12-5-10

9:15am

What's on the agenda for today.

-laundry
During the Winter months I try to tame down the laundry.
Kids aren't playing outside and getting as dirty
so if their tops and pants don't smell
or look too bad I hang them back up in the closets.
Same goes for me sometimes, but with holiday baking, my clothes look like I rolled in the flour, lol.
Now as for Tony's work clothes, I do wash them.
He does wear his pants a couple times before
tossing them in the laundry.
By doing this it helps cut back on the cost
of water and electric usage. Also saves me time
for something else to be doing around here!

-Work on my Christmas shopping list.
Trying to get a game plan together as to what
we'll be buying and where to shop.
So will give the Sunday paper a look over today.

I have also gotten together some coupons
so we can eat out for breakfast and/or lunch a couple days
this week. It's not too often that me and him
get time to ourselves without kids.
So this is like a special treat for us.
Got a couple buy 1 get 1 free McDonald's breakfast
sandwiches and McCafe coffee.
Also plan to visit Tee Jayes. It's a tradition of ours
to go there. Gotta have that barnyard buster.
I usually get the Half Yard which is half of a
Barnyard Buster for a buck or two cheaper.

-Cut up and scrap the copper & brass
that Tony's been collecting at work from
different maintenance jobs that otherwise
would have been thrown away.
That could mean an extra $100 more or less for free
from the scrap metal place!

-And the last thing I have on my list for
today is to start working on some cookies
for Christmas goody bags.

---------------------------------------------------------

Harbor Freight

For those looking for cheap items
to get little boys started with
collecting tools.

Has a coupon for a free pair
multipurpose scissors with steel blades.
in separate ad with all other ads.

coupon for free 1 1/2 in super bright
nine LED aluminum flashlight.
(in Smartsource coupons)

Don't forget about the voltage tester
also that was in the paper last week.
There was a coupon for a free one!

20% off anything coupon.

12" Ratchet bar clamp
$1.99
reg. $6.99

--------------------------------

TEENAGE BOY GIFTS IDEAS:


Last year for my oldest son I started
buying a bunch of snack items that were cheap
or found in the mark down bin.
In a large box wrapped up for Christmas
I put in canned pop, bags of pretzels, chips,
cheese puffs, cookies, popcorn, cereal, beef jerky and so on.
Teens are always hungry and looking for snacks
so this was a great present for him.
And if you're like me and use coupons you
can find some good deals on these items.
It's a gift they are sure to use and not
turn their noses up to!

Those Kroger Christmas cookies are known
to go on sale after Christmas for about .25 cents a box!!
So stock up this year for next with the after holiday sales!!

He also likes skull things, like biker stuff.
I shopped after Halloween sales when things
went to 50% to 75% off.
I've been known to buy him skull mugs,
fake tattoo sleeves for the arms,
temporary tattoos.

This year he is getting a couple strands of lights
with skeletons on it, lol.
Picked up for about $1.50 a box 75% off.

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I also picked up a skull candle holder
at a yard sale for probably .25 cents
along with a biker wallet with chain
for a buck.
I love shopping yard sales for Christmas
gifts at a fraction of the cost!

Trying to come up with cheap gift ideas
for boys, whether young, teenage or older
is difficult. That is why I am throwing these
ideas out there.

We have enough points accumulated on
our Speedway card to get my oldest
son a $100 Speedway gift card which
he can use to buy gas. He's always saying
he doesn't have enough money for gas.
So this cost us nothing to get
and he can have $100 in free gas!!

And earlier this year I found a nice
surround system for about $15 at a church sale.
He's always admiring ours and said
his regular stereo he hooked up for surround
quit working.
It has everything from wires,
to 5 or more speakers and a subwoofer.
The only thing it did not have was
the stereo componant to run it all.
And as luck would have it, we found
one this past Summer with all the college move outs!
So total cost for a very nice surround system
was $15!!

Total cost for all his gifts:
2 boxes skeleton lights,
skeleton candle holder,
biker wallet
$100 gas card &
surround sound...

$19.25!!
You don't have to spend allot to make it look like you did!!
I still might shop for a couple nice shirts/pants/shoes at the thrift store.

