August 31, 2015
My big gray mobile purr factory has been in serious production today. Sid is so happy I’m home, and I am too. I missed my boy. Last week was my nephew’s birthday so I headed to north Texas to celebrate this momentous occasion as did my parents. It was a rough weekend for this crazy cat lady ironically because of the cats I encountered. My brother was still trying
to convince us this morning that his cat, Dexi, is a super sweet kitty. Hiss. Claws drawn. Smack. My parents and I still aren’t quite convinced as Dexi was gnawing my brother’s arm while he was presenting his case. I think we can all agree she’s spirited and a bit aggressive. So when she jumped in bed with me last night, I immediately sat up, and she immediately took over my pillow. Dexi slept well for a couple of hours while I attempted to make a pillow out of my terry bathrobe and tossed and turned. When she was done sleeping, she hit me on the back of the head because she was ready to play. I found a toy and threw it into another room. Apparently, we made enough noise that I was finally rescued and could get some much needed sleep before driving home to my dear sweet Sid. And do I even need to mention again what happened at the big cat refuge? Getting sprayed in the face by a tiger is just plain gross. It’s no wonder I’m happy to be home with my calm, cuddly, well-mannered boy. I’ve taken three showers since being sprayed and washed those clothes. I should probably wash my pillowcase before Sid gets a whiff of it.
Cat adventures aside, my family had a good time together. We were even able to squeeze in a few bargains while we were out running errands. CVS’s new ad includes a buy 2 Maybelline cosmetics items and get $5 extrabucks rewards special. I decided this was the best use of my $2 off mascara coupons I mentioned in August 28th’s post. The Great Lash Mascara was $5.99 a tube. Buy 2 for $11.98, use two $2 off coupons, and pay $7.98. You then receive the $5 extrabucks. Factoring in the $5 rewards, it’s like getting two tubes of mascara for $2.98 or $1.49 each. That’s an excellent deal on mascara. My only disappointment was that mysavings.com indicated a starting cost of $5.49 so I was hoping to get the mascara for 99 cents each. I still got a great deal, and I saved time and gas by not getting back out to check other stores.
If you haven’t already used your $1 off one Starbuck’s iced coffee coupon or can still print it from 
www.starbucksicedcoffee.com, Target now has an extra 40% off one 11 oz bottle on Cartwheel.
Original price $1.99
40% off with Cartwheel (-$.80)
$1 off manufacture’s coupon (-$1.00)
=$.19
We seemed to have trouble with the caramel flavor working with the Cartwheel promotion. Perhaps it was that particular store, but my gut says it was the kind. Everything worked fine at a different Target when we bought the vanilla.
Cartwheel also has a 35% off assorted varieties of Starbuck’s ready to drink 4-packs offer.
The iced coffee was my dad’s and my mission. It was fun to share the adventure and toast to our success. You simply can’t put a price on the time spent with those you love.
August 30, 2015
7-Eleven apps installed (finally got Mom to download one not in Chinese). Vehicle loaded. Butterfingers all around!
August 29, 2015 Update
Exhale. Due to a system-wide issue with the 7Rewards Network, FREEkends was canceled today. As if missing my Butterfinger bar wasn’t enough, I visited In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue this afternoon and got sprayed in the face by a tiger. They said I had been “claimed” and I have the t-shirt to prove it. Ick. The big cat sanctuary was pretty neat and definitely memorable, but I think I prefer my big gray cat at home. He doesn’t spray me in the face. After visiting the lions and tigers, we stopped at Dairy Queen. I’m feeling a lot better after my Butterfinger Blizzard and a shower.
August 29, 2015
This weekend is the last 7-Eleven FREEkend giveaway. After 12 pm (noon) on Saturday and Sunday, show your 7-Eleven app and receive a free Butterfinger bar. I am currently experiencing issues with my 7-Eleven app being down and know that some other people are as well. I hope the issue is rectified soon. I like Butterfingers!
August 28, 2015
While I love Lancome mascara, I have discovered an inexpensive alternative that I don’t mind for everyday use. Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara has been around for years, and I find it a surprisingly satisfactory alternative to the more expensive options. Right now coupons.com has an exceptional coupon for $2 off any one Maybelline New York Mascara. The last time I checked the price of the Great Lash Mascara at my local Target it was $3.99. It was $4.49 at the Target in Rowlett, TX. Walmart’s online price is $3.79. So with coupon, you’re looking at around $2 for a tube of mascara vs about $20 for a department store brand. Do I prefer Lancome? Yes. But for $2 and a good result, I’m excited about the drug store brand. If you’re curious about trying a new less expensive mascara, now’s an excellent time to give Maybelline a chance with this great coupon. Other Maybelline make-up coupons are also currently available.
Coupons.com has notable Garnier coupons available right now as well. I honed in on the shampoo and conditioners. 
Having recently received a sample of their product and trying it out with success, I printed two of the coupons for $1 off, used one coupon from the sample pack, and had another coupon in my coupon stash. Target has a buy 4, get a $5 gift card promotion right now. It is shown online, however no signage was posted at my Target. Rowlett’s Target had the signage and promotion. So I’m not sure if the promotion varies by store or if it was simply an issue of missing signage. Each bottle was $2.99. I had four $1 off coupons which brought the total down to $7.96. Factoring in the $5 gift card, I basically got two bottles of shampoo and two bottles of conditioner for $2.96 or 74 cents each. And you better believe I picked the bottles with the 33% more bonus! If you are unable to come up with the four coupons, as I know you’re only allowed to print two, some of the styling products are included in the buy 4, get $5 gift card offer. You can print two of those coupons. Of course if you have a friend who isn’t going to use the coupons, you could see if they’d print a couple for you too.
