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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Meatless Monday! Easy Quinoa!






Quinoa is pronounced (Keen-wah) and is a grain unlike other grains.It contains twice the protein of regular cereal grains, contains less carbohydrates, more healthy fats, fiber, phosphorus, calcium and is high in iron.It is the most nutritious of all the grains and up until now has been quite unknown.It is a complete protein, which means it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs, just like meat, eggs and dairy. The great thing about quinoa, it can help you stay feeling full. The carbohydrates in quinoa release slowing into your body, so you won’t get that rush of energy after eating certain other foods, and you will have less cravings for sugary foods. (http://www.foreverlookingood.com/quinoa-nutrition)








  1. one small onion chopped finely


  2. half a bell pepper chopped(I like it a lot with the bell pepper but Rylee does not so I usually leave it out.)


  3. 1cup quinoa


  4. 2.5 cups water


  5. 1 table spoon garlic and herb seasoning(you could use any seasoning you like)


  6. .5 cup lentils
    Add all ingredients to pot. Stir together. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook approximately 40 minutes or until quinoa and rice are tender and liquid is gone. If liquid is gone before they are tender add another .5 cups and continue to simmer.


This dish can be used as a side or main dish served with a salad. Feeds about 4.


I love, love quinoa. Rylee asks for it and Finn is eating it now, too. Give it a try. It is a nutritional powerhouse! To save money on quinoa, shop the bulk bins or consider ordering online.

Christmas Cookies in July!







Easy and Light Cut Out Cookies

Earlier this week my daughter Rylee was all about Christmas. She really wanted to make gingerbread cookies. I usually will stop and make cookies with her but I was very busy and I also did not need the temptation of cookies in our house. I remembered reading an article somewhere about an easy and quick cookie using tortillas. So I quickly devised a recipe that would satisfy Rylee's desire to use her Christmas cookie cutters and my need for this project to last less than 30 minutes. Here is what you need:



  • corn tortillas(the white corn seem to taste the best)


  • melted butter or butter substitute(I use I can't believe its not butter spray.)


  • Sugar(raw sugar if you have it but regular will work)






  1. Preheat oven to 350.


  2. Spread tortillas out on cookie sheet and let child cut out desired shapes.


  3. Discard extra tortilla pieces.


  4. Have Child brush or spray cookie cut outs with butter.



  5. Sprinkle generously with sugar.(You could also used colored sugar if you have any left over from holidays.)


  6. Bake in oven 8-10 minutes or until light brown around edges.


































Monday, June 27, 2011

Meatless Monday!! Crockpot Eggplant Yum!!!

Easy, Cheap, and Healthy Crock pot Eggplant




  • 2 small eggplant or one large or several of the Japanese small ones


  • Italian bread crumbs


  • 1 jar pasta sauce


  • olive oil


  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms(can be left out)


  • Parmesan cheese(not necessary)


  1. Cut eggplant into 1/2 slices. You can peel them or leave the skin on(I leave the skin on). Slice mushrooms in half.

  2. Brush both sides of eggplant with olive oil. Also, brush bottom and sides of crock pot with olive oil to prevent sticking.

  3. Layer bottom of crock pot with eggplant and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  4. Layer half the mushroom on top of eggplant.

  5. Pour 1/2 sauce over eggplant and mushroom.

  6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over sauce. (about a 1/2 cup)

  7. Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese over sauce.(I left the cheese out all together but I am sure it would be good.)

  8. Repeats steps 3-7.

  9. Pour 1/2 cup water around the edge of crock pot. Not on top you will wash off the sauce.

  10. Cook on low for 4 hours or until eggplant is very tender.

  11. Serve with Whole wheat pasta or just a salad.

Eggplant is a great healthy value currently. It is at the peak of the season. This recipe could also be done with zucchini or squash. You could also get creative adding onions and peppers to the layers. I think that is what I am going to do next time!! Enjoy!!



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Healthy, Hearty, Quiche (Meat Free)

Healthy and Hearty Crustless Quiche (Meat Free, too)



  • 7 eggs


  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind, I used 1%)


  • 1 cup cooked brown rice


  • 1 cup fresh spinach


  • 1 cup thawed frozen broccoli


  • 1 tablespoon Italian blend seasoning


  • 1/2 reduced fat mozzarella cheese shreds


  • 1/2 Parmesan cheese or can use another 1/2 cup mozzarella



  1. Preheat oven to 375


  2. Beat eggs together with fork a few times then add milk beat together used mixed well.


  3. stir in rest of ingredients except for Parmesan cheese.


