Thrifty Tips January 25th

This is just what I work on every week for the radio station I work at.  I post it on my blog and the station's blog.  If you ever want to listen in, you can go to www.radioshine.org and listen on Thursdays at 8:05 am for these tips.

WEBSITE

Have you been looking for a motivating place with diet plans, support, nutrition and fitness help.  An online community that is successful, helpful, and also free?  Take a moment and check out SparkPeople.com.  SparkPeople.com will help you develop a new lifestyle not just another way to lose weight by limits that are next to impossible to continue with.  You can join a whole community but also take advantage of expert advise.  The pounds are flying and SparkPeople.com.  All you need is internet access which you can get for free at the library.


LINK:  Sparkpeople.com

TIPS FOR REUSING COFFEE & GROUND AT HOME

Coffee Grounds.  Not only is coffee amazing when you drink a yummy hot cup in the morning or a frosty glass of iced coffee in the evening, but it has many ways that it can be reused as well.  Here are just a few things you can do with those old grounds.  If you do not have coffee grounds ask around.  Many restaurants or coffee shops will be happy to let you have theirs.  Just pop in and ask. 


1- Composting - Did you know that composting involves more than just dumping your scraps into a barrel?  Apparently you need the right balance of green materials to produce nitrogen and brown materials to produce carbon.  I honestly have no idea why you need both, but my friend you do, and coffee grounds are just one of the materials you can use in your composting pile that will produce carbon.  Kashi's website (yes the cereal granola bar people) has some fabulous composting tips.  It isn't too late to get started, and it is so much nicer than useless waste.  Check it all out here:  Kashi Composting Tips


2- Let the grounds dry and stuff into small paper bags, tie and put in places where odors abound.  You can also put some in old stockings and stuff into gym shoes especially if you don't have more than one pair to switch out of so you can get rid of the funk.  This is also great for taking odors out of the car.  Dried flavored coffee grounds will make the car smell exceptionally great.  Pop some into the refrigerator and freezer too.


3- Use to exfoliate your skin.  I have put used coffee grounds into an old jar or container and use them to exfoliate my hands and feet.  You can use it as a body scrub as well.  I have even found this as a way to boost a tan in the summer as it gets dry skin sloughed off but also adds a very light color.  Your skin will feel absolutely silky!  Guys, it can't hurt you to try this as well.


4- Several sites have recommended soaking the grounds in water overnight or longer and using the colored water as a wood stain. 


5- When planning to cook onion or fish, set aside some of your used coffee grounds to scrub your hands with to eliminate that fishy or onion odor.  Yes, lemons work as well, but then you have to waste a lemon.


6- Coffee grounds are a good fertilizer for acid loving plants like blueberries, carrots and melons.  Check with your local garden center to be sure that you are putting your grounds with the right plants (I have heard yes and no when it comes to tomatoes) as well as the ratios to follow.


7- Soak the coffee in water and use the liquid as a dye for material.


8- It has been said that you can sprinkle old coffee grounds in your garden to keep pests like ants, slugs and even cats away.  If you have dogs or puppies stay away from this as it can make them sick.


9- This is for leftover coffee though for me there is no such thing and I love iced coffee.  Still you can use leftover coffee as a meat tenderizer.


10- If you have dark hair, you can rub used coffee grounds into your hair to stimulate the scalp and add shine.  Lighter haired individuals should not try this as it can stain the hair.


11- I read about using the coffee grounds to dye Easter eggs for a natural look, but I was thinking you could pretty much take care of that by doing brown eggs.  Still, if you would like to try it, you would do the same staining process with soaking the grounds overnight in water.


12- If you have a fireplace, you might want to sprinkle used coffee grounds over the ashes before cleaning out the fireplace.  They will help minimize the dust that can be flying about.


13- Another way to use leftover coffee is to put equal parts of coffee and sugar in a pan and boiling it down into a syrup.  This may seem weird to some, but back in Rhode Island, coffee milk and coffee syrup was hugely popular.  In fact, I just may have to use some of my stored up iced coffee to make my own.


14- Speaking of iced coffee, brew a second pot of coffee using leftover coffee grounds and use the lighter coffee to make ice cubes to put in your iced coffee drinks.  They flavor will be less diluted this way as the ice melts.


15- Mix coffee grounds with your carrot and radish seeds when planting to help their crop grown and keep pests away.

FREE PHOTOS

Create a free Walmart Photo Center account and you will get 25 free 4 x 6 photos in your welcome email.  OOOH I didn't mention that these were one hour prints.  There are also other great reasons to join like free shipping to the store and photo storage too.  At the very least, how can you pass up 25 free prints?  I'm sure you have some pics you would like to print for free.


