December 31, 2015
Nic & Sid’s Top Ten Moments of 2015
10. Royals win the World Series. Free Crunchwraps for all!
9. Growing Black Krim Tomatoes
I planted several new varieties of tomatoes this year. Black Krim (second from the left) are the best!
8. Getting Sprayed in the Face By a Tiger
One word: GROSS!
7. Family Reunion in Wisconsin
It had been 9 years. Love Aunt Dar’s Famous Taco Salad!
6. Bountiful Lemon Harvest
My lemon tree finally produced! Loved having lemon meringue pie for Thanksgiving!
5. The “Queen’s Visit” to Texas
My aunt from Wisconsin visited this spring. I have never cleaned so much for anyone’s arrival–I felt like I was preparing for the Queen. Snapdragons were planted in her honor.
4. Discovering the Recipe for Super Scrummy Milk
It’s amazing! Makes awesome Quick Iced Coffee.
3. 40th Hurrah With the Girls
Gotta love the sights in Austin!
2. Austin City Limits Music Festival
Went to ACL for the first time with Bret, Jason, & Pete.
1. Blogging With My Boy
Cheers to 2016!
Deals of the Day:
FREE Northern Delights Inuit Herbal Tea Samples
Click the above link, and fill out the form to receive 2 FREE tea bag samples of Northern Delights Inuit herbal tea.
2016 National Parks FREE Entrance Days
January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
April 16-24: National Park Week
August 25-28: National Park Service Birthday
September 24: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
$1.31 Scoops at Baskin-Robbins
Today Only: $1.31 scoops at Baskin-Robbins on the 31st.
Orbit or Eclipse Gum 14 or 18 ct
Sale Price at Walgreens $.69 (per mysavings.com)
Save $.50 on any 1 Orbit or Eclipse single serve pack manufacturer’s coupon (-$.50)
=$.19
*Price and promotion may vary by location. Sale price good through 1/2/16. Coupon available on coupons.com.
Sale price at CVS $1.00
Buy two $2.00
Save $1.oo off 2 coupon (-$1.00)
=$1.00/2 or $.50 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. CVS sale price good through 1/2/16. Coupon available on www.lindsayolives.com. Simply join their club. Some Dollar Trees also carry Lindsay olives.
December 30, 2015
Only two more days until I’m supposed to lose weight, clean and get organized. Until then, it’s time to plan our New Year’s Eve snacks. I think toasting in the New Year with a glass of Fruit Slush Punch is a grand idea. This punch is positively refreshing and delicious. You can find the recipe on the new Celebrate! page of the main Recipes section. Give it a try. Cheers!
Deals of the Day:
The Voice of the Martyrs is offering a complimentary copy of one of their bestselling books, Hearts of Fire. Click the above link to request your copy. By submitting your request, you will also receive a complimentary subscription to their monthly newsletter. Offer limited to 1 FREE copy per household.
FREE New Year’s Coloring Pages
Click the above link to print FREE New Year’s themed coloring pages from Crayola.
York Photo Custom Notepad Only $1.49
Save 83% on a custom notepad from York Photo. Shipping starts at $2.99. Use code: NOTEPADS. Offer valid for new customers only and expires 1/18/16. Limit one.
Plan Ahead to Save: This could make a very personal and nice Mother’s Day gift or birthday present.
Hy-Vee Chili Style or Kidney Beans
Get Hy-Vee brand chili style or kidney beans 2/$.88 this week at Hy-Vee. See your local Hy-Vee ad for details. Price and promotion may vary by location.
Save an Additional 20% on Clearance Apparel & Accessories at Target
Use Cartwheel offer in-store and promo code EXTRA20 online.
Spend $30 on Select P&G Products, Get $10 Coupon at HEB
Receive a $10 coupon for your next shopping trip at HEB when you spend $30 on select P&G products in one trip on any day from 12/26/15 – 1/12/16. Coupon will print at checkout and is valid 1/13/16 – 1/26/16. See this week’s ad for more information.
Hot Coupons!
Barilla Better-For-You Pasta
Save $1.10 on 3 boxes of gluten free, proteinPLUS, whole grain, veggie or white fiber pasta. Coupon available on coupons.com and target.com. Target.com indicates starting prices of $1.20 a box.
OxiClean Stain Fighter
Save $2.16 on any 1 OxiClean stain fighter. Coupon available on coupons.com and target.com.
Spend $25, Save $5 on Storage & Organization Items at Target
Use promo code STORAGE online or text STORAGE to 827438 for a mobile coupon.
$15 Off Select Household Brands Purchase of $50 at Target
Offer good in-store or online. Use promo code CLEAN online or text CLEAN to 827438 for a coupon sent to your smartphone.
December 29, 2015
“The Christmas Trombone”
Little Philip always wanted to play the trumpet, but it was determined that he was better suited for the baritone. So, that’s what he did. Yet as the years passed by, he never lost the desire to learn how to play the trumpet. Now, over 50 years later, his basement is full of trumpets, a frumpet, an F horn…and even a trombone. In his retirement, Phil has found great enjoyment buying old horns on ebay, cleaning them up, and then selling them or keeping the ones he really likes. While he still has his old baritone, Dad always plays his favorite trumpet.
Dad knew I was curious about trying out the trombone. We talked about it over Thanksgiving but quickly forgot about it. While I was there for Christmas, Dad remembered and encouraged me to give it a shot. Now, I am not a brass musician. I spent my high school band days in the woodwind section playing clarinet. But it was fun to try something completely new and different.
