Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ bacon/spinach/pasta w/alfredo sauce, bread

Tuesday ~ take out!

Wednesday ~ bbq beef, green beans, apple slices

Thursday ~ pita pizzas, salad

Friday ~ ham & beans, cornbread

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Creative Corner...Limelight Sketch Challenge

It's Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Time and the focus is STARS! Check out the details here. I got this fun gold organdy ribbon on a Christmas present and saved it...thinking it would be perfect for a card! I also had some paper scraps leftover from the November scrap kit. The ribbon matched the dp wonderfully!

Recipe:
Paper ~ eggplant, su autumn traditions dp
Accessories ~ ribbon, star punch, white gel pen, pop dots

Meijer at a glance... 12/27 - 1/02

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Meijer Gallon Milk... $1.98

Select Vegetables... $1.00
Includes: Extra Large Avocados, Baby Cut Carrots (1.2 Lb Bag), Cucumbers, Meijer Organics Whole White Mushrooms (8 oz)

Strawberries... $2.50

Aunt Millie’s Butter Top Bread or Buns... $1.00

Healthy Choice Frozen Entrees... $1.99
$1/2 in the 10/18 SS
$1 Printable here
PLUS $1/5 via Meijer Mealbox

Kellogg’s Cereals... $2.50
{Includes: Frosted Mini Wheats, Corn Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran Crunch}
Several High Value Printables at Coupons.com
Several Printables here
$1 Corn Flakes in the December All You
$1.50/2 Printable at RedPlum

Chi-Chi’s Salsa or Queso... B1G1 FREE
$1/2 in the 12/6 SS

Lipton Tea Bags, To-Go or Pyramid Teas... $2.50
$.75/2 in the 11/15 RP
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter... $1.39
$1 in the 11/15 RP
$1 Printable here (IE) or here (FF)

Nestle Refrigerated Cookie Dough... $1.99
$1 in the 11/1 SS
$1 in the November All You
$1 Printable here
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Here comes Santa Claus...

For some reason Little Bit just loves Santa Claus this year. She doesn't know what he does {or is believed to do!} but she sure thinks he is great. We haven't played up Santa as bringing gifts or anything...just that he is a jolly guy around at Christmastime. Anytime she sees the big guy in his red and white suit she gets excited! The DH and I were both surprised at how easily she went and sat on this Santa's lap. {She's not been a big fan of people in costume.}

{Have yourselves a merry little Christmas!}

Meijer at a glance... 12/20 - 12/26

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Apples... $.99/pound
{Includes: Large Premium Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn or Jonagold}

Ragu Pasta Sauce... $1.39
$1/2 in the 11/15 RP
$1/2 Printable here

Nestle Toll House Morsels... $1.99
$1 in the 11/1 SS
$1 in the November All You
$.50/2 Printable here

Land O Lakes Butter... $1.99
Includes: Quarters (1 lb) or Spreadable Butter with Canola Oil (15 oz)
$.50 in the 11/1 SS
$.50 in the 11/15 SS
PLUS $1/ via Meijer Mealbox

Kraft Cheese (5-8 oz)... $1.49
{FREE Ritz Snack Crackers wyb 4 Kraft Cheese}
$1/2 Printable here
$.75/2 in the September Kraft Food & Family
$1 String Cheese (if included) via Meijer Mealbox

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables... $1
$.35 in the 11/15 SS

$8.99 Huggies Diapers or Training Pants (Jumbo Pk)
$1.50 in the 11/15 SS
$2 in the 11/15 SS
$2 in the 11/29 Parade Weekly Circular

Creative Corner...Scrap Club

Here is my take on the first layout for November scrap club. The title for this month was "harvest". I hand wrote "time" on the green designer paper underneath. Then I filled the pages with pics from Thanksgiving with my family. To check out Jamie's samples or for more info on scrap club stop by Jamie's blog.

