Posts Tagged ‘grocery shopping’
Hello friends, the countdown to turkey day is on? Do you believe that I didn’t realize that Thanksgiving was this Thursday until just the other day. I kept thinking we had another week.
Anywho, here we are once again, a Sunday Stylin Roundup and in keeping with last week’s theme, today it’s Black N Bootie. I wore my booties with two different outfits both of which I love but of course the leopard prints are my favorites.
This vest was thrifted from Goodwill about 2 years ago, however, I’ve only worn it one other time. It is actually covering this Avon embroidered chambray shirt.
The black suede booties are Unlisted purchased a couple of years ago from The Shoe Dept in the Exton Mall. Necklace is from Jewelrymax.net and bangles from Rugged Wearhouse.
You know that these are my favorite pair of booties – who doesn’t love leopard?
In both outfits I am wearing closet staples, black slacks, skirt and turtleneck which personally are not my favorites but the weather called for it. I wore the leopard print scarf to break up all the black. This outfit actually received quite a few compliments from co-workers.
I am using my old camera which for some strange reason is not taking as good of pictures as it used to, oh well I guess I’ll start using the Coolpix L830, however, it uses 4-AA batteries and I hate when batteries start to drain. Next week, let me know if you notice a difference.
Enjoy the rest of the day and I hope you finished your grocery shopping…I haven’t even started mine yet!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends,
Fall doesn’t officially begin until 10:29 tonight, but over the weekend I got a jump start with some Autumn Activities. I finished clearing the pool deck, cleaned and removed the seat cushions, put away the patio umbrellas then pulled out my large Pumpkin floral arrangement. However, my most favorite Autumn activity begins in the kitchen, with baking and Crock Pot meal making.
Two weeks ago while shopping at Super G I noticed a large selection of Pumpkin Spice products so I decided to pick up a box of Cake and Muffin Mix and a pack of Pumpkin Spice Pudding. Personally we are more of a Sweet Potato Pie eating family but I keep hearing about Pumpkin Spice this and Pumpkin Spice that, so I decided to give it a try.
I made these cupcakes using only two ingredients, Pillsbury Perfectly Pumpkin Cake Mix and a can of Libby’s Pure Pumpkin. What’s the verdict? I am now a Pumpkin Spice lover. First of all I would never have imagined that you could make a cake or cupcakes using only two ingredients and have it be flavorful, I was also afraid that it would taste like pumpkin pulp.
The mix was a bit thicker, more of a muffin consistency which is why the tops are peaked so the next time I will only fill half the tin. Not only were these cupcakes moist and tasty, the added topping of Buttercream frosting and sugar sprinkles had me pouring a tall glass of cold milk – yum yum good!
My next Autumn baked dessert will be Cranberry Bread! “can ya smell what I’m cookin?” Oh, and I found these Pumpkin Spice Sweets Terra Vegetable Chips, they are nestled in my floral arrangement – and I am looking forward to trying them as well. So now that I’m hooked on Pumpkin Spice do you have any recommendations?
How do you mark the arrival of Autumn?
I linked up with the SITSGirls Back to Blogging Challenge, so go check out some other great Autumn posts.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.
My family knows that I am not a real baker, you know the type that uses fresh ingredients and everything is made from scratch, nope, that’s not me. If and when I do bake it’s usually from a pouch or a box, but that doesn’t mean it tastes like cardboard. My hubby can also make a mean boxed cake because he uses pudding and it’s oh la la good!
During a recent shopping trip to Food Lion I noticed a new line of cupcake mixes by Duncan Hines, they may not be new to the market but they were certainly new to me. I purchased a box of Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcake mix.
Using these ingredients and following the directions on the box, they actually were decadently delicious!
My only complaint was there wasn’t enough cream cheese frosting to cover all the cupcakes, either that or I put too much inside the cupcakes…I think it was the latter.
What is your favorite baked dessert?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
You’ve heard me say this before, “we eat so much chicken that I’m afraid one day we’ll wake up with feathers!” No seriously, I cook chicken or turkey at least 3 times a week and it’s not that we tire of it, it’s just I have to find new ways to make it differently. There are times when I am too tired to cook from scratch so I’m always looking for products that makes meal planning easier.
Betty Crocker, the maker of Hamburger and Tuna Helpers recently introduced Chicken Helpers and we loved it. After dicing up skinless *Chicken Breasts, I followed the directions on the box to make the Sweet and Sour Chicken. While the chicken cooked I boiled a pot of Jasmine Rice, dinner was done in less than an hour, tasted better than Chinese Takeout and there were no leftovers!
TIP: grab a few extra bags from the produce department to use as a shaker bag
Grocery store sales coupled with coupons from the Sunday paper and the Betty Crocker website is incentive enough for me to keep a few boxes of Chicken Helper in the pantry!
