December 29, 2012

Savings Alert!

If you don't already get the Sunday Newspaper delivered to your home, you are going to want to run out and get it.  There will be a P&G Coupon Booklet insert with up to $85 in money savings coupons in it.  That is well worth spending a little money on purchasing the paper.


(Image credit P&G Brands)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Don't miss the Big & Sweet After Season Sale

Did Santa forget to leave you Peanut Butter Smidgens this year?  Don't worry because now is the time to go and buy yourself a gift.  Your sweet tooth will love it!  Gertrude Hawk is having their Big & Sweet After Season Sale and various holiday items are 50% off.  I wouldn't hesitate these items will go fast.



(Image credit Gertrude Hawk)

Enjoy!

Katie

August 20, 2012

Breakfast time saving tip!

This weekend I did a breakfast experiment with my family!  With school starting soon, I know getting everyone up, dressed, fed and out the door on time is always a challenge.  So I decided to do this experiment to see if it was easy to make, saved time in the morning and something everyone would like.  I made Breakfast Burritos the night before, froze them and in the morning they only had to microwave them and they were ready.  It was a success, everyone loved them!  So I made 14 more last night for the next couple weeks.  They are great for breakfast, snack or anytime!

You need soft taco shells (medium/large size), shredded cheddar cheese, and scrambled eggs (cooled).



Lay a large strip of plastic wrap on your surface.  Place a taco shell in the middle of plastic wrap.  Pour a spoon full of scrambled eggs in the middle of the shell and sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs.


Fold your sides in and roll the shell tightly.



Place the rolled up burrito at the edge of the plastic wrap and wrap it up by rolling across the wrap.  Place your wrapped burritos in a plastic bag and freeze.






When your family is ready to eat one, take one out of the freezer, remove the plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute, and it's ready.  Very easy, quick and they can eat it on the go!

Try this experiment with your family.  It will save you time in the morning also!

Enjoy,

Katie

















Save $1.00 on Kraft Singles

Kraft is offering a $1.00 OFF coupon when you buy any one (1) package of Kraft Singles.  Print your coupon today.  Click here for your coupon.

(Image Credit Kraft)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Save $1.00 on Snack & Go Pouches


I love these Snack & Go Applesauce Pouches and I love to save $1.00.  Mott's is offering a $1.00 off on one (1) 4 pack (3.2 oz) of any flavor Mott's Snack & Go Applesauce pouches.  Forget putting applesauce in a small bowl for your childs lunch.  These pouches are great for lunch boxes and then they can toss them in the garbage when they are done.  Who doesn't love easy clean-up!

Click here to print your coupon.

(Image credit Mott's)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

August 18, 2012

It's time to Snuggle!

That's right, it's time to visit the Snuggle facebook page and get your $1.00 OFF coupon.  Snuggle is offering a $1.00 OFF on any one (1) Snuggle 96 oz or larger or 70 ct or larger Snuggle Exhilarations.

Click here to visit their facebook page.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Great deals at Aeropostale!

If you are looking for a great deal on back to school clothes then you need to visit Aeropostle! Everything is 50% Off.   *Excludes licensed products, fragrance, and cosmetics.

Click here to visit their website.

Happy Shopping!

Katie

Have you received your FREE yearly credit report?

Get your FREE credit report now! You are entitled to one FREE report per year from each of the main credit bureaus. You can access all three - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion by using annualcreditreport.com. It took me less then 3 minutes to input my information, verify the information and print. I am glad I got my report. If there are items on there that shouldn't be, you can dispute them. If you ever need to know what all your old addresses are, they list them on the credit report.

Click here to go to the website for your FREE report.

July 11, 2012

Save on Bisquick!



Every kitchen pantry needs a box of Bisquick.  You can save $.50 when you buy one 20 oz. or larger Bisquick or Bisquick Shake n' Pour.  Bisquick has been helping cooks in the kitchen for years, whether it is pancakes, biscuits, dumplings, etc.  Your family will love it!

Click here for your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Save $.50 on Big G Cereal

Start your morning of right with some Honey Nut Cheerios.  Try America's Favorite cereal and save $.50 OFF one box.  Click here for your coupon.

(Image credit Big G Cereal)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Don't forget your Target coupons!

If you are shopping at Target this week don't forget to print off your Target coupons. Right now they are offering $298.95 worth of coupons on their website. Click here to visit there website and click on the coupon link. While you are on their website check out the great online sales in every department.

Happy Shopping,

Katie

June 26, 2012

It's Jimmy Dean Snack time!

