Countdown to the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is now just a few days away.  Do you have your menu ready yet?  I have to admit it is going to be a low key day for us.  We are not really fans of either team, and since it is a school night, the kids will probably be busy with homework etc.   I do love all of the Super Bowl recipes that are being posted online right now.  I am bookmarking my favorites, to use at another time.    I think these Stuffed Pizza Burgers from Celebrations.com look really good.  Back when I was in middle & high school, the cafeteria at my school served pizza burgers that I loved.  I have never seen anything like them since.  These burgers look close, so I think this recipe might be a keeper.

Target Clearance Finds

I had to go to Target today.  We were on our last few rolls of toilet paper, and I wanted to take a look at the printers.  Our printer has not been working right lately, and I need one for all of my online coupons. There is one that I am considering if there is not an easy fix, but since I am unsure I  decided to wait .   I then went to the shoe section,  because my  son has been complaining about his shoes feeling too tight lately.  The rate this kid has been growing has been unreal.  Currently he is not quite in boys sizes, but also not quite in mens sizes.  He is moving up to a size 7 mens' shoe.   I really don't want to pay full price on his shoes, especially if he can only fit into them for a few months.

I was excited about my find in the boot aisle.  I found Champion Mens size 7 boots for 70% off.  Regular price was $44.99,  I got them for only $13.48. WOOHOO!  Now if only we have some snow that sticks around  for him to wear them in.

The other 3 purchases were for me!  =)  <-----  me smiling  

I LOVE my Target brand suede boots. I have worn them for 3 years and they literally have holes in them.  They are the most comfortable pair of boots I own.  I was thrilled to find a pair of brown suede boots for 70% off.  Regularly $32.99,  I got them for only $9.88.  Since my feet are not growing like my sons, I will be able to wear them for awhile.

I also found a pair of black suede flats.  Normally $19.99, they are on clearnce for only $5.98.  They too are very comfortable, and have a nice fleece lining.

I looked at women's jeans because some of my current pairs are a big snug.  Hopefully that wont be the case for long, but until then  I would like a pair that are comfy.  I found a pair of Mossimo regularly $27.99, marked down to $13.98.  I also had a 15% of womens denim Target coupon, which took off $2.10 more.  Final price for my jeans $11.88.  There were enough that they might be marked down to 70% off shortly, but there was only one in this particular style.  I might check again later in the week to see if they get marked down to $8.46.

I decided to go with Charmin Mega Rolls today because I had both a Target $1 coupon and a $1 manufacturer coupon that I got in my Charmin Sensitive packs awhile back.   Reg $12.99, I got the equivalent to 48 rolls for $10.99.   While I had to buy when I NEEDED it and not when it was on sale, I might not have gotten the best deal, but it was still a good deal.

I saved $82.64 in clearance prices, and an additional $3 in coupons.  A pretty good day!

New Battery Coupon

If you are in the need of batteries, there is a new  .55 coupon for Rayovac Alkaline Batteries. I think I will be using this one as I need batteries for my new camera.

Its a Snowman-Snow Day Party

Surprisingly, living where we do in Michigan, we have not yet had a snow day. This winter has been a lot more mild than we can remember, and the snow melts within hours of falling.  The weather channel is even talking about this unusual lack of snowfall.   While we have not had the chance to make a real snowman, the kids and I put together a snowman themed party  with ideas that can be used if we actually do have a day off of school.    Yesterday I shared how I made the snowman centerpiece here.  Also pictured in this photo are the snowman drinking cups that Kara and I made.

One thing really nice about styrofoam cups is you can easily add your name to tell them apart.

I lined the kitchen table with white craft paper, and gave everyone a cup of crayons. We then drew winter themed pictures.  If you do not have craft paper, a white plastic tablecloth from the dollar store would also work.

I gave the kids some scrap paper (from my printed coupons) and scissors.  They  have been busy making  quite a few unusual snowflakes for a good hour.  Before you worry about the sharp scissors in the picture, my kids are older (5th grade and up), and have been using scissors for a long time.  I also do not know what happened to the 4 other pairs of scissors that are supposed to be in the desk drawer.  All of them have seemed to have disappeared.  Hmm.  I wonder if we have a scissor fairy that comes and takes them in the middle of the night.

A few of the earliest snowflakes.  I have a pile of a least 10 more sitting in front of me on the desk.

I set up a construct a snowman station, using  several sizes of marshmellows,  and lots of other fun goodies.

There were snowballs, noses, pretzel arms, marshmellow babies, gumdrop and ring hats, fruit by the foot scarves, M & M eyes and chocolate chip buttons.  I also had some edible markers and cookie gel to draw on the faces.

Here are our creations... fun to make, and delicious to eat

We also had snowman themed food.  Here  are english muffin snowman pizza.  I used black olives for the eyes and mouth, and an orange pepper for the nose.  I chose a white colored cheese to make it look more like snow.  If your kids won't touch black olives (two of mine won't either) these could easily be made with mini pepperoni.