  4. Pour in 8x11 0r 8x8 pan. Spray pan with olive oil spritzer or Pam so that it does not stick.


  5. Cook 20 minutes then add cheese on top.


  6. Return to oven and cook until firm in middle about 10 minutes.

Healthy and Cheap Grocery Deals Week Publix 3/4-3/10(save on gas,too)






The best deals seem to be in the freezer section this week! Don't forget your gas card!


Publix BOGOS



  • Whole Fruit Sorbet, 1 pint, at $2.99 -.50/1 Whole Fruit sorbet, RP 3/27 (EXP 05/07)

  • Power of Fruit Frozen Bars, 6 pk., at $3 -$1 off Power of Fruit (Publix Coupon) Spring Greenwise Magazine -$1 off Power of Fruit Frozen Fruit Bars printable

  • Yoplait Smoothie Kits, 7.6 oz, at $3.19 -$1 off Yoplait frozen smoothie (Facebook) printable -$1 off Yoplait Frozen Smoothie printable

  • Birds Eye Voila! Meal, 21-23 oz, at $4.99 -.50/1 Birds Eye Voila product, May All You magazine(Pompeian Imported Olive Oil, 32 oz, at $10.99 -$1 off Pompeian Olive Oil or New OlivExtra Plus printable

  • Pop Secret Premium Popcorn, 11.2-21 oz box or 30 oz jar, at $3.89 -$1/2 Pop Secret product, RP 4/17*** Super low calories snack!

  • Eight O’Clock Coffee, 11-12 oz (excluding Decaf), 6.81 -$2/2 Eight O’Clock Coffee printable

Other Deals at Publix!


  • Tomatoes, $1.99

  • Mangos, $1

  • Baby Carrots, $1.29

  • Mushrooms, $1.5

  • Del Monte Golden Ripe Pineapple, $2.99 (remember Publix will peel and core it for this price, too)

  • Vidalia Sweet Onions, 99¢ lb



  • Wacky Mac Veggie Pasta, 16 oz, $1.29 -.40/1 Wacky Mac SS 1/30 or SS 5/08



  • Athenos Greek Strained Yogurt 5.3 oz, $1 -B2G1 Athenos Greek Yogurt Products, (zip 45448) printable



  • Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables 7.5-32 oz, 50% off -$1/2 Birds Eye Vegetables (Publix Coupon) Spring Greenwise Magazine -.35/1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Lightly Sauced printable -.50/1 Birds Eye Voila product, May All You magazine



In Ad Coupons at Publix


  • 10 off $50 American Express Gift Card$4.95 Activation Fee(makes it $$44.95)



  • *****$10 off $50 Gas Card purchase WYB $25 worth of Groceries*****




Monday, April 25, 2011

Meatless Monday!! Pasta with Cannellini Beans

Meatless Monday!!

Pasta with Cannellini Beans




  • 1 can Cannellini Beans


  • 1 jar pasta sauce(I always keep this in pantry for quick meals and it is often on Bogo at Publix).


  • 1 small onion or 1/2 large


  • 2-3 cloves garlic


  • Whole wheat pasta (any shape)



  1. Chop onion and then cook until soft and translucent.


  2. Next add garlic(you can crush or chopped it. I use my garlic press.). Adjust amount of garlic to your taste. We love garlic so I add at least 3 cloves.


  3. Add sauce and stir well and heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.


  4. Add beans( make sure to drain and rinse).


  5. Cook on low for a few minutes. Do not over cook beans can get mushy.


  6. Serve over whole wheat pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like.


  7. Serve with a big salad or a side of steamed veggies for a very healthy and cost effective meal.

Cannellini beans are white kidney beans. They are very mild and take on the taste of what ever they are cooked it. They have lots of protein, iron, and fiber.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Publix Healthy Deals for Long Ad Week April13-Saturday23



This is what I like best for now. I have not done my shop yet. I will let you know if I find anything else. Long ad week so I have a little longer to find deals!


BOGOS



  • Fresh Express Salad Blends, or Greens, 5-12 oz -.55/1 Fresh Express Salad Package SS 4/3 (regional)

  • Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt, 4 pk, at $2 ($1) $1 off Yoplait Yoplus printable**Free if you have 2 coupons!