Creative Corner...quick holiday card

I just love to use kraft cardstock! It is my favorite background for cards. So when I needed a few quick holiday cards kraft is what I turned too. {I was totally inspired by a Christmas card I recently received...thanks Ang!}

Recipe:
Paper ~ kraft, vanilla
Stamps ~ su sincere salutations, little layers II
Ink ~ ruby, celery
Accessories ~ am.crafts ribbon, corner rounder

Free {books}...

Check out these ebooks that you can download and enjoy...for FREE!

The $5 Dinner Mom Does Holiday Dinner is a free ebook filled with scrumptious, frugal Christmas recipes. You can download your free copy here.

Amazon currently has a free copy of Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker--Recipes for Entertaining ebook available here. This ebook contains over 300 recipes and usually sells for $19.95 so this is a great deal! This ebook is specifically for Kindles, but you can go here to download a free application which enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.

The Stay-At-Home Mom's Guide to Successful eBay Selling is being offered for free right now. Go here to download your copy.

Creative Corner...new cuttlebug!

I have been thinking about getting a Cuttlebug for some time now. Well...50% off coupon in hand, I finally took the plunge! Here is my first creation using it.
The owl flourish is a new embossing folder. I used some metallic rubons to help it pop even more. Then added some buttons to the owl for eyes!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ veggie noodle soup, apples, bread

Tuesday ~ honey coconut salmon, green beans, ramen noodles

Wednesday ~ bbq pork, chips, pickles

Thursday ~ leftover buffet!

Friday ~ tilapia sticks, corn, mashed potatoes

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 12/13 - 12/19

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Blackberries (6 oz)... $1

Apples... $.99/lb
Includes: Jumbo Premium Red Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn or Jonagold

Crystal Light Drink Mix... $2.39
$1 via Meijer Mealbox

Wheat Thins, Triscuits or Premium Saltines... $1.67
$1 in the 11/8 SS
$1/2 Printable at SmartSource AND CoolSavings

Kellogg’s Cereals... $2
FREE gallon milk wyb ANY 5 Kellogg’s Cereal
Includes: Raisin Bran Crunch, Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Crispix, Cocoa Crispies
$1/2 Printable at Coupons.com
$1/3 Printable at Coupons.com
Several more Kellogg’s Printables

Mott’s Applesauce... $1.67
$1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix (17 oz)... $1.78
$.40 in the 12/13 GM
$.40 Printable at Coupons.com, SmartSource AND CoolSavings

Kraft Cheese (5-8 oz)... $1.49
$1/2 Printable here
$.75/2 in the September Kraft Food & Family

Philadelphia Cream Cheese (8 oz)... $.99
$1/2 Printable here

Creative Corner...{stamping} jewelry

I have been inspired lately to make some jewelry...but not with the traditional things you would think of, like beads...I used Stampin Up! embellishments!


For the ring... I removed the prongs from the brad, adhered it to a button from the playground designer button pack. I bought some ring bases at Michaels and used E6000 adhesive to glue the rhinestone brad and button to the ring base. {Inspiration for the ring came from Mandy over at Limelight Papercrafts!}

For the bracelet... I used filigree brads, rhinestone brads, 8mm jump rings and a clasp. {You can find instructions for how to make a similar bracelet at Jill's Jems.}

If you attempt either of these I would love to see your creations...or any other fun jewelry you have crafted!

Freebies...

Check out these free calendars to help you get a jump on the new year...

Get a free 2010 Delallo Calendar when you complete a short survey about Italian foods.

Get a free 2010 Calendar from Oriental Trading Company. Just fill out the form and one should arrive in 7-14 days!

Sign-up as a new member to Eat Better America's enewsletter and you'll get a free 2010 Wall Calendar. If you are already a member you should have gotten an email from them with a link to get your free calendar.

Order your free 2010 Calendar from WomensHealth.gov in either English or Spanish. They plan on shipping the calendars in December.

Thanks to Freebies4Mom for posting these!

