Monday, October 31, 2011
Ideas For Dinner Before Trick Or Treating
Kids eat free at Chili's today, with the purchase of an adult entree. Print the coupon HERE.
At Chipotle, dress up as something from the Family Farm and get any salad, burrito, bowl or order of tacos for just $2.00. This is valid from 6PM until close. (so don't try this at lunch, or you'll look PRETTY silly!)
Kids 10 and under in costume get a Free Kids Buffet with the purchase of an Adult Buffet. No coupon necessary. Today's the last day for this offer.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It's My Lucky Day!
When the mail came today, there were some nice surprises (don't you just love when that happens?)! Apparently I won a sweepstakes from General Mills and they sent me a cool t-shirt featuring Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry and a $10 Target gift card! AWESOME! I just went to the site where I won it from, and YOU can still enter thru 10/30/11. There will be 40 winners chosen randomly. Go HERE to sign up for the General Mills Insiders Club (it's free), then play the Insider's Club Exclusive Sweepstakes. Good luck! (I gave my shirt & gift card to Sam - he's been working so hard in marching band and really doing a fantastic job keeping his grades up. I was just thrilled to know that I actually WON something, that I don't mind passing the spoils on to him!)
One other item of note: Look in your mailbox for a mailer from Northern Tools. Included in this mailer are several coupons. The ones I am most interested in are the TWO $5 off a $5 purchase coupons! My husband loves Northern, so I'm sure he can find something for $5 - maybe a flashlight or something. And there were no bills....what a GREAT mail day!
Easy Bento Lunch
I wanted to show you that your bento lunches don't need to be "all fancy" in order to be special. This lunch did not take that long to make, and could easily incorporate leftovers. A simple sandwich/cookie cutter makes the sandwich special, add in a few fresh fruits and veggies and your child is made to feel special and you have not spend an inordinate amount of time fussing over lunch. It's a win-win. This is why I love bento lunches.
Friday, October 28, 2011
BzzAgent Opportunity
Have you signed up for BzzAgent yet? I have been a member for several years, and have gotten LOTS of free products from them. I just got an email from them this afternoon about a new campaign for Kroger's The Truly Awesome Chocolate Chip Cookies - they're sending me two full size boxes and a bunch of $1 off coupons to share. They send you BzzKits, which typically consist of a full-size product, literature and coupons for you and your friends. There is never any cost whatsoever. In exchange for sending you free goodies, they want you to help them create a "buzz" about the product - note that whenever you are talking to people about the product, you need to disclose that you got the product for free. You are also asked to complete a review/survey after trying the product, but they are typically pretty short. I'm quite happy to do that in exchange for FREE stuff! Just so you have an idea of what types of things I'm talking about, here's a summary of everything I've gotten from them SO FAR (all for free):
| Kroger's The Truly Awesome(TM) Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies BzzCampaign (2 full-size bags of cookies & $1 off coupons) | ||
| Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters (free Ricochet Trickster remote control car) | ||
| Disney Cars 2: The Video Game (free Wii game & coupons for friends) | ||
| Trend Micro SafeSync (free computer software program) | ||
| Trend Micro Online Guardian (free parental control internet software program) | ||
| TRESemme(R) Color Revitalize (2 full size bottles of shampoo/conditioner & coupons) | ||
| Bausch and Lomb Biotrue (full size bottle & coupons) | ||
| L'Oreal One Sweep Eye Shadow and Eye Illuminator Mascara (full size eye shadow & mascara) | ||
| COVERGIRL 50th Anniversary | ||
| Welch's Healthy Start (coupons for free full size product & $ off coupons) | ||
| L'Oreal(R) Paris Collagen Micro-Pulse(TM) (full size product) | ||
| Children's Claritin 2010 (full size box of kid's Claritin) | ||
| Mahatma(r) Jasmine & Basmati Rice (HUGE box full of 10 full size bags each of Jasmine & Basmati rice - this was AMAZINGLY generous) | ||
| Revitalift (R) Deep-Set Wrinkle 24HR Eye Repair Duo (full size product) |
Recycle Old Sweaters Into Leg Warmers!
I bet my friend Karla will be all over this! Do you want a SUPER-simple way to put your old sweaters to use that you would normally throw out or donate? You can turn them into leg warmers - we'll bring the trend back, right?! Homemade Mamas has a fantastic tutorial on her website, complete with step-by-step instructions and pictures. Basically, you just cut off the arm sleeves, turn 'em inside out, roll down the sleeve where you cut it, and stitch it up so it doesn't fray. I'm thinkin' this is something even I can do (so you know it's easy!)