Dad’s Christmas wish this year was that my brothers and nephew would play trumpets with him at the Christmas Eve church service. So as they would rehearse in the basement, I would “play” along in the background on my trombone. I was told I needed to be in the “tenor” section–ten or 15 miles away…
So after two days of playing the trombone, it was Christmas Eve. Much to my nephew’s horror, I packed up my trombone to take to the candlelight service. Of course they banished me to the “trombone section.” There I sat, alone, in the pew behind them. Mom wouldn’t even sit with me. I was sure to extend the trombone slide right beside my nephew’s head as they warmed up before the service. It was then that I was moved two pews back–with a little extra effort on my part, the slide could still reach my nephew. Much to his relief, I never uttered a note out of the horn.
There the trombone sits a row behind, and my hand rests on the pew from two rows back after my further banishment.
On Christmas Day, we found ourselves with another gig–playing Christmas carols for the 94-year-old neighbor lady. I now had three days of playing under my belt only to be reduced to playing the part of a music stand.
Bret, in particular, enjoyed my participation in the group rehearsals. He said I made them a brass ensemble not just a trumpet quartet.
Much to Sid’s relief, Dad did not let me take the trombone home.
Deals of the Day:
Get $.50 grilled cheese sandwiches at Sonic all day December 30. Limit 5. Mention offer when ordering.
FREE Kids Workshops at Home Depot
January 2, 2016: Kung Foo Panda 3 Spinning Box
February 6, 2016: Valentines Mailbox
Freebie Saturday at Kmart
Kids 12 and under can get FREE popcorn this Saturday, January 2, at Kmart. Limit 1. Offer good while supplies last.
NOTE: Now is a great time to buy next year’s Christmas cards, gift wrapping ribbon to make homemade bows, holiday cupcake liners for your Peanut Butter Cookie Truffles, etc. Some Christmas candy like Snickers & Reeses Peanut Butter Cups can be frozen until you’re ready to make a Fabulous Frozen Snickers (or Reeses) Dessert or Sweet & Tart Apple Snickers Salad.
December 28, 2015
(Due to technical issues, this post’s publication was delayed.)
It feels wonderful to be curled up on the couch in my big furry pajamas with Sid by my side. I’m exhausted on this chilly night. As it was an adventure getting here, I am so glad to finally be home. My brother, nephew, and I left Missouri yesterday morning not knowing what we were going to find back in Rowlett, TX. Hour after hour we drove through heavy rain. Southern Missouri and eastern Oklahoma were experiencing flooding. We came to a stop around Carthage, MO, as water had started to cover the roadway and slowed traffic. Fortunately, my brother’s house and my car back in Rowlett were unscathed by the horrific tornado that touched down not too far away. The last leg of my trip today was much less eventful. I did see flooding between the Dallas area and Waco, and there was a strong wind the entire way. The highlight for me was around Hillsboro where big fluffy snowflakes came down for a short time. It was 40 degrees so they melted instantly, but it was a lovely surprising sight. I couldn’t help but smile.
Sid
and I are so happy to be back together.
Upon arriving home, I found evidence that he had been busy while I was gone. He always makes me laugh. My younger brother gave him a catnip cigar for Christmas. Such a perfectly clever gift for such a one of a kind cat. My brother was full of hilarious gifts this year. I never knew I always needed a pair of green and blue striped toeless grippy socks, but I 
definitely did!
Sid and I had a creative gift of our own for him–Soap Sud Laundry Detergent. He loved the packaging and seems pleased with how it works. My poor nephew had to open bags of empty soda cans, rubber duckies, an in-ground post holder, empty 2-liter bottles, etc. His gift was the product of the Thanksgiving brain trust. My parents, 
younger brother, and I worked together to build him a target stand which we hid in the shed. We mostly used “treasures” found around the house. (This gift really is the epitome of the Tank Top and Tennis Shoe Girl way.) Dad found little rubber duckies and an old xylophone online, and my brother engineered spinners using old can lids. And would you believe my nephew even noted how thoughtful it was? That’s high praise from a 16 year old!
We exchanged silly gifts, creative gifts, and really nice gifts. Yet, the greatest gift was our time together, and I think the Rowlett tornado serves as a vivid reminder of that. Everything can be gone in an instant.
Deals of the Day:
Get a burger (or chicken strips), fries, drink, and a sundae for $5.00 at Dairy Queen. Upgrade your sundae to a small Blizzard for $1.00. Offer not available in Texas. It is available at participating Dairy Queens in Missouri as well as other locations.
FREE Jr. Frosty With Every Purchase at Wendy’s in 2016
Purchase a Frosty Key Tag for $1.00 at Wendy’s, and get a FREE Jr. Frosty with every purchase throughout 2016. 90 cents of that dollar will go directly to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
Click the above link and fill out the form to receive your FREE sample of Hyson Tea. Offer good while supplies last. By submitting your request, you are agreeing to receive their newsletter.
December 25, 2015
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I hope everyone has had a joyous holiday
shared with those you love. I don’t know about you, but my belly is full!!! Christmas dinner was amazing! A very special part of our family feast was my aunt Dar’s Christmas Salad. Mom and I worked on that this morning. Proud of our creation, we decided to take a selfie together with the salad. As I was trying to get the camera angled just right, 
Mom was holding the salad tipping it forward for a better view. I guess I took too long because, plop, the salad slopped onto the floor. Oops… Fortunately, the bulk of the salad was saved thanks to Mom’s quick reflexes, and it was delicious!
Dad carved the turkey, and my nephew devoured both legs. The onions for the stuffing
were chopped into large chunks as an homage to my late Grandpa Schmidt, as that’s the way he liked his stuffing. Mom’s pecan pie, made using pecans from my brother’s pecan trees, topped off our delectable feast. The entire meal was such an incredible treat. Thanks, Mom!
And thank you, Aunt Dar. I emailed her this morning asking permission to share her Christmas Salad recipe. You can find a detailed tutorial on how to make Dar’s Christmas Salad on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section. It has even been reviewed!
Merry, Merry Christmas to all of you!