---------------------------------------------------------

12:30pm

I just got done making clay chocolate candy.
This was pretty easy to make and mold.
I am tying it in the tool box & tools mold.
I tried the melted chocolate in this mold
and it never worked out so I am hoping this works.
I always thought this would be a neat, unique gift
for the maintenance guys at Tony's work.
I used gel food coloring to make the different colors.
Which was pretty cool because I've never
been able to make chocolate different colors before.
What was funny was when I started mixing
in the red gel into the chocolate it was turning pink.
I thought, oh gosh a pink tool box, can you imagine
the guys faces if I gave them that, lol.
But I kept adding the red food coloring til
it reached a red color, WHEW!
My guess is that about 2 packages of white
bark chocolate will make about 3 of these.
--------------------------------------------------------------

2:45pm

Getting ready to work on supper
and a batch of mini peanut butter cookies.
Doing mini cookies because I can only get so
many varieties of cookies into a brown lunch
bag and it also takes less time to bake
and more cookies can be baked on each
cookie sheet.
..

Tonight's Supper with my changes

Salisbury Steak

Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together 1/3 cup condensed French onion soup with ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt and black pepper. Shape into 6 oval patties.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown both sides of patties. Pour off excess fat.
3. In a small bowl, blend flour and remaining soup until smooth. Mix in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder. Pour over meat in skillet. Cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Instead of French onion soup I will used
a small can of beef gravy.

I will dice up a small onion and add to
the meat mixture.

Instead of ketchup I will use a can of
tomato soup.

Not adding worcestershire sauce or dry mustard.
Will use beef bouillion instead.

I will also add some fresh, sliced mushrooms
to the sauce.

4:30pm

Served with a side of lumpy mashed potatoes
with skins on,
creamy shells & cheese
& bread and butter.
----------------------------------------------

Tomorrow morning I'm fixing the kids
something different for breakfast,
fried bologna sandwiches on toast with cheese.
With OJ to drink.
I found Tropicana 6 packs at Kroger marked
down to $2.09.
I know it sounds odd but think about it,
people are eating steak or pork & eggs.
Hardees serves fried bologna on biscuits for breakfast.
My mom used to give us soup for breakfast on
a cold Winter's day. That sure made you feel
warm and fuzzy before heading outside!
I don't know who made the rules to decide what
were breakfast foods. I think you should eat what
you want. It's better than nothing. And breakfast
is the most important meal of the day to get you going!

Another mark down I found at Kroger was
heavy whipping cream for $1.00. Reg. $3.00!!
And loaves of bread marked half price at .49 cents each.

Well it's going on 5:00pm and I need
to finish up my laundry. Hubby asked why
I wait til Sunday to do laundry.
I said why not. I said if you do them Sunday then
you know you are guaranteed clean clothes for
a whole work & school week. I really don't feel like doing
laundry in the middle of the week anyway with
too much stuff going on.

-----------------------------------------

6:20pm

Just got done making my Christmas shopping
ideas book. I took a regular spiral notebook
and taped cut out sections of sales ads with
items of interest in it. I have it divided up
by stores and have coupons in there as well.
At least I'll have some clue as to what we're
shopping for this week and will keep a list
in this book also of what we got and for whom.
I'll also tape a zip bag or envelope in there
for all the receipts.
...------------------------------------------------------

You wanna see kids flip out and about
crap their pants!!

Send them a personalized video from Santa!!
He'll even call them by name and say a few
things about them!!

Try it! I bet your kids or grand kids
will be believing that there is really a Santa
after seeing this!!

.There is a GREAT freebie offer for a message from Santa to your children or even to an adult! Go to portablenorthpole.tv and create a awesome e-mail/Video message from Santa to your kids. It is FREE and it not only very realistic but also customizes to your children..

-------------------------------------------------------

from hip2save

.

Woo Hoo! I have some great news for all of you that didn’t receive the *HOT* $5/1 Hasbro game coupons in the 12/5 SS. There are 2 new printable coupons now available online…

*Save $5/1 Sorry Spin, Twister Hoopla, Bop It Bounce or U Build Battleship game
*Save $5/1 Elefun, Gator Golf, Hungry Hungry Hippos or Pop Goes Froggio game

And the best part – both the coupons above have NO size restrictions!

(Thanks, My Frugal Adventures!)

