Raise your hand if you are (or were) afraid to buy leeks!

Me!

I didn't know what to do with them or how to clean them.  They are super gritty and full of sand, so if you don't clean them well, they are crunchy.  Yuck!

After reading this, when you see those beautiful leeks at the store or farmers market, you will pick them up!  They have a sweet, oniony flavor that goes great with potatoes, bacon and any veggie.  You can saute, roast or grill them.  As Daniel Tiger says: "Try new food, cause it might taste GOOD!".  As we roll into fall, leeks are a great addition to any comfort meal!  Think: homemade mac n' cheese with bacon and leeks! Or slow cooker potato soup with leeks.  YUM-O!

Our favorite meal right now with leeks (aside from omelets) is an amazing, (calorie) splurge-worthy bacon , egg and leek pizza on thin crust...recipe will be posted soon! 

Recipe to be posted soon!

So here's how you wash and clean leeks.  It's quite simple once you get the hang of it.  Bonus: they last over a week if properly stored in the fridge!

1. Cut off the top and ends of the leeks.  Then thinly slice.
2. Place in a large bowl of water and let sit.  The dirt and sand will settle to the bottom.  Make sure you separate the layers of the slices.
3. Scoop the leeks out, making sure to not mix up the dirt from the bottom.  I usually double wash them, to be on the safe side!
4.  Place in strainer and dry thoroughly.
5. Store in an airtight container with a damp paper towel at the base and top of the container.

How do you enjoy your leeks? I'm always looking for new ideas!

Coupon Organization: My big ol' binder

I've tried quite a few different ways to organize my coupons.  I started using envelopes (ripped too easily), then I went to accordion files (didn't hold enough) and now I am onto the binder system.  For baby coupons and store coupons (like larger Babies R Us), I do have an additional accordion file which goes in the bag with my binder.  I found a zippered binder on clearance in the back-to-school section two years ago and I love this system.  While shopping with the girls, it's a total lifesaver!

Here's what you need:

1. A zippered binder
• Back-to-School clearance sales should start soon.  Zippered is a must, unless you want a huge mess!  These run from $5-10 on clearance. 
• UPDATE 4/2015: This is the one I use now. LOVE the handle!
2. Baseball card holders 
• I find them at the Dollar Tree.  They do have new ones made for coupons, but they are kind of pricy! I buy 3-4 packs to keep on hand when I see them.  Usually right by the checkout.
• If you can't find them at the Dollar Tree, check the toy section at your grocery store/Target.
3. Dividers
• I might look for some more heavy duty ones, mine are paper and they are starting to rip
• Categories I use: Dairy, Freezer, Meat, Household, Beauty, Health, Canned/Jars, Ethnic Food, Bread, Condiments, Dressing, Snacks, Breakfast Foods, Pasta/Rice and Etc (for pet foods and seasonal)

Total investment should be less than $15.

Pros:

• You can see all of your coupons while shopping
• All of your coupons are in one place

 Cons:

• Some coupons are too large for the card holders (I just fold or trim them)
• More time consuming if you're not used to clipping all of your coupons out

How do you organize your coupons?

Love shopping SecondHand? Check out Twice!

Check it out & get $10 credit!

I will admit, I am not the best thrift store shopper. Back in high school I loved to get old "vintage" tees or purses...but that's about it.

A few weeks ago I ventured out to our local Goodwill and it was not my cup of tea.  Some items were more than they would have been in the store!  There were items with tags from Target that I got for the girls last summer WAY cheaper than the Goodwill prices.

I feel like they are hit or miss in this area.  I know some people find amazing deals...I'm always jealous!

On a random search, I came across this site Twice one day and I really liked it.  As with any secondhand site, it can be hit or miss but I love the dressier clothes.  I don't think I would buy the casual clothes, since those are a bit pricier...I'm not one who cares much about labels.  

We had two weddings in a row this summer and I couldn't find anything I liked at the mall.  I live in yoga pants rarely wear dresses, so I'm not going to spend a ton of money for something that is going to collect dust in my closet. Plus, while I'm losing weight, I don't want to waste money on something that I can't use for a few years.

Twice focuses on designer clothes and you can even get a free bag sent so you can sell your own gently used clothes.  They are very particular with their brands, I didn't have anything I could sell!  I am happy they are adding new accepted brands frequently, including Gap and J Crew.

Not only is this a great site to browse for wedding attire (I found an awesome $200 dress for $23!), Twice is a great place to check out if you have a new job or conference coming up.  

They have fast shipping and just for signing up, you get $10 off! They frequently send out 15% off coupons you can also use! 

Here's the dress I got for wedding season.  I loved it so much!

Check it out and let me know what you find!!  I'm already eyeballing a few sweaters and pants for the fall now that I'm down another size (holllla!).  Remember, items are first come, first serve so buy quickly when you see something you love!

Disclaimer: Some of the links included in this post are referral links, yet all thoughts and opinions are my own.  I was not paid to write this post, I just love this website so dang much!