  • Kellogg’s Special K Cereal or Granola, 11.4-19.5 oz at $4.19 -$1/2 Kellogg’s Special K crackers, cereal, shakes or multipk bars (Target coupon) printable -.70/1 Kellogg’s Special K cereal, RP 3/27 -$1/2 Kellogg’s Special K cereal, RP 3/27 -$3/5 Kellogg’s Special K product printable or printable(use .70/1, makes it $1.34) ******Remember to combine the Target and Manufacture to maximize savings!!

  • Lipton Tea Bags, 100 ct, at $3.99 ($1.99) -.50/1 Lipton tea bags, to-go, or iced tea mix, RP 3/27 -.60/1 Lipton tea bags, to-go, or iced tea mix, RP 3/27 -.75/1 Lipton tea bags, to-go, or iced tea mix, RP 3/27 -.75/2 Lipton tea bags, to-go, or iced tea mix, RP 3/27

  • Tuttorosso Canned Tomatoes, or Sauce or Puree, 28-29 oz, at $1.87 (93¢) -$1/2 Tuttorosso canned tomatoes, 28 oz., in store dispenser

  • Gatorade Thirst Quencher, or G2, 64 oz, at $2.15 ****For those training!!!

  • Alexia Artisan Breads, 10.5-14 oz, at $3.39 -----$1 off Alexia Foods product (Facebook) printable -.55/1 Alexia frozen product, SS 4/03** I love Alexia Products looking forward to trying the Bread.

Other Deals



  • Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables, 50% off ----- Birds Eye Steamfresh Lightly Sauced printable-.75/3 Birds Eye Steamfresh frozen vegetables printable** Stock up and have veggies ready to go every night. We love the pepper and onion blend. We use them for stir fry. There is also a great stirfry blend.

Produce



  • Florida Celery, 99¢

  • Redland Raised Veggies, 99¢ lbGreen or Pole Beans, Zucchini or Yellow Squash

  • California Navel Oranges, 99¢ lb

  • Red Grapefruit, 5 lb, $2.49

  • Mangoes, $1

  • Golden Ripe Pineapple, $2.99- Peeled and cored!

  • Florida Sweet Corn, 33¢ ea

  • Broccoli, $2

  • Glory Greens, Collard, Turnip, Mustard, or Kale, 16 oz, $2

  • Tomatoes on the Vine, $1.99 lb

  • Florida Green Bell Peppers, $1.49 lb

Garden Week 2! Things are growing!

Basil Sprouting (All the herbs but the Parsley have sprouted)
Beets are sprouting!!
Feeding the Plants!!

Well, all plants have survived the first week. It is so exciting to watch them grow. I also love that Rylee has been telling everyone about all the yummy vegetables that we are growing!!!!

Saving Big On Laundry!!


Homemade Laundry Soap

I get very mixed reviews when I tell people that I make my own laundry detergent. My husband and I actually started making detergent because of his sensitivity to laundry detergents. With his sensitivity, I was concerned that my children might also have it and wanted to prevent them from undergoing any unneeded skin irritation. Turns out that it is dang cheap to do and saves us big. With this recipe you can do laundry for about $10 a year.

So this is what you need:



  1. Arm and Hammer Washing Soda 2.29(NOT baking soda!!!!) I buy it at Publix butAce hardware carries it and most grocery store.


  2. Borax 2.99. You can get it at Target, Publix just about anywhere with laundry products.


  3. Bar Laundry Soap .99. I use Fels-Naptha. I buy it at Publix. You can get it at most Grocery stores in the laundry section. I would also recommend Castle bar soap( $3.00-4.00) for an even more green option. I am going to try the Lavendar next time I make a batch.


  4. Large bucket


  5. Sauce Pan


  6. Grader(I use my box cheese grader)


  7. Water


  8. Large long handle spoon


Here are the steps:




  1. Grad 1/3 bar of soap.Heat 4 cups water and graded bar soap in sauce pan over medium heat and stir untill disolved.


  2. Fill large bucket with 3 gallons of water.


  3. Add water with dissolved bar soap to bucket. Add 1/2 Borax and 1/2 cup washing soda. Stir until dissolved and it start to thickens some. You will be stirring for a few minutes.


  4. Let sit over night.

I use 1/2 cup a load in our high efficiency washer. You will need more in older models.


I would estimate it cost $.02 a load at the most.