I made snowman pretzels rods by covering them in white chocolate,  and adding the faces, hats and scarves

The sledding bears are having fun  in bowls of vanilla yogurt. The sleds are Nilla wafers.

We also had banana snowmen on a stick  with chocolate chip eyes and pretzel stick arms. If you do these, make the slices thick enough for the stick to go through, or they could easily break.

Now if only we had a real snow day.  While I am okay with the lack of snow, the kids are really hoping it happens soon.   

Snowman Centerpiece

I apologize in advance for the quality of some of these pictures.  My good camera needs new batteries and the lighting in our kitchen is not the best.     Today we made a snowman centerpiece out of things found at the dollar store and around the house.

I started with styrofoam balls, and a discs I found at the dollar store.

Using toothpicks, I put the snowman together.  I did go back and add few more to the bottom two snowballs to make them sturdier.  I also added the second disc from the package to the base.

It would have been nice to use different sizes for the body and the head, but what they had at the dollar store were too different in size to use together.

I bought these foam circles at the Scrapbox a few weeks ago.  I thought they would be perfect for the buttons.  We tried them for the eyes too, but they were too thick.  

I thought these orange earplugs looked enough like carrots to use as the nose.  

I added it to the face using a toothpick

I could not find my large google eyes, so we "borrowed" them from a purple puff monster that Kara had made.  I used a scrap piece of felt for the scarf and fringed each end.   The earmuffs were made with a blue pipe cleaner and two medium sized pom poms.  I would have used actual sticks for arms, but we got 3 inches of snow today, and I didn't feel like going out to look for some.  I used yellow pipe cleaners instead.

We thought he turned out pretty cute, and the kids enjoyed helping me put him together.

Movie Themed Slumber Party

I had a request for some ideas for a hollywood themed slumber party.  My oldest daughter had one several years ago when she was 9, so I had to do some digging for the old photos.  This party was before I knew I would have a party planning blog in the future, so I didn't have very many photos.   I still remember the party pretty well though.      I bought some red felt at the fabric store and made a red carpet the length of the living room. 

Each of the girls were given a boa, star shaped glasses and a  bead necklace. They  took turns walking down the red carpet, and posed for the photographers.    While we did make up,  nails, and hair  later in the party, this is easily something that could be done before walking the carpet.    This picture cracks me up, Kara was only 4 here, and already knew how to pose like a star.. LOL!   If you can find autograph books from the dollar store, give one to each child and they can take turns giving out autographs.

I used black, gold and silver as the main color scheme of the party, and found many hollywood themed items at my local party store.  Another fun touch would be to make movie posters from pictures of the birthday child and their guests. 

I dont have any pictures of the food we made that night.  We made individual pizzas so that the girls could pick their own toppings.  If you would like to go more elegant, serve finger food in the shape of stars like these recipes on familyfun.com.   Another  fun touch that would make the food look more fancy is to use silver platters from the dollar store. 

This has nothing to do with a Hollywood theme, but being 9, my daughter helped make her own monkey cake.   (her idea)    Sometimes its okay not to stick with the theme, if it makes your child happy. At 9 years old, most girls are obssessed with monkeys, so this was a huge hit

If you would like a more glamourous themed caked, how about the sunglasses cake from

family fun

or popcorn cupcakes from food.com.

After walking the red carpet, its movie watching time.  I loved this homemade concession stand by pumpkinseedproductions.blogspot.  The dollar store has a lot of box type candy and even popcorn containers.   The girls can watch some of their favorite movies while enjoying popcorn, and candy.

The next morning I handed out mini tropheys that I found at the dollar store. Each girl got their own special award.   The birthday girl got Best Performance by a Drama Queen (there had been tears at her party.. LOL)  and Best Performance by a Birthday Girl.    Kara got Best Performance by a Little Sister.  I don't remember what awards the other girls got, but they seemed happy with their awards.  

It was definitely a memorable party.   

Mission Organization

My pantry is scary!  It is not very big, and with 3 growing  kids, we have a lot of food.  I often do not know what is in the back of the pantry because when something is used, it just gets stuffed back in.  A lot of food gets missed because the kids do not see it. I do clean out the pantry every 6 months or so, but it quickly ends up back like this. It was time something HAD to be done.  

The dollar store had bins that were the perfect size to fit in the pantry.  Last night I bought 5, but quickly found out that was not enough.  Today after church, I went back and bought 6 more. 

I started by removing the snacks and other packaged foods  from their  boxes. Removing 30 or so  boxes, makes for a lot more room.  I put like foods together in a basket, in locations where they would mostly likely to  be seen.  I was also a bit surprised at how many jars of pickles I found.  I seriously have enough to last a least of year or more.  I ended up with so many because  there are often good Mt Olive coupons and matched with sales, I buy pickles for less than a dollar.  I just had no idea how many jars there were already in there. 

I don't know how long the pantry will stay organized.  I think I am going to have to give myself another pantry challenge in the coming weeks now that I now see food that I forgot that I had. 

