Reading books for Booksneeze

If you have a blog there is a great review site called Booksneeze that will send you books for FREE for you to review on your blog.  Today I just received one that I look forward to reading and reviewing called Regret Free Parenting.  Having 3 kids in the teen/preteen range there is always something to learn or a problem to solve.    This book looks like it could be a valuable resource.  Hopefully I will find time to read in the next few weeks and be able to review it soon.  

Read More »

Ham and Cheese Cannelloni Tutorial and Review..

A few days ago I linked a recipe by Rachael Ray and Classico called Ham and Cheese Cannelloni. We had it for dinner last night.  It was a quick and easy recipe that everyone in my family seemed to enjoy. This is how we made it. 

The recipe calls for:
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (I just used low fat Meijer brand because it was on sale, I dont believe it was whole milk)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
One 15 oz jar Alfredo Sauce
8 egg roll wrappers
8 slices of Deli Ham
1/2 cup Parmigano-Reggiano

Preheat your over to 400 degrees. While it is preheating mix together the ricotta, mozzarella and egg in bowl.    Mix well.

Pour the Alfredo (reserving 3/4 cup) in the bottom of your baking pan.    Sorry for the unusual coloring of the pics,  I do not have great lighting in the kitchen. 

Spoon a tablespoon of cheese mixture on one of the egg roll wrappers.   The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of mixture per cannellonni, but there is just not enough cheese to use that much.  If you use are regular tablespoon from the silverware drawer, it works out perfectly to use one tablespoon in each one. 

Layer a slice of deli ham on top of the cheese mixture.   Roll the egg roll wrapper starting from one side to make the cannelloni. 

Place seam down in the baking pan.   Use the rest of the alfredo sauce and over the top.  I also used a spoon and scooped some of the sauce that was in the pan on top as well.    Top with the Parmigano-Reggiano.  I realized while writing this out that I forgot that ingredient.   The cannelloni was already so cheesy that it was not missed. 

Bake for 20 mins in the 400 degree oven.   The cannellonis will be golden brown.   

This recipe got good reviews from my family.  It was very creamy and cheesy.   I liked how easy it was to put together.  The saltiness of the ham mixed well with the cheese.  We will make this one again.

Read More »

Meijer Deals of the week

I went to Meijer today and got some great deals.

2 boxes of Ronzoni Garden Delights on sale for $1.  I used two  $1 coupons, making both FREE

2 starbursts fruit chews on sale for .50.  I had a .50/2 coupon that doubled, making both FREE

1 Strawberry Mentos on sale for .50,  I had a .50 coupon, making it FREE

2 Gain Fabric Softner Sheets, was $4.49 on sale for $3.99.  I used two $2 coupons from last Sundays Smart source.   After coupon price .99 each but also got a $3 off my next order coupon, final price $1.02 MONEY MAKER

2 Breakstones Sour Cream on sale for $1.39.  I had two .50 coupons that doubled, final price .39 each

2 Bar S hotdogs on sale for $1 each.  I had $1 off 2 coupon, final price .50

2  Philly cooking cream, on sale for $2.50.  I had two $1.50 coupons and 2 Meijer Meal box coupons for  .50 off .  Final price .50 each.

2 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations cracker kits, on sale for $1.  I had $1 off 2 coupon, final price .50 each

Totinos Pizza Rolls on sale for $1 each.  I bought 4 and had two .40  off 2 coupons thtat doubled, final price .60 each 

2 Pillsbury Valentind Cookie dough,  on clearance for $1.25.  I had a $1 off 2 coupon from coupons.com, final price .75 each

Hunts Snack packs on sale for .89 

Pillsbury Sweet Moments  on sale for $2.  I had .50 coupon that doubled, final price $1

2 Log Cabin Syrup on sale 2.50 each.  I had two $1 off coupons from coupons.com,  and  a $1 off 2 Meijer Mealbox coupon, final price $1 each