These products I use are biodegradable and environmentally friendly and have been around for literally 100 years. It is what your great grandmothers used to do laundry.


Monday, April 11, 2011

Meatless Monday!!! Big Batch Veggie Soup

Big Batch Veggie Soup(food network)

I make this soup all the time experimenting with different veggies. I always put a bean(protien) in my batches. Chickpeas and lentils are my favorites. Lentils are great because they cook in the soup no soaking. I also like to use sweet potatoes, zuchinni, brocolli, carrots, and spinach. You can also use a bag or two frozen mixed veggies. To make a more filling meal serve over brown rice or whole wheat pasta.



  • 2 tablespoons olive oil


  • 2 cups onions, chopped


  • 1 cup celery, thinly sliced


  • 2 teaspoons italian seasoning coarse salt and pepper


  • 3 (14 1/2 ounce) cansreduced-sodium vegetable broth or 3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth (I use an organic vegetable stock base called Better Than Boullion and mix up my own stock and save a lot)


  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice (I really like fire roasted tomatoes)


  • 8 cups mixedassorted fresh vegetables (such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes, and zucchini, cut larger veggies int) or 8 cups frozen vegetables (such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes, and zucchini, cut larger veggies int)



  1. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions or leeks, celery and Italian Seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5-8 minutes.


  2. Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, and 3 cups water to pot; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes. 3


  3. Add vegetables to pot, and return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Let cool before storing.


Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/big-batch-vegetable-soup-401149#ixzz1JEeZxkRR


Why do I love this soup so much??? A really great friend first made this for me at a low point in my life when I really needed some comfort. I never make this without thinking about her! Thanks for always being there Lynn.


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Healthy Deals at Publix April 6-12

Here is my favorites deals this week!!



I was really excited to see Florida Produce!!!


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Home Taco Seasoning recipe! Yeah more savings!

Just found this recipe at a great blog I followhttp://afewshortcuts.com/2011/04/tide-you-over-tuesday-homemade-taco-seasoning/



  • Taco Seasoning Recipe 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Directions Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Use as you typically would a packet of taco seasoning. About 3 Tbsp per 1lb ground beef or beans or tofu+- depending on your taste. Multiply the amounts to make this in bulk for future meals.

  • She also pointed out you can find these spices very cheap at stores like Dollar Generaland The Dollar Store!!

I honestly don't know why I have not already tried to do this. Yeah!!! more savings!!!!!!!!!! I would also suggest doing this with a friend mixing a big batch and splitting the cost!!

Hign Value Healthy Coupons Available Now!


  1. Head on over here to sign up to take the Silk Soy Milk 10 Day Challenge (just click the “Start the challenge today” link – bottom left corner). By doing so, you’ll automatically be offered a $0.75/1 coupon (top right corner)… HOWEVER, once you register or login, you’ll have the option to answer a few questions about yourself and in return score a very high value $2/1 Half Gallon Silk Soy Milk printable SmartSource coupon! You should be able to print a total of 2 coupons. With a great sale could get you almost free soymilk. Regular price for this is right around $3.00 at Target.

  2. A new Wonder bread coupon just popped up on Coupons.com! Head on over there, use zip code 90210 (if needed) and you should spot a new $0.55/1 loaf of Wonder Smartwheat coupon

  3. Go to POWERADE ZERO Facebook page and “like” them to get a buy one get one FREE coupon! The 32oz bottles are on sale at Target for only $0.89, so just $0.45 each after the coupon!

  4. Follow this link to get $0.35 off (1) carton of Eggland’s Best eggs. Good healthy cheap protien!!

  5. Healthy cleaning with a $1.00 off (1) Seventh Generation product.

  6. Save $0.75 on Cascadian Farms Granola Bars On sale starting tomorrow at Publix! We love these at my house.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Meatless Monday!!!! Black Bean Tacos!

Black Bean Tacos
Taco filling:

  • 1 can black beans (To save more buy dried ones and boil the for about an hour. You will also get 3 times as much)

  • 1 can dicied tomatoes

  • 1 package taco seasoning
Heat can of tomatoes including juice in sauce pan over medium heat, add taco seasoning, stir together well, then add the black beans. Heat over medium heat until it thickens. As it thickens make sure not to let it stick. (Don't forget to wash and rinse the can beans)

  • Heat 1 box taco shells- I love the Ortega Mulitgrain ones.

