En Route to Life

Thrifty Tips for January 26th

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

WEBSITE

Have you been looking for a motivating place with diet plans, support, nutrition and fitness help. An online community that is successful, helpful, and also free? Take a moment and check out SparkPeople.com. SparkPeople.com will help you develop a new lifestyle not just another way to lose weight by limits that are next to impossible to continue with. You can join a whole community but also take advantage of expert advise. The pounds are flying and SparkPeople.com. All you need is internet access which you can get for free at the library.

LINK: Sparkpeople.com

TIPS FOR REUSING COFFEE & GROUND AT HOME

Coffee Grounds. Not only is coffee amazing when you drink a yummy hot cup in the morning or a frosty glass of iced coffee in the evening, but it has many ways that it can be reused as well. Here are just a few things you can do with those old grounds. If you do not have coffee grounds ask around. Many restaurants or coffee shops will be happy to let you have theirs. Just pop in and ask.

1- Composting - Did you know that composting involves more than just dumping your scraps into a barrel? Apparently you need the right balance of green materials to produce nitrogen and brown materials to produce carbon. I honestly have no idea why you need both, but my friend you do, and coffee grounds are just one of the materials you can use in your composting pile that will produce carbon. Kashi's website (yes the cereal granola bar people) has some fabulous composting tips. It isn't too late to get started, and it is so much nicer than useless waste. Check it all out here: Kashi Composting Tips

2- Let the grounds dry and stuff into small paper bags, tie and put in places where odors abound. You can also put some in old stockings and stuff into gym shoes especially if you don't have more than one pair to switch out of so you can get rid of the funk. This is also great for taking odors out of the car. Dried flavored coffee grounds will make the car smell exceptionally great. Pop some into the refrigerator and freezer too.

3- Use to exfoliate your skin. I have put used coffee grounds into an old jar or container and use them to exfoliate my hands and feet. You can use it as a body scrub as well. I have even found this as a way to boost a tan in the summer as it gets dry skin sloughed off but also adds a very light color. Your skin will feel absolutely silky! Guys, it can't hurt you to try this as well.

4- Several sites have recommended soaking the grounds in water overnight or longer and using the colored water as a wood stain.

5- When planning to cook onion or fish, set aside some of your used coffee grounds to scrub your hands with to eliminate that fishy or onion odor. Yes, lemons work as well, but then you have to waste a lemon.

6- Coffee grounds are a good fertilizer for acid loving plants like blueberries, carrots and melons. Check with your local garden center to be sure that you are putting your grounds with the right plants (I have heard yes and no when it comes to tomatoes) as well as the ratios to follow.

7- Soak the coffee in water and use the liquid as a dye for material.

8- It has been said that you can sprinkle old coffee grounds in your garden to keep pests like ants, slugs and even cats away. If you have dogs or puppies stay away from this as it can make them sick.

9- This is for leftover coffee though for me there is no such thing and I love iced coffee. Still you can use leftover coffee as a meat tenderizer.

10- If you have dark hair, you can rub used coffee grounds into your hair to stimulate the scalp and add shine. Lighter haired individuals should not try this as it can stain the hair.

11- I read about using the coffee grounds to dye Easter eggs for a natural look, but I was thinking you could pretty much take care of that by doing brown eggs. Still, if you would like to try it, you would do the same staining process with soaking the grounds overnight in water.

12- If you have a fireplace, you might want to sprinkle used coffee grounds over the ashes before cleaning out the fireplace. They will help minimize the dust that can be flying about.

13- Another way to use leftover coffee is to put equal parts of coffee and sugar in a pan and boiling it down into a syrup. This may seem weird to some, but back in Rhode Island, coffee milk and coffee syrup was hugely popular. In fact, I just may have to use some of my stored up iced coffee to make my own.

14- Speaking of iced coffee, brew a second pot of coffee using leftover coffee grounds and use the lighter coffee to make ice cubes to put in your iced coffee drinks. They flavor will be less diluted this way as the ice melts.

15- Mix coffee grounds with your carrot and radish seeds when planting to help their crop grown and keep pests away.

FREE PHOTOS

Create a free Walmart Photo Center account and you will get 25 free 4 x 6 photos in your welcome email. OOOH I didn't mention that these were one hour prints. There are also other great reasons to join like free shipping to the store and photo storage too. At the very least, how can you pass up 25 free prints? I'm sure you have some pics you would like to print for free.

LINK: Walmart Photo Center Account

FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Living The Country Life, I believe that this magazine subscription is quarterly. I get it and it really has some great information for people who like gardening and things like that. I have found some great tips in the issues that I have received in the past. Because it is quarterly, do not expect it to arrive right away. Sign up while supplies last. I just got the latest issue so I am not sure exactly when the next one will arrive.

LINK: Living The Country Life

Got a new baby in the family or are you expecting? Sign up for a free subscription to Baby Talk magazine.

LINK: Baby Talk Magazine

Another fabulous subscription for those with new babies or babies on the way is American Baby.

LINK: American Baby Magazine

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

FreeCCM is offering free downloads this week from Building 429, Skillet, Todd Agnew (Christmas), Phillips, Craig & Dean (Christmas), 33Miles (Christmas), Stellar Kart and Decyfer Down.

LINK: FreeCCM Music Downloads

New Release Tuesday has free song downloads too including "Come to Me" by Bethel Music from their album "The Loft Sessions," "At Your Name" by Worship Central from their album "Spirit Breakout," "Even Here" by Rachel Chan from her debut album "Go" and "Take Me Home" by Hollywood Holly from his album "When Super Meets Natural."

LINK: New Release Tuesday Free Music Downloads

Sign up for Hear It First and you can get a free song download every week emailed to you as well as lots of Christian music news, videos, and deals. I do want to let you know that they will email you with deals and new release news. You wont get a bunch of junk mail, but you may get more than one email a week. I like them very much though.

LINK: Hear It First

GROCERY DEALS

FRY'S

Entire Selection of Fresh Pork 50% Off
New York Strip Steak USDA Choice, Bone-In, Beef Loin Family Packs $4.67 lb (limit 2)
Red Seedless Grapes 88 cents lb
Fry's Milk Whole Vitamin D, 2%, 1% Lowfat, or Nonfat Gallon sizes $1.57 (limit 2)
Doritos 11-11.5 oz $1.99
Dole Premium Classic Salad Select Varieties $1.00 each
Anjou or Bosc Pears 99 cents lb
Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Bananas 57 cents lb

-GAMEDAY GREATS BUY 10 SAVE $5 (all the prices reflect the $5 off when 10 are purchased)

Mission Soft Taco Tortillas $1.9

Lay's Potato or Kettle cooked Chips 8.5 to 10.5 oz $1.88

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16-26 oz Select Varieties 99 cents

Marie Callender's Entree Select Varieties 8.5-19 oz $1.88

Healthy Choice Entrees Select Varieties $1.88

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties8 oz $1.29

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese 15 oz or Velveeta Shells & Cheese 10-14 oz $1.49

Welches Essentials or Light Grape Juice 64 oz $1.99

Hebrew National Beef Franks Select Varieties 11-12 oz $2.99 each

Advil Pain Reliever Select Varieties 20-24 ct $3.34

Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel Select Varieties 7 oz $1.49

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Beverage Select Varieties Half Gallon $1.99

SAFEWAY

Whole Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Bone-in, Sold in the bag $1.29 lb
Swai Fillets Farm raised, previously frozen $2.99 lb
Imported Red Seedless Grapes 99 cents lb
Russet Potatoes 49 cents lb
Safeway Apple Juice 64 oz $1.99

Barilla Pasta 12 to 16 oz 10/$10
4 lb Bag Safeway Oranges $2.00
Sweet Navel Oranges 99 cents lb

FRIDAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY

Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji or Granny Smith Apples 99 cents lb

Ken's Salad Dressing 16 oz Select Varieties 2/$3

Deli Counter Meat or Cheese - Turkey, Ham or American $4.99 lb

ALBERTSONS

Petite Sirloin Steak boneless $8.49 lb 1/2 free
Assorted Pork Loin Chops Bone-in Family Pack $1.88 lb
Pork Rib Racks Bone-in $1.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops $1.99 lb
Coke 12 pk Select Varieties Sale Price 4/$13 with $25 purchase 4/$10
Michelina's Entrees 4.5 to 9.5 oz 10/$10
Purple Eggplant 77 cents each
Large Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Red, Green or Romaine Leaf Lettuce 99 cents each
Banquet Value Meals 4.66 oz - 10.25 oz 10/$10

Ways to Save

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

WEBSITE

You should see a dentist at least twice a year, but this isn't always a financial possibility for everyone. Check out nidcr.nih.gov. Once there click on Finding Dental Care. That page will give you links to dental schools which often offer reduced cost dental care and also links to other programs for people with lower incomes. The dental schools can be amazing and often have clinics where the students are fully supervised by licensed dentists. I'll make it super easy for you. Just follow the links below:

LINK: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - Finding Dental Care

LINK: Arizona Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Programs

LINK: DDS/DMD Programs

REBATE

Send in 10 UPC Codes from select Kellogg's cereals and receive a $10 Master Card reward card that you can use for gas. Albertsons currently has a sale of Kellogg's cereals and if you have some already on hand at home, make sure to grab those UPCs. The cereals have to be 10 oz or larger. You do not need a receipt. PS: There is a limit to five rewards per household. The offer is good until 4/31/12, but remember this is while supplies last. Here is a list of the participating cereals:

Kellogg’s® All-Bran® Original cereal,
Kellogg’s® All-Bran® Bran Buds® cereal,
Kellogg’s® All-Bran® Complete® Wheat Flakes® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Smart Start® Strong Heart Antioxidant cereal,
Kellogg’s® Corn Flakes® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Raisin Bran® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Raisin Bran® Crunch cereal,
Kellogg’s® Crispix® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Product 19® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Mueslix® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Cracklin' Oat Bran® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Lowfat Granola with Raisins cereal,
Kellogg’s® Lowfat Granola without Raisins cereal,
Kellogg’s® Lowfat Granola Original cereal,
Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal,
Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® Gluten Free cereal

LINK: Gas Card Rebate Form Link

FREEBIES

Take your pick of a free sample of Splenda Essentials with B vitamins or Antioxidants while supplies last.

LINK: Splenda Essentials Sample

Downy's Facebook page is giving away 2012 samples of Downey Unstoppables every day this week. Head on over early and keep your eyes fixed for your chance to pick up your sample. If you don't get one today try again tomorrow. :)

LINK: Downy Unstoppables Sample

While supplies last, sign up for Fiber Choice Fiber Supplements. You can also pick up a coupon on their website as well.

LINK: Fiber Choice Sample

Again while supplies last, sign up for your free Shout Color Catcher. Drop it into the wash to catch loose dies and dirt onto the catcher rather than onto your clothes.

LINK: Shout Color Catcher Sample

FREE MUSIC

FreeCCM has free music downloads this week of Skillet's song "Gasoline" as well as songs from other various artists. If you missed some of the great Christmas downloads they had to offer, you can still catch a few.

LINK: FreeCCM Christian Music Downloads

iTickets.com has two free downloads this week. You do have to be a member but if you are you can download "We Are The Dreamers" by Tiffany Thompson and Take My Hand by Lindsay McCaul.

LINK: iTickets Christian Music Download

New Release Tuesday has "Even Here" by Rachel Chan (that's Francis Chan's daughter who will be at the Homemade Worship Tour at GCU on the 20th), "Take Me Home" by Hollywood Holly, "Second Chance" by Rend Collective Experiment, and "Love Lifted Me" by John Barnett. You have to be a member as well, BUT you will get access to great music news and album previews.