Here are a couple deals you can score with these coupons:

Target
Hasbro Fun on the Run Hungry Hungry Hippos Travel Game $4.99
(Can be found in the Stocking Stuffer Section)
Use the $5/1 coupon found in the 12/5 SS or here
Final cost FREE!!
(Thanks, Totally Target!)

Walmart
Hungry Hungry Hippo Travel Game $5.24
Use the $5/1 coupon found in the 12/5 SS or here
Final cost $0.24!
(Thanks, Dealicious Finds!)

Got mine printed and put in my
Christmas ideas book!

-------------------------------------------

also from hip2save

I just wanted to give you all a head up because I didn’t realize it when I first posted the Excedrin FREE product coupons… but you can head back on over there and scroll down to the bottom to request a coupon valid for $3.50/1 Excedrin PM product. This will be sent via snail mail and should arrive within 2-3 weeks. I’m guessing this will easily make for a FREE product when paired with a sale.

I was able to sign up for one for me
and mom.
This is for a coupon to be snail mailed to you.
Once you get it watch Walgreens ads for store
coupons for Excederin so you can combine that
coupon with a store coupon.
For example this week at Walgreens they
have a $4.00 off Excederin coupon 250 count.

------------------------------------------------------

Gingerbread Butterscotch Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) cook-and-serve butterscotch pudding mix
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs. Combine the flour, pudding mixes, ginger, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Decorate as desired. Yield: about 2 dozen.

-----------------------------------------------------

Can't forget these cookies at Christmas time!!
Don't know why it is, but Taste of Home's
pictures of my recipes look awful!!
I'll show you what they are supposed to
look like after I make them.
I usually like to use snowflake
stamps to make them.
Then I'll fill in the indentations with white melted
chocolate with a little whipping cream mixed
in.

Stamped by Design Cookies Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home

Rate recipe

“I was afraid if I frosted cookies to give for gifts at Christmastime, they would stick together when stacked in tins,“ relates Sherry Lee of Columbus, Ohio. “So I came up with this idea to use a foam stamp to create an indented design for the frosting. ”

• 72 Servings
• Prep: 25 min. Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate or white cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• Sugar
• 
  ICING:
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• Assorted food coloring, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, eggs and oil until blended. Roll into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.
• Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes or until tops are set. Lightly press a 1-1/2-in. cookie cutter onto cookies making a slight indentation. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired. Place icing in a small heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Carefully pipe icing into indentations. Yield: 6 dozen.

---------------------------------------------

Here's a tip for getting those crispy, over baked
& hard cookies to become soft again.
In a zip bag or plastic container with lid, place the cookies
inside with a couple pieces of bread.
The cookies will absorb the moisture from
the bread. I do this all the time and works
like a charm!

12-4-10

I'm all for making recipes with cheaply bought

ingredients! Here are a few I have found to make
for the Holidays.

.Cheddar Cheese Spritz cookies: Makes about 24 cookies..
You can make these in straight lines
instead of wreaths.

You will need a star disk for this in a cookie press.




You Need:1/2 cup unsalted butter,3tbsp heavy cream,1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup finely grated sharp Cheddar cheese,1 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese,1 tsp Baking pd,1tsp sugar,1/2 tsp salt.You can add some herbs and 1/2tsp lemon zest if you like.




----------------------------------------------------------------

I started browsing my Pillsbury mini cookbooks,
those kind you find at the checkout at the grocery store.
I have somewhere between 300-400 of them.
I've been getting them from yard sales at a fraction
of the cost.

Anyway I ran across a recipe called
candy clay.
It is made from chocolate candy coating
or chocolate bark.
You can mold it into any shape you desire!
Click on photo to enlarge to see recipe.
Sorry I didn't feel like writing it out
so I cheated and took pictures of it.
I'm thinking about making candy canes
and possibly pressing this into candy molds.
...
I have this mold somewhere and I've
always wanted to do a chocolate toolbox
filled with tools for the maintenance guys
but had a problem using melted chocolate with it and getting
it to come out of the mold
without breaking.
If I find the mold I might give this a try with the
candy clay.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Here's another recipe I found in a
Jello & Cool Whip cookbook.

Easy Rocky Road Fudge

This recipe doesn't require any
chocolate chips so it fits better into my budget!
You could also emit the nuts for an even cheaper version.
Try rice krispies store brand cereal instead for the crunch.
Or Dollar Tree sells a variety of nuts for $1.00.
Store brand pudding is cheaper than Jello!

