Lately...

So, it has been too long since I last posted.  I seem to go through seasons of blogging and hibernation.  I wish I had the type of personality that could just stick to things.  Instead, I tend to get all excited about something, do it for a month and then move on to something else I am all excited about.  My goal for the year is to be more committed to things by the time my birthday comes around next year.  I mean, I will be 28 next August and it just seems like that is obviously old enough to act like an adult :)

The girls are doing great!  August is birthday month for all three of us girls and therefore, it is one of my favorite months.  We took the girls out to eat (that is a treat for us, as we don't eat out very often), played at the park, went to Toys 'R' Us, and lots of other fun things.  Toys 'R' Us was fun for all of us.  We had signed up for their birthday club a while back and they send the girls some coupons and cards.  When you take the card to Guest Services, they give the kid a birthday crown and a balloon.  This made their day.  The hats were cute and the balloons kept them entertained through the whole store.  We don't shop for toys often so it was fun to see them look at everything and also to see what toys caught their attention.  We got them a baby Princess Tiana doll and a baby Princess Cinderella doll, a shopping cart with a doll car on the front (just like they ride in when we shop), toy food, and a few other things.

The next day we took them outside and took a few pictures.  We opened presents.  It was funny to see how excited Isabella was to open the presents while Cara was unwilling to even tear open the paper.  Isabella would open the present and Cara would play with it while Isabella opened the next one.

Then we brought them inside and brought them their cake.  I made them a Barbie Princess Tiana cake.  It was the first cake I had ever tried to decorate and I think it came out ok for my first time. At first they would only use one finger to scoop some icing and then would lick it off.  By the end, Cara was grabbing fists of cake.  It was so cute and they were SO excited.

We made them their favorite dinner which, surprisingly enough, is tacos.  I think they had a great birthday!

For my birthday Byron and I drove up to Freedom Meat Locker and got some steaks.  We then stopped by Phils Fish Market to get some clams, lobsters and scallops.  Byron made an amazing dinner for me!  First we had scallops and they were amazing!!  Then he made homemade clam chowder and it was the best I had ever had.  After all this, he made us stuffed lobster.  It was so moist and delicious.  He can really cook!

Isabella is getting so big and SO smart!  She knows many letters and is starting to learn the sounds they make.  She recognizes numbers 1-10 just by seeing them.  She also talks in 4 word sentences which is pretty advanced for her age.  She sings along with songs like "itsy bitsy spider", "ring around the rosie", and her own version of the ABCs.  She started actually catching a ball when it was thrown to her last night.  She loves to dance, spin, and run.  She is a big helper around the house.

Cara is in the transition from being a baby to being a toddler.  I see her as such a big girl now days but yet she is still such a baby and still so dependent.  We see her more and more starting to imitate Isabella.  She can pick up her toys for us.  She can climb on the couch by herself, feed herself, play peek-a-boo.  She says "dada", "mama", and as of last night "papa".  She is overall a very happy and friendly baby.

We are all doing great and are very excited for the holidays coming up!

Dinner for the next week

Tonight: Crockpot BBQ Chicken using this recipe:
http://forkinit.blogspot.com/2010/09/crockpot-barbecue-chicken.html
I will serve it with corn on the cob and Macaroni and Cheese 1 from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.  The Macaroni and Cheese 1 recipe can be found here.




Saturday:  Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo
    We basically use this (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/chicken-and-smoked-sausage-gumbo-with-white-rice-recipe/index.html) recipe and add 1 lb sauteed shrimp.  Byron makes this so I am not sure on what he changes about it as he makes it, but this should get you started.
    Served with corn bread




Sunday:  Turkey burgers using "Burgers 2" recipe from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld
  RECIPE:  "Burgers 2
    1 lb ground turkey or sirloin
    1/2 lb white button or (stemmed) shiitake mushrooms, trimmed and finely chopped
    1 cup whole-wheat or Italian (seasoned) breadcrumbs
    1/4 cup chopped chopped or grated zucchini
    1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    2 Tbsp ketchup
    1/2 tsp salt
    1/8 tsp pepper
    Nonstick cooking spray
    1 Tbsp olive oil
    16 whole-grain hamburger buns, for serving


