does your pet have an itch?

I woke up this morning to my dog, Addie scratching her belly like crazy.  She could not get any relief.  The vet recommended bio spot it is a flea and tick control for dogs and each applicator kills and repels fleas and mosquitoes for up to 30 days.  I went to Olson's Grain and was happy to see it for $15.99 and they had $5 off coupons.  This will last me all summer, picked up two (one for each dog) and it was just over $20. 

I thought it was worth the money but I do have a very frugal recipe for a home made flea bath

What You Need:

• One lemon
• A pot
• Water
• A spray bottle, sponge or pet brush

What You Do:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Then, remove from heat.

2. Add a sliced lemon to the pot, and allow it to steep overnight.
3. Apply the resulting liquid to your pet with a spray bottle, sponge or brush.
4. Repeat daily or as needed.

Why This Works

Lemons contain limonene, a chemical that kills and repels fleas.

I also want to share a good recipe that unfortunately I have used MANY MANY TIMES.  It is for removing skunk odor from your pet.

1 liter of peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1t dawn dish soap

Mix all together and wash pet with solution, rinse and repeat if needed.

Just this morning I used this mixture on my brothers dog who was sprayed last night.  A lot of people think tomato juice is good but it just masks the smell of the skunk, it does not eliminate it. 

Taylor's Chicken Tacos

My kids love to help in the kitchen.  I started with them doing easy stuff like rolling dough and tossing salad etc.. now they can peel potatoes, mix sauces and mixtures.  Taylor even has her own dinner that she likes to make.  She is making this for dinner tonight so I thought I would share the recipe.
This is easy and a great way to use up leftover chicken.
2 cups chicken
1 cup mexican cheese
dash of garlic and cumin
1/2 c salsa
stir all above ingredients together
stuff in taco shells bake @350 for 15 min

Then Mommy puts them in oven and she can tell her brother to set the table because "she did everything else"
The best part about teaching kids to cook is that as they grow up they will know how to prepare healthy meals and will not rely on junk food

How to shop at Walgreens

I feel like I have to dedicate an entire entry today just on shopping at Walgreen's.  It can be one of the best places to shop but also very frustrating.  I have gone in and bought my items thinking I was going to save so much money and get so much back and then leave the store wondering what I did wrong, sit in my car and figure it all out.  What I know now is that you can print the store coupon policy before even leaving your house.  Now when I go to Walgreen's I know exactly what I am going to buy and for how much.  I also know how much I am getting back in roll back rewards to use for my next shopping trip.. Here is some need to know information.
Walgreen's will accept a coupon up to it's value.  If you are purchasing an item for 3.50 and your coupon is $5 off you do not receive the difference. 
If an item is B1G1 (Buy one get one free) you can use two coupons. 
Roll back (RR) are one per offer.  If they have $5 RR for a package of razors and you buy 4 razors you will only receive one RR for that transaction.
Roll back rewards are scanned as a coupon so you can not pay for an item using a RR if you used a coupon for that item, you will need a filler to use that coupon.  I like to add a pack of gum to my order so that my RR can be scanned and I can still use my coupons. 
Most important lesson I learned the hard way, label your RR you receive.  If the store gives you a $2 RR for a great deodorant deal, you can not use that RR to buy that same deodorant.  I label each RR with what item I got it for.  I know my Walgreen's will scan my RR for anything but I have been to a Walgreen's that would not accept my RR for the same item.

Colgate toothpaste and brushes buy 2 get $4 back I used 2 coupons making the toothpaste 25 cents each.  Same for the toothbrushes I had 2 coupons $1 off so they are FREE

Panteen shampoo and conditioner 2/6 I had 2 $3 off coupons FREE
Dove candy I had two $1/1 coupons and I printed a $1/2 coupon from Walgreen's website making my price $2/2 and I received $1 back in RR
Gillette fusion proglide are on sale for $9.89 I had a $4 off coupon and they gave me a $5 RR for buying this.  My total cost was $0.89
I bought some Easter clearance items for $0.25 for my fillers that way I could pay for them with my RR and I received $9 RR for my next purchase

shopping a mega event and food storage

Kroger is having a great mega event sale this week.  If you are a regular coupon clipper you will be able to get a lot of stuff free this week. Free pasta, chips, water etc.... Our Fry's also has great deals on toilet paper, paper towels, bbq sauce, pasta sauce and fabric softener.  This combined with coupons makes a great sale.  Now.... Where do I keep it all? I am blessed with a big kitchen with a lot of cupboards and a nice pantry but it is hard to keep track of what I have and rotate my items to make sure I use oldest first.  My wonderful husband bought a storage shelving rack (discounted $40 at home depot) and I keep a lot of my duplicates on this. 
With our business we make more money over the summer months so I try to stock up on everything.  That way when our business is slow in the winter months I do not have to spend any money on grocery, this gets us through the year.