Deal of the Day:
FREE Christmas Joy
Luke 2: 1-20
December 24, 2015
I have never been invited to join my mom and younger brother for their annual “Cup of Christmas Tea.” Even if I was there, I was never included. It was their special tradition. So you can imagine how I felt to receive this text a few days ago while I was out running errands with my dad: “Who might be missing a cup
of Christmas tea?”
They let him join??? Knife to the heart.
Three years ago, Dad and I started our own Christmas beverage tradition. Dad had gone to Germany earlier in the year and was inspired to create his version of Chocolate Mit Rum. When you have chocolate, rum, and whipped cream, who needs a stinkin’ cup of tea?! You can find Dad’s recipe for Chocolate Mit Rum on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section. Yum-o!
Deals of the Day:
Use the FREE Norad Santa Tracker to follow good ol’ St. Nick as he delivers his Christmas presents around the world today. Simply click the above link to see where Santa is right now!
FREE Christmas Coloring Pages from Crayola
Click the above link to print Crayola’s FREE Christmas coloring pages. What a great way to entertain your excited little kids today.
Buy One Get One FREE M&M’s
Buy any 1 M&M’s brand chocolate candies (1.14-3.27 oz), get 1 M&M’s brand Crispy chocolate FREE. Manufacturer’s coupon available on coupons.com.
French’s Classic Yellow Mustard
Price at Walmart $1.56 (per mysavings.com)
Save $1.00 off any 1 French’s yellow mustard 14 oz manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$.56
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com.
$5 Bonus Card from Sports Authority
Buy a gift card for $25 or more from Sports Authority, and receive a $5 bonus card for you.
$25 Off $25 Coupon at JCPenney
Spend $100 or more on JCPenney E-Gift Cards and get a $25 off $25 coupon. Redeem 12/26-1/30. Some restrictions and exclusions apply.
Get a $15 eGift card on your $50 purchase at Petco. Enter promo code: holiday15 at checkout. Offer valid online only. Some exclusions apply.
Get a FREE $5 eGift card for every $25 eGift card you purchase. Offer valid online only. Some exclusions apply. Offer valid through 12/25/15.
Buy 3, Get 2 FREE LINDOR 75-pc Bags
Buy 3 LINDOR Truffles 75-pc bags at Lindt Chocolate Shops and Lindt.com, and get 2 additional bags free (save 40%). To redeem online, just add a total of 5 bags to the shopping cart – the last 2 will be FREE at checkout. In my humble opinion, Lindt is the absolute best chocolate in the world. Now’s a good time to stock up–before your New Year’s resolutions.
December 23, 2015
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear we’re going to have a white Christmas this year. That means no snowball fights, sledding or games of Fox and Geese. While we might not be able to enjoy outdoor winter fun this week, we can still create a festive winter wonderland inside starting with a Jolly Ol’ Snowman Cheeseball. This tasty character makes a fun and impressive centerpiece for your holiday snack buffet. And with the amazing deals on cream cheese and shredded cheese at Hy-Vee this week, it’s the perfect time to build a snowman. Check out my step by step instructions for the Jolly Ol’ Snowman Cheeseball on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section.
Deal of the Day:
FREE Sample of Green Mountain Coffee Organic K-Cup Pods
Click on the above link to fill out a form to receive your FREE K-Cup pods compliments of Walmart.
December 22, 2015
Sid and I have finally come to an agreement on the annual Christmas picture. Funny how the photos where he looks amazing, I look horrible, and the ones that I look good in are terrible of him. So, alas, we compromise on one where we both look ok. Now with Pinky, any picture that we’re both in is deemed a success. So here it is without further delay, our official Christmas greeting:
Merry Christmas! Nichole, Sid & Pinky
Deals of the Day:
$.79 Jr. Deluxe Cheeseburgers at Sonic
Get $.79 Jr. Deluxe Cheeseburgers at Sonic all day December 23. Limit 5. Mention the promotion when ordering.
FREE Gevalia Iced Coffee
Price at Dollar Tree $1.00
Save $1.00 on any 1 Gevalia coffee product manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=FREE
*Manufacturer’s coupon available on coupons.com. Availability of product will vary by location.
Pepsi & Mountain Dew 2-Liters
Price at Target 5/$5.00
Buy five $5.00
Save 20% off Pepsi & Mtn Dew 2-liter bottles Cartwheel offer (-.80)
=$4.20/5 or $.84 each
*Cartwheel only applies to 4 items. Price and availability may vary by location. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for every reusable bag you take and use.
December 21, 2015
What an exciting day! I got to go to Star Wars: The Force Awakens with my two engineer brothers. My older brother still holds great resentment that he did not get to see the original Empire Strikes Back movie in the theater. He says it was a once in a lifetime childhood experience he was denied that can never be replaced. I say I won the choice of movie fair and square. This wide-eyed and eager 5 year old loved seeing The Fox and The Hound in the big theater in St. Joseph, MO. Besides, Nate got to pick the box of cereal for the week. Seems fair to me!
Not only did I venture out to the cinema today, I also did a little couponing at Hy-Vee with my dad. After speaking with a friendly and helpful employee, I found out that Hy-Vee will accept a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on the same item. That sets up some stellar deals! If you want to try making my Peanut Butter Cookie Truffles or are planning to make a cheeseball for New Year’s Eve, check out Hy-Vee’s exceptional deal on Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
Deals of the Day:
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Price at Hy-Vee with Hy-Vee Coupon $.99
Buy two $1.98
Save $1.00/2 manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$.98/2 or $.49 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Limit of 2 with Hy-Vee coupon (available in their weekly ad). Manufacturer’s coupon available on coupons.com.
Kraft Shredded Cheese 8 oz
Price at Hy-Vee with coupon 2/$4.00
Purchase two $4.00
Save $1.00 off 2 Kraft Cheese Shreds manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$3.00/2 or $1.50 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Hy-Vee coupon available in their weekly ad. Manufacturer’s coupon available on coupons.com.
