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Twilight Fans: Read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner for FREE!

June 8, 2010 by

I’m a huge Twilight fan and looking forward to the release of the Eclipse movie at the end of the month, but I haven’t been able to justify buying The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (instead, the Amazon gift cards I had saved from my Swagbucks earnings went to buy a new DVD player since ours stopped working – with the hot summer months ahead, I figured it was a worthwhile investment!).  I was thrilled to find out that you can read it for FREE online through July 5th!

Read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner online

Or, you can order your own copy for $7.54 through Amazon!

Happy reading!  Let me know what you think of the book!
Filed Under: freebies

Menu Planning Monday: My menu for the week of 6/6

June 7, 2010 by

This is my last week of “work” before my summer break starts, which is cause for celebration in and of itself!  One of my best friends is also getting married this weekend and I get to be a part of her big day!  This means I get two days off from cooking this week, which is nice, but I’m also excited to be with her as she takes the next big step in her life!

For those of you who may be doing Weight Watchers, I have included the points per serving calculations for most of my recipes this week. I used the “Recipe Builder” feature on the WeightWatchers.com e-Tools program to input all of the ingredients and calculate the points, so it should be pretty accurate.

You can read more about my $40 weekly budget in this post here.

SUNDAY ~ Perfect Enchiladas – The basis for this recipe comes from The Pioneer Woman, but she uses ground beef and I’m going to use chicken (I’ve used pork before and that was yummy, too!)  Marci posted the recipe on her blog awhile back and we tried it and loved it!

Our “filling” – I’m going to put 2 frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot on low with a can of enchilada sauce (red) and some taco seasoning.  I’ll shred the taco meat and that and some cheese will become our “filling”

The sauce (from Marci’s blog)
1 T. canola oil
1 T. flour/cornstarch
1 large (28 oz) can enchilada/red sauce
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ground black pepper
2 T. chopped cilantro

-In a large saucepan over med. heat, add oil and flour and whisk together to make a paste, cooking for 1 min.
-Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and cilantro, and bring to boil.
-Reduce heat and simmer 30-45 min.

I’m going to use 1 dozen flour tortillas.  Whenever I make enchiladas, I always put a little bit of sauce along the bottom of the pan to keep the enchiladas from stocking to the pan.  I’ll fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken breast and cheese, roll it, and place it in a 9X13 Pyrex baking dish. Then, I’ll cover the rolled enchiladas with the sauce and some cheese and bake it in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 350 until the cheese is melted.

WW points = 9 per serving for 2 enchiladas

MONDAY ~  Chicken licking good pork chops (slow cooker)

Ingredients:
6-8 lean pork chops, 1-inch thick
1/2 cup flour (omit if you don’t brown chops in skillet)
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp oil (omit if you don’t brown chops in skillet)
1 10.5oz can chicken & rice soup (I use a family size can)

Dredge pork chops in mixture of flour, salt, dry mustard & garlic powder. Brown chops in oil in a large skillet. Place browned pork chops in crockpot. Add can of soup. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3 1/2 hours. If I don’t brown the chops, then I just toss the salt, dry mustard & garlic powder in the crockpot instead of dredging the chops.

*Note: When making this meal, I use a can of family size chicken & rice soup and drain off some of the broth – it keeps the meat tender and there is more of the chicken & rice mixture for everyone! If you don’t have time to brown the chops first in a skillet, I’ve also just dipped it into the flour mixture and put it straight into the slow cooker and it works fine that way, too.

WW points = 6 servings, 7 points per serving

TUESDAY ~ Beef tips (slow cooker) – I found this recipe in Taste of Home Magazine. We have eaten it a few times now and my whole family (even my picky eater kids) loves it!

Ingredients:
1 beef top sirloin steak (1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes (to save time, I buy the beef stew meat that is already pre-cut)
2 to 3 medium carrots, chopped
1 to 1-1/2 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 to 1 cup white wine or beef broth
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Hot cooked egg noodles

Directions:
In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the beef, carrots, celery, onion, soup and wine or broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.

Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into cooking juices. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until thickened. Serve with noodles. Yield: 4 servings.

WW points = 6 per serving (add 2 points for 1/2 cup pasta/rice or 4 points for 1 cup pasta/rice)

WEDNESDAY ~  Country ham & macaroni casserole – We’ve got ham left over and this is quick and easy to make (plus my kids love it), so I thought it would be perfect!
Thanks to Sandy~Bettyinthekitchen (BabyCenter.com Cooking for Your Family Board)

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece (I just use whatever leftover ham we have on hand)
1 large onion, diced
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz) – I use reduced fat
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine, melted (I don’t use this when I make it)
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 400º.
2. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil,
remove ham to a plate. Add onion and macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat and bones.
4. Drain macaroni and onion and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted margarine over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
5. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8×8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

WW points = 9 points per serving (with modifications above), makes 8 servings

THURSDAY ~ Broccoli chicken bake – I saw this recipe on my Babycenter message board – we tried it once before and it was yummy!

Ingredients:
1 bag (14 oz) frozen broccoli florets
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of mushroom soup – I’ll use 98% fat free
1 package stuffing mix (6 oz)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 c. water
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan w/ foil. Mix broccoli, soup, stuffing mix, 1/2 cup cheese and water together in a large bowl until wet and blended. Spread evenly in foil-lined pan.
Top with chicken. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until chicken reaches 170 degrees F and juices run clear. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with sheet of nonstick foil; let stand until cheese melts.

Number of Servings: 4

WW points = 9 per serving

FRIDAY ~ Kim’s rehearsal dinner

SATURDAY ~ Kim’s wedding!

Filed Under: Menu Planning Monday

Target deals for the week of 6/6

June 6, 2010 by

Keep in mind that pricing may vary by area. Always check your local ad to confirm that they have the “weekly deals.”  There should be a coupon for a free $10 gift card with any new or transferred perscription in this week’s ad!
Electronics trade-in ~ Trade in your new or used iPod or iPhone for a Target gift card.

Get Text Alerts from Target: receive coupons, deals, and weekly ad reminders on your mobile phone – use a barcode that can be scanned at check-out for multiple one time only coupon deals throughout the month.  The text alerts for mobile coupons appear to be released on Sundays and appear to be valid for one week only (when the new round is released on Sundays, the old round disappears).

Target now offers price matching. You can check out their policy here.

At Target, you can use one Target coupon and one manufacturer’s coupon per item. The printable Target coupons now state “one per transaction” meaning you can only use one “like” coupon per transaction. The Target coupons from the inserts do not have this wording and neither do the Target toy coupons. You can read/print their coupon policy here.

They are also offering a .05 credit when you bring in your own reusable shopping bag!

Regular Markdown Schedule in other Departments
Monday – Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday – Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday – Men’s Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty, Lawn & Garden items
Thursday – House Wares, Lingerie, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, Music, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday – Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry

BABY DEALS:

Johnson’s Baby Care items (9 oz) – $1.97-$2.19/each
$1/1 Johnson’s baby product – 4-25 SS, 6-6 SS
Final Price = $.97 -$1.19 after coupon

Pampers wipes – prices reportedly vary from $1.97-$2.39 at most stores
$2/1 Pampers wipes – 6-6 PG
Final price = free to $.39/tub!

GROCERY:

Cheez-It snack crackers – $2.41/each
$1/1 Sunshine Cheez-It baked snack crackers 
Final Price = $1.41/each after coupon

Dannon Activia (4 ct) – 3/$5
$.50/1 Dannon Activia printable
$1/1 Dannon Activia – 5-2 SS
Final Price – $.67/each (when you buy 3 and use 3 $1 coupons)

Freschetta Naturally Rising frozen pizza – $4.50/each
$1/1 Freschetta pizza printable
Final Price = $3.50/each after coupon

Gold ‘n Plump 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts – $3.49/each
$1/1 Gold ‘n Plump all natural chicken printable
Final Price = $2.49/each

Heinz vinegar – white or apple cider – $.99
$.50/1 Heinz vinegar printable
Final Price = $.49