LINK: New Released Tuesday Christian Music Download

FREE STUFF TO DO

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic will be meeting up on January 28th, and the kids will get to build a Build-a-saurus (fancy word for a fun kid's dinasaurish -yep not a word- activity) and on February 11th which just happens to be my husband's birthday, the kids can build a Valentine card creator which the kids can use to make fabulous Valentines.

LINK: Lowe's Build And Grow Clinic

January 31st from 6 pm to 8 pm join Kara Rozendaal the Practical Saver at the Prescott Public Library on Goodwin Street and learn from an expert at saving money. Kara will be share how to get free food, cover ins and outs of couponing including rainchecks and online coupons. You will definitely walk out with new knowledge that will really help you take another step forward in saving money. Follow our calendar link to get details.

LINK: Practical Saver Class

GROCERY DEALS

SAFEWAY

Has Avocados 68 cents each
Pantry Essentials or Dairy Glen Milk Gallon, Whole, 2%, 1%, or Creamy Fat Free (limit 2)
Tide Detergent 50 oz Liquid Selected varieties $5.99
Safeway Farms Grape Tomatoes 10 oz 2/$3
Fresh Express Salads 8-16 oz Selected varieties 99 cents
Smart Ones meals 3.95 to 11.5 oz Select Varieties $1.79 (must buy 6)
Oscar Mayer Beef Bologna or Zip Pack Lunchmeat 10-16 oz Selected Varieties 1/1 Free (save up to $5.99 on 2)
Fresh Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Bone-in Sold whole in the bag $1.87
Rice or Pasta Roni 4.2 to 7.9 oz Selected varieties 10/$10
Cucumbers 2/$1

THREE DAY SALE (FRI, SAT & SUN)

Rancher's Reserve Beef Petite Sirloin Steak $2.99 lb

Lucerne Butter 16 oz 2/$5

Red Roma Tomatoes 88 cents lb

Mott's Apple Juice 64 oz $1.88

ALBERTSONS

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $1.67 lb
New Crop Blueberries 6 oz 99 cents each
Albertsons Gallon Milk Select Varieties $1.57 (limit 2)
Pork Loin Roast $1.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops $1.99 lb
Large Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Jonagold Apples 99 cents lb
Buy 8 Save $4 Deal (limit 2 rewards per transaction for a maximum savings of $8)
General Mills 11.3 to 12.3 oz or Kellogg's Cereal 9-15 oz $1.99
Ragu Pasta Sauce 99 cents
Wish-Bone Salad Dressing 16 oz Select Varieties
Barilla Pasta 12-16 oz 99 cents Select Varieties
Progresso Vegetable Classics or Rich & Hearty Soup $1.07
Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals 64 oz $1.49
Kleenix Facial Tissue 174-184 ct $1.49
Best Foods Mayonnaise 22-30 oz $2.99
Suave Body Wash $1

FRY'S

Strawberries $1.68 lb package
8lb Bag California Navel Oranges $4.98
Yellow Peaches or Nectarines $1.48 lb
Anjou, Bosc, Concorde or Red Pears 98 cents lb
Mangos 98 cents each
Kroger Chunk Light Tuna 5 oz can 68 cents
Kroger Bar or Shredded Cheese 12-16 oz $2.98
Barilla Pasta Select Varieties12 to 16 oz 88 cents
Hunt's Pasta Sauce Select Varieties 24-26 oz 88 cents
Banquet Entree Select Varieties5-10.25 oz 88 cents
Campbell's Soup Select Varieties 10.5-11.5 oz 88 cents
Progresso Vegetable Classics 18.5 to 19 oz 88 cents
Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helper Select Varieties 4.7 to 7.5 oz 88 cents
Chef Boyardee Pasta 7.2 to 7.5 oz cup or 14.5 to 15 oz can 88 cents
Chobani or Dannon Greek Yogurt Select Varieties 5.3-6 oz or Dannon Activia Parfait 6 oz 88 cents
Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni 3.8 to 7.2 oz 88 cents
Roma Tomatoes 98 cents lb
Simply Potatoes Select Varieties $1.88
Gum Crayola Toothbrushes Select Varieties 2 pak or Kroger All-Pro or Angle Edge + Toothbrush, Select Varieties, 1count 98cents

Thrifty Tips January 12

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

FABULOUS WEBSITE

FlyLady.net is here to help everyone with CHAOS which she calls Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. Want to get your home in order, gain control over your day and be happy to have someone over without worrying about the mad dash to get things nice and neat or the garbage bags you need to locate to temporarily "store" some clutter? Check out one of my favorite places to inspire and equip everyone to keep their households under control.

LINK: FlyLady

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

iTickets.com has a free download available of Rend Collective Experiment's song "Second Chance" from their CD "Homemade Worship by Handmade People. PS...they will be at Grand Canyon University on January 20th with Francis Chan. So if you like what you hear, you might want to check them out live. PPS...I think it is PPS...anyway, don't forget you do need to be a member of iTickets.com in order to download, but membership is free and they do not spam you.

LINK: Second Chance by Rend Collective Experiment

New Release Tuesday is also a great resource for free Christian music downloads as well as fabulous Christian music news. They also are offering a free download of "Second Chance" by Rend Collective Experiment as well as "Love Lifted Me" by John Barnett from his new album "Never Look Back." You can like them on their Facebook page or head to their website.

LINK: New Release Tuesday song downloads

FREE EBOOKS

I would like this focused entirely on my life in general...I was not blessed with organizational skills. A book like "Absolutely Organize Your Family by Debbie Lillard could just work wonders for someone like me. If organization is one of your goals, check out this free opportunity:

Absolutely Organize Your Family: Simple Solutions to Control Clutter, Schedules & Spaces by Debbie Lillard (BARNES & NOBLE) (AMAZON)

Ruby (Dakotah Treasures Series) by Lauraine Snelling (BARNES & NOBLE) (AMAZON) For those into Western inspirational stores, Lauraine Snelling is really amazing.

Priced To Move by Ginny Aiken (BARNES & NOBLE) (AMAZON)

The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden (BARNES & NOBLE) (AMAZON)

If you are looking to make something quick and easy you have to download 5 Minute Recipes by Instructables Authors (AMAZON)

REBATE

If you catch Physician's Formula's new Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting mascara with a special "TRY ME FREE" sticker attached, you simply cannot pass it up. There is a rebate available now worth a maximum of $9.95. Be sure to follow ALL the directions. For example the "Try Me Free" sticker must be included with the rebate form, the purchase needs to be made between 11/1/2011 to 10/31/12, and the form must be postmarked by 11/15/12 (though I wouldn't wait that long). Follow the link below for your rebate form. Don't forget to follow ALL the directions. Keep a copy too! :)

LINK: Physician's Formula Organic wear Natural Lash Boosting mascara rebate

PRINTABLE COUPON

Try Arby's Roast Beef Classic Special for just $3.99 with the printable coupon at the link below.

LINK: Arby's Roast Beef Classic Special

SAVING STAR COUPONS

Don't forget to head over to Savingstar.com to download the latest coupons to your loyalty card. Each time you purchase an item with the corresponding coupon, more money drops into your Savingstar account. When you hit $5, you can parlay it into an Amazon gift card or have it go directly into a bank account or even Paypal. This could pile up quickly or slowly, but it is still money that you can get by items you would purchase anyway. Check them out if you haven't already at the link below.

LINK: Savingstar

FREE TASTING EVENT

Starbucks is very proud of their coffee and very confident in their flavors, and starting January 12th through January 14th you can participate in a taste test and vote for your favorite be it Blonde Roast, Medium Roast or Dark Roast. According to their website, they will also give you a little something as a thank you. Follow the link below for more details!

LINK: Starbucks Coffee Sampling Event

WHAT TO DO? WHAT TO DO?

It is time again for another free National Park Weekend! Yes in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, more than 100 National Parks that charge an entrance fee will be offering three fee-free days: January 14th, 15th and 16th! Click on the link below for the list of participating parks.

LINK: Free National Park Entry

If you decide to pack up the kids for some fun National Park Hopping, you may want to stop by the Pringles' Facebook page for some fun traveling printables.

LINK: Road trip printables for the kids

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic will offer the kids an opportunity to build a cute little castle complete with stickers and cut outs. This activity will run on January 14th. Don't forget you need to register via the website. You can also register the kids for their chance to build a...Build-A-Saurus a sweet lil wooden dinosaur for the kids. That building class will be held on January 28th. All these activities are free. Follow the link below to sign up now.

LINK: Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for Kids

GROCERY DEALS

FRY'S

Kroger Cheese Select Varieties Bar or Shredded 6-8 oz $1.79 Each
Yoplait Yogurt Select Varieties 4-6 oz 20/$10
Red Bell Peppers 88 cents each
Kroger tomato Sauce Seclect Varieties 8 oz Can 5/$1
4 for $10 (Plus Get One Free Gallon Fry's Milk or One Half Gallon Simple Truth Organic Milk - limit 2 rewards per transaction)
Special K Cereal or Crackers Select Varieties 4-19.5 oz
Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars, Kellogg's Fiber Plus Bars or Special K Bars Select Varieties 5-10 ct
Kashi GoLean Cereal Select Varieites 14.1-15 oz
Keebler Right Bites or Wheatables Select Varieties 4.24-8.5 oz
Blackberries or Blueberries 6 oz 2/$3
Red Cherries $2.49 lb
Bar-S Bacon 12 oz $1.99 (limit 2)
Spiral Sliced or Half Ham 99 cents lb
Campbell's Soup Select Varieties 10/$10
Manwich 15.5 oz 10/$10
Hunts Pasta Sauce, 26-26.5 oz 10/$10
Mangoes 99 cents each
Bananas 57 cents lb
Yellow or Zucchini Squash 99 cents lb

Also a big 50% off sale with 50% off taken from:

New York Strip Steak or Roast (limit 2)

Foster Farms Whole Chicken

Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta Select Varieties 12 oz

Classico Pasta Sauce 8.1-26 oz Select Varieties

American Beauty Pasta 12-16 oz Select Varieties

Libby's Canned Vegetables 14.5-15.2 oz (excluding peas) Select Varieties

Nabisco Saltines 9-16 oz Select Varieties

Ken's Salad Dressing 16 oz Select Varieties (coupons were in last Sunday's paper)

Challenge Butter 16 oz Select Varieties

Clorox Wipes 150 count

ALBERTSONS

USDA Choice Beef T-Bone Steak Bone-In Family Pack $4.77 lb (I don't typically indulge in T-Bones, but if I do, it will be at a sale price)
Sanderson Farms Chicken Drumsticks, Thighs or Leg Quarters Family Pack or Whole Body Fryers 99 cents lb
Red Seedless Grapes $1.49 lb
Prego Pasta Sauce 23.25-24 oz 2/$3 (there were coupons for these in the Sunday paper)
Hunt's tomato Sauce 8 oz limit 6 or Maruchan Instant Soup 2.25 oz Select Varieties 3/$1.00
Coffee-mate Flavored Creamer 32 oz $2.99
Hormel Compleats or Dinty Moore Meals 10 oz $1.49 (limit 4)
Chobani Greek Yogurt 6 oz 10/$10
Qyaker Quick or Old Fashion Oats 42 oz $2.49
Campbell's Chunky Soup 18.6-19 oz Select Varieties 2/$3 (limit 4)
Jennie-O Blue Ribbon Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast Sliced from the Deli $3.88 lb
Pork Sirloin Chip or Roast Boneless $1.99 lb
Ground Beef 93% Lean $2.99 lb any size package (not a price I go for, but if you really want some ground beef)
Bar-S Bologna 12 or Jumbo Meat Franks 16 oz Select Varieties 4/$5
Ronzoni Garden Delight or American Beauty Pasta 12-16 oz Select Varieties 10/$10 (check out the 50% deal at Fry's though it could be a better price)
VO5 Shampoo or Conditioner 15 oz Select Varieties 89 cents
Napa or Bok Choy 2 lbs $1

