The Thrifty Housewife Blog

Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips

2016-07-19T22:15:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in quite some time. Life has been very busy! I decided I would come and post this new recipe that I tried out this evening. Partially because I don't want to forget how to make it, and partially because I don't mind sharing it with the world!

I have made this banana carrot muffin recipe before, but I wanted to tweak it to match the ingredients I had on hand, and to make it just a bit healthier. I substituted coconut flour for wheat flour. Coconut flour is great for so many reasons. Two of the best reasons are that it is full of fiber, and much lower in carbs. I also swapped out the sugar for more natural real maple syrup, swapped out the Crisco for healthier fats, and I used pumpkin instead of carrots. Oh - and I added chocolate chips. Yum!

This recipe is adequate to feed a large family with. We are up to 5 kids now, and I like having plenty to spare when I bake something because it doesn't take long for the baked goods to be eaten up. And, the children are certainly eating these muffins up! They have no idea how much healthy stuff they are really eating in these muffins, ha! Anyhow, this recipe yielded just shy of 3 dozen muffins.

Just a side note about the coconut flour - if you aren't used to baking with it, the texture is different than conventional baked goods. It usually gives a more creamy texture, but is very tasty at the same time. I hope your family enjoys these as much as mine is!

Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips

1 cup maple syrup

6 large eggs

5 bananas

1/3 cup apple juice

1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin

1 + 1/3 cups coconut flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Add eggs and juice. Mix in mashed bananas and pumpkin. Next, add the coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Once everything is mixed together well, stir in chocolate chips. Bake in lined muffin tins for 30-35 minutes. Muffins are done when a fork or toothpick comes out clean.

Creamy Carrot Crock Pot Soup

2014-02-18T22:53:00.000-07:00

I have recently found myself in possession of a rather large amount of carrots, so naturally I have been looking for ways to use them up. This soup turned out delicious! This recipe is enough to make a family sized batch. If you don't need as much, you can cut the recipe in half and still have plenty.

Creamy Carrot Crock Pot Soup

10 cups carrots - peeled and sliced
6 cups water
6 bouillon cubes
1/4 cup butter
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 - 8 oz packages of cream cheese
8 strips of cooked bacon

Place carrots, water, bouillon cubes, butter, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper in crock pot. Stir to mix the spices in. Cook on high for approximately 5 hours, or until carrots are soft. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend together the ingredients until smooth. Cube the cream cheese and add to the mixture. Blend well. In another pan, cook bacon. Cut into small pieces, add to the soup and mix well.

Cheater Cheesecake Recipe

2013-07-28T21:18:00.000-06:00

I love this recipe because it is so easy! It is a great go-to dessert recipe when I need something quick to serve guests or take to a potluck. I call it "cheater cheesecake" because it is way easier and much quicker to make than a real cheesecake - it has minimal ingredients and there is no baking involved! I usually prepare the filling and put it in a store-bought prepared graham cracker pie crust. I have also made my own graham cracker crust, but find it more convenient to just use the graham cracker pie shells pre-made. You can usually find them in the baking goods isle at the grocery store. I have often topped it with a can of cherry pie filling, but tonight I made it with homemade blueberry pie filling. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Cheater Cheesecake Recipe

1 - 8 oz tub Cool Whip, thawed
1 - 8 oz bar of cream cheese, softened
1 - prepared graham cracker crust
Pie filling of your choice

In mixing bowl, place thawed cool whip and softened cream cheese and combine with a mixer until well blended and creamy. Place cheesecake mixture into the graham cracker crust and top with pie filling of your choice. Refrigerate and serve when ready. It is best when well chilled.

25% Off Your Entire Purchase at Michael's

2013-07-16T11:49:00.000-06:00

Michael's is offering a coupon for an extra 25% off of your entire purchase now through July 20th. There are a few exclusions, but it does apply to almost everything, including sale items. I like to go to Michael's every now and then and stock up on their sale craft items - it's a great way to give kids something to do and keep them from getting bored at home. To order online, use code 25ENTIRE at checkout. To get your printable coupon to use in the store, click here.

10% Off Entire Purchase At Hancock Fabrics

2013-07-06T16:08:00.000-06:00

Now through Monday, July 8th, Hancock Fabrics is offering an extra 10% off of your entire purchase. To use online, enter code ETNDG at checkout. To get your printable coupon to use in-store, click here.

