My 2010 Blog Recap

Here we are, and it's Friday, and the last day of 2010!  I haven't written on here since Monday! As I surfed the web last night, I came across a "Blog Recap Carnival" and knew I wanted to participate. Jo-Lynne, from Musings of a Housewife, is inviting all bloggers to share the first line from their first post of the month with us.

Join in! It should be fun, and you might learn a lot about your year! Heehee!

As you read through the first lines, and want to see more of the posting, just click on the month above it.  That will bring you to the rest of the posting.

JANUARY: 
Thank you Betty Crocker!!!!  (This is about a favorite recipe book of mine....)

FEBRUARY:
February is Heart Health Month....how perfect, since it is also Valentines Day!  :)

MARCH:
Some people are so creative!! 

APRIL:
Happy April!  We have been having fantastic weather and it makes me very anxious to be working in my garden.

MAY:
Tomorrow is May Day!  When I was a little girl I always loved to pick the little wild purple violets that grew in our yard.  (This actually was written the last day of April, but I had to include it because it was FOR May 1st!)  :)

JUNE:
I hope everyone had a fabulous, LONG weekend, as I did with my family!

JULY:
If you have never subscribed to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, now is a great time to try it!

AUGUST:
Well, after a busy week of evening Vacation Bible School last week, that went by without a menu plan for me, I decided I really need to get back on track and make it happen this morning!

SEPTEMBER:
Here are 4 e-books for you to peruse over a long weekend. 

OCTOBER:
Confession time....we are spending more than we make! 

NOVEMBER:
Last year, we actually sent our Christmas cards before Christmas.

DECEMBER:
I just got a sneak peek on some upcoming offers from Shopscotch:

Wow!  This little exercise was really fun for me, and I did learn a lot about my blog through the year.  It actually helped me see if I was really staying on track with my desire for writing this blog.  And, I think I am. 

My goal is to be an encouragement to people like me and my family, who are living on one income (or even 2) and trying "2 Make Ends Meet".  I have always hoped to pass along good deals, coupons, etc, and also pass along good recipes, a little homeschooling encouragement and hopefully give you a little glimpse into my life, being the only girl in my house (hence my name, "Queen of the House").  My favorite first of the month posts this year was from October.  It was a hard one to right though!!!

I hope you enjoyed perusing my blog with me today, and I want to wish you a Happy New Year!
I hope to continue doing what I am doing here next year too! 
I would LOVE feedback on anything you would like me to discuss more often or any other suggestions of what you would like to see at "2 Make Ends Meet"!

If you are new here today or if you you haven't done so already, you may subscribe to daily updates from 2 Make Ends Meet, if you are interested.  Thank you!  You can also find extra updates from me on Facebook and Twitter.
Blessings to you and yours! Pin It

New Byerlys/Lunds You Save Today for Dec. 26 - Jan. 5 and Printable Coupons

The dates for these deals are good from Sunday,December 26 through Wednesday, January 5.

Here are a few of them highlighted for you:

Bertolli Pasta Sauces (15-24 oz.) and Olive Oil (17 oz.) Buy One, Get One FREE SAVE: Up to $6.99 on 2

Tombstone Pizza (12 inch) Buy One, Get One FREE SAVE: $5.99 on 2

Yoplait Yogurt (6 oz. - Thick & Creamy and Light) 10/$5.00 SAVE: $2.90 on 10

Kettle Chips (5 oz.) Buy One, Get One FREE SAVE: $2.99 on 2

Large Ripe Avocados 10/$10.00 SAVE: $5.00 on 10

Lunds and Byerly's Cooked Tail-On Shrimp (12 oz. - 26-35 count) Buy One, Get One FREE SAVE: $11.99 on 2

Print this and receive Lunds/Byerlys Bacon for $1.99 w/ a $10 purchase


Check out the full ad here. Pin It

Menu Plan Monday....December 27

Well, my menu plan will still be a little out of the ordinary, as we eat up leftovers, and get to enjoy being with friends on New Year's Eve!

Here is what I hope to be making this week:

MONDAY:  Smorgasbord (another name for leftovers) of oatmeal bread, cheese, jello salads and more...