Newmans Alfredo sauce $2.16.  I had a .50 coupon that doubled, final price $1.16

Carrots on sale for $1.25

Dole Salad on sale for $1.50

3 Hormel Meals on sale for $2.  I had a $1.50 off 3 coupon, final price $1.50 each

Eggos waffles on sale for $1.66

Package of chicken drumsticks on sale for $1.88

Hot Pockets $2.39,  I had coupon $1.25 off 4, final price $1.97

Strawberries on sale for $2

Meijer potato chips on sale for $2

Gortons Fish Filets, reg $5.99, on sale for $3.49.  I used a .50 coupon that doubled, final price $2.49

Skinless Boneless chicken on sale $1.99 lb.   bought a package over 1 lb, final price $2.75

I spent only 51.20.   I used 28.35 in coupns, and saved $24.71 in sales.     I saved overall 51%

Read More »

More Target Deals

I went back to Target today because I found out yesterday that my son outgrew a pair of jeans that I bought just 2-3 months ago.   He is growing so fast that he is now down to only 2 pairs of jearns that fit.  Eek!   I also wanted to buy some more Easy Mac cups since 7 of the 8 were gone within the first 24 hours. 
When I went to the boys dept I was very excited to see that there was an entire shelving unit full of  75% boys clothing.    This is what I found..

Hanes sweatshir (red  regional)  75% off, was $5.99  now $1.48
Cherokee Ultimate Tee (red)  75% off, was $5.99, now $1.48
Cherokee Ultimate Tee (brown) 75% off, was $5.99  now $1.48
Cherokee Sweater 75% off (burgandy), was $14.99 now $3.74

I also found girls Hanes sweatpants 50% off, was $5.99, now $2.98

I  went to toys and found some of the Bakugan toys are now 75% .  I bought  a Bakugauntlet that was $19.99, now $4.98. 

I paid full price for the jeans $9.99 and the shorts $5.99.   There was a pair of XL shorts of the same brand that was 75% off so  I was hoping this pair was too.  It was not, but we need them for gym.  (he has outgrown all of his shorts as well)

Here are the other deals I picked up..

Ever After DVD  $5, used $3 coupon from Coupons.com      You can find it here

Finish 20 ct Powerball, reg $3.79 on sale for $2.50.  I used a $2.25 coupon, final price .25

2 Clorox wipes,  on price cut for $2.53.  I used a $1 Target coupon and $1 man. coupon, final price .53 ea.

Glade Spring scents $2.99.  I used a $1 Target coupon and $1 man. coupon, final price .99

Garnier Styling product, on clearance 50% off.  Was $2.99, now $1.48.  I used $1 man coupon, final price .48

Olay Body Wash 50% clearance, was $5.49, now $2.74.  I used a Buy Olay Body Wash, get secret deodoarnt FREE    

Diet Dr Pepper, on price cut for $1.25.  I used a $1 off 2 Target coupon, final price. 75 each

2  4pks of Easy Mac, on price cut for $2.79.  They fixed the coupon glitch.  I used a $1.50 off 2 coupon, final price $2.04 each. 

2 Tonys pizza on price cut for $1 each.  I used a $1 off 2 coupon, final price .50 each. 

I paid  46.97 for everything in both pictures.    Consindering that that two full price items were $16.93 after tax, that means I spent only $30.04 for everything else.       I saved $47 in clearance prices and   $23.35 in sales and coupons. ($17.59 in coupons alone)    I figured out my savings two ways..   If I keep the 2 full price items that I needed in the total, I saved 60%.   If  take them out of my total, I saved 74%.

Read More »

My Target Deals

 

 

 

 

Okay, I admit it,  being so busy in the last week  I didnt get much for my kids for Valentine's Day.   Since my kids have so much, I didnt think they would notice.  My oldest thinks Valentines Day is a wannabe holiday.  My son doesnt really care one way or the other.   My youngest who got a huge bag of goodies from her class is the one said to me last night, "did get us anything for Valentines Day?"    Busted!  I told her that I had something in mind, I just had to go pick it up.     She was okay with that.    This morning,  I knew I better get over to Target to check out their clearance before the good stuff was gone.    Everything in the top picture was 50% off.    

I bought my youngest 2 Valentine Little Pet Shop toys.  One I will give her now, and I will put the other away for another day.   They are normally  $6.48, I got them for $3.24 each.  

My son will get a Bakugan that is normally $7.44. I paid $3.72.   This was in regular toys,  most of the Bakugan items are on clearance.