Berta Professional Flat Iron
Amazon has the Berta Hair Flat Iron 1 Inch Hair Straightener Professional Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron LED Display 140℃-220℃ Black and White for only $25.99 (regularly $89.99). Prices can fluctuate quickly on Amazon.
Kmart Freebie Saturday
Kids 12 and under can get FREE cotton candy at Kmart Saturday, December 26. Limit one per child. Offer good while supplies last.
Be one of the first 250 shoppers at Macy’s tomorrow, December 22, and receive a FREE $10 Macy’s cash card.
December 20, 2015
It’s truffle day! Cookie truffles are my specialty holiday confections, and this year is no exception. Last year I branched out from my traditional Oreo Truffles and made Candy Cane Sandwich Cookie Truffles. This Christmas season, I decided to try yet another version of my holiday classic–Peanut Butter Cookie Truffles. These rich, decadent chocolates require minimal ingredients and look impressive, especially when presented in mini holiday cupcake liners. The recipe for Peanut Butter Cookie Truffles can be found on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section.
Several good deals at Target right now!
10% Off Target Gift Cards
Today Only: Save 10% on Target gift cards (up to $30). Offer good in stores and at Target.com.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Sale Price at Target 2/$3.00
Buy two $3.00
$1.00 off 2 Philadelphia Cream Cheese manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$2.00/2 or $1.00 each
*Manufacturer’s coupon available on coupons.com. Price and availability may vary by location. Save an additional 5% with your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for every reusable bag you take and use.
Dentyne Gum, Multipacks
Sale price at Target $2.00
50% off Target Cartwheel offer
=$1.00
*Price and availability may vary by location. $2.00 sale price is per their website. Offer valid in store only. Save an additional 5% with your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for any reusable bags you bring and use. This is a great deal on a last minute stocking stuffer!
M&M’s Holiday Candy Bags 8 oz or larger
Sale price at Target $3.00
Buy two $6.00
35% off Target Cartwheel offer (-$2.10)
Save $1.00/2 Mars Holiday manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$2.90/2 or $1.45 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for each reusable bag used.
Gevalia Coffee, 12 oz Varieties
Price at Target $6.29
20% off Target Cartwheel offer (-$1.26)
Save $1.00 off any 1 Gevalia Coffee product manufacturer’s coupon
=$4.03
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for each reusable bag used.
December 17, 2015
This morning I found Sid on my sewing table nosing his way into the bag of catnip I left out from making catnip fish earlier this week. As soon as he saw me, he laid down on top of a big pile of batting and acted like he wasn’t doing anything. He makes me laugh. Overall, he’s been in a really great mood today–the catnip perhaps?!
With our spirits joyful and light, Sid and I embarked on sugar cookie day! Baking and decorating Granny’s Sugar Cookies takes a bit of time and can make a mess, but it’s a special holiday tradition. When I was a kid, Mom would get out the decorator’s tubes, sprinkles, colored sugars, etc. and let us go wild. I loved it. This year, I made tiny little Christmas trees topped with green Buttercream Frosting and a bright yellow star. The recipe for Granny’s Sugar Cookies is my favorite sugar cookie recipe
and has been since I was a child. You can find this family favorite along with a recipe for homemade Buttercream Frosting on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section.
Deals of the Day:
Red Baron Pizza
Sale price at Target $3.33
Buy two $6.66
10% off Cartwheel offer (-$.66)
Save $1.00 off 2 Red Baron pizzas manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$5.00/2 or $2.50 each
*Coupon available on coupons.com. Price and availability may vary by location. Use your Target REDcard for an additional 5% savings, and get a $.05 credit for every reusable bag you take and use.
Olive Garden Gift Card Bonus Offer
Get a $10 bonus offer with every $50 spent in gift cards. Click the above link for details.
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deals
Today Only: Save 30% on RoC facial skin care. Limit 4 per guest while supplies last. Buy one, get one 50% off Real Techniques. 50% off item of equal or lesser value. Offer good while supplies last.
December 16, 2015
‘Twas the week before Christmas, the flowers were blooming, and Sid and I have no photo, despite all the grooming.
Sid and I took a break from the pursuit of the purrfect Christmas picture today. Instead, I spent time in the kitchen holiday baking. At the top of my list were Coconut Macaroons.
These delicious little bites are a cinch to prepare and make minimal mess for quick clean up. You can find the recipe for these delightful Coconut Macaroons on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section.
Deals of the Day:
Select 2-Liter Sodas
Sale Price at Target 5/$5.00
Buy 1 Dr Pepper 2-liter $1.00
Buy 4 A&W, Sunkist or 7Up Ten 2-liters $4.00
Use two $1.00 off 2 Ten 2-liters manufacturer’s coupons (-$2.00)
Save 20% on Dr Pepper Cartwheel offer (-$.20)
=$2.80/5 or $.56 each
*Coupon available on coupons.com. Price and availability may vary by location. Use your Target REDcard for an additional 5% savings, and earn a $.05 credit for every reusable bag you take and use.
Rayovac AA or AAA Batteries 24-pack
Best Buy has 24-packs of Rayovac AA or AAA batteries for $5.99 each. Shipping is FREE this holiday season.
1/2 Price Footlongs at Sonic
Get 1/2 price footlongs Thursday, December 17, at Sonic.
Target 12 Days of Beauty Deals:
Today Only: Save 30% on St. Ives. Save 40% on select W3LL PEOPLE. Offers good while supplies last.
December 15, 2015
Still looking for a special gift for that certain
someone? Why not get creative and make them a one of a kind present yourself? Probably the greatest gift I’ve ever received was a cd my musician of a brother made just for me. On track five, he recorded a dedication and Christmas wish to me and then proceeded to sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas while accompanying himself on guitar. Now that’s an awesome gift.
