Savvy Moms KC

Beat the Winter Blues in Kansas City

2014-01-12T09:03:00.000-06:00

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Got a case of the Winter Blues? Well you are not the only one I can assure you! With a combination of below freezing weather, driving conditions, shorter days and kiddos out on Winter Break it's enough to take a toll on any Savvy Mama!

If you are anything like us, you want to get yourself and family outside and a little more active but finding things to do on a budget seems almost impossible! Preston and I have decided that you have to be almost filthy rich to keep your family stimulated in a healthy way during these bleak winter months!

Here are a few ideas for a budget minded family to keep their calm and carry on throughout the chill!

Embrace the freeze and go Ice Skating!

Crown Center Ice Terrace
2450 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108

KC Ice Center
19900 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66218
Phone: 913-441-3033

Line Creek Community Center Ice Arena

5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive

Kansas City, MO 64151

The Ice at Park Place
11551 Ash Street
Park Place, Leawood, KS 66211

Take a Swim!

CoCo Key Water Resort
Holiday Inn Kansas City - SE 9103 East 39th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64133 Phone: 877.425.2746

Great Wolf Lodge

10401 Cabela Drive

Kansas City, KS 66111

Crown Center
Crown Center has a number of great places to educate and entertain the kiddos! Each Center is an all day event!
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Hallmark Visitor Center
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Kaleidoscope
Coterie Theatre
2450 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108

Take in some History

The Money Museum
100 Memorial Drive
Kansas City, MO 64198

Union Station
30 W Pershing Rd
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 460-2020

National WWI Museum

100 West 26th Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 888-8100

Take a drive!

Grandma Hoerner's
Weather permitting a drive located approximately 25 miles West of Topeka, the kids can take in a tour of the manufacturing facility while you enjoy the Coffee and Free samples! I adore Grandma Hoerner's Big Apple Slices and was so excited to take in (litterally) the rest of the products that Grandma Hoerner's has available!

31862 Thompson Road

Alma, KS 66401

(785) 765-2300

McCoys Public House in Westport Area

2014-01-03T17:39:00.002-06:00

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Preston and I visited the McCoy Public House a few weeks back for a very rare night without the kiddo. We had no idea what we were going to do or where we were going to go but we had a sitter and we were going out!

We ended up deciding Westport was our destination. It was a fairly busy night so we found the closest parking spot we could and endured the frigid cold to find a place to eat. It just so happened we ended up at McCoys Public House, a very nice coincidence indeed!

I loved the atmosphere of McCoys. The bar was completely packed with people even standing and loitering around the seats. There was not an open seat anywhere at the bar so we sat up front for the 20 minute wait for a table.

Preston had an Imperial IPA one of McCoys House Brews and we started our meal with the best crab cakes I've ever come across! Preston and I are a bit of snobs about our crab cakes and McCoys knocked these out of the park! I have been searching for a recipe similar ever since! My only reservation on them was the price. $14.00 for 2 crab cakes the size of a half dollar is a bit much for my Thrift Savvy mind, but I really did enjoy them! Preston alone could've eaten 5 plates for an appetizer and I could have had 2 myself!

CRAB CAKES

jumbo lump crab / cider butter
lemon-scented micro-arugula

I highly recommend the Public House Rolls and at $3.00 for a pan on 4 rolls it is definitely budget friendly! They are wheat rolls made with fresh rolls and a stout butter and they are delicious and filling!

PUBLIC HOUSE ROLLS (v)

four wheat rolls / fresh-baked / honey-stout butter

I had the Sirloin Chili as my meal. I was surprised at the small size (and with a cost of $8.50 I was expecting something spectacular) but it was amazingly delicious! I absolutely love spicy for and to say the least, this chili is spicy!

SIRLOIN CHILI

hearty beef sirloin / black beans white cheddar / crispy tortilla strips warm corn muffin

Preston had the Chicken Fried Steak which was also really good and at a great price at $13.00.

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN

buttermilk-breaded chicken breast
tasso ham gravy / green beans
buttermilk smashed potatoes

4057 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64111

816-960-0866

FREE PHOTO SESSION TO ONE LUCKY SUBSCRIBER!!

2013-06-02T07:52:00.000-05:00

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I am SOOOO excited to announce that I will be hosting a Giveaway for a FREE PHOTO SHOOT with my all time favorite Photographer and Friend, Adrienne Zendejas O'Kane with Zendejas Photography!

I met Adrienne when I was 9 months pregnant with my Little Mason. I wanted to have Maternity photos taken and ran across her name. I adored some of the photos that I had seen on her Facebook page and was even more excited by the price!! LET ME TELL YOU, this is the BIGGEST bang for your buck and you will not be disappointed!!

Here are just a few shots of Adrienne's Work, of my little guy! I couldn't pick just one!!

How do you schedule your Childrens Activities?

2013-04-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

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Good Morning all you Savvy moms out there! It's been almost a week since I have posted on this blog! Such crazy lives as mommies, right?! My Son, is beginning Soccer this coming Monday, so things are just going to get crazier! I have a question for all you regarding when you start your child in organized sports, and the classes you put your children into and why?

You always here about the Mommy that overextends their children and have them in too many activities. I may fall into this category, but I will tell you why I choose to keep mine and my Son's time filled with "active" activities!!

