2-2-10

Well I went to Urgent Care this morning.
Out of the blue now I have to pay full
price because they said my deductible hasn't been met.
That's news to me as we have never had to
pay full price before. When we took Jonathan
a couple weeks ago we didn't have to pay
everything up front.

Here have been my symptoms:
-Constant loose bowels for past month 4-6 times a day
-Stomach cramps, severe at times
-No energy, feeling drained
-sometimes swollen hands/feet
-Cold chills, no fever
-lower back spasms
-pain from back, hips and legs down to knees

I have had no fever, been normal or around 99 degrees.
No upset stomach. Appetite has been good.

I didn't get everything done that should have been
done today. I still have to make a doctor's appointment
with the family doctor to get other things done
so that way it will only cost me a $20 copay
or else I would have had to pay full price
for everything during this visit to Urgent Care.

The doc at Urgent Care did run a urine test.
The white blood cell count came back normal
but there was high protein in my urine.
She told me that it could mean muscles distress.

She did give me a pill prescription for diareah.
Take 3 times a day for almost 7 days.
Not supposed to eat fruits, veggies, dairy products,
spicy or fried foods, candy or alcoholic beverages.

Now I have to make a doctor's appointment
with the family doctor to have these things
done for further testing of what could be going on:
(I googled things to show you what they mean)

-Complete Blood Count Test with Differential

-A Comprehensive Metabolic Chemistry Panel

-Pap Smear

-Pelvic Exam

-xrays and possible MRI
for possible herniated disc
causing back spasms and leg/hip pain

Supposed to refrain from picking up heavy things.
Yeah right, this is a mom that does the grocery
shopping while everyone is away during the day
and has to carry the bags into the house
and has to carry laundry baskets and clothes
from the basement upstairs. Think the cat
and dog will do it for me??? What else
am I supposed to do?

So doesn't all this sound like fun???!!!
I'm going to go take a nap!

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

If you live in the city I am sure you are
well aware of all the hoopty mobiles running around.
You know those ones with the bumpin stereo systems
and 20" or larger tires. I call them wagon wheels
as they look about as big as wheels that
came off a stagecoach in an old Western movie.
I saw a commercial last night where you could
lease to own 18" and up rims!!
Come on now, this is ridiculous.
Lease to own a car, not it's wheels!!
Well actually I don't recommend leasing a
car but you get what I mean.

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

Glade® Fragrance Gift Pack
First 10,000* to respond will receive a Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil Gift Pack.

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

All Small & Mighty Laundry detergent (32 loads) is priced at just $3.79 at Walmart. Use the $2/1 coupon from the 1/3RP to score detergent for just $1.97! This coupon expires on the 7th, so you’ll want to hurry and make use of it!

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

There are two new Bar-S coupon available! Just go here and here to print $1/2 coupons. Press your browser back button to print a total of 2 coupons per computer–that means you should be able to print a total of 4 coupons from both links! Bar-S Franks are currently priced at just $0.88 at Walmart. Use the $1/2 coupon to score each package for only $0.38!

And if you have more than one computer you can print even more!

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

Free StayFree Thermal Control

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

Pepperidge Farms

.75 cents Goldfish Cracker printable coupon

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

I just picked the kids up from the bus stop.
This week is still not getting any better!!!

In their book bag is a letter from transportation services.
Come to find out, right after they were picked up this morning,
about a block or two away from here the bus was involved in
an accident. Just lovely! A car couldn't stop in time
and slid on snow/ice into the rear of the bus.
One of my kids was sitting in the second to the last
seat of the bus. He said the car had a crumpled up hood.

Here is the letter. You will have to click on the photo
to enlarge to be able to read.



Ok why in the world do they wait until after school
to send home a note saying your child was in a bus
accident????

It says there were no reported injuries
and they appologized for having the students
get to school late. HELLLOOOOO Columbus School
District why are we appologizing for the delay.
I want to know why parents weren't contacted
after it happened????
And what is their excuse for the bus
showing up late all other days not getting
them to school on time?
Every day there is a different school bus
and a different driver. Who's to explain this also?

The kids said their friends who were on the bus
one morning after they had already gotten off
said the bus driver choked a kid. It's hear say
but seems to be the talk of other children.
We haven't seen hide nor hair of this regular
bus driver since. We have a different morning
bus and bus driver every morning that seems
to be causing the delays.
Sooo...HELLO COLUMBUS SCHOOL DISTRICT!!!
Where's the note to explain this incident.
Boy everything seems to be hush hush anymore.
Leaving parents to wonder what the heck is really
going on behind the scenes.
I myself never went to Columbus schools.
I went to Westerville City Schools.
And now that my kids are in Columbus I can
see a big downfall with the education the kids
are getting!!

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

Today while getting my prescription at Kroger
I found a Manager Special boo boo. Never seen
this happen before but figured I mention it.
Be careful of what deals you think you are
getting because they may not be a deal after all!!
Anyways, I was prowling the meat department
looking for marked down meats. I scan
everything looking for those bright orange stickers!
I found some manager specials and upon better inspection
saw that they were not so special after all. The orange stickers
were actually much higher than what the regular
price was!! Let's say a package of beef
was regularly $5.00 but the manager special
sticker said it was $8.00.
So be careful out there.
When in doubt find a scanner for a price
check or find out what the item actually
cost to begin with!

Oh yeah Henderson Kroger had a deal on
Campbell's Chicken or Beef Broth for only .39 cents.
Check in the back by the dairy section as it's
in the middle of the isle on display.

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

Here's a pretty cool video about
clearance items found in stores.
Check it out HERE.