Go HERE for another EASY-PEASY way to turn a Dollar Store scarf into a knock-off of those popular (but pricey) Baby Legs! What a GREAT idea.....wish I had thought of it. Thanks to Obsessively Stitching for sharing!
Reminder - Just A Few More Days Left To Use Your Outback Coupon
I have not yet used my Outback Steakhouse free steak coupon - have you? If not, please note that that coupon will expire on Monday, October 31st. So you (me) better get to Outback between now and then - 'cuz it would be a real shame to waste such an amazing coupon! (I'm mainly talking to my husband here - it's time for a DATE NIGHT!)
Yummy Sticky Buns
All Things Delicious has this yummy recipe for Sticky Buns on her site. If it's hard to screw up and super yummy, then I'm in. This recipe definitely fits that criteria! Head to All Things Delicious for the full recipe complete with step by step photos. While you're there, take a look around - you'll see lots of other great recipes too!
Rope Swirl Tapestry Rug
Wow! This one is for all you super-creative Moms out there. I'm not quite sure I could pull this one off, and my boys would probably kill me if I even attempted to put this on the floor of our home, but I do have a niece who could totally do this (and probably will!). Look HERE for some more pics, and ideas. Go HERE for detailed instructions on how you too can make an amazing rug! The pom poms are my favorite!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Chick-fil-a Calendars - Arriving Soon
I LOVE me some Chick-fil-a! I think it's my favorite fast food restaurant. Every year I make sure to buy a calendar (or two) from them. They are chock-full of fantastic coupons that I use all year long to get free grub! I also appreciate that the monthly coupons are "suggested" to be redeemed during that particular month, but if I ever forget one, I'm always able to redeem it whenever. They have never refused a calendar coupon - even if it's months late. Normally, they sell for $5, but I've heard rumor that they're uppin' it to $6 this year. Still a GREAT DEAL! I have not seen these in the restaurant yet, but they should be arriving soon, so be on the lookout. They also make great gifts for teachers!
These are the coupons to expect for 2012:
January: FREE Chick-fil-A Nuggets (8-ct)
February: FREE Small bowl of Hearty breast of chicken soup
March: FREE Simply Orange Juice or Dasani Bottled Water
April: FREE Large Diet Coke
May: FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit or Large Waffle Potato Fries
June: FREE Large Coca-Cola Zero
July: FREE Small hand-spun milk
August: FREE Spicy chicken sandwich
September: FREE Large Coca-Cola
October: FREE Chargrilled chicken sandwich
November: FREE Chick-n-Minis (3-count) or Yogurt Parfait
December: FREE Large Sprite
February: FREE Small bowl of Hearty breast of chicken soup
March: FREE Simply Orange Juice or Dasani Bottled Water
April: FREE Large Diet Coke
May: FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit or Large Waffle Potato Fries
June: FREE Large Coca-Cola Zero
July: FREE Small hand-spun milk
August: FREE Spicy chicken sandwich
September: FREE Large Coca-Cola
October: FREE Chargrilled chicken sandwich
November: FREE Chick-n-Minis (3-count) or Yogurt Parfait
December: FREE Large Sprite
Thanks, Freebies2Deals!
This Is Our Dinner Tonite
Today, AJ (my middle child) enters double digits - he's 10 year old! Crazy, how quickly time flies. When they're tiny little babies everyone tells you that you're gonna blink and they'll be graduating from college. Um....yeah - it's true. He's got football practice tonite, so LAST night I made his favorite dinner - spaghetti and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs (YUM!). But I'd still like to do something fun for the little big guy. So we're having a Jack-o-Lantern pizza from Papa Murphy's. Best of all - it's just $6. ;)
Plus, this will go nicely with the cupcakes I just finished frosting for him. Aren't they cute! Just so you know I'm still fabulously frugal - I got the cupcake tins/carriers after Christmas last year for $0.50, and the cake mix & frosting is a spring set that I got for $0.25/ea. at Target after Easter. To mask the "spring-ness" I jazzed 'em up with Halloween liners, sprinkles and chocolate eyeballs. All told, a batch of 18 cost me less than $6 - and mine taste WAY better than the grocery store 'cuz I have a secret ingredient (LOVE!).
Here's hopin' his birthday is so much fun it's SCARY (see what I just did there?!). And let's hope the Rangers give him a nice little birthday present of a World Series win! Go Rangers!
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies
To rid your home of fruit flies:
Take a small glass, fill it half full with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid. Mix well. The flies will be drawn to the cup, and gone forever!