TUESDAY:  Soft Tacos

WEDNESDAY:  Crock Pot Potato Soup

THURSDAY:  Lasagna (I haven't made for so long, and I have been craving it lately!)

FRIDAY:  We will be having dinner at our friends' home....yay!!!


To see what others are planning this week, visit Menu Plan Monday. Pin It

Merry Christmas!!!

I will be taking a little break from blogging to do some more baking, and preparing for Christmas with family!

I want to wish you a blessed Christmas to you and yours!!

Merry Christmas! Pin It

$2 of FREE Amazon Music Download Credit!!!!

Amazon is doing it again!!!!  By going to $2 in FREE Amazon Music Downloadsyou can receive credit in your account to be used on FREE music!!!  When prompted enter code GIVEMP3S, and you will be credited with $2 for music!

They offered this in November and it was great!  This deal is only good through December 27, so grab it now!!!


Thank you to Hey, It's Free!  for letting me know about this deal. Pin It

Easy Cookie Crumb Cleanup!!!

Today's "Works for Me" post is actually what "Works for my Mom", but I use it too (when I remember to)!!!!

I will be baking some more cookies today so I thought I would share a simple way to keep your kitchen a little cleaner while you are baking!  It cuts down on a step of cleanup!  That is always good!  :)

When I am baking cookies, I place my cooling rack over the kitchen sink (mine is a Pampered Chef wire rack that fits perfectly over one section of my sink).  When I place the cookies on the rack to cool, the cookie crumbs fall into the sink, and not on my counter top. 

Much easier clean up!!!!

Thanks Mom, for your great idea!  :)


This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesdays. Pin It

Chocolate Mint Brownies

These brownies are an absolute favorite of mine, and they have become a bit of a tradition for Christmas!!!

The recipe comes from an old Family Fun magazine, and the recipe can still be found on their website.
Chocolate Mint Brownies

If you don't have time to make brownies from scratch, you can easily use a brownie mix, which I have done before.

BUT, you don't want to change the frosting recipe!!!!  The frosting is what makes these SO fabulous!!!!

I will list the recipe here for the two types of frosting:
Mint Frosting
*1/4 cup softened butter
*2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
*1 1/2 to 3 T. milk
*1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
green food coloring
Cream the butter and sugar.  Add the milk a tablespoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable.  Mix in peppermint extract and add green food coloring, to your liking.  Frost the cooled brownies, and cover and let chill for 1 hour.
Chocolate Topping
*3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
*3 T. butter
Place in a microwavable container and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes, or until the chocolate melts.  Stir until smooth and carefully spread over the mint frosting.  Refrigerate for 45 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and carefully cut into squares.  (My mother uses a plastic knife...seems to work better.)

Enjoy, and try not to eat the whole pan!!!  (Like I want to do!)  LOL!!!


This is linked to Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Tasty Tuesdays
Mouthwatering Mondays

Would you like updates from 2 Make Ends Meet? 
You may receive them by:
*Subscribing to my e-mails
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4 Underwater Adventures Aquarium Tickets for the Price of 2

Buy TODAY only!!! USE the tickets later (vouchers expire 3/10/2011)!!!!
Get a half off deal at Mall of America's Underwater Adventures Aquarium.

4 Underwater Adventures Aquarium Tickets for the Price of 2

We went here when the boys were much younger, but it is such a fun place to walk through!  If you haven't been before, and you live near, or are planning a trip to the Mall of America, you might want to take advantage of this fabulous offer!

Enjoy! Pin It

Menu Plan Monday....December 20

Well, here we are at the beginning of Christmas week!  Exciting for sure!

I won't be having to cook my usual meals, but will be doing some more baking and preparing for Christmas Eve (appetizers & dessert at my husband's brother's home), and Christmas Day (for dinner at my brother's home).

MONDAY:  Super Easy Chicken Enchiladas

TUESDAY:  Baked Potatoes

WEDNESDAY:  Sloppy Joes 

THURSDAY:  Frugal Chicken Pot Pie 

BAKING TO PREPARE:
Spritz Cookies
Raspberry Ribbon Cookies
Oatmeal Bread
Cardamom Bread (maybe)
(If I make this, I will have to share the recipe later.  I LOVE Cardamom bread!)