Have a fantabulous day!
* According to a recent report (see here), it’s more sanitary NOT to wash raw chicken as it spreads more bacteria, just cook it thoroughly.
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
This week’s Foodie Feature is a 4 ingredient but less than 40 minute meal. I was in 3 different grocery stores last week, Sunday at Safeway with hubby for the major shopping, then after work on Tuesday at ShopRite and again on Wednesday at Food Lion with my son who needed to get supplies for a BBQ on Friday.
In Shoprite I was looking for ingredients to make the Turkey Tacos and noticed the Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice, my men really like Jasmine Rice so I bought a pack to try. In Food Lion the Campbell’s Skillet Sauces were on sale and even though I didn’t have my coupons I got it to use with chicken I had in the frig.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice
- Campbell’s Skillet Sauce (Thai Green Curry)
- Vegetable or Olive Oil
Heat 1 Tbls oil then add 1 lb of chicken breast, slice or diced according to your preference
Cook until no longer pink, 10-12 minutes then add Campbell’s Skillet Sauce
Reduce heat, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes
Microwave Thai Jasmine Rice for 2 minutes
Spoon chicken over rice and serve
It’s a bit spicy but my men loved it and I was out of the kitchen quickly!
Have a fantabulous Friday!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
This week’s Foodie Feature is a 4 ingredient but less than 40 minute meal. I was in 3 different grocery stores last week, Sunday at Safeway with hubby for the major shopping, then after work on Tuesday at ShopRite and again on Wednesday at Food Lion with my son who needed to get supplies for a BBQ on Friday.
In Shoprite I was looking for ingredients to make the Turkey Tacos and noticed the Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice, my men really like Jasmine Rice so I bought a pack to try. In Food Lion the Campbell’s Skillet Sauces were on sale and even though I didn’t have my coupons I got it to use with chicken I had in the frig.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice
- Campbell’s Skillet Sauce (Thai Green Curry)
- Vegetable or Olive Oil
Heat 1 Tbls oil then add 1 lb of chicken breast, slice or diced according to your preference
Cook until no longer pink, 10-12 minutes then add Campbell’s Skillet Sauce
Reduce heat, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes
Microwave Thai Jasmine Rice for 2 minutes
Spoon chicken over rice and serve
It’s a bit spicy but my men loved it and I was out of the kitchen quickly!
Have a fantabulous Friday!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
Today is officially the first day of Summer 2013, and school has ended for both my husband and son so let the summer snacking begin! Small children aren’t the only ones who like to snack during the day, my guys are always in and out of the frig or looking in the pantry trying to find something to eat. During a recent grocery shopping trip to Giant/Super G, I found a few new snacks that I think will hold them over between meals.
Fruit is always a great snack and I like to have a variety on hand, grapes, cherries, bananas, apples or grapefruit. I recently began purchasing Mini Sweet Peppers from Sunset Grown which can be eaten raw, in a salad or stuffed with a soft cheese like Laughing Cow. Laughing Cow Lite Creamy Swiss is only 35 calories per wedge and are a great snack with the mini peppers or with a piece of fruit.
Sunset Gourmet Tomatoes are an easy grab-and-go snack and they also add variety to a salad.
Crackers another great snack and these Ritz Crackerfuls are available with Peanut Butter or Cheddar Cheese filled. There are 6 individually wrapped packs in each box, these are made with real peanut butter and 6g of whole grains which to me makes it a healthy snack.
Jello has made several changes over the years and not just to their standard flavors of Chocolate and Vanilla puddings. They have added new flavors with toppings like this Turtle Sundae, a more grown-up option. Unfortunately the packaging has also changed from 6 containers per package to 4, and these new flavors contain only 2.
Dole brand, a leader in fruit snacks have recently introduced Fruit Squish’ems! As you can see these Apple Strawberry fruit pouches aren’t just for tiny toddler’s hands, big teenager hands grab them too! Made from fresh apples in the USA they are only 60 calories each and also make a great grab and go snack.
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A new product by Hormel are these REV Snack Wraps which come in 8 varieties including Pepperoni, Ham & Cheese, Meat Lovers Pizza, Spicy Italian Style, Peppered Turkey, Italian Style Ham and Hot Pepper Ham. I tried one and felt it needed a little mayo or mustard and could have used a few seconds in the microwave to soften the flatbread.
When waiting for dinner is “just too long” these microwavable Hormel Compleats Cafe Creations fill the bill. With a variety to choose from including Chicken Chipotle Pasta and Creamy Chicken Carbonara, no one should have to “starve to death” waiting for dinner!