I am a little concerned because my Son is only 3 years old!! This Soccer class is held at our local YMCA on Monday nights and Wednesday night for an hour a week!! Is that not CRAZY!! At 3 years old, I was NEVER doing anything for that long twice a week! My Mom was lucky to hold my attention for more than 20 minutes! Anyhow, they do state that it is only to help with the Child's coordination and for fun, so I decided to try it. It is also only 3 weeks long, so if it doesn't work out it's only a short period of time! PLUS he gets to be active, and in this day with Children and Adults alike, I want my Son to "connect" with other Children, and I get to meet other Mommies like me! Can't go wrong there!! So what I'd like to hear form you? What sports are your children in? What is your activity routine per week? I only have one child, so it is far easier to get him to his classes and I don't have to worry about 2 or more classes going on at one time and how to get them there!! Please comment below!

Mothers Day Photo Gifts Just $1.99 and FREE SHIPPING!!

2013-04-24T08:40:00.001-05:00

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Good Morning all you Savvy Moms!

Have I got a Deal for you! $1.99 for Photo Gifts and Free Shipping!

Todays Deal is brought to you by ArtsCow. I have used them over and over for inexpensive, but High Quality (I thought I'd been getting some low quality products at this price, but I have to tell you, I was pleasantly surprised!!) I've ordered Christmas Ornaments, Blankets, Dog Tags, Key Chains, the Cosmetic pouches, Magnets, mousepads, and tons of other items, and they are such a spectacular price, and quality!! The only drawback I've found to ArtsCow, they are an international store, so expect Shipping to take a LONG time! My orders come in quicker when I have to pay for shipping, but I don't, so when they have great deals, I plan to use the items for gifts at least 2 months out!

1 Meat, 5 Meals - Series - Chicken Lovers

2013-04-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

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Good Morning everyone! I had a friend asking how I make and save my meals and use leftovers. Though I do this for our family on a weekly basis, I have yet to write down the steps and recipes! BUT it is a GREAT time and Money Saver for everyone!

In this series, I will show you how to cook up 5 delicious meals with one meat. This week, we will be using Chicken. Meat is the least expensive when you purchase it in whole form. On sale, I can get a whole chicken for as low as 0.89 cents a lb! Whole Chickens are easily frozen until a couple of days before you need them, so when I see them on sale, I purchase about 3 of them and freeze them. For a 6 lb Chicken (enough for an entire 5 days for a family of 4) that is less than 6 dollars for the week!

Ingredients for the week

Don't forget to Price Match!!

Spices: Celery Salt, Rosemary, Salt, Black Pepper, Bay Leaves

5 lb bag of potatoes (These go on sale in my area for .99 cents a bag! every 3 months)
Corn Starch
Bag of Egg Noodles (I use these instead of Pasta to reduce carb intake)
2 lb bag of baby carrots
Pepper Jack Cheese
Pita Pockets
1 lb of Bacon (I get these for usually 2.50 a lb on sale - another item I freeze until I need them)
Frozen Broccoli
Honey
Brown Sugar
Mustard
8 large tortillas
Bag of Knorr or Lipton Spanish Rice
Bag of Knorr or Lipton Chicken and Broccoli rice
At least 6 lb Whole Chicken
1 Can of Black Beans
Sour Cream

First Meal: I start on Sundays, as I have more time to cook on Sundays, and the first day is the most time consuming)

Roasted Whole Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Honey Glazed Carrots

Chicken: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare Chicken - pluck out any feathers, take out innards (save these). Coat Chicken in 1/4 Cup Butter, 1 teaspoon dried (or 2 teaspoons Fresh) Rosemary, 1 teaspoon Celery Salt, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper.

Start on Mashed Potatoes and Honey Glazed Carrots during last 45 minutes of chicken cooking time.

Place Chicken in a roasting pan and in pre-heated oven with Aluminum foil resting loosely on top (keeps tops from burning). Cooking time for a 6 - 6.5 lb chicken is 2 hours 25 minutes. Take the aluminum foil off the top for the last 25 minutes. I rely heavily on my Oven Timer. Check internal temp of chicken using a Meat Thermometer before removing as cooking times vary by altitude and oven. Once the internal temp of the Chicken has reached 165 degrees you can take it out. Let rest 10 minutes before carving.

Carrots: Place 1 lb of Carrots in a pot of boiling water. Cook until tender (about 30 - 40 minutes). Drain. Place in a serving bowl. While still hot, add in 1/2 stick of butter, 1 TBL Honey and 1/4 C of Brown Sugar. The heat from the carrots will melt the butter and dissolve the honey and sugar. If necessary place in the microwave for 1 minute right before serving.

Mashed potatoes: (You will be making extra potoatos for tomorrow) Place large pot of water and 1 teaspoon of salt on to a rapid boil. Peel 2 - 2.5 lbs of potatoes and cut up and place in boiling water. Turn heat down to a light boil and cook until tender. Drain, mash, add in Salt, Pepper, butter and Garlic Salt to taste (To make creamy, I add Ranch Dressing instead of Gravy). Place 1/2 in fridge for tomorrows meal.

Serve!