    Preheat the oven to 400.  In a large bowl, mix the meat, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, zucchini, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper until well combined,  The mixture will be moist.  Form into 16 patties and place them on a sheet of waxed paper or aluminum foil.
    Coat a large nonstick ovenproof skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium-high heat.  When the skillet is hot, add the oil.  Add the burgers and brown on one side for 4 to 5 minutes.  Turn the burgers, then slide the skillet into the oven.  Bake for 4 to 5 minutes longer, or until the burgers are no longer pink in the center.  Serve each burger on a bun."

Monday:  Carnitas tacos using recipe:

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/slowcooking-in-the-summer-heat-121376
Served on Corn tortillas with cilantro lime rice, salsa, fresh cilantro

  RECIPE:  Cilantro lime rice

    I just make white rice as the package says for about 2 cups of cooked rice.

    I then chop fresh cilantro (I use a small hand full).  

    I use the juice of one lime and add about 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and just adjust as I taste it.

  RECIPE:  Fresh hot salsa

    1 small can Hunts (our preference as they all taste different) tomato sauce

    3 medium jalapenos stem removed.  We keep the seeds in the salsa because we like it hot.

    1/2 clove of garlic or 1/8 tsp garlic powder

    1 Tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped

    2 Tbsp chopped red onion

    I use my food chopper to finely chop the jalapenos with seeds and then I just mix it all together.  It is better after it has sat for about an hour.

Tuesday:  Grilled Chicken
  I use a rub we love for grilled chicken and then in my cast iron pan I just spray Pam and put the chicken breasts in on medium to medium high heat.  When that side is browned, I flip it over and as soon as it browns I flip again, put a lid on it and turn the heat to medium low for a few more minutes.  This lets you get browned chicken without burning it all while keeping the chicken juicy.  We love cooking it this way.
  I will serve it with sauteed broccoli (sauteed in a little low sodium chicken stock), and then finish them with Tony Chachere's creole seasoning to taste.




Wednesday: Calzones using this recipe:

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/how-to/how-to-make-calzones-and-freeze-them-for-later-151276
  I will make pizza dough from scratch using this recipe: http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/main-dish/recipe-homemade-thin-crust-pizza-045499

  Our fillings will be a combination of: green peppers, red onions, mushrooms, spicy pepperoni, spicy sausage, spinach, mozzarella, and a little pizza sauce.

  Served with a side salad

Thursday:  Veggie-full Turkey Chili
  I have adapted this recipe from Paula Dean's Five Alarm Chili in the Biscuit Bowl
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/five-alarm-chili-in-the-biscuit-bowl-recipe/index.html
    We leave the biscuit bowls out and replace them with a half batch of Jiffy Corn Bread
    We swap in ground turkey instead of the ground chuck.  I use closer to 3 Tbsp of chili powder and then add about 1/2 tsp ground chipotle and 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (we like it hot).  I then add about a cup of frozen or canned corn and often I also add another can of kidney beans.  I add 1/4 cup broccoli puree and I grate 1 medium zucchini into the pot and add about 1 Tbsp ground Flax meal.  If it is too thick we use beef stock to thin it out a little.  We love this chili and Byron asks for it a couple times per week.

