/2 c. four (you may need a little more, or less flour depending on your elevation. I am just shy of 5600 ft and the humidity in my kitchen is usually around 30%. So adjust accordingly.)

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Then stir in:

1 bag of butterscotch chips

1/2 of a bag of chocolate chips

Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8-11 minutes. Watch them closely. You don't want to over bake them. They should look almost under-done. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in and then I dare you to try to stop. I know I can't. (And that's way I only bake a few at a time.)

How to freeze chocolate chip cookie dough:

If you have never frozen chocolate chip cookie dough, it's so simple! Make the dough now, while you have the time, through it in the freezer, and then when the craving hits, all you have to do is bake, or if you are a pillar of restraint you could put them on treat plates for your neighbors or take them to your holiday parties.)

I just ball my dough and place it on a lightly greased cookie sheet. (I have well loved cookie sheets) Cover them with plastic warp and place them in your freezer overnight. The next morning put the frozen balls into a large freezer bag, label the bag and then put them back in the freezer. You will want to be quick because if the dough is begins to thaw they will stick to each other. When you are ready to bake one, two, or a dozen, place the balls on a cookie sheet and let thaw for 15-30 minutes, covered with plastic warp. Bake in a preheated oven as directed above.

Happy Baking!

Coupons.com

2010-11-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

NEW Coupons.com

Coupons available
Click Here to see them all

Here are just a few that are on my shopping list:

Land O’ Lakes Spreadable Butter – $0.50 off 1

McCann’s Irish Oatmeal – $1.00 off 1

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls – $0.50 off 2

Pillsbury Savorings Products – $1.00 off 1

Welches Sparkling Juices – $2.00 off 2

Wisk Laundry Detergent – $1.00 off 1

California Pizza Kitchen – $1.50 off 1

Crisco No-stick Cooking Spray – $0.75 off 1

Del Monte Fruit Naturals Cups – $1.00 off 3

EXPO Washable Markers – $2.00 off 1

Enfamil Premium – $5.00 off 1

Glade Scented Oil Candles – $1.50 off 2

Hellman’s Mayonnaise – $0.75 off 1

Jet Dry Rinse Agent – $1.00 off 1

Click Here to print any of this coupons and many more!

Red Plum

2010-11-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

NEW RED PLUM
PRINTABLE COUPONS

Click Here To see all the coupons!!!

Red Plum has new printable coupons available! Here are a few of my favorite:

SAVE $1.00 Click Here Kellogg’s® Cereals when you purchase any THREE packages of Kellogg’s® Cereals (10 oz. or Larger, Any Flavor, Mix or Match)

SAVE $1.00 Click Here Rhodes on any ONE package Rhodes™ Cinnamon Rolls

SAVE $0.75 Click Here Hillshire Farm on any TWO (2) packages of Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies®

SAVE $1.50 Click Here Kellogg’s® Cereals when you purchase any THREE packages of Kellogg’s® Apple Jacks®, Corn Pops®, Froot Loops® and/or Kellogg’s Frosted

SAVE $2.00 Click Here L'Oreal on ANY 1 L’Oréal Cosmetic Face Product

SAVE $0.50 Click Here Newman's Own on any ONE (1) Newman’s Own® Salad Dressing

SAVE $1.00 Click Here Rhodes on any ONE package Rhodes Warm-N-Serv™ Rolls

2010-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

I am taking today off due to two little snotty noses that seem to need a lot of extra care and love today! Be back tomorrow!

Macey's

2010-11-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

Macey's
**Please bare with me while I work out the kinks. If any of these links don't take you to the coupon lists please leave a comment.**

Tillamook Cheese, 2 lb. block:
Use: Cheese, any made in USA brand, 2 lbs. $1/1 Print twice Here
Final Cost $3.99

Rhodes Warm N Serve Rolls, 6-9 ct. pan
Use: In-ad store coupon: .99 each, limit 1 coupon per customer.
Also use: Rhodes Warm N Serve Rolls, any $1/1 Print twice Click Here
Final Cost: FREE!!!!