Bunch Green Onions or Radishes 2/$1
Navel Oranges or Menneola Tangelos 99 cents lb

SAFEWAY

Whole Boneless Pork Loin - Sold in bag $1.99 lb
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Rolls or Fully cooked Selections 9.6-16oz Select Varieties 1/1 free save up to $5.49 on 2 (plus there were coupons in the Sunday paper)
Blackberries or Blueberries 18 oz containers $4.99 each
Sweet Navel Oranges 49 cents lb
Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji or Granny Smith Apples 99 cents lb
Marie Callender's or Healthy Choice Meals 8-19 oz Select Varieties $1.99 each
Ragu or Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce 16-24 oz 4/$5
Anthony's Pasta 12-16 oz Select Varieties 10/$10
Hass Avocados 99 cents each

Safeway 3-Day Sale

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta 7.25 to 15 oz 89 cents

Nabisco Premium Saltines or Snak-Saks 8-16.5 oz $1.59

Sweet Imported Cherries $1.99 lb

Safeway Ground Turkey 20 oz 1/1 free (save up to 4.79 each)

Gotta Save Some Scratch?

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

WHAT'S A GOOD BUY IN JANUARY?

January is here and it is time to cover what to buy. January is a perfect time to purchase winter apparel especially if it has been unseasonably warm. This is also a wonderful time to pick up electronics. New television models will be hitting the floor soon, and the older ones will be marked down. You can cash in on deals that rival Black Friday. Super discounts will also be found on furniture again as new styles hit the floors. And of course, I am sure you have noticed massive Christmas items on sale. Don't just pick up wrapping paper and ornaments, you can find great prices on gift sets too. I found some wonderful wire baskets marked half price at Walmart, and they can totally be used for any time of the year. There was also a plethora of ribbons that could be used for wrapping more than a Christmas gift. I found out a lot of this great information from a fabulous post by Dealnews at Wisebread. Check the whole post out because you will also find out what NOT to buy this January!

LINK: The Best and Worst Things to Buy in January

FREE GIVING

For every new "Like" Valspar Paint gets on Facebook from the 3rd to the 31st of January, Valspar will donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity up to $100,000! So give them a like and give to Habitat for Humanity for free, and tell your friends too!

LINK: Valspar Paint Facebook

FREEBIES

Sign up now for a free sample of Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner. This is a free sample through Sam's Club that, at the time I write this, does not require a membership number. I do not know how long this will last. I tried to get this a week ago, and it was gone. So take a chance now.

LINK: Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner Sample

I love all the free fries that have been offered lately. There's more if you like Gordon Biersch Restaurant on Facebook. Like them and look over on the left side of their Facebook page for a link to where you can print out a coupon for free garlic fries. I only found Gordon Biersch Restaurants in the Phoenix area.

LINK: Free Garlic Fries at Gordon Biersch

If you live near a Quik Trip, you might like to sign up for their Facebook customer appreciation free beverage. You can get a free 16 oz hot drink or a 32 oz fountain drink. Follow the link below to sign up. Quik Trips are in the Phoenix area.

LINK: Free Beverage at Quik Trip

On Saturday, January 14th IKEA is having a Bring Your Own Friends event. RSVP for the event and get a coupon for a free small breakfast before 11:00 am, a free tote bag, and 1/1 free entree between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. There will also be awesome prizes given away during the event. Are you feeling in a shopping mood, then you really shouldn't miss this event. PS You are looking at the IKEA store in Tempe.

LINK: IKEA Bring Your Own Friends Event

Sign up for Zoe's Kitchen's Zmail, and you will get a coupon for buy 1 get 1 free entree on your birthday. For a Zoe's near you click on this link. To sign up for the Zmail club, click on the link below.

LINK: Zoe's Kitchen

FREE EBOOKS

It is the new year and that means another year older, and for many of us...another year away from school. That is why I thought you might like to take advantage of this fun eBook "I Used To Know That: Stuff You Forgot From School" by Caroline Taggart. I love books like this for those times when my son asks me for help with homework. (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Looking to lose some weight and learn more about good food choices? You might want to check out The Perfect 10 Diet by Dr. Michael Aziz. This book gives you information on how the body uses the food you eat and gives you details on the way some foods influence your hormones. (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

If you have been planning on eating healthier this year and need some recipe assistance, download the Mr. Food Lighten Up! eCookbook. There are 20 great recipes for soups, salads, main dishes and desserts.

LINK: Mr. Food Lighten Up! eCookbook

Ever read the Left Behind series? If not and you would like to get your feet wet, you can get the ebook of "Left Behind" by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins for free right now. (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Also check out:

Paradise Valley (The Daughters of Caleb Bender) by Dale Cramer (AMAZON)

The Centurion's Wife (Acts of Faith Book 1) by Janet Oke and Davis Bunn (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Talk of the Town (Welcome to Daily Texas Book 1) by Lisa Wingate (AMAZON)

My Plans For The New Year -

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:12:00 +0000

Ah yesss...another person waxing poetic about their plans for the New Year. Don't worry about reading this. Like so many others, I need to make changes and the best thing to do is have someone hold you accountable. The internet and anyone who may stumble upon this are part of that accountability. I am actually going to work on this upcoming year on another blog which I called Room For Improvement - Project Me. Most of my working on myself will be documented there. I really thought that was the best thing for me to do. Kind of another way to keep my focus.

I have spent the past several weeks really trying to nail down the goals I have for the upcoming year. I have been planning on making some fairly significant changes this year. I don't expect to be 100 percent perfect when it comes to making these changes, but I could surprise myself. Here is my list.

1 - I will get back up. When I find myself missing the mark, I will get back up and continue on. I will not fail, I will move on. I put this first because I know how things can go for me. I can start my race at a pure sprint of excitement and somehow get distracted and trip, stumble and fall flat on my face. This can cause me to have a "what is the point?" attitude. I plan to not give in to that nonsense.

2 - Read the Word. Even if I just get a chapter in, I will read my Bible more and get into His word. Some days this is very easy. I can get into scriptures and time just flies. Then there are those times where it is a little more difficult, but it is still important. My goal is to get more out of my reading of the word. So it is all good if that means that some days I am getting the most by reading one chapter. Do I hope to read the Bible in a year? No. It would be nice, but I really want to study the word. I really want to memorize and be able to hold God's word in my heart. That will take more time.

3 - Save money. This is a huge need. I have been fairly good about saving money, but not overly consistent. There are several things that I plan to employ to do this.

3A - Coupon. Couponing is a given. I am moderately okay with that. I will never be a stockpiling kind of gal due to the fact that I simply do not have the space to do so, and because I just do not see the need to go beyond my little pantry closet. I do plan to take advantage of the sales that I find to the best of my ability.

3B - Write down what I spend. When I keep track of what I eat, I eat less. When I write down what I spend, I spend less.

3C - Make more foods from scratch and buy less convenience foods. I can go so far with this. I am dreaming of a new KitchenAid stand up mixer (I am part of the way there financially), and that little item should help me on my way to making more foods from scratch.

3D - Menu plan. I hope to get more involved with posting and linking with Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie. I was soooooo good at that for a while. I really need to get back to that. Not only was this a great way to keep my budget in control, but it was also an amazing way to keep my life in control.

4 - Weight loss. I was very fortunate to go on the HCG diet and lose 28 pounds. I still have a long way to go, and I plan to continue that journey into this new year. My husband and I will be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary this year, and I would like to get back into that dress. I had struggles with this because about six months after we got married my thyroid went kabloom. My metabolism slowed, and my weight began to rise. I plan to work on keeping track of what I eat and drink more water. It isn't like drinking water is hard to do, but man if you don't think about it, it can really get away from you. I also plan to stick with the gym at least five days a week.

5 - Read more. This is fairly simple. I used to be a crazy reader. That kind of slipped to the wayside a while back, and I am tired of not giving myself the joy that I used to get from a good book. I would like to tackle a book a week. Considering my other goals, this may not be possible, but I am certainly going to give it a try. I figure I can get a lot of reading done on my Nook while I am hitting the gym anyway. My husband and I have started reading together too. That is pretty fun. He reads a chapter to me and I read a chapter to him. Right now we are working our way through "Book Of Days" by James L Rubart.

6 - Blog more. I was once pretty awesome at blogging. I am not saying I was an amazing blogger. I just kept up with it. I suppose that I am really just hoping to be more on target with everything. I suffer from distraction at times. I would like to blog daily. Even if I am just checking in briefly, I want to do that. I don't plan on blogging while I am on my second honeymoon though. My husband and I will be back in Carmel, and I have no intention on focusing on anything other than loving life with my husband during that time away. :)

So those are my goals. All in all, I am working and praying and focusing on getting my life in a new order. :) I am really looking forward to the ride. :)

Thrifty Tips Before 2012 Hits

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The new year is almost here. Wouldn't it be a lovely time to start fresh with some new financial plans? Now is the perfect time to start keeping track of expenses and work on polishing up your budget. Do you need some budget pointers? It is nothing to be ashamed up. Follow this link to Christian PF's article called "How To Make A Budget." It is a perfect baby step to getting everything in line. While you're there, check out the other awesome articles at Christian PF.

One thing that really helped me stay on task and on budget was following Menu Plan Monday (a fabulous little stop at I'm An Organizing Junkie's website). Every Monday meet up with other bloggers and plan your dinners for the week. Some people go all out and even plan lunches and breakfasts too. That is a little more than I can handle, though with my son always eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, I am not too far off. :) Even if you do not have a blog, you can still take advantage of Menu Plan Monday by following the blog, getting dinner ideas, and still plan your own and write them in on your calendar. Really, I cannot stress enough how helpful this can be for staying in your budget.

GREAT WEBSITE

Yesterday in our office kitchen, a food question got me to thinking. Dave had half a grapefruit in the refrigerator and wondered if it was still good. I followed my old standby..."Is it slimy?" Yes...not terribly scientific, but it is my go-to response, BUT...really what we could have done is look it up at StillTasty.com. If you are unsure about whether you have food that is still good to eat, this is the stop for you. The question of what to keep or toss will be answered easily which will limit waste and upset tummies. Oh and the grapefruit? When cut up you should wrap it and then put it in the refrigerator. Cut up wrapped grapefruit will still be good for 3-4 days. Frozen grapefruit will last while keeping its quality for 10-12 months. Though why you would freeze grapefruit is truly a mystery to me, but another good thing about StillTasty.com is they have a recipe for you to do just that right there at the website.

LINK: StillTasty.com

FREE ACTIVITY

If you haven't seen the movie Courageous yet, head on over to Sedona on December 31st for the Courageous movie night which will be held at Christ's Center Wesleyan Church in Sedona. There will be two showings of this awesome movie. One at 4 pm and one at 7 pm. You will need a ticket in order to attend so drop them an email at CourageousSedona@gmail.com or call 928-282-9767.