.
OR here is another cheap version of fudge.

1- 12 oz bag chips, melt 90 seconds in microwave, take out & stir, add 1 can white frosting, (not whipped) stir, microwave another 90 seconds, take out, stir well, pour into a greased pan (8x8 is size I used) chill till set, about 1/2 hour.

Here are some ideas:

.German chocolate (coconut & pecan) frosting and milk chocolate chips.

.Peanut butter chips/chocolate frosting – tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

.Mint chocolate chips/chocolate frosting – tastes like an Andes mint .

.Cherry chips/chocolate frosting – tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry .

.white frosting with white chips and added coconut and slivered almonds..

peanut butter chips with white frosting for peanut butter fudge

.Pina Colada Fudge
1(12-ounce) package (2 cups) white vanilla chips
1 (3.25-ounce) jar macadamia nuts, chopped, toasted
1 (16-ounce) can Creamy Supreme Vanilla Frosting
1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple
1/2 cup coconut, toasted
1 teaspoon rum extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract

Line 8- or 9-inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges. Place chips in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.
Reserve ¼ cup nuts for garnish. Add remaining nuts and all remaining ingredients to melted chip mixture; mix well. Spread in foil-lined pan. Sprinkle with reserved nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Remove fudge from pan by lifting foil. Remove foil; cut into squares.
Makes 36 squares..
-------------------------------------------
.Favorite Cookies and Cream Fudge
1 (12 oz.) pkg. vanilla chips
1 can cookies and cream frosting
10 oreos, cut in quarters
3 oreos, crushed

Line an 8 inch square pan with foil. Melt chips over low heat. Remove from heat. Add frosting. Stir in quartered oreos, and mix until well coated. Quickly spread into pan. Sprinkle with crushed cookies.
Refrigerate 1 hour until firm..

And remember to save those frosting containers!
Cut out wrapping paper and glue to sides
to give it a more festive look.
Put your cut up fudge inside to give as gifts!
.

------------------------------------------------------

You're gonna needs some of these
after doing Christmas shopping!
Got me and mom some :0)

Sign up to receive a FREE Exedrin Extra Strength product coupon via mail (up to $5.99 value). You will receive you coupon in 2-3 weeks.

You have a choice between extra strength,
migraine or pm.

-------------------------------------------------

Crock Pot Potpourri

You usually have these things when
baking so why not throw a few ingredients
in your potpourri pot to make your house smell good!

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Christmas Simmering potpourri

Simple and great smelling. I like to mix the dry ingredients up in little Ziploc's to have them ready to add to water during the holiday season.

3 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
1/4 cup whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 lemon slices, fresh or 2 tablespoons dried lemon peel
2 tablespoons orange peel or dried orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 quart water

Mix all ingredients in medium saucepan. Simmer on low heat. Add more water as needed.

-------------------------------------------



------------------------------------------------

Spent most the afternoon putting up
Christmas lights & decorations.
Got done around 4:30pm.

........

---------------------------------------------------

6:30PM

This evening I got a hankerin' for some
cookies. I made up 2 1/2 dozen peanut butter cookies.
I had some leftover chocolate from making
the snowman pretzels so rolled the edges of
the cookies in that. Yum yum!!
.


-------------------------------------------------------

More Spritz Cookie recipes & ideas.

Classic Spritz Cookies from Wilton

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon no-color almond extract

Makes: 7-8 dozen cookies.

instructions

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

In bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk, vanilla and almond extract; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture; beat until combined. Do not chill. Fill cookie press with dough and with desired disks, press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet on cooling rack. Remove from sheet; cool completely.

.

1 cup butter, softened (I use margarine)
3 egg yolks
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Mix the margarine, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla, add flour and mix by hand.


Spoon into cookie press,then press onto ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugars.


Bake in preheated 400 degrees F oven for 7-10 minutes. ( keep a careful eye on the temp & time in oven)!.

.

.

Key Lime Spritz Cookies

.

.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 egg

1 tsp. finely shredded key lime or lime peel (set aside)

2 tsp. key lime or lime juice

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Coarse sugar (optional)

Lime Icing (optional)

Green colored sugar (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, salt and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and juice until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour and the lime peel.