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

I think I'll take mom out to lunch tomorrow.
If you go HERE you can print out a
coupon for a FREE piece of crispy breaded
fish from Long John Silvers.
I was able to print her and myself a coupon.
I used different names, addresses and emails to do so.
That's funny as we went to Long John's just last
week and used coupons from the Entertainment book.


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

Ok I did a stupid thing like let my Ibuprofen wear off.
I usually take another dose around 4pm but forgot.
I remembered it around 6pm. Can't take it now or it will
wear off in the middle of the night.
I don't want that
to happen again like it did a day ago and I woke up
in pain that it brought tears to my eyes.
Then took it and waited another half hour for it to
kick in so I could go back to sleep. That was a rough night!

So I am struggling
at the moment in pain from back spasms trying to get
through til about 10pm tonight so I can take another dose
that should last til about 6am.
No one around here dares to mess with me at the moment
because with pain comes irritability! Even the dog
and cat are keeping their distance, lol.

I keep thinking about the doctor telling me I may have
a herniated disc in my lower back that could be pinching
a nerve and causing the spasms and leg pains. When asked what the
treatment may be she said they could either give you
shots in your back or surgery. How nice! I just
wish this pain would go away and be done with
and I don't have to worry about things like that!

Getting old just plain SUCKS!

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

2-1-10

Still not having a good day.

And this is how is started off...

The bus is supposed to be here at 8:30am.
IT DID NOT COME UNTIL ABOUT 9:10AM, 40 minutes later!!
It's was like 18 degrees out and we were all froze!!
The roads aren't bad and they are clear,
and there is no snow falling. So what was the deal????

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

After the bus showed up me and mom went to one Walgreens looking
for the Acu Check Diabetic meters.
They were out of the one that I had a coupon for.
Next we went to another Walgreens and they did
have them.
They are $14.99
then I had $10 off manufacture coupons
and I received a coupon for $5.00 off my next purchase.
I got 2 meters so with the $5.00 coupon
it pretty much makes them free.

I did not find a Walgreens coupon for the $5.00 off.
I looked everywhere and in all Walgreens ads front
and back by pharmacy and even asked the pharmacist.
We did not find them in any booklet.

I get home and look inside one of the boxes to check
out the rebate form. And do you know those forms
expired 1-31-10, YESTERDAY!!! GRRRR.

I'm thinking about taking one of the meters back
but keeping the other one.

And that is how my morning went.
Can't wait to see what the rest of the day has in store.

I'm sure it will only get better considering Tony
is on call this week. AHhhh!

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

Become a fan of Bayer on Facebook
and receive a free Bayer Asprin Pill Holder.
I signed up last year to get one and they
are great to have! Now I am hoping
to get hubby one also.

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

It's 5pm and the day has not gotten better.
I called the doctor to make an appointment.
That alone says a lot about me!
The willingness to see a doctor, lol.
Sure they gave me an appointment BUT
it was for the 12th of February.
That's 11 days away!
Mom and Tony both said I should go to
Urgent Care instead. So I called the doctor
back and canceled the appointment.
Mom will take me to Urgent Care tomorrow morning
after the kids get on the bus.

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

I had an appointment set up last year to get
our taxes done on the 6th of February.
I got a phone call not long ago to say our
tax person had a family emergency so we
had to set up another appointment for
the 21st of February. So have to wait another
15 days on that.

When it rains it pours around here when we have
our bad luck days.

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

Tony has on call, the pager, this week at work.
And as luck would have it, today two guys called off work.
Just thought I would throw that in there with
everything else that has been going on.
So when there are about 4 maintenance guys
and two call off that leaves 1 maintenance guy
and the supervisor.

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

I did a switch-a-roo for supper. I decided
to have the rotisseri chicken tonight.

Then this evening I started the pork roast
in the crock pot so all I would have to do
tomorrow is heat it up.


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

Jonathan had to turn in a baby picture
for school today. I think they will play a
guessing game to see who can figure out which
student is in the photos.
My picture is crappy because I didn't want to
send actual photos to school to get ruined.
Instead I took a picture of it with my camera.
Everyone still oohs and ahhhs over how much
hair he had when he was born. I remember the nurses
calling other nurses from different floors of the hospital
to come see the baby with all the hair, LOL.
He was an attention getter in the stores that's
for sure with all that hair being a newborn!

The old saying about women who have lots of heartburn
when pregnant will have a baby with lots of hair is soooo true.



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

Oh it keeps getting better and better.
I just got a recorded phone call from the school
saying I should send a note in tomorrow so
Christopher would not get an unexcused absence for today.
Helloooo??? He WAS in school today.
So there's another letter to school to get that rectified.
Maybe if the freakin bus would make it on time just
once we wouldn't be having these problems!!!

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

As promised I am posting my recipes I
submitted to the Betty Crocker cookie contest.




HOT FUDGE COOKIE BAR SUNDAES

Ingredients

1. Betty Crocker Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix
2. 1/2 cup milk
3. 1/3 cup butter
4. 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
5. 1/2 cup sugar
6. 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
7. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
8. 1 1/4 cups boiling water
9. vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spoon cherry pie filling into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 9 inch baking pan.

In a medium sized bowl add contents of cookie mix.
Stir in milk and butter
until smooth and creamy.

Spoon cookie batter evenly over cherry pie filling.

In a small bowl combine sugar, brown sugar and cocoa.
Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cocoa mixture over the top of the cookie batter.
Pour boiling water over top. Do not stir.

Carefully place in oven.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cut into 9 pieces.

Remove each piece and carefully flip over when transferring to a dessert bowl.
Top with a scoop of ice cream.
Spoon hot fudge and cherries, from bottom of pan, on top of ice cream.