This post is linked to Menu Plan Monday, where you can see what others are planning this week. Pin It

New Byerlys/Lunds You Save Today for Dec. 16 - 24 and Printable Coupons

The Byerlys and Lunds ad will be good for a little longer this week, due to Christmas.

Here are a few highlights:

Ocean Spray Cocktail Juice (64 oz.) Buy One, Get One FREE SAVE:$3.85 on 2

Tropicana Orange Juice (59 oz.) 2/$4.00 SAVE: $3.58 on 2

Lunds and Byerly's Classic Milk (1 gallon, limit 2) $1.99 SAVE: 80¢

Sargento Shredded Cheeses (5-8 oz.) 2/$4.00 SAVE: Up to $3.58 on 2

Lunds and Byerly's Brie (2-lb. wheel) $9.99 SAVE: $10.00

Large Clementine Tangerines (5 lbs. seedless and easy to peel) $4.99 SAVE: $2.00

Lunds and Byerly's Brie (2-lb. wheel) $9.99 SAVE: $10.00

Large Clementine Tangerines (5 lbs. seedless and easy to peel) $4.99 SAVE: $2.00

Here is the printable coupon, good for $10 Gift Card w/ a $100 purchase

Other deals:

***Texas Rio Star Grapefruit (5 lb.) $3.99

***Sweet Petite Baby Carrots 12 oz. 2/$3.00

***Imported Norwegian Jarlsberg $6.99/lb. (save $5/lb.)

***Kettle Chips 5 oz. Buy One, Get One FREE $2.99 for 2

***Dole Fresh Broccoli Crowns $1.49/lb.

***Campbell's Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken soups $.79

***5/$2.00 Green Giant Canned Vegetables 11-15 oz.

***Lunds and Byerly’s Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice 16 oz. $4.99

Many more deals which you can see by  checking out the complete ad here. Pin It

Today Only! National Geographic for Kids...$15 subscription!!!

Today's Plum District deal is a fabulous one!

You can subscribe to National Geographic Kids magazine (10 issues) for $15!  This is quite a savings!

You also receive an "animal world map" and a cute inflatable world ball! 

If you are interested, check it out at Plum District.  This is a ONE DAY offer, so check it out before it is over! Pin It

Athena365: Free Internet Radio - iPod Sweeps LAST DAY to ENTER

I wrote about this several weeks ago and today is the last day to enter to win a Free iPod Touch from Athena365!  

If you don't enter, you can't win, is my philosophy for contests!!  Actually, I have won a few things because I do enter.  :)

So....

Athena365 is Free internet radio streaming site dedicated to women. 

There is no cost to sign up and use their service.  Why not give it a try?!!

How about you???

Do you enter contests?

Have you ever won anything?

Update:  The contest is over...you can still listen here. Pin It

New Coupons...including Christmas treats!!!

And besides good coupons, here's a great deal to shop online with Dockers - Holiday Savings Guide.
Right now they are having Free Shipping & Returns on ALL orders, No Minimum!


New Coupons This Week:

• $2.00 off on any Slo-Niacin
• $2.00 off AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion
• $1.00 off on AmLactin Foot Cream Therapy
• $1.50 off 2 DOVE Chocolate Bags (8.5oz. - 9.5oz.)
• $1.00 off TWO (2) Boxes of Ronzoni Smart Taste
• $0.75 off Pledge Multi Surface product
• $1.00 off Any Three (3) STOUFFER'S Entrées
• $5.00 OFF any size HP Photo Book
• $1.00 off when you buy InStyle magazine
• $6.00 off StarStruck Plus Wizards on DVD
• $5.00 off purchase of HM: Who Is Hannah Montana?
• 25% off (up to $36) only at www.tryboda.com
• $1.00 off on any ONE (1) TENA Product
• $1.00 off any LISTERINE for Kids product
• $1.00 off one (1) Starburst Sweet Gamebook
• $1.00 off one (1) LIFESAVERS Gummie Wreaths
• $1.00 off ON ANY ONE (1) FLEXITOL PRODUCT
• $2.00 off any one (1) Triaminic product
• $4.00 off Any Benefiber Product

Pin It

FREE 25 Days of Christmas Music MP3s continues.....