LINK:  Walmart Photo Center Account

FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Living The Country Life, I believe that this magazine subscription is quarterly.  I get it and it really has some great information for people who like gardening and things like that.  I have found some great tips in the issues that I have received in the past.  Because it is quarterly, do not expect it to arrive right away.  Sign up while supplies last.  I  just got the latest issue so I am not sure exactly when the next one will arrive.


LINK:  Living The Country Life


Got a new baby in the family or are you expecting?  Sign up for a free subscription to Baby Talk magazine. 


LINK:  Baby Talk Magazine


Another fabulous subscription for those with  new babies or babies on the way is American Baby.


LINK:  American Baby Magazine

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

FreeCCM is offering free downloads this week from Building 429, Skillet, Todd Agnew (Christmas), Phillips, Craig & Dean (Christmas), 33Miles (Christmas), Stellar Kart and Decyfer Down.


LINK:  FreeCCM Music Downloads


New Release Tuesday has free song downloads too including "Come to Me" by Bethel Music from their album "The Loft Sessions," "At Your Name" by Worship Central from their album "Spirit Breakout,"  "Even Here" by Rachel Chan from her debut album "Go" and "Take Me Home" by Hollywood Holly from his album "When Super Meets Natural."


LINK:  New Release Tuesday Free Music Downloads


Sign up for Hear It First and you can get a free song download every week emailed to you as well as lots of Christian music news, videos, and deals.  I do want to let you know that they will email you with deals and new release news.  You wont get a bunch of junk mail, but you may get more than one email a week.  I like them very much though.


LINK:  Hear It First

GROCERY DEALS

FRY'S

Entire Selection of Fresh Pork 50% Off
New York Strip Steak USDA Choice, Bone-In, Beef Loin Family Packs $4.67 lb (limit 2)
Red Seedless Grapes 88 cents lb
Fry's Milk Whole Vitamin D, 2%, 1% Lowfat, or Nonfat Gallon sizes $1.57 (limit 2)
Doritos 11-11.5 oz $1.99
Dole Premium Classic Salad Select Varieties $1.00 each
Anjou or Bosc Pears 99 cents lb
Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Bananas 57 cents lb

-GAMEDAY GREATS BUY 10 SAVE $5 (all the prices reflect the $5 off when 10 are purchased)

Mission Soft Taco  Tortillas $1.9

Lay's Potato or Kettle cooked Chips 8.5 to 10.5 oz $1.88

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16-26 oz Select Varieties 99 cents

Marie Callender's Entree Select Varieties 8.5-19 oz $1.88

Healthy Choice Entrees Select Varieties $1.88

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties8 oz $1.29

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese 15 oz or Velveeta Shells & Cheese 10-14 oz $1.49

Welches Essentials or Light Grape Juice 64 oz $1.99

Hebrew National Beef Franks Select Varieties 11-12 oz $2.99 each

Advil Pain Reliever Select Varieties 20-24 ct $3.34

Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel Select Varieties 7 oz $1.49

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Beverage Select Varieties Half Gallon $1.99

SAFEWAY

Whole Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Bone-in, Sold in the bag $1.29 lb
Swai Fillets Farm raised, previously frozen $2.99 lb
Imported Red Seedless Grapes 99 cents lb
Russet Potatoes 49 cents lb
Safeway Apple Juice 64 oz $1.99

Barilla Pasta 12 to 16 oz 10/$10
4 lb Bag Safeway Oranges $2.00
Sweet Navel Oranges 99 cents lb

FRIDAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY

Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji or Granny Smith Apples 99 cents lb

Ken's Salad Dressing 16 oz Select Varieties 2/$3

Deli Counter Meat or Cheese - Turkey, Ham or American $4.99 lb

ALBERTSONS

Petite Sirloin Steak boneless $8.49 lb 1/2 free
Assorted Pork Loin Chops Bone-in Family Pack $1.88 lb
Pork Rib Racks Bone-in $1.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops $1.99 lb
Coke 12 pk Select Varieties Sale Price 4/$13 with $25 purchase 4/$10
Michelina's Entrees 4.5 to 9.5 oz 10/$10
Purple Eggplant 77 cents each
Large Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Red, Green or Romaine Leaf Lettuce 99 cents each
Banquet Value Meals 4.66 oz - 10.25 oz 10/$10

Day One & Two - Getting Up Early For My Time With God

DAY ONE

I have to say that I really, really, really had a horrendous night's sleep.  It was so bad that I asked God to please give me the stamina to get up in the morning to begin  my reading.  No joke, I probably tossed and turned the entire time I was in bed.  I slept fitfully at best.  When the clock went off at 5:00 am, I was soooo very very nervous, and I desperately wanted to slip right back into my old pattern of listening to see if my son got up and got into the shower (I listen for the door and for the shower to turn on) and get one more half an hour of sleep.  But I made a promise to God to get up at 5:00 am every day this week so I could spend time reading and studying His word and of course time in prayer.  