Jimmy Dean Sausage Biscuits aren't just for breakfast.  It's Jimmy Dean snack time any time during the day or night with the snack size Sausage Biscuits.  Start snacking and save money with this $1.00 OFF coupon when you buy one (1) Frozen Jimmy Dean Snack Size Sandwich.  Click here for the coupon.

Enjoy!

Katie

Save on Sargento Cheese

Give your sandwich a little something extra to top it off.  Place a slice of your favorite Sargento cheese on it.  Save $.50 when you buy one (1) Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese.  Click here to get your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

June 25, 2012

Free Sample of Mrs. Dash!





Mrs. Dash is giving away up to 30,000 FREE sample packets a day on their Facebook page to show their appreciation.  Make sure you get your FREE packet by clicking here.  LIKE their page and fill out the short address form to receive your FREE packet in the mail.

Enjoy,

Katie

It's time to start sharing again!

I can't believe it has been 3 months since my last post.  It seems like it was yesterday.  Time sure does fly when your life gets busy.  Thank you for hanging in there and waiting for me to come back online.

Katie

April 25, 2012

DIY Gardening with Mr. C.

You can have a colorful flower garden all season by combining spring, summer, and fall bulbs. If you have hardy spring bulbs (which remain in the ground over the winter) like daffodils, tulips, etc, they will soon lose their blossoms. You can remove any faded blooms, but leave the greenery until they dry up in the fall. The leaves will convert the sun's energy over the summer into food for the bulbs.

Now is the time to plant tender summer/fall blooming bulbs. I have gladiolus (which are not a true bulb but a "corm" - never too old to learn something new) that I took up last fall and stored over the winter in my cellar (a fairly cool dry place). My attic also stays cool and does not freeze (but the mice always find their way in). Before replanting, I separate any that doubled or grew "babies" (which won't bloom till next year). I selected a spot (where Johnny-Jump-Ups grow) that was already cultivated that needed only to have the buried rocks removed (they seem to grow over the winter). You can see the rocks are temporarily piled on the stump in the picture below. Next I used the green long handled bulb planter to make 4 inch deep holes. That is deep enough for the small (an inch to inch and one half) to insure they won't emerge until frost danger is past. It has a lever which opens the bottom to release the dirt. If any of the hole sides fall in, I used the long handled trowel to clean out the hole. Both are shown below (do you see a pattern here with long handles?). Also see a bottle of natural Deer & Rabbit repellent which contains garlic, rotten eggs, etc, that is available in several sizes at Agway. I bought it originally to keep the squirrels from digging up my tulip bulbs. I sprayed some on the glads after I dropped them (root side down) into the holes. I put a small amount of compost into each hole (in lieu of mixing it into the whole bed) before covering the bulbs. Because we were expecting ample rain (to start them growing) I skipped watering them. To view an excellent Lowe's video on spring and summer bulb planting,  click here.  If you watch it through, it suggests a video on raised beds. For even more info about planting and storing bulbs, click here.


                                                                        Planting Gladiolus  

If you have peonies, iris, hostas, etc. (like I do), hopefully you cleared away last years stalks. If not, do it now, being careful to avoid damaging the new shoots. Also consider putting up support fencing now before your peonies get too large, and definitely before they develop their heavy blooms (which would otherwise cause them to droop to the ground). I use a 2 foot high green fence (which is almost invisible in the picture below) for part of mine and two shortened tomato cages for a small group to the right of the tree. The tree came up unnoticed in the bed about 40 years ago (but is vary noticeable now).

                                                                           Peonies  

Take time out to smell the flowers - Mr. C.


April 9, 2012

Mr. C. shares suggested plans for my garden!

Katie inspired this weeks topic by asking me to help them plan a raised bed garden. Hopefully this article will inspire you as well. They suggested a level spot north of their 12 foot long shed (which runs east & west) that they thought got sun all day. However, in the spring, when the sun is low in the southern sky, the shadow from the shed extends more than 4 feet (see photo below). The rough shadows are from a row of pine trees, but they shift during the day and are not a major concern (beyond 4 ft would still get at least partial sun). Since they want to grow early crops (peas, lettuce, chard, etc), they should locate the garden at least 4 ft away from the shed. Because they have to contend with deer and rabbits, they should consider a 5 ft fence located far enough from the plants so they can't reach over. To keep out rabbits, they should add a 2 foot high 1 inch chicken wire mesh. If you only have to contend with rabbits, use either chicken mesh or rabbit fencing (which has closer strands on the lower half). Rabbits love the tender bean sprouts when they get about 3 inches tall (I know from experience and is the reason I fenced in my garden). Support fences within the bed will depend on the variety of peas, ex. Little Marvel require 2 ft fences but sugar-snap peas, which she likes, need a 5 ft fence.