If you’re in need of towels or pillows, Kohls has a great buy on their Big One branded standard/queen size pillows and bath towels at $2.99 each. Women’s Tek Gear graphic workout tees are on sale for $5.99, and select men’s FILA SPORT and Tek Gear short-sleeved performance tops and shorts are on sale for $9.99. $10 Kohl’s Cash is earned with every $50 spent. The sale runs through August 30.
So, Garnier and Maybelline are my top bargain picks for the day, and it might be worth checking out Kohl’s sale this weekend. Happy bargain hunting, and happy Friday!
August 26, 2015
Enjoy 50 cent corn dogs all day August 27 at Sonic.
August 25, 2015
Lest you think I’ve gone all “big spender” on dollar pancake day with my Rooty Tooty Fresh N Fruity stack, my fancy pancakes were free. It was my parents who splurged on scrambled eggs who drove up the bill. They claim adding the eggs made it lunch. I had recently joined the IHOP eCLUB which rewards you upon joining, on the anniversary of joining, and on your birthday. My membership into the club just happened to come right before IHOP announced its “Share a Smile Day” promotion which worked out perfectly. You can learn more about the eCLUB on IHOP’s website. In all seriousness, three of us ate our fill for $6 today, and money was donated to a good cause. Now, that’s a pretty good deal.
August 24, 2015
Good news for pancake lovers. Tomorrow is “Share a Smile Day” at IHOP. From 7 am until 7 pm, get a short stack of three buttermilk pancakes for only $1, and IHOP will give 50 cents to No Kid Hungry. For those of you who do not have access to an IHOP and I just made hungry for pancakes, check out the recipe for “Granny’s Pancake Mix” on the “Flour, Sugar, Eggs…” page of the main “Recipes” section. Make a batch of the mix, and you will be able to enjoy pancakes whenever you get the craving.
August 23, 2015
5 miles completed. 1 sweet reward. Balance restored.
August 22, 2015
Satisfied.
August 21, 2015
Happy Friday! The weekend is upon us. That means a free Snickers bar at 7-Eleven after noon Saturday and Sunday. Just present the barcode on your 7-Eleven app at the register to participate in the latest FREEkends giveaway. (Details on July 31’s post.)
Thinking about a good old fashioned Snickers bar reminds me of a recipe I made years ago. I know I served it at our family reunion potluck and gatherings with friends. It was always a hit. You can find the quick and easy recipe for “Sweet & Tart Apple Snickers Salad” on the “Perfect Potluck” page of the main “Recipes” section. This salad is a treat perfect for special occasions.
Snickers bars also bring back fond memories of my grandpa. The playful yet hard working farmer from Minnesota loved them. They were one of his favorite treats and the signature brown wrapper a familiar sight in his country home. I would love to be able to kick back on the patio with the experienced agriculturalist and talk all about digging in the dirt while enjoying a couple of Snickers bars. I’m sure he would have lots of advice to share, and somehow I think I’d end up with a dozen large bird feeders in my backyard. I’m not sure if Sid would love that or be terrified of all the birds that would end up swooping him! I do know my grandma and Sid would have been the best of friends.
I hope you share your free Snickers with someone important in your life. Here’s to making sweet memories that last a lifetime!
August 20, 2015
How about serving up some nice warm gooey butterscotch brownies after dinner tonight? You most likely have all of the ingredients already. Check out this simple but delicious recipe for “Basic (But Oh So Good!) Butterscotch Brownies” on the “Flour, Sugar, Eggs…” page of the main “Recipes” section. You’re welcome!
On another sweet note, I was able to verify the Target Starbucks deal I mentioned a couple of days ago. The sale price was not marked, but the 11 oz bottle of iced coffee did ring up at $1.50. The shelf was bare down the regular aisle, but I was able to find one in a small refrigerator by the check out lanes. Using the coupon, Cartwheel, and my RedCard, I paid 19 cents for the bottle of Starbucks Iced Coffee. Cheers!
August 19, 2015
I recently found myself out of my homemade laundry detergent. Between a coupon and sale, I was tempted to try a cheap store bought detergent, but after reading the reviews online and seeing the tiny sized bottles, I opted to save my couple of bucks to spend on a big box of Borax. I already had the other ingredients. I’ve been very pleased with the effectiveness of the homemade powdered detergent, and the fact that it’s easy and inexpensive to create makes it even better.
Since it was a Friday night, I got a little wild and decided to try a new liquid 
laundry detergent recipe as well. (Yes, yes, I do more on the weekends than visit the cats at PetSmart and read the next chapter of The Spinsterlicious Life.) The recipe was simple and only required small amounts of a few ingredients I already had on hand. I haven’t given it a thorough testing of effectiveness yet, but from the few times I’ve used it, it seems to have worked fine. Using it on older clothes and towels first makes me more comfortable as I learn the traits of the new detergent.
Step by step instructions for both detergents can be found on the “Soap Sud Laundry Detergents” page of the main “Around the House” section. Turns out I’m not the only one with fat fingers in my family. When texting, Sid’s poor name has endured a few modifications between fat fingers and auto correct. “Six” doesn’t seem to mind too much though, and we rather like the name “Sud”. Since “Sud” has become a bit of a pet name for Sid, I thought it perfectly appropriate to name my homemade line of detergents “Soap Sud Laundry Detergent”.