My coupon binder is still a work in progress.  Until this morning, I had all  my coupons cut and ready to file.   While I was thrilled to get 8 new inserts today, (I receive 2 Sunday papers) I now have a lot more cutting and sorting to do.  Luckily my youngest likes to cut coupons for me.  Hopefully I will be posting that it is finally organized soon! 

Sunday Paper Coupons

I saved $49 in coupons this week. Coupons can save a lot of money off things you are already buying anyway.   If you would like to see what coupons to expect in your newspaper this week before they  arrive, be sure to check out the Sunday Coupon Preview.  This week we will be receiving a new Procter and Gamble insert, in addition to a Red Plum and Smart Source.  Click the banner to  see which  individual coupons to expect, so you can start planning your list or buy extra papers.

Target Deals this Week

Target has a ton of clearance right now. This a a great time to find clothes throughout the store for 50-70% off

I bought my son a pr of jeans 50% off for $8.98
The orange thermal shirt was 70% off for only $3.28
My youngest daughter got a pair of black cords for 70% off, for only $4.48

The polka dot bag is a Thermos brand 9 can insulated duffle bag for 70% off for only $3.53

Maybelline Mascara was on price cut for $4.26. I used a $2 off  Target coupon and a $1 off manufacturer coupon, final price only $1.26

Orange Sally Hansen nail polish, reg price $1.99.  I used a $1 off Target coupon and a .50 manufacturer coupon, final price .49
Blue Sally Hansen nail polish, reg price $2.49.  I used a $1 off Target coupon and a .50 manufacturer coupon, final price .99

3 subject Up and Up notebook, $3.  I used a $1 off Target coupon, final price $2.

2 Prego Sauce, reg price $1.89.  I used a $1 off 2 Target coupon and a .50 off 2 manufacturer coupon, final price $1.14 each

2 Activia yogurt, on sale for $2 each.  I used a $2 off 2 Target coupon and two $1 off manufacturer coupons, final price FREE

Nature Made Vitamin D on sale for $3. I used $1 off  Target coupon and a $1 off manufacturer coupon, final price $1

3 Flinstones gummies $5.99 each.  I used two $2 off Target coupons, and three $1 off coupons.  (I could have used another $2 off Target coupons, but did not have one).  I also got back a $5 gift card for buying 3.   Final price $5.97 total for all 3 after gift card.  With 3rd Target coupon, would have been only $3.97

I also  bought a few other items not pictured.    I used $22.75 in coupons, and got back a $5 gift card.

Meijer Deals this Week

Meijer has a  good sale this week.  Many items are $1 deals, but 10 get the 11th  free.  Here is a picture of the best deals I bought this week.

Wolf Chili on sale $1.  I used a .50 coupon that doubled, final price FREE
4 boxes pizza rolls, on sale $1,  I used two .40 off 2 coupons that doubled, final price .60 each
3 Meijer brand 2 liters, reg price .88.  I used a Meijer MealBox coupon .50 off 3, final price .71 each
Marie Callendars fruit pie, reg price $2.16, on sale $1.89.  I used .50 coupon that doubled, final price.89
2 Crisco cooking spray, reg price $2.17.  I used two .50 coupons that doubled final price 1.17
Ritz Crackerfuls and 2 Snackwell snacks on sale $2.50 each.  I used a $3 off 3 coupon, final price $1.50 each
Alouette Feta cheese, reg $3.49, on sale $2.50. I used .50 coupon that doubled, final price  $1.50
Pringles snack pack (for kids lunches)   reg price $2.99, on sale $2.50.  I used $1 off coupon, final price $1.50
Lloyds BBQ shredded chicken, reg price $4.99, on sale $3.99.  I used $1 coupon off, final price $2.99
Babybel Cheese on sale buy 1 get 1 FREE.  I also had $1 off 2 coupon, final price $3.49 for 2 or $1.75 each
Healthy Choice Steamers reg price $2.75, on sale $2.20.  I used a .75 coupon, final price $1.82 each

$1 Deals 
Dole Salad, reg $1.99
Spinach, reg $1.99 
Baby Carrots, reg $1.50
Yellow, Red and Orange Peppers , reg $2 each
Healthy Option lunchmeat, reg $1.67
Aunt Millies English Muffin, reg $2.99
White Mushrooms, reg $2.00

I bought a few more items not pictured,  that were just okay deals that we needed.  I saved $26 .30 in Meijer promos and coupons, and $36.05 in sales, for an overall savings of $62.35.  I spent a total of $78.01 off $140.36 in groceries..

Make it a Family Game Night

I love having family time.  One great way to spent time with your family is by having game night.  There are so many great board and Wii games available that are fun and family friendly.  Make a pizza and pop some popcorn and enjoy a game or two.  Right now there are many game coupons available to add to your
collection.



$5 off Bop It! XT




$8 off Scrabble, Simon or Yahtzee Flash We have the Scrabble Flash and love it!



$5 off one Pictionary game Hasbro



$3 off one Jenga or Cranimum Brain Breaks