Whether you sing, sew, bake or build, you can create a thoughtful present. To get your creativity flowing, check out the new Homemade Gifts page under the main Around the House section for ideas. There you’ll find a dozen ideas that, for the most part, can be completed in an afternoon or evening.
Deals of the Day:
King Arthur Flour
Price at Target $3.59
Buy three $10.77
Save $3.00 off $10.00 baking essentials Target mobile coupon (-$3.00)
10% off Target Cartwheel offer (-$.78)
=$6.99/3 or $2.33 each
*My Target had them on sale for $3.23 (regularly $3.59). Text BAKING to 827438 to get your Target mobile coupon. Price and availability may vary by location. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for every reusable bag you bring and use.
Celestial Seasonings Tea Bags
Sale price at Target $2.33
Buy two $4.66
30% off Cartwheel offer (-$1.40)
Save $1.00/2 boxes of Celestial Seasonings tea bags manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$2.26/2 or $1.13 each
*This is an update based on the sale price found at my Target store today. Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for bringing your own reusable shopping bag.
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deals
Today Only: Andre Walker Hair buy one, get one FREE experience kit. Burt’s Bees buy 3 gift sets, get a $10 Target gift card.
December 14, 2015
My Christmas cards might be a little later than usual this year.
Somebody’s just not feeling the annual holiday picture today.
We’re clearly experiencing some creative differences.
And if Sid’s not happy, no one’s happy.
Such a guy!
Deals of the Day:
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deal:
Today Only: Save 30% on select holiday gift sets.
FREE Candy Cane
Kmart Freebie Saturday: FREE candy cane for the first 100 kids 12 and under December 19th at Kmart.
December 13, 2015
Holidays are full of many wonderful family traditions. At Christmas, that means Dad’s Delectable Peanut Brittle will soon be in full production. The family patriarch has made his famous peanut brittle at Christmastime for years. It’s undeniably a very important part of our family Christmas celebration. Munching on Dad’s Delectable Peanut Brittle while our family is gathered around the kitchen table to laugh and play games makes it taste especially good. This year, Dad has been kind enough to document and share the details of his initial production run with us. You can find his step by step peanut brittle making tutorial on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section. Thanks, Dad! I can’t wait to taste this year’s batch.
Deals of the Day:
FREE Total Home Dish Liquid 10.3 oz
Price at CVS $.89
Pay $.89
Earn $.89 Extrabucks Rewards
=FREE
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location.
Dr Pepper 2-Liters
Sale Price at Target 5/$5
Buy five $5.00
Save 20% on 4 with Dr Pepper Cartwheel offer (-$.80)
=$4.20/5 or $.84 each
*Cartwheel is limited to 4 qualifying items per offer per transaction. Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and receive a $.05 credit for bringing your own reusable bag.
Celestial Seasonings Tea Bags
Price at Target $2.57
Buy two $5.14
Use 30% off Celestial Seasonings Tea Bags Cartwheel offer (-$1.54)
Save $1.00/2 boxes of Celestial Seasonings tea bags manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$2.60/2 or $1.30 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com. Save an additional 5% by using your Target REDcard, and earn a $.05 credit for bringing your own reusable shopping bag.
Starbucks K-Cup Pods Coupons
Several Starbucks K-Cup Pods coupons are now available on coupons.com.
$2.00 off any 2 boxes of Starbucks K-Cup pods
$.75 off any 1 box of Starbucks K-Cup pods
$2.00 off 2 boxes of flavored Starbucks K-Cup pods
$.75 off 1 box of Starbucks hot cocoa K-Cup pods
Target.com is indicating that select Starbucks K-Cup items are included in this week’s buy 3 select Keurig-brewed K-Cup pods and receive a $5.00 Target gift card offer.
$3.00 Off $10.00 Baking Essentials Purchase at Target
Text BAKING to 827438 (TARGET) to get your mobile coupon. Offer good in-store or online (use promo code BAKING).
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deals
Today Only: Save 25% on Neutrogena face cosmetics. Buy 1 Every Man Jack razor, get a FREE 4-pack of razor blades. Shipping is FREE all holiday season. Use your Target REDcard for an additional 5% savings.
December 12, 2015
Christmas movies and television classics are a beloved part of the holiday season. My favorite Christmas cartoon was always ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The nerdy little mouse with the big glasses who broke the clock always reminded me of my older brother. Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors premiered this week and was a wonderful story expressing how we don’t need money to love and how faith gets us through the struggles in life. If you missed it, I highly recommend watching it the next chance you get. A family favorite in our house is The Christmas Bunny–by far Florence Henderson’s greatest work. And if I might recommend a classic movie that, while not Christmas themed, is an absolute gem, Danny Kaye is stellar in the 1956 musical-comedy, The Court Jester. The vessel with the pestle scene cracks me up!
Of course you need an amazing snack as you sit down
to watch the next couple fall in love on the latest Hallmark Christmas movie. Try making Mom’s Merry Caramel Corn. I just whipped up a batch today, and it is delicious! You can bet I will be eating a big bowl full of it when the next episode of The Great Holiday Baking Show airs Monday night. Not only is Mom’s Merry Caramel Corn a great indulgence for yourself, it makes a wonderful homemade Christmas present. Who doesn’t love a gift they can eat?! Add a bag of it to a gift basket or use holiday tins or plastic containers for a festive presentation. You can find the recipe for Mom’s Merry Caramel Corn on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section. Give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Deals of the Day:
Today only, Macy’s has some extraordinary deals plus FREE shipping on all $25 orders.
Style & Co Handbags $29.99 (regularly $62.50-$108.50)
Men’s John Ashford Flannel Shirts: $9.99 (regularly $30-$50)
Men’s Sweaters: $19.99 (regularly $50-$90)
Women’s Sweaters: $19.99 and under (regularly $39.50-$49.50)
Ricardo Montara Suitcases: $69.99 (regularly $240-$320)
And many other outstanding offers!!!