FREE EBOOKS

With the new year around the corner, you might like to download One Year Alone With God : 366 Devotionals on the Names of God by Ava Pennington. You can download it now at Amazon.com.

Have a Bible at your fingertips if you have a smart phone or reader and download The Holy Bible English Standard Version available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

I don't know about you, but winter is the right time for soups and chilis. Amazon has Gooseberry Patch Chili Cookbook eBook. Get it while it's hot (oh how bad was that pun?).

Walgreen's is one of my favorite photo printing places. I love that I can upload pictures online, set them up to print in the sizes I want, and then I can pop over to my local Walgreen's and pick up my fabulous prints rather than wait, wait, wait for them to arrive. I also like how they give you amazing deals. For example, right now you can upload your pics, click on "prints" and you can order 25 4x6" prints and pick them up for free at the Walgreen's you pick. Just be sure to use the code PRINTNOW at check out and choose the in-store pick up! :) This is good through Saturday, December 31st! Don't wait on this one. I'm sure you have pictures from Christmas that you would love to print!

LINK: Walgreen's

PictureMe Portrait Studios has a coupon on their website right now for a free Going In Circles portrait collage. This coupon expires on January 31, 2012.

LINK: PictureMe Portrait Studio Collage

FREE MUSIC

iTickets.com free Christian music downloads this week include "Reflection of You" by The Revolution and "Saving Grace" by the Jason Eaton band.

LINK: iTickets Free Christian Music

FREEBIES

You can get one free issue of Ladies Home Journal (March 2012). I do not have any idea why it is March's issue, but either way, it is free, and it just might give you some lovely ideas. Sign up while supplies last.

LINK: Ladies Home Journal Free Issue

Kmart has a huge pile of free samples that you can order. There are even free magazine subscriptions for American Baby and Baby Talk.

LINK: Kmart free samples

GROCERY DEALS

FRY'S

Boneless Pork Loin $1.99 lb (limit 2)
Roma Tomatoes 2 lbs $1.00
Campbell's Soup 51 varieties 10/$10
Dole Salad Blends Or Kits 5-12oz $1.00
Fry's Bottled Water 24 pack 16.9 oz 4/$8.88 (FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY)
Mangoes $1.00 each
Green Bell Peppers Or Cucumbers 2/$1.00

ALBERTSONS

Fresh Express Garden Salad 12 oz 99 cents
Boneless Skinless chicken Breasts $1.57 lb
Fresh Blueberries or Blackberries 6oz 99 cents each
Albertsons Ruby Red Grapefruit, Apples Juice or Cider 64 oz $1.49 with flier coupon (limit 4)
USA Gold Virginia Ham or Jennie O' Turkey Breast (deli) $4.99 lb
Bar S Bacon 12 oz $2.99
Healthy Choice complete Meals or Steaming Entrees 4/$10
Red, Orange or Yellow Bell Peppers 99 cents each
Grape Tomatoes 2/$3.00
Collard, Mustard, Turnip or Kale 99 cents each
Fresh Broccoli Crowns 99 cents lb
Bunch Radishes or Green Onions 2/$1.00
Large Navel Oranges 99 cents lb

SAFEWAY

Hass Avocados 68 cents each
Buy 1 get 2 Free when you buy Everybody's Nuts or POM Wonderful Pistachios 7-8 oz packages select varieties
Eating Right Or Safeway Select Meals 5/$10 Select Varieties
Fresh Safeway Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Bone-in 99 cents lb
Prego Pasta Sauce 23.25-24 oz 2/$3
Campbell's Select Harvest Soup Select Varieties 2/$3.00
Crisp Celery 99 cents each
On The Vine Cluster tomatoes $1.99 lb
Green Onion or Red Radish bunches 2/$1.00
Kiwi Fruit 3/$1.00
Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit 2/$1.00

Some Quick Tips Before Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

GREAT WEBSITE

you miss out on the newspaper? Would you like a quick one-stop place to see ALL the sales in your area? Check out ShopLocal.com. ShopLocal.com will show you all the sales, coupons and deals in your area. Just put in your zip code and wait on the deals to pop up.

LINK: ShopLocal.com

FREEBIES

All You and The Celebration Shoppe have a wonderful set of printables available for Christmas. These are very cute. It is always nice to have some extra printables on hand when doing last minute wrapping.

LINK: Printable Gift Tags and Recipe Cards

If you are into business and finance, you may want to sign up for the free 26 week subscription to the Wall Street Journal via Rewards Gold. You refer a few friends, take a business lunch survey and complete four simple reviews. You have to do a little, but still Rewards Gold is one of THE best places for free magazine subscriptions.

LINK: The Wall Street Journal

GREAT DEAL

Amazon has a great subscription sale going on right now. There are 19 different magazines that qualify. Each one is a year for $5. They are autorenew subscriptions so be sure to cancel that renewal before it comes up (unless of course you want to autorenew). Amazon is a great place for magazines. The magazines included in this deal are:

Popular Mechanics
Popular Science
New York Magazine
Good Housekeeping
Country Living
Woman's Day
Car And Driver
Elle
Smart Money
Marie Claire
Redbook
Seventeen
Esquire
Bazaar
Road And Track
Parenting
Town & Country
Details
Ski

Follow the LINK: Amazon $5 year subscriptions

There is also a deal right now on Readers Digest for a year subscription (10 issues) with autorenew for $5 or $10 for a year subscription with no autorenew. LINK: Readers Digest Amazon Deal

FREE EBOOKS

The Everything Family Christmas Book by Yvonne Jeffrey (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble)

A Texan's Promise (Heart of a Hero) by Shelley Gray (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble)

FREE MUSIC

iTickets.com has a free download available for the Newsboys song "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion).

LINK: iTickets Free Song Download

FreeCCM has Todd Agnew's song "No Room" as well as songs by Phillips, Craig & Dean, 33Miles, Stellar Kart, and Decypher Down.

LINK: FreeCCM Free Song Downloads

COUPON SAVINGS

Michaels has a printable coupon available for 50% off the purchase of one item. It is good until 12/24/2011. Head over to the link below to print your coupon now.

LINK: Michaels Coupon

Don't forget to stop by Savingstar.com. If you haven't registered with them still, really you should get on it. Register your store loyalty cards and then click on the items that you would buy. The amount listed is not deducted from your grocery bill but it is is added into an account. When the amount saved adds up to $5, you can cash it in for an Amazon gift card, Paypal, deposit it into your bank account or donate to charity. It is a great way to get a little extra money for things you already do. I save everything just in case. I wont say that I am raking in the extra money, but I have been adding steadily to my account.

LINK: Savingstar.com

AWESOME RECIPE

There is something about the holidays that make me want to make a yummy breakfast. Now don't get me wrong, because I love a yummy breakfast any time, but during the holidays, it is just that more special, and when that holiday is Christmas...really it is a must. Here are a couple recipes that came my way that I thought I'd share with you.

From Cooking.com check out the link below for delightful pumpkin pancakes. Eggs will be on sale at Safeway on Saturday (88 cents for a dozen - limit of 2), canned pumpkin is very reasonably priced right now, and I imagine you will have lots of the other ingredients on hand. This does call for buttermilk, but you can make buttermilk substitute by adding one teaspoon of lemon juice to a cup of milk. Now on to that recipe link.

LINK: Pumpkin Pancakes

If you are looking for something more savory than sweet, check out the CrockPot Morning Casserole from Recipe4Living. As I have said many times before, I love utilizing my crock pot for cooking. Talk about making Christmas morning a breeze. :)

LINK: CrockPot Morning Casserole

The Christmas Breakfast casserole says it all. The colorful peppers and Italian sausage will make this a wonderful dish to wake up to! I'm actually torn between the pancakes and this gem from Taste of Home.

LINK: Christmas Casserole

Land O'Lakes Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:58:00 +0000

For many years I have trusted in Land O'Lakes for our creamer, butter and our deli cheese (I swear that their cheeses make THE best grilled cheese sandwiches). One thing I have never tried by Land O'Lakes is their eggs. I hadn't really thought about it which is funny, because not only do I love their other products, but they also have four different types of eggs: Farm Fresh All-Natural Eggs, Cage Free All-Natural Eggs, Omega 3 All-Natural Eggs, and Organic All-Natural Eggs (I am especially interested in these).

How did I find out all about this? Jennifer at Mom Spotted did a wonderful review and is hosting a giveaway on her blog. Did you know that Land O'Lakes has awesome recipes on their site? I didn't. I will definitely be making their site a go-to resource in the upcoming year. Especially now that I am really trying to make menu plans for the upcoming year.

Head on over to Mom Spotted and get your chance at not just a coupon for a Land O'Lakes product but also....a $50 Visa gift card. That will definitely be a nice way to make a dent in the ole grocer budget!

This giveaway ends on January 2nd, and Jennifer has lots of ways for you to get extra entries.

LINK: Land O'Lakes Giveaway at Mom Spotted

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway at Mom Spotted

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:32:00 +0000

All I want for Christmas is a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. My refrigerator drew its last frosty breath unfortunately, and so the dreams of making yummy breads, cookies, cakes and pastas will have to go unfulfilled for now. Okay...I can totally still do some of these things. After all, I have a little hand model that has been my constant assistant since I got married five years ago, but I was dreaming of a helper to make those baking pastimes more fun. :) Fresh food is a priority though so we had to go down the practical lane for now. I hold on to those dreams and currently am attempting to win one, and my friends, I will not give up!

Thankfully, Jennifer at Mom Spotted is hosting a giveaway for a top of the line KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-lift Residential Stand Mixer. This little baby will make someone VERY happy. If it isn't me, I'll be happy if someone stops by here, learns about it and wins. It will give us all the warm fuzzies that way too. Though I'd be fibbing if I didn't say I am still hoping to be the big winner.

There are lots of ways to get entries (love that!). You don't need to have a blog to enter, but if you do, writing a nice post could pick a couple more shots for you!

This giveaway runs until December 23rd. :) Good luck to us all!!!!

LINK: KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway at Mom Spotted

Thrifty Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

WEBSITE

It has been a while since I have shared a cool website. Well, a cool website to me. Hopefully you have enjoyed them as well. I thought you might like to check out GreenUPGRADER.com. GreenUPGRADER is a do-it-yourself GREEN style. They will show you simple alternatives that you can incorporate into your own life to live a greener and really more frugal lifestyle. I love having alternative uses for items, and GreenUPGRADER makes it easy and fun. Check them out.

LINK: GreenUPGRADER.com

FREEBIES

I do not know how long this will last, but while supplies last, you can join Rewards Gold and get a subscription to Martha Stewart Living magazine. Martha is definitely a talented woman who knows how to get the most out of her garden, her home, and a recipe. I have been often intimidated by this magazine, but I love it anyway. I had a free subscription last time thanks to Rewards Gold. All I had to do this round was recommend Rewards God to two friends and review four breakfast products. Super easy! These go fast. Hopefully you'll get a chance.

LINK: Rewards Gold Martha Stewart Living Magazine

Don't forget to pick up your own free Burger King french fries this Friday. Yes, they are french fries...meaning ugh...fried, but maybe you can take a nice walk afterward to work them off or take advantage of a free week at a local gym. Check around. There has to be someone offering a free week. No?

LINK: Burger King Free Fries

Yay!!!! 24 Hour Fitness is offering a free 7-day pass. There are plenty in the Phoenix area. Follow the link below to check out details and then look up locations for one near you. Sorry Quad Cities area.

