I'm getting huge!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend!  I am trying to relax and enjoy one of my last quiet weekends before the baby comes (which could be any day now!). Okay, it isn't very quiet with the twins around, but you know what I mean.

The last thing you want to be is stressed for this weekend, so I thought I would point you to some great recipes for any party you may have to attend.  I made my sangria yesterday and there was barely any left out of 3L!  Here are my favorite dishes to pass.

1. Easy sangria.  You don't have to let the fruit "marinade" if you are making it quickly, it will be just as tasty!
2. Guacamole.  Make it with or without peas for a tasty treat with chips.  Who doesn't love a salty snack with cocktails?  TIP: leave one avocado pit in the guac to keep it from browning if you are making it ahead!
3. Turkey burgers.  They are just as fast to make up as regular burgers and a little bit better on the waistline. 
4. Pulled pork. If you have a party tomorrow, start this slow cooker pulled pork today and all you have to do is take the cooker with you!  This is my go-to recipe and it is perfect with Hawaiian rolls or mini buns.  I usually add a bit more BBQ sauce to it.  (Sweet Baby Rays or Open Pit are my favorite)
5. Frozen drinks.  If you are in a rush, go to the store and by the Bacardi mixers pina colada, rum runner or fuzzy navel.  Add some (cheap) rum and a blender and you are all set.  Any variety from the Bacardi brand is amazing.  Add fresh fruit for an extra treat!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

These drinks are all I'm craving now!

Anyone have any favorite dishes they like to pass?  I would love some new recipes for my binder, especially summer frozen drinks!

Quick tip: Rainchecks!

Lately, I have been super frustrated with finding the "hot deals" of the week.  I swear there is someone who gets to the store 5 minutes before me and clears the shelves for every great deal.  If available, always ask for a raincheck!  That little piece of paper can save you time (and expensive gas money!).  Instead of driving around town to other stores trying to find the sale item, just wait until the item is no longer on sale. You usually have from 2-4 weeks to get the item at the sale price.  Just remember to check your coupon expiration dates! You don't want to miss out on a super great deal by forgetting that your coupon expired! 

Summer fun: AMC lanes

Want more info? Go here!

Hello! Since summer is (finally) coming upon us, I'm sure parents are looking for some fun activities!  There are SO many things going on, so I can't post everything...but I'll make sure to find some great ideas for you!

First up: AMC lanes Summer Unplugged.  

Although one of the best parts of summer is the warm weather, it is nice to have some indoor activities too.  Sometimes it's too hot!  I wish the girls were old enough to enjoy bowling.  I am tempted to try!

Here are the details:

• Two free games of bowling per day for kids 16 and under. 
• (Shoe rental not included, unfortunately...)
• Time: open until 8:00PM, 7 days a week.
• Dates: May 30 to September 5
  
• To find chose your location, go to this link and complete a simple registration form
• Each Sunday (starting May 29) you will be emailed coupons for the following week
• For people over 17, if you have registered kids, you make a one-time payment of $27.95 for 2 games/day for up to 4 people for the summer!

They have even been nice enough to add some additional perks including $2.99 meals for kids.  If we can't take advantage of this deal this year, we will hopefully be able to next year.  This would be so great for a "family fun" night!  

If you know me, you know my level of athleticism is, well, a bit lacking.  I am proud to be the worst bowler.  I am one of those people who get better at sports with the help of a little "liquid courage".  That being said, this would be super fun for family time (minus the liquid courage, of course!)...I won't have to worry about frustrating team members when the twins are on my team!

I am picturing our first outing being something along the lines of Uncle Buck.  If you have no idea what Uncle Buck is, you might want to brush up on your 80s movies.  (You don't want to mess with me and my 80s/90s pop culture trivia, FYI!)

Do you have any big plans for the summer?!  What are you planning on doing on a hot night with the kids?  This is our first summer in Grand Rapids and we don't want to miss anything!! 



*NOTE: This is post was for One2One Network.  Although I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own,  I am entered in a contest for free gift cards.

Wednesday: Found some deals!

I'm going to try out a new post each Wednesday where I list the best deals I've seen for the week so far.  I figure by Wednesday everyone will have gone out shopping and reported back any great deals.  I am going to start off with stores that are locally available and then branch off to others, if need be.  Right now my focus will be on: Meijer, Target, Drugstores and D&W/Family Fare.  Also, a few online deals.  I am not going to post everything, just what I think is an awesome deal.  To find other deals, head on over to AfullCup.
 