Creative Corner...Tuesday Trigger

My friend JenMarie posted a great card for the Moxie Fab World: Tuesday Trigger Challenge and I was inspired to play along too! The trigger piece was a super cute reindeer platter from Crate & Barrel. Here is my creation...

I tried to find some kind of reindeer stamp, sticker, etc...in my stash and came across a card kit I had found in the Target $ section a few months ago. It was not quite the right color for my design...so I traced it on kraft cardstock. Then I added some pen detail and a red gem for the nose! I just love how my little "rudolph" turned out!

Recipe:
Paper ~ kraft, christmas paper stack
Ink ~ brown marker
Accessories ~ white gel pen, ribbon, adhesive gems, pop dots

Turkey Time!

November is such a fun time....I just love Thanksgiving! So leading up until turkey day Little Bit and I did had a wonderful time with a variety of activities and books!

Activities:
thanksgiving, of course...what a great field trip to the grandparents house, seeing all our family and eating some yummo food!hand turkey...traced Little Bits hand on brown paper and then free handed some feathers in different colors {I did one last year too and it's neat to see her little hand grow!}

turkey plate...we made these at the library! we colored a turkey body, glued it to a small paper plate, then glued on construction paper feathers.

number leaves...{carry over from last month...she enjoys these so much} I numbered silk leaves {dollar section at Target} from 1-9...she loves counting them and throwing them up in the air!

pilgrim & indian cutouts...we had fun coloring these together and talking a little about the Thanksgiving story {I didn't have any craft sticks...so I used straws to make these into puppets}

coloring...picked up a turkey coloring page at a local restaurant, Little Bit colored it and then we took it back for a free cookie.

Snacks:
turkey sandwiches...{not really a snack..but fun lunches} turkey is by far her favorite lunch meat. she loves sandwiches cut into shapes. i just use my cookie cutters!
peanuts & candy corn

Reading:
Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon
Thanksgiving Mice! by Bethany Roberts
10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston
Thank You, Thanksgiving by David Milgrim

{don't forget...utilize your local library for reading material!!!}

Paper Bag Popcorn!

Recently my friend Jamie enlightened me with the idea of paper bag microwave popcorn. So once all of our microwave popcorn packets were gone I bought a bag of popcorn kernels. This Alton Brown recipe is so easy and yummo!

Ingredients:
1/4 popcorn kernels
2 tsps olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
paper lunch bag

Directions:
Toss the popcorn with the olive oil and salt in the lunch bag. Double fold down the bag to close {Alton put 2 staples in to keep the bag closed but I didn't find this necessary}. Place the bag in the microwave and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until there are about 5 seconds between pops.

{I want to get some garlic salt and popcorn seasoning for some more variety in flavor. Alton's recipe suggests jalapeno seasoning but I'll pass on that!}

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ hamburgers, homemade fries, pickles

Tuesday ~ pita pizzas, salad, apple slices

Wednesday ~ southwest roll-ups, rice, carrots

Thursday ~ creamy mushroom & chicken soup, salad, bread

Friday ~ leftover buffet!

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 12/06 - 12/12

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Hawaiian Punch (Gallon)... $1.98
$1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Kellogg’s Cereal... $2.49
{Includes: Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, Apple Jacks, Froot Loops}
Several High Value Printables at Coupons.com
Several Printables here
$1.50/2 Printable at RedPlum

Campbell’s Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup... $.59
$.50/2 Printable here

Buy 2 Huggies Big Pack Diapers or Pull Ups: $5 Meijer Gift Card
$1.50 in the 11/15 SS
$2 in the 11/29 Parade Weekly Circular

Clorox Bleach or Toilet Bowl Cleaner... $1.69
$1/2 in the 10/4 RP

The 10 for $10 sale is going on. Buy 10 items get the 11th FREE. Remember, you don’t have to purchase 10 of one item to get it for $1. Mix and Match away! Here are just a few of the items in this sale.