cashing in on rain checks

I think Safeway is one of the best stores for honoring rain checks.  They will do the best they can to get the product to you and if that is not possible they will make it up.
About a month ago I tried to get their 3 pound Jenny O ground turkey 80/20 that was on a 4 day sale for $5 with no limit.  The only day I could get to Safeway was the last day of their sale and they sold out.  I received a rain check and asked for 3, 3lb packages of ground turkey.  I made several attempts to collect on this offer and thought I would forever be known as the crazy turkey lady being how they knew exactly why I was there when I rang the bell at the meat department.  They tried to special order this item but it was no longer available.  They made it up to me by giving me 10 pounds of 93/7 a much leaner meat and an extra pound for the same price I would pay for 9 pounds of 80% lean.  This is an even better deal.  Thank you to Safeway for making the crazy turkey lady happy.
I used my $5 catalina coupons from the week before and ended up paying only $10 for all of this turkey. 

Stuffed bell peppers

This is my recipe for stuffed peppers.  It is one of my Dad's favorite recipes and I made it for him a lot when they came to visit.  We spent a lot of time cooking and sitting around my table.  I love cooking for my family and when every chair is full of happy eaters, it makes my day.
I like to use red bell peppers but green peppers have been on sale so that is what I bought.  I used 1 pound of ground sirloin I had the meat department grind it for me when they had a good sale on sirloin steaks. 
Brown the sirloin and add 1/2 onion and 2 garlic cloves, season with salt pepper and cumin . 
I like short grain brown rice and I buy it in bulk at the health food store and store it in Tupperware.  Boil 2 cups of water seasoned with beef bullion and then add 1 cup of rice, cook for 25 min on low.  When the rice and sirloin is done mix them together and add 1/2 cup Velveeta cheese and 1/4 C salsa.  Stir in 1T of soy sauce and 28oz can diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup sour cream.  While the cheese is melting cut the tops off of your peppers and get them ready to fill with meat mixture. 
Preheat oven to 350 and then stuff the peppers.  Mix 2C hot water and 3t beef bullion together and poor in dish you are cooking the peppers in, this will help them get soft while in oven.  Cover with foil and bake for 30 min.
If you do not have picky eaters these are a meal on its own but my kids do not like them very much so I put a few taquitos in the oven and heat up a can of refried beans to complete the meal so I know they are getting enough food that they will eat.
I use 4 bell peppers and cut the tops off of two of them and then make the other two half peppers so the kids can eat the stuffing in a pepper bowl (more fun for them).  I also freeze the remaining stuffing mixture so that the next time I want to make this dinner I just have to stuff the peppers and that saves a lot of time.

It is May.... 31 days of BEAUTY

I love the month of May, it should be savored and enjoyed..  We have 31 days of perfect weather before it gets too hot to play outside.  The flowers are showing their blooms, the birds are chirping and wildlife starts to come out.  The sun and the warm air feels so good we spend most of our time outside.  We like to watch the kids ride bikes and have scooter races.  We catch each others shadows, fly kites and find caterpillars.  We like to BBQ and enjoy our meal on the porch, it is amazing how much better the same dinner tastes outside.
There are also a lot of ways to save money in May.  Many stores discount picnic supplies just before Memorial day.  Great time to stock up on paper plates and plastic utensils.  Pick up enough supplies now to get you through picnics and birthdays the rest of the year.   Stores are also putting winter items on clearance racks.  I buy long sleeve shirts, jackets, pants, boots, gloves and hats  for my kids in the next size up so that next winter they are fully stocked.
May is also skin cancer awareness month so you can find a lot of facilities that are doing free screenings.  This could save you a co-pay for your insurance and can save your life.
Mothers day is in May, I like to stock up on gift's for girls this month.  You can find huge discounts on lotions, aprons, pamper products, purses, candles, flowers and vases. 
Last but not least, my kids celebrate their birthday in May so we know there is a party to be had.