Provide tips or variation ideas for making this recipe:

You can replace the boiling water with freshly brewed coffee.

Place 9 inch square pan on a cookie sheet so it is easier to transfer to oven. Also makes clean up a breeze in case any fudge sauce bubbles over out of the pan.




RASPBERRY ROULETTE

CRUST
1. Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, reserving 1/4 cup dry mix
2. 1 egg
3. 1/3 cup butter
4. 1 cup finely chopped dates
5. 1/2 cup chopped pecans

FILLING
6. 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
7. 1/4 cup sugar
8. 1 egg
-1/4 cup reserved cookie mix

TOPPING
9. 1/2 cup black raspberry
preserves
10. 1/2 cup Betty Crocker
Cream Cheese Frosting


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Empty contents of cookie mix into a medium sized bowl. Remove and reserve 1/4 cup of dry cookie mix.
Stir in dates. Add egg and butter and stir until combined.

Press cookie dough into the bottom of an ungreased pizza pan.

In another bowl, combine cream cheese, egg, sugar and reserved cookie mix together with mixer until smooth.

Spread cream cheese mixture over top cookie dough.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool
for 15 minutes.

Add raspberry preserves to a small bowl and stir until smooth.
Spoon evenly over top of the cream cheese.

In a small baggie add cream cheese frosting. Snip a small corner off the bottom of the baggie. Pipe frosting in crisscross pattern over top the raspberry preserves.

Cut like a pizza into 16 slices.

1-31-10

I'm sitting here trying to figure out my electric bill.
AEP's so called Smart Meter doesn't seem so smart after
all, after receiving my bill!

The most total KWH I used during the WHOLE YEAR
was last month at 771 KWH.
Even during the Summer months of using an air conditioner
was under 700 KWH!

So someone please explain to me why in the hell this month
after the installation of a Smart Meter my total
was 938 KWH????!!!!!!

My electric bill jumped up an extra 167 KWH
at an extra $24.90 this month.

Last month was $77.39
This month $102.29

WTF!!!

I have no way to check my old meter outside
as they have removed it and put in a new one.
How do I know they didn't they didn't read it
and add on extra KWH????

My bills from last month and this month
both say they were ACTUAL readings.

We have NOT done anything different around
here with using electric. Everything is still
the same. No extra things plugged in.
I've used the crock pot more than the oven
when baking.
We use flourescent bulbs in all light fixtures.
Even got rid of an old tv and use a more effecient
one.

It says on the bill now that if you use 1,000KWH
or less they will give you a discount of $3.00.

BUT if you use more than 1,000KWH a month
they will charge you $5.00.

Will wait to see next month's bill
and hopefully it goes back down or I'll
be making a few phone calls!!

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

This will sound weird. But this morning I woke
up with a name to a cookie in my head.
Something I'd never thought of before but
there it was this morning upon awakening.

Is it a sign? Who knows.
I see a visual in
my head of what it would look like. I googled
it like I usually do to see if anyone else
has made or thought of it before. I found NOTHING.

I have til 11:59pm to enter any more cookie
recipes for the Betty Crocker cookie contest
before it is over with.

The last time I was a finalist it ended up being
one of the last few cookie recipes I entered.
If I do make it I will need to run to the store
for a few ingredients.

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

Ok here are some more store sales
combined with coupons. To see the
other list you will have to check
yesterday's post.

WALGREENS

Splenda 100 count sweetener
sale $2.99
-.55 cent coupon
makes it $2.44
Limit 2

*I'm thinking I priced Spenda 200 count
at Kroger the other day and it was $9.00.
So if you buy 2 boxes of Splenda from
Walgreens (200 count total)
it would cost $4.88, half price of Kroger.

**********

Renuzit adjustable air fresheners
.99 cents each with Walgreens coupon
Limit 4

Manf. coupon Buy 2 get 1 free.

Makes it $1.98 for 3 or an average of .66 cents each

*********

Hubby's been wanting a new diabetic meter
and I found a heck of a deal at Walgreens
this week on one.

Like I said before if you have family or friends
that will allow you to send rebates to their
homes all the better.

ACCU CHECK BLOOD GLUCOSE METER

Walgreens sale price $14.99
-$14.99 mail in rebate on box
-$10.00 off manufacture coupon

PLUS you get $5.00 in register rewards.
This is a coupon that will print at the register.
It will say $5.00 off your next order/purchase at their store.

This ends up being free and then some!!!

It is limit 1 $5.00 register rewards per transaction.
So if you have more than one manufacture coupon like
I do then you need to take a friend or go back
a second time!

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

I saw an ad in CVS's paper that says they
can transfer your movies from
vcr tapes to a dvd for $25.
That's ridiculous when you consider
how many of those tapes you may own.
You'd be better off buying a dual
dvd/VCR recordable player and doing it
yourself.
By the time you do 6 VHS tapes to DVD
you could have bought yourself one of
those recordable players and done it yourself!

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

For those of you who may use a Swiffer Sweeper...


-Around my home it seems that someone always has a sock with a hole in it, so I started saving the "used" socks and by making a slit from the top of the sock to about the middle of the foot, I can slip them over my Swiffer duster and I don't have to buy the replacement pads. They work just as well and I feel that it picks up larger crumbs better. from thriftyfun.

-Refilling the Bottle
To easily reuse the Swiffer cleaning bottle, cut small hole (about 1/4 inch) into bottom (part that sticks up when inserted in the Swiffer mop). Go to local hardware store and buy small rubber stopper (under 50 cents). When you want to refill with your own cheap cleaning solution, take out stopper and use funnel to refill.
from thriftyfun.