LINK: 24 Hour Fitness Free 7 Day Pass

YAY Part Deux! Check it out ladies! Curves also has a free one-week guest pass. Wouldn't it be nice to kick in the end of the year with a new workout plan?

LINK: Curves One-Week Guest Pass

Snap Fitness is also offering a 7 Day pass. Check them out at one of their many location. Follow the link below to see if there is one near you offering this great chance. When you go to the page, click on your city. This will open up the map and to the right will be the city. Click on that link and it will show you a link to their website as well as if they are having any deals.

LINK: Snap Fitness 7 Day Pass

FREE ACTIVITY

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic for Saturday, December 17th is a wooden train engine. If you haven't signed up yet, get your kids in on it now.

LINK: Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

FREE EBOOK

If you have been pondering making some fabulous gingerbread housing for your Christmas spread, then you definitely want to download the free eBook from Recipe Lion and FaveCrafts.com (note that they will ask you if you want to sign up for their newsletter...it is not required). I have bought kits in the past, but making your own fabulous house trumps that every time.

LINK: 23 Gingerbread House Designs and Recipes

If you neglected to download it the last time it was available, now is the time to download A Simple Amish Christmas via Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble online for your Kindle, Kindle application or Nook or Nook apps.

LINK: A Simple Amish Christmas by Vanetta Chapman (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

FREE BLOCKBUSTER CODE

Get a free Blockbuster $1 rental by entering the code DOLLARDAYS. This code expires today (12/15) so get your free movie while you can.

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

Amazon has 25 different Christmas music downloads. You can pretty much please anyone with this line up. The 12th is Laura Story's "Emmanuel."

LINK: Amazon 25 Free Christmas Song Downloads

iTickets free music download this week is Brad & Rebekah's song "Ever Wonder" and "Timing Is Everything" by The Homecoming.

LINK: iTickets.com Free Christian Music Downloads

Members of New Release Tuesday can download some great songs today. If you haven't signed up yet, don't hesitate. Not only do I get great reviews and free downloads through New Release Tuesday, they also have great contests. Follow the link below to sing up and check out this weeks' download offerings which include Hawk Nelson's "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," "This is Christmas" by Courtni, "What Child Is This" by Plumb (love this one!!!!) and "The Heart Of Christmas" by Josh Caterer. Such great tunes. Don't miss out. Some downloads expire on December 19th.

LINK: New Release Tuesday Free Music Downloads

FREECCM has free music downloads from Phillips, Craig & Dean, 33Miles, Stellar Kart, Decyfer Down, Mike Farris, Addison Road and Chasen. And of course that great set of ten songs too! If you aren't a member yet, sign up right away.

LINK: FreeCCM free Christian Music

RANDOM CRAFTY GIFTS

This will be the last week that I will share gifts that you can make and give. There will be a collection of several types to cover almost anyone you have on your list.

Crayon Monogram - I think this adorable monogram is really a great gift for any teacher or perhaps even something that would be fun for a child's wall. This can be quite inexpensive as well as you just use simple crayons. There are tutorials everywhere so if you forget to look here, just hunt one down. This link will take you to Chic & Cheap Nursery's tutorial. Follow the link, you're going to love it!

Teachers come ups with some of the best ideas for simple gifty crafts. This one for a five finger snowman candle holder or Christmas ornament is a great gift to give to family or even a great activity to measure how your child grows and changes through the years. Check out the simple tutorial at Full of Great Ideas or check out the ornament using a take on the same idea at That's What {Che} Said.

Snow globes are captivating. They are also incredibly easy to make and versatile. Martha Stewart has a very simple tutorial that you can use to make your own very pretty snow globe gifts with simple jars that you can pick up anywhere. My son made these when he was little, and the teachers always used baby oil. According to Martha and other crafters, the key is glycerin (and just a wee bit of it too). Check out all the details at Martha's website snow globe tutorial.

Snowball Surprise Soap is another dual gift. I shared the directions for this gift a few years ago. These cute little snowballs make great stockings stuffers and when the kids use them in the tub, the snowballs will melt and reveal the toy you hide inside. Follow the ridiculously simple tutorial at Escapade Direct.

I have seen book marks and cards that have seeds in them. You can plant them and in no time, you have a beautiful garden of wild flowers. Wouldn't it be cool to be able to give this blooming gift to someone else? Check out Val's blog for simple and awesome directions on how to make seed bombs. This is the coolest recycling gift I have seen in a long time.

Christmas Countdown & A Few Thrifty Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Michaels has some wonderful in-store events for kids. Many of their events are Make It Take It events. They will have sand art, dough shaping and more. Click on the link below for details about events near you.

LINK: Michaels Events

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic will involve teaching the kids to build a coal car for a fun toy train. The clinic is this Saturday. Follow the link below to sign up for the clinic this weekend and also to check out the train engine that the kids can make on December 17th.

LINK: Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Saturday, December 10th from 4 to 9 pm bring the kids to Tempe for the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Beach Park! This is a free family event that is bound to be delightful.

LINK: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

From 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Friday the 9th, enjoy Acker Night in Prescott and be entertained by fabulous musicians all over the downtown Prescott area. This is a great way to support the local music community and it is also a huge fundraising event for performing arts scholarships for local youth. Follow the link below for event venue schedules.

LINK: Acker Night Program

This Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, bring the family to Prescott Valley Christian Church and enjoy their portrayal of "A Night In Bethlehem." This free family event will truly bring the Nativity to life. They are located at 7655 East Long Look Drive in Prescott Valley.

FREE MUSIC

Amazon has a new free Christmas song download every day until Christmas. Follow the link below and check in daily to see the next song.

LINK: Amazon free Christmas song download

FreeCCM is always my first stop for free Christian music. This week's newest addition is 33Miles "Hark The Herald Angels Sing." You can also still download songs from Stellar Kart, Decyfer Down, Mike Farris, Addison Road, and Chasen.

LINK: FreeCCM free Christian Music

Don't forget you can also still download ten awesome songs from FreeCCM as a Christmas gift from them to you!

LINK: FreeCCM Ten Songs For Christmas

FREE EBOOKS

O' Little Town by Don Reid (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble)

The Holiness Of God by RC Sproul (Amazon)

A Victorian Christmas Anthology by Catherine Palmer (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble) (ChristianBook)

Sweet Baklava by Debby Mayne (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble)(ChristianBook)

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble) (ChristianBook)

A Hearth In Candlewood by Delia Parr (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble) (ChristianBook)

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh (ChristianBook)

MAKE YOUR OWN GIFTS

I haven't given up on the homemade gifts. There are still many, many more that you can make to bless family and friends.

PEACH BATH SALTS

One of my favorite sites Organized Christmas has a very easy and pretty Peach Bath Salts gift in a jar recipe. You can find it here. There is even a printable gift tag.

CANDY CANE BATH SALTS

Organized Christmas also has the perfect holiday appropriate Candy Cane Bath Salts gift in a jar recipe here. And again, you can print labels for these great gifts. Is it any wonder why I love this site?

GREEN TEA BATH SALTS

Food.com has a great Green Tea Bath Salts gift in a jar recipe. It calls for very simple ingredients. Though they do suggest dried flower petals or potpourri...I would probably not jump on the potpourri and go with simple flowers. Check it out here.

BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

Brown sugar body scrub also makes a great gift in a jar, and it is super easy plus really feels amazing. Here is the recipe:

2 Cups Brown Sugar
1 Cup Olive Oil

Heat Olive oil on the stove in a pot and slowly add brown sugar and stir until well blended. That is it! Add to a jar and you are all set. Sugar scrubs feel absolutely amazing and are great for the skin.

BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB AND SPICY BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

Domino's also has two great sugar scrub recipes on their site for gifting. Head on over here to check out recipes for a Brown Sugar Body Scrub and Sweet & Spicy Brown Sugar Body Scrub. Oh, and do they have gift tags too? Yes they do right here. They are just pretty and generic so you can really use them for just about any beauty gift jar recipe.

GREAT BASIC SALT SCRUB RECIPE

Here is a very simple and basic salt scrub recipe. You can change it up by simply adding different essential oils which you can get at most health food stores.

2 Cups Epsom Salt

1 Cup Oil (grape seed, olive, almond, jojoba, almond or sesame seed)
10 Drops of essential oil

Mix everything together (I know...hard right) You can also do the same with sugar to make a fine sugar scrub too. Grated ginger is a really nice item to add to these rubs too.

Special note: When making body scrubs and bath salts, it can be tempting to add food coloring. I prefer natural looks but if going with food coloring always start with small amounts as you mix.

OATMEAL COOKIE BATH

I repeatedly ran into recipes for oatmeal cookie bath gifts. The one that I found at A Delightful Home was my favorite, because it also suggested giving a gift of homemade oatmeal cookies as well. What a delightful treat. A nice bath and yummy cookies to go with! Check it all out here. Or head on over to The Motherload and get another yummy oatmeal cookie bath recipe here. She also has the Candy Cane bath salts recipe.

COFFEE CINNAMON BATH SALTS

Lastly, check out Susan's recipe for Coffee Cinnamon bath salts. I literally use used coffee as a scrub. It is absolutely amazing and makes my skin crazy soft, but let's face it...a jar of used coffee is not going to wow the gift recipient, but this recipe will knock it out of the park. Check out the recipe and even the cute packaging Susan did here.

GROCERY SALES

ALBERTSONS

Rib Roast, large end, bone-in limit one at $3.97 lb
Sanderson Farms Small Pack Boneless Chicken Breasts or Tenders 1/2 FREE
Dole Bananas 39 cents pound
Doritoes Tortilla Chips 11-11.5 oz 11/1 free $4.29
Smithfield Bacon 16 oz 1/1 free $6.99
Atlantic Salmon Fillet $4.88 lb
Newcrop Blackberries 6 oz $1
Natures Own Butter Top Bread 20 oz $1
Progresso Vegetable Classics Soup 18-19 oz $1
DaVinci Pasta 16 oz $1
Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 26 to 26.5 oz $1
Hunts Diced Gtomatoes 14.5 oz $1
Daisy 8 oz Sour Cream $1
Albertsons Large Eggs 1 doz $1
Chiobani Greek Yogurt 6 oz $1
Cook's Shank Portion Ham Bone-In $1.29 lb
Bottom Round, London Broil, Sirloin Tip, Top Round, Chuck, or Cross Rib 1/1 Free $5.99 lb
Bar S Jumbo Meat Franks 16 oz 4/$5
Albertsons 32 oz yogurt 2/$4

SAFEWAY

Red Delicious, Gala or Granny Smith Apples 75 cents lb
Ragu Pasta Sauce 16 to 24 oz 4/$5
Three Day Sale Friday through Sunday (12/9 to 12/11)
Safeway Turkey 10-22 lb Frozen (While Supplies Last NO RAINCHECKS)
Progresso Rich & Hearty Soup $1.11 18.5 to 19 oz select varieties
Eating Right or Safeway Select Meals 6/$10 6-12.4 oz
Farmer John Sliced Bacon 12 oz 1/1 Free up to $5.49 (limit 2)
Quaker Life Cereal 13 oz Cap'N Crunch 14 oz $1.88
Pistachios 20 oz $5 each

FRY'S

Hot House or Red Tomatoes on the Vione 99 cents lb
Cooks Spiral Sliced Ham $1.37 lb
Kroger Canned Vegetables 11.5 to 15.25 oz 2/$1 (limit 12)
Fry's Gallon Milk D, 2%, 1% Low Fat, or Non Fat $1.57
Hunts Tomatoes, Paste or Sauce 12-15oz 88 cents
Kroger Saltines 88 cents
Foster Farms Whole Chicken 67 cents lb
Barrilla Pasta Select Varieties 12-16 oz 10/$10
Hunts Pasta Sauce 26-26.5 oz 10/$10
Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Dole Salad Blends or Kits 5-12 oz 2/$3
Yellow or Zucchini Squash 99 cents lb
Kroger Canned Fruit 15-15.25 cans select varieties 10/$10

Christmas Thriftiness

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

GREAT SALE

Don't forget that this weekend is 50% off at Goodwill! Keep tabs on Goodwill because as Christmas shopping takes place things will be coming and going like crazy there. Also be sure to head there after Christmas too!