Apples (3 lb Bag)
Includes: Michigan Premium Empire, Jonathan, Rome or Ida Red

Cucumbers

Avocadoes

Sliced White or Mini Mushrooms

Blackberries

Del Monte Fruit Natural Cup
$1/3 Printable here

Green Giant Boxed Veggies
$1/2 Printable at Coupons.com, SmartSource AND CoolSavings

Totino’s Pizza Rolls
$1/5 in the 10/4 GM

Microwave Peanut Brittle!

I love peanut brittle!!!...{but could never make it right}. I remember trying to make it several years ago the old fashioned way...on the stove, heating your corn syrup mixture to a certain temperature and what not. Well, I could never get it to turn out right. Then I found this microwave recipe and thought it was too good to be true...but it turned out GREAT!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups roasted peanuts
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda

Directions:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook on high for 6-7 minutes; mixture should be bubbly and peanuts lightly browned. Quickly stir in butter and vanilla; cook 2-3 additional minutes. Add baking soda and stir quickly until mixture is foamy. Immediately pour onto a greased baking sheet. Let cool for 15 minutes or longer. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

{I think this recipe came from a Gooseberry Patch Christmas book}

Free Music Downloads...

Amazon.com is once again offering 25 days of free holiday music downloads. This started on December 1st and runs through December 25th. Make sure to visit this page daily to find what holiday song is available for free! Also, if you just browse the MP3 Downloads you will most likely find even more free downloads. Just today I found ones from Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer and Big Daddy Weave. I just love Christmas music...especially for free!

Free Aveeno Tote...

Don't know how long this will last but I just saw on Freebies 4 Mom that there is an Aveeno Tote Bag Offer. There is no picture or anything but it says $8 value...I imagine it will be great! Can't beat another reusable tote! I just love them for carrying groceries, library books, craft supplies and Christmas gifts!

Creative Corner...Felt Pizza

So my friend Jamie made a pizza using cardstock and then magnetized the pieces by running them through her Xyron. I thought it was way cute and wanted to make one for Little Bit. I decided to try using felt instead. I love the way it turned out and so does Little Bit. I made it similar to the pita pizzas I make...{crust, sauce, cheese, mushrooms & spinach!}.
Pizza Hut Express at Target is a place we often find ourselves sharing a personal pan...pizza is a favorite of ours! So the last time we were there, I asked them for an empty box....now her pizza has a home!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ pasta, salad, bread

Tuesday ~ italian beef, chips, carrots, pickles

Wednesday ~ tilapia, ramen noodles, green beans, bread

Thursday ~ leftovers

Friday ~ crock pot chicken fajitas, refried beans, apple slices

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

and the winners are...

Winner of the Café Groove CD is JenMarie....she said...

I'm always looking for new music!
Think I'd like the Cafe Groove CD the best.
My FAVE Tgiving food... sweet potato casserole WITH MARSHMALLOWS!!

Winner of the Calling all kids CD is Jamie...she said...

oooo, awesome! man, either one would be great. hmmmmm..... oh, i love to eat um...oh no...i love to shop and stamp, that's right.

And everyone who entered will receive a code to download Dig Music Volume 2 for FREE! Thanks for entering the Black Friday giveaway! Enjoy your new music!

{Thankful}

Take a break from your day to think about what you are thankful for...

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”- Colossians 3:17

Black Friday Giveaways!!!

Thanksgiving is almost here!!! I just love spending time with family and having great food to eat...turkey, dressing and gma's sweet potatoes!!! Thanksgiving also brings sales...Black Friday to be exact. I plan to do quite a bit of shopping and hope to score some great deals!

I thought I would share some Black Friday fun with all of you...{that you don't have to get out at 5 am for!!!}. I have 2 Meijer exclusive music CD's and some codes for a free CD download to giveaway. {The CDs retail for $9.99 in the store.}

Café Groove...new music coffee shop style...fresh music to pep up your day.