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, 17.5 oz or larger Chocolate Chip or Sugar:
Use in-ad store coupon: $1.25 each, limit 1 coupon per customer.
Also, use: Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, any flavor 17.5 oz or larger DND .40/1 Print twice Here
Final Cost: $0.85

Betty Crocker Muffin Mixes, 15.2-18.25 oz.
Use in-ad store coupon: $1.67 each, limit 1 coupon per customer.
Also use: Betty Crocker Box Muffin Mix or Fiber One Box Muffin Mix, any, DND .50/1 Print twice Here Final Cost: $1.27

Bisquick Baking Mix, 40 oz regular or reduced fat:
Use in-ad store coupon: $1.99 each, limit 1 coupon per customer.
Also use: Bisquick, Original or Heart Smart, 40 oz or larger, DND .50/1 Print twice Here
Final Cost: $1.49

Albertsons

2010-11-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

Albertsons

**Please bare with me while I work out the kinks. If any of these links don't take you to the coupon lists please leave a comment.**

Tillamook Cheese, 2 lb. block:
Use in-ad store coupon. Also, use printable manufactures coupon: Cheese, any made in USA brand, 2 lbs. $1/1 Print twice Here
Final cost $3.99
California Pizza Kitchen Small Pizza:
Use printable manufactures coupon: $1.50/1 Print twice Here
Final cost: $1.00

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, 19-50 ct. jumbo pk.:
Use printable manufactures coupon: Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2.50/1 Print twice Here
Final Cost: $6.49

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, 19-50 ct. jumbo pk.:
Use printable manufactures coupon: Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2.00/1 Print twice Here
Final Cost: $6.99

Betty Crocker Cookie Pouch:
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, any flavor 17.5 oz or larger DND .40/1 Here
Final Cost: $0.59

Red Plum and Coupons.com

2010-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

Coupons.com and Red Plum

Your new best friends!

I am now an official affiliate to both Red Plum and Coupons.com. Both provide excellent printable coupons and can be easily access from this sight by simply clicking on the box available in the top, right side of my blog. It's that simple. Make sure you have your printer read to go. To print a coupon simple select or "clip" the coupon you want to print. Then click on the print coupon button. The coupon will automatically be sent to your printer. One it has printed the first coupon click the back arrow and it will print again. Occasionally you will get luck and be able to print a coupon 3 times, but this is very rare. There you go! 2 coupons just like that!

Remember the key to couponing is combining coupons with sales to get the amazing deals. Just because a coupons is available to print this week doesn't mean it's the right time to use it. Wait for the sales!

Marbled Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe &Chocolate Never Failith Cookbook Giveaway

2010-11-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Marbled Chocolate Chip

Pumpkin Bread Recipe &

Chocolate Never Failith Giveaway

As a kick off to my new blog I am doing a few giveaways. Today not only are you getting this amazing recipe, but you also have a chance to win a copy of the cookbook 'Chocolate Never Failith' by Annette Lyon. This is my new favorite cookbook and I thought I would share the wealth. I feel like Oprah giving away my favorite things. he he! Except my favorite pair of jeans don't cost anywhere near $300.

First the recipe: (please remember that this is a copyrighted recipe and so you can not reproduce the recipe without written consent of the author.)

Marbled Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. sour cream
1 stick butter, softened
2 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 of a 29 oz. can pumpkin (about 1 1/2 c.)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
4 c. flour
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. melded chocolate chips
several squirts of nonstick spray, as needed (see instructions)

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease two loaf pans. In a small bowl combine the baking soda and sour cream. Mix together and set aside; they will react and puff up. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. When they're combined, add the sour cream/soda mixture and blend. Add the salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the flour, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the chocolate chips and mix just until they're incorporated. Turn off the mixer. The melted chocolate chips need to be easily pourable and thinner than chocolate chips typically are when melted, so you'll need to thin them slightly. (If you're using regular melting chocolate such as Guittard A'Peels, don't worry about this part; the melted chocolate is likely plenty runny). You can do this by adding oil (which is messy and hard to control the amounts on) or nonstick spray, which is essentially lecithin in a can - a fantastic low-fat oil that incorporates well into chocolate and that is easy to control. Just give the bowl of melted chocolate chips a 2 to 4 second spray, and stir it up. If the chocolate needs to be thinned a little more, spray a little more and mix again. When the chocolate is thin enough, pour it directly into the batter, using a rubber scraper to get it all in. Turn the mixer on low for just a couple of seconds. All you want to do is get the chocolate swirled into the batter. Even if the chocolate doesn't get fully mixed around, that's fine. You can swirl it around some more in the pans if you want to. Divide the batter between the two pans. Bake 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire racks. Sometimes the bread cuts easier the day after baking, but you might not ever find out for sure, because it tastes so good it probably won't last that long. Tip: Since this recipe uses only half of a regular can of pumpkin, be sure to save the other half. Scoop it into a zip-style plastic bag, label it, and pop it into the freezer for later use.