Along with making your own homemade laundry detergent, I encourage you to use plain white vinegar in place of your fabric softener. No, it does not make your clothes stink. I personally do not like the smell of vinegar and would definitely not use it if the smell did not wash out completely. Vinegar is an inexpensive alternative you most likely already have at home. It also adds an additional cleaning element to your laundry. My mom gave it a try when washing old sheets to take camping. She was impressed and felt that it removed that “old sheet smell” from them. The vinegar is also good for keeping the washing machine hoses clean. Check out laundry tips like this and other clever household ideas on the main “Around the House” page.
August 18, 2015
Hopefully the summer’s heat will soon be behind us, and we can begin to enjoy the cooler winds of autumn. The moderate fall temperatures make it wonderful to be outside and enjoy nature. You can appreciate the beauty of our National Parks for free during 2015’s Free Entrance Days August 25, September 26, and November 11. For more details, check out www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.
Fall also marks back-to-school time, and select McDonald’s are showing their appreciation for teachers every Monday in September by offering a free hot or iced McCafe coffee. Teachers just need to show their school ID.
For the rest of us who think an iced coffee sounds good, Starbucks and Target have a special offer for you.
Starbucks Iced Coffee 11 oz Bottle
Target’s Sale Price $1.50
20% Off Using Cartwheel (-$.30)
$1 Off Coupon (-$1.00)
=20 cents!!!
*Sale price per MySavings.com. I have not verified it at my local Target, and the price is not listed online. The sale price is supposed to be good through 8/22/15. Go to www.starbucksicedcoffee.com to find the Save $1 on any bottle, and click to print the coupon.
Another ice cold beverage promotion is happening tomorrow at participating Sonic locations.
79 cent Medium Slushes All Day August 19, 2015, at Sonic
Mention the promotion when ordering. Limit 4. Price does not include tax, and add-ins are extra. Promotion excludes Real Ice Cream Slushes. Cannot be combined with other offers like their Happy Hour special.
And I have one more special buy to tempt your sweet tooth.
Red, White & Blue M&Ms 11.4 oz
$2.99 at Target
Buy 2 for $5.98
30% Off With Cartwheel (-$1.79)
Use $1 Off Purchase of 2 Coupon (-$1.00)
=$3.19/2 or $1.60 each
*Coupon available at coupons.com. Cartwheel offer valid on 11.4 oz Red, White, and Blue M&M’s only.
August 17, 2015
Saturday evening I had a major craving for a sweet treat. I don’t keep a lot of sugary snacks on hand, so I knew I needed to bake something. Looking in the fridge, I only had one egg left. The cupboard presented me with a nearly empty jar of dates. Oatmeal, however, was quite plentiful in the pantry. Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies fresh from the oven sounded good. Unfortunately, the recipe called for two eggs, and I didn’t have any raisins. So I decided to get resourceful. There was no reason I couldn’t make half a batch and use up my leftover dates in place of the raisins. The cookies were absolutely delicious warm from the oven, and I found them surprisingly addictive. My craving was fulfilled. You can find my smaller portioned “Oatmeal Date Cookies” recipe on the “Half Batch” page of the main “Recipes” section.
If you’re running low on ingredients or not cooking for a lot of people, consider making half of a recipe. It requires less ingredients, and you won’t have to eat the same thing all week long. Get creative with the ingredients you do have on hand. Use them up before buying additional items.
Creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way in the kitchen, and given the extreme heat outside, it was nice not to run my oven as long as the normal cookie recipe would have required.
August 16, 2015
“Oh man, they don’t have cherry!” I thought to myself. I grabbed a medium cup and began debating my second choice. “Oh man, they don’t have cherry anymore!” This time my sentiment of disappointment was not in my head but rather came directly out of the mouth of a let down little boy. I looked over at the petite little man (probably about six) with complete understanding. I felt the pain of his unfulfilled expectation. His mom came over and told him to get a small cup. Before the kid had a chance to select his Slurpee, I told his mom about 7-Eleven’s FREEkends promotions. I do hope she was able to take part in today’s giveaway and that the little boy’s flavor disappointment was sweetened by being able to get a medium Slurpee! I know I was quickly contented by the lemonade Slurpee that I chose. In an effort to keep my product model happy, I specifically asked Sid before I left which size straw he wanted me to get. Judging from the look on his face, I took it to mean, “Surprise me.”
The Slurpee stop was after a quick trip to CVS. They have a couple of deals worth noting this week.
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
On Sale 2/$6
Use 2 Manufacturer’s Coupons for $1 Off One Colgate (-$2)
Pay $4 out of pocket
Get $3 Extrabucks Rewards (-$3)
=$1 for 2 or 50 cents each!!!
*The Colgate coupon is available on CVS.com and coupons.com. If you are interested in this promotion, I would go ahead and print the coupons as soon as you get the chance. Coupons can disappear quickly, and this coupon has been available for a while now.
Propel Electrolyte Water 25.4 oz
On Sale $1.25
Pay $1.25
Earn $1.25 Extrabucks Rewards (-$1.25)
=FREE!!!
*The CVS I went to did not carry the Propel Electrolyte Water. Prices, promotions and inventory may vary by location.
August 15, 2015
It’s Saturday after noon, do you know where your free Slurpee is? Mine became the 
object of Sid’s attention as soon as I got home. While it went unspoken, the fact that I grabbed the wrong size straw did not go unnoticed. Sid was immediately fascinated by the extra long purple object towering over the cup. He even went so far as to smack it a couple of times. I think it might have reminded him of the stick at the top of his toy tick tock clock. It’s funny how he was so interested in my Slurpee and its overtly protruding straw and could have cared less about the free package of fancy cat food I got from the sample lady at Target this morning.