*This week seems pretty calm, but I'll add more as I see them!*

Meijer

• LA Looks hair gel for $0.99 - $1.00 off coupon from last week's coupons = FREE.  To be honest, I didn't know they still made this stuff! 
• Taco Bell items 50% off- use $0.75/2 off coupon (from the paper 2 weeks ago) for super cheap taco seasoning.  Also great price to stock up on taco shells!
• Sweet Baby Rays Marinade & dipping sauce $1 - $1 off coupon from this week's paper= FREE.
• Chi-Chis salsa $0.99 - $0.50 off coupon = 0.49!  or if your store doubles (anywhere besides west MI) it's FREE!
• Hillshire Farm smoked sausages (GREAT for Memorial Day grill outs!) 3/$5 - 0.55 off coupon= $1.12!
• Ballpark hotdogs $0.98-0.75/2 = 0.60 per pack!  I'm going to stock our freezer with these!

CVS

• Purex detergent is $1.98, subtract $1.00 coupon (from a few weeks ago)= $0.97!  I love Purex and I'm going to try to stock up on the Free & Clear for the baby!

I can't wait to go grocery shopping today!  I love good deals at Meijer!


Anything catch your eye this week?  I'm sure I missed something!

TODAY (5/23) ONLY: Lady Gaga CD deal

I tried and tried not to love Lady Gaga because of all of the hype around her, but I cannot resist her music.  Its SO catchy!  Amazon digital music has an amazing deal today.  You can get the WHOLE CD for $0.99.  Here's the link! 

Enjoy this beautiful day with some dancing!

Spring cleaning? Use Freecycle!

http://www.freecycle.org/

I know you have all heard of Craigslist, but I am loving Freecycle right now!  People post items they are giving away for FREE and all you have to do is email them back.  Most likely, you have one in your area.  Granted, most of the items being given away are probably not what you need/want, but you never know what will be posted.  I love that you can also post what you WANT to find.  For instance, we're looking for a jogging stroller (anyone have one?!), so we could put a wanted post up.  I've found baby books, unused baby items and other random things on there.  Here are some more perks:

• Some of the post offer some form of entertainment.  You cannot imagine some things that people list.  When you sign up, make sure you remove the check mark for daily emails.  They sent out a TON of emails.
• Have a larger item you don't feel like selling, but want to get rid of?  Freecycle it!  Instead of trying to haul it to Goodwill, someone will pick it up for you!
• I have noticed a lot of people who are moving are posting great items that they just want to get rid of.  Instead of bothering with a garage sale, they are just posting freebies.  

You aren't allowed to resell items you find on here, unless otherwise posted.  I'm not sure how people would know, but its one of the main policies.  

Let me know what gems you have found on Freecycle!

Coupon pep talk!

I've posted this before, but since I have so many new readers who are new to couponing (hello!!!), I wanted to give you this little pep talk.  Being new to the coupon world can be intimidating, but stick with it!

Since I've been using coupons for years, I am used to the negative side of them.  When I go to the store, I'm sure I am the cashiers nightmare with the amount of coupons I use.  Now I am proud of my savings and I do not care what they may think, but it can be almost intimidating using coupons.  Make sure you know the rules for the store you are shopping at because the cashiers can be wrong sometimes!

Here are some ways to make coupons less stressful for newbies:

1. Organize, organize organize!  I always keep an ongoing list on our fridge and before I go shopping I check out sales, finalize my list and get my coupons out that I may need.  I put the coupons for that shopping trip in a separate envelope so I know exactly where they are.  If I'm getting something like trash bags and I don't know what I will end up buying, I get out all coupons for trash bags, so I don't fumble around in the store. 
2. You don't have to hit every great deal.  This tip is one I should really follow.  You should see our linen closet and pantry.  I am addicted to free toothpaste and cereal.  If you try to go out and get every great deal, you would drive yourself crazy!  Buy what you can use.  Also, just because you have a coupon doesn't make that the best price- if you are trying to use a coupon for salad dressing, but there is a better deal without the coupon, go for the better deal!
3. Don't feel bad about using coupons.  Before you get in line to check-out, make sure you have everything you may need out and ready to go.  As long as you are organized, there is NO reason to feel bad about using coupons.  I get all sorts of comments from people behind me and I try to not let it get to me, but I will admit its hard to not want to give up.  Especially with a grouchy cashier.  My opinion is, if people get annoyed with you they can go in a different lane! 
4. Stand up for yourself.  This goes back to the whole "grouchy cashier" category.  Some cashiers refuse to deal with coupons and they will do anything they can to say "nope, we cant take this".  In my experience, 9 times out of 10, they are wrong.  If you know your coupon is right, say something!  If the cashier is still salty, go right up to the customer service desk after your transaction.  Yes, this sounds time consuming, but its worth it.
5. Have fun!  Coupons are not for everyone.  Its hard for me to understand, but a lot of people hate using coupons.  If you can't have fun saving money and you think of coupons as a burden, stop using them.  I find saving money fun, so I brush aside the negatives of couponing.  Once you get the hang of it, couponing is really quick and easy...I promise!