Get your Sunday paper and start clipping

www,sundaycouponpreview.com Is where I can see how many coupon inserts will be in the Sunday paper.  I get the paper delivered to my home and if there are good coupons I will buy some extras that day.  This Sunday there will be 4 coupon books so I will buy 3 additional papers (4 papers total, 4 people in my home).  I cut out every coupon even if I know I will not use that product just in case I can buy that item with overage, the store would be paying me to buy the item.

Enjoying the mall

I used to think shopping at the mall was just throwing hard earned money away.  I looked at the tag on clothes, roll my eyes and walk right out of the store.  I look at the mall different now and I like going to the mall for many reasons.  The best part is you can get a lot of stuff FREE at the mall just by doing some homework before you shop.  We do not have a mall where I live so it is a nice change when I am in the city.  Most mall's have a kids play area that is free and after walking around for hours it is nice to put your feet up and watch your kids burn the rest of their energy. 
My cousin will be a first time Dad in just a couple of months so I will be doing some shopping for the new baby this weekend.  While I am at the mall I will be picking up some items that I found great deals on this week.
VICTORIA SECRET - I downloaded a coupon for a free ruched back panty with any purchase.  I also have a coupon $10 off a pink bra.  They have a special going on right now 2 for $32.  With my coupon I can get 2 for $22 and a free panty. 
BUCKLE - 50% off necklaces.  I found several necklaces for $6.99.  If I buy two I can get one free.  Three birthday/ Christmas gifts done and I am only out $14.  Now I have all year to think about who to give them to.
DISNEY- I love going into the Disney store with my kids.  Even if I am not buying anything it is fun to look around.  Right now they have a good deal on sleepwear,  2 for $24 .  They also have Phineas and ferb sunglasses for $1.99, that will put a big smile on my Son's super cute face indeed.
FAMOUS FOOTWEAR- Now that winter is over they are doing a clearance on all winter boots 70%OFF I found a cute pair of boots for my Daughter for $15 I will just buy the next size up and we will be all set for next year.  If she happens to grow a lot and they do not fit her, I have a niece that loves shoes.
DILLARD'S- spend $32.00 (I need some makeup so this will not be hard to do) and receive a free Lancome gift.  You choose the bag and 6 lancome items to put in the bag. You receive more free merchandise then you spend, love when that happens.
BATH AND BODY WORKS - Here is the best deal.  Buy 3 signature collection products and you get 2 free.  Just for buying a signature collection product you receive a free tote and 10 full size items inside that tote. 

Get ready for summer with great flip flop sale

My kids love flip flops and wear them most of the summer.  So great for going to the pool or a quick errand just slip them on and go.  Kohls is having a great deal right now.  Go to kohls website and type in so flip flops for kids.  You will find them starting at $1.99.  When you check out use code SPRING15 and get 15% off making them $1.69 a pair and then use code SHIP4FREE and the shipping is free no matter how much you spend.

Getting back to what I am good at..... saving money

I have been through a lot these past couple of months and I am working every day to get my life back to the way it used to be.  I am putting more time and energy back into my coupons and it feels great.  Just wanted to share today's savings with you.  I shopped at Fry's, Safeway and CVS.  I spent $43.96 and saved $136.57 ($35 of that was from coupons and the rest was for using my store cards for in store discounts.  I am  happy when I save over 60% so this was excellent!
I bought 9 boxes of cereal, 5 boxes of cream cheese, 4 large tubes of tooth paste, 2 bags tortillas, 4 boxes of frozen pizza, two bags of chips, 2 bottles of salad dressing, 4 boxes of cookies, crackers, dole fruit cups, 2 pounds deli turkey, 2 deodorants, 15 lunch ables, 3 grill seasonings, 8 Greek yogurt, 2 16oz sour cream, 2 mayo and one pack of gum. 
I also took advantage of Safeway's hallmark card deal they have right now.  I bought 3 cards (have to be over 1.49 each) and received $5 for my next visit.  When I checked out from all of my stores I ended up with $8 to use on my next purchase so I actually bought all of my groceries for about $35 after tax.