In case you don’t know where your free Slurpee is, it’s at your nearest 7-Eleven. Simply scan your 7-Eleven app at the register after noon this Saturday and Sunday. Details about this promotion and the next two FREEkend giveaways at 7-Eleven are found on July 31st’s post.
August 14, 2015 Update
Here’s a “Friday Bonus Bargain” for you!
Glad Zipper Bags (Dollar Tree Deal)
Snack and Sandwich Size Bags $1 at Dollar Tree
$1 Off Glad Food Protection Item Manufacturer’s Coupon (-$1)
=FREE!!!
*Manufacturer’s coupon available on Target.com or coupons.com. This is the same coupon that can be used for the Target Gladware deal.
August 14, 2015
Just a few exceptional buys to know about while you’re out doing your weekend shopping:
Ocean Spray Grapefruit Juice Drink (Target & Walmart Deals)
Regular Price at Target $2.49 (Walmart price $2.48)
$1 Off Manufacturer’s Coupon (-$1)
=$1.49 ($1.48 at Walmart)
*Manufacturer’s coupon can be found on Target.com or coupons.com.
Glad Food Protection Item (Target Deal)
Select Items $2.59 at Target
10% Off Cartwheel (-$.26)
$1 Off Manufacturer’s Coupon (-$1)
= $ 1.33
*Manufacturer’s coupon available on Target.com or coupons.com. Cartwheel offer expires 8/15/15.
Carefree Liners (Target Deal)
Regular Price $2.99 Each at Target
Buy Two $5.98
25% off Cartwheel (-$1.50)
$1.50 off 2 Manufacturer’s Coupon (-$1.50)
=$2.98/2 or $1.49 each!
*Manufacturer’s coupon available on Target.com or coupons.com.
**Note that there’s no guarantee how long these coupons and prices will be available. Remember that if you use your Target RedCard, you will get an additional 5% off. Take your own reusable bag for a 5 cent credit at Target.
August 13, 2015
August 12, 2015
Catfishing is great fun in our house. Sid’s and my interest in the sport was recently renewed when my older brother and nephew gifted Sid a shiny new blue fishing rod and reel as a belated birthday present. On our way back from the family reunion, we stopped at the gorgeous Bass Pro Shops in Garland, TX, just to get the pole. That place is truly beautiful. The huge glass windows located in the back of the store frame a picturesque view of the lake. It’s absolutely stunning. I could have stood there for hours mesmerized by the scenery but needed to focus on the mission at hand. Searching through the store’s assortment of snap swivels, we found just the right one to attach to the end of the line. My brother also had some small rings we added to make it easier to attach cat-toy lures to it. Sid was thrilled for me to be back home and to start our fishing game. He knew exactly what to do when I cast the lure out across the room.
Running and chasing the soft blue mouse throughout the house is great fun. One day I accidentally got the line 
caught on his climbing wall. Much to my surprise, he bounded right up the wall after it. It was awesome! With the help of the fishing pole, he is slowly starting to warm up to climbing the wooden structure. He also loves it when I cast the lure into his purple pond. From the outside, he can follow the shadow of the mouse all around the pool. Sometimes he jumps right in after it.
This isn’t Sid’s first fishing pole. I got him one years ago which was absolutely adorable. As a kitty cat toy, it came with a high price tag and broke right away. We both loved it while it worked. I find it fun to cast the line, and Sid loves to hunt the lure and chew on the line. My younger brother gave Sid a simple 
fishing pole that didn’t cast. We have had a lot of fun with it. So much fun that it’s broken. My brother suggested that a 16.5 lb cat needs a deep sea fishing rod. For now, the mini rod from Bass Pro Shops is perfect. I think it’ll be fun to attach different lures to the end. I may even try sewing some catnip-filled ones myself.
When it comes to our furry friends, I think we can get lured into spending a lot of money on specially marketed items. Consider the alternatives. The rod at Bass Pro Shops was 1/3 of what I spent on his kitty cat pole. The quality is so much better. I guess only time will tell if we truly need that deep sea fishing rod.
A quick reminder: 1/2 price cheeseburgers at Sonic tomorrow! Thanks, Marcia, for the heads up on this one!
August 11, 2015
Sid was all up in my free breakfast taco today. It’s the most excited he’s been about something I’ve brought home since that super duper purple pool. I was pretty excited about the free taco too. Taco Cabana, while being a fast food Mexican restaurant chain, makes its own fresh tortillas. A soft warm tortilla hugging your morning bacon and eggs is pretty special. This morning’s promotion was to celebrate the end of the egg shortage. I was more than pleased to join in the celebration. If reading about my breakfast taco is making you hungry and you live near a Taco John’s, you can get a free meat and potato burrito by joining Club TJ. Simply sign up on their website. You can thank my younger brother for that tip!
Target has a few promotions to note this week:
1. Del Monte Fruit & Veggie Fusions 4-Cup Packs
On sale this week $2
30% off with Cartwheel (-$.60)
$1 off manufacturer’s coupon (-$1)
=40 cents!
*This offer is set to Expire 8/15/15. The manufacturer’s coupon can be found on Target.com. Cartwheel percentage off should be applied prior to the manufacturer’s coupon.
2. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes 
Canister on sale $1.89
$1.50 off Target Coupon (-$1.50)
20% off with Cartwheel (-.08)
=31 cents!
*Note that Target coupons are applied prior to Cartwheel. FYI, Wet Ones are located down the paper towel aisle. I looked all over and even asked two employees who couldn’t tell me where they were. The Target coupon is available on Target.com.