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

FREE BRINGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY GARDENING COURSES

-Growing Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts

-Plannin and Preparing Your Garden

They also offer several other free courses
from family, parenting, astronomy, spelling,
religion, personal finance, math, music & genealogy

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

As you already know I haven't felt the greatest.
We went to Kroger today to get some Ibuprofen
that I needed due to my back starting to spasm.
Plus I decided to get some nasty Gator Aid
to drink instead of pop.

For starters not feeling well can put you in a bad
mood and taking kids to the store can put you in a
bad mood and getting a new cashier can put you in a
bad mood!!! I would have liked to of grabbed his puny ass
across the conveyor belt. He told me I COULD NOT use
manufacture coupons with manager specials. I argued
and argued with him about it!! I was just in this
same store days before and used coupons on manager specials.
The cashier then was a regular and had probably been there
many of years.

I am so tired of people making up different rules!!
I am so tired of people screwing me out of money
every time I go shopping.
These stores are not losing money with us using coupons.
Those manufactures reimburse them their money and then some!!
I wonder how much profit they made off people
who don't check their receipts to see if they
were charged too much for something.
I have this happen to me all the time.
That crap adds up over the year for us if not caught!

I told him to put back whatever I got because what
he was telling me was untrue!! I asked him if this
was a new policy his manager made and he didn't have a
response to that!! He's lucky I felt
like crap and it was hard for me to move around or else
my ass would have been standing in line at the courtesy
counter. But ya know I do have Kroger's corporate email
and I won't hesitate to email them. It won't be the first
or last time. And I ALWAYS WIN!! I know the rules to the
game!!

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

As much as I don't like Gatorade or sports drinks
I am sitting here sipping away at one. I have had
diareah on and off for almost a month. My body is
feeling the stress from it!
I have bad stomach cramps also!

Your body changes over time. While you can eat
whatever you want one day your body may not like it
the next.

I have noticed when drinking diet pop it seems
as if it hits my stomach wrong. I started drinking
diet pop about 3-4 years ago with no problems.
Now I am starting to wonder after doing some thinking.

Years ago when Tony first found out he was diabetic
I ran out and got him some sugar free chocolate.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM!! He ate almost the whole
bag. Then later on that evening he developed
stomach cramps that had him doubling over
and severe bouts of diareah. I thought he was having
a diabetic attack and it scared the crap outta me!!

I got to reading the bag of sugar free chocolates
and it's ingredients then did some research online.
The ingredients they use in immitation sweeteners
can act as a laxative!! I even compared those ingredients
to an actual chocolate laxative in the store and found
they were very similar.

So now I am wondering if my diareah and stomach cramps
are due to the aspartame in the pop. That is the
artificial sweetener.

So as hard as it may be I'm gonna try to go completely
off diet pop for the next several days to see if there
is any change. I will let you know the results if they do.
Gotta have cappucino or chocolate on hand to make up
for the lost caffeine though, lol.

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

Tonight's Supper

LaChoy Chicken Chow Mein $4.00
White Rice- Free

Makes 5 servings @ .80 cents a serving

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

Monday Supper

Pork Roast $3.86
2 can chicken broth .60 cents
1 envelope onion soup mix .75 cents
potatoes .50 cents
Stuffing .70

This will make about 2 meals with a 3 pound roast.
Plus 2 lunches.

Cost $6.41
Serves approximately 12 @ .53 cents a serving


Tuesday's Supper

Rotisserie Chicken

Kroger has whole rotisserie chickens for $4.99.
I have a couple $1.00 coupons for them so bought
one for $3.99 to have for a supper.
The coupons were found in the Kroger booklet
that was sent to me in the mail.

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

There's nothing like cutting it close to a deadline!
I just finished up a dessert to enter in Betty Crocker's
cookie contest. There's like an hour and 50 minutes
to go before the deadline!!
Now I will have 2 recipes entered this year.

Why is it a hubby likes to pick up a camera
and start taking photos of you when you look
and feel your worst????


So here it is...the result of waking up this morning
with the name Raspberry Roulette in my head.
Where it came from I do not have a clue but I am
running with it while there is still time, lol.





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

Oh lookie here! My recipe is on Allrecipes, yeah me, or maybe
not! Someone else posted it under their name.
I wrote a review and let everyone know it was my recipe.
Now waiting for the review to go through.
Just saw that the recipe was posted as of yesterday.
IT'S MY RECIPE, I SHOULD BE THE ONE GETTING CREDIT FOR IT!!!
For years I have tried to submit recipes to
AllRecipes and have not had any luck getting
any of them accepted. Now I see this, GRRRR!!
BOSTON CREAM DESSERT CUPS
Here it is from Betty Crocker with a photo of myself!

And on that note I am off to bed with a headache due
to caffeine withdrawal.

1-30-10

Jonathan's class has an upcoming project in February.
They each are to come up with their own business.
They have fake money but have to bring in actual
items for their business to sell.

He was accepted for a bakery business.
Hmmm don't know we came about that idea, LOL!

I have been searching around for ideas of what to make.
I came across these CUPCAKE POPS last night
and thought they were so cute and something
that would interest kids. What sweet treat wouldn't.

Or we could do regular CAKE POPS.

We could find some styrofoam and stick them
into it for display.

I also have a cupcake holder if we decided
not to go with using sticks for some of them.


I think instead of buying lollipop sticks
I will use wooden skewers and cut off the pointy
ends.

I also could make some BAKERY TYPE BOXES
for "customers" to put their goods in.