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deal
Today Only: Save 30% on Nexxus and TONI&GUY. Shipping is FREE all holiday season.
December 11, 2015
Behold the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child! What joy and merriment it brings to celebrate this magical time of the year.
I absolutely love this adorable picture of my cousin’s beautiful daughter. At two and a half, there’s an honest curiosity and sincere appreciation for the little things. Each holiday touch matters. There’s pure joy in holiday decorating and the act of giving and receiving. She’s too young to feel the hustle and bustle of the season or demand the latest and greatest iPhone or name brand doll. Her face looking intently at that reindeer takes my heart back to a simpler and far greater feeling of Christmas.
Holiday memories will last a lifetime and so will
teaching the joy of giving. This Christmas, spend a little extra time with your kids or grandchildren making happy memories. Make a mess, laugh, and enjoy every moment. Choose an activity like wrapping Christmas presents. Gather crayons, markers, buttons, cotton balls, cookie cutters, sticks, glitter, glue, etc., and let the creativity flow. Begin by simply wrapping the presents in craft paper or even paper bags you have lying around the house (they work great, just might require a little more tape to hold the heavier paper). Then let your 
little ones decorate until their hearts are content. Why not sit down and decorate one with them? The gift of your time is probably the greatest present you can give them, and their colorful and creative masterpieces will look amazing under the tree.
For us big kids, I have shared how to make a gorgeous homemade bow on the Seasonal Inspirations page of the main Around the House section. Scroll down to Beautiful Bows & Creative Gift Wrapping for step by step instructions. Complete your stunning packages
with gift tags. I simply printed some for FREE using the link in my previous post (Dec 9). Let go of feeling overwhelmed and viewing Christmas shopping, baking, decorating, and gift wrapping as work to check off your to do list. Step back, change perspective, and approach your holiday traditions through fresh and eager eyes like those of an excited two-and-a-half-year-old child.
Deals of the Day:
Zone Perfect Bars
Here’s an idea for a great stocking stuffer for the fitness nut in your family.
Price at Target $.99
Save $.50 on 1 Zone Perfect Bar manufacturer’s coupon (-$.50)
=$.49
*Coupon available on coupons.com. Price and availability may vary by location. Take your own reusable bag for a $.05 credit, and use your Target REDcard for an additional 5% savings.
M&M’s Holiday Boxes
And here’s the perfect stocking stuffer for the not so health conscious members of your family.
Sale price at Target $1.00
Buy two $2.00
Save $1.00 off two Mars Holiday 2 oz or larger manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$1.00/2 or $.50 each
*Coupon available on coupons.com. Price and availability may vary by location. Take your own reusable bag for a $.05 credit, and use your Target REDcard for an additional 5% savings.
WearEver Nonstick Cookware Set, 10-piece, Black
Amazon is currently featuring a 10-piece WearEver Nonstick Cookware Set for only $32.73 regularly $139.99. Remember Amazon’s prices can change quickly.
Buy One Dozen Glazed Doughnuts, Get One Dozen FREE
Celebrate the Day of the Dozens (12/12) at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Click the above link to get a coupon for buy one dozen glazed doughnuts, get one dozen FREE. Offer good 12/12/15 only and at participating locations.
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deal
Today Only: Save 35% on Aveeno hand & body lotion. Shipping is FREE all holiday season. Save an additional 5% using your Target REDcard.
Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic–FREE Train Engine
Register your child for this Saturday’s Build & Grow Clinic at Lowe’s. They will get to build a festive train engine.
Michaels Kids Club Perler Santa Belt Coaster
Saturday, December 12, from 10 am-noon, kids 3 and up can make and take home a perler Santa belt coaster. The cost is $2.00 per project which includes supplies. Sign up in-store, online or just show up tomorrow. A parent or guardian must stay on the premises during Kids Club but is welcome to shop while the child is making his or her craft. Be sure to use a Michael’s 40% off coupon on your purchase of a regularly price item.
December 9, 2015
It’s Wednesday–garbage day and time to check out the new grocery ads. As I was looking through Hy-Vee’s latest sales online, I saw they have select varieties of their 10-12 oz bags of baking chips on sale for $.99 this week. HEB’s ad features a limited time deal where with the purchase of a 20-24 oz bag of Nestle Toll House Morsels (assorted varieties), you can get a bag of Kraft marshmallows and a box of Nestle hot cocoa FREE. Sounds like the perfect time to make Classic Christmas Bars to me!
Classic Christmas Bars are a holiday staple in my family. Layers of coconut, walnuts, cherries, butterscotch chips, and semisweet morsels atop a graham cracker crust, drenched in Super Scrummy Sweetened Condensed Milk and baked to perfection is a delightful holiday indulgence. You can find step by step instructions for making these wonderful Classic Christmas Bars on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section.
Ironically, I began my holiday baking on the same week I resolved to be more active. I love to eat and have every intention of enjoying the tastes of the season. However, I don’t want to feel guilty or unhealthy. So in an effort to maintain a healthy balance during the holidays, I’ve set the goal of exercising more now through Christmas. I started last Saturday with 3.3 miles, failed Sunday, put in 2.27 miles on Monday, and logged 2 miles on the treadmill yesterday. I have yet to put in my mileage today. On the food side, I am tasting my bakes and then putting them in the freezer until it’s time to share with family and friends.
Support and accountability yield success. I would love to hear your ideas for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holidays, and I challenge each of you to move a little more each day now through Christmas. Please share your tips and goals by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.
Deals of the Day:
McCormick Cinnamon
Sale price at Target $1.00
Buy two $2.00
Use the 20% off McCormick Red Cap Spices Cartwheel offer (-$.40)
Save $.50 on any 2 McCormick herbs or spices manufacturer’s coupon (-$.50)
=$1.10 for 2 or $.55 each
*Coupon available on coupons.com. Price and availability may vary by location. Remember to take your reusable bag for a $.05 credit, and save 5% when you use your Target REDcard.