2. Place unchilled dough into cookie press fitted with template. Force dough through cookie press, forming desired shapes, 1 inch apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. If you like, sprinkle cookies with coarse sugar.

3. Bake in a 400 degree F. oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are firm but not brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool. If you like, drizzle with Lime Icing; let stand 20 minutes or until set. Or, dip tops of cookies in Lime Icing, if you like, and sprinkle with green sugar. Let stand until set.

4. Store undrizzled cookies in tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Makes about 84 cookies.

Lime Icing
In a small bowl stir together 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice and enough milk (2 to 3 teaspoons) to make drizzling consistency. If desired, tint pale green with food coloring. Makes about 1/3 cup icing.

------------------------------------------------

Chocolate-Mocha Spritz Cookies

Ingredients:

Yield:

90 90

90-120

Servings Size

• Spritz cookies

Spritz cookies

• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder, heaped
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, mixed in
• 1 teaspoon boiling water

Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 37 mins

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200 degrees C).
2. Combine the flour and salt in a small bowl, stir to mix.
3. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Add the chocolate, beat again, add coffee and cocoa powder.
5. Gradually add the the flour mixture while making.
6. Fit a cookie press with desired plate and fill the press with dough, press the dough 1 inch apart onto a ungreased cookie sheet. If you don't have a press, I'm sure you could use a pasty bag and pipe shapes.
7. Bake batches for 7 mins or until set (you might want to play around with timings as most ovens are unique). Note these cookies harden whilst they cool, I would also recommend using a mixer unless your super strong as it's quite a lot of dough.

--------------------------------------

Jello Spritz Cookies

Makes about 9 dozen

1 box (3 ounce) Jello
1/2 cup (8 tablespoons, 1 stick) butter, softened
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cup flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together butter, shortening, jello, and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla.
3. Add salt and baking powder, mix well. Gradually add flour. Mix well.
4. Using a spritz cookie press, press dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat. [Alternatively, you could use a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip (or play around with other tips) to make freehand shapes].
5. Bake for about 8 minutes. Don’t brown the cookies, they should be just firm to touch when done.
6. Cool on a rack. Store in an airtight container. These cookies can also be frozen to be eaten later.

---------------------------------------------------

12-3-10

Tony has requested some chocolate
covered pretzel sticks after seeing some
of the snowman ones I did.
I've made them before as gifts with
sprinkles, crushed cookies, nuts, crushed peppermints,
crushed cereal, etc.

12 ounces chocolate bark or chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons shortening
Melt in a pot over low heat and dip or
spoon over desired food.
You could also cut the pretzel rods in
half and make smaller ones.

Give them as gifts. Put into clear party sized
bags from Dollar Tree with some curling ribbon
or
how about a candy jar full of them to give as a gift.
Just ideas not my own pics.

from taste of home

.
At the moment the pretzel rods are about
$1.67 at Kroger and the baker's chocolate
bark is $2.50 for white or chocolate which
comes in about 8 blocks of chocolate.

The problem I had been having with making them
is finding a way to stand them when drying.
I might search around for some thick styrofoam
and poke holes in the bottom to stand them in
while drying in the fridge.

--------------------------------------------------------------

8:25am

Well me and mom did our good deed this morning.
The bus arrived 5 minutes early causing one of
the neighbor kids to miss the bus.
We asked his grandma if
she would like us to take him to school since
we were already in the car, so we did.

----------------------------------------------------------
..
Meijers just posted their ad for a sneak
peek into next weeks sales.
I wanted to tell ya about them having
a Bachmann Pacific Flyer/ Thoroughbred Train set
for $40.00.
(plus I get another 10% discount because my oldest son works there! So $36.00 for me, yeah!)
This is an HO scale.
Includes: Diesel engine, 2 freight cars and caboose, 47" x 38" oval of snap-fit E-Z Track® with 12 pieces of curved track, 1 piece straight track, and 1 straight plug-in terminal rerailer, power pack and speed controller, plus illustrated instruction manual.

I have a child that LOVES trains.
So while I am not an expert with model railroads,
I do have more knowledge than your average Joe,
I do know they can be quite expensive.

I think we've been to every train show,
museum and train rides there are in central Ohio
to Hocking Hills!