3. Bounty Basic Paper Towels
Regular price $.97
10% off with Cartwheel (-$.10)
50 cents off manufacturer’s coupon (-$.50)
=37 cents!
*The manufacturer’s coupon can be found on coupons.com.
**If you use your Target RedCard, you will save an additional 5%. Target also gives a 5 cent credit for each reusable bag used. There’s no guarantee as to how long these coupons and prices will be available.
I have also found some specials at CVS. If you scan your ExtraCare card in store at their coupon center, you can get a $.74 off select candy bars instant coupon. Milky Ways are my favorite, and they are on sale for 99 cents each. Less the 74 cents, I treated myself to a 25 cent candy bar. The 2-liter bottles of Coke are also on sale for 99 cents right now. There’s an instant coupon at the coupon center for $.24 off 2-liter bottles of Coke products. The shelves were pretty bare, but I did find a 2-liter bottle of Sprite for 75 cents. Also on my list was something I actually needed–toothpaste. The 6 oz tubes of Colgate Max toothpaste are $2.99, and right now you get $2 in extrabucks rewards with the purchase of 1 select Colgate product. So it’s like paying 99 cents. The extrabucks print out on the bottom of your receipt. During my purchase of the free Gold Emblem Abound snacks this past weekend, I was asked if I would like to add my email address to my ExtraCare account for $3 in extrabucks. I used that $3 today. So I got my toothpaste, Milky Way, and Sprite for 99 cents out of pocket but with $2 in extrabucks. So basically I’m up $1.01. I visited a different CVS today in pursuit of additional Gold Emblem Abound snacks. The store did have breakfast biscuits and cranberry almond rice pop snacks for 99 cents each. As I was selecting my items, an older gentleman kindly told me they tasted horrible–even for free. Based on his recommendation, I am holding onto my last coupon for two more bags of popcorn which he said were fine. I have not personally tasted any of the products. They may be wonderful. It’s just an FYI.
I am pleased to once again have paper towels in the house. The last time I purchased a roll was in March. I was getting company, and I wanted to look like I ran a civilized household. (Yes, that’s Sid on my dining room table with his face in my taco. We’re so refined.) It’s an awkward transition at first, but you learn to use regular kitchen towels in place of napkins and paper towels. It cuts down on waste and expense. My mom gave me special cleaning cloths to clean mirrors and glass. I also think it will be handy to throw a canister of Wet Ones in the car and keep one in the garage. The fruit cups are great for lunches on the go or a quick pick me up snack. Speaking of snacks, I have a Milky Way to go eat…
August 10,2015
Happy National S’mores Day! Rich melting chocolate and ooey gooey roasted marshmallows smothered between two crisp graham crackers is cause for celebration in my book! I am happy to say I was able to enjoy some of these delightfully messy confections at my recent family reunion campout in Wisconsin. I can still hear that light crackling sound of the crispy outside of a perfectly toasted marshmallow being smooshed between two Fudge Stripes cookies and feel the melted marshmallow center oozing all over my sticky little paws. My family’s modified recipe was a definite success.
This year was our 34th campout which has been held in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. It’d been nine
years since I’d been able to attend. I was so excited to see my Aunt Dar and her famous taco salad. That taco salad’s appearance at the traditional potluck is as reliable and steadfast as dear Aunt Dar herself. I love that stuff–Aunt Dar too of course! Aunt Dar has been gracious enough to share her recipe which is found on the “Perfect Potluck ” page of the main “Recipes” section.
Living thirteen and a half hours away from my parents who were still seven and a half hours away from the campground made it impossible to prepare food ahead to take along. So my younger brother and I contributed a light and tasty salad that was easy to make on site after a quick trip to Gordy’s (the nearest grocery store). You can find “Coke & Bret’s Potluck Pistachio Salad” recipe on the “Perfect Potluck” page as well. (It’s the light green fluffy stuff next to “Dar’s Famous Taco Salad” in the photo on the right.)
Indulging in a feast of wonderful food with family is a well-loved tradition as is our evening gathering around one big campfire. My younger brother brought his guitar and led songs throughout the night. He was even kind enough to play “Eat Steak” for me. Almost 60 family members were in attendance this year laughing, playing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company.
The time together went quickly. My branch of the family kept the camping spirit alive a couple more days by roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over my parents’ fire pit. More S’mores! Yum!
S’mores are a great evening snack as is popcorn. If you go to CVS.com, Deals, Printable Coupons, and select Food under Categories to shorten your search, you will find a “Save $2 off the purchase of any 2 Gold Emblem Abound Snack Items” coupon. Select Gold Emblem Abound snacks (around 2 oz) are priced at $1 each. So purchasing two $1 snacks and using the $2 off coupon, the snacks are FREE. I went to two different CVS stores, both with limited 
inventory. The first CVS store had none of the $1 Abound snacks. Fortunately, I did find two bags of the Heavenly Light Popcorn at the second store. There’s supposed to be $1 Blueberry Rice Pop snacks and other $1 items, but I did not find them at either of the two stores I checked. The Gold Emblem Abound items are scattered down the aisles so be sure to look in multiple places. I have yet to taste the popcorn I found, but for free, I’ll give it a try.
My family and I love our snackages. Even if you don’t have a fire pit, you can enjoy the luscious taste of S’mores by using your microwave to slightly melt the marshmallows between Fudge Stripes cookies or the traditional Hershey bar and graham crackers. There are also several S’mores bars recipes online, on cereal boxes, etc. Happy S’mores Day, and Happy Snacking!