Steve Spangler Halloween Ideas
Who is familiar with Steve Spangler? I've seen him on Ellen's last few Halloween shows, and the dude is awesome! This OOZING PUMPKIN idea is perfect for when Halloween is over, and you're tired of the ol' Jack-o-lantern. Might as well give him a grand send off, right?! Steve Spangler has his own website HERE that is chock-full of science experiments and videos you can do at home. He has an extensive online store FULL of all the supplies you need for your budding scientist. I've bought science kits from him in the past and been VERY pleased. You should check it out - especially his Halloween section! My boys have spent HOURS looking at his science experiment videos. It's a lot of fun!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Chez Still Needs Your Help
It turns out that there is actually another tragedy besides the elderly good samaritan who lost his life. Apparently he had a cat (Chez), who is now homeless. Ironic, right? One of the neighbors contacted The Vet House (here in Richardson) to determine if they would take Chez in and help him find a home. Being animal-loving, good natured people they were happy to oblige. But now they are charged with the task of finding little Chez a home. Because living at the veterinarian's is no place to live permanently (even though they are giving him run of the employee kitchen, and I'm sure quite a lot of love & attention). This poor little guy who is already mourning the loss of his owner is completely uprooted and living in unfamiliar surroundings. You know how upset your pets get when you walk into the vets? Imagine now living there for good - confused, not knowing what's going on. Oh, it makes me so sad.
Here's what we know about Chez. He is very sweet and good natured. He gets along well with other cats and dogs. He is neutered and completely up to date on all his shots. He is an adorable orange, fluffy ball of kitty, who is about 8 months old. He needs someone to step up and give him a home. Not a place to stay. He needs a family that will love him and take care of him forever and ever. Amen.
If you have room in your home and your heart for this sweet guy, please contact The Vet House at (972) 690-8741. Tell them Brenda sent you. They knew I was writing this story and were kind enough to send me the pics of little Chez! You are welcome to go by there anytime to meet & greet Chez. (By the way, that's just the name they've given him - so if you're not sold on that you can probably change it and he won't care a bit!). Won't someone please help a kitty out? Take it from someone who is a serial-adopter....these little guys know that you saved their life and they are oh, so grateful. Ours have been such blessings and are indeed very valuable members of the Park family. Someone please adopt this baby so I can sleep at night! :)
AWESOME!
YAY! CiCi's just sent me an email telling me that kids in Halloween costumes will get a FREE buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet. The fine print says it is available UNTIL 10/31, so I am assuming that you could bring 'em in anytime between now and Halloween night and get free kids buffets. Head HERE to print your coupon. That's a nice treat! :)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Can You Help Chez?
It turns out that there is actually another tragedy besides the elderly good samaritan who lost his life. Apparently he had a cat (Chez), who is now homeless. Ironic, right? One of the neighbors contacted The Vet House (here in Richardson) to determine if they would take Chez in and help him find a home. Being animal-loving, good natured people they were happy to oblige. But now they are charged with the task of finding little Chez a home. Because living at the veterinarian's is no place to live permanently (even though they are giving him run of the employee kitchen, and I'm sure quite a lot of love & attention). This poor little guy who is already mourning the loss of his owner is completely uprooted and living in unfamiliar surroundings. You know how upset your pets get when you walk into the vets? Imagine now living there for good - confused, not knowing what's going on. Oh, it makes me so sad.
Here's what we know about Chez. He is very sweet and good natured. He gets along well with other cats and dogs. He is neutered and completely up to date on all his shots. He is an adorable orange, fluffy ball of kitty, who is about 8 months old. He needs someone to step up and give him a home. Not a place to stay. He needs a family that will love him and take care of him forever and ever. Amen.
If you have room in your home and your heart for this sweet guy, please contact The Vet House at (972) 690-8741. Tell them Brenda sent you. They knew I was writing this story and were kind enough to send me the pics of little Chez! You are welcome to go by there anytime to meet & greet Chez. (By the way, that's just the name they've given him - so if you're not sold on that you can probably change it and he won't care a bit!). Won't someone please help a kitty out? Take it from someone who is a serial-adopter....these little guys know that you saved their life and they are oh, so grateful. Ours have been such blessings and are indeed very valuable members of the Park family. Someone please adopt this baby so I can sleep at night! :)
Drive-In Movie Night
We have done Family Game Night to death. Really. The idea has gotten stale, and I'm ready for something fresh. This just might be the ticket! This will take some planning, to come up with boxes for each child to decorate -but I can assure you, they will be all over this!
While you are popping the popcorn and setting up the concession stand, let them decorate their cars and outfit it with their favorite pillow, blanket and lovey (my boys would kill me if they knew I was on here calling their stuffed animals "loveys").