FABULOUS CHRISTMAS PRINTABLES

Check out this amazing link to Family Fun. There are lots of awesome printables that will delight the whole family. The kids can put together printable Christmas villages, Christmas ornaments, Tree toppers and lots of activities.

LINK: Printable Christmas Activities

LINK: Printable Christmas Coloring Pages

LINK: More Printable Christmas Cards and Activities

FREEBIES

This will go fast. Fancy Feast has a lovely Christmas ornament available right now for free on their site. When they are gone, they are gone. Head to their Facebook page now.

LINK: Fancy Feast Ornament

On December 16th Burger King will be giving away free $1 value sizes of their brand new french fries.

LINK: Burger King Free Fries

Free therapeutic sulfur mask sample at Acne Free's Facebook page.

LINK: Acne Free

COUPON

Like Coffee-Mate on Facebook, and you can print a coupon for 75 cents off a purchase. I am not a coupon printer which is why I am happy to say that if you aren't either, you can ask them to mail it to you. You do this by hitting the help button on the print page. They are only giving out I think 1000 coupons so hurry.

LINK: Coffee-Mate Coupon

FREE EBOOKS

Free pdf of Paula Deen's Holiday Hosting Guide

LINK: Paula Deen

Free pdf from FaveCrafts.com of 18 Homemade Christmas Decorations.

LINK: 18 Homemade Christmas Decorations

The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare (Amazon Kindle)

Mary's Son - A Tale Of Christmas by Darryl Nyznyk (Amazon Kindle)

Book of Days by James Rubart (Amazon Kindle)

Lie Down In Green Pastures by Debbie Viguie (Amazon Kindle) Throughout the months the other two books in this series have been offered for free. I hope you picked them up. This is the third in the series.

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin (Amazon Kindle)

Eye Of The God by Ariel Allison (Amazon Kindle)

A Measure Of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling (Nook) (Amazon Kindle)

Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan (Amazon Kindle)

Stuck In The Middle by Virginia Smith (Amazon Kindle)

Hide In Plain Sight by Marta Perry (Amazon Kindle)

Invisible (Ivy Malone Mystery Series book 1) by Lorena McCourtney (Amazon Kindle)

FREE MUSIC

Snow Globe by Matt Wertz is available at iTickets.com

Stellar Kart "Rescue," Decyfer Down "Over My Head," Mike Farris "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," Addison Road "Show Me Life," Chasen "Airplanes," The Choir "Word Inside The Word," Andy Cherry "Revival's Fire," and Sara Groves "Obsolete" are all available for free download now at FreeCCM. Also if you haven't noticed on our blog, FreeCCM also has ten free songs for you for Christmas! The songs include: Laura Story "Faithful God" and "Emmanuel," MercyMe "The Generous Mr. Lovewll" and "Gloria," Phil Wickham "God Of Our Salvation" and "The First Noel," Sara Groves "Obsolete" and "Silent Night," and Shane & Shane "Lift Up The Light" and "Oh Holy Night." Follow this link for those downloads.

Get free music samplers from Tooth & Nail, Solid State and BEC. All you have to do is head over to the website and like the label of your choice via Facebook (pick all if you like). After that you can download a zip file of all of their summer samplers for 2011. Artists include The Almost, Emery, I Am Empire, Thousand Foot Krutch, Underoath, Haste The Day, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Bebo Norman and more.

LINK: Tooth & Nail Free Music

GIFTS YOU CAN MAKE

I have been trying to share gifts that you can make each week. This week for the cook, I will share some rub recipes. Be sure to check back next week for vinegar and oil recipes.

World Market has great magnet storage tins and regular tins. Check them our here. These make a great container for a fabulous rub.

MarthaStewart.com has an awesome recipe for All-Purpose Spice Rub.

I found a great Shoarma Spice Mix recipe at Food.com. You definitely will want to check it out. You can use this with so many different meats.

Food.com also has an unbelievable Gyro Spice Mix recipe. Hot and spicy but SOOOOOO good!

I love Cajun blackened fish and chicken. This Cajun Blackened Spice Mix recipe from CD Kitchen would actually make a great gift for myself. :)

This Carolina BBQ Rub from About.com will definitely please a BBQ enthusiast.

I have a Jamaican Jerk Rub recipe that is amazing, but I do not have a perfect way to figure out how to make it in a jar. After hunting around, I found a fabulous Jamaican Jerk Rub jar recipe at Better Homes and Gardens.

Lastly be sure to check out this Smokey Spice Rub recipe at Woman's Day.

GROCERY DEALS

FRY'S

Blackberries 6 oz $1.00
Fry's Milk 1/2 Gallon. Whole, 2%, Reduced Fat, 1% Low Fat or Skim - 88 cents (limit 4)
Fry's Large AA eggs 12 ct 99 cents (limit 2)
Kroger Value Boneless Skinless chicken Breasts or Tenderloins $1.67 lb
Oroweat Bread 24 oz 2/$4.00
Kellogg's Cereal Select Varieties 10-17 oz $1.88
Chef Boyardee Pasta 88 cents
Hunt's Tomatoes, Past or Sauce 12-15 oz 88 cents
Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars 8 count or Pap Tarts 12 count $1.99
T-bone Steak $4.77 lb
Boneless Beef Roast Sale USDA Choice Bottom Round, Eye of Round, Top Round Sirloin Tip, Chuck or Shoulder 50% off
Fry's Sandwich Bread 24 oz 4/$5.00
Kroger cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dip 24 oz $1.99 (the onion dip is amazing!)
Roma Tomatoes 99 cents pound (Roma tomatoes actually have more tomato and less water so you really get more for your money with these)
Bartlett or Anjou Pears 99 cents lb
Romaine, Green or Red Leaf Lettuce or Bunch Spinach 99 cents each
Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red or Golden Delicious Apples 99 cents pound
Organic Gala or Fuji 99 cents pound

SAFEWAY

Whole Pork Shoulder Blade Roast $1.29 lb
Hass Avocados 2/$1.oo
Navel Oranges 8 lb bag $3.99 each
Chobani Greek Yogurt 10/$10 6 oz
Dairy Essentials or Dairy Glen Milk Gallon Whole, 2%, 1%, or Fat Free $1.57 (limit 2)
Whole or Sliced Mushrooms 8 oz 99 cents each
Green Zucchini 99 cents lb
Kiwi Fruit 3/99 cents
Cucumbers 2/$99 cents
Yellow OInions 2 lbs 99 cents
Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit 2/99 cents
Red Seedless Grapes 99 cents lb
Roma Red Tomatoes 99 cents lb

ALBERTSONS

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.77 lb
Cuties Clementine Tangerines 5 lb box $2.99
Albertsons Gallon Milk Select Varieties $1.57 (limit 2)
Petite Sirloin Steak 1/2 free $7.99 lb
Assorted Pork Chops $1.77 lb
USDA Shoulder Roast Boneless $5.99 lb 1/1 Free
USDA London Broil Boneless $5.99 lb 1/1 Free
Pork Loin chops Bone in $4.29 lb 1/1 Free
Large California Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Purple Eggplant 99 cents lb (recipe for eggplant parmigiana)
Zucchini, Yellow or Grey Squash 99 cents lb

There is also a great buy 8 and save $4.00 sale
When you buy 8 participating items you can pay these low prices
Kraft Handi Snacks Pudding 49 cents
Cool Whip Topping 12 oz $1.49
Kraft Deluxe, Velveeta Cheesy Skillets or dinners 10.8 or 15.5 oz $1.49
General Mills Cereal Select Varieties 8.9 to 12 oz $1.49
Nature Valley Granola Bars 6 count $1.49
Stove Top Stuffing Mix 99 cents 6 oz
Coffee Mate Flavored Crfeamer 32 oz $2.79 (you can print out that printable coupon above too)
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa 8 count 99 cents

Spread The Word - Help Amit

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:51:00 +0000

Green Mountain Coffee Review

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000

This Friday I was delighted by the arrival of my package of Green Mountain Coffee. Green Mountain Coffee is a brand I fell in love with when I lived in Maine. After I moved from Maine to Rhode Island, I could still get my hands on it, but I was a single mom on a VERY limited budget, and unfortunately I could not fit Green Mountain into my very limited budget. In fact I purchased the darkest roasts I could buy just so I could use very little and still get a good cup.

Time has gone by and I am no longer a single mom and no longer living in Rhode Island. I live in Arizona and though I can get Green Mountain Coffee in the organic section at the grocery store, it only comes in breakfast blend and the like. In other words, I am not going to get flavors. What I wanted was the flavor I fell in love with...Rain Forest Nut.

Enter my friend Monika. While on my very restrictive Hcg diet, my friend Monika told me that I should try Green Mountain's Wild Mountain Blueberry. She insisted that it was so good that I could drink it without cream. That was exactly the kind of coffee I needed. I already knew that I liked other flavors so I decided to look into ordering. I had recently joined EBates (I know, I can't believe I waited so long either), and figured that I would see what kind of return I would get by ordering through them. I think at the time I got 4% back, but truly I am not sure. It is 5% right now though. Either way, it was well worth it. I ordered Rain Forrest Nut

My Review:

My yummy coffee order came in fairly quickly and as I am taking a holiday diet break, I was able to indulge in all the goodness that is Rain Forest Nut AND Wild Mountain Blueberry. Rain Forest Nut has a slight nutty taste with hints of caramel and vanilla and I don't know why but it also kind of reminds me of the taste of a s'more. Not in the chocolate sense, but kind of in the graham and marshmallow sense. Either way, it is delightful! Wild Mountain Blueberry is a treat for the senses. No joke! From the moment you open the bag to when it begins to brew in the coffee pot, you know you are going to be spoiled. You definitely will taste blueberry and perhaps go back into your mind of times when you enjoyed fresh blueberry pancakes, muffins or pie. It is enjoyable with cream and sugar, black or black with a little stevia. My friend Monika was not kidding. It will definitely be my go-to coffee for when I am on a limited beverage menu. I love coffee in the morning, and knowing that I can still indulge without the damage, makes Green Mountain Wild Mountain Blueberry my treat for the diet weeks.

You may be blessed to pick up Green Mountain Coffee in your stores or you may have to order it like I did. If you do order it, consider joining their Cafe Express. With that plan, they will send you your picks monthly so you don't have to reorder or worry about running out, you also get 10% off of your gift pack orders and $1.00 off of your bagged coffee orders, and you get that adorable travel mug you see in my picture. The nice thing about the Cafe Express is that you can push your orders back if you like and it is also TOTALLY FREE to join. :) I chose to do this because of the option to move my order if I need to and because I have ordered their gift sets in the past so that extra 10% off will be nice to take advantage of. Mostly though, I just plan on taking advantage of a little opportunity to spoil myself and my hubby with some yummy coffee.