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deal
Today Only: Save 20% on Oral-B or Braun. Shipping is FREE all holiday season.
Hy-Vee Canned Vegetables
Select varieties of Hy-Vee canned vegetables are on sale for $.39 this week.
FREE Printable Christmas Gift Tags
The above link will take you to a blog which has links to lots of FREE printable Christmas gift tags.
December 8, 2015
Holiday baking is great fun, and Christmas Bon Bon Cookies are at the top of my list. Growing up, my mom would fill these petite delights with red maraschino cherries, green candied cherries, chocolate chips, and the dreaded walnuts. It was always a surprise to see which filling you would get. The maraschino center was the ultimate treat in our house. Peeking at the bottoms was the only way to get an indication of what was inside each cookie. One Christmas, as the supply of bon bons was dwindling, it appeared that all of the cherry ones were gone. As I sat at the table looking at the bon bon in front of me, I realized I had the last cherry bon bon. I couldn’t contain my excitement and announced that joyous fact.
Dad came over and said, “Let me see.” I handed him the cookie, he examined the bottom, and popped the entire thing into his mouth. My jaw dropped to the floor. It was the ultimate betrayal. Since the infamous “Cherry Bon Bon Incident” as it is known in our house, Mom makes only maraschino cherry bon bon cookies.
You can find the recipe for the coveted cherry Christmas Bon Bon Cookies on the Taste of Christmas page of the main Recipes section.
Deals of the Day:
Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix
Price at Target $.77
Buy two $1.54
Use the 25% off Ortega & Las Palmas Cartwheel offer (-$.39)
Save $1.00 off any 2 Ortega products coupon (-$1.00)
=$.15/2 or roughly $.08 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Click the link above to get the coupon. Remember you can get a $.05 credit at Target for taking your own reusable bag.
Betty Crocker Cake Mix
Price at Target $1.00
Buy three $3.00
Use the 10% off Betty Crocker cake mix Cartwheel offer (-$.30)
Save $.75 on 3 Betty Crocker baking mix or frosting manufacturer’s coupon (-$.75)
=$1.95/3 or $.65 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com.
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Deal
Today Only: Save 30% on select Remington items and 50% on Acure. Offers good while supplies last. Remember shipping is FREE all holiday season.
$.50 Corn Dogs
Get $.50 corn dogs all day at Sonic December 9th. Offer good at participating locations and while supplies last.
FREE Mini Gingerbread Creme Brulee
Get a FREE mini gingerbread creme brulee at La Madeleine Country French Cafe December 9th.
December 7, 2015
Hosting a holiday gathering this Christmas season? Bring a little of the outdoors inside and light up the room by turning your Fall “WELCOME” Jars into gorgeous wintertime floating candle vases. This simple and clever idea is festive and impressive.
Using greenery from your yard, basic tea lights, and your imagination, you can create a beautiful and thoughtful holiday display. Check out the instructions for this project on the Seasonal Inspirations page of the main Around the House section.
Deals of the Day:
Get six FREE original glazed doughnuts when you download the Krispy Kreme Rewards app. Be advised that it may take an hour or longer to get the FREE doughnut message after downloading the app.
FREE John Grisham Book, The Tumor
Click the above link, then click the “Reserve Your FREE Print Copy” button and fill out your request. Books are expected to ship in January.
December 6, 2015
Sid and I have been busy digging through Rubbermaid totes trying to decide what we want to use to decorate the house for Christmas this year. As I began to design my dining room table decor, I came to a lopsided dilemma. Fortunately Sid stepped right in to balance the display.
I only have three glittery pinecone balls and wanted to keep the candle sticks in the center. I needed something larger than the small pinecone ball to balance the bigger one on the other side. I came across the top of my hurricane candle holder (I have no idea where I stored the base of it at this point. I’m sure it was too tall to fit in a plastic tote.) and decided to fill it with inexpensive gold ornaments. My display will only be seen from the front so the bottom of the hurricane glass is hidden from view.
I’m not sure Sid thinks it’s an improvement. He thought he was doing the job just fine. And, of course, he was!
Using inexpensive Christmas ball ornaments in bowls and vases is a simple and budget friendly way to decorate your dining room table, fireplace mantel or coffee table this holiday season.
Keep it simply elegant as the feature of your table. You can add a string of beads (which are inexpensive and found in the Christmas section of your favorite big box store) for some added interest. By the time you set the table, it will look beautiful.
Get creative and use what you have. Grab a tray or in my case a silver pizza pan/serving tray, and add a few candles to make a centerpiece that is merry and bright.
Your imagination is the limit. These ideas came from stuff I had just lying around the house. Of course, you can easily find glass vases and containers at your local dollar store. Fill some with ornaments and some with candles. Have fun decorating and keep perspective. Celebrate the season for what it truly is, and enjoy your time with friends and family. You don’t have to go to great expense or great lengths to try and impress.
Deals of the Day:
New Lipton Black & Herbal Teas
Price at Target $2.99
Save 15% with Cartwheel (-$.45)
$1.00 off 1 Lipton green, herbal or flavored black cup-size tea bags product manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$1.54
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com.
FREE 10 oz Bag of Candy Popcorn
Kmart Freebie Saturday (December 12): The first 100 kids 12 years and younger will receive a FREE 10 oz bag of candy popcorn.
Price at Family Dollar $3.oo
Save $2.00 with coupon (-$2.00)
=$1.00
*Price and availability may vary by location. Click one of the above links to get the coupon.
JoAnn’s FREE MIY Holiday Projects
JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores has FREE make it yourself holiday gift and decor projects on their site. Click the above link to check out 65 FREE projects.
2 FREE Amsety Nutritional Bars
Click the above link to fill out the form to receive 2 FREE Amsety nutritional bars. Limit one sample per address.