Market Pantry nectarines, plums, or peaches (2 lb bag) – $1.99/each

Ortega Taco Seasoning packets – $.78/each (on price cut until 6/12)
$1/2 Ortega products printable
Final Price = $.28/each (when you buy 2)

Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta – $1.19
$.75/1 Ronzoni Smart Taste printable
$.75/1 Ronzoni Smart Taste printable
(there have also been $1/1 Smart Taste coupons in several magazines recently)
Final Price = $.44 after coupons

State Fair Corn Dogs – $6.29/each
$1/1 State Fair corn dogs printable
Final Price = $5.29/each

Wishbone salad dressing – $1.33 (on price cut through 6/12)
$.75/1 Wishbone salad dressing Target coupon – 4-25 inserts (this was regional)
$.50/1 Wishbone salad dressing printable
Final Price = $.08/each after coupons

HEALTH & BEAUTY:

*Weekly deal:  free First Aid bag when you buy 3 Benadryl, Neosporin, or Band Aid items (see the Band Aid and Benadryl match-ups below)

**There is also a rebate for $6 in coupons when you buy 2 Band Aid, Neosporin or Purell products and a rebate for a free first aid kit and $15 in coupons when you buy 3 Band Aid, Neosporin or Purell items (Thanks My Frugal Adventures!)

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Benadryl Itch Sticks $2.29-$2.54/each
Buy 1 children’s character Band Aid – $1.84/each

Use $.75/1 Target Band Aid printable
Use $.50/1 Band Aid coupon (some areas got $1/1)
Use $5/2 Benadryl coupon

Spend $.67 OOP

Band Aids “kid” bandages – $1.84
$.75/1 Band Aid Target printable
$.50/1 Band Aid – 4-25 SS
Final Price = $.57 after coupons

Benadryl Itch Relief Stick – $2.29-$2.54/each
$5/2 Benadryl Products, any – 4-11 RP
Final Price = Free to $.04/each when you buy 2!
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Banana Boat kids sun care – $6.99
$1/1 Banana Boat suncare product – 5-23 SS
Final Price = $5.99 after coupon

Gillette Fusion Razor – The regular price on these single razors is $4.99.  Some people are finding them on clearance at their stores for $2.48!
$4/1 Gillette Fusion razor – 6-6 PG
Final Price = free (they will most likely adjust the coupon value down to the sale price) to $.99/each after coupon

Gillette Venus Razor – The regular price on these single razors is $4.99.  Some people are finding them on clearance at their stores for $2.49!
$2/1 Gillette Venus razor – 6-6 PG
Final Price = $.49-$2.99/each

John Frieda Root Awakening products – $5.04-5.99/each
$3/1 John Frieda Root Awakening – 6-6 SS
$3/2 John Frieda hair care products Target printable (click on “beauty” on the left)
Final Price = $1.08-$2.98 after coupons (when you buy 2)

Kandoo 42 count flushable wipes – $1.65
$1/1 Kandoo, any – 4-4 PG
Final Price = $.65/each
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Nivea Q10 shave gel (it’s in a silver can) – $3.49/each
$2/1 Nivea Q10 Target printable
$2/2 Nivea for Men shave gel – 4-25 RP
Final Price = $.49/each


Reach floss – $1.12
$1/1 Reach floss – 10-18 RP, 1-3 RP
Final price = $.12


Reach toothbrushes – $.99-$1.12
$2/2 Reach toothbrushes
Final Price = free – $.12 after coupon (when you buy 2)

Rolaids – $1.99-2.29/each
$4/2 Rolaids, Pepcid, Mylanta, Dramamine, Immodium, or Tucks – 6-6 RP
Final Price = free-$.29/each (when you buy 2)

Sure deodorant for women – $1.97
$1.50/1 Sure deodorant for women – 5-2 SS
Final Price = $.47 after coupons 

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Travel Size lotion – $.97
$1/1 Vaseline Aloe Fresh product printable (good on any size)
Final Price = Free after coupon!
(Thanks Totally Target!)