I slipped out of the bed, made my way into the kitchen and bleary eyed...set up the coffee maker.  As the coffee began to brew, I opened my Bible by following the marker.  Oh boy.  1 Chronicles!  This just might be one of the most sleep inducing books in the Bible!  That isn't fair.  It is just full of so much lineage and stuff that I find it hard to move through more than a chapter at a time.  I made my promise though, and God so far had more than met me half way.  I read the first chapter.  After it was completed I asked God if it would be okay to read a chapter and then watch Joyce Meyer.  I get a lot out of watching her conferences and I would love, love, love to go to one, but unfortunately they  never seem to fit into my schedule...but I digress.


It didn't seem as if God objected.  I didn't feel guilty about my request.  I didn't feel like I was trying to get out of anything.  I looked up the DVR recordings and pressed play.  It was amazing.  It was as if God was saying "You have made the right decision."  The program was all about how to start your day, and the importance of spending your morning with God.  Talk about confirmation.


I have to say that my day went well.  My work day went well.  I felt in good spirits.  I had a great work out at the gym.  I also felt good all day.  I wasn't tired!  God hooked this lady up!!!!

DAY TWO

I forgot to mention that after I took my son to the bus stop, I was able to read more of the Bible.  My day started the same as yesterday.  I pushed myself out of bed and made my way into the kitchen, prepped my coffee and began to read. All in all, I handled the morning the same way.  I read up to chapter 6 including commentary sections and watched Joyce Meyer as she continued on the program about starting your day with God.  I really felt as if I was making headway and felt really good.


I almost, actually more than almost, felt like getting up even earlier so I could spend more time.  I may do that tomorrow.  I will get up a little earlier tomorrow, but probably not on Thursday.  Wednesday evenings I am up late doing show prep, so I really can't count on a decent night's sleep.  I am going to try to really work it hard core so I can complete all the prep by our usual bedtime. 


I had a few set backs and a few good things today.  I felt in a great mood and was humming and praying most of the day.  I had a small set back at work, but nothing major.  I guess my mind still will desperately try to play games with me.  My mind, satan, whatever it was...I was a bit of a mess as I headed out to the gym after work.  I recalled the program that I watched this morning though.  One of the things I remembered was Joyce talking about angels hearkening to God's word.  And talking about good things for yourself rather than negative.  


I spoke and spoke and spoke all the positive things that I could think of over myself.  I cried.  I didn't bawl, but speaking those things to myself was good yet they made me cry.  I think I was realizing that I could claim God's love for me and that God has created me for a purpose, but at the same time, I have felt so down for so long that I couldn't handle the positive without high emotion. 


At the gym, I worked out with abandon.  It felt good.  At home I felt good too.  My son and I watched his favorite show together, and then I slipped into a mini sleepy jag.  I woke up sad and depressed.  I felt blue and I really had no reason why.  I did everything I could think of doing and pulled myself out of a funk earlier, but this time I couldn't do it.  I felt so bad and I don't know why.  


I pulled out of it, but it was a weird moment in an equally weird day.  I had definite ups but some downs too.  I wonder how things will go tomorrow.  


All in all, I am very happy to have followed my promise.  I know that God is working in my life which probably explains why things have gotten a little hard for me so soon.  It is still a victory though, because I could have been blue a lot earlier and fallen into the funk a lot harder.  I did not.  I got through it the first time and kind of zombied it the second.  God is good, and He loves me!  :)

Menu Plan Monday January 23 to 29

I was very happy to stick with last week's Menu Plan Monday.  I am quite late on jumping on the bandwagon today, but I'll be darned if I am going to stop now!  I will get through this year!


Monday
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Stew (I made changes in that I used my own chicken stock rather than bouillon and seasoned salt instead of celery or garlic salt.Spring Mix Salad with mushrooms, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, cranberries and candied pecans (chopped).


Tuesday
Homemade pizzas - One pepperoni and one heavy veggies with light pepperoni and homemade crust recipe.


Wednesday
Beef Tostadas


Thursday
Spaghetti with meat sauce


Friday
Chicken enchiladas


Saturday
Spring Mix Salad with left over pizza


Sunday
Pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn


Not lots of recipes, but I have made fabulous granola bars this week that we have been using for quick breakfasts and snacks. I added dried cranberries, apple sauce, dark chocolate chips and flax seed.  VERY easy and VERY yummy!