I bought my oldest a cute stuffed cat that says You are purrfect since she loves animals..  It was $4.99, now only $2.49.

I picked up a Russell Stover chocolate heart for only $2.49

I also had two rolls of Valentine wrap 50% off  that I forgot to put in the picture at .99 each. 

The dust pan and cleaning cloths were 50% off in the dollar spot  at .50 each. 

 I had some Target coupons that were going to expire so I picked up a few deals we could use. 

Tonys single size pizza on price cut for $1 each.  I had a .50 coupon, final price .75 each.   (the way the coupon was worded I was not sure if it was off 1 or 2, so I used it on 2 just in case)

Eggo waffles $2.19.  Not necessarily a deal, but the only thing my son eats for breakfast and we ran out this morning.

2 Easy Mac cups on  price cut for $2.79 each.   I had a $1.50 target coupon that for some reason rang up as $4.08 off..  Hmmmm..   the receipt says final price was $1.50 for both, with a refund value of .75 each.   First time I have seen the coupon and total be switched and in my favor too.. 

2 Kraft Shredded cheese, reg price of $2.04 each.  I had a $1.25 off 2 Target coupon and $1 off 2 man coupon.   $1.83 for 2 or .92 each. 

I also used a .75 off 1 shred cheese making the third one $1.29. 

2 lunchables on price cut $1.25 each.  I used a $1 off 2 coupon that expired today. Final price .75 each. 

Grocery total  out of pocket  $9.81.  I saved $15.58 in coupons. 

My entire purchase today was only 24.95, I saved $32.95 a 57% savings. 

Read More »

What's for dinner tonight?

This might not be for dinner tonight, but I do want to make it soon.  This recipe is  Wholesome Pizza Balls (as wholesome as fried pizza balls can be be =)) fron KitchenDaily.com.   There is a great video tutorial on how to  make this recipe here. 
http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/04/15/pizza-meat-balls-dont-tell-mama/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk3%7C201968

Read More »

What's for dinner tonight?

Pillsbury sent me this recipe in an email today, slow cooker chicken tortilla soup.   I really like tortilla soup and using the slow cooker on busy days.   If this is a recipe you might like to try you can find it here
http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup=/fd85222e-5037-49d6-816b-173eedea92e3/?WT.dcsvid=NjU1NjcxMzE5OQS2&rvrin=CEC1032E-CAB2-4A26-BE22-2647DC00EBE4&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_PBdaily_02_16_2011

I have another version of this soup that I really enjoy but I need to dig out the recipe to post it.  That versiou is made with tomato soup.   I will post that one soon.

Read More »

Heart shaped Valentine Pops

 

 

 

 

 

Last night Kara and I made heart shaped Valentine suckers for her class.    What we did was based on the idea in this months Family Fun. http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/sweetheart-pops-978367/  We did not follow the exact recipe because warming the canes actually makes them harder to work with, so we skipped that step. 

This is how we made our Valentine Pops

We used mini candy canes that I got on clearance a few weeks ago and made heart shapes on parchement paper.

We used red Wilton candy melts for our centers.   We used the microwave   melting method until the candy was smooth.   (Melt 30 seconds at a time, stirring at each interval.   It took only 90 seconds to melt completely through)   With a spoon I filled the heart shaped canes with the candy   The first through I put the stick in before filling.  I then decided it was better to put the stick in once candy in the heart and then added a little more to cover the stick.  

We added some sprinkles before placing the cookie sheet full of hearts in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.    The freezer hardens the candy and gives it a nice shine.

We wrapped each heart with red saran wrap and tied on a curling ribbon. 

Kara used a fine tip marker and wrote who they were from on the side of each stick.

It took us about 2 hours to make 32 pops start to finish.   

I wasn't sure how she was going to get them to school without any of them breaking when I realized that the candy cane boxes were the perfect size.   It was a little time consuming, but the pops were easy to make. We will definitely make them again using different flavors of candy. 