This is where I start for the following day. Carve up remaining meat separating Light and Dark meat. Get as much off of the bones as possible. Do not throw anything away (While Separating place a large pot of water on to boil. ) Start placing the bones, skin and meat into the boiling water (as well as the innards saved from earlier). Put Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Salt, Celery salt, 1 lb of carrots, and black pepper into the pot and mix. Turn down heat to a light boil until meat is falling off bones and Carrots are tender. Turn off heat. Once cooled, place in fridge overnight.

Here are the rest of the meals for this week. As it is a lot of information, I will be doing separate posts for each recipe.

Chicken and Noodle

Chicken Cheesy Rice Casserole

Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Pitas

Chicken Mexican Casserole

If you LOVE this series! Let me know and I can include more posts like this!! I SOOO Hope you will try this for your families! They will LOVE it!

Price Matching Week of April 10 - GREAT SAVINGS THIS WEEK!

2013-04-11T13:13:00.002-05:00

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Here are the best deals around Kansas City! I will post them for you to find, or for your price matching needs! I use them weekly to price match and I save a lot each week on my grocery bill. I hope you will at least try it!! Check here for my initial post and tips and tricks for Price Matching!

Brand/Item Price Size Ad/Page

Produce

Wishbone Salad Dressing 2/$3.00 16oz PC/Pg4 **Free Bag of Dole Lettuce when you buy 2 Bottles of Dressing
Driscoll's Strawberries $1.49 1/lb HenHouse/Pg1
Navel Oranges $1.48 4lb/bag Aldis/Pg1
Bananas 0.29 Per/lb Aldis/Pg1
Mangoes 0.49 Per/lb Aldis/Pg1
Washington/Stemlit or Fuji Apples 0.98/lb HyVee/Pg6

Dairy

Best Choice Shredded Cheese 0.99 6-8oz HenHouse/Pg1

Meat

Oscar Meyer Bacon 2/$5.00 16oz PC/Pg1
Farmland Jumbo Deli Franks 0.78 16oz PC/4daysaleinsert (4/11-4/14)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.77/lb HyVee 2 day sale (4/11-4/12)

Canned/Packaged Goods

Best Choice Vegetables .39 14.5-15.25oz PC/Pg1
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce .0.78 17-18oz PC/4daysaleinsert (4/11-4/14)
Ritz Crackers $1.50 per box HyVee 2 days sale (4/11-4/12)
Mission Tortilla Chips $1.48 13oz PC/4daysaleinsert (4/11-4/14)

Breads

Hamburger Buns/Hot Dog Buns 0.88 8 Ct PC/4daysaleinsert (4/11-4/14)

Baking

Granulated Sugar $1.88 4lb bag HyVee 2 day sale (4/11-4/12)

MISC

Blue Bunny Ice Cream $1.98 56oz PC/4daysaleinsert (4/11-4/14)
General Mills Cereal 5/$10.00 = 2.00 per box 8.9oz-12oz HyVee/Last Page (I normally do not do coupons, but there are always GM coupons for 1-2 dollars off when buying in qty. That would make these about 1.50 per box!!)

Quick & Easy - Asian Lettuce Wraps

2013-04-08T23:57:00.000-05:00

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

Crisp Romaine Lettuce
1 lb Ground Chicken
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce
Peanut Butter
Water Chestnuts
Cashews
Olive Oil
Red Pepper Flakes

Brown Rice
1 Can of Sweet Peas

Make rice according to package instructions. Add 1 can of Sweet peas at very end of cooking or they will break down.

Brown Chicken in 1 TBLS of Extra Virgin Olive oil. Drain.

Add in 2 TBLS each of Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce. Mix Well.

Simmer on low for about 5 minutes to thicken. Add in a handful of Cashews and 1 can of Water Chestnuts (I put these in a Zip lock bag and use my Meat Mallet on them ) and 1.5 teaspoons of Red Pepper Flakes

Serve on Romaine Lettuce Leaves

ENJOY!!! Even my 3 year old LOVES this recipe ;)

Little Lidz Newborn Cabled Bear Hat & Matching Leggings GIVEAWAY!!

2013-04-07T16:33:00.004-05:00

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Good Afternoon all you Savvy Moms!

Have I got a FABULOUS surprise for you!

SavvyMomsKC has teamed up with Little Lidz

for a Fabulous Fan Giveaway!

Prize Package Includes:

Newborn Cabled Knit Bear Cap & Leggings Set

Your choice of color: Indigo, Lavender, or Wheat

Little Lidz has the most incredible Hand Knit Beanies, Bonnets, & Blankets for your Newborn! There are a variety of color choices in the store as well. Custom Ordering is available!

SHOP NOW

Want a little Taste? I know you fall in love with these!

(I am just about on cuteness overload right now!)

I bet you want to know how to win right?!

Subscribe to SavvyMomsKC via E-mail

AND

"LIKE" Little Lidz on Facebook

(These two are required for entry)

(This giveaway closes May 15th, 2013 at midnight Eastern Time)

Each participant can gain one extra entry by sharing this giveaway to their Facebook Pages! Please be sure to comment below that you have shared! If you have any expecting friends, be sure to tag them in your post so they know about this fabulous prize package!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Clay & Jackson County Residents - Free Admission to the Kansas City Zoo - April 7th only

2013-04-06T23:12:00.002-05:00

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Planet Beach Spa - $45.00 for 2 weeks of unlimited Spa Services!