                                                                        Partially shaded spot



I suggest that they start with a single bed or row of beds oriented parallel to the shed so more beds can easily be added later. Make the bed(s), plus paths and fences, the same length as the shed for ease of mowing around. They have some aged pressure-treated lumber (decking that the  chemicals have leached out of), to build boxes (without bottoms) for their bed(s). If the beds are accessible from only one side (e.g. next to a fence), limit the width to 2 feet, but if both sides, they can be 3 feet wide. Either build one long box with dividers (for rigidity) or shorter boxes with a path in the middle. Note: A good test for path width is to measure your foot to foot distance while standing comfortably. (at least 15 to 18 inches per previous blog). You should not feel like you are taking a sobriety test (like on COPS)  when you walk between beds. If you plan a peripheral fence (either to support vines and/or to keep out animals), decide if you want walk on the sides and ends of the beds. Below is a sketch of the proposed layout.





                                                                   Katie's proposed garden layout



Instead of digging up or turning over the sod, cover the bottom of the bed(s) with at least 3 layers of black ink newspaper (wet them down) and the paths (including the space next to the shed) with newspaper or corrugated cardboard (preferred), and top with heavy plastic or weed cloth and mulch. To be able to start using your garden this season, add a 50/50 mix of topsoil and compost (I donating them some)  in the box(es). If you chose instead to build a "lasagna garden" for planting next year, click here.

The newspaper and soil will block most of the weeds and grass from growing which  will eventually decompose. After the newspaper breaks down, the earthworms will tunnel though it into your beds. You need at least 2 inches of soil/compost mix for most crops. You can break through the paper and underlying sod to plant potted plants like tomato, pepper, etc. Wait till next year when the sod has broken down to grow root crops (carrots, parsnips, beets). Once your garden is established (and the worms are doing their thing), you should top-dress it with compost but never turn the soil. To learn more  advantages of no-till gardening, click here.

To put on the finishing touch, install edging along the fence to prevent the grass from encroaching. I used pressure treated 1x3 partially buried with the top edge an inch above the grass.

Happy Gardening,

Mr. C

April 6, 2012

Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Coupon



Coffee-Mate is offering a $1.00 OFF coupon on their facebook page for one (1) 16oz. bottle of Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss all-natural coffee creamer.  Visit their page, click on LIKE and you will get your coupon.

Click here to visit their facebook page and get your coupon.


(Image Credit Coffee-Mate)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Save $1.00 on Brawny Paper Towels!


Visit Brawny's facebook page, click on the Brawny offers link and sign up to receive their special offers by email and receive a $1.00 OFF coupon.  Click here to visit their page.

I always love a $1.00 OFF coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

Get your Target coupons!

If you are shopping at Target this week don't forget to print off your Target coupons. Right now they are offering $284.85 worth of coupons on their website. Click here to visit there website and click on the coupon link. While you are on their website check out the great online sales in every department.

Happy Shopping,

Katie

Save money and don't get burned!


 


Coppertone is offering a $1.00 OFF coupon on their website.  I always cringe when I have to buy sunscreen because of the price.  So I was excited to see this coupon because I don't usually see to many coupons for sunscreen.  The coupon expires on May 3rd so get your coupon now.  Click here to visit their website and get your coupon.

Make sure you are prepared this summer.  We like to have a bottle at home and one in each vehicle because we are always so busy and sometimes forget to grab it before we leave the house.  This way if we make an unexpected trip to the park, we won't get burned because we are prepared.  We do the same with bug spray.

Happy Savings,

Katie

April 5, 2012

Get your Girly Goodies from Always!



Today at 2:00 PM EST Always Girly Goodies will be available!! This month's Goodie is a beautiful wristlet purse filled with samples of our NEW Radiant Collection!  Visit Always on FB today at 2 pm to get your goodies before they are gone.  Click here to visit their facebook page.

You'v gotta love receiving goodies!

(Image credit Always)

Enjoy,

Katie

Free Frosting Creations Flavor Packet


Duncan Hines is offering a coupon on their facebook page for a FREE frosting creations flavor packet with a purchase of Duncan Hines frosting creations starter.  Click here to visit their facebook page to get your coupon.  LIKE their page and click on the frosting creations link to get the coupon.

(Image credit Duncan Hines)

Happy frosting,

Katie

April 4, 2012

New Free Build and Grow Clinic

Lowe's is offering new Build and Grow Clinics for April.  April 14th is the Game Show Chip Drop Game and April 28th is the Terrarium. The clinics are FREE to attend and a lot of fun for your children. The first 50 kids to register and be present at the store at 10am will receive a kit, aprons and goggles. Recommended ages for the project is Grades 1st - 5th. Make sure you click here to register your child today.