MyFitU: Personal Training on Your Time! {Giveaway!}

Website AND App!

03dd68ecaee7bb62db7529d43afdced5107e88b432888a607e I started out working out more last year and it is slowly starting to grow on me.  Since March I've been taking classes at the Y and I find that much more fun...plus I can guarantee that I'm getting a great work out.  When I'm not taking classes, though, I always am worried I'm not getting a great workout.  I know cardio, but strength workouts are always hard for me.

There are days where going to the YMCA just can't happen.  Either the girls are having toddler moments, or our schedule is too packed...or I'm just plain tired!  A little while ago, I won a free year subscription to My Fit U and it's so great for my workouts!  It's like having a personal trainer available to you whenever you want!

There are two options you can choose: gym or home.  I use the iPad app at the Y and my laptop at home.  You are given strength and cardio workouts, with videos of the moves.  I like to do strength at the gym because it helps me ease into the scary weight room.  (Anyone else scared of the grunting buff guys in the weight area?!).

I love the step by step instructions with video! So helpful!

At home there is little to no equipment needed, which is a lifesaver!  My favorite move (and also Gabby's) is the Inchworm.

The website was started by Daniel Meng, who is a celebrity personal trainer.  A lot of his clients use this on the road to help keep in shape.  There is a area of the website/app that I haven't explored yet, but acts as a healthy eating mentor.  Only downfall is that there isn't an Android app yet.  I would love to be able to use my phone...it's hard to see the website on my screen.

You can do a FREE trial to check it out before committing to a subscription, which I like.  Not all workout plans are for everyone.

Even better?  I'm giving away a free YEAR subscription!  Just enter with the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Back-to-School Breakfast in a snap with Hamilton Beach! {Giveaway!}

 It's a pretty well known fact that I'm somewhat of a kitchen hoarder collector.  If I see something on clearance for the kitchen, I usually buy it.  Of course, we have little appliances coming out of our ears in our cabinets and in our pantry.  I just can't say no (much to Ricky's chagrin).

When I was at BlogHer Food, I saw this handy little Hamilton Beach sandwich maker at a booth and I was excited.  Do I really need another appliance? Of course not!  But this is so fun!  You can be creative with recipes and anything you make at home is 100x healthier than on of those "Mc" breakfast options.

The last day, I found out I won one and I was excited!  Being on Weight Watchers, I am always looking for more exciting ways to make food.  This can also be used for lunch sandwiches or Brinner [breakfast + dinner]. 

I like to use egg whites with spinach and salsa, or Canadian bacon with cheese and eggs.  The possibilities are endless!  You can use sandwich thins, bagels, English muffins, even waffles.  Any meat used needs to be cooked before putting it in the maker.  I have been cooking up a pan of bacon on Monday mornings to last us a few days.  I don't like to heat up the kitchen more than I have to!

I'm not the only one loving this!  The girls can pick out their own toppings for their sandwich.  (NOTE: I wouldn't let the little ones actually use the appliance because it gets VERY hot!).  This will be great for hearty preschool breakfasts!  Start to finish, these sandwiches can be ready in under 5 minutes!

Want to try it out?

I have TWO to give away to my readers!  Enter in the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

App Alert: Target Cartwheel

We are pretty new to smartphones.  I have been checking out most of the money saving apps, yet very few actually save money.  (Anyone that can help me out with this, give me some tips!).

My two favorites so far are Cartwheel and mPerks.  Another great app to use is AfullCup to check out the weekly grocery deals.

I actually have been getting a fair amount of pantry goods at Target because they are so much cheaper than Meijer.  Items like granola bars, crackers, cereal and even almond milk are great deals there.

I just noticed Cartwheel about a month ago and it is a great way to save extra money at Target.  You can combine the Cartwheel savings with their mobile coupons, Target store coupons AND manufacturer coupons.

You sign in with your Facebook page through their app.  Next you add a designated amount of deals to your cart.  There are various ways to get more "spots" in your cart. I have noticed when friends join, I get more spots.  Also, if you look at a friend's cart, you can add a spot.  The more money you save using the app will add more "perks" too.


The Cartwheel deals are always a percentage off a certain item or brand, ranging from 5%-20% .  I tend to leave my cart blank and add deals by searching while shopping.  Or while waiting to check out, I make sure do a quick once over.

Downside?  Checking out is a hassle!  Scanning my coupons, mobile coupons (which you can sign up for here) AND my Cartwheel is a bit much.

I've found a slight solution!

You can print the barcode for your Cartwheel shopping cart!  Yes, it's still something to scan, but you don't have to fumble with your phone as much.  As far as I've noticed, your barcode is always the same, so just save the slip of paper with the rest of your coupons.

This barcode also works if you don't have a smartphone.  You can add deals from your computer at home and print it off to use in the store.

While you can't really save a ton using it on grocery shopping, buying clothes and beauty/health items can add up quickly!  Make sure you always check on the restrictions!

Every little bit of savings helps and can add up quickly!