Big thanks to Laura from I'm An Organizing Junkie for helping us all live life a little easier.  :)

Dreaming

I have been thinking about goals and dreams.  Do you ever feel like although you are happy with your life the way it is, you wouldn't mind a few changes?  It isn't like I am not appreciative of what I have, but I guess I am a little dreamer.  One of my dreams is to live in Carmel.  Of course Carmel is in no way inexpensive so for that dream to be a reality will take a huge act of God.  Still...if there were a way, I would definitely be there. 


I went there on my honeymoon in 2007, and I absolutely fell in love with the place.  Really it just has the appeal to me that so many towns like it do.  It is kind of a small town thing.  I loved the views, the greenery, and of course many of the sweet looking cottages I saw.  I looked at these amazing homes and just wondered to myself what it would be like to live in a place like that.  Imaging waking up to the sound of the surf and the site of the cliffs...magical.  


My husband and I are going back soon.  For some reason this made me totally look at the homes there and in Pacific Grove.  I daydreamed quite a bit about waking up in one of these sweet cottages.  A simple two bed and two bath would be fine with me...though I would appreciate also a yard (front and back) so I could garden. 


I don't feel it is wrong to dream these things...I just wish I could figure out that whole way to make them happen short of winning the lottery of course.  When I come back from my honeymoon.  I'll post some pictures.  


Now speaking of goals.  I have been reading about ways to help you change habits and be successful in endeavors to change.  One of the things I have really wanted to do is spend more time in the  Word.  I have been trying to figure out a way to make this more of a reality.  It is killing me.  I don't want to do it, but I seriously think that getting up earlier is probably going to be my only way to go.  I don't mind getting up early.  I just hate not sleeping.  How sad am I? 


So do I do it?  Do I get up a half an hour earlier so I can spend that time reading my Bible?  Part of me wants to do it, but part of me desperately wants to sleep more.  So here's my plan.  For the n ext week starting tomorrow, I am going to get up one half hour earlier and read my Bible.  I am going to just tell me flesh to shut up and do it.  I am also going to pray for God's help in this.  My flesh is weak, weak, weak.  


Where did this post start?  No idea.  Off to finish watching American Idol.

Getting It In Under The Wire

I am squeezing this post in because I realize that OOOPS, I haven't posted today.  It wasn't that I was terribly busy, but well, I was busy.  Just not terribly. More like with terrible projects like laundry, cleaning the cat litter box, going through three piles of papers that were at least 8 inches tall, and of course cooking, cooking, cooking.  These projects aren't even terrible.  I just wasn't in the mood to do them.  Oh!  I didn't even mention that I also went to the grocery store.  What can I say?  I hate leaving the house on weekends unless I am doing something fun.

But...I am proud of myself today.  I am proud that even though I didn't want to, I completed a few chores that needed to be done.  The 2011 me would have found a way to stay in and do the store thing later.

OOOOH I am also proud that it is January 21st and I still have not used my credit card this month!  Wooo Hooo!

Seattle's Best Coffee Review - Level 3

I love free samples.  I love the opportunity to try something new and perhaps add a new item to my loves!  When it comes to coffee, I am always ready to give a new brand a shot.  A while back I got a free sample of Seatle's Best Coffee in Level 3.  I honestly wanted to rip into it immediately, but my husband convinced me to wait for a Friday evening.  Why?  Because he is an old man (actually younger than me) and coffee keeps him up at night.  Me?  I can drink coffee and still sleep like a baby.  I believe that is because of the extensive training I received from many late night coffee walks in my college days where my best friend and I would drink cup after cup of coffee while walking and talking through her neighborhood.  But...I digress.  I do that.  Let's get on to my review.


Seattle's Best Coffee has a new level system that makes it easy to pick the level that is right for you.  You can head to the Seattle's Best Coffee website and read all about each one and be sure that you are going to be pleased.  It couldn't be easier.  I had chosen Level 3 which is described as "Balanced, smooth , full flavored."  The description definitely seemed to suit me, but the test was in the brewing.


First of all, even though I said the test was in the brewing...it is a lot more than that my friends.  What happens when you open the bag of coffee.  Does the aroma make you smile?  Does it smell so good you can't wait to try it?  Does it smell so good you can taste it?  I'm serious.  This coffee smelled good.  It had a strong aroma, but not a STRONG aroma.  It was nutty and rich scented.  Once brewed, my husband took notice.  He grabbed a cup quickly, prepped it up and said "This is good coffee, baby."  I hadn't even had mine yet, the rat!  My own fault of course as I was finishing up some homemade iced coffee (ever since we got a new fridge with a crushed ice mode...I have rediscovered my iced coffee addition ---oops again I digress).  That was all the spurring on I needed.  