                                                               
                                                       Game Show Chip Drop - April 14th


                                                          Terrarium - April 28th

This is a great way to spend quality time with your children building something together.

(Image credits Lowe's)

Enjoy,

Katie

Here is a great freebie from Target!



Target is giving away 457,000 Free Spring Beauty Bags on facebook. Like them on facebook and request your free beauty bag full of product samples.  Click here to visit their page and get your bag.

(Image Credit Target)

Enjoy,

Katie

March 26, 2012

Gardening with Mr. C. - Save Money with DIY Gardening

Before getting into a new topic, let me say I will probably not be writing very often until I finish getting my own garden started, etc (still have more beds to prepare and more peas, onions, & chard I want to plant now). I may pull out some of last years articles and dust them off. Also, in an attempt to be brief in last week's blog, I omitted some details that I want to try to clarify.

Regarding using old seed, I just heavily (to account for the age and early planting) sowed some lettuce seed from 2001 and 2003. I will let you know the results.

I said that raw leaves were not beneficial. They do add organic matter but make the soil more acid which requires adding lime. Whereas finished compost is ph neutral and ready to be absorbed.

In praising raised beds (having better drainage so soil can be worked earlier), I failed to say that you may need to water during dry spells (I hope to discuss rain barrels and irrigation in a later blog). I think the advantages outweigh any drawbacks. You also won't have to bend over as far even a few inches less gets more important to me as I age). My bed sides are 4" high but I prop them up with up to 2" of flat rocks (surprisingly not much dirt leaks out under the sides into the paths). The tops of the two sides are connected with slats, but since the beds are 25 ft long (and made up of several pieces of wood), the bottoms of the 2x4's were pushing out. I drove stakes (on the bed side so they wouldn't obstruct the path), straightened the sides, and screwed them to the stakes.

As to what to plant now, I want to explain that I had taken the low fences down after the Little Marvel peas died off to clean up and make room for bush beans. Note: Both peas and beans benefit if treated with inoculant during planting (available at Agway)for more info, click here.  Also immune to frost are onions & shallots (I sometimes plant them in the fall). To be safe from a possible hard frost, consider waiting till mid April for lettuce, radishes, spinach, and swiss chard (I always have some that survive the winter). For a chart of the best indoor and outdoor planting dates for many seeds your area, click here and enter your zip code.

Now on to my new topic - ease of access. If you can move freely about your garden, you will enjoy it more and will probably spend quality time there. I took this concept into consideration to a degree when I made a 3 foot center aisle the original layout perpendicular to the beds (of my 50 feet wide garden). It intersects with a similar path behind the raspberries and connects to the compost area. I can move a wheelbarrow (visible in picture below) of compost or tools to any path. When I enclosed the garden with a rabbit fence, I put a gate at the center aisle and another by the compost/leaf bins (I made them from old storm window frames and screens). When I enlarged the leaf bin last year, I moved that gate to give me easier access to the raspberries (previously they dead-ended at the fence).




                                                                    Garden entrances

This year I am making a few more accessibility improvements. I am widening my paths between beds from 12" to 14" (which is the width of my garden rake used to re-level the paths). It is still less than ideal (15" to 18"), but it enough improvement to allow me to turn around (I have nearly fallen because my feet are a foot long). I realized that it was worth giving up some bed width to gain maneuverability. At the same time, I have eliminated the boards connecting all the beds together (so far only the far side) of the main path. They were useful when the path was grass (now with sod removed and covered with weed cloth) for establishing the bed widths, but I had to make dirt and stone ramps to get over them as seen on the near side (see picture below). It would have been so much easier to have done it right the first time.Also note that the short pea vine fences are set back far enough for a row of peas and shallots, but also that a wheelbarrow fits between the beds. Probably not visible at the far end is a one foot space between the pea fence and the peripheral fence. Previous years I connected them and had to backtrack to the center aisle to get to adjacent rows.



                                                                   Raised beds

Till next time - Mr. C.

March 18, 2012

New Gardening Tip - DIY Gardening with Mr. C.

Because there are so many things to do when the weather breaks in spring, I want to offer a few brief tips you may find helpful.

Planning: Review last years garden layout and notes to try to rotate your planting. Do you have left-over seeds? My rule for seeds (kept in my outdoor shed) is to expect a 10% loss of germination per year. (seeds kept in ideal conditions like the Egyptian tombs germinated after 3000 years)

Indoor seed starting: For seeds to sprout, they need moisture, a medium (like potting soil), warmth, and  light (after seedlings emerge). A sunny window or fluorescent light is ideal. Use new (or sanitized) pots and potting soil (to avoid fungus). Don't over-water. For more info, click here.