While this is not Martha Stewart's creation
she does have the inventor of these cake
pops on one episode showing how to make
these. VIDEO

It says to use a baked cake mix. I don't know why you couldn't
just buy a cheap package of Kroger Value cream filled
cookies and put them in a food processor. Then add
a little less cream cheese frosting considering
there was already cream filling in the cookies.

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

THE BAG

KROGER

Colgate Toothpaste $1.67
-Total Whitening 4.2 ounce

Colgate coupon $1.50 (doubled)

makes it .17 cents each

MEIJER

Johnsonville
-Brats, Italian or Smoked sausage $2.50

Coupon $1.00 off 2

makes it 2 for $4.00 or $2.00 each

*************

Red Baron Single Serve Pizza $2.50

Coupon $1.50 off

makes it $1.00

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

Today before making a dessert I noticed
I had hardened sugar lumps in my container
of sugar. I fixed those lumps by using a
potato masher.

Today is the 30th and tomorrow is the last day
to enter Betty Crocker's cookie contest.
I have yet to enter the first recipe.
Most of my recipes have flopped.
I was able to finally come up with something
that turned out. Once I enter it
then I will post it on here for all to see
February 1st.

I did see something in the rules that I thought
was unfair. While Betty Crocker themselves
will pick the finalists they are leaving it
all to online voting for the winners.
So in my opnion it's whoever knows the most
people will win.
They used to have a winner
with online voting and winners with Betty
Crocker judges.
I think it's unfair as the voting more
than likely won't be a result of who's
recipe is best in taste or creativity. :-(

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

WOO HOOO! I just completed another survey
and now qualify for my $25 GameStop gift card!

And I am already on my way to starting another one!

Now if I can try to complete all their surveys
when they come I can see how many gift cards
I can accumulate by Christmas time.
The gift cards do not expire.
This will help out with Christmas that's for sure!

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

Here is a sample of what I submitted to the
Betty Crocker contest.
For the contest though I entered it as having ice cream
then the fudge sauce spooned over the top.
So you will have to visualize the ice cream on top.


I still have not felt the greatest. This was
the worst day yet with muscles aches and pains.

Hubby found me in the kitchen making a dessert
this evening and wondered what I was doing when I should
have been laying down.
My answer was that this contest's deadline is tomorrow.
They are not going to wait for me to feel better before
I can submit an entry so I have to do this NOW!
Because I have nothing else to enter! This was
the only thing that turned out half way decent.
Recipe will follow on February 1st once contest
is over with. Finalists won't be announced
until March. Boy that is a long wait let me tell
ya. What's even longer is when you are told
you are a finalist and have to wait even longer
to see if you make it as the winner.

Heading to bed as I just took some more ibuprofen
because the last dose wore off and now my
back is spasming.

1-29-10

********HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TONY!!!********

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

Still haven't felt the greatest.
Still having bowel problems and stomach pain.
This has been on and off for about a month or so.
Now have muscles aches in buttocks, leg and lower back.
Been trying to read in my home remedy books when I can.

Today I have decided to cut back on pop and drink
more water. Can't cut the pop out completely
as I feel caffeine is addicting and if I don't get
some in moderation I get headaches and mood swings.

My left buttock muscle hurts so bad to the touch
you would have thought I fell on it. I even checked
for a bruise which I didn't have.

Then it dawned on me last night what the problem may be.
When you experience bowel problems it could cause
dehydration. Dehydration can cause muscle pain.

So like I said, today I am trying to drink more water.

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

Today has been a busy day as we just got home for the first
time since seeing the kids off on the bus this morning.
We went out to eat at Tee-jays for Tony's birthday.
Took my parents along then afterwards went to see
a movie at Easton. We saw Blind Side. Mom had received
a gift certificate and it didn't cost the four of us
anything.
During the movie
I felt so thirsty and got up to find a drinking fountain.
As luck would have it I took a big ole swig of water from
the fountain to realize it was hot water! YUCK!
I went to the concession counter and wanted a cup of
water. They didn't sell cups of water. BUT they had
bottles of water that was $3.75 and $5.00!!!! OUCH!!!
So I got the 20 ounce $3.75 water because I was so thirsty.
And I still can't get over the price. I was even half
tempted to go to the bathroom and cup my hands and
drink water from the sink.
Next time I will be taking my drinks with me inside
my purse!! I really didn't think I would be needing something
to drink while there but with not feeling well felt
the sudden desire to want some water to drink.
So always go prepared to the movies!

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

After the movie we all went to McDonalds to have lunch.
Me and Tony got the McRib that's supposed to be all the rave.
No rave from us! This thing was drowning in bbq sauce
to the point it was disgusting! They did have a sale
of $1.00 for any size drink.

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

After lunch me and Tony went over to get the title done
on our suburban at Karl/Morse Rd. Then off to the bmv
on Kenny Rd to get plates and renew Tony's license.
We didn't dare to go to the BMV at Karl/Morse Rd.
as it's always packed!

I told Tony while there to get the tags renewed on the
car trailer. Come to find out the trailer is in my name.
I was cursing under my breath because I now have yet
another one of those new $20 late fees. The trailer was
due back in November. GRRRRR! They've gotten me
for $40 in these new fees now! I'm not a happy camper!

There is a law suit out about those fees. The BMV claims
they have paperwork posted in their offices for
everyone to see. WHERE? I was in two of their offices
today and didn't see anything!!

I did make the lady behind the counter know that I was
well aware of the scam! And how many people it involved,
how much money was made and in how many months.
Not that it was her fault but I was fuming and
had knowledge to the whole situation.

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

Earlier this week I bought two 2 packs of
Italian Sweet Bread.

So yesterday I made Meatball Boats out
of one package.