Calling all kids...13 kids songs of love, friendship, family, play and sunshine. These are original songs written by Jeff Daniels, The Verve Pipe, Jules Anna Jones and more. {Little Bit loves to dance to this CD!}

Dig Music Volume 2....Meijer and M-Note Music bring you FREE MUSIC from artists such as The Thermals, Street Dogs, Winter Gloves and others.

TO ENTER....leave a comment saying your favorite Thanksgiving food or tradition! Also let me know which CD you would be more interested in. If you are a new or current subscriber to my blog leave an additional comment letting me know for another entry. You have through Saturday, November 28th to enter. I will post the winners on Sunday!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ soup, pitas, apple slices

Tuesday ~ pizza, salad, corn

Wednesday ~ tilapia, ramen noodles, green beans, rolls

Thursday ~ happy thanksgiving!!!

Friday ~ more thanksgiving...

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 11/22 - 11/28

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables (10-12 oz)... $1
$.35 in the 11/15 SS
$.50/2 Printable at Coupons.com

Healthy Choice Frozen Meals or Cafe Steamers... $2.49
$2 Printable here

Keebler Club Crackers, Town House or Grahams... $1.99
$1/2 in the 11/1 RP
$1/2 Printable here

Nestle Toll House Morsels (11-12 oz)... $1.99
$1 in the 10/11 SS
$1 in the 11/1 SS
$1 in the November All You
$.50/2 Printable here
PLUS $1/6 via Meijer Mealbox

Martha White Muffin Mix (7-7.4 oz)... $.88
$1/4 in the 8/9 RP
$1/4 in the 11/8 RP

Coke or Pepsi 24 Pk Cans... $4.96

Daisy Sour Cream (16 oz)... $1.49
$.50 in the 11/15 SS

Pillsbury Grands Biscuits.. $.99
$.30/2 Printable at Coupons.com, SmartSource AND CoolSavings
$1 Printable here
$.55/2 in the 9/13 GM
$.30/2 in the 11/22 SS

International Delight Coffee Creamer (16 oz)... $1.64
$1 Printable here

Black Friday Ads...

I don't really enjoy waiting in lines for hours but I do enjoy Black Friday shopping! The day after Thanksgiving is a day I look forward to all year. It is a day that just my mom and I get together and go out shopping....kid free...and enjoy a day of bargains! We can just browse at our leisure and snag some deals if possible.

Check out the Black Friday ad scans to see what awesome deals you might want to shop for!

Creative Corner...{thank you}

I just love using the curly label punch! I also made some similar cards with the "Merry Christmas" stamp from the same set.

Recipe:
Paper ~ kraft, ruby red, su autumn meadows dp
Stamps ~ su cute & curly
Ink ~ ruby
Accessories ~ curly label punch, button, pop dots, paper piercing, corner rounder

Fun with Pumpkins!

What a fun fall we have been having! Our activities last month mainly focused on PUMPKINS, but had an overall fall theme. We have been taking advantage of the wonderful weather by getting outside and playing as much as possible. Little Bit loves the park, taking family walks and playing in the leaves!

Activities:
pick and carve a pumpkin...we visited a pumpkin patch, picked out a pumpkin and carved it!
pumpkin plate...orange plate with black construction paper shapes cut out to make a face

number leaves...I numbered silk leaves {dollar section at Target} from 1-9...she loves counting them and throwing them up in the air!

coloring...free handed a tree with stamped leaves all over it

outside time...park, park and more park!

Snacks:
pumpkin seeds {roasted seeds we removed from the pumpkin!}
pumpkin cake

Reading:
Five Little Pumpkins by Iris Van Rynbach
Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
Fall Leaves Fall! by Zoe Hall

{utilize your local library for reading material!!!}

Menu Plan Monday

OK...marmalade pork was really good!...but it too way longer to get cooked than the recipe said...boo. Our week changed some last week, so a couple items have moved to this week.