Garlic growers: Remove protective leaf  cover and spread a layer of finished compost. Raw leaves are not beneficial on or in the soil.

Soil preparation: Remove any weeds that appeared over the winter (you did clean them up and loosen the soil in the fall didn't you?). If you grow in raised beds, you will have better drainage and soil can be worked earlier. You also won't have to bend over as far (even a few inches less gets more important to me as I age). My beds sides are 4" but I boost them up with 2" of flat rocks (surprisingly not much dirt leaks out under the sides into the sides of the path). The tops of the two sides are connected with slats, but since the beds are 25 ft long, the bottoms of the 2x4's were pushing out. I drove stakes, straightened the sides, and screwed them to the stakes. In the process, I am also widening my paths from 12" to 14". I realized that it was worth giving up some bed width to allow me to maneuver easier.

What to plant in the ground now? As soon as the soil is workable (typically by St. Pat's day), I put up 24" fences (where I grew corn last year) for support and plant Little Marvel peas (on both sides). I had taken the fences down after the peas died off to clean up and make room for bush beans. Note: Both peas and beans benefit if treated with inoculant during planting(available at Agway). I also plant Sugar-snap, Wando, and Early-frosty next to my 8 ft permanent fences. Also immune to frost are lettuce, radishes, spinach, and onions/shallots.

Dried beans: If you have beans (like I do) that dried before they froze last fall, pick them off before they split open. Plant them after mid May.

Raspberries: If you didn't prune the old canes and dead tops from last year's new ones, do it now.

Winter tree wrap: Remove now to prevent fungus growth.

Clean up flower beds: Remove weeds, dead remains of last year's growth and tree leaves.

Lawns: Roll or tamp down the eruptions that appear in the spring.

Gardening exercise: Keep in mind that you will be using muscles that may not have used since fall. When raking, work in front of you, not to the side.

Get outside and start taking advantage of the early spring - Mr. C..

March 13, 2012

Time for Sharing Tuesday Blog Hop

The Time for Sharing Tuesday Blog Hop will not take place this week.  Please come back next Tuesday to join in our hop. 

Thank you,

Katie

March 12, 2012

Hamburger Helper Review!

Well, I decided that we needed to cook both boxes at the same time so we could sample the new flavors.  I invited our neighbors over for dinner to get their opinion also.  Everyone liked both the Ultimate Beef Stroganoff and the Cheesy Italian Beef flavors, however we all had our favorite.  The majority voted for the Ultimate Beef Stroganoff flavor.  I had never tried the Beef Stoganoff flavor before and really thought it had great flavor and liked it the most.  Needless to say both pans were empty before you knew it and I never got a picture to share with you.  The Cheesy Italian Beef was tasty also.  You could taste the Italian herbs and they weren't over powering.  The best part was how quick and easy it was to cook dinner.  Not only did Hamburger Helper bring our family together, it brought our neighbors family together with us.

Pssst, thank you for giving us this opportunity.

Make sure you try these new flavors.

** Pssst by General Mills provided a free sample of their Hamburger Helper new flavors so I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

Katie

March 7, 2012

Check out what came in the mail today!



As a Pssst Member I received these products today so we can try the new flavors and share my review with all of you.   Hamburger Helper is a family favorite of ours so we are excited to try the new flavors.  Tomorrow night I will make both boxes and post my review.

As you can see in the pictures, I also received a bunch of coupons.  Hamburger Helper would like you to try it also, so they gave me coupons to giveaway.  So who would like a coupon?  You can save $.70 on one (1) Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff or Cheesy Italian Beef Home Skillet Meals.  I have 5 coupons that I will be giving away.  Post a comment on either this blog post or my Facebook post regarding this and I will randomly pick the winners tomorrow night after dinner.

Katie

Save with Keebler coupons!



Keeblers Crackers are a product you should always have in your pantry.  Keebler wants to help you stock up with a coupon to save $1.00 on any two Keebler Crackers.  Click here to get your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

March 5, 2012

Time for Sharing Tuesday Blog Hop!



I just love SHARING great things I find! Whether it is a great deal, coupon, product, blog or business. On Tuesdays, I am inviting all my blog friends to link up and share your blog.

First, make sure you become one of my friends by following $aving and Sharing It. You can follow through GFC, G+, Twitter or Facebook.

We all love blog hops so we can gain new followers and learn of new blogs to follow. So don't just link up! Visit the other blogs and make new friends.

Make sure you post a comment below and share a little something about your blog.