2013-04-06T22:54:00.003-05:00

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ORDER NOW! - Expires April 8th!

Planet Beach Spa – Olathe Pointe

Olathe Pointe

14987 W. 119th

Olathe, Kansas 66062

One or Two Weeks of Unlimited Spa Services (Up to 77% Off)

Choose Between Two Options

$30 for one week of unlimited spa services (a $99 value)
$45 for two weeks of unlimited spa services (a $198 value)

Planet Beach Spa's machines administer fully automated services, such as a skin-firming red-light therapy facial, soothing AquaMassage, toxin-banishing far-infrared sauna, tanning, and more.

About Planet Beach

At a futuristic relaxation station, state-of-the-art machines administer all the spa and tanning services

Welcome to Planet Beach of Olathe, a Contempo Spa offering Kansas City facials, personal steam saunas, far infrared sauna, teeth whitening, hand therapy, massages, Mystic spray tan, UV tanning and meditation as some of our major services. Planet Beach also offers a complete skin care line to aide in wrinkle reduction, acne repair along with maintaining a healthy, vibrant skin tone.

What is a Contempo Spa?

At the touch of a button you can enjoy the traditional day spa experience at a fraction of the cost and in far less time.

Expires 90 days after purchase.
Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple additional as gifts. Limit 3 spa services per day. One week option expires 7 days from activation; Two week option expires 14 days from activation. Valid for new clients or customers who have not used services within the last 6 months. Valid only for select services. Not valid for retail. Must be 18 or older. Must be used by the same person. May use across multiple visits.

Click here to view available services

ORDER NOW! - Expires April 8th!

Search "Planet Spa Olathe"

Element Fitness - $30.00 for 30 Visits (300.00 Value)

2013-04-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

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Here is another fabulous KC Deal from Groupon!

Element Fitness

Lenexa

7880 Quivira Rd
Lenexa, Kansas 66216

BUT HURRY - Offer Ends April 8th!!

$30 for 30 Gym Visits ($300 Value)

Guests can visit Element Fitness 30 times, taking part in Les Mills group fitness classes led by certified personal instructors, open pool time in the heated indoor pool, and dry-sauna sessions.

Element Fitness

Inside Element Fitness, the lime-green walls of the cardio room energize guests dashing away on treadmills as the yoga studio’s crisp white walls and glowing orb lights soothe yogis. The pool room echoes with splashing as guests stretch during pool aerobics classes; the dry sauna nearby remains quiet, letting guests absorb dry heat without listening to the heavy-metal albums played in traditional saunas. Stationary bikes adorn the spinning studio. Meanwhile, in workout studios lined with free weights, personal trainers make use of their professional weightlifting or triathlon experience during one-on-one personal-training sessions or group fitness classes.

The Body Bar - Prairie Village - $135.00 package for $65.00

2013-04-06T10:56:00.003-05:00

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The Body Bar - Prairie Village - $135.00 package for $65.00

Spa Package with Peace Massage, Custom-Blend Facial, and Option for Body Wrap (Up to 53% Off)

Long, soothing strokes relax muscles before a custom blend of facial products calms individual skin concerns; body wraps fight signs of age

Get your GROUPon!! Expires Soon!!

Train Concert at Starlight Theatre - Groupon Deal - 50% Off

2013-04-06T10:40:00.001-05:00

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All right all you Savvy Moms! Here is a Great Steal on Groupon today!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE TRAIN!!

Meet Virginia
Drops of Jupiter

Train, Grammy-winning pop and roots trio behind the hit “Drops of Jupiter” touts its latest album with Michael Franti & Spearhead at Starlight Theatre July 20th, 2013.

$17 for Train’s Mermaids of Alcatraz Tour

This deal is only available for 2 days and 13 hours from now and quantities are limited!!

SO get your GROUPon!!

Funding your Childs Education - Never too early to start

2013-04-05T06:23:00.000-05:00

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With the costs for college education soaring each year it's never too early to get a head start on setting aside funds for your child (ren) s education.

I did a future College Cost search for my Son. Anticipating that he will be going to an average 4 year University in 17 years. These were my results.

College Cost Projection for 2030-2033

(assumes a 6% inflation rate)

Year	Today's Dollars	Future Dollars
2030	$39,500	$106,365
2031	$39,500	$112,746
2032	$39,500	$119,511
2033	$39,500	$126,682
Total cost	$158,000	$465,304

Staggering Right!?! You can do your own calculations here.

By understanding this, you know that you need to start saving now for your child's education. There are some really good options available. 529's are my preferred choice and recommendation. I am going to go over the Kansas 529 option today, and will follow up with Missouri's' in another post.