Read More »

Low cost Valentine Treats

 

 

 

 

AllYou.com has this strawberry mousse recipe and several other low cost Valentine treats on their website.  All perfect to share with your Valentine.


http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/valentines-day-ideas-00400000062543/page9.html

Read More »

Owl Valentines by Sugar Swings

Owls are everywhere this year including Valentines cards.    Sugarswings.blogspot.com show how to make these really cute owl valentines from peppermint patties, tootsie rolls and M & Ms.    So cute!!

http://sugarswings.blogspot.com/2011/02/owl-valentines.html

Read More »

Cute baby shower ideas

If you are invited to a baby shower in the near future you might want to check out the blog HomemadebyJill.blogspot.com.   She made this beautiful diaper cake and show others how on her blog here.
http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2011/01/diaper-cake-oldie-but-goodie.html

She also shares how she made these beautiful onesie cookies. 
http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-shower-cookies.html

It seems like so long ago since I was in the world of babies.  I am now dealing with teens and preteens.  Where did the time go? 

Read More »

Valenetine Smores Bites

 

 

I came across this reipe today.  These look SOOOOO good!  They can be made at hone with just a hanful of ingredients.   Crazy Domestic has a great step by step tutorial on how to make these delicious looking treats.  



http://www.crazydomestic.com/2011/02/every-holiday-my-mom-sends-my-kids.html

Read More »

Chocolate Doily Pops

Check these out!  Mega Crafty has a picture tutorial on how to make chocolate pops that look like a doily.   There are not as complicated as you might think.  If you would like to show how they are made and maybe try them yourself you can see how at MegaCrafty.com

http://www.megacrafty.com/2011/02/doily-pops.html

Read More »

Meijer Deals

 

 

 

 

 

 

I actually went to Meijers on Wed, but did not have the chance to go through the receipt and post it until now.     I spent only  $38.20 in the picture. 

My best Meijers Deals.. 

Aunt Millies Healthy Goodness bread, normally $3.19 each.  They were on sale for only $1 this week!  I had two .55 coupons, making the final price per loaf only .45. 

Friskies Cat Treats, normally $1.49, on sale for $1.  I had two $1 coupons, making them both FREE.

Mt. Olives pickles, normally $2.39-$3.29.   I bought a jar of sweet, a jar of sandwhich chips and a 4 pk of pickle snacks.   They were on sale 3 for $5.  I had two .50 coupons that double.    I paid only $3 for all 3 or an average of $1 each. 

Chocolate Reddi Whip, normally $2.09 on sale for $1.79.  I had a .50 coupon that doubled, making it only .79. 

Mission Tortillas, normally $2.49 on sale for $1.69. I had a $1 coupon making it only .69 



I used $14.25 in coupons, $21.79 in sales for a total of $36.04.   I had a savings of 44%.

Overall this week I spent $107.01 for $225.33 worth  of  groceries. A 53% savings for the week.    This weeks total is  higher than normal for me, but it makes up for only spening $35.08 last week.  The blizzard really helped me keep the grocery shopping to a minumum. 

Read More »

VGs deals

I got all the groceries (and free cookbook) in the picture for only $60.    

Here are my best deals from VGS

Pringles Super Stax $1.50.  I used a $1 off 2 Proctor and Gamble coupon that doubled making them. 50 each.

Pasta Roni on sale for $1 each.  I had a coupon Buy 3 get 1 FREE.   The scanner automatically doubled it, making TWO free.   For boxes of Pasta Roni for only $2 or .50 each.

2 Go Gurt on sale for $1.88.  I had a .75 off 2 coupon that doubled, making them $1.13 each.   (normally $2.99 each)

4 Kens Salad dressing on sale for $2 each.  I had two $1 off 2 coupons that doubled making them $1 each.  (normally $3.29 each)

Betty Crocker Cake and Frosting..  Cake was on sale for $1, and the frosting for $1.66.   I had a .75 off 2 coupon that doubled making the final price $1.16 for BOTH.

2 bags of Kettle Brand Chips on sale for $2.79.  I had two $1 coupons that doubled, making them only .79 each.  (normally $2.99)

I had  Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Minute Maid coupon.  It was on sale for $2.69.   I two for only $2.69!

Eggs are on sale for only .88 limit 3. ( I bought 3)

Spartan Bacon on sale for only $1.77 limit 3. (I bought 3 of them as well)

I saved $34.89 in coupons, $37.88 in sales for a total of $72.77 in savings or 55%

Read More »