Because I love to share, I am going to share a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donut with one of you. The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the day on Tuesday. I will announce the winner in the comments. The winner will receive an email and I will mail the gift card.

I am looking forward to sharing with you! Feel free to share this hop with your friends also.





Happy Hopping!

Katie

March 4, 2012

Pampers Wipes Coupon!


You can save $.75 OFF any Pampers wipes 60 ct or larger.    Pampers aren't just good for wiping the babies bottom.  They are also great from taking off your eye make-up.  Cut the sheets in half so you get more out of the container.  Click here for the coupon.

(Image Credit Pampers)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

March 1, 2012

DIY Gardening with Mr. C

I was very excited to hear from Mr. C with some new gardening tips to start the 2012 gardening season.  For all our new members, each week on Thursday during gardening season, we have a guest post from Mr. C who is our blog home gardener.  Last year we received some great gardening tips.  Make sure you visit often to see his new posts each week.  Here is his first post of the new year.

Hello Everyone!

Did that first seed catalog arrival get you longing to start gardening?  If you don’t want to wait, you can lengthen both ends of your growing season by using a “cold frame” (miniature green-house). It could be as basic as a box with a transparent top (like an old storm window).  The sun warms the air and soil inside during the day (even cloudy days) and the enclosure traps some of the heat and keeps its’ loss overnight.  On very warm and sunny days, it may be necessary to open the top slightly so as not to cook the plants inside. To preclude this from happening, you can incorporate a temperature regulating opening device (see next paragraph). I was able to grow watermelons by starting them in a cold frame, and then later moving them to the garden.  My current box (shown below) has galvanized and sloping (for rain & snow run-off) vinyl sides, a 2x2pressure treated frame and an aluminum/Plexiglass storm window top. I tie the windows down to prevent them from blowing away (I could add hinges instead). I set it over my parsley bed in the fall to allow me to have fresh herbs all winter. Even if parsley freezes, it is quite normal when it thaws.



If you type “cold frame” in your on-line search box, you can see a vast array of kits (starting around $40) and automatic opening mechanisms available. Stores do not stock them but Home Depot and Lowes will allow you to order on-line for free in-store pickup. If you act now, you could be eating fresh lettuce before spring arrives.
Happy Gardening!
Mr. C

February 27, 2012

Time For Sharing Tuesday Blog Hop



I just love SHARING great things I find! Whether it is a great deal, coupon, product, blog or business. On Tuesdays, I am inviting all my blog friends to link up and share your blog.

First, make sure you become one of my friends by following $aving and Sharing It. You can follow through GFC, G+, Twitter or Facebook.

We all love blog hops so we can gain new followers and learn of new blogs to follow. So don't just link up! Visit the other blogs and make new friends.


Make sure you post a comment below and share a little something about your blog.

Because I love to share, I am going to share a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donut with one of you. The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the day on Tuesday. I will announce the winner in the comments. The winner will receive an email and I will mail the gift card.


I am looking forward to sharing with you! Feel free to share this hop with your friends also.








Happy Hopping!

Katie

Kraft Fresh Take Coupon!



The best way to try a new product is with a money saving coupon.  With this coupon you can save $1.00 OFF any one (1) Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb mix.  Another great product from Kraft for quick and easy meals.  Click here to get your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

February 23, 2012

Revlon Coupon!


Revlon is offering a $2.00 OFF a cosmetic item coupon (offer valid at Target).  Click here to get your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie

February 22, 2012

Newman's Own Pasta Sauce Coupon!




Not sure what to cook for dinner?  Let Paul help you!  With Newman's Own Pasta Sauces you can make many dishes and save a little money also.  Save $.50 on any one (1) Newman's Own Pasta Sauce.  Click here for your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie


I Can't Believe It's...



Not Butter!  That's because it tastes like fresh butter.  I also can't believe that you can save $1.25 on your next purchase of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.  Click here for your $1.25 OFF coupon on any one I Can't Believe It's Not Butter product.

(Image credit ICBNB)

Happy Clipping,

Katie

February 20, 2012

CALLING ALL BLOG HOPPERS!


I just love SHARING great things I find! Whether it is a great deal, coupon, product, blog or business. On Tuesdays, I am inviting all my blog friends to link up and share your blog.


First, make sure you become one of my friends by following $aving and Sharing It. You can follow through GFC, G+, Twitter or Facebook.


We all love blog hops so we can gain new followers and learn of new blogs to follow. So don't just link up! Visit the other blogs and make new friends.


Make sure you post a comment below and share a little something about your blog.

Because I love to share, I am going to share a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donut with one of you. The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the day on Tuesday. I will announce the winner in the comments. The winner will receive an email and I will mail the gift card.