HOUSEHOLD:

Air Wick iMotion or Air Wick Freshmatic starter kits – $5.99/EACH
$4/1 Air Wick iMotion Freshmatic Ultra Starter Kit printable (must register)
$2/1 Airwick iMotion starter kit Target printable (no longer available to print, but doesn’t expire until 6/30 if you have one)
Final Price = Free after coupons if you have the Target printable (make sure you give it last)

Armor All wipes or Tire Shine – $4.99 and Tire Protectant (7 oz) – $7.99
$3/2 Armor All products Target printable
$2/1 Armor All products printable (for Facebook fans, you can print 2 per computer/account)
Free Armor All Wheel Protectant WYB any other Armor All product ($3.49+) Mail in Rebate form

SCENARIO:
Buy Armor All wipes or Tire Shine – $4.99
Buy Armor All Tire Protectant – $7.99

Use $3/2 Target printable
Use 2 $2/1 Armor All printables

Spend $5.98 OOP – submit for $7.99 MIR
Final Price = $2.01 moneymaker!
(Thanks Common Sense with Money!)

Bounty Basic paper towels – $.99 (the single rolls are priced at this amount in some areas)
$1/1 Bounty Basic paper towels – 5-16 RP (this is a regional coupon, but My Coupon Hunter has them right now!), reportedly this coupon auto adjusts to the $.99
$.25/1 Bounty paper towels or napkins – 6-6 PG
Final Price – Possible $.25 overage if you use both coupons (this is a YMMV AND you would need to give the manufacturer’s coupon FIRST!)

GE Reveal 4 pack light bulbs – $2
$1.50/1 GE Reveal Target printable
$1/1 GE Reveal light bulbs – 4-18 SS
Final Price = $.50 moneymaker (if you give your Target coupon LAST)

Glade Aerosol spray – $.97
BOGO free Glade products, 5-23 SS
Final Price = $.49/each (when you buy 2)

Lysol No Touch Hand Soap system – $9.99
$3/1 Lysol No Touch Hand Soap system – 5-2 SS
$2/1 Lysol Healthy Touch Starter kit printable
Final Price = $4.99 

Shout Stain Remover – $1.97
$1/1 Shout Target printable
$.55/1 Shout laundry product – 5-2 SS
Final Price = $.42/each

TOYS:

Littlest Pet Shop sets – $4.99/each
BOGO free Littlest Pet Shop printable
Final Price = $4.99 for both!
(Thanks Give Me Neither!)
NOTE:  people have also reported finding the single pets on clearance for $1.98-2.08/each meaning you can get two for that price with the coupon! 

Leap Frog Leapster games – on price cut for $19.99 (through 6/19)
$5/1 Leap Frog Leapster game printable
Final Price = $14.99/each
(Thanks Totally Target!)

GIFT CARD DEALS:

*Buy 5 Dreyer’s 1.5 quart ice cream, Dreyer’s 6-12 ct fruit bars, Haagen Dazs ice cream, or Nestle Drumsticks – $2.75/each, get a $5 Target gift card
$1/1 Nestle Drumstick sundae cones – 5-2 SS
$1/2 Edy’s Brand products – 5-23-10 Parade Magazine
$1/2 Edy’s Brand products – 5-16 SS

SCENARIO:
Buy 5 Nestle Drumstuck sundae cones – $2.75/each

Use 5 $1/1 Nestle coupons

Spend $8.75, get a $5 Target gift card
Final Price  $3.75 after coupons/gift card

SCENARIO:
Buy 4 Dreyer’s ice cream – $2.75/each
Buy 1 Nestle Drumsticks – $2.75/each

Use 2 $1/2 Edy’s coupons
Use 1 $1/1 Nestle coupon

Spend $10.75 OOP, get a $5 Target gift card
Final Price = $5.75 after coupons/gift card
(my hubby LOVES ice cream, so he’s going to be very excited about this deal!)