$1.39 for 2 loaves Italian Sweet Bread
.30 cents can of tomato soup
.30 cents 2 slices American cheese
FREE 1 pound ground deer burger
.15 cents egg
salt and pepper
$1.20 for the cheap mozarella shredded cheese

TOTAL COST $3.34
4 servings @ .83 cents a serving

Cut loaves of bread in half.
Using kitchen shears cut out a rectangular
shape out of centers of each piece.
In a bowl crumble up bread that was removed.
Add deer burger, egg and salt & pepper.
Mix until combined. Shape into meatballs.
Bake.
Pour tomato soup into a bowl and add
2 slices of american cheese. Microwave
and stir until cheese has melted.
Place bread on cookie sheet.
Spoon some tomato soup into bottoms
of hollowed out areas of bread.
Add cooked meatballs. Spoon more
sauce over top. Sprinkle mozarella cheese
on top and bake til cheese has melted.




And today I made Italian Sweet Bread Pizza.
$1.39 for 2 loaves of bread
.30 cents can of tomato soup
$1.67 shredded mozarella cheese
$1.99 package of peperoni slices
$0 Italian seasoning

TOTAL COST $5.35
8 servings @ .67 cents a serving



I got a good deal on tomato soup so used
that for the sauce.

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

MAIL CALL

Free 2010 Calendar from Pillsbury.



Another booklet from Kroger full of coupons.


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

I just took another ERewards Survey.
I am like one survey away from getting
another $25 gift card! Woo Hoo!
That'll be $50 in gift cards in 6 months.
I would have had it sooner but missed
seeing a couple surveys to take.
Not an instant money maker as it takes
time to build up and wait for them to
send surveys.

I still have my $25 gift card from Kroger.

Plus another $25 gift card for Lowes.

A $5.00 gift card from another survey site.

And still have to get my rebate checks
and other survey checks in the bank soon.
Remember Pinecone Research pays you $3 for
each survey they send you!

Hey any money made from these things
help out so much! It's better than nothing!

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

Don't forget to get your printable coupons!
It's almost the end of the month.
The coupons will change February 1st
so get them while you can!
COUPON.COM

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

Think I'll head to the bedroom to rest and watch tv.
It's only 5pm and if you know me I normally
like to stay up late.
Don't know what the deal is with feeling crappy lately
but am thinking the electric blanket sounds mighty
good at the moment.

Tony keeps asking when the last time I saw a doctor.
Oh about 9 years ago. I said I have survived all
these years without seeing one. Ok I did see urgent
care one time a couple years ago at fault of mine.
I was trimming bushes that had poison ivy in them.
But I don't consider that seeing a doctor for a check
up or being sick. I just don't like doctors and don't
see one unless it is absolutely needed.
Like I said 99% of the time if I wait out my
problems they disappear.
I can't figure this crap out at the moment though.
Diareah, body aches, stomach pains. BUT no fever!
So going to go rest. Rest is the best medicine
sometimes. But I feel resting too much makes
it feel worse so try to keep moving throughout
the day taking many breaks.

1-28-10

Free sample of Arm and Hammer Toothpaste

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


Receive a $1.00 printable coupon for 5 weeks
from MultiGrain Cheerios.

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

Free sample of Playtex Gentle Glide.

The kids found a tampon sample and asked what it was.
I said it was a snot stopper, LMAO. You put it up your
drippy nose.
-----------------------------------------

Print and fill out this FORM and
save one wrapper with UPC code from
Reeses, York, Almond Joy or Hershey's
Special Dark candy bar.
Receive a coupon for a bag of Pieces candy.
Limit one per household or address.

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

Buy 1 Get 1 Free SoBe Lifewater printable coupon.

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

Free self-paced online canning course.
Take a free online course to learn
how to can and food preservation.

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

Free Depends Sample
You can use these for kids at bedtime.
I got the women's small just for this.

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

Free Avery label sample.

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

Free sample of Mariani Dried Plums
Use code ADSUPER

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

Free OB trial pack and case

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

You Might Be A Coupon Junkie...
if your purse has it's own filing system to keep
store ads and is big enough to hold your
coupon organizer.
I am so loving my new purse!
It's like half brief case and half purse in one.
Where have you been all my life, lol!



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

Had to stop in Kroger today to get some milk.
Found three half gallons of apple juice
marked down to .79 cents each.
Need some 100% Vitamin C considering the time of year!


Then next stop was the bread mark down area.
I found Tony 5 loaves of MultiGrain Bread.
Originally $1.69 each marked down to .50 cents each.



Tony loves pistachios so I found them on sale
for $2.99 for 10 ounce bags.
Then I had $1.00 coupons making them $1.99 each.
At original price they would have been $5.00!!!
Will give these to him for his birthday.



Then I will also give him some
Pert (all in one shampoo, conditioner and body wash)
and Sure deodorant. Stopped in Walgreens again
today since I found more coupons!
After coupons and rebates I only paid .50 cents
for all 8 items!!! Woo Hoo!


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

Wanted to show everyone my Mini Me coupon organizer
I was working on last night.
While I still have my huge coupon organizer
I now have a smaller one that I can constantly carry
in my purse. I got tired of being places without
my coupons and seeing mark downs I could have gotten.
And wanting to eat out and not having my fast food
coupons at hand. When you make one, or two in my case,
of these coupon organizers, be sure to put your name
or email or even your phone number in them.
I would hate to lose mine!! I used a free address
label I got in the mail to put inside them.




I found my Mini Me at the thrift store.
It's actually a small photo album with
fold out pages.



Sure it makes my purse a little bit heavier
than normal. I try to think of it as all
the money I am saving!!



It's a smaller book but the pages are compact.
Each one opens up to reveal more pockets.