*This is a review on a product that I love. No compensation whatsoever was given for this review. I just had to share because...it totally rocks. :)

Giveaway At Socrates Cozy Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:49:00 +0000

I got hooked on Cozy mysteries about three years ago, and I am always on the hunt for a new-to-me Cozy author. A great place to find such authors is at Socrates' Cozy Cafe. There are always great reviews and giveaways. If you like a good Cozy, head there now for a review AND giveaway of The Gingerbread Bump-off by Livia J. Washburn.

LINK: The Gingerbread Bump-off

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!! And What To Do With Turkey Leftovers

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:45:00 +0000

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am currently waiting on my turkey to roast. So far it has been a lovely morning of enjoying coffee, cinnamon buns, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and some DVR action. :)

I spent this morning cooking, dreaming of yummy food and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. I haven't done that in ages (the parade thing not cooking). I have also been thinking a lot about what to do with our turkey leftovers and the first idea came from the parade itself. Well actually it was a little spot sponsored by Pillsbury. The recipe was for Pesto Turkey Squares. My husband and I watched the process completely enraptured and I immediately announced that I HAD to copy this recipe down or better yet, link it to the blog. I always buy extra Pillsbury Crescent rolls so this will be a great way to utilize them too!

We always have plenty of gravy and stuffing leftover, but I use quite a bit of the stuffing to make turkey sandwiches. All in all, you can always get some inexpensive stuffing to make this recipe if you have run low on the stuffing. I was excited, because truly one of the things I always have an excess of is turkey and gravy. I love that I can get another hot meal with this recipe for Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole from about.com Southern Food.

Honestly, I really wanted a good and simple recipe for a turkey pot pie utilizing leftovers. Leftover veggies are never a big deal. Since there are so many veggie sales during the holidays, I always have some frozen veggies. Again, I am always loaded with excessive gravy so finally, I can bang out a yummy Leftover Turkey Pot Pie thanks to a recipe from AllRecipes.com and Michelle who submitted this gem.

Had I not been watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, I probably would not have thought of this, but one of the other items that I have in abundance are mashed potatoes. When I was watching a DVR'd episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives I saw one of the cooks make potato pancakes and then topped it with a pork goulash. Sadly, I couldn't locate that recipe, but I did find a recipe for potato pancakes that I think will work just as well. Maybe I can find a nice turkey goulash recipe too. This recipe came from Cooks.com.

I love pasta salads. I don't know why, but it is one of my favorite things to bring to work for lunch because it is filling and portable. :) I found a wonderful Greek Pasta Salad recipe at Taste of Home. It looks seriously tasty and quite easy too. Winter is the perfect time for soups and chilis. Taste of Home has two wonderful recipes for both.

Because my husband is a chili lover and because the weather is getting colder and colder, I am definitely going to try to make some Southwestern Turkey Soup. It isn't a chili, but it definitely comes close. The Homemade Turkey Soup recipe looks great too. I think it will be just the right treat to use up those last little bits of turkey that we have hanging on.

And of course I will totally toss all the bones and whatnots into my 7 quart crock pot to make some awesome turkey stock!

Now what am I thankful for? Seriously, I am thankful for everything. I am entirely blessed. I could definitely count on and on, but that would take entirely too long so I will go with the basics. I am thankful for the relationship I have with God. It is often surprising to me that the creator of the universe would want a relationship with me. Well more than often. Anyway, on to the list. I am thankful for my family, my wonderful son and husband. I am thankful to have a roof over my head, a job in a ministry that I love with coworkers that are kind, warm and focused on being His best. I am thankful for the new refrigerator that I have and for the fact that we were able to save all the food in it by some quick crock pot cooking. I am thankful for the fact that I can turn on the tap and have water. Yes...I am thankful for many simple things, but when you think about it, we have been blessed with many things that others do not have, and truly I am grateful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Josh Wilson Has a Christmas Tour Coming

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Okay...I have to just say that I am a big ole nerd and I love Josh Wilson. He is sooo stinkin' talented. Not that "stinkin'" is a great way to describe talent, but dude, seriously. He is pretty awesome. Oh and the love thing, it is all about the music baby.

Josh Wilson has a Christmas tour that you totally should check out if it is in your area. There will be stops in Tennessee, Texas (several which really makes me sad, because I'm in Arizona and I think we are close enough in locale to swing by), Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky and maybe more. Check out his website for more details here. In the meantime...check out this very cool video.

Give A Wheel Chair This Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:02:00 +0000

There are so many wonderful ministries out there, and so many ways that we can give. I received an email from Free Wheelchair Mission, and I just had to share the video. Imagine giving a gift of mobility to someone in an impoverished area. Take a moment to watch the video, I guarantee that you will be moved. You can learn more about Free Wheelchair Mission at this Link: Free Wheelchair Mission.

Rejoice! from Free Wheelchair Mission on Vimeo.

I Love Superpoints

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:51:00 +0000

I am newly in love. I am in love with Superpoints!

Thanks to Superpoints, I have been able to increase my Amazon credit which will help me with my Christmas and other gift purchases. Here is the skinny in a nutshell.

1 -Superpoints is network that you can join that gives you more opportunities to win amazing prizes for doing the kinds of things you probably are doing already.

What are they?
Take Surveys
Check Your Email (yep they send you points via email)
Watch Videos
Do Special Offers
Click the SuperLucky Button (When you join and complete your account details, you will have the chance to hit the SuperLucky button 30 times, as you get more friends to sign up, you get more button clicks up to 100 times. Each click will get you the chance to earn points.)
Earn When Your Friends Earn (When you invite friends and they become members, you will get points when they get points).

The points add up really nicely, and you can turn them in for all kinds of great prizes like Paypal cash, Amazon gift cards, Best Buy gift cards,Starbucks gift cards, Home Depot gift cards and more. So far I totally LOVE it! Look around and you will see a lot of people love it too. It is another great way to earn something for what you do online. I love having other ways to add to my Amazon credit.

I would love it if you signed up with me. There are some invites below. They are on a first come first serve kind of basis, and totally free. It is well worth signing up.

Here are some referrals.

http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/b3do1e (25 Points)

http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/v0wv33 (this one is for 50 points) **GONE

http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/wkaaa4

Christmas Is Coming! A Fave Song with a new Twist

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Christmas is on its way. Yes, I know that we have Thanksgiving to battle through first and of course Black Friday, but it is coming, and I am soooo excited. One of the things I am excited about is the Christmas songs that will be playing on our station. I love, love Christmas songs. I love Christmas time. I love the way people are generally pleasant to be around. I love decorations. I love shopping. I love watching the lighting of the Christmas trees in the town square. I love that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth! God came into the world in the most humble manner in the most delicate and vulnerable way. Profound man. Profound. Anyway, I really just wanted to highlight one of my new favorite Christmas songs. Tenth Avenue North's version of "Deck The Halls."

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise by Joyce Magnin A Review

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:01:00 +0000

(In full disclosure this is a referral link.)

This book was a free download for Kindle and Nook which is why I grabbed it. I love the free book offerings for both the Nook and the Kindle, because they give me the opportunity to try an author that is new to me. This usually ends up with my purchasing books by that author (funny thing about me is I do not purchase ebooks I only purchase book books right now anyway). This is not to say that I grab every free book that I see. There are still a lot of things that go into even a free purchase:

The First Grabber : The Cover - Seriously who can pass up a cover with a totally awesome retro trailer? Not me! Part of this could be because I totally would LOVE a retro trailer.

The Summary: This is the summary from Amazon -
Newly widowed Charlotte Figg purchases a double-wide trailer sight unseen and moves to the Paradise Trailer Park with her dog Lucky. Unfortunately, neither the trailer nor Paradise are what Charlotte expected. Her trailer is a ramshackle old place in need of major repair, and the people of Paradise are harboring more secrets than Bayer has aspirin. Charlotte's new friend Rose Tattoo learns that Charlotte played softball and convinces her to rally the women of Paradise into a team. Reluctant at first, Charlotte warms to the notion and is soon coaching the Paradise Angels. Meanwhile, Charlotte discovers that the manager of Paradise, Fergus Wrinkel, abuses his wife Suzy. Charlotte sets out to find a way to save Suzy from Fergus and in the process comes to a difficult realization about her own painful marriage.

Now the summary didn't full on grab me. To be honest I was thrown by the name of her friend being Rose Tattoo. That just seemed a little oddball. Still starting fresh in a new place has always appealed to me.

Reviews - There were many positive reviews and some that thought maybe the book was a little unbelieveable. If I wanted full-on believeable, I really probably wouldn't read a book in the first place.

Price - You can't argue with free.

My review - I read Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise primarily while working out at the gym. This book got me through HOURS of the ellyptical trainer, and it truly made the time fly.

Charlotte definitely does some things that you wouldn't expect a person to do. After the death of her husband, she pretty much starts all over. It is kind of odd to think of someone selling their home and moving away to a trailer park, but when life bowls you over with widowhood and you find a life insurance policy that can keep you going, why not start fresh? Besides, Charlotte had a wonderful new companion to take with her on this adventure in her adorable found pup Lucky.

The trailer Charlotte purchased by picture alone indeed isn't the sweet trailer she thought she bought, but she gets encouragement from Lucky and a few of her new neighbors. As the story goes on, Charlotte warms to the trailer and her new surroundings. As the story went on, I warmed more and more to them myself, and even thought how lovely it would be to reside in a place like that. There are bumps along the way, and many interesting neighbors to meet. All in all Charlotte fell in love with Paradise and so did I.

All in all, Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise is a light and sweet story. It is like a cozy mystery without the mystery, and I absolutely just loved it. In fact, I loved it so much that I purchased another of Joyce Magnin's books called "The Prayers Of Agnes Sparrow." I haven't started it yet, because I am reading another book right now. But I will definitely read it soon, and if I like it, I can guarantee I will purchase another book by this author. It was a nice escape to a story with characters that I grew to like and want to know more about. I enjoyed it a great deal.

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise is not available for free right now, but it may happen again. I am glad that it was, because I probably would not have found this book and this author and without that free glimpse who knows if I would have purchased The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow? I enjoyed this little trip into a little mobile home park in a little small town.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Thank you so much to Heather from Sweet Deals 4 Moms for the wonderful and timely prize of a fabulous Betty Crocker Prize pack! This package included a package of Betty Crocker's new Molasses cookie mix, Betty Crocker apron (my husband can attest to how desperately I need this when I cook- and actually when I eat), a mixing spoon and a nonstick baking pan. Everything that I really needed with the holidays approaching.

If you haven't dropped by Sweet Deals 4 Moms, I strongly suggest you do. There are lots of great savings deals, reviews and more. And of course if you want some delightfully easy and tasty cookie mixes not to mention cake mixes, check out Betty Crocker for that. :) OOOH and don't forget to check out Betty Crocker's free pdf of The Best of 2011 Fall.

OOOH Cooking With Cranberries!

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:01:00 +0000

To continue my pursuit of new recipes that I can try once off of my diet, I am going to add the cranberry dishes that have been blowing my mind!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork - I love the idea of combining cranberries with pork, and of course slow cooking is my dream way to cook! This recipe came from Allrecipes.com. I love getting their email updates with fabulous recipes!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce - I truly am a fan of Ocean Spray jellied cranberries, but the idea of making my own cranberry sauce is too good to pass up. Plus can you imagine how amazing this would make the house smell? I can practically visualize the aroma of cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon and orange juice wafting through the house! Oh the joy of slow cooking! Another great recipe via Allrecipes.com!