A decent battery operated train set can run about $20 to $30
so this electric powered set is a very good deal!
Bachmann is a dependable name when it comes
to model railroading!
I priced them elsewhere online and saw them
going for $60 to $90.

Once I get the basement finished and set up
as a rec/family room, we plan on setting up
a train table for Christopher.

Actual train pieces and parts for buildings
and scenery can be very expensive.
One year my friend Kendra gave us TONS
of Christmas village buildings and accessories.
While I don't have enough room to display them all
at Christmas time, I saved them all for use on
the train track display we will build.

So if your son is into trains like mine is
start looking for those Christmas villages & accessories
to be marked down after Christmas and give
them another use other than for Christmas.
It can be much cheaper than shopping
at an actual train or hobby store!!

-----------------------------------------------------

11:45am

.
Just got done making
a total of 18 chocolate covered
snowman pretzels.
They still need their fruit roll up scarves.
I think I'm gonna reconsider making 50+
of these for the kids school since
they are time consuming.
These will go in family, friend's & neighbor's
goody bags.

--------------------------------------------

12:00pm

Tide Stain Release Spray

.1st 5,000 Get Free Tide Stain Release Pre-Treat Spray (NOON EASTERN) » Deal Wise Mommy www.dealwisemommy.net

The Tide giveaway start today at noon EST. They will be giving away 5,000 Tide Stain Release Pre-treat Sprays!

Sorry these are gone!
I just barely got mine, whew!
Went to sign up for one for mom
and that quick it said all 5,000 were gone.

---------------------------------------------------

I had gone to Speedway this morning
and got my step-dad a newspaper.
While standing in line I noticed the paper
was $2.00. I thought geesh the newspaper
went up! Then I checked the date and it
was last Sunday's newspaper from 5 days ago!
There was still a stack of them leftover for sale.
Needless to say I switched it for today's paper.
I can't figure out why they still have
the Sunday paper out for people to buy.

--------------------------------------------------

This weekend we'll be putting up outdoor Christmas lights.
We're a little behind with getting that done.
Got all the Christmas lights and yard ornaments out
and ready to go.
Do you think the extension cords were with them all
or can be found? Heck no.
Now I have to go out and buy outdoor extension cords, grrr.
Where can I go to buy a couple cheap ones???

----------------------------------------

5:45pm

Got supper done with
the black & bleu burgers,
sooo good, served with onions,
cheese slice, horseradish, pickles, mayo & ketchup.
and a side of steak fries.

While cooking supper I got my two carts
set up and ready for baking. I am so loving
this idea! It frees up my counters.
It's like a rolling baking pantry on wheels.
I'm gonna use the top & bottom racks
as cooling racks for my cookies,
that's why I didn't put anything on them.
And I told the kids, if it's on the cart
don't touch or eat it!!

...Here's what all is on my carts:
cookie mixes, coconut, caramels, chocolate chips,
candies, sprinkles, spices, extracts, nuts, marshmallows,
baking cups, cereal, bark chocolate,
brown paper lunch bags & ribbon.

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Why is it when you seem to hit 40
that the things you usually do, now hurt more to do
or if you get a simple injury it is more severe than before.

Today I ran my knee into the door jamb of mom's
truck this morning when getting in.
I'm used to bangs and bumps, getting a bruise
and healing. Not this time. My upper knee cap
hurts allot to the touch. I can't win. Guess with
getting older you have to be more careful with what
you do.
I ain't saying nothing to doc about it Tuesday when I visit him.
He'd be sending me out again for more xrays.
And after this visit I don't want any more visits
for awhile.
Today I had one doctor bill come.
It was for my foot xray. Would have cost $261 but
with insurance I pay $24.00.
I still have another xray I got for my chest
to check for pneumonia, which I still don't
know the results of 2 weeks later.
Then all the other hospital bills I haven't gotten yet. So it's only getting started.
I am hoping that between this week and next to get
my prize money from Downy. That would be nice
right about now.
When younger I would stub my toe so many times
I lost count, step on nails, and pull other foreign objects
from my feet and have no problem from running around barefoot.
Hit 40 and drop an empty bucket on your foot and get a little
cut and risk the chance of having your toe cut off.
Getting old sucks!!

12-2-10

Do you get itchy, dry skin this time of year?
Try an oatmeal bath.
Put anywhere from about a 1/2 to 2 cups of instant oatmeal
into pieces of pantyhose and tie up.
Wet the oatmeal bag and keep squeezing into
your bath water. Use the bag to rub
over your body.
This is so much cheaper than buying those
packets which can run about $6.00 for an 8 pack.
If you don't have pantyhose you can do like I do
and put the oatmeal into a food processor and
grind down into fine particles and just add
it straight to your bath water.
I keep one container of regular oatmeal
and one container of ground up oatmeal that I can
use in the bath or make a paste with and apply
directly to the skin for poison ivy or bee stings.

For those of you who may get W.I.C. and
have too much instant baby cereal,
you can use that also in your bath!



How about making some oatmeal bath
gifts in a jar for someone on your Christmas list.
Here's a recipe for an oatmeal cookie bath or
oatmeal cookies & milk bath.
Not sure how economical it is to make since
it has dry milk powder in it and that can
get expensive. They do sell powdered milk at Aldis.
Oatmeal Cookies & Milk Bath

1 cup cornstarch
2 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in blender or food processor until it is a fine powder. Just add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to your bathwater for a soothing bath.

. ---------------------------------------------------------------

9:20am

Got all my bills and rebates done, whew!
I had $47.00 total in rebates
from Pep Boys!

Cleaned out my purse. What a mess
with papers everywhere.
Found all sorts of coupons in there, lol,
from where I picked them up in stores
or got catalinas.
I had 4 freebie coupons for things
like ibuprofen, poise pads, chocolate &
2 liter Big K pop. Luckily they haven't
expired and I can still use them.

I also found more coupons
for the Krusteaz cookie mixes!
Forgot that the kids had picked up
a bunch of coupons for me during one
of our grocery trips.
$1.49 x's 10 is $14.90
minus $10 in coupons
makes it $4.90 for 10 or .49 cents each!!
Gonna have to go back and get 10 more.
That will be 20 boxes of cookie mixes I'll have, lol.
These are regular $2.29 each x's 10 is $22.90
when not on sale and without coupons!

I feel better that bills & rebates are out
of the way now. One less thing to worry about.
Now I can work on Christmas baking!

Still need to work on Christmas cards.
The other day my insurance company sent
me a sheet of 51 free Christmas address labels!
That was nice of them. I can use those on my cards.
I usually include school photos of the kids
in each card. And this year if I can get my printer
to work, I might make up some seed packets
from the flowers I grew this past Summer.

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Wasn't quite sure what to have for supper tonight
until I was rummaging around in my pantry for baking
supplies when I ran across a couple cans of chili.

CHILI MAC

1 box elbow macaroni
2 cans Hormel chili
1 jar salsa or 1 large can diced tomatoes
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion diced

---------------------------------

3:15pm

I made a couple things today.
I got started on making the snowman
pretzel rods.
.Then I made Mint Chocolate Apple Crisps,
the name I gave them.
I cored and slices 3 apples.
Then put the apples in water with a little lemon juice
to keep them from browning.
.Then in a small sauce pan melted
2 Tablespoon shortening,
a box of Andes Mints
and 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
over low heat.
.While the chocolate was melting
I added a cup of cocoa krispies
and a 1/2 cup nut topping to a bowl and combined together.
.Next I poked the apple slices with skewers
and held over the melted chocolate.
I spooned the chocolate over the apple
slice until completely covered.
..
Then rolled the chocolate covered apple slice
into the cereal & nut mixture.
I then poked the skewer into an empty box
to allow the chocolate to set up somewhat.
Once completed I sat them in the fridge
until the chocolate hardened and I was
able to remove the skewers.
These would look nice on a fruit tray
during the holidays.
I made some with mint chocolate and no topping.
..---------------------------------------------

When making Christmas goodies, remember to make
some for your trash man, mailman or whoever
you deal with on a weekly basis.
I'm thinking about making a goody bag or tin
of baked goods and leaving it in the mailbox
with the flag up for the mailman.
Knowing my luck I'd have a substitute mailman
that day, lol.

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A quick and easy way to make freezer meals
is to double your recipes when making your
regular supper meals. Not everyone has time
to spend the day making a variety of meals
for the freezer. I know some days I don't.
Like tonight I am making a double pot
of chili mac. Half will be eaten for supper
and lunch tomorrow and the other half
will be packed up for the freezer.
If you do this for a month straight you could
accumulate a month's worth of meals in your freezer
and it really doesn't take any extra time out of your day to do.
.And these meals didn't cost all that much to make.
1 box elbow macaroni .50 cents
1 large can whole tomatoes .49 cents
2 cans Hormel no bean chili .66 cents
1.2 pound pkg ground turkey $1.39

Ya gotta remember I shop the mark down bins,
clearance sections and use coupons to
get things at those prices.

When boiling the macaroni I poured the
extra juice from the tomatoes in the pot as well.

TOTAL COST for 2 meals (about 10 servings)
$3.04
or .30 cents a serving

Think about it,
if you do freezer meals this way
you would only have to
fix supper 6 months out of the year!!
The other 6 months you'll just spend
warming up premade meals.
(ok, minus the holidays, lol)

Large butter bowls are just
the right size to put family meals in!
.----------------------------------------------------------------------

8:55pm

Just returned from Kroger.
Yeah I splurged this week with my grocery spending
but I got some really good deals
to add to my stockpile that should last
quite awhile.
Plus there was a couple weeks not long ago
with being sick and all that I didn't go shopping
so it all equals out in the end.

I absolutely LOVED my cashier tonight!!
She loved to see how much I had saved
and was interested in how much I paid
for certain items after the coupons.
When taking off my coupons she even
went as far as double checking to see
if she took off 10 of certain coupons I had,
which it was a good thing because she missed
a few.
Why can't I have cashiers like this all the time???!!!

TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS & SALES
$112.09

TOTAL SPENT
$36.94

TOTAL SAVED
$75.15
.
My receipt says I saved $71.35
but they don't include the savings
when you buy items that are manager
specials so I also included that in there.
I got 3 items from the mark down bin.
..

-Farfalle Pasta 12 oz box
was $1.39
marked down to .69 cents

-28 oz can crushed tomatoes
was .93 cents
marked down to .49 cents

-28 oz can baked beans
was $1.40
marked down to .69 cents

My other deals.
I had some coupons I took with
me but picked up about 15 more
from blinkies and off boxes in the store.


Big K 2 liter diet cherry cola
reg. .80 cents
I paid: FREE!!

4 two liters diet mountain dew
reg. $1.69 x's 4 is $6.76
I paid .39 cents each
I saved $5.20!!

6 two liters diet sierra mist
reg. $1.69 x's 6 is $10.14
I paid .39 cents each
I saved $7.80!!

4 two liters diet sunkist
reg. $1.63 x's 4 is $6.52
I paid .38 cents each
I saved $5.00!!

10 boxes Orville Reddenbacker Gourmet microwave popcorn
3 packs-
(spicy nacho, caramel corn, kettle corn, movie theater butter,
cheddar cheese, salt & pepper etc)
Reg. $3.29 each x's 10 is $32.90
but 10 and get them for $1.49 each x's 10 is $14.90
$1.00 blinkie machine coupons x's 10
I paid $4.90 for 10 boxes
I SAVED $28.00!!

10 boxes Krusteaz cookie mixes
reg. $2.29 x's 10 is $22.90
buy 10 and get them for $1.49 each x's 10 is $14.90
$1.10 coupons on box x's 10
I paid $4.90 for 10 boxes
I SAVED $18.00!!

I also got other things.
One of which I splurged on, because
every now and then you want a little
something different for supper, so I got
something called Black & Bleu Hamburgers
from the butcher shop.
It has a pepper seasoning along
with some bleu cheese mixed in each patty.
These 4 butcher shop gourmet burgers cost about the
same as 4 McDonalds Double Cheeseburgers.
So in all reality I'm getting the better end of the deal.
And while at the butcher shop the butcher
offered us some steak samples.
What store does that, lol.
Man that was sooo good!
We also sampled cookies, pineapple
and tangerines while there.
There's always samples at the Henderson store!
I drive 5 miles to go to that store and bipass
about 4 other Kroger's to go to that one.

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Haven't tried this next tip before but figured
I'd post it anyway.
It's for when you have a fever.

If you cut an onion in half then cut 1 thick slice from each cut sides...put the slices on the arches of your feet...put sock on...wrap your feet in a blanket or towel. ..then in about one hour your onion will start to smell like an onion cooking...AND YOUR FEVER WILL BE GONE...