Kroger deals 7/17-7/23

Here are the best deals I found for Kroger this week.  I found them on www.krazycouponlady.com

Mega Event

• Buy 10 items, Receive $5.00 off at checkout
• Savings of $0.50 per item
• Purchase in quantities of ten to get the most savings
• All prices listed after automatic savings

Pringles, 5.7-6.7 oz $0.99Or $1.00/3 Pringles Superstack Cans from RP 6/26
Use $1.00/2 Pringles Fat Free Pringles from RP 6/26
 Final Price:  As low as $0.49 each when you buy 2

Sunny D, 64oz $0.99Use $0.55/1 – Sunny D Product – (bricks.coupons.com)
Or $0.25/1 Sunny D Product from SS 5/15
 Final Price:  As low as Free

Classico Pasta Sauce, 8.1-24oz $1.79
Use $1.00/2 Classico Pasta Sauce from SS 5/15
 Final Price:  $1.29 each when you buy 2

Pop-Secret Popcorn, 3 ct $0.85Or $0.50/2 Pop-Secret Products from RP 6/19
Use $1.00/2 Pop-Secret Products from RP 6/19
 Final Price:  $0.35 each when you buy 2

International Delight Coffee Creamer – (internationaldelight.com)
Or $0.55/1 -  International Delight Coffee Creamer, 16oz, any flavor, prints immediately – (smartsource.com)
Use 2 $0.50/1 – International Delight PC’s, Any Size – (smartsource.com)
 Final Price:  As low as $0.99

Colgate Toothpaste, 4.4 oz $0.99Or $0.75/1 Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste from SS 7/10
Or $0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste from SS 7/10
Use $1.00/1 Colgate Toothpaste from SS 6/26
Or$0.35/1 Colgate Toothpaste from SS 6/26
Or $0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste from SS 6/26
 Final Price:  As low as Free

Pepperidge Farm Bread or Dessert, 9.5-19.6 oz $1.99Or $0.60/1 Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Chunky Crisp Cookies or Soft Baked Cookies from SS 6/26
Or $0.60/1 Pepperidge Farm Distinctive Cookies from SS 6/26
Or $0.50/1 Pepperidge Farm Cookies from SS 5/15
Use $1.00/1 Pepperidge Farm Milano Melts Cookies from SS 5/15
Or $1.00/2 Pepperidge Farm Cookies from SS 5/15
Or $0.75/1 Pepperidge Farm Cookies from SS 5/15
 Final Price:  As low as $0.99

Kettle Brand Potato Chips, 9oz $1.99Use $1.00/1 Kettle Brand Potato Chips from RP 6/19
 Final Price:  $0.99

Aunt Jemima Entree, Pancakes or Waffles, 10-12 ct $1.39Use $1.00/1 – Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancake, Waffle or French Toast Items – (facebook.com) Watch Video
 Final Price:  $0.39

Other Coupon Deals

Dannon Yogurt, 4-6 ct $1.88Use $1.00/1 Dannon Danimal Product from SS 6/5 if this variety is included Final Price:  $0.88

Target deals 7/17-7/23

Here are the best Target deals for the week.  I found these at www.krazycouponlady.com

Classico Pasta Sauce, 24 oz. $1.83, Price Cut thru 8/6
Use $1.00/2 – Classico Pasta Sauce – (bricks.coupons.com)
Or $1.00/2 Classico Pasta Sauce from SS 5/15
Final Price: $1.33 each when you buy 2

Nexcare Bandages $2.09, Regular Price
And use $1.00/1 – Nexcare Product, Any – (solutions.3m.com)
Or $1.00/1 – Nexcare Skin Care Products – (nexcare.com)
Or $0.55/1 Nexcare Product from SS 4/3, 5/1 or 6/5
Final Price:  As low as $1.09

Aussie Aussome Volume or Hi Hold + Hi Shine Hairspray $2.27, On Price Cut thru 8/6
Use $3.00/1 Herbal or Aussie Styler, when you buy (1) Herbal or Aussie Product, excluding trial sizes from PG 7/3
Or $1.00/1 Herbal Essences or Aussie Product, excludes trial size from RP 6/12
Final Price:  As low as $0.77 each when you buy 2

Febreze Noticeables Warmer $2.50
Use Free Noticables Warmer after Mail In Rebate – (febreze.com)
Final Price: Free