The taste...rich but not overly so.  Bold in a cheeky way.  In other words, it didn't slap me in the face, but its smooth nuttiness made just the right impression.  I am in definite like!  My husband tried it with a flavored creamer next and said that the creamer didn't overpower the flavor of the coffee like it can with others.  I don't do soy so I couldn't go in that direction, but I made myself a mocha next by adding a little chocolate syrup, and the flavor balance was fabulous.


Overall opinion - Lovin't it!  I already am a fan of the yummy lattes in a can, and now I can say that I will be picking up some of the bagged coffees as well.  I am really tempted to grab myself a Level 5 which is described as "Bold, dark, intense."  It also has a stunning purple package.  This I like as well.  It is nice that you can find what you like and not grab something else because you mistook the packaging.  By they way...Level 3 was a beautiful brilliant red.  


You can pick up Seattle's Best Coffees at grocery stores, Walmarts, CVS and even get it brewed at Subway and Burger King.  I of course prefer to brew my own.  Follow this link to their website if you'd like to learn more.  :)

Recipes Links From Burgers to Desserts

Am I the only person who goes on a diet and suddenly feels compelled to watch EVERY food show they can find? I have become addicted to Cupcake Wars, Cake Wars, and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as Kid In A Candy Store. I need help. I guess it is better to watch these shows than to actually eat myself into oblivion.


I think one of the things I really like about Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is the travel. The food too of course. I would LOVE going to different lil eateries all over this country. It is something I kind of picked up from my parents and the various cross country trips we took when I was a child.


Here are a few treats that I am surely going to make.


Original Lauer Kraut Burgers - After watching the fabulous little diner produce these beauties, I was convinced that I must try this recipe out. And in several weeks, I shall. This recipe came from Lauer-Krauts, Brighton, CO. If I ever get to Brighton, I am begging the husband to stop here.


Foolish Guacamole - We have several sports faves around here, and there is nothing like a good snack while watching football, Nascar, or MMA. One of my favorites to make is guacamole. I fell in love with avocados in my teens and guacamole quickly after. I thought BINGO when I watched Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and they showed this amazing guacamole recipe called Foolish Guacamole at Foolish Craig's Cafe in Boulder, CO. Seriously it looks like there are some amazing places to nosh in Colorado!




And now onto the blogging world:


I am continually looking for recipes that can incorporate foods that I have on hand (especially overripe items like bananas).  When I saw Dina's recipe for Healthy Banana Muffins at her blog Just Another New Blog, I was super excited.  First there is a normal option of which would be yummy and a must try.  And in bold, Dina shows the substitutes that she uses to make an even healthier option.  Follow this link and prepare to be delighted!


Healthy Banana Muffins at Just Another New Blog




Norwegian Chocolate Pizza - You never know where you are going to find an enticing recipe. I was perusing Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews when I saw the most tasty looking chocolate treat. It looks addicting and possibly entirely too indulgent, but once in awhile that is what a person needs. Sharon shared Joanne Fluke's Lake Eden Cookbook which is a compilation of yummy recipes found in author Joanne Flukes Hannah Swensen series of cozy mysteries. Check out Sharon's blog today. There are a lot of delightful reviews.


Dark Chocolate Florentine Cookies - These sound good, but click on the link and look at them, and you will agree that they also look amazing. I love anything that utilizes dark chocolate. These look like the perfect cookie gift, and I am really thinking of gifting some friends with cookies on Valentine's day. This recipe from Caramel Potatoes couldn't have been posted at a better time. :)

Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze - This yummy looking treat comes from Heather's Dish. I love pumpkin and of course coffee cake.


Chocolate Covered Pretzel Pie - Sometimes you open up an email and go "What?" This is what happened to me when I opened my email subscription to Tidy Mom which is Cheryl's wonderful blog. Cheryl, the Tidy Mom who posted a wonderful picture of the most amazing looking chocolatey creamy pie with pretzels! I love a salty-sweet combo of chocolate dipped pretzels, and I imagine I will be just as overtaken by this yummy looking pie. Intesested? You simply HAVE to check out the recipe at Cheryl's blog.

Pumpkin Praline Trifle - I believe I have mentioned that I adore trifle. It is seriously a dessert that I dream of. I have picked up some extra cans of pumpkin, and I truly think this will be on my must-make list for perhaps my husband's birthday. This divine recipe is located at Baker's Royale.