First Five

I was fortunate enough to be one of the first five commenter's on Lisa's Creative Corner goodies giveaway. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward. The first five people to respond to this post will get a word art made especially for them!  The quote of your choice!   This offer does have a few “rules of play”:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make --- but I hope you do!
2- What I create will be just for you --- one of a kind!  It will not be a freebie up for grabs...so make it what you want it to be!
3- It'll be done sometime this year (most likely it will be in the next month).
4- You have no say in the graphics other than the quote or saying.
5-The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog!

So....who will be the first 5 people?

Even if you aren't in my first five, why not start this on your blog, too? Spread more love FASTER! Ready, set.....who will the first five be??

Shabby Princess does it again!

Shabby Princess has done it again.  An awesome, FREE desktop wallpaper that you can personalize with your own picture!  Just slide in the picture, save and make it your desktop!!  The above picture is what I will be seeing for the next month on my computer.  Isn't it cute!?  All I did was slide my picture into it.  Go HERE and download it and enjoy.  Also they have a new freebie kit HERE.  Leave some love and enjoy.

Home Made Silly Putty

I was doing my blog surfing thing and I found THIS  blogger.  Check them out.  I am sure you will be visiting them often like I will be!

Butter Spread

I am a butter person. I love butter. "Butter is better" is my motto. Coming from a culinary background this is what is engrained in us from the beginning. Quality ingredients equals a quality product. But there are times when I don't want to wait for the butter to soften or I forget to put it out for the rolls. So I suck it up and use the spread stuff. Not the same but it does the job in a pinch.

We all know a great way to pinch pennies is to buy in bulk (most of the time).   I look longingly at the value of the big bulk of butter spread thinking, "what a great way to pinch pennies", but I don't want a 3 lb tub of hydrogenated oil sitting on my dinner table.  So I have surpassed it up until now.  I had this realization that I COULD but the big tub but I could transfer part of it into a cute covered crock.  I rarely use the crock but I love it.  Now I have killed multiple birds with one stone!  I got my value, I get to use a serving piece I rarely use and I get spreadable butter-like spread on demand.

My Walgreens Deal 2/27

I am getting better and better at this coupon stacking thing.  Let me tell you about my deals pictured above.

Transaction 1

Gillette Gammer Razor   on sale 8.99

MFG coupon -4.00

Gillette 2.5 oz shave gel  clearance 1.29

MFG coupon -1.00

Total    with tax 5.90

The razor was apart of a Register Rewards.  Once I paid it printed out a $6.00 coupon.  To be used like cash on my next purchase.  So after tax they paid me .10 to take these two items out of the store!

Transaction 2  

Excedrin Migraine 24 ct.       on sale 1.99

MFG coupon                                       -2.00      

                                                          FREE     

Johnson & Johnson Red Cross First aid kits   2@ 1.49

MFG coupon                 save $3.00 on 2 items

                                                        FREE

Oust Air sanitizes           on sale   2.99

MFG coupon B1G1F

                  1.50 each

Mitchum 2.5 oz deodorant     2@  4.99 each

walgreens in store coupon 2@  1.99 each

  2 for $4.00

6 Hershey candy bars              .89 each

walgreens B1G1F coupon

6 for  2.10

redeem my $6.00 RR from transaction #1  -$6.00

When it was all said and done I paid $4.19 with tax.  Now I could have paid less if I had not gotten a deodorant but my husband uses this brand exclusively and now I don't need to buy deodorant for the rest of the year.  And it was GREAT price.  Not as good as free but a great price for that brand.  I could have lowered my bill more but my daughter and I are going to see the play "Annie" tonight and I wanted her to have a snack or two to take along.  And I wanted my mom to have a chocolate bar to take with her on the drive home.  Thanks for watching my kids while I did the coupon dance mom!

Rite Aid Kotex Deal

I was in Rite Aid today to try and get my Soy Joy bars for free but they were out of them yet again.  Wonder why they were out? (roll eyes)  So I had a few minuted to peruse the isles and see what penny pinching I could do.  Pictured above is the deal I found.  

Kotex 18 ct. regular tampons regular priced 3.99.  On sale 2/$6. I had a coupon for $1 off 2. PLUS they also have a Single Check Rebate for $2 off when you buy 2.

Valid from 01/25/09 to 02/28/09
$2.00 Rebate
Kotex/Poise

Purchase Two (2):
• Kotex Maxipads, 28-44 ct.
• Kotex Tampons, 36 ct.
• Kotex Lightdays, 80 ct. or larger
• Poise Pads, 20-30 ct.
• Poise Pantiliners, 44-48 ct.
Selection may vary by store
Offer valid 01/23/09 - 02/26/09 in select California stores and 01/25/09 - 02/28/09 in all other stores.
LIMIT ONE (1) $2.00 REBATE

Normally 2 boxes would cost $8 (rounded up).  After rebate, store special and coupon I will be getting them for $1.50 a box.  Not bad.  That is 64% off.  I will take it.

Rice Bag For Sore Muscles

I was talking with a friend last night and she was saying how her shoulder was just aching her.  It was keeping her up at night and it was well....a pain in the neck.  I had asked her if she had a rice bag for it and she looked at me like I was crazy.  Rice bags are awesome!  It is a cotton bag filled 1/2 way with rice and you heat it in the microwave.  

The heat is so good for 

• sore muscles
  
• breast feeding moms to help with engorgement
• arthritis
• fibromyalgia
  
• keeping your feet warm in bed
• relieving sinus pressure and pain

The wonderful thing is this is such a penny pinching project!!  Use a clean, hole-free tube sock and fill it 1/2 way with dry rice. Knot it or sew it shut and microwave it 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of the sock and the strength of your microwave.

Another project is to sew a square or rectangle with 1/4" seams.  Turn inside out and fill 1/2 way with dry rice.  Sew the fill hope shut and microwave as directed above.

Rice bags make wonderful gifts.  Use pretty fabric and add lavender oil or tea tree oil to the rice before you add it to the bag.  Once microwaved you will have the added benefits of the essential oils!

Here are some pictures of my 4 year old making a rice bag for my friend.  Yes, I allowed a 4 year old use a sewing machine.  I was right there talking her through the whole thing.  She even signed her work and I wrote the microwaving instructions on the bag so she would know exactly what to do.

Once you choose hope, anything's possible - link fixed

This is my latest word art freebie!  I am loving making these!  Click  HERE  to download it.  Sorry the link wasn't working before.

Read This Article from Wise Bread

THIS is an awesome article from one of my favorite blogs, Wise Bread.  Go read it....It has some wonderful tips and hints.  I would love to tell you I think one idea is better than another but they are all just wonderful!  Check them out.

What To Do With Your Left Over Donuts

Photo from Food Network
In case you missed it yesterday was fasnacht day or Fat Tuesday. If you splurged and got a few dozen and didn't eat them all in one sitting (like I usually do!) you now have day old doughnuts. What to so what to do... what to do?! Make another fattening dessert! In case you haven't make it THIS is a recipe for Paula Dean's bread pudding featuring Krispy Kreme donuts. If you don't have the KK any glazed donuts will work nicely.  Once you make it just forget about all the fat that is in the recipe.  You will enjoy the pudding more!

Pay only $2 for a $25 gift certificate at Restaurant.com expires 2/28

 

Click on this link and pay only $2 for a $25 gift certificate at Restaurant.com

Certificates do not expire for a full year, stock up now!

It's not too early to think about Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts at this price.

Be sure to use code: DINE

If you missed out on the Valentine's Special today is a great day to get an awesome deal!

Now Save 80% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code DINE and pay $2 thru 2/28/09.

Quiznos is Giving Away 1 Million Subs

Quiznos is giving away one million small subs! Awesome.  You know how I feel about FREE! Go HERE  and sign up for your coupon to be e-mailed to you.  I got mine within a few minutes delivered into my e-mail box.  But be aware that my gmail account flagged it as spam and I had to go digging for it.  There are a few restrictions.  You have to use the coupon with in 5 days of printing it.  You have to show photo ID when you redeem it. You can not use it on a combo deal.  You will have to pay tax on your purchase. Void if copied. Limit one coupon per person for the promotion.  

If you can live with these restrictions then you get your free sub!  I have my coupon printed out and sitting next to me. I can't wait till lunch tomorrow!

IHOP and National Pancake Day

February 24, 2009

Join IHOP to celebrate National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., we’ll give you one free short stack (three) of our famous buttermilk pancakes.* All we ask is that you consider making a donation to support local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network, or other local charities.


In 2008, you helped IHOP celebrate National Pancake Day by raising more than $875,000 for charity. In 2009, we hope that together we can top that by giving away enough free pancakes to raise $1,000,000 for Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities. To find an IHOP location near you, please click here.

* There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last and is not valid with any other offer, special coupon or discount.

About National Pancake Day

Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products…hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly two million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates. With your help, we hope to raise $1,000,000 for Children’s Miracle Network in 2009!

The above information was found on the IHOP website.  I only wish we has an IHOP with in driving distance!  Enjoy!

A.C. Moore coupons!

I went to the A.C.Moore website and clicked on the button at the top that says "click here for coupons, class schedules and locations".  Type in your zip code and see what coupons are available at your location.  The above coupons are available at my location.  I hope they are available at your location. They are great coupons! Especially the one worth 50% off any item!

Fasnachts!

From Wikipedia:
Fasnachts, Fastnachts or Faschnachts are a fatty doughnut treat served traditionally on Fastnacht Day, the day before Lent starts. Fasnachts were produced as a way to empty the pantry of lard, sugar, fat and butter, which were forbidden during Lent. Some English-speaking Protestants tend to refer to the day as Shrove Tuesday, and many consume pancakes as an alternative.
The German word Fasnacht literally translates as "chamfering night". Authentic fasnachts are typically cut into squares or rectangles, producing a chamfered edge, as opposed to doughnuts which are round with holes in the center.

Currently upstairs I have a batch of fasnachts rising on the table.  I am itching to get up there and cut and fry them.  But with baking it takes time and patients. So I wait and I blog. And hopefully you will benefit my waiting and make yourself some yummy treats before the start of Lent.

THIS is the recipe I used. Here it is:

Fastnachts

2 cups milk
1 cup mashed potatoes (no salt, milk, or butter added)
1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 stick margarine
1 packet rapid rise yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
6-1/2 cups flour (divided, 2 cups + 4 1/2 cups)
1 egg
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1can (3 pounds) Crisco® or similar vegetable shortening for frying

Scald the milk. In a large mixing bowl, combine the scalded milk with the mashed potatoes. Add 1/2 cup sugar plus the margarine. Mix with an electric mixer. If the mixture is still warm, cool to about room temperature before proceeding with next step. - Dissolve the yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in barely warm water. Add to the potato mixture and mix well. Add 2 cups flour and mix again. Cover with a towel and let rise for 25 minutes.

Add the salt and beaten egg to the mixture. Add 4-1/2 cups flour, stirring it into the mixture with a large spoon. Turn onto a well floured board and knead for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add a small amount of extra flour if necessary so the dough can be handled without sticking to your fingers. Grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the greased bowl. Cover with a thin towel, and let rise in a warm, draft free place for about 2 hours or until it is at least double in size.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough 3/4" thick. You can use a doughnut cutter to cut the dough or cut as typical Fastnachts - Cut the dough into 3" to 4" wide strips, then cut the strips into 3" to 4" pieces. To allow the center of Fastnacht to fry completely, cut a small slit in the center of each piece, using a sharp paring knife. Arrange the pieces of dough, about 1-1/2" to 2" apart, on large wax paper lined trays. Cover each tray with a thin towel. Place the trays in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the dough pieces have raised to about double in size.

Heat the shortening to 365º. Deep fry until both sides are golden brown, turning one time. Drain on white paper towels. Cool completely before serving. Store in a covered, airtight container. Makes about 20 to 24 Fastnachts, depending on size.

This recipe can be doubled with no change in preparation directions.

To use this raised doughnut recipe, for glazed doughnuts:
Beat together: 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, 4 tablespoons margarine and 1
teaspoon vanilla. Add enough milk to make a thin glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the
slightly warm doughnuts or dip the doughnuts in the glaze.

For powdered doughnuts:
Shake slightly warm doughnuts in a bag with confectioners' sugar, or a combination
of confectioners' sugar and cinnamon.

Feb. 24 only 50% of Bionaire Cool Mist Humidifier

I recieved this in an e-mail and just had to share it with you.  I you were thinking of purchasing a Bionaire cool mist humidifier tomorrow is the day.  Click the following link and you will save 50%.

One Day Only! Save 50% OFF the Bionaire Medium Room Cool Mist Humidifier on February 24!

** I just checked and the regular price is $50....50% off would be $25...plus shipping. GREAT deal!!!! there you go Christie!

FREE Movie Monday - Red Box

It is Monday!!!!  You know what that means....FREE MOVIE FROM RED BOX!!!!  Here is your code:S39XKT.  Press the 'redeem code' button (I think that is what the button is called) and use the code I gave you.  you do have to insert a credit card but that is just so if you don't return it by 9 pm Tuesday they will charge you $1.

Thanks so much!

A few days ago I posted asking to see how many were pinching pennies with me, what the consensus was about the blog and what people wanted to see more on the blog.  I was overwhelmed with the compliments, the encouragement and the support!  Thank you so much.  It just warms my heart that people visit the blog and makes me feel all puffed up inside with pride that people left such wonderful compliments and suggestions.  

From the suggestions left on the comments I have looked into the awesome deals at CVS...post to come soon!  And Belle, I am working on our request for my reaction to the My Pic Tales book I made.  Coming soon just for you.

Don't forget to check me out on Facebook and now Twitter.  I am new at Twitter so bare with me as I muddle my way and learn how to tweet!

A Sunday of Deals

My oldest daughter and I did the rounds of the drug stores this afternoon and did our best to snap up as many deals as we could! Once she got over the fact that she was not going to be able to get everything she laid eyes on, we had a good time. Here are the deals we were able to pick up:

Wallgreens:

No Rub Solution: 1.99

Revlon Cream Gloss: 9.99

Fruitics: 3.99( -1.00 MFG coupon) 2.99

Revlon Concealer (foundation pictures) 9.99

Total : 26.40 (with taxes)

All 4 of these items I will be getting for FREE! They are apart of the Walgreens Easy Saver Catalog.  After I come home and plug in my receipt to the rebate center on Walgreens and they will send me a check in the mail for 24.96. ( I still have to pay sales tax)  I will take these items for $1.44 out of pocket!

Rite Aid

as advertised the Fruitics flowing waves products are FREE after rebate.

I was able to get a shampoo, conditioner and a styling product.  I did have to do 3 separate transactions and I don't think the clerk was entirely happy about it but I wasn't breaking any rules and she did it any way. I also had a coupon for $1 off a shampoo or conditioner!  So I saved more money on top of my free items! I did go home and submit my receipts on line and will wait for my rebate checks to come in the mail.

The trick to all of this is if your local drug store has these items in stock. In this case the early bird gets the deal.  Let me know how you made out with finding your deal!

Let me know

It has been a few months since I started blogging and I love it. I hope you are learning how I pinch a penny and how it can benefit your families budget to do the same.  Leave me a quick note as to what you like, don't like or want to see more of.  Also let me know if you follow this blog by clicking on the "Follow this blog" under Followers.  I don't care if you choose to follow it anonymously or not.  I just am curious as to how many people are learning How I Pinch A Penny.  Something that is in the works is a Facebook page.  What do you think about that!?  Post a comment and let me have it!

Free Prints at Wallgreens Friday 2/20 only

LOVE my font!!!

As promised I have uploaded and created my own handwriting using  yourfont.com.  I can't tell you how easy it was to use the program!  I would say it was easy as 1-2-3 but it was easier than that!  I thought for sure I would get frustrated at some point and time, as I often do with free programs, but it didn't happen.  The website says that you can have your own font in 15 minutes and they aren't kidding!  My biggest hold up was getting my template scanned.  I had to send my completed template with my husband to his office because we don't have a scanner at home.  If I didn't have to go through that step I definitely could have completed this project in 15 minutes.  My next project would to be to get other family members to fill out the template so I can have their handwriting to use as journaling for the scrapbooks for the girls.  Thank you to yourfont.com.  What a wonderful service you have provided.

My only regret is that I wish I had better handwriting.  But it is mine and my font was free!!

A Dr. Seuss Word Art

I saw this quote and knew it had to be turned into word art. I hope this word art will put the finishing touch on that playful page you are working on. Let me know what you think. Click on the image for the free download.

Free shipping from Land of Nod

 Click on the icon to the left to receive FREE shipping on your stroller from The Land of Nod.

Cosmopolitan for $5 for a year subscription

My husband sent me this link and I had to share with you!  I think it is a pretty good deal.  Who wouldn't want a year magazine subscription for $5?

Cover Price: $51.48
Price: $5.00 ($0.42/issue) & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. 

Details You Save: $46.48 (90%)
Issues: 12 issues / 12 months
LINK

Photo from Amazon.com

Another Word Art

I got 3 comments on my last freebie! YEAH! The above is the the results of my first tying on a circle. I thought the verse was appropriate for the shape. Enjoy and let me know if you love it! Click on the image to take you to the  FREEBIE download.

I ROCKED Target!

Well it wasn't an actual take over of penny pinching fabulousness at Target but it was an awesome deal. The Kashi people have a yummy new bar called the Soft Baked. HERE is a link for $2 off. You do have to download their coupon printing program and you can only print 2 per computer. Then go HERE and download the in store coupon for $1 off Kashi.

My store had them on special for $2.75
                                  Target coupon -1.00

                                  Kashi coupon - 2.00

                                                             FREE**

I bought 2 boxes.  My total before coupons was $5.50 ( thanks to the boxes being of temporary price cut.)   They took off both of the Kashi coupons and one of the Target coupons.  **They would have taken both of the target coupons off but they are not allowed to have a $0 balance due.** Sooooo if I had picked up a pack of gum (or anything worth .50) not only would I have gotten my boxes of bars for free but I would have gotten my gum free as well.  Was that clear as mud?  By adding the .50 item it would have brought by amount due to the exact amount of my coupons.  Lesson learned.

Photo from Kashi.com

FREE Movie night!

Today only 2/16/09 you can get a free DVD rental at your local REDBOX use code: M7DM23 . You’ll need to enter a credit card to check out. But you will not be charged as long as you return your movie by 9:00 p.m. the following evening.
(2/17/09) I think you have to hit "redeem code" or "redeem coupon" when you first start your transation. Have a penny pinching Monday!

Restaurant.com does it again!!!

Starting today, YOU can save 70% off when they try our new coupon code "PREZ". It can be used on both of our most popular products, Dinner of the Month Club and our $25 Gift Certificates. This offer is valid February 16th through February 19th!   That is right!!! A $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for $3.00.
Click this link or the graphic above to go straight to the site!
Take 70% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code PREZ and pay $3 thru 2/19/09.

Word Art Freebie

I  have been wanting to try my hand at creating elements... not just using them.  This is my first attempts at word art.  I hope you enjoy it.  Give me feedback if you would like to see me so more!

HERE is the link.

Chex & Redbox have a treat for you!

When movie time meets crunch time. 

Better get a big bowl. 

Here's the scoop: purchase any 2 Chex Mix, Cheerios Snack Mix, Gardettos or Buggles products and you'll receive a free one-night rental from redbox. Feel free to mix and match. Share, too. Plenty to go around. The offer's good 2/15/09 through 2/28/09 at all Giant Food Stores. 

Don't forget to use coupons on the above items to make it an even better penny pinching purchase.

Create your own font

If you are a digital scrap-booker, like me, you know how much fun it is to play with fonts.  I have been pining away for my own font.  When I say my own font I mean in my own handwriting.  You can pay for someone to make your handwriting into a font.  But who wants to do that!?   In my insomnia I found the website yourfonts.com.    Here are the answers to some of the questions you may have:

Question
Are the created fonts vector based?
Answer
Yes, the fonts are vector based and thus scalable without loss of quality. The file extension is .ttf, but the generated fonts are in fact OpenType fonts with TrueType based outlines that will work on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computers.

Question
Is this online font generation service really free?
Answer
The short answer is: YES! The long answer is: Yes, this service is 100% free, no hidden fees and no strings attached.

Question
Can I share and sell my fonts?
Answer
Yes, when you have generated and downloaded a font through our service it is your property.

Question
What happens with the information I upload to YourFonts.com in the Upload Template process?
Answer
The information is used to generate your font. We will never share personal information. If you are concerned about your privacy, please read our privacy policy or contact us.

These answers came from the help section of the website.

I am going to download the template and have my 4 year old write her letters.  I think it would be so sweet to have her handwriting in its infancy!  I am also going to have my mom write a template for me.  I think my mom has great handwriting and I want to preserve it for my girls.

Go check it out and have fun with it!

Valentine's Day Dessert

In our penny pinching days we don't go out to eat much these days....if ever.  So going out on Valentine's Day is out of the question.  My husband is a chocolate fan so I wanted to give him something yummy and chocolaty for dessert tonight.  I remember seeing THIS recipe in a magazine over christmas.  I did a google search and found it.  Let me tell you this is a WINNER!!!!!  You would be paying upwards of $10 for this dessert in a fine dinning restaurant.  I added cut up strawberries on the side and it was heaven on earth!  I did omit a few spices and the wine (I didn't have any on hand) and it was wonderful!!!  The cakes even oozed like they did in the photo.  MMMMM.   But if you are a recipe diehard refer to the link above. We will be making this one again and again. Let me know if you make it and how you like it!!

4 ounces chocolate
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
6 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Butter 4 (6-ounce) custard cups or soufflé dishes. Place on baking sheet.

2. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted. Whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in wine, vanilla and confectioners' sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and yolk. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour batter evenly into prepared custard cups.

3. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 minute. Carefully loosen edges with small knife. Invert cakes onto serving plates. Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar. Serve immediately.

Make Ahead: The chocolate mixture can be prepared up to 10 hours ahead of time. Pour the batter into prepared custard cups; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:
Calories: 567 Sodium: 209 mg
Fat: 35 g Carbohydrates: 57 g
Cholesterol: 219 mg Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g

**photo from McCormickgourmet .com

We are back from Old Navy

We just got back from Old Navy and the girls had a great time looking at all the items. We were almost going to get Valentine t-shirts but Emily spotted the soccer balls on the way to the register. Turns out this was the best deal of all. (They do not need another shirt but it was free...who am I to complain?) 

Here is the breakdown:

Original price of ball: $8.50
In Store Promotion:    $2.00 ($6.50 discount)
$5 Coloring Coupon:   $5.00
_____________________
                                               FREE

With the balls being $2 we 'splurged' and go 2 per girl. We walked out of the store with 4 balls (sticker price$34) for FREE.  I don't know what the girls like more,  getting the $5 certificate or walking out the store with their own bag.  Got to love free.

Restaurant.com Promo Code Included!

I have been asked a few questions about Restaurant.com. How it works, is it legit, etc., etc.? So here is the long and the short of it:

How does it work?

It’s so easy. Just use the search to find a restaurant. Many of our participating restaurants have different offers, so pick the place that suits you best. They provide handy descriptions and even menus to help you decide. Follow the instructions for purchasing a gift certificate and print it out. In minutes you're all set for a night out for less!


What if....

Worried that the restaurant might not honor your certificate? The restaurant partners want you to be happy. After all that’s the whole point, to bring in and keep a new customer. So rest assured, they back up what they say. You have an unconditional guarantee. If something isn’t right with your certificate, just contact customer service by phone or email and we’ll take care of it right away. We want you to come back over and over again.

*Save on Restaurant Gift Certificates to local restaurants worth $25 for $10.
*Dinner of the Month Club! Join the club for 3, 6, or 12 months for as low as $30.00 and you save 60% when you dine out.
*Freedom from shipping + a gift in seconds with click to print or e-mail.
*Access detailed restaurant information, view menus and wine lists, and make FREE online reservations

Here is a promotion that expires 2/15/09... so get it while the get'ns good!

60% Off + $15 FTD reward with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code TREAT and pay $4 thru 2/15/09.

Why Didn't Any One Tell Me!?

Possibly it is because you thought I knew but I didn't.  Turns out Walgreens has this program called "Easy Saver".  You aren't kidding me!  This month they have 6 items that are free after rebate.  PLUS you can do your rebate on line I was in today and I was able to get the multi-purpose solution, the shampoo and the cold care lozenges.  They were out of the other three.  Go figure.  But I will be back don't you worry!  In fact while I was there a clerk was ordering more of the lip gloss and the foundation.  She said that they are not able to keep the free items in stock.  Not a surprise.  She also told me that you are able to use a manufacture coupon on top of the Wallgreens in store coupon.  (This is called stacking coupons.)

Once you have gotten your freebies go through the little easy saver booklet and check out the other money saving coupons.  Keep in mind because they are Wallgreens coupons you can stack THESE coupons with manufacture coupons!  PLUS...it gets better...through out the month these items in the booklets will go on SALE.  Did you get that? On sale, Wallgreens coupon and then stack it with a manufacture coupon.  How cheap can you get it?

**Photos from Wallgreens.com

60% off at Restaurant.com

I am a fan of Restaurant.com.  My husband and I have gotten certificates from them in the past and it is a great deal!!  They are helping us out yet again and offering another coupon code TREAT.  This will get you 60% off your gift certificate purchase of $25.  For those math challenged that is a $25 certificate for $4!!!!

See website fore more information and complete details.  It is an awesome deal! Hurry, coupon only valid until February 15.

Photo from Restaurant.com

Bath Paints

My girls were given THESE bath paints for Christmas.  They are tons of fun and they have easy clean up.  But I am looking at these tiny tubes wondering what is in and can I make it?  It seemed silly to be buying tub paints at $1 per tube.  Talk about money going down the drain!

So once again I hit the web.  My first hit was an awesome hit.  Family Fun dot com came through again! HERE is the link.

But alas I can't follow directions!  But I don't think it was too detrimental to the end product.  The only thing I omitted was the soap.  I figure they are in the tub... there is enough soap in there.

Here is the directions from the web site:

To make the paint, dissolve one envelope of unflavored instant gelatin in 1/4 cup hot water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 3/4 cups cold water in a saucepan, and stir until cloudy and smooth. Cook the cornstarch mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until thick. Reduce heat, add the gelatin mixture and 1/4 cup mild, liquid dishwashing soap, and stir until smooth. Let cool.

Divide equal parts of the mixture into small bowls. Add several drops of different food coloring to each (light colors are easier to clean). Store the paints in airtight jars.

Keep in mind I didn't add the liquid dishwashing soap.

I made the batch and allowed my girls to add the colors so they could have a hand in the creative process. We divided the batch into 6 portions and added about 6 drops of liquid food coloring per portion. I was impressed as too how vibrant the colors were. The only think I think I will do different text time is I think I will push the uncolored gel through a fine mesh strainer. There were some corn starch lumps in the batch. Not a big deal. I don't think the kids notice but I did! If I were giving it as a gift I would want it to be perfect!

**photo from the Family Fun website.

LOVE Old Navy

I was spending the morning at a friends' house and our kids were having a wonderful play date.  We were comparing our latest finds and freebies and she introduced me to the coloring give away at Old Navy.  This is how I understand this promotion to work:

Pick up the coloring page at Old Navy (or just color it in the store)

Turn in the coloring page to the store for them to display.

Old Navy will give you a $5 coupon to be used on Valentine's Day!

How awesome is that!?  Have your kids do the coloring and let them go shopping for something worth $5!  Or you do the coloring and use the $5 for something sweet for yourself!  Just be sure to use your coupon ON Valentine's Day.  That is the only day it is valid!

Honey Wheat Bread. MMMMM

I have been on a bread making kick the past 48 hours. I am not real sure why but every now and then I do strange things like this. One recipe that I have been meaning to try is the copy cat recipe for Outback Steak House Honey Wheat bushman bread. THIS is the original link. But as you have learned I usually change things. 

So here is what I did:

1 1/2 c. of warm water
2 tbsp. of butter, softened and room temperature
1/2 c. of honey
4 c. all purpose flour (I didn't have wheat or bread flour in the house. It is better if you use at least partial bread flour)
1 tbsp. of cocoa
1 tbsp. of granulated sugar
1 tsp. of salt
2 1/4 tsp. of yeast, 1 package

Combine the water, honey, and the sugar in your bread machine bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Allow to 'bloom' for 5-10 minutes.

Combine the flour, cocoa, and salt in a separate mixing bowl and place on top of the water mixture.

Set the machine to the 'dough' setting.

Once the dough setting is complete divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Roll into balls and then roll into a log like loaf.

Allow to rise and double in size. Sprinkle with cornmeal if desired.

Bake at 385*. for 30 minutes. Check to see if the bread has a hollow-type sound when tapped. Bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow.

MMMM spread with butter and try not to gain too much weight.

Photo by theskinimin / Anne Creative Commons