Last but not least are these new Lunchables Uploaded. I hadn’t purchased a Lunchables since my sons were were in Elementary School, but I had a $1.00 off coupon so I decided to give it a try. Included in this package are the ingredients to make a 6-inch sub; a few slices of Oscar Mayer Lean Turkey, and Kraft cheddar cheese, a packet of Kraft fat free mayo, a 6-inch sub bun, a 10 oz bottle of Spring Water, a Kool-Aid Tropical Punch Single pack, a Pringles Snack Stacks Potato Crisps and 2 Hershey’s Kisses, not bad for $2.50!
What kinds of snacks do you have in the house?
I’ll be on the lookout for more because these won’t last the week!
Linking up with Living Better Together – come on over and join in on the fun!
Have a fantastical day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
You know that during the week I don’t get home until after 6:00 p.m. so I’m always on the look out for ingredients to make dinner an easy-breezy meal. I shop on Sunday’s for fresh meats and veggies and using coupons I’ll purchase pantry items such as Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix. We don’t eat a lot of red meat and chicken and turkey can easily become boring so it helps to have something like this at the ready that is quick, easy and good.
Kraft Fresh Take Smokey Mesquite BBQ Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix
Chicken Tenders
Separate packet to mix cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs
Rinse chicken in cold water
Spray pan with cooking spray
Coat chicken with mixture, sprinkle extra on top
Bake in preheated oven at 375~ for 15-20 mins or until done
I chose to serve with BirdsEye Steamfresh Rice Blends
Dinner was ready in less than hour
Meal was served on my grandmother’s plate
Kraft Fresh Takes can also be used on fish and pork.
Disclosure Statement
I was not financially compensated for this post, the product was purchased with my own money. The opinions are 100% completely my own based upon my experience.
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Once upon a time not so long ago car shopping was a fun and exciting adventure, flipping through magazines, reading the classifieds, looking for the perfect car, with the perfect color for the perfectly affordable price. That was “BK”, “before kids”, now as a parent of 2 sons we are once again in the market for a car, not for me nor hubby but for #1 son.
We were very fortunate the first time when we found a 2002 Hyundai Elantra at a very affordable price but with very high mileage and now, “Miranda” is on her last legs. She is not going to make it much longer and it’s not worth putting any more money into having her serviced. She was dutiful in her position and served us well, she valiantly got the boys back and forth to High School with weekend jaunts to the mall and grocery store. Now the time has come to find a replacement and it is not a fun event. The sticker prices are a hard pill to swallow but we must keep in mind that good safety features and good insurance ratings are our number one priorities.
Hubby and I spend a few hours yesterday looking for vehicles that might fit the bill, first stopping at Carman Auto Group in New Castle. We didn’t see many but there was a 2012 Ford Fiesta, with mileage that wasn’t too high but was a bit out of our price range.
Our next stop was at Willis Chevrolet in Middletown. Willis is where I have my Hyundai Sonata serviced and customer satisfaction is their #1 priority so it wasn’t a surprise to find that they had a few vehicles that caught our attention.
A 2011 Ford Fiesta SES, mileage was a bit high for it’s age and a sticker price worth negotiating, the other vehicle was a 2009 Chevy Cobalt Sport, mileage and price more palatable.
Now comes the fun part…the research…checking State Farm Insurance, KBB, Carfax, Cars.com, AAA, Costco and any other website to compare prices, and safety features – this is no longer a fun event and I still have to get a hooptie for son #2 – do you know where I can get a 2fer!
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Hello friends, I hope you had a good weekend.
In your area you may have noticed that some businesses have added convenience features to attract new customers or to increase the satisfaction of their current ones. Food Lion recently installed an MVP Savings Center kiosk that prints out coupons specifically designed for their shoppers based upon previous purchases. Once you swipe your MVP Card or key in your telephone number the kiosk prints a personalized sheet of coupons that must be used the same day. Our last name was incorrectly spelled on the sheet but it didn’t matter because as a coupon clipper these added savings definitely helped with my grocery budget.
I was there to pick up a few items so I only used two coupons, $1.00 off Oreo Cookies and $1.00 off two packages of Oscar Mayer lunch meat both of which were on sale which was a double savings. The personalized savings sheet also included a $4.00 off /$45.00 spent coupon which would have come in handy had this been one of my weekly grocery shopping trips.
PNC Bank has also updated their ATMs, with the acceptance of cash deposits which is a plus for people with Home Based or Direct Sale businesses. There are times when an Avon customer pays in cash and I’d like to deposit the money instead of spending it, now I can. I’ve read that there are ATMs that will dispense coins, a feature for those who may not have a hefty account and needs just a little cash to get through the day or week.
Small changes that make a big difference is a win-win for everyone!
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You know that these are my favorite pair of booties – who doesn’t love leopard?
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