Mulled Cranberry Cider - We are doing a Christmas dinner party in Lake Havasu with my family, and I really think that I am going to bring my slow cooker along so I can hook the fam up with this tasty beverage. Again big honkin thanks to Allrecipes.com!

Kielbasa Made Easy - The idea of barbecue and kielbasa is probably bizzaro for right now, because event though I live in Arizona it is getting cold (it has already snowed once here in Prescott). I do want to make this at a later date or perhaps surprise my husband with some summer food when it is really chilly. We could picnic at home in the winter! This came via Kimberly through Allrecipes.com.

Cranberry Crumb Bars - When I saw the pictures for these yummy bars at Good Life Eats, I knew I had to make these. The recipe is really simple and full of all kinds of good for you things that will knock down a lot of the guilt from eating this treat. Hey, cranberries are only around for a short time anyway.

Quick Cranberry Bread - When I was in my early teens, I lived with my brother and my sister-in-law. My sister-in-law was an amazing cook and baker. She was exceptionally talented at making zucchini bread, apricot bread and cranberry bread. After all this time, I realized that I have not made one of these. This is truly disappointing to me, because I love a quick sweet bread, but I haven't gone past making my own banana bread. Certainly I am proud of that relatively new accomplishment (it is so nice not having to buy a quick bread mix), but still it is time for me to step it up. So I searched about and finally fell on this recipe by Inger Wilkerson at Art of Natural Living.

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies - There are many, many good looking cranberry oatmeal cookie recipes out there. I am sure that they are all quite good. I was drawn to this recipe from My Kitchen Addiction, because they just sounded divine, and from the pics, looked divine as well. :) Oatmeal cookies are a huge favorite of mine, because you can quite often replace breakfast with a couple of these gems.

Layered Cranberry Salad - This little gem is perfect for an afternoon lunch. I personally think I am going to freeze myself some cranberries so I can make this when the weather gets warmer. It is a chicken salad and cranberry salad together. I found this recipe at yummly. I was drawn to another recipe first, but it had cream of chicken soup in it, and that just made no sense.

Individual Cranberry Trifle - This recipe came from Taste of Home recipes. I like that you can make just as many or a few as you would like. A restaurant out here called BIN 239 used to have this amazing trifle dessert. It really turned me on to the whole trifle thing. Sadly it doesn't offer trifle on the menu anymore so again it is time for me to learn to do it myself.

I am excited about the opportunity to start trying my hand at these recipes. I hope that they may be a help to you as well.

It Is Simple - Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:18:00 +0000

In November, I focus a lot on what I am thankful for. There really are so many things, but one thing I want to share today is how thankful I am for our men and women in the military. I was blessed to be born in a country where people have a choice to defend our country and others. People who have a kind of courage that is impossible to fathom for those of us who are not in their shoes. I am so grateful to these men and women who give so much for really so little in return. I also am so thankful for their families who also so bravely and unselfishly support their family members who are serving us. They are true heroes as well.

A Few More Ways To Save

noreply@blogger.com (kalea_kane) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

FABULOUS WEBSITE

This weekend, my husband and I watched a bunch of little videos about money saving. This introduced me to a website that I had never been to before. I really liked it and I think you will do. Check out DailyFinance.com. Daily Finance has some great articles and information on many aspects of finances from the headscratchers to the simple home finances. There are lots of great articles too. In fact I read a cool one the other day on people who are hiring themselves out as Black Friday shoppers. Considering how early some stores are now opening, this could be a great way for someone to earn a little extra money if, of course, they enjoy the chaos of Black Friday shopping (which I do but I am definitely not looking into renting myself out). Check that article out here. Are you trying to figure out if college is a viable decision in this financial climate. Check out Daily Finances article How to Go to College Without Going Broke (and Yes, You Still Should).

FREEBIES

Last week I posted some freebies for the military and veterans so be sure to check out that blog. This week I have a few more to add so let's get to that real quick.

Arby's has a free classic roast beef sandwich for all military and veterans on Veteran's Day which in case you don't recall, November 11th. Not a veteran? Sign up for Arby's Extras and get a free roast beef sandwich with the purchase of a beverage for just signing up?

LINK: Arby's Extras

7-Eleven stores will thank all active, veteran and retired military members and their immediate families with a free small slurpee from 11am to 7pm on November 11th. Proof of current or former U.S. Military service is required. Remember that this is at participating 7 Elevens so do ask.

LINK: 7 Eleven Free Slurpee on Veteran's Day

Heading to California? Knott's Berry Farm is hosting military tribute days from November 1st to the 24th. Veterans will get free admission for themselves and one guest and up to six more tickets for $17 each! Proper military ID must be presented.

LINK: Knott's Berry Farm

Oh and a little bird told me that the Olive Garden restaurant they visited recently also told them that they would have free dinners for Veterans. They didn't have a lot of details so call your local Olive Garden to see if they are participating.

Sign up for Del Taco's Raving Fan EClub and you will get two chicken soft tacos as well as a FREE shake on your birthday. This sound exceptionally wonderful to me right now.

LINK: Del Taco Raving Fan EClub

FREE EBOOK COOK BOOKS

Recipe Lion has a great FREE eCookbook available right now 24 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes and Fall Craft Projects eCookbook.

LINK: Recipe Lion Cookbook

Follow the link below for the Best of Betty Crocker Fall 2011 Cookbook. Download while you can or print it up.

LINK: Best of Betty Crocker Fall 2011

Fall and Winter are great times for soups and stews. Betty Crocker also has a great Soups, Stews and Chilies cookbook with lots of great crock pot recipes too. This is through NxtBook.com.

LINK: Betty Crocker Soups, Stews and Chilies

FREE MUSIC

Sign up with FreeCCM and get some great free downloads. Available now are songs by Chasen, The Choir, Andy Cherry, Sara Groves, Phil Wickham, Shane & Shane, Heather Williams and Derek Webb.

LINK: Free CCM Free Christian Music

GIFTS YOU CAN MAKE

Every week, I have put some focus on gifts you can make. This week I am going to be a little self serving with this list. I have been in the process of saving those plastic Kool Aid tubs so I can fill them with different nut gifts. Here is a list of some amazing recipes I found.

The Union Square's Cafe Bar Nuts - This recipe involves mixed nuts with a great combo of fresh rosemary leaves, cayenne pepper, dark brown sugar and unsalted butter. I can taste it already! I picked up this recipe from Food Network.

Spiced Mixed Nuts - Again use mixed nuts (raw) to make a fabulous spicy mixed nut treat for giving. I found this awesome recipe at Real Simple.

Sweet and Sassy Nuts - These treats have a little sweet and a little spice with cumin, cinnamon and chipotle chili powder. This comes from one of my faves Good Housekeeping.

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts - You may be thinking "What is with the spice obsession?" It is simply that a little sweet really gets set of great with a little kick. You definitely want to look into this amazing mixed nut recipe from the Smitten Kitchen.

Coffee-Glazed Nuts - Do you know someone whose eyes glaze over with delight at the mere idea of coffee? This could be the gift treat for them. I found this simple recipe at NestleMeals.com.

Butter Toffee Nuts with Sea Salt - This is a fave of mine. I love anything with even a hint of toffee. I was thrilled to find this recipe at Oprah.com.

Chocolate Covered Caramelized Nuts - I can't even imagine making nuts without including some chocolate covered goodies. This recipe calls for either Brazil nuts or almonds. You definitely want to use a larger nut which you will see as you read the recipe. Oh, I found this recipe at About.com Candy.

Gourmet Chocolate Covered Nuts - I like this recipe because it involves a crock pot. You still have to watch it of course, but still that is definitely a favorite cooking item in my home. The recipe also is for six pounds! You have to love that kind of yield. I found this also at About.com, but this time under desserts/baking.

Chocolate Covered Pecans - Pecans are one of my favorite nuts. This recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Both items are on sale like fury during the holidays. I found this recipe at Allrecipes.com.

Norwegian Candied Nuts - I debated putting this up here. I want to make this recipe because I am part Norwegian. I told myself that if I could spell Norwegian at this hour (it is 12:21 AM as I type this), I will add the recipe link. It looks relatively simple, and from what I have read when hunting this recipe down, it is quite delicious. I got this particular recipe from recipegoldmine.com, but I found the same one EVERYWHERE. Seriously, just goodsearch it, and you'll find it.

Jalapeno Nut Mix - I am a sucker for jalapenos. One of my favorite treats is jalapeno popcorn that I get at Treats in town. Because of this love, I HAD to search for a jalapeno nut recipe. This one sound quite good and comes from Recipes.com and it looks like they got it from Southern Living.

GROCERY DEALS

The following is just a smattering of some of the deals that caught my eye:

SAFEWAY

Assorted Pork Loin Chops, Bone-In $1.99 lb
Hass Avocados 2/$1
Select Varieties of Campbell's Condensed Soups 99 cents
Arm & Hammer Liquid Dertergent 60.5 to 75 oz 1/1 Free (save up to $5.99 when you purchase 2)
Blackberries or Raspberries 5.6 to 6 oz 2/$3
Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit 2/$1.00
Jumbo Yellow Onions 2/$1.00
Flier Coupons- C&H Granulated Sugar $2.49 (limit 2)
Flier Coupons- Nestle Baking Morsels 11-12oz $1.399 (limit 2)

FRY'S

Jennie-O Grade A Frozen GTurkeys 59 cents lb (limit 1) with additional $25 purchase
Farmer John or Bar S Bacon 12 oz $1.99 each (limit 2)
California Navel Oranges 88 cents lb
Sara Lee Bread, Select Varieties 99 cents (limit 2)
Fry's Gallon Milk, Vitamin D, 2%, 1% Low Fat, NOnfat Gallon $1.57 (limit 2)
Satsumas Mandarins 5lb bag $3.99
Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc or Red Pears 88 cents lb
Cooks Smoked Shank Half Ham $1.27 lb (limit 1)
Romaine, Red or Green Leaf Lettuce 96 cents
Bunch Celebry $1.18
Gala or Fuji Apples 99 cents lb
Kroger Brown or Powdered Sugar 2lb 3/$5
Kroger Flour 5lb Select Varieties $1.89
Libby's Pumpkin 15 oz Can $1.99
Kroger Breakfast Sausage 16 oz Roll, 12 oz links or Patties, 8-9 oz Fully Cooked 2/$6
Mom's Best Natural Cereals 3/$4 (These Rock!)

Buy 10 Save $5 (There are quite a few of these deals. These were my faves.)
Annies Natural Macaroni & Cheese 69 cents
Kroger Salad Dressing Select Varieties 99 cents
Cool Whip 8 oz 99 cents
Lipton Recipe soup Mix 2 count 99 cents

ALBERTSONS

Red Seedless Grapes 75 cents lb
Broccoli Crowns 69 cents lb
Doritoes 11-11.5 oz 1/1 Free (save $4.29)
93% Lean Ground Beef $2.29 lb
Boneless Pork Loin in Bag $1.97

10 for $10

Albertsons Cereal 11.8 to 20 oz
Oats 18 oz
Albertsons Hot Chocolate 8-10 count
Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 26-26.5 oz
Hunts Diced Tomatoes
Davinci Pasta 16 oz
Progresso Vegetable Classic Soups 18-19 oz
Banquet Value Meals 5-10.25 oz
Chef Boyardee Pasta (Select Varieties) 7.5-15 oz
Roma Tomatoes 99 cents lb
Hass Avocados 99 cents each