If you have any beginner questions, as always I'm here for you!
My new email is: beingcheapiseasy at gmail.com or you can message me through this blog. 

I love all comments!

Spin: New music up from June issue!

New music up for June! Click here!

Remember I was telling you about the free monthly music from Spin? Well there is a new mix up from their June issue.  I am currently downloading it, so I haven't listened to it yet...but if you like indie music, you should be a fan.  Gotta love free music AND finding out about new bands!

Key ring app

Here's the website.  You can download the app from the iTunes store.

I'm not one of those cool people with a smart phone, but I do have an iPod touch I won from one of my survey sites.  I try to use it as much as I can, but most stores don't have wireless for me to use.  I just happened to stumble upon this app a few days ago and its pretty cool!

For every key ring tag that weighs down your car keys, you can add it to this app and keep them all in one place.  I have at least 15 things on my keys, so I thought I would try this out.  (FYI- even if you do add them to this app, I wouldn't recommend throwing the key tags away, just in case!!).  You can search by area or by store name.   Here are some favorite things I have found:

• On the Border- FREE appetizer!
• Target- coupons are added randomly.  They can still be used with manu coupons, just like regular Target store coupons
• Michaels- Each week they add the 40% off coupon from the paper

Since the app is still pretty new, they don't have every store possible YET.  I think this may become something pretty cool though.  This is also available for Android!

Check it out!  What great deals came up on yours?

Week 1: Im officially a gardener!

Now that the twins are toddlers, we fly through produce.  Olivia can eat up to 3 bananas a day! I can't complain too much, since they are at least healthy eaters.  I thought I could save a few trips to the grocery store by starting my own little patio garden.  I am going to track my progress over the next few weeks/months to let you know what I've learned from my gardening.  I must let you know that I know VERY little about growing plants and I am crossing my fingers these plants made it past those cold nights a few days ago.  Here's what I've planted:

• 1 tomato plant- in a topsy turvy*
• 1 green pepper plant- in a topsy turvy
• 2 strawberry plants- in a topsy turvy
• Herbs: basil, cilantro, chives and rosemary (in pots... I am trying to find something to replant them in)
• 1 cucumber- in a topsy turvy

*A topsy turvy is one of those plant hangers that are all over the markets.  At Menards they have last year's model for $3.99 and Aldi has a generic version for $5.  You just have to buy a plant and use your own soil to plant them.  So far they are super easy!!

That list looks mighty ambitious, but it was super easy to get it all set up!  I guess setting it up is the easy part though, right?  I have already lost my first tomato plant due to crazy storms last weekend.  But Im staying optimistic!


I'll keep you posted!


Are you a gardener?  Any tips for a small patio "gardener"?!  I need any help I can get!  

Quick tip: how to keep greens fresh

As I've said before, we fly through produce.  Since we buy so much, I have quickly learned how to save everything so it stays fresh and tasty as long as possible.  My one tip for most items: a slightly damp paper towel.  I just take a paper towel and flick it with some water from the faucet.  You don't want it soaked, just enough to make it damp.  This little item will save your greens so much!

• Wrap it around green onions to keep them crispy.  Store in a baggy or the produce bag from the store.
• Top salad mix containers or bags with the paper towel to keep lettuce from getting brown or wilting
• Wrap herbs and store in a baggy to keep fresh much longer

That's all for now!  Enjoy your day!

Help! Is playing the drugstore game worth it?

Here's where I'm asking YOU for help! 

I know how to save at grocery stores and supercenters, but when it comes to drugstores I always shy away.  To me, I feel dealing with Extra Care Bucks and Register Rewards (basically money back after purchases) is so not worth the savings.  I would much rather have my savings instant.  I know that there are many ways out there to get super cheap items at drugstores, but I would like YOUR help to make it worth it. 


I've tried a few times to get diaper deals and it's just too frustrating to me.  Or I will get to the store and there is nothing in stock.  I would much rather go to Target and use coupons to save instantly. 

Anyone have any tips for me? Please help!