Monday ~ take out

Tuesday ~ ham & beans, corn bread

Wednesday ~ pita pizzas, salad, apple slices

Thursday ~ chicken patties, mac & cheese, homemade fries

Friday ~ roast beef/swiss paninis, chips, pickles

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 11/15 - 11/21

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Meijer Gallon Milk... $1.75

Meijer Dozen Eggs... $.89

Del Monte Vegetables (11-15.25 oz)... $.69
$1/8 in the 11/15 RP

Campbell’s Cream Soups (10.75 0z)... $.58
$1/4 Printable here

Swanson Broth (14.5 oz)... $.59
$.25/4 in the 11/8 SS

Kraft Shredded, Cubed, Crumbles or Stick Cheeses (5-8 oz)... $1.67
$.75/2 in the September Kraft Food & Family
$1/2 in the 10/18 SS

$1.69 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter {I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter Sticks: Buy 1, receive a $2 Catalina.}
$1/2 in the 9/13 RP
$1 in the 11/15 RP
$.75 Printable here
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Wish Bone Salad Dressing (16 oz)... $1.39
$1.25/2 in the 10/4 RP
$1.25/2 Printable at RedPlum
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Huggies Diapers or Training Pants (Jumbo Pk)... $8.99
$1 in the 10/25 SS
$2 Printable at Coupons.com

Free photo cards!

If you are like me, you have a list of holiday "to do's" that is a mile long. Well on Monday I got one of my items crossed off my list. Christmas cards...check! All due to this deal that is TOO awesome for you to pass up! SeeHere.com by Fujifilm and Freebies 4 Mom have teamed up to offer readers of her blog 50 FREE photo cards...you don't even have to pay any shipping! Check out her blog for the coupon code and more details on this fab deal! I designed and ordered my cards on Monday and recieved them today!!! Now if getting them addressed were only that easy!

If you are new to SeeHere.com you can also get 100 FREE prints when you sign up for a new account using the coupon code you are provided in a welcome email. {Freebies 4 Mom says the prints need to be ordered separately from the 50 free photo cards and shipping will apply to those.}

Creative Corner...Scrap Club

It's time for another scrap club layout....October. The title for this month was "treat". I hand wrote "trick or" in front of it...great for our Halloween pics!

Menu Plan Monday

It's a new week with some new recipes! There is some orange marmalade in the fridge that we aren't using up too fast...so I am going to try a recipe using it with a pork tenderloin from the freezer. Also, I have never made ham & beans before....so I thought I would give that a whirl. Will let you know how these bad boys turn out!

Monday ~ crock pot chicken & dumplings, harvest potatoes, corn

Tuesday ~ creamy mushroom & chicken soup, salad, bread

Wednesday ~ marmalade pork tenderloin, green beans, rice

Thursday ~ pita pizzas, salad, apple slices

Friday ~ ham & beans, corn bread

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 11/08 - 11/14

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Meijer Organics Whole White or Mini Bella Mushrooms... $1.50

Apples {select varieties}... $.99/lb

Shedd’s Country Crock Spread... $1.51
$.40 in the 9/20 RP

Totino’s Pizza Rolls... $1
$.40/2 in the 9/13 GM
$1/5 in the 10/4 GM

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix... $1.79
{Buy any 3 Betty Crocker Baking Mixes or Frosting, receive a Catalina for a FREE Meijer Dozen Large Eggs to use on your next shopping visit.}
$.40 Printable at Coupons.com, SmartSource AND CoolSavings {print 2 at each site}
$.40 Printable here
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

General Mills Cereal... $2.89
Includes: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Multi Grain Cheerios, Wheaties, Frosted Cheerios, Cookie Crisp, Cocoa Puffs
$1/2 in the 11/1 SS Insert (exp 12/19)
$1/2 Printable here
$.75 Printable at Coupons.com
$.55 Cinnamon Toast Crunch Printable here

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Scrambles... $1.99
$.55/2 in the 9/13 GM
$1 Printable here

Snuggle Fabric Softeners... $3.99
$3 in the 10/4 RP
$1 Printable at Coupons.com

Creative Corner...EtsyInspired Challenge #60

Here is my first go at an EtsyInspired Challenge. This week's EtsyInspired shop is Vivikas. She has the cutest little felt owls! I just love them!!! I chose this one as my inspiration...but they are all darling!