I am looking forward to sharing with you! Feel free to share this hop with your friends also.







Happy Hopping!

Katie

Zumba at home for FREE!

I have been wanting to try Zumba Class but don't want to spend the money if my body can't handle it.  After two knee surgeries, my knees just don't work the way they did 10 years ago.  Plus, I am so out of shape, I probably wouldn't last 15 minutes in a class.  So I did some searching and found a few Zumba videos I can do at home and if I need to stop for a moment, I can just hit the pause button.  Being out of shape and a newbie to Zumba, these videos are really good starters.  My 17 year old daughter does it with me and we hope to get my husband involved as well.  It's a lot of fun!  We are doing Lesson 1, Part 1 in the morning before we start our day and Part 2 & 3 in the evening.

I have to admit, I was about 5 minutes into it and my legs and feet started to ache and burn, but I kept on going.  It definitely got my heart pumping.  I am sure it burned a few calories, which is something I really need!

If you would like to do Zumba at home click on these links.  They are You Tube videos by Fitness Every Day.  Make the video full screen on your computer and Zumba away!

Lesson 1 Part 1 - Click here 

Lesson 1 Part 2 - Click here

Lesson 1 Part 3 - Click here


Add the links to your favorites so you can find them fast when you want to Zumba!

If you decide to Zumba at home also, please comment and let us know how you are doing with it!  I would love to hear from you!

Have fun!

Katie

February 19, 2012

Reward your kids and save a little money!

Chuck E. Cheese is a great way to reward your child. Help your kids develop in areas that are some of the most common challenges of parenting. Chuck E. Cheese offers a Rewards Calendar to help with cleaning room, homework, great behavior, reading, brushing teeth, good night's sleep and more. The calendar is for 2 weeks, you mark off the calendar as your child accomplishes their goals. Take the completed calendar to Chuck E. Cheese and your child will receive 10 free tokens. Before you go don't forget to visit their website to print off a coupon for more savings.

http://www.chuckecheese.com/promotions/rewards-calendars.php

Have fun!

Katie

SAVE $$ IN THE MEAT SECTION!


Shopping early in the morning can prove to be beneficial for finding great deals in the meat section.  I have save a lot of money purchasing packages of meat that were marked down that morning.  The meat is still good, but the date the store can sell it by may be the day you are buying it.  I have bought pork roasts, chicken and hamburg.  I immediately freeze it when I get home.  I have never had a package that was spoiled when I went to cooked.  When you buy it, make sure the color is still good.

My local market usually puts out the marked down meats around 9:30 - 10:00 am.   They place a SPECIAL tag on it and put it with the other meat.  Some times they put a SPECIAL tag on the meat, however, it is still the same price.  You have to watch for the new label which they put over the old label and then they put the SPECIAL tag on it.

Every store is different.  Ask the butcher if they mark down meat that is close to the sell by date and what time they put it out.  I know Sam's Club is another store that usually has really good deals on marked down meat first thing in the morning. 

If you are unsure about the types of dates listed on the package and what they mean, you can click here to learn more from the USDA.  Below I have listed some information I found on their site.

Types of Dates
    - A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.

    - A "Best if Used By (or Before)" date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

    - A "Use-By" date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.

    - "Closed or coded dates" are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.

    Spend a little more time in the meat section and make friends with the butcher.  It could save you more money at the register!

    If you have any other tips for shopping in the meat section, please post a comment and let us know.


    Happy shopping!

    Katie

    February 18, 2012

    Land O' Lakes Deli Cheese Coupons!

    Land O' Lakes is offering two (2) coupons for $1.00 OFF.



    Save $1.00 on 1 lb. of Land O' Lakes Deli Cheese.  Click here for coupon.



    Save $1.00 on 2 packages of Land O' Lakes Pre-Sliced Deli Cheese.  Click here for coupon.

    (Image credit Land O' Lakes)


    Happy Clipping,

    Katie

    February 17, 2012

    50% OFF Coupon at Dollar General



    Dollar General has a 50% OFF Coupon toward your purchase of ALL Home Decor, Housewares, Kitchen, Bed Pillows, Sheets & Rugs.  The coupon expires on February 19th, so don't hesitate!  Print your coupon now and go shopping this weekend.  Click here for the coupon.

    Happy Shopping,

    Katie

    Star Wars Episode I 3D Giveaway

    Duracell is hosting a Star Wars Episode I - 3D Giveaway.  Duracell is giving away Limited Edition AA 16-Packs, Star Wars: Episode I 3D Family Movie Packs, and Hasbro Collectible Force FX Lightsabers, and Star Wars Blu-ray Box Sets. Exclusive Duracell Star Wars battery packs are only available through this giveaway, which runs from February 1st through February 29th. 