Mmmm Mondays: How to make a turkey burger amazing

It's a double Mmmm Mondays to make up for me being such a slacker lately.  Keeping up with my love for grilling, I thought I would talk burgers.  I have been eating turkey burgers for over a decade now.  Since I've been with Ricky, I have started eating red meat again, but we rarely buy beef around here.  To me, turkey tastes just as good!  A lot of people are scared because they think they are dry (which they can be!), but if you make them right, you'll be hooked.  Here are some tips:

1. Buy lean turkey meat: 93/7.  The extra lean (99%) is a bit too dry for burgers.
2. Experiment with seasoning.  I love trying new spices!  My spice cabinet is overflowing.  You may have to add a bit more than you are used to.  Try a jerk seasoning or Cajun.
3. Don't forget to cook over a lower heat.  You need it to be cooked through, but you don't want the outsides to be burned and a raw middle!  
4. Once you put it on the grill, just let it be.  Flip after 4-6 minutes.  

Here is my basic burger:

• Low sodium Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• Montreal Chicken (or any grilling seasoning)
• Steak sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup grated onions

I don't measure any of the spices.  I know this is annoying for a recipe, but I feel you should go with what looks right to you, not by measuring everything.   Just mix them all together well. 

•  When forming the burgers, make a basic patty and then leave a little indent in the middle.  I learned this from Rachael Ray and it really does help keep the burgers in a nice shape, not softball like. 
• One package of turkey meat is usually 1 1/3 lbs, so it makes around 5 burgers.

Ready for something new?  Try this southwest spicy burger!

Saute onions and jalapenos.

With one package, you get 5 burgers or (4 plus 2 minis in our house)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup onion
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup of black beans from can (drained and rinsed)
• 1 package of lean turkey meat 
• Spices: Chili powder, Mrs. Dash's Fiesta Lime, cumin, grill seasoning (I use a few dashes of each)
• A few dashes of Worcestershire and hot sauce (if desired)
• Optional toppings: Pepper Jack cheese and avocado slices

1. In a pan, sprayed with cooking oil, saute the onion and jalapeno until slightly cooked.  This helps to take away some of the crunch and brings out some flavor.  Allow to cool for 10-15 min.
2. In a bowl, add turkey and beans.  Mix together.  
3. Add a few dashes of the spices and sauces.  I usually go a bit heavier on the grill seasoning.
4. Add the pepper mix and form into patties.  As I said earlier, make sure to indent the center of each patty slightly to keep a nice shape on grill.
5. Grill and top with desired cheese and avocado slices. 

I have made 100s of turkey burgers, if you need help just ask!

Enjoy!

Mmmm Mondays: Asian chopped salad

I love this time of year for many reasons.  Now that we have a patio, I'm adding grilling to my list.  We have definitely gotten our money's worth with our grill so far.   This recipe can be grilled outside, or simply on a Foreman or pan inside.  Asian salads are pretty popular at restaurants and this is my healthier version.  Enjoy!

The photo doesn't do this salad justice, its so yummy!

Ingredients

• Chicken breast marinaded in teriyaki (or simply grilled if you are short on time)
• Chopped veggies: (take out what you dislike)
• Romaine lettuce
• Red peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Green onions
• Peapods
•  Dressing- Newman's Own lowfat Sesame Ginger is ammmazing!
• Crunchies- almonds, chow mein noodles, sesame sticks.  
• They are conveniently all together in the Marzettis Asian Sesame mix...I was so happy to find this! (There are coupons out there, of course! It also goes on sale a lot)

How to put it all together:

1. Grill the chicken.  I usually marinade it overnight and MAKE EXTRA!  I use this chicken for the next few days for stir-fry and salads.  I've tried most of the Asian marinades out there and they all seem to be great.  Go for anything you have on hand!
2. Chop the salad veggies.  Once again MAKE EXTRA.  This is a basic mix and without dressing you can have ready made salads for a few days.  
3. Toss together with dressing, top with sliced grilled chicken and finish with the crunchies.

This salad is super quick and a great light warm weather meal!

Enjoy!

Im back!

Hello again!  Remember me?! Blogger has been down for what seems like FOREVER.  I've been trying to post all week!  Aside from the tech issues, we have also been super busy.  We finally realized that this baby could come ANY DAY now and we need to be prepared!  Needless to say, I'll probably be posting less than normal. 

I hope you all are enjoying this warm weather finally!

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm a lucky Mama!  I can't wait to meet my new little girl in about a month!

 

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather today.  Take time for yourself!  I'll be back and blogging again next week, but for now I am relaxing with a book outside!

Happy Mother's Day!