Here are some links to the clearance deals online: (don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get 3% cash back)

Want to get on the Target mailing lists? This isn’t a sure thing, but it’s worth signing up here. (Thanks A Full Cup!)
This post is part of Becentsable’s Grocery Gathering.
Filed Under: Scenario Sunday Tagged With:

Printable coupons round-up

June 6, 2010 by

There are some great printable coupons out there right now!  Here are a few:

COUPONS.COM: (I used zip code 90210, there are different coupons and varying amounts in different zip codes)

$.50/1 Old El Paso product (if your stores double/triple coupons, this will mean free or close to free items like taco seasoning or refried beans!)

$.50/1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers (again, if your grocery stores double/triple coupons, you can probably get free or close to free veggies!)

$3/1 Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers

$3/2 Right Guard Total Defense

$2/2 Reach toothbrushes (get these for free at Target with this coupon!)

$.50/1 Lawry’s marinade

$1/1 Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals snack crackers (I tried these for the first time at work recently and they were yummy!)

$1.50/1 Huggies Little Swimmers swim pants

BOGO free Littlest Pet Shop collectables

REDPLUM.COM:

$2/2 Jimmy Dean sausage rolls

$1/1 State Fair corn dogs

$1/1 Sara Lee deli meat

$1/2 Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pints

SMARTSOURCE.COM:

$2/1 Bic Soleil 3 blade disposable razor

$1/1 Axe shower gel

OTHER PRINTABLE COUPONS:

$1/1 Lean Cuisine pizza, panini, etc.

$1/1 New York Texas Toast and Garlic Bread Sticks

$1/1 Sunshine Cheez-It baked snack crackers (on Facebook))

$2/1 Welch’s 100% juice (on Facebook)

Various Oscar Mayer printables:  $1/1 Oscar Mayer Turkey bacon, $1/1 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations, $1/1 Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh lunch meat

Filed Under: printable coupons

Publix deals for the week of 6/3-6/9

June 4, 2010 by


Thanks to Brittany from The Prudent Patron for the weekly Publix deals!  Here are the highlights for the week. You can find all of the deals for the week at The Prudent Patron (this is based on the Florida/Southern Georgia market)

Here are a few things that you can get for free this week:
Benefiber Stick Pack 6-8ct $3.89
 $2/1 Publix Green Advantage Buy Flyer (store Q – starts 5/22)
$1/1 SS 4/25
$2/1 Printable  
:: FREE when you use both Qs
Edy’s Slow Churned Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt 5.8-6 oz. cup, $1.00
$2/2 Light, School Day’s Made Simple booklet
$1/2 SS 5/16
:: FREE
Fisher Fusion Snacks Regular Price $1.77 (possible unadvertised sale $1.00)
$1.00/1 SS 10/4, 11/15, 12/6, 12/13, 2/8
$.55/1 Upromise eCoupon
::FREE –  $.22

Infusium 23 Hair Care $5.99
Free Conditioner wyb Infusium 23 Shampoo Publix Green Advantage Buy Flyer (store Q – starts 5/22)
$3/1 SS 5/9
:: FREE when you use both Qs

Sundown Naturals B6 150 ct. $3.59
$3.00/1 Publix Green Advantage Buy Flyer (store Q – starts 5/22)
$3.00/2 Printable
$1.00/1 RP 3/7, 4/11, 5/23 or Printable
::FREE + possible overage when you use both coupons 

Here are a few things that you can get for under $1 this week:

Del Monte Fruit Cup 4pk or Chillers 8ct., $1.79$1.50/2 Chillers RP 4/18
$1.50/2 No Sugar. RP 4/11
$1/1 RP 4/18 or Printable
:: $.79


Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup, 13.5 oz bot, $1.39
$.20/1 SS 5/16
:: $.59 each

Juicy Juice All Natural 100% Juice, 8-pk, 6.75 oz ctn, $2.99 (BOGO free)
$1/2 Printable or Juicy Juice School Days Made Simple Booklet
::$.99 each

Tornados 3 ct $2.00
$1/1 SS 5/9 or Printable
B1G1 Tornados Printable
::$.50 when you use both Qs

Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice 8.5-8.8 oz., $1.33
$.75/2 Printable
$1/2 RP 5/16
:: $.83 each

Remember to check out The Prudent Patron for the rest of the weekly deals!   

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: