Saturday, February 27, 2010

Earn with Swagbucks!

Have you heard about Swagbucks? It's a search engine (just like Google) that pays you for doing websearches! They have a toolbar that you can download for free or just bookmark their page to use whenever you want to do a search. (That's what I do!) I do multiple searches every day, so I can potentially make $20 bucks a month just for doing what I already do. I'll let you know how I do after my first month!
Search & Win

You have to register if you want to earn your bucks.

45 Swagbucks = $5 Amazon credit

They accumulate as you do your regular searches throughout the month. Your Swagbucks never expire, so you can save up for anything you want just by searching!

You can also get extra bucks by referring friends. So if you click on my link here, it gives me extra bucks! I'm still trying to decide what I want to buy with mine :-)  I'll probably save it for Christmas this year.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

How to get your kids to eat salad!

Saving on your grocery bill is something you can do by not wasting what you already have. Do you ever end up throwing out the last few pieces of dry, stale bread? No one wants a sandwich with that old stuff! Turn those crusty things into yummy croutons, and it hardly takes any time at all! I don't ever buy those expensive boxes of croutons they sell at the store. These croutons are so good, my kids like to eat them as a snack!! And they don't break your teeth like the store-bought variety.

CROUTONS
As many slices of bread as you have or want to use. This recipe can be adjusted for amount and personal taste. 
Olive Oil (1/4 cup or so)
Garlic Salt - 2 tsp
Oregano - 1 tsp
Grated Parmesan Cheese - 1 TBS

Stack the bread and cut into cubes -put into a ziploc bag
Mix oil and seasonings - Pour into bag with bread cubes
Mix well - if you misjudge the amount needed to cover bread, just add more ;-)
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet
Cook in oven on 300 for 30 minutes or so turning once.
(If you like them crunchier, cook longer; chewier, cook less)

Wa-La! You have a delish topping for your salad! Don't worry about what to do with left-overs. There are never any left....at least not at my house!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

This has been a crazy couple of weeks here in our household. Does life ever get less busy? Homeschooling highschoolers can be a challenge in itself! I always say that I think I learn as much or more than they do. (Do I really need more Algebra?!) Save me!!! Also as my kids grow, drive, get jobs, some things can be a bit overwhelming. But I do love to see them becoming the beautiful individuals that they are. I love my kids!!

Well, it's Monday again, so here is my Menu for the week! Enjoy!!

Monday: Creamy White Chili and cornbread (Love this on a cold day. My husband, who isn't a real fan of "creamy" type dishes even loves this)

Tuesday: Tandoori-Spiced Pork Tenderloin (amounts adjusted for 5) with Birdseye Steamfresh Peas and Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday: Taco Salad

Thursday: Family Birthday Dinner at Steak 'n Shake (used coupons!) PLUS we got 2 free coke glasses for our purchase!

Friday: Nachos and movie night (These can easily be adjusted to use ingredients your family enjoys or prefers)

Saturday: Leftover Extravaganza

Sunday: Hamburger Pie (I must admit, I do my own recipe in my head. This was one of the first things I made when my husband and I got married! But this recipe comes fairly close to what I make. I used leftover mashed potatoes from Tuesday's meal)

Post a comment on what your family liked or didn't like if you try any of these recipes!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Jack-In-The-Box FREE Grilled Sandwich!

Do you love Jack? If there is a Jack-In-the-Box in your area, there's a really sweet deal happening on Tuesday, February 23rd! Their grilled sandwiches are delish! Go and get yours for free!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

I thought it would be a great idea to join the Menu Plan Monday group! I will show you every Monday what my family is planning for dinner. I usually plan meals with what is already in my stock in the pantry and refrigerator. Then if there is something on sale that week that catches my eye to use, I will add that to my list. So here's the list for this week!

Monday:
Orange Molasses BBQ Salmon with Fresh Salad, Green Beans, and rolls

Tuesday:
Quick Chicken Cassoulet

Wednesday:
Chicken Panini with Roasted Bell Pepper (I've used Rotisserie Chicken & left over Fajita Chicken and both were great!)
Thursday:
Mexican Skillet Lasagna with Fresh Salad and french bread

Friday:
Pizza Hut Ordering out!

Saturday:
Catalina Cranberry Chicken with Herb/Parmesan Pasta
and steamed broccoli

Sunday:
Leftover extravaganza! 

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Do the Catalina boogie!

This month there are some great Catalina deals confirmed at Safeway, Albertsons and Krogers stores (including Fred Meyer and Smith's)

Just what is a Catalina you may ask?
A Catalina are those great coupons that print when you check out at the register. They can be manufacturer or store coupons that can be used on later purchases. If you buy certain products, they automatically print at check-out.

This month, Buy Kraft Ranch or Italian Salad Dressing (16 oz or larger)between 2/5 and 2/18 and get the following Catalinas:

Buy 2, Receive $1 Catalina
Buy 3, Receive $2 Catalina
Buy 4, Receive $3 Catalina


But wait! That's not all! Don't forget to match up your purchases with Kraft dressing coupons for even greater savings!