August 9, 2015
7-Eleven was bustling with people yesterday as I went inside in pursuit of my free pack of Juicy Fruit Starburst gum. Just as I laid eyes on the packages of flavorful chewing sticks, I hear, “That’s it. You’ve found it!” “Is someone talking to me?” I thought to myself. I look over to the register, and
one of the employees was looking directly at me. Turns out they’d had a pretty good response to this weekend’s FREEkends giveaway. I told him if I wasn’t back tomorrow (now today), I’d be back next weekend for sure for my free Slurpee. Those delicious frozen concoctions (even though free on promotion) will still count toward your buy 6 cups and any 7th is free. That’s extra sweet. Their promotion has definitely worked on me. As I was backing out of my garage yesterday, the gas light came on in my vehicle. Since I was headed to 7-Eleven, I filled Subie’s (Common Subaru nickname. I know I’m not the only one who has a pet name for their car!) tank there instead of going to one of my usual places. It’s not too late to get your free pack of gum. Head to 7-Eleven after noon today, and present your 7-Eleven mobile app barcode at the register. More details about this promotion are in my July 31 post.
August 7, 2015 Update
After the week’s worth of non-gym workouts, I think it’s appropriate to share a fantastic deal on soap. We’re talking 6 bars of soap for FREE! Go to redplum.com to print a “Save $2 on any two Dial Body Wash, Dial Complete Foaming Hand Wash, or Dial or Tone 3 Bar Soap or Larger” coupon. Take the coupon to the Dollar Tree, and look for the 3-packs of Dial Basics bar soap. They’re $1 each and with the $2 coupon, FREE! Now I can save more of my Ivory bar soap to make homemade laundry detergent (recipe found on the main “Around the House” page). I was able to print two coupons, so when I’m back out again, I’ll use my second coupon for 6 more bars of soap! Please note that not all Dollar Tree stores carry the same inventory, but I think it’s worth taking a look. Keep moving, and stay clean my friends!
August 7, 2015
I have always loved and felt at home in the water. (Read that as swimming in a pool. I find a murky lake disgusting, and the ocean’s mighty
strength intimidates me.) In recent years, I have avoided the pool because I assumed it would be overcrowded and full of kids, making it impossible to actually swim. Much to my delight, this assumption has been proven wrong in recent days. Arriving at opening, I virtually had the pool to myself. It was a fun and invigorating workout. Check out Friday’s “Not Your Granny’s Water Aerobics” workout on the “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts” page of the “Health & Fitness” section for workout specifics and tips.
Workout Log Day Five: Not Your Granny’s Water Aerobics
HOA pool pass acquired, and swimsuit adorned. It’s early as I’m hoping to avoid a crowd and lots of kids screaming and splashing. The water is immediately refreshing having retained the heat from yesterday’s sun. Pleased to be the first person there, I begin my workout utilizing the entire length of the pool. With my Spiderman kickboard out in front and my legs flutter kicking behind, I start the first of five laps. I feel fatigue setting in my legs much sooner than anticipated and quickly realize the 
pool’s actual size which I had underestimated. That evokes a feeling of excitement as I realize I have found a pool close to home that will be perfect for actual swimming.
Upon completing my warm-up laps, I put on my water shoes to begin my exercises in the shallow end. I have no set routine in mind. Being in the water is pure joy, and I just go with the flow. It’s mentally and physically freeing. I start doing squats and then fancify my squats by adding alternating knee lifts.
Setting my sights across the pool, I begin jogging toward the far wall. The effort is there, but the speed is not, as the water provides resistance with each stride. I turn to run back to my starting point, and am met with an added rush of water from my previous motion. The resistance is awesome!
Next, it’s jumping jacks, knee lifts and bunny hops. I take off my water shoes and grab my kickboard for more laps. Soon the water shoes return to
my feet, and I pretend I’m Rocky doing my kickboxing exercises. Front kick right, side kick left, front kick left, side kick right. Oh yeah, I am tough. Rear kicks, upper cuts, and cross punches. I am a champion.
Enjoying every moment of my workout, I know it’s mission accomplished.
Over the last several years, I have underutilized the HOA resources available to me. There’s a nice sized pool, two tennis courts, a fitness center, and basketball court. Each provides a means to get in a good workout and is already paid for via my dues. Cities often provide recreational amenities for the community as well.
Your Challenge: Look into the local amenities provided to you by your HOA, apartment complex or city, and give them a try.
August 6, 2015
Channeling my inner Mia Hamm, I am going to kick this workout in its kiester. Ok, it took all of a minute to realize I need more than another four years to be ready for the next World Cup, but I can still exude the enthusiasm of a champion. Today’s workout is about trying new activities to challenge your body in different ways. For workout details and tips, please check out Thursday’s entry on the “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts” page of the “Health & Fitness” section.
Workout Log Day Four: Kickin’ It
As evening sets in on this miserably hot and humid day, it’s finally cool enough to be outside and time to kick it into high gear. With my short hair coerced into the tiniest of pony tails, I begin kicking the over-inflated black and white soccer ball back and forth using the insides of my feet. I’m a bit awkward so the movement is slow, but I remain determined in my
task. The blanket of green grass beneath me provides a soft cushion under my feet as I weave my way through and around the faded orange cones and back again.
Picking up the soccer ball, I begin to pass the ball from hand to hand first in front of my body and then behind my back. As the ball circles around my waist, my hips rotate as if to keep a hula hoop in motion. I stop and switch directions. Adding a greater level of coordination, I begin to thread the soccer ball through and around my legs in a figure 8 pattern. I then put the ball in reverse and repeat the figure 8 pattern going in the opposite direction. Setting the ball down in front of me, I tap my right foot onto the ball, quickly followed by my left foot. The alternating toe taps are rapid. My heart rate begins to rise.