Kansas State 529 {Learning Quest}

529 College Savings Plans At-a-Glance

What is a 529 plan?	It is a program that: Is designed to help families invest for higher education Offers state and federal tax advantages Gives the account owner control over how and when the assets are used Is generally sponsored by a state (Learning Quest is sponsored by Kansas)
What are the tax benefits?	There are several tax benefits: Earnings grow tax-deferred from federal and state taxes¹ Withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax free^{1, 2} There is no federal gift tax on contributions per beneficiary up to $70,000 ($140,000 for spousal gifts) in a single year; generally, contributions to an account are removed from your taxable estate. Some states offer tax benefits; Kansas taxpayers may invest in any state-sponsored 529 plan and receive a Kansas adjusted gross income deduction for their contributions. This deduction applies to contributions of up to $3,000 per beneficiary, per year ($6,000 if married, filing jointly).
Where can 529 plan assets be used?	Any eligible higher education institution in the U.S. and abroad²: 2- or 4-year public or private colleges and universities Graduate schools Vocational/technical schools
What can 529 assets be used for?	Qualified withdrawals include: Tuition Required fees, books, and equipment Certain room and board costs
Who can open an account?	Almost anyone can open a 529 plan account: There is no income level and no maximum age limit Any U.S. citizen or resident alien, 18 or older, with a permanent U.S. address Parents, grandparents, other family members, or friends An adult learner for his or her own retraining or ongoing education
Who controls the assets and withdrawals?	There is generally an account owner and a beneficiary (the student for whom the account is set up); the account owner maintains control of the account, including: Making withdrawals Making any changes to the beneficiary or the investment Choosing where and when the assets are used
How does a 529 plan account work?	The account owner invests in the portfolio(s) of their choice that are offered by the plan, selecting investments that are appropriate for their risk tolerance and the amount of time that they have until the student will be attending college.

There are fees associated with having an advised plan. See Total Portfolio Fee

Learning Quest Advisor Portfolios

Underlying
Fund Expenses^A1

Program
Management Fee

Total
Portfolio Fee

Learning Quest Advisor Very Aggressive Portfolio	1.01%	0.20%	1.21%
Learning Quest Advisor Aggressive Portfolio	0.92%	0.20%	1.12%
Learning Quest Advisor Moderate Portfolio	0.85%	0.20%	1.05%
Learning Quest Advisor Conservative Portfolio	0.78%	0.20%	0.98%
Learning Quest Advisor Very Conservative Portfolio	0.60%	0.20%	0.80%
Learning Quest Advisor Short-Term Portfolio	0.40%	0.20%	0.60%
Learning Quest Advisor 100% Equity Portfolio	1.06%	0.20%	1.26%
Learning Quest Advisor International Growth Portfolio	1.32%	0.20%	1.52%
Learning Quest Advisor Disciplined Growth Portfolio	1.04%	0.20%	1.24%
Learning Quest Advisor Heritage Portfolio	1.01%	0.20%	1.21%
Learning Quest Advisor Small Cap Growth Portfolio	1.40%	0.20%	1.60%
Learning Quest Advisor Fundamental Equity Portfolio	1.01%	0.20%	1.21%
Learning Quest Advisor Value Portfolio	1.01%	0.20%	1.21%
Learning Quest Advisor Mid Cap Value Portfolio	1.01%	0.20%	1.21%
Learning Quest Advisor Real Estate Portfolio	1.16%	0.20%	1.36%
Learning Quest Advisor Inflation Protection Bond Portfolio	0.50%	0.20%	0.70%
Learning Quest Advisor International Bond Portfolio	0.81%	0.20%	1.01%
Learning Quest Advisor Diversified Bond Portfolio	0.61%	0.20%	0.81%
Learning Quest Advisor Money Market Portfolio	0.25%	N/A	0.25%

Here are the fees associated with a Direct-Sold Plan

Learning Quest Portfolios

Underlying
Fund Expenses^A1

Program
Management Fee

Total Fee

Very Aggressive Portfolio	0.69%	0.20%	0.89%
Aggressive Portfolio	0.59%	0.20%	0.79%
Moderate Portfolio	0.55%	0.20%	0.75%
Conservative Portfolio	0.51%	0.20%	0.71%
Very Conservative Portfolio	0.41%	0.20%	0.61%
Short-Term Portfolio	0.23%	0.20%	0.43%
LIVESTRONG 2025 Portfolio	0.83%	0.20%	1.03%
LIVESTRONG 2015 Portfolio	0.78%	0.20%	0.98%
Aggressive Index Portfolio	N/A	N/A	0.50% ^A2
Moderate Index Portfolio	N/A	N/A	0.50% ^A2
Conservative Index Portfolio	N/A	N/A	0.50% ^A2
100% Equity Portfolio	0.74%	0.20%	0.94%
Total Growth Index Portfolio	0.05%	0.20%	0.25%
500 Index Portfolio	0.04%	0.20%	0.24%
Balanced Index Portfolio	0.08%	0.20%	0.28%
Total Bond Market Index Portfolio	0.05%	0.20%	0.25%
Money Market Portfolio	0.25%	N/A	0.25%

Kansas taxpayers may invest in any state-sponsored 529 plan and receive a Kansas adjusted gross income deduction for their contributions. This deduction applies to contributions of up to $3,000 per beneficiary, per year ($6,000 if married, filing jointly)

So the first thing you will need to decide is if you want someone else to manage your portfolio and pay associated fees, or manage the funds yourself and choose which portfolios to distribute your funds.

For Direct-sold {you are the manager of the account} there are Age Based Funds available that move your funds into lower risk funds as your child hits age milestones.

Once you have decided on a plan type, you will need to select how aggressive you intend to be with the funds, and which portfolio you want to allocate your funds to. Most Financial Advisors recommend the more time that you have before the child attends reaches College Age, the more aggressive you should be. I would suggest speaking directly with a Learning Quest Specialist (free of charge) at 1-800-579-2203 Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time

Low Minimum Investment Amounts
For Kansas Residents, you only need $100 to open an account by check. If you opt for Direct Deposit Automatic payments from your bank account, you only need $25.00 to open an account (Kansas Residents).

You are ready to ENROLL

Some great reason to consider the Learning Quest Account.

Tax Advantages - both State and Federal
Low Enrollment investment
Does not have to be used in a Kansas College or University to be eligible
This plan has a Matching K.I.D.S grant available for qualifying accounts up to $600.00 per year.

I am not a financial advisor or associated with Learning Quest in any way. All information is based on my own experiences and reading of account information readily available online and will not be held liable for any funds lost in the market.

Price Matching - Save $ on your Grocery Bill!

2013-04-04T02:02:00.000-05:00

Ever seen that person in front of you checking out at the grocery store with 15 ads in hand and showing the cashier the Ad for each item in her cart? Yes, that was probably me! Price Matching REALLY saves our family money on the grocery bills each week, plus it saves me on trips to multiple groceries stores for their sale items.

For now, Wal-mart is the easiest place to do price-matching, so that is where I do my grocery shopping.

Here's how to save.

Check out your local grocery store circulars. For the Kansas City Area, this Site is the best and is updated weekly with the new ads. New ads in my area come out on Wednesdays.

I am going to use this weeks Price Chopper Aldis Sunfresh Hyvee ads as an example.

Brand/Item Qty Price Size Ad/Page

Produce
Bananas .29 per/lb Aldis/Pg1
Naval Oranges 1 $ 1.48 4/lb bag Aldis/Pg1
Red Grapes .99 per/lb Aldis/Pg1
Red Delicious Apples .98 per/lb Hyvee/Pg2
Fresh Green Peppers 3 .59 each Hyvee/Pg7
Dole Classic Salads 2 $1.50 each Hyvee/Last Page

Dairy
Best Choice Shredded Cheese 4 .99 6-8 oz PriceChopper/Pg1
Imperial Spread (butter) 4 .69 16 oz Sunfresh/Pg3
Large Eggs 1 .99 1 Doz Sunfresh/Pg4

Meat
Pork Butt Roast 1 .98 per/lb Sunfresh/Pg1

Canned/Packaged Goods
Pasta Ragu Sauce 4 $ 1.29 16-24 oz Sunfresh/Pg1
Kraft Dressing 2 $ 1.50 14-16 oz Sunfresh/Pg3
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce 2 .88 18 oz Hyvee/Pg9
Skippy Peanut Butter 1 2.58 16.3 oz Hyvee/Pg11

Baking
C&H Sugar 1 $2.38 4 lb bag Hyvee/Pg11

Cleaning Supplies
Purex Laundry Detergent 4 $3.99 150 oz Hyvee/3daysale April 4-6

MISC
Best Choice Aluminum Foil 2 .99 25 ft Sunfresh/Pg3

A few things to consider when Price Matching

Warn your Checkout Cashier and anyone foolish enough to stand in line behind you ;)
Separate your cart by price matched items, and non price matched items. I place my non-price matched items up first, then what I am price matching. Other wise you will be trying to remember what and what isn't on that list of yours!
Use the formatting above for your grocery list - Doing it this way will help while shopping and checking out! You, the cashier, and the people behind you will be glad that you did! (I used to have them listed by ad, and would have to come back to parts of the store multiple times because I missed something on my list the first time around)
I've noticed when I have this sheet printed out with all of the info, the Cashiers do not ask for the Ads. This will cut down your checkout time a lot!
Do your research! It pays!

This is actually my list for this week, so feel free to try it!! Make sure to come back and let me know how it goes!

3 Ingredient Cake/Cupcake Frosting

2013-04-03T23:54:00.000-05:00

Simple Cupcake Frosting

1 Cup Milk
1 Package of pudding (any flavor)
1 Tub of Cool Whip

Mix all together!

* Dieters or Diabetics, easily swap out Milk to Low Fat, Pudding to Sugar Free and Fat Free, and Cool Whip to Sugar Free and Fat Free

Stole My Heart Sugar Cookies

2013-04-03T23:51:00.000-05:00

Sugar Cookies and Frosting

Sugar Cookie Recipe

1 1/2 cups softened butter
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

Icing Recipe

1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons milk
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (For a real treat - cinnamon extract in the red coloring)
red gel food coloring or no coloring for the white

Directions

In a small bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth. Beat in corn syrup and almond (or cinnamon) extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing is too thick, add more milk.

Spanish Chicken Casserole

2013-04-03T23:43:00.000-05:00

Today, I have a recipe for you! This is one of our favorites in this household, and I love it, because I can make it on a weekend (I usually make 2 and freeze one), and we can have it for the first part of the week. :)

This was passed down to me from my Son's Grandmother, and it is delicious!! I hope that you will try it!!

EL HOMBRE

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Cooked, shredded Chicken (when I am lazy I use a rotisserie Chicken)

1 bag of Large Flour tortillas cut in half (I use my Pizza Cutter!)

2 cans of black beans

2 packages of cooked Spanish Rice

1/4 C of Milk

2 C of Sour Cream

1 Chicken Bullion Cube

4 Cups of Shredded Cheese

Add Shredded Chicken and black Beans

Place one more layer of tortilla halves for the Top.

Ingredients White Cheese Sauce

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Use a 13x9 casserole Dish

Layer the bottom of pan with 4 tortilla halves (I put flat part of tortilla against sides)

Spread Spanish Rice around entire bottom layer (as pictured)

Layer again with Tortilla Halves

Next you will make your White Cheese Sauce.

In a Sauce Pan, on a low heat, combine sour cream, and milk.

While this is heating, I put one chicken builion cube in 1/8 cups of water, and place in the microwave for 2 minutes (If you haven't noticed, I LOVE shortcuts!! I love to cook, but I don't want to do it all day:) Stir to ensure it has completely dissolved in hot water.

Add Builion Stock and Cheese (I use pre-shredded fiesta blend) to the sauce and leave on a low heat.

Once your sauce is entirely mixed, and cheese is melted, pour onto top of Mexican casserole. (Pictured Below)

Place in oven about 25 minutes, or until top is a golden brown (pictured below)

Let stand about 5-8 minutes and serve with Shredded Lettuce and Tomato on each slice! :)

5 Minute Pumpkin Pie!

2013-04-03T23:38:00.002-05:00

This recipe is SO easy and for the time involved outshines ANY homemade Pumpkin Pie!! Want to know the time involved? 5 Minutes from start to finish! YES that's right!! 5 minutes from start to EAT!!!

Ingredients

2 Boxes of Jello Pumpkin Spice
Ground Nutmeg (optional, but gives it a divine little kick and a truly homemade look! )
2 Cups of Milk
1 Pie Crust - I use pre-made (Wal-mart now carries them for 1.00 each)

This makes the total cost of this pie a little over 2.00 each!

The Pumpkin Spice Jello is seasonal so I suggest stocking up when you see them! I know I sure did!! At the time Preston thought I was nuts, but now they aren't even available and I certainly do not have the time any more for a home-baked Pumpkin pie! And I am guessing except for Thanksgiving, you don't either!! :)

Whisk the Milk and Jello Pudding together, pour into your pie crust and top with nutmeg. Place it in the fridge for a couple of minutes and it is ready to serve!! Serve Slice with a Dal-lop of Sugar Free Cool Whip! YUMM!! (i love the word dal-lop don't you?? reminds me of lollipop! )

On the box it calls for 1 package per 2 cups of milk - Using two packages makes it a much creamier and thicker pie that doesn't fall apart when you cut into it!! Start serving this to you guests now so when Thanksgiving comes around you aren't stuck spending 3 hours baking a pie!! Take that time and enjoy it with your family instead of standing in the kitchen like we always do!! ;)

The Case of the Vanishing Cookies!

2013-04-03T23:35:00.000-05:00

These Cookies are so delicious they just seem to vanish!!

Pre-Heat oven to 375 degrees

Cream together 1/2 Cup Shortening and 1 stick ( 8 TBLS) of room temperature butter

Add 1 teaspoon of each; Vanilla, Baking Soda, Salt and mix thoroughly

Mix in 2 eggs. Your batter will look seperated, do not be alarmed!

Add in 3/4 C each Granulated sugar and Brown Sugar and mix until blended

Gradually add in 2 Cups of Flour. Once blened add in 3/4 Cups of Oatmeal and 1 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

When I make a cookie Dough, I usually double or triple the recipe, and freeze. If I have a last minute party or guests, it is SO simple to pull them out and have fresh baked cookies on hand, like I was prepared!! ;)

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Custom Made Onsies for less than 2.00 each!

2013-04-03T22:59:00.000-05:00

These adorable Tie Onsies cost Approx $1.50 each to make!

How'd I do it?

The Dollar Store sells Onsies in White, Pink and Blue for $1.00 plus Tax!

Or Amazon has them 5 for 11.99 as shown above!

I used Avery T-Shirt Transfers

Amazon has them for 14.99!

You are going to need:

Onsie

Avery T-Shirt Transfer

Tie Template

Pattern Printable

Scissors

Pen

Sharpee

Iron

Printer

Paper

Print your pattern onto your T-shirt Transfer

Print your Tie Pattern and cut out

Trace tie pattern onto your T-Shirt Transfer and cut out

Iron your onsie for a wrinkle free surface on cotton heat setting

Leave a little extra room at the neck line to make sure it tucks underneath the neck seam as shown here

There is no going back once you start ironing!

Once you have Tie in place, place a clean cloth (I used Dish Towels) over the transfer and iron evenly

Let cool before removing backing.

Once you have peeled off backing do not put your iron on the transfer again. If some edges didn't adhere completely, place the onsie inside out in your dryer on low heat to secure in place

For the buttons I used a small circle punch - If you don't have one, use a button the size you want, trace and hand cut from your T-shirt Transfer

Use a Sharpee Marker to draw the Button Holes

When Ironing on the buttons, place a peice of cardboard in between the onsie. This will keep the Iron from re-heating the Tie and you will be so glad you did!!

I hope you liked this quick, easy and inexpensive project! I'd love to hear if you make one!

Do you Blog? A simple way to earn a few bucks a month from home

2013-04-03T16:34:00.001-05:00

Have you seen a blog and thought...I'd like to do that?!

Start up can be free, and extremely easy.