Don't forget: signing up for the Target debit card (or credit card) has many great advantages.  You can bring in a blank check and sign up for the debit card, which takes the money out of your debit card, just like if you were using your bank's card.

Using the debit card, both online and in store, gets you a 5% discount.  Plus, you get free shipping on all purchases on their website.  Great for upcoming holiday shopping!

Have you checked Cartwheel yet?  Do you have any shopping apps you love?

 

Make Your Own: Naan bread

For some reason, making bread scares me.  It totally has to do with waiting for the yeast to rise.  I tend to be a cook who just throws ingredients into the pot as I'm cooking...which you can't quite do with baking.  Now, breakfast breads...that's my jam. This banana bread recipe is AMAZING!

I happened to find a recipe for Naan on Pinterest one day and I was shocked at how easy it seemed.

That recipe bombed and even Rambo was confused if it was food or a Frisbee.  (#pinfail)

Second round, I wasn't expecting much either but it turned out AMAZING!  It is almost as tasty as Olga's bread, which I wasn't expecting.  This naan is light and fluffy, yet doesn't get soggy when you use it for wraps or pizza.  Score!

Best part?  You can freeze either the dough or the prepared pieces of Naan.  Double up your recipe and save even more time and money.

When you buy Naan at the grocery store, it runs from at least $2.50 for 4 pieces.  You can make it for MUCH cheaper.

What do you do with Naan?  I love to make individual pizzas, wraps or break it off for a soup dipper.

As you saw earlier, I like to make Tzatziki sandwiches at least once a week.

I found this recipe from Budget Bytes and I made some changes.  I used Grapeseed oil (I'm a new fan) and I used our Ultragrain flour from Costco.

Love Pompeian!  Always look for the great 50% off sales at Meijer!

Ingredients

• 2 tsp dry active yeast 
• 1 tsp sugar 
• 1/2 cup warm water 
• 2.5 cups flour (I like Ultragrain or 1 cup whole wheat and 1.5 regular), plus more to sprinkle
• 1/2  tsp salt 
• 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or Olive Oil)
• 1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt 
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. In the bowl of your Kitchen Aid (or regular bowl, if mixing by hand), add yeast, sugar and water.  Stir and allow to dissolve and get frothy...about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in yogurt, oil and egg.
3. In a smaller bowl, mix together flour and salt.  
4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.  You may need more flour if it ends up sticky.  Kneed for 3 minutes.  (Your stand mixer might jump...no worries!) 
• If you are mixing by hand, kneed until no longer sticky (at least 3 minutes)
5. In the end, the mixture should be smooth and NOT sticky.  Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for 45 minutes (should double in size).  Punch down and break into 8 pieces.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pieces until they are very thin (about 1/8-1/4 inch thick)
7. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, spraying with Olive Oil spray. Place one piece in the pan at a time.  Cook until golden brown on each side. Bubbles are okay!  
8. Finish by brushing with butter or garlic oil and seasoning with herbs of your choice.

Once you try this recipe, it gets faster once you know the process.  I tend to double the batch (making in 2 separate bowls) and cook up 8 pieces, freezing 8 pieces of dough.  You must let the dough rise BEFORE freezing.  

Whole pieces of cooked naan can be frozen, I like to use the Perfect Portion bags for individual pieces, then put 2-3 in a gallon sized freezer bag.

How do you like to eat your Naan?

Like this recipe? Make sure to check out my Facebook page for more recipe & money saving updates!

Obsessed with Dannon Oikos Dips! {Giveaway}

If you follow me on Instagram, you can immediately see what foods I'm obsessed with.  My ultimate favorite right now is the new Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt dip.  These low calorie dips are packed with flavor.

I first discovered these dippers at BlogHer Food.  Since I was a volunteer at the registration desk, I would have time to roam the Expo area while everyone else was in session.  If I needed a quick (healthy) snack, I would know to head over to the Dannon booth.

This dip comes in four flavors:

• Roasted Red Pepper 
• Cucumber Dill
• Veggie
• French Onion

I have been playing around with these since June and I have come to love the Cucumber Dill and Roasted Red Pepper varieties best.  The veggie dip has made a few appearances at BBQs we've hosted as well.  As I am typing this, I just thought to add the French Onion on a burger with swiss.  YUM!  There are endless possibilities!

Instead of sour cream, use this dip for a cool topper for your fish tacos!

Stay tuned for the homemade Naan recipe!

I used to make my own Tzatziki dressing, but this tastes the same and is much easier!  If you want to go the meatless route, mix the dip with white beans or garbanzo beans.  I top the sandwich with cucumbers, tomato and spinach.  Quick lunch!  

I buy Veggie Mediterranean burgers and top with the dip.  Another quick lunch or light dinner!

Are you itching to try this awesome new dip?  Enter to win 4 FREE coupons, plus a $10 Walmart gift card to shop with! I would love to know what you come up with!

To enter: leave a comment below stating which dip you would like to try or any creative way you would use the dips.  I will use random.org to pick a winner on August 7, 2013.