The mission is set, now it’s time to train. I start from the beginning dribbling the ball with my feet through the cones and proceed through each of the exercises again and again. Repetition builds strength, coordination and stamina. Core strength is vital to all activity, so I end my soccer ball workout with some abdominal work. Lying on my back atop a soft pink beach towel, I place the ball between my feet and ankles. With my legs extended up and my arms out to the sides, I begin a windmill motion side to side keeping the core of my body and shoulders flat on the ground. It’s a controlled and challenging motion.
The workout proves me a slow and awkward novice with an “I will kick it” attitude–mission accomplished.
Your Challenge: Try exercises from a sport new to you. Share your ideas and experiences with us.
Speaking of trying new things, if you’ve never had Starbucks Iced Coffee made from their K-Cup pods, now is a good time to try it. Target has a Cartwheel promotion of 50% off 16-count packs of Starbucks and TAZO iced K-Cups. This Cartwheel offer expires 8/8/15. Target.com also has a manufacturer’s coupon for $3 off the purchase of 2 boxes of Starbucks Iced Coffee K-Cup pods. Target’s online price for a box is $13.99. After Cartwheel’s 50% off, you’re at $13.99 for two boxes. Subtract your $3 coupon and you’re down to $10.99 or roughly $5.50 a box. Add in your RedCard savings, reusable bag credit…it’s a great deal!
August 5, 2015
Sometimes a little crazy is all it takes to incite movement.
Workout Log Day Three: I “Can” Workout!
Waiving my hand in the air in a come here motion, I get my younger brother’s attention. He follows me into the pantry with a puzzled 
look on his face as I begin handing him cans of green beans to carry into the living room. My unusual antics start to draw the attention of other family members whose curiosity leads them away from sedentary activities. PS4 abandoned. Clash of Clans battle delayed.
Albeit via unorthodox means, the mind is intrigued and the body is moving. My brother and I set six cans of vitamin packed veggies in a line across the living room floor. Hopping out when I meet a can and jumping back together in between cans, I make my way down the line of green beans, turn around, and hop all the way back again. The plyometric motion is good for building strength in my legs. I’m a bit winded so I continue with a less intense movement. Starting from the side of the first can, I begin a grapevine threading my body between the first two cans at an angle. I then do two step touches before beginning my next grapevine leading with the opposite foot. I continue that pattern down through the cans and back again to the start. I repeat both the hops and grapevine sequences.
Picking up the cans, I place four to form a square on the floor. I give my mom, dad, and nephew, who were intrigued as to what I would do next, two cans each. Positioning each person between two cans forming a side of the square, I explain that each of them is in a particular exercise station: Bicep Curls, Overhead Shoulder Press, Overhead Tricep Press, and Side Lateral Raises. We do 10 repetitions of our respective exercise and rotate to the next station. We continue through this pattern twice.
My younger brother heads back to the pantry to add cans of corn to the vegetable mix. Setting five cans of corn on one end of the room and five cans of beans on the other, I am ready to begin the corn and bean shuttle run. Starting on the bean side, I pick up a can of legumes and run it down to the other end swapping it for a can of corn. I continue this switcheroo until all of the cans of corn are where the beans started and all of the beans are where the corn originated. I challenge my older brother to a race. Each has three cans on each side. I fail to mention pick up the can first, so victory is easily mine as my brother runs to the other end to retrieve the first can.
With all of this focus on food, I need to work the waist line. I once again enlist the help of my can clan. Forming a circle with our backs to each other, every other person has two cans. Rotating to the side, we hand the cans to the next person. It becomes apparent we need to slow down a bit as I begin to feel a little dizzy. We switch directions and repeat.
Using 12 cans of vegetables and some imagination, I can move and get others to move with me. Mission accomplished.
It’s surprisingly fun to move cans around in your living room trying to create clever patterns to facilitate workout activities. Simply setting up the cans gets you in motion. I have outlined the workout in more detail on the “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts” page of the “Health & Fitness” section. There, I provide modifications to accommodate fitness level and number of people involved in the workout. You can do this one!
Your Challenge: Raid your pantry, and say “I CAN!” Create your own exercises using cans, and share your ideas to inspire others.
My brother and nephew had great fun spoofing my workout ideas.
It’s the “Coke Can Workout”. (My nickname is Coke.)
“I’ve participated in lots of marathons–on Netflix.”
Hey, I see nothing wrong with a corny, can-do attitude!
August 4, 2015
Day two of “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts” is all about cycling. Get that bike out of the garage, and take it for a spin. It’s a fun and exhilarating workout. See Tuesday’s entry on the “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts” page of the “Health & Fitness” section for workout details and tips.
Workout Log Day Two: Tour de Neighborhood
The choice is red, definitely red. There’s no time to waste on such decisions. Sid watches in support as I put on the red jersey, grab my water bottle and head out the door. With each passing moment, the sun will intensify, and the world will begin to awaken flooding the streets with noise and chaos. Smashing my disheveled bedhead into my helmet, I knew it was time to roll. My feet met the pedals, and the tires hit the road.
There is something so revitalizing about the morning breeze blowing across your face and through your hair. I miss 
the moos of the cows that once echoed through the neighboring pastures. Construction is now transforming the once farmland into a residential neighborhood. I am grateful I chose to ride my hybrid bike as I turn onto a newly created road. The thicker tires add security as I do not know the level of debris to be found in the developing area. Riding through the newly graded lots, it’s quiet and peaceful as the day’s construction has not yet begun.