Recipe:
Paper ~ white, saffron, k&company dp
Stamps ~ studio g owl stamp
Ink ~ black, copics, saffron marker
Accessories ~ modern label punch, rhinestones, pop dots

Freebies...

November 16-23, 2009, Jessica Sprague will be hosting a free online digital scrapbooking class on holiday digital scrapbooking. Go here for more information.

Try a free sample of Breathe Right nose strips click here.

Go here to choose a free sample of either Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner or Dove Intense Damage Shampoo and Conditioner.

Go here to request your free sample of Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew courtesy of Wal-Mart.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ hot dogs, zucchini fries, mac & cheese

Tuesday ~ take out

Wednesday ~ orange ginger tilapia, rice, corn, bread

Thursday ~ meatloaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, bread

Friday ~ leftover buffet

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 11/01 - 11/07

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Meijer Gallon Milk... $1.75

Ore-Ida Potatoes... $2.49
{Includes: Battered Potatoes, Crunchies, Twirls, Zesties, Texas Crispers, Waffle Fries, Country Fires or Roasted}
$1.50/ 2 in the 9/27 SS
PLUS $1 on 3 via Meijer Mealbox

Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks (10 oz)... $1.49
$.75 Farm Rich Printable here

Super Pretzel (9-13 oz)... $1.49
$.50 in the 9/27 RP
$.50 Printable at RedPlum

General Mills Cereals... $2.29
{Includes: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios or Fruity Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Banana Nut Cheerios}
Several Printables at Coupons.com

Honey Bunches of Oats...$1.99
$2 Honey Bunches of Oats Printable here

Kellogg’s Cereals... $2.99
{Includes: Complete Bran Flakes, Crispix, Bran Buds, Corn Pops, Frosted Mini Wheats, Corn Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran Crunch}
$1 Special K Printable at Coupons.com
$1 Corn Flakes Printable at Coupons.com
$1.50/2 Printable at RedPlum
$1 Printables here

Quaker Old Fashioned Oats (42 oz)... $2.49
$1.25 /2 in the 8/30 RP
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Sargento Shredded Cheese (8 oz)... $1.79
$.55 in the November All You

Arr, matey...

Here is my little pirate sweety! Little Bit really had a great time dressing up and getting CANDY! We attended our local farmer's market, Toys R Us and the mall. It was fun hearing her say "trick or treat" and be so excited about a tootsie roll!!!

Creative Corner...{trick or...}

I think this little Changito Mummy is way cute! Hope you have a blast with your little trick or treaters! {Don't eat too much candy!}

Creative Corner...Limelight Sketch Challenge

It's time for a Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge!! The focus is BUTTERFLIES. There are all kinds of butterflies over at Limelight: Stamps, Papers, Embellishments...

Join in and play along and you could win TWO butterfly stamps! Check out the details here.

Recipe:
Paper ~ kraft, riding hood, basic grey lemonade
Stamps ~ unity becoming butterfly
Ink ~ brown
Accessories ~ various punches, rhinestones, glue dots, sakura stardust pen

Halloween treats...

How about some fun {and mostly free} treats on Halloween:
Taco Bell is offering a free Black Jack Taco from 6PM to Midnight on October 31st. No other purchase required.

Sonic is serving 50¢ corndogs from 5 to 10 PM on 10/31.

Dress like a burrito on Halloween and head to Chipotle from 6-10 PM, you’ll get a free burrito.