SLOW-DOWN SUPPERS

My Mom gave me a subscription to the Lady's home journal and I have really enjoyed reading it.  It gives a lot of good ideas for running a household from home health and fitness to relationship tips.  Last week the February issue was in my mailbox and it is the big health issue.  I came across a hearty beef and squash stew that is only 165 calories a serving.  I also love this recipe because it serves 8 and the entire meal cost less than $6 to make.  Try going to a restaurant and ordering a low calorie heart healthy meal for $0.75 a plate.

combine 2 1/4 t thyme, 2 t salt, 3/4 pepper reserve 1t of the mixture for later and stir 5T cornstarch into the remainder.  Toss 1 1/2lb beef ( I used sirloin ct into 1 inch pieces), 1 medium fennel bulb cut into 1/2 inch wedges and 2 potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces. 

Prepair a small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and sliced 1/8 inch thick.  Toss squash with 1t olive oil and the reserved 1tsp of thyme mixture. 

Place the beef mixture in slow cooker, fitting the ingredients tightly; add 28oz can diced tomatoes. Arrange the squash on top of stew, cover an cook 4 1/2 hr on high or 8hr on low. 

165 calories a serving, 4g of fat and 4g of fiber

IT IS SIMPLY DELICIOUS

Dessert anyone?

My Grandma makes the best carrot cake.  I remember as a kid getting so excited when she made this dessert when we stayed at her house for Christmas break.  My Grandma and my Mom have a gift when it comes to baking.  When the New Year approached I took part of a weight loss challenge that makes my New Years resolution of not dieting this year null and void.  I am still pursuing creative cooking to make my family meals more healthy but now I am also counting the calories in the meals.  I decided to try making a carrot cake low calorie and I think the results are DELICIOUS!!!
A traditional carrot cake is often perceived as healthy because of the carrots it contains.  But usually it also contains at least 1 1/2 cups of oil - not good when you are watching your fat intake.  Here is my version which contains no oil and tastes fabulous (if I do say so myself).  
Traditional carrot cake is 449 calories/serving.  This cake is 204 calories/ serving. 
Preheat oven to 350 and lightly spray a 13x9 pan with non stick spray.
In a large bowl, stir together 1C all purpose flour, 1C whole wheat flour, 2 1/2 t ground cinnamon, 2t baking soda, 1/2 t nutmeg and 1/2 t ground cloves.  Set aside
In mixer beat 6 egg whites  until soft peaks form.  slowly beat in 1/2 +1/3c sugar and 6 packs splenda.  Then slowly beat in 1C unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 c 1% buttermilk, 1 1/2t vanilla. 
Using a spoon, stir in the flour mixture just until combined.  Then stir in 8oz crushed pineapple in its own juices (undrained), 2C shredded carrots and 1C walnuts.  Spread the batter in the prepared pan.  Bake about 35 min or until toothpick comes out clean.  Let cool completely
LOW CAL CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
2/3 c fat free vanilla yogurt
2/3 c low fat cottage cheese
16oz low fat cream cheese
powdered sugar (1c splenda + 1t cornstarch)
mix yogurt and cottage cheese in blender until smooth, poor into mixer, add cubes of cream cheese and blend. Place the Splenda and the cornstarch in a mixer or food processor. Blend on high speed for approximately 1 minute, until the texture is similar to powdered sugar. You may need to scrape down the mixer or processor bowl several times in the process. Sugar can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. Add sugar and mix, place frosting in refrigerator until thick enough to frost cake
This cake makes 20 servings.