I used regular masking tape to label the pockets
into different categories. I also used it to make
quick guide tabs on the sides.


I now have a section for all fast food or restraunt coupons.


Now I can immediately put receipts, rain checks
and rebate forms in my book and keep track of them.


I also made a section for coupons for
other stores.
And a place to keep grocery receipts.
You just never know what rebate/refund could be
coming up and you may have already bought that item
on a previous trip to the store.


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

Here is a cheap and helpful tip for those that
may have a septic tank.

They run ads on tv to put RidX in your system... it's nothing more than
bacteria.. yeast, if you will. So yogurt, cottage cheese, spoiled milk,
yeast... all good for your system. Just be sure it's in small enough chunks
or liquid so you don't clog up the lines trying to do good for the septic
tank.

And if you are on public sewerage, it doesn't her there either. The bacteria
works on the sludge & other build up in the pipelines between your house &
the sewer line... & the sewer line itself.

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

I also have another tip for cottage cheese.
If you turn it upside down when putting it
in your refrigerator it will keep longer.
Just make sure it is sealed well!

Same goes for paint cans.
Just cover the opening with plastic wrap, and make sure the lid fits securely so the paint doesn't leak. Then turn the paint can upside down! This creates a tight seal, and keeps the paint fresh to use again.

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

There are times of the year when certain things
go on sale. This is a time to stock up when those
prices drop especially if you have coupons to match
up to those sales!

There also is a book called"
Buy Ketchup In May And Fly At Noon.
It is available at the Columbus Public Library.
They have 25 copies and there are 60 people
in line waiting to read it!

Here is a list of what to buy and when:

January
Food:
Chocolate (Christmas clearance)
Soda
Diet foods
Frozen finger foods

Non-food:
Linens
Electronics
Computers
Small appliances
Air conditioners
Carpeting and flooring
Furniture
Winter clothes
Toys (on clearance after the holidays)
Bicycles
Christmas gift wrap
Christmas decorations
Athletic shoes
Exercise equipment
Motorcycles
Houses
Boats

February
Food:
Chocolate (post Valentine’s Day)
Steak (post Valentine’s Day)
Seafood (post Valentine’s Day)
Oatmeal

Non-food:
Big screen TVs (before the Super Bowl)
Boats


March Food:
Frozen foods

Non-food:
Boats

April Food:
Candy (Easter clearance)
Eggs
Ham
Cheese
Mustard
Ready-made dough
Dinner rolls
Frozen pies
Cake mix
Cake frosting
Pie crusts

Non-Food:
Electronics
Vacuums
Cookware
Tires and other car care supplies

May
Food:
Hotdogs
Ground beef
Hamburger and hot dog buns
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, relish)
Salad dressing
Chips
Ice cream
Popsicles
Frozen pies
Soda
Bottled water

Non-food:
Party supplies (disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils)
Grill supplies (charcoal, lighter fluid)
Vacuums
Cookware

June
Food:
Ice cream
Popsicles
Soda
Bottled water
Iced tea mix and bags

Non-food:
Tools (around Father’s Day)

July
Food:
Hot dogs
Ground beef
Hamburger and hot dog buns
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, relish)
Salad dressing
Chips
Ice cream
Popsicles
Soda
Bottled water
Iced tea mix and bags

Non-food:
Grill supplies (charcoal, lighter fluid)
Party supplies (disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils)
Furniture

August
Food:
Cereal
Breakfast bars
Peanut butter
Jelly
Lunch meat
American cheese
Yogurt
Chips
Snack cakes
Cookies
Ice cream
Soda
Bottled water
Iced tea mix and bags
Drink boxes

Non-food:
Pool supplies
Outdoor toys
Outdoor furniture
Bathing suits
Summer clothes
Summer shoes

September
Food:
Cereal
Breakfast bars
Peanut butter
Jelly
Lunch meat
American cheese
Yogurt
Chips
Snack cakes
Cookies
Hot dogs
Ground beef
Hamburger and hot dog buns
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, relish)
Salad dressing
Canned fruits and vegetables
Soups
Broth
Frozen pies
Soda
Drink boxes

Non-food:
Grill supplies (charcoal, lighter fluid)
Party supplies (disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils)
School supplies
Large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers)
Cars
Lawn mowers
Grills

October
Food:
Canned fruits and vegetables
Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
Soups
Broth

Non-food:
Large appliances
Lawn mowers
Grills
Tires and other car care supplies

November
Food:
Turkey
Butter
Cheese
Baking supplies (flour, sugar, yeast chocolate chips, baker’s chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, cooking oil)
Pie crusts
Ready-made dough
Dinner rolls
Frozen pies
Cake mix
Cake frosting
Pie filling
Spices
Nuts
Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
Oatmeal
Candy (Halloween clearance)
Marshmallows
Soup
Broth

Non-food:
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Disposable baking pans
Cookware
Electronics
Tools
Carpeting and flooring

December
Food:
Ham
Butter
Cheese
Baking supplies (flour, sugar, yeast chocolate chips, baker’s chocolate, sweetened condensed
milk, cooking oil)
Pie crusts
Ready-made dough
Dinner rolls
Frozen pies
Cake mix
Cake frosting
Pie filling
Refrigerated cookie dough
Spices
Nuts
Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
Oatmeal
Soda

Non-food:
Disposable baking pans
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Electronics
Computers
Carpeting and flooring
Tools
Toys
Winter clothes
Cars
Motorcycles

8-27-10

Went to a couple thrift stores this morning.
Both stores had half off sales.
I guess every Wednesday during the last
week of the month the Ohio Thrift stores
have a half off sale.