  • Fill shells with bean mixture and other taco fixings of your choice, such as lettuce, sour cream or greek yogurt, or cheese.

  • Serve with a salad and brown rice.

You can also put the filling mixture over rice and serve with salad to save a little more.

Yummy, Fast, Healthy and Cheap!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Check out Walgreens: 7 Days of Photo Deals!

Walgreens: 7 Days of Photo Deals! This link will take you over to one of my favorite blogs The Prudent Patron. She has a recap of Walgreens 7 days of photo deals.

Project Garden Begins Week One

Project Garden Begins

Today the family started a garden. What a great way for veggie lovers like us to save money. When Rylee(my daughter and I) went to Lowe's I had every intention to just buy seeds to plant, but we ended up coming home with a combination of seeds and plants. Then my farm boy husband went to work teaching Rylee how to plant a garden.

We planted watermellon, squash, zucchini, beets, eggplant, orkra, spinach, tomatoes, basil, parlsey, dill, and cilantro.

Total spent getting the garden ready, (which included soil and organic plant food needed for the season), plants, and seeds $47.03.

Can not wait to tally my savings and show off what we have grown. Most of all I am excited for Rylee to learn where her food comes from and hope she gains an appreciation for the work that goes into it.

My Favorite CVS and Walgreens Deals

When it comes to shopping the drugstore deals, I only shop at one of the two each week depending on the deals. Deal seeking should been fun and easy. You should not spend all your free time running from store to store.




  • CVS

  • Oral B Manual toothbrush 1ct $2.99 get $.99 EBC (limit 2) Use $2/1 coupon in today's 4/3 proctor and gamble coupons(PG) Pay $.99 out of pocket Get $.99 EBC back (so basicaly it is free)

  • Crest or Oral-B Pro-health complete rinse 16.9 oz, Clinical gum toothpaste 4 oz or Glide Clinical Protection floss 38.2 oz $3.49 = $2.50 Ecb (limit 2) Use the $1/1 Crest rinse coupon found in the 4/3 PG Or use the $1/1 Glide coupon found in the 4/3 PG Pay $2.49 out of pocket Get back a $2.50 Ecb(ecentually free) I love the Glide Floss, it is a great product!!!!

  • Remember with EBC bucks you can use them on your next purchase. It can be the same day. You can even split your purchase into separate transactions and use it on the same store visit.

Walgreens


There is nothing that I really love at Walgreens this week bu you can check out a very detailed recap at this site http://hip2save.com/2011/04/walgreens-deals-43-49.html#more-518587

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Make Your Razors Last Longer

Are you tired of spending money on razors that you are just going to throw away. You may be surprised to realized that razor dullness has nothing to do with contact with whiskers or hair.
Razor blade dullness stems more from oxidation, microscopic rusting.Water that sits on blades between shaves causes the oxidation.
Here are some tips to stop that:

1-Once you've finished shaving, make sure the blades are completely clean. Rinse the blades thoroughly.

2-Dry the blades gently. Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb any water. Don't rub back and forth as this will dull the blade or blades.

  • 3-Store your razor or shaver where it won't become wet in between uses.


  • You can also check out this man's method for sharpening his disposable razor. I have not tried it. I think I will or I might make the hubby do it first.

    http://consumerist.com/2010/03/make-your-disposable-razor-blade-last-for-20-months.html

    Wednesday, March 30, 2011

    My Favorite Heathly Deals this week at Publix!

    This is not the best deals week at Publix but here is my opinion of the best "Healthy" deals. The best thing this week is the 5/25 competitor coupon available. see bottom of post for info (please excuse my formating, I am still trying to figure blogger.com)
    BOGO's

    The Bogo's at Publix (Buy One Get One Deals) provide for some great deals. With bogo's you are getting two items for the cost of one item. The way to save the most is to have manufacturer coupon PER ITEM. Publix accepts competitor/store coupons to be used in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon –if you see an item that has a corresponding manufacturer coupon and a competitor/store coupon available you have an even better deal.



    *******The best way to save money this week is to use $5/$25 coupon from Family Dollar. You can find it at this link printable $5/$25 Family Dollar coupon (exp 4/5) or you can also find it in the coupons that came in the mail today in Pensacola in the Family Dollar Ad. I know for a fact the the Bayou Publix recognizes them as a competitor. Remember the $25 total is before any other coupons. So this coupon can allow you to save big.

    Phone test.