    Daily Prize Pack (8 Winners Every Day)

    *One Star Wars: Episode I 3D Family Movie Pack (Four Tickets)
    *One Limited Edition Star Wars AA 16-Pack

    Grand Prize (One Winner Every Friday)

    *One Hasbro Collectible Force FX Lightsaber
    *One Star Wars: Episode I 3D Family Movie Pack (Four Tickets)
    *Three Limited Edition Star Wars AA 16-Packs
    *One Star Wars Blu-ray Box Set

    Click here to visit Duracell's Facebook page to enter the giveaway.

    Good Luck,

    Katie

    February 16, 2012

    It's good for your hair and legs too!

    My favorite shampoo and conditioner is Aussie Moist!  I have used it for years and it has helped put the moisture back into my hair after many years of perming.  The feel of the conditioner reminds me of a shaving cream I bought years ago from a home party show.  It was the best shaving cream I ever used.  I got a closer shave, it didn't irritate my skin and it made my legs really smooth. 

    Recently, I ran out of my normal shaving cream and remembered that the Aussie Moist conditioner felt like shaving cream and decided to try it.  Well, I thought I was using the shaving cream from years ago.  It made shaving much easier and the razor went over my legs much smoother.  It stayed on my legs and didn't rinse off immediately while I was shaving.  I told my 17 year old daughter about it and now she also uses it to shave and loves it.  I tried a different type of Aussie conditioner because I wasn't paying attention when I picked up the bottle and the Aussome Volume conditioner just didn't work as good as the Aussie Moist.  My legs weren't as slippery while shaving with the Aussome Volume.

    If you are an Aussie user try it!  I am sure you will stop buying a separate bottle of shaving cream.  If you aren't an Aussie user, you may want to start!  Using Aussie Moist I have less bottles in the shower and less items on my shopping list!


    (Image credit Aussie)


    Happy Shaving!

    Katie

    Save with Children's Advil coupons!

    Are you battling with sickness in your home this winter season? It's time to win the battle! Children's Advil is offering four (4) $1.00 OFF coupons on their website.


    $1.00 OFF Infants Advil

    $1.00 OFF Children's Advil Suspension

    $1.00 OFF Junior Strength Advil Chewables

    $1.00 OFF Junior Strength Advil Tablets

    Click here to get your coupons.

    (Image credit Advil)
    Happy Clipping,

    Katie

    February 15, 2012

    Purex UltraPacks Laundry Detergent Giveaway!



    A few weeks ago I had the opportunity as a Purex Insider to try the new Purex UltraPacks Laundry Detergent and write a review.  I really liked the little UltraPacks.  They were easy to use, no measuring and no mess.  With a 6 year old who is always playing on his knees, Purex UltraPacks did a great job cleaning his pants.  I would definitely recommend Purex UltraPacks and that is why I am excited about this giveaway.  I just received a few coupons from Purex for one FREE Purex UltraPacks detergent.  I have two (2) coupons to share with two (2) of my followers.  The winners will be announced on February 22, 2012.

    I am using Rafflecopter for this giveaway.  Rafflecopter is easy to use and a great way for me to monitor my giveaway.  If you have any questions regarding using Rafflecopter, please feel free to contact me.

    Feel free to share this giveaway with your family and friends. 

    Click the READ MORE button to enter the giveaway.

    Good luck!

    Katie


    Get your Quaker Oatmeal Squares sample!



    Get a FREE sample of Quaker Oatmeal Squares and share the offer with up to 10 of your friends.  Quaker Oatmeal Squares will help you fuel up to conquer the morning and take on the day.  Click here for your FREE sample.

    (Image credit Quaker)

    Happy Clipping,

    Katie

    February 13, 2012

    CALLING ALL BLOG HOPPERS!



    I just love SHARING great things I find! Whether it is a great deal, coupon, product, blog or business. On Tuesdays, I am inviting all my blog friends to link up and share your blog.

    First, make sure you become one of my friends by following $aving and Sharing It. You can follow through GFC, G+, Twitter or Facebook.

    We all love blog hops so we can gain new followers and learn of new blogs to follow. So don't just link up! Visit the other blogs and make new friends.

    Make sure you post a comment below and share a little something about your blog.

    Because I love to share, I am going to share a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donut with one of you. The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the day on Tuesday. I will announce the winner in the comments. The winner will receive an email and I will mail the gift card.

    I am looking forward to sharing with you! Feel free to share this hop with your friends also.






    Katie