You can go all out with the concessions stand, or keep it simple - definitely up to you. I'm thinking we'll have popcorn (a must), juice boxes or water and a few candy choices. Then let roll with the latest kids' new release. Brilliance! Kudos to Homemaking Fun who came up with this great idea originally.
P.S. I'm also guessing there will be a struggle over whether they can sleep in their car boxes! :)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Smores Cookie Bars
OMG, these are seriously calling my name. I know Smores are kinda a summer-thing, but surely since this is a Smores Cookie Bar then it's perfectly OK to make in the middle of October, right? And considering it's still eighty+ degrees outside, I'm sayin' this is OK! Lovin' From The Oven has this amazing recipe (and more) on their website. You should totally check 'em out. Until then, here is their recipe to tide you over:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 king-sized milk chocolate bars (e.g. Hershey’s)
- 1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.
- Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. 2 king-sized Hershey’s bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick. Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff. Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff (most easily achieved by flattening the dough into small shingles and laying them together).
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Makes 16 cookie bars.
20 Extra Uses For A Magic Eraser
1. Outdoor Furniture and Toys
Take grungy white resin or white painted furniture by lightly scrubbing with an eraser cleaning block. The eraser gets into crevices and cracks while leaving paint finishes intact. The same principle applies to outdoor plastic toys.
2. Pool Liners
Pool owners, this will make your life easier: A gentle scrubbing on your liner will get rid of the water mark better than any other product.
3. Vinyl
Take an eraser to scuffs on just about anything made from vinyl: siding, boat seats, shoes, etc.
4. Car Interiors
Clean the car seats with an eraser block: Go lightly on leather, but it's okay on fabric and vinyl, lightly scrub the car steering wheel. Eraser blocks get rid of grease streaks left inside after the car's been to the shop, too.
5. Hubcaps
Clean your car's hubcaps with an eraser for a water-free car wash.
6. Refrigerator
Get rid of last year's drippings that are pooled in the back of the fridge. It'll take a whole eraser block, but it gets the job done. The seals that have gotten a bit black and moldy will also respond well to an eraser.
7. Dishwasher Interior
What are those colors inside your dishwasher from time to time? Lime, mold, ewww. Just take an eraser to them and the stains will banish.
8. Bathtub and Sinks
Getting rid of dirt and water marks is easier (and not so gross) with an eraser block. Bathtubs can take a tough scrub, but go lightly on sinks -- even a light scrub gets rid of that caked on dirt that you often can't see until you try to get it off.
9. Rust Removal
Scrub anywhere (around pipes in kitchen and bath) that you see rust.
10. Computer
A magic eraser gets rid of oil and dirt that has built up on your keyboard and mouse; you can use it on laptops, too.
11. Phones
Use one on your phone's mouthpiece, too -- it gets rid of the same grime that builds up on your computer.
12. Bugs
Wherever there are smooshed bugs (porch pillars, car windshields, interior walls, exterior doors, exterior light fixtures) wipe them away with an eraser block.
13. Glass Stove Tops
No need to have special stove top cleaner on hand, get rid of burned-on food by lightly scrubbing until the gunk is gone.
14. Dishes and Glassware
Rub hard-to-clean build-up off of thrift store dishes and glassware, like Pyrex bowls, following advice from the blog Pyrex Love.
15. Gutters
Get rid of green slime that builds up on gutters with an eraser. It's another ewww-worthy task, but it'll be almost effortless with an eraser.
16. Mirrors (and Windows)
Many fans of eraser blocks swear it gives them a streak-free and clean mirror, if the pad is slightly damp when you give it a light scrub.
17. Floors
Erase scuff marks, old paint drips-great for most floors (but always go lightly, especially on finished wood).
18. Grout
Which leads us to grout. The eraser does well with most grout (except really old and darkened-beyond-help grout that will remain gray even with best scrubbing efforts).
19. Granite countertops
Everyone is afraid to scrub granite, but an eraser pad, used at first gently and then with a little more oomph as the stains disappear, will indeed get stubborn stains out of granite.
20. Leather
You can use and eraser lightly on leather upholstery, purses or shoes to lift up marks -- just be sure to use a gentle touch.
(Disclaimer-never use eraser cleaning blocks to clean skin, animal fur, glossy, brushed, satin or dark painted surfaces-including appliances, and lastly, never use on delicate fabrics.)
(Disclaimer-never use eraser cleaning blocks to clean skin, animal fur, glossy, brushed, satin or dark painted surfaces-including appliances, and lastly, never use on delicate fabrics.)
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