Buy 5 Kashi Bars, Cookies, Cereal or Crackers $2.99
Receive Free Kashi Bars, Cookies or Crackers
Use $2.00/4 – Kashi Frozen Meals, Crackers, Cookies, Cereal or Bars, Target Coupon – (target.com)
And Use 4 $2.00/1 - Kashi Product, Any – (Recyclebank.com) 125 points
Final Price: $0.39 each when you buy 5

Buy 10 Vitaminwater or Smartwater $1.00
Buy 1 Smartwater, 6 pk (Free)
Use B2G1 FREE – Vitamin Water Beverage, 20oz, Target Coupon – (target.com)
Final Price: $9.00 total, or $0.56 each when you divide it out by 16 bottles

Buy 2 L’Oreal Eversleek Shampoo or Conditioner 85 oz $5.99
Buy 1 L’Oreal Excellence, Sublime Mousse or Healthy Look Cream $7.99
Buy 3 L’Oreal Items, Receive $5.00 Target Gift Card
Use $2.00/1 – L’Oreal Hair Color Item, Target Coupon – (Target.com)
And Use $2.00/1 L’Oreal healthy Look Creme Gloss Color from RP 6/19
And Use 2 $2.00/1 – L’Oreal EverSleek, EverPure, EverStrong Treatment – (lorealparisusa.com)
Pay $11.97, Receive $5.00 Target Gift Card
Final Price: $2.32 each when you buy 3

CVS deals 7/17-7/23

Here are the best deals for CVS this week.  I found these on www.krazycouponlady.com.

Pantene Pro-V Shampoo, Conditioner, 12.6 oz or Styler, 5.7-11.5 oz $3.49
Buy 2, Receive $2.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
Use $1.00/2 Pantene Product from PG 7/3
or  $1.00/1 Pantene Product from SS 6/26
or $1.00/2 Pantene Product from  SS 6/26
or $3.00/2 Pantene Product from SS 6/19
or $1.00/2 Pantene Product from PG 6/5
Pay as low as $3.98, Receive $2.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: as low as $0.99 each when you buy 2

Papermate Writebros Pens, 10 pk. $0.50

Gillette Fusion ProGlide, Venus, Pro Skin Embrace or Spa Breeze Razor, 1 ct. $9.99
Buy 1, Receive $4.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
Use $2.00/1 Gillette Manual or Power Fusion ProGlide Razor from PG 7/3
or $2.00/1 Venus Razor or Disposables Razor from PG 7/3
or $4.00/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor from PG 6/5
Pay as low as $5.99, Receive $4.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: as low as $1.99

Colgate Extra Clean Medium Toothbrush Value Pack $2.99
Pay $2.99, Receive $2.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $0.99 for a pack of 3 toothbrushes ($0.33 each)

Zantac 150, 24 ct., or Zantac 75, 30 ct. $8.99
Buy 1, Receive $3.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
or $1.00/1 Zantac Product from SS 6/26
or $1.00/1 Zantac Product from SS 5/8
Use $5.00/1 – Zantac Product – (smartsource.com)
or $5.00/1 – Zantac Product – (zantacotc.com)
Pay as low as $3.99, Receive $3.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: as low as $0.99

Crest Baking Soda/Peroxide, Cavity, Tartar Control, Cool Gel, 6.4 oz, with Scope, 4.4 oz or Children’s Toothpaste, 4.6 oz $1.99Buy 1, Receive $1.00 Extra Buck, Limit 2
Use $1.00/2 Crest Toothpaste from PG 7/3
or $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel from PG 7/3
or $1.00/2 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel from PG 6/5
or $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel from PG 6/5
Pay as low as $1.24, Receive $1.00 Extra Buck
Final Price: as low as $0.24

Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush $1.99
Buy 2, Receive $2.00 Extra Bucks
Use 1 $2.00/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage, or (2) Indicator or Cavity Defense Manual Toothbrushes from PG 7/3
Pay $1.98, Receive $2.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $0.02 Moneymaker