Cheers for a New Year and another chance to get it right

There is something about the first month of the year that makes me feel like I have a clean slate. It is a very motivating feeling.  This is the only time of year I am guaranteed to get something organized.  I start taking out projects I vowed to do daily/weekly only to find them all stacked up and deserted in the corner of my office.  I make a list of motivational quotes to post around my house as reminders to stay on task.  I want to make 2011 the year I stop dreaming about accomplishing my resolutions and I start to do them.  I think that starting this blog is a great way to stay on task because my hopes are that my readers will be checking up on my posts.  With that being said, my new years resolutions are as follows
1) To not diet this year.  I want to use my love of cooking to make healthy meals for me and my family.  I want us as a family to get involved in exercise and this will be more than wii bowling together.  We have a beautiful rec center that we are all members of, lets enjoy it!!
2)Enjoy life more Children, more than anyone else, know how to live. They experience everything in the moment, fully. When they get hurt, they really cry. When they play, they really have fun.  I want to learn from my Children instead of thinking I know so much more than them.  I want to learn how to be joyful like they are.
3) Stop caring what others think I know, logically, that you can't even know or predict what other people think, much less change their thoughts. I also know intellectually that other people's thoughts about what you do, say, plan, or think really don't matter. But this is something I struggle with -- a lot. If my kids are doing something cute and my house does not look PERFECT in the back ground I will not take a picture, I miss out on the memory because I don't want people to see that I did not put the laundry away.  People who really love me will not look at my double chin in a family pic, they will see the person that they love.
4)Get out of my comfort zone/ spend more time with my family and friends. I love living in my small town.  It is perfect for me and my family.  I love going to the store and seeing people that I went to school with and giving hugs to patients I cared for when I was a medical assistant.  I love it here but I miss my family that lives in the city.  Two hours is not a long drive, load the kids up and go.  Time is flying by and I am missing out on so many relationships.  Phoenix is so busy for me that I dread every bit of my travel there.  The traffic, the weather, the fear of getting shot LOL.  I need to get over it
5)Help others I do not have to sign up as a volunteer somewhere to help people.  This is not something I have to prepair for.  I want to be more giving, help an elderly shopper with their groceries, make meals for people, babysit for couples that need a break. 
Bottom line is I want to embrace every moment, I need to do more scrap booking so I can remember every moment, laugh until I cry, compliment someone every day.  BE A BETTER PERSON

Dollar day at thrift store

So today I had to go to Sedona to pull up bread in two of our stores there.  I decided to bring my Daughter so we could go to goodwill while we were there.  Once in awhile they have Dollar day Sunday's.  We both did our shopping and here is what we found
Taylor bought a Hanna Montana board game, Toy Story Operation (for her brother) a cute children's place dress, a barbie, cd holder and some new cd's.  I found LL bean Jeans, caffeine addict pj's (so cute) cooking with Rosie book, a new wallet and some cups for smoothies to go.  Everything was $1 and we both have new stuff. 
 I love going to thrift stores for clothes because I am always saying "I don't want to spend any money on clothes until I get into a smaller size" well I have been size 12-14 for 10 years but it never changes the way I think.  I feel like if I spend a few dollars on jeans at a thrift store I am not waisting my money if I do happen to get into a smaller size.  Thrift stores are great for kids spending allowance money because they can get more for their buck and lets face it, kids are not gentle on toys.  The one thing to keep in mind on toy's and games is make sure all pieces are there.  We ask if we can open boxes because we do not want to buy something we can not use.  If they do not let you see inside before you buy then put it back on the shelf because it is not worth the risk.  Even if the game is only $1 it is junk once you find out pieces are missing.

Sunday morning breakfast

Sunday is the only morning we can all eat breakfast together as a family.  I love making breakfast burritos because there are so many ways to make them to fit any diet needs.  Being how it is the start of the New Year I should have made them with egg beaters, whole wheat tortillas and low fat cheese.  However, I would not be a great penny pincher if I did not use up the food I already have.  Here is the recipe to my FAVORITE breakfast burrito.  Taylor is the only one in our family who does not love these so she has bagels and fruit but she loves to help me roll them up for everyone.

4 potatoes shredded
1 lb sausage ( I use chicken breakfast sausage from sprouts) Bobby is allergic to pork
7 eggs
1 4oz can green chili
1/4 c salsa
1/2 c Velveeta cheese

Shred potatoes (I use the julienne slicer to do this), put in cold water for a few min so they will not turn brown. Blot potatoes dry, melt 2tsp butter in pan and add potatoes, brown about 7 min on both sides.
Brown sausage to crumble, beat eggs in a bowl and add splash of milk.
When Sausage is done place in bowl and then add egg mixture to pan, add green chili and Velveeta cheese.  Cook eggs until they are done and cheese is melted, add potatoes, meat and salsa.  Spoon 1/2 cup mixture into flour tortilla tuck sides in and roll.

I make a big batch because I like to make up several to keep on hand for busy mornings.  They are easy to warm up and they freeze well.