$25 off $50, $50 off $100 at Herberger's

2013-06-27T18:26:00.002-06:00

On June 28th and 29th, Herberger's is offering a printable coupon for $25 off of a $50 purchase, and $50 off of a $100 purchase. These coupons are only available for in-store purchases. To get your printable coupons, click here. Happy shopping!

Extra 20% Off at Kohl's This Weekend

2013-06-13T17:26:00.001-06:00

Kohl's is offering an extra 20% off Thursday, June 13th through Sunday, June 16th. These coupons are awesome! Kohl's allows them to be used even with clearance merchandise, so it is a way to get some really great deals. For online orders, use code FFJUN20, with pin number 5701. Click here for your printable coupon to use in the store.

New Herberger's Coupons

2013-06-12T18:15:00.000-06:00

Herberger's has several new coupons out, including $10 off $25 (expires Saturday, June 15th), 30% off jewelry/shoes/accessories (Valid only on Thursday, June 13th), 50% off one apparel item (Valid only on Thursday June 13th), or an extra 25% off of select sale items (expires June 18th). Click here for your printable coupons - they will all print on a single page.

These coupons are also good at Bon Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, and Younker's.

Hancock Fabrics Coupon - 10% Off Total Purchase In Store Or Online

2013-06-06T15:51:00.001-06:00

Hancock Fabrics has a great coupon right now for an extra 10% off of your entire purchase. It can be used in store or online. The coupon is good from Thursday, June 6th through Sunday, June 9th. For online orders, use code SAVE10E at checkout. To use in the store, get your printable coupon here.

Yummy Oat-Free Granola Recipe

2013-05-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

I recently discovered that I am allergic to oats. That was disappointing! One of the foods I have missed being able to have the most is granola. I figured that there had to be some way to make granola without oats, which led to an internet search for recipes. There are several different kinds of oatless granola recipes floating around out there, but this one over at PopSugar gave me some ideas on how I could make my own. I was able to adapt this recipe using ingredients I already had on hand in my pantry. I wasn't sure I believed it could work, but the end result met with rave reviews in our home. It goes great just plain or in milk, and it is an easy take-along snack. This is definitely going to be a staple item around here!

Oat-Free Granola

2 Cups Walnuts
2 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 Tbsp Jam or Fruit Preserves
1 Cup Various Seeds/Nuts/Fruits (I used flax seeds, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries)

In food processor, process walnuts for a few seconds - enough to chop into small pieces. Combine ground walnuts, honey, coconut oil, and jam/fruit preserves. Stir until evenly and well combined. Mix in seeds/nuts/fruits. Spread mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Stir mixture 2-3 times while baking. Granola should have a light golden brown color when done. Let cool and store in a covered container or ziploc baggie.

12% Off At Vitacost

2013-04-01T09:21:00.000-06:00

Vitacost is having a one day sale and is offering an extra 12% off of your entire order. This offer expires on 4/2/13 at 9AM EDT. To get your discount, enter promo code NOJOKE at checkout.

Hancock Fabrics Extra 15% Off Printable Coupon

2013-03-29T23:39:00.002-06:00

Hancock Fabrics is offering a coupon for an extra 15% off of your total purchase through Saturday, March 30th. To use this coupon online, use code EXTRA15 at checkout. To get a printable coupon to use in the store, click here. This is a good coupon - Hancock Fabrics does not offer coupons like this very often. It is a great opportunity to stock up on craft and sewing supplies!

Herberger's $50 off of $100 - Printable Coupon Good Through March 30th

2013-03-28T12:35:00.000-06:00

Herberger's has put out another $50 off of a $100 purchase coupon. This one is good through March 30th, 2013. There are some exclusions on what it can be used for, so you will want to read the fine print. This coupon is also good at Bon Ton, Bergner's. Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, and Younker's. To get your printable coupon, click here.

$10 off of $25 at JCPenneys - Printable Coupon

2013-03-26T23:54:00.000-06:00

JCPenney's has a printable coupon good for $10 off of a purchase of $25 or more, good now through Sunday, March 31st. Click here to print your coupon. This coupon is also available to use for an online purchase at the JCPenney website. To get your discount online, use code SPEND25 and serial number 0658155248. You can also use this coupon on discount, clearance, and sale merchandise.

Extra 20% Off At Kohl's - Printable Coupon

2013-03-16T11:09:00.000-06:00

Right now through this weekend, Kohl's has a coupon going for an extra 20% off of your entire purchase. Kohl's coupons are great because you are able to use them on clearance items, including final clearance items. I used this coupon yesterday, in addition to my March Kohl's Cash (they will let you stack Kohl's cash and other coupons). I bought mostly clearance items, and bought over $600 worth of clothing items for everyone in my large family, but my total after the coupons was only $97! To get your printable coupon, click here. For online ordering, use promo code LUCKYFF20.

Herberger's Printable Coupon - $50 off $100 In-Store Purchase

2013-03-16T11:01:00.003-06:00

Herberger's has a great coupon, good through today only. It is printable, $50 off of a $100 purchase. It is good to use even on sale prices! There is a chance to get some great deals, there are a few exceptions on what the coupon can be used for, but if you use it right you could save a ton. Here is the link to print yours off. This coupon can also be used at Bon Ton, Bergner's. Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, and Younker's. Happy shopping!

12% Off Coupon Code at Vitacost.com!

2013-03-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would pass this one along, but you'll need to hurry and order if you want to use it. This code, 1BIGSALE, is good for 12% off of your entire order, and expires tomorrow, March 6, 2013 at 9:00 AM. Just in time for my order! Yeah!

Vitacost - 10% Off Your Entire Order - 24 Hours Only!

2012-10-29T10:45:00.001-06:00

Vitacost is having a 10% off sale, for only 24 hours. To get your discount, enter code TEN212B at checkout. The sale ends at 12 PM EDT on 10/30/12. It's a good time to stock up on vitamins and other health essentials - they don't give these extra discounts often!

Walgreens Coupon - 15-20% off - Friday Oct. 19th Only!

2012-10-18T23:16:00.000-06:00

Walgreens is having a "Friends & Family" savings event on Friday, October 19th. Online, they are offering an extra 15% off of eligible items, plus free shipping on order over $25. To take advantage of the discount, enter coupon code FAMILY15 at checkout.

In store, they are offering an extra 15% off of all eligible items, and an extra 20% off of Walgreens, W Brand, and Nice! products. To get your printable coupons, click here.

Discount exclusions are included in the link above. Now would be a great time to stock up on toiletries and personal items!

Free Haircuts at JCPenney's For Breast Cancer Survivors

2012-10-17T18:01:00.000-06:00

JCPenney Salons are offering free haircuts during the month of October for breast cancer survivors, in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although it is currently mid-month, there is still time to get in on a free haircut if you are a survivor. In order to receive your free haircut, you will need to call your local JCPenney salon (or stop by) and schedule an appointment. What a great way to do something special for yourself!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix - Yum!

2012-10-08T21:05:00.001-06:00

Have you ever looked at all of the ingredients in a packet of instant hot cocoa? There are tons of ingredients, some of which are unpronounceable. I have a recipe for making your own instant hot cocoa mix, with only three ingredients. Super simple, very yummy! It's getting to be that time of year when my kids are coming in from playing outside and asking for a cup of hot cocoa. This recipe is kid approved! It is also a thrifty, easy way to make hot cocoa. I hope your family enjoys this as much as mine does!

Instant Hot Cocoa Mix

1 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/3 cups powdered milk

In a large bowl mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and powdered milk together until evenly blended. Store mixture in a covered container.

To make hot cocoa, use 1/4 cup mixture per mug. Add hot water, mix well. Top with whatever you desire - whipped cream, marshmallows, etc. Or just drink it plain - that's good too! For an interesting twist, add coffee instead of hot water for a simple, yummy mocha drink.

Labor Day Blowout At Zulily!

2012-09-01T10:44:00.001-06:00

Zulily is having a great sale this weekend in honor of Labor Day. While it looks like there are many deals to be had, they have one especially good deal. Children's coats are on sale from around $10-$20 a piece. If you haven't gotten a winter coat for your kids yet this year, it looks like you can get a great deal and save lots of money for a brand new coat. They also have fall jackets for under $10 a piece. I hope you can find some good deals! Happy shopping!

My Village - By Guest Blogger Heather Von St. James

2012-05-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I am welcoming guest blogger Heather Von St. James. She is a cancer survivor who is eager to share her story and be an encouragement to others. You can learn more about her inspiring story on her blog. I hope you all enjoy her guest post about the importance of community, and the role it played during her illness and recovery. Welcome, Heather - and thanks for sharing a part of your amazing experience with us!

My Village

If you’ve ever had children, you’ve probably heard the wise saying, “It takes village to raise a child.” The birth of my daughter taught me its meaning. Lily was born on August 4th, 2005. The pregnancy went smoothly. At first, our excited families and friends surrounded my husband and me. Looking back, there was no way to prepare for the heartbreak ahead.

After returning to work, I started experiencing odd symptoms. Only a month after resuming full time hours, I felt constantly tired. I dismissed it at first, assuming it was related to being a new mother, but the lack of energy persisted. I even felt short of breath. I finally consulted my doctor. On November 21, 2005, after many medical tests, I got the answer. Lily had only been with us for 3 ½ months when I had to face a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. This cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. Unknown to me, I had been exposed to it around 30 years ago when I was a child.

My first concerns were for my little girl, my husband, and of how they would manage without me. My prognosis was grave. I was given about 15 months to live without treatment. I decided to do everything in my power to survive, no matter what. With such a dire prediction, I had nothing to lose. I chose to take on the most extreme treatment for mesothelioma. On February 2nd, my husband and I flew to Boston, and I underwent extrapleural pneumenectomy. The surgery removed my left lung. I recovered for 18 days in the hospital. Following this, I spent two months in recovery before starting chemotherapy and eventually radiation—all as a first time mom.

This experience gave me new understanding of the old adage about villages. Without the love, prayers and daily support from those around us, I don’t see how we could have managed. Help came from people in many different parts of our lives. Some of it was unexpected. People we never knew cared gave full support. People we assumed we could rely on sometimes disappeared. Cancer has a way of revealing who really cares about you and who doesn’t.

While we were in Boston, my parents raised Lily. Fortunately, they had their own village of people who helped. Girls who I once babysat offered to watch Lily while my parents worked at their full time jobs. People from the church engulfed them with generosity and genuine love. In the meantime, my husband and I met new friends in Boston. We shared our struggles with incredible people who were going through the same ordeal. It helped get us through each day.

In my hometown of South Dakota, Lily was learning to roll and scoot across the floor. She started to eat solid food. I experienced these joys through the grainy pictures my mother emailed. My husband printed them for me, and I shared them tearfully with the nurses who fawned over Lily just as I did. She was the reason I was there, fighting for my life. Throughout my battle, my daughter was in the very best hands. My parents formed a bond with Lily that time and distance can never diminish.

Now, we have a family policy of embracing life and treating it as a fragile, precious thing. Life isn’t always easy, but we give it 100 percent no matter what it throws our way. My favorite quote is “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” I believe this. Cancer brings both bad and good things. As horrible as the experience was, I am grateful for the good that came from it.

Prepare & File Your Taxes For Free Online

2012-01-21T17:15:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again! The dreaded tax season (cue scary music). For many years now, I have used Free File through the IRS to use H&R Block software to complete and file our tax return for free. It's relatively simple and straightforward, and usually any questions I have are answered by the text boxes on the H&R Block website. I mostly just input my tax information (W-2's, other miscellaneous tax information), and the computer software does all the math. Of course, if you have a really complicated tax situation, you may want to hire a tax preparer to do your taxes. To qualify, your adjusted gross income must be less than $57,000, and you must be under 52 years of age. On the IRS website, it stated that 70% of all taxpayers fall into that category - so that would mean a majority of taxpayers are eligible for this.

To take advantage of Free File, you must access the commercial tax software through the IRS website. If you go straight to the company you want to use, you will be charged. Here is the the link directly to the IRS Free File page. Follow the links on that webpage to find and select the tax preparation company of your choice. Good luck, and happy tax preparing (is there such a thing?)!

Hancock Fabrics Coupons - Good Ones!

2012-01-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hancock Fabrics is having a Martin Luther King Jr. sale, and they have some good discount deals going on. If you need to stock up on craft supplies, now is the time to do it! These coupons are good through Sunday, January 15, 2012.

$10 off of $50 purchase - online code MLK10
$25 off of $100 purchase - online code MLK25
$50 off of $200 purchase - online code MLK50

These coupon deals can also be used in-store. For the printable coupons, click here!