HOT Deal

Zhu Zhu PetsI was reading online that ALL Zhu Zhu pets are ringing up for $2 each.  All pets, cars, cases, sets and All accessories (even those usually priced at $30)  This is a great stock up price!!! Final Price:  $2.00

Walgreens deals 7/17-7/23

Here are all the best deals for Walgreens this week.  I found all these deals on www.krazycouponlady.com

Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Antiperspirant/ Deodorant, 1.5 – 2.7 oz $3.00Buy 2, Receive $4.00 Register Reward, Limit 1Use 2 $0.75/1 Mitchum Advanced Control Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant from SS 6/12 (exp 7/17)
Or 2 $0.75/1 Mitchum or Mitchum for Women product, any except trial sizes and multipacks from SS 6/26
Pay $4.50, Receive $4.00 Register Reward
Final Price:  $0.25 each when you buy 2

Schick Slim Twin Disposable Razors, 12 pk or Xtreme 3, 4 pk $5.99Buy 1, Receive $2.00 Register Reward, Limit 1Use $3.00/1 – Schick Xtreme3 Disposable Pack Razor – (facebook.com)Or $1.00/1 Schick Disposable Razor Pack, any from SS 6/19
Or B1G1 FREE Schick Disposable Razor Package, any excluding 2 count up to $13.99 from SS 6/26
Or $3.00/2 Schick Xtreme3 Razor Packs, any from SS 6/19
Pay as low as $2.99, Receive $2.00 Register Reward
Final Price:  $0.99

L’Oreal EverPure, EverSleek or EverStrong Treatment $8.99, On Sale thru 7/30Buy 1, Receive $3.00 Register Reward, Limit 1
$2.00/1 – EverPure, EverSleek or EverStrong Product, Any – ((lorealparisusa.com)Pay $6.99, Receive $3.00 Register Reward
Final Price:  $3.99

Milka Chocolate Bars $1.50, On Sale 7/17 – 7/23
Use $1.00/1 – Milka Chocolate Bar – (bricks.coupons.com)
And use $1.00/2 Milka Chocolate Bars from Walgreens July Coupon Booklet
Final Price: FREE when you buy 2

Buy 2  Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar Soap, 6 pk $6.00Buy 2, Receive $4.00 Register Reward, Limit 1Use 2 $4.00/1 Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar, RP 6/26
Pay $4.00, Receive $4.00 Register Reward

Carefree Pantiliners, 20 or 22 pk $0.99With in ad coupon, Limit 3Use $0.50/1 Carefree product, any from SS 6/26
Final Price:  $0.49

John Frieda Full Repair Styler, .5-12 oz $6.49
Buy One Get One 50% OffUse  2 $5.00/1 John Frieda Full Repair Treatment, Styler or Finisher, any from SS 6/05
Free!

Buy Chex Mix, 5.5 or 8.75 oz. $1.00Use $1.00/2 Chex Mix from SS 6/12
Or $1.00/2 Chex Mix Sweet ‘n Salty from SS 7/10
Pay $1.00 for 2

Gas-X, 18 – 24 ct, Ex-Lax, 24 ct or Maalox, 90 ct or Liquid, 12 oz $4.99Use $1.00/1 – Gas-X Product – (bricks.coupons.com)And Use $2.00/1 Gas-X, 18 – 72 ct or Thin Strips 18 pk, Maalox 12 or 26 oz or 90 ct, Ex-Lax, Chocolate 24 ct or Pills 24 – 90 ct from Walgreens July Booklet
Final Price:  As low as $1.99

Buy 3 Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers or Easy Ups $9.99Spend $25.00, Receive $5.00 Register Reward, Limit 1Use $1.50/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers from PG 6/5
Or $1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants from PG 6/5
And Use $2.00/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers or Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers ( Big Packs or Jumbo Packs) from Walgreens Infant Care Booklet (should take off $6.00)
Pay $19.47, Receive $5.00 Register Reward
Final Price:  $4.82 each when you buy 3