Today Only: Buy select Laneige items and receive a $10 Target gift card. Remember shipping is FREE all holiday season.
Pepsi 2-Liter Bottle or Kickstart 12-16 oz
Sale Price at CVS $.99
Save $.24 with in-store instant coupon (-$.24)
=$.75
*Price, promotion and availability may vary by location.
December 4, 2015
When it comes time to decorate the Christmas tree, I always think of my dad. Every year he and his old blue pickup truck would help me get a real tree for my house. Even the year I was going to be lazy and not fuss with one, here comes the bright blue delivery truck down the street with an evergreen loaded in back and hauled directly to my front door. Now Dad was intent on getting the tree secure in the stand (it did fall down one year, but we don’t speak of that), but he always said I had to decorate it myself. Yet, he stayed and helped decorate more times than not.
I fought the tears my first Christmas in Texas when
Dad wasn’t there to help me get a tree. There I was, 800+ miles from home, alone, living in a third floor apartment, and driving a Jetta. Staying true to my stubborn Schmidt constitution, I was determined to have a tree that year. While it wasn’t the same, I had to settle for finding an artificial tree that would fit in my tiny Volkswagen and that I could carry up three flights of stairs myself. I am pleased to say I found a 6.5 foot pre-lit tree at Walmart for $29.97. This year is the 10th Christmas for that tree.
Today is tree trimming day, and that requires holiday music. So this morning I unwrapped the Pentatonix Christmas cd my brother gave me last year. With the house filled with a cappella sounds of the season and the aroma of chili in the crock pot, Sid and I got the tree decorated. Let the holiday festivities begin!
Deals of the Day:
FREE Cookie at Great American Cookies
Today only, you can get a FREE regular chocolate chip cookie at Great American Cookies.
Rayovac AA and AAA Batteries 24-Packs
Get a 24 pack of AA or AAA Rayovac batteries at Best Buy for only $5.99, and shipping is FREE!
Get a FREE 6″ Sub at Subway with the purchase of a 30 oz drink when you sign up for weekly text offers. Click on the link above to sign up or text OFFERS to 782929. I have been asked what is meant by “text OFFERS to 782929.” The phone number is 782929 and OFFERS is the message.
December 3, 2015
Yesterday I woke up to 33 degrees
and a light dusting of snow. That’s pretty typical this time of year in Missouri. December paints a much different picture back here in Texas. I arrived home today to find my rose bushes in bloom. The high temperature tomorrow is supposed to be a lovely 65 degrees. Sid and I will have to be sure to enjoy some quality time outside in the sunshine.
My furry little boy has been cooped up in the house so I know he will appreciate the fresh air. We can both use the exercise. Sid’s Thanksgiving buffet was well received as I can tell all six bowls of kibble have been visited. He sure had a lot to say when I arrived home. Fortunately his initial wild playfulness has finally turned into sweet snuggles. That’s me in the white furry bathrobe. Sid’s not a lap kitty. He prefers to use me as a footrest.
Deals of the Day:
Snickers Holiday Trees
Price at Target $1.09
Buy two $2.18
Save $1.00 off 2 Mars Holiday Candies manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$1.18/2 or $.59 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Coupon available on coupons.com.
FREE Merry Christmas Window Cling
Click the above link to order your FREE Christmas window decal.
December 1, 2015
Now that it’s December, the turkey is consumed, and I’ve seen a few snow flurries, it’s officially Christmas season! It’s time to start thinking about Christmas cards. I believe it was 12 years ago when I took a picture of myself and my cat, Pinky, to send out with my Christmas card in jest. Every year I receive pictures of all of my friends and relatives’ kids, so I thought I’d send one of my furry child. The following Christmas season, I just sent out cards as normal. Turns out that was unacceptable. Everyone asked for their photo of Pinky. So the Pinky Christmas picture tradition began and has continued throughout the years.
Pinky was my outdoor/indoor kitty who lived with me back in Missouri. When I moved to Texas, she was supposed to move in with my parents while I got settled. Yet in stereotypical cat-like fashion, she had her own ideas. Every time we moved her to my parents’ house she would walk back to our humble abode which I stilled owned. Turns out my neighbors were feeding her. She had a pretty good racket going in the old hood. I have no idea how many years Pinky had been visiting the little old lady a couple of doors down for her morning table scraps. One day when Pinky was at my parents’ house, a truck full of my neighbors pulled into my folks’ driveway because they hadn’t seen Pinky in a while. Pinky was simply destined to be the South Street cat. Her heart is outdoors and on her turf. That’s what makes her happy. It broke my heart. So she moved a door down to my neighbor’s house, and he takes great care of her. Fortunately the gentleman who eventually purchased my property just accepted Pinky along with the house. I visit Pinky every time I’m back, and countless times I’ve found her on our old deck. At Thanksgiving I take our traditional Christmas photo. Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s picture:
Pinky is now 14 years old. She is showing her age, but she is one tough kitty. I’m proud of her. She has never met Sid, and I intend to keep it that way. I love them both dearly, but the cats could not be more different. Pinky would be sitting on the couch, and I would go sit by her. She would then proceed to jump down off the couch and leave the room. While I always felt that rude, that was just Pinky. She would beg for you to pet her and then suddenly without any warning bite you because she’d had enough. Now Sid, he’s a roll over and scratch my belly kind of guy. He gets his picture taken at Christmas too.
Deal of the Day:
7 Up, A&W, Canada Dry or Sunkist 2-Liter Bottles
Sale price at CVS $.99
Purchase three $2,97
Use $.30 in-store instant coupon (-$.30)
Save $1.00 off three 2-liter bottles of 7 Up, A&W, Sunkist, etc manufacturer’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$1.67/3 or roughly $.56 each
*Price and availability may vary by location. Manufacturer’s coupon available on cvs.com and coupons.com.