Free Trick R Treat Parade at Toys R Us from noon to 3 PM.

Free Halloween Event at Michael’s Stores from noon to 2 PM. Free trick or treat pail, craft activities, candy and balloon.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

This cake turned out so moist and yummo! Another great pumpkin treat for the season!!! {...even better topped with cool whip!}

Ingredients:
1 15 oz can pumpkin
3 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 can evaporated milk
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp brown sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spices and canned milk. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the dry cake mix. Sprinkle brown sugar over butter. Bake about 50-60 minutes.

Apples, Acorns & Animals...Oh My!

We have recently started doing some "activities" with Little Bit. Last month I tried to do some things with the letter A. Our main focus was on apples, acorns, and animals. Basically I'm trying to do things that correspond with the seasons...that are fun and also educational!

Activities:
string a necklace....apples cut out from patterned paper, colored straws cut into 4ths, pipe cleaners cut and spiraled, lacing.

apple plate...red construction paper cut into small pieces and glued onto a paper plate.
acorn hunt...searching the back yard for fallen acorns, then using tongs to transfer from plate to a bowl

little people animals....just a fun time to focus on different animals and their sounds

puzzle time...we have several wooden animal puzzles that Little Bit loves working on {including these from Melissa & Doug...farm cube puzzle and bear dress up!}

Snacks:
apple slices {plain, with nutella or peanut butter}
applesauce
apple bars {nurti-grain or kashi}
animal crackers

Reading:
Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss
The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett
The Oak Inside the Acorn by Max Lucado

{utilize your local library for reading material!!!}

Old Navy $2 costumes!

Stop in your local Old Navy on October 30th or 31st for some cheap costumes and goodies! If you already have your costume for this year...think about getting a jump on next year. I am sure these will go fast....so get there quick!

Creative Corner...Autumn Baner

I was in the mood for more "autumn" decor so I decided to make a banner. I have seen several of these around lately...{mostly made from fabric}....but I decided to make mine using paper. I chose the Mellow paper pad from Basic Grey....{one of my favorite paper companies!!!}.

I just cut the pendants using pinking shear type decorative scissors. I cut circles from the scraps to adhere to the middle of each pendant and put felt American Crafts thickers in the centers. Then I faux stitched around the circle with my brown marker! {I just love how much that can add to any project!} To finish it off, I punched holes and added eyelets to thread the twine through. I used large glue dots to adhere the banner to my mantel.

Meijer at a glance... 10/25 - 10/31

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Hershey’s, Mars or Nestle Candy (Snack/Fun Size Bags)... $2.00
$1 Nestle (11.5 oz or larger) Printable here
$.55 Reese’s in the 8/23 SS
$1 Hershey Kisses in the 9/13 SS
$1/3 Hershey’s in the 10/18 SS
$1/2 Mars Candy in the 9/27 RP
$1/2 Mars Candy in the 10/11 RP
PLUS $1/3 Mars via Meijer Mealbox

Nabisco Oreos Cookies... $2.49
$1/2 in the Kraft Back to School Booklet

Kellogg’s Cereal... $1.88
{Includes: Raisin Bran (15 oz), Rice Krispies (9 oz), Frosted Mini Wheats (16 oz), Apple Jacks or Froot Loops (8.7 oz)}
$1.50/2 Printable at RedPlum

Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix (10 ct)... $1.49
$1/2 Printable here

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter... $1.29
$1/2 in the 9/13 RP
$.75 Printable here

Green Giant Boxed Veggies (7-10 oz)... $.99
$.50/3 in the 10/4 SS
$.50/2 Printable here

Snuggle Fabric Softener... $3.39
$3 in the 10/4 RP
$1 Printable at Coupons.com

Huggies Diapers or Pull Ups (Jumbo Pk)... $8.99
$1 in the 10/25 SS
$1.50 Printable at Coupons.com, SmartSource AND CoolSavings *print 2 at each site*
$2 Printable here