Now the giveaway: One lucky reader will receive their very own copy of this amazing cookbook. Contest ends Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 at midnight. The drawing will take place the following day.

To enter: Please post a separate comment for each of the following: (That's 4 chances to win!)

* Comment here with you favorite Thanksgiving dessert.
* Follow my blog and post a comment saying you do.
* Post a comment on Facebook, linking to this post. Leave a comment here saying you have do it.
* Blog about this recipe/contest with a link to this post. Leave a comment here with a link to your blog.

Babies "R" Us

2010-11-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

Babies "R" Us

Print these new coupons for Babies "R" Us. Combine them with manufactures coupons and you will have a great deal. Don't foget to keep your eyes open for a good sale.

These coupons are good through November 27th.

The Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic Give and Get Event

2010-11-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic

Give & Get Event

Shop any of these stores now through Sunday, November 14th!

To participate, just print this 30% off coupon. After you are done checking out, pass the coupon along to the person behind you in line and ask them to do the same. That's it!

This coupon is also valid in the factory outlet stores too, which makes me so excited.

Plus 5% of your purchase will be donated to one of six charities!

Aeropostale Sale Now through Tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM

2010-11-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Aeropostale Sale...SHOP NOW!

Aeropostale is having a big 75% off sale that will last through tomorrow (11/11) morning at 6:00AM (probably Eastern Time). The sale includes all kinds of great gift ideas including sleepwear starting at $5.99. If you have a tradition of giving new pj's on Christmas Eve this is a great time to buy them.

You will also want to make sure to go through Shop at Home where you will get 5% cashback on your order, plus a $5 credit if it is your first time shopping through them.

Thanks Bargain Blessings

Disney's A Christmas Carol: $10 off Coupon!

2010-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Disney's A Christmas Carol Coupon and Rebates

Disney has released a $10 off coupon that is good on A Christmas Carol Blu-ray Combo Pack! This movie will be released on November 16th. Keep watching for great deals that will be coming to use with this coupon.

You can also get a $10 Mail-in-Rebate when you buy a Butterball Turkey and a $5 Mail-in-Rebate when you buy two participating Kernal Seasonings products. When you combine the 2 rebates and the coupon that is $25.00 off! WOW!

This is going to be a great savings. I am hoping that by the time the movie is released there will be a deal that makes it so you earn money by purchasing the movie.

JCPenny $10 off $25 with FREE site-to-store shipping and 6% Cashback

2010-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to copy and paste this right from Bargain Blessings because I want to be sure to get it right. Here is the post:

JCPenny

Site-to-store shipping is FREE for all items and regular shipping (to your home) is FREE for men’s and women’s shoes. Another option is to use the code 4NICEVIP to get an additional 20% off, but keep in mind that you can only use one promo code per order.

This deal gets even better since Ebates is currently offering 6% cashback on your JCPenney purchases! Just log-in or sign-up, search for JCPenney and use their link to get to the JCPenney website!

Don’t forget to check out their clearance section. I love this dress (was $90) which ends up being just $15.97 after the coupon code and cashback!

Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice

2010-11-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice $2 off 2!

You will want to make sure to print this$2 off 2 Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice coupon before it is gone! Watch your stores for sales and combine the coupon with the sale to get a really great deal.

You many have to go a few pages back to find it, but keep looking. I know I will be buying a bunch of this for the Holiday's. Be sure and print the coupon twice!

Thanks Bargain Blessings