Here are a few Blog Platforms that are Free and they make it very easy to use. You do not have to know or even understand HTML formatting to set these up.

Blogger - powered by Google

They also come with free templates that you can choose from to customize your blogs look. These are great for blogs, but these are not Shopping interfaces, so if you are looking to open an online store, these are not for you.

In minutes, you are able to upload your first Blog Post!

Have you always wondered how people make money off their blogs? This is the down and dirty version to adding Advertisements to your blog. There are many other options, but to get started today try some of these! I was literally able to upload ads within minutes of signing up for these programs.

First thing to do, sign up for your Affiliate Account. Sites usually ask for a Business ID number. For most of us, this is our Social Security Number. Also, make sure that once you sign up, you enter your blog where the Ads will be displayed. It is how they will track "leads" form your blog.

Important Note: Include all of your websites and blogs - For instance, if you have a seperate URL for a challenge blog that you intend to place an Advertisement on, include the site.

Here are my recommended Affiliate Sites:
(I will be using these sites on my blog posts related to optimizing Ad space on your Blog in the "Blogger Help Series" on my blog)

VigLink

Amazon Affiliate

Google AdSense

Crafting Specific Affiliate Programs

Lettering Delights Affiliate

Above Rubies Studios Affiliate

Craft Cruises Affiliate Program

Paper Source Affiliate Program

Ok, so once you have signed up and have entered your blog address into the affiliates account, you are ready to start uploading Ads!!

Go to the Affiliates Site. Sites have different sizes of Banner Ads, Block Ads, and Items in their advertisements for you to select from that fits your blog best. Select which ads you want, and copy the code provided and simply insert into your blog.

To insert an Ad (Blogger): Go to your blogger account

--->Dashboard --->Layout --->Add a Gadget --->HTML --->Insert HTML provided from the Affiliate Account and Save. Move this box to preferred placement on your blogs sidebars.

I will be doing a series of Blogger Help Information, so please register Via E-mail so you don't miss out!

Need a Laugh - KC Comedy Clubs

2013-04-03T10:34:00.003-05:00

Kansas City offers some great Entertainment in the Stand-up Comedy arena!

Stanford and Son's Comedy Club
Legends at Village West
1867 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66111
Phone: 913.400.7500

Kansas City IMPROV

Zona Rosa NW 87th Street

Kansas City, MO 64153

Phone: 816.759.5233

What's Brewing in Kansas City?

2013-04-02T13:40:00.001-05:00

Kansas City Breweries:

Boulevard Brewing Co.2501 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, Missouri, 64108
phone: (816) 474-7095

Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to be the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest, with full or partial distribution currently in 24 states. Since 1989 our brewery has remained dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Our selection of fine ales and lagers include the Midwest's best-selling craft beer, Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer, our flagship Boulevard Pale Ale, and The Smokestack Series line of artisanal beers. We are proud to be Kansas City's Beer, and Missouri's Largest Independent Brewery.

75th Street Brewery520 W 75th St
Kansas City, Missouri, 64114-1513
phone: (816) 523-4677

75th Street Brewery is Kansas City’s first and best brewpub that opened its doors in 1993. Located in the historic Waldo district, the Brewery is home to live, local music.

The Brewery boasts award-winning hand-crafted beers (fresh growlers to go every day) and a made-from-scratch menu. 75th Street Brewery has received local, regional, and national awards and accolades, including the 1999 Gold Medal at the World Beer Cup for the Red-Eye Rye Beer.

75th Street Brewery features beers brewed from the great traditions of England, Germany, Ireland, and Czechoslovakia. We also offer special seasonal styles with influences from around the globe. Each of our beers is produced from the finest barley and hops in the world and includes only four basic ingredients: Barley, Hops, Yeast, and Water. No additives or preservatives are used. Because our beers are handcrafted in small batches and kept cold, no preservatives or pasteurization are required. You are guaranteed a fresh and natural pint of beer every time. Cheers!

Doodle Brewing
600 Haines Dr
Liberty, Missouri, 64068
The Doodle Brewing Company was started with... a doodle. Nick Vaughn was sitting at a desk one day doing his favorite mindless task, doodling. Trees, birds, beer cans, a soldering iron (don't ask), the list goes on. However, while the doodles were just to keep his hands busy, the numbers and equations going through his head would be so much more.
to the Doodle Brewing Company. The Doodle Brewing Company is an artisanal brewery in Liberty, MO that brews beers and beer styles that deviate from the mainstream mass produced.

After awhile, Nick had tired hands and a head full of ideas of how to turn his love of brewing and his love of craft beer into something that he would share with everyone.

Amerisports Brew Pub
8201 NE Birmingham Rd
Kansas City, Missouri, 64161-9429
phone: (816) 414-7000

Welcome to the most exciting sports bar and brew pub around. With its warm brick walls and leaded windows, Amerisports Brew Pub is the only classic lager house in or around Kansas City. Designed to look like a converted old world foundry, don't be surprised that it contains a 52-screen audiovisual system that broadcasts more sporting events than you can imagine. For sports fans, that translates into the ability to watch every single game of the season. Or, just behind the bar watch our very own Brew Master in action in the brewery. And then there are brews... Our gleaming copper vats produce such hand-crafted beers as "Half Court Light," "Knock Out Blond," and "Hard Ball Dark."