Found this pop up play tent for the kids.
They love Star Wars.
Brought it home and set it in the living
room since there is no way to fold it down.
The cat didn't hesitate to go inside it.
Now she thinks she has her own cat mansion!
I got this to use in the backyard for the kids
as a clubhouse during the warmer weather.
It was originally marked $10
marked down to $5
and with the half off sale I got it for $2.50
They go for $38.
I saved $33!!



Next I found an Expedition Haynes manual.
We can't afford to buy these new as I know they
can run $25 to $30 for each book.
This book I got today was marked $2.93
BUT the lady rung it up for only .90 cents!!
I saved $24.19 to $29.10!!!



I found 2 books that I thought were interesting.
They were each 120 years old and looked really good
for their age!
-1001 Gems of Poetry -published 1890
-Tom Brown's Schooldays -published 1891
Paid $1.91 for each one.



And I found Tony a pair of waterproof shoes he's
been needing for work. I'll give them to him
for his birthday. It's hard to find him shoes
in his size and for diabetic feet.
Regular price was $4
half price $2


And lastly I got the kids some more Winter clothes.
Most were regularly .99 cents but got them
for .50 cents each.


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

Mom took me out to lunch. To save money
on eating out we use coupons for buy 1 get 1 free,
then split a regular fry and a small soft drink since
they are refillable.

I highly recommend buying the Entertainment
Coupon Book. It will pay for itself over
and over again and is so worth it.

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

Register at Special K
to print out a coupon for buy 1 get 1 free
box of cereal.

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

Today I was looking up home remedy treatments
for leg cramps aka charlie horses.



I have not tried these yet. Hubby has been getting
horrible charlie horses in the night so will see if
these work.

From EHow.com
"
This is a proven method for stopping those horrible leg cramps or Charley horses as some folks call them. A lot of seniors get these as well, especially at night. I am a registered nurse who has instructed my patients on this simple procedure for their leg cramps. Ninety percent state immediate relief. It is a form of acupressure. Read on to learn more about stopping leg cramps."

People with diabetes can have a deficiency in magnesium.

Leg cramps usually means you are lacking magnesium.
Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium.
Some legumes (beans and peas), nuts and seeds, and whole, unrefined grains are also good sources of magnesium.
Refined grains are generally low in magnesium. When white flour is refined and processed, the magnesium-rich germ and bran are removed. Bread made from whole grain wheat flour provides more magnesium than bread made from white refined flour. Tap water can be a source of magnesium, but the amount varies according to the water supply. Water that naturally contains more minerals is described as "hard". "Hard" water contains more magnesium than "soft" water.
You can also purchase magnesium supplements.

LIST OF FOODS WITH MAGNESIUM

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

FISH OIL- another must for people with Diabetes or Heart Problems!


There seems to be no end to the benefits of fish oils. Not only are they said to boost heart, brain and joint health, but they also prevent cancer, eye disease and bone problems.

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT FISH OILS?

Fish oils are a type of polyunsaturated fat - a 'healthy' fat. Unlike saturated animal fats, they don't raise your cholesterol levels, but are known to have a positive effect on health.

Polyunsaturated fats are divided into two groups of what are called Essential Fatty Acids (or EFAs) - omega-3 and omega-6.

Both omegas are essential in helping to regulate blood clotting, body temperature, blood pressure and the immune system; they are also needed to make prostaglandins, important hormone-like chemicals in the body. The only way we can get them is through our diet.

Omega-3 has particular benefits, producing vital substances such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), thought to play a key role in the development of brain and cognitive function, and EPA ( eicosapentaenoic acid), vital for brain health.

The richest source of omega-3s are fish oils - salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna and herring.

WILL THEY PROTECT MY HEART?

There have been a number of studies suggesting fish oils boost heart health, but the most compelling evidence was a study last year published in the Journal Of The American College Of Cardiology.

Led by Dr Carl Lavie, of the Ochsner Cardiology Clinic in Louisiana, the study showed omega-3 oils help to prevent blood clotting and regulate or lower blood pressure.

WHAT ELSE CAN THEY DO?

Eating oily fish once a week has been shown to protect against age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in the older generation.

They might also be helpful in the fight against some forms of cancer.

Last year, Professor John Witte, from the University of California, suggested a high intake of omega-3s reduced men's risk of prostate cancer by about 60 per cent. There is some evidence, too, that a regular consumption of omega-3s can help prevent bowel cancer.

WILL THEY HELP ME LOOK YOUNGER?

Last week researchers from the University of California suggested omega-3s - whether from supplements or fish - helped cells

in the body live longer. When they studied heart disease patients, they found the more omega-3 the subjects ate, the slower the damage to the DNA in their cells.

That, in turn, meant better protection against inflammation and the ageing process.

SHOULD I TAKE FISH OIL PILLS?

The best food supply of omega-3s is oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring.

Other sources include rapeseed, evening primrose and walnut oils, fresh seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower, wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereals. However, they provide omeWHAT ABOUT COD LIVER OIL?

Cod liver oil does contain some DHA and EPA, but not as much as the oily fish - but there are other reasons to consider it.

It's a good source of vitamin D, and experts are increasingly concerned that in Britain our levels of this vitamin are low (the main source is the sun).

Vitamin D deficiency is now being linked to a range of conditions, including diabetes. The vitamin is also important to prevent the bone disease rickets, which has made a comeback.

ga-3s in a different chemical form which is more difficult for the body to convert into DHA and EPA, so it would be difficult to consume enough.

Many experts think it is better to eat fish to provide the oil, as this ensures you also get other important nutrients and protein, and the suggestion by some researchers to take supplements instead remains controversial.