My journey continues as I pedal my way back into the already established subdivision. The sun is brightening and the streets get busier. Passing by the recreation area, I hear the thunk of a ball resonate against a racket as two men engage in a spirited game of tennis. I cruise by the elementary school vacant for the summer and head into another newly developed area. Parked cars line the streets, and you can feel the day’s bustling energy begin as people emerge from their houses.
The calm and pleasantness of an early morning bike ride is rapidly dissipating with the increase in traffic. With added fervor I pedal faster, energized by the music emerging from my cell phone nestled in a pouch attached to the top tube of my bike. Arriving home, I remove my helmet and quickly realize a job well done. Helmet hair worse than bedhead–mission accomplished!
Your challenge: Pump up your flat tires and get back on your bike. Share your riding experience with us–great trails, funny encounters, riding tips, etc.
After a good morning workout, it’s time for breakfast! How about a nice big bowl of cereal? After my own 
coupon search and visit to Target, I am pleased to say I found a better deal than originally posted on July 31. Target.com has an updated manufacturer’s coupon for the save $1 on two boxes of General Mills cereals as well as a 75 cents off one box of Cocoa Puffs coupon. Print two of the former and one of the latter. Cartwheel now has 10% off the purchase of General Mills cereals. Keep in mind it will only apply to four boxes of cereal. I picked out four family sized boxes of Lucky Charms and one regular sized box of Cocoa Puffs on sale for $2.50 each and purchased five to get a $5 Target gift card. So the beginning price was $12.50. I had $2.75 in coupons, $1 off from Cartwheel, 18 cent savings for using my RedCard, and a 10 cent credit for having two reusable bags which brings the subtotal down to $8.47. Considering the $5 Target gift card earned, $3.47 or 69 cents a box. I had the $5 Target gift card from my kitty litter/cat chow shopping trip so used that and only paid $3.47 out of pocket. I used part of the newly acquired gift card on a second transaction. You guessed it–a gallon of milk!
Turns out I’m not the only one who likes Lucky Charms. Probably a good thing they’re family sized boxes!
When it comes to food, Sid’s much better at the concept of sharing than I am. After he sniffed out my bowl and tasted a little of the milk, it was time for two bowls–his and mine!
August 3, 2015
This week, I will be featuring “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts“. Each day will debut a new idea designed to inspire you to keep fit without having a costly gym membership. I have personally done each workout and kept a workout log documenting my journey. Check out the “5 Days of Non-Gym Workouts” page under the “Health & Fitness” section for specifics and tips.
Workout Log Day One: Interval Training
The sky was overcast with clouds, and the humidity hung heavily in the air. Armed with my water bottle, music, and visor, I am ready to face my morning challenge. The plan is simple–interval training. When the terrain begins to climb steadily, I walk. When the grade levels out or begins a welcomed decline, I jog. The mission is 20-30 minutes.
Music on, stopwatch running, and I’m walking. The water bottle shifts between hands as the added weight is a little uncomfortable. I say good morning to a gentleman out walking his dog. I’ve always pondered the merits of a canine running partner. My thoughts go to Sid. Scratch any future dog musings from my mind.
The initial downhill jog goes well. It’s followed by a long incline walk. I take a couple sips from my water bottle and feel some worth in the burden of carrying it. The longest straight/subtle downhill is at the peak of the hill. It is there that I make a sharp right onto the sidewalk shaded by trees and start jogging. The length of this path is deceiving, and I begin to tire about halfway. Stopping is not an option. I adjust my pace and finish the straight away to turn onto a nice steep decline. The bottom of that hill ignites the confidence that I will soon have achieved my goal. It isn’t much farther.
I walk up the last incline, cut over, and begin my final descent home. The sun is breaking through the clouds, and the blue sky begins to emerge. I feel my temperature rising. “Always finish stronger than you start!” echoes in my head. I push harder and faster and finish strong. Mission accomplished. 28:45
The best part of finishing this workout was Sid meeting me at the door as soon as I got home. He missed me.
Your challenge: Try interval training 1 day this week. Let me know how it goes.
August 1, 2015
Brain freeze accomplished! Yum-o! The smooth cold mixture of cherry goodness tasted extra sweet at the price of free. It was the perfect capstone to a day of bargain shopping and auto maintenance. I am pleased to report that I landed five 2-liter bottles of soda, a tank top, a t-shirt, and a slurpee for $3.06 (pretax). My journey began at JCPenney where I found a nice foundation tank top for $5.99 and a comical t-shirt for $4.99. Using my $10 off coupon, my subtotal was $.98. The tank top is for me (quite fitting since your tank top and tennis shoe girl was sans tank top today), and the t-shirt will be a humorous birthday present for my nephew. At Target, I found the 2-liter bottles of Dr Pepper for $1.89 each. Armed with two coupons, I selected four bottles. I opted to break the purchase up into two transactions to avoid any issues with the coupons. Cartwheel took 50% off, the coupon then took a $1 off, I got a 5 cent credit for using my own reusable bag, and received a savings of 4 cents for using my RedCard. The two 2-liters of Dr Pepper cost a total of 79 cents–roughly 40 cents each! I did that twice. I almost feel as if I overpaid on my 2-liter bottle of HEB cola at 50 cents. Almost–but not really.
Today’s outing was a definite success, but after spending two hours at the auto dealership, I was ready to be home. After all, you can’t put a price tag on the time spent with your very best friend.