Today's selection is from Dan Fogelberg...very easy listening!!!




Did you know that these downloads will work with iPods, iTunes, and Windows Media Player?

25 Days of Christmas Music mp3s is the place to check back daily through December 25.


This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesdays. Pin It

Snow-Top Chocolate Cookies

I haven't made these cookies for several years, but thought it was about time to do so again!

I love these cookies, and I think you will too!

The original recipe comes from an old (1991) Better Homes & Garden Christmas Cookie magazine.
Colleen Weeden is the lady whose name appeared with the original recipe. 

I have adapted it though, using butter and cocoa, instead of shortening and unsweetened chocolate squares.
(Note:  the cookies will spread out more, when using butter.)

Snow-Top Chocolate Cookies
*4 oz. unsweetened chocolate (I substitute 3 T. unsweetened cocoa + 1 T. oil per 1 oz. unsweetened bars)
*1/2 cup shortening (I use butter)
*3 beaten eggs
*2 cups sugar
*2 tsp. baking powder
*2 tsp. vanilla
*1/2 tsp. salt
*2 cups all-purpose flour
*2/3 cup sifted powdered sugar

Melt cocoa and butter over low heat, until melted.  Let cool 15 minutes.  Combine eggs, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl.  Add chocolate mixture.  Gradually add flour, stirring until thoroughly combined.  Cover and chill for 2 hours, until easy to handle.  (If you can wait that long!!!  Doesn't it make you want to eat the batter!!!)

Roll dough into 1 inch balls.  Roll in powdered sugar to coat generously.

Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 375* oven for about 10 minutes, or until edges are just set.  Cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

This is linked to:
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Tasty Tuesdays
A Southern Fairytale Pin It

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Prize Pack Winner!

I have a winner of my first giveaway!

Congratulations to Kassandra, who won the Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Prize Pack!

I hope to offer other giveaways in the future!

Thank you to all who entered!  You made my day!  :) Pin It

Menu Plan Monday....December 13

BRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!  6 below zero as my big boys went to the bus stop this morning!!!!!!!  We need some hot, cozy, comfort food this week, for sure!  :)


MONDAY:  Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin (just saw on Pioneer Woman's website) will be trying tonight...using 1% milk & half and half....not whole milk, and heavy cream!  LOL!  We'll see.....

TUESDAY:    Easy Oven Brunch Omelet

WEDNESDAY:  Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Campbell's Tomato Soup (family loves it!)

THURSDAY:  Creamed Tuna over Baking Powder Biscuits

FRIDAY:  Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese (didn't make last week...)

This post is linked to:  Menu Plan Monday

What are you planning this week???? 

If you you haven't done so already, you may subscribe to daily updates from 2 Make Ends Meet, if you are interested.  Thank you!  You can also find extra updates from me on Facebook and Twitter. Pin It

Memberships to Zoos, Museums, etc. for Gift Giving

Do you still need some ideas for Christmas presents?

Some of the best presents we have given to our boys, or that have been given to our family, are memberships to zoos, museums and such.

Today I am featuring some great deals for Twin Cities families.

The first one is available for purchase TODAY only, and is a great one for homeschool families.  (You don't have to homeschool to enjoy this however.)

50% off a one-year Family Membership Super Pack to The Works
This is a great hands-on science experience!








Here are some other great deals that we have used before:
Minnesota Zoo family membership
This one almost pays for itself the first time you use it!  :)

Science Museum of Minnesota
Homeschool families now qualify for the reduced Educator membership...FANTASTIC deal!!!  Your membership includes admission to the Omni Theater EVERY time you go!
The King Tut exhibit is coming soon too!!!!  :) 

Do you like getting (or giving) memberships as gifts?
Do you know of any other great places for families to join? Pin It

Frugal Gift idea for Homeschooling Moms

I don't subscribe to many magazines, but this is one of the subscriptions that I really enjoy.  The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is for homeschool families.  It is always so full of great articles of encouragement, and ideas for teaching your children at home.

Right now, they have a fabulous deal for you.  This would also make an inexpensive, yet fabulous gift for a homeschooling family.
Save over 65% on a subscription to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine! These prices are good until midnight PST on December 31.
You can select from three subscription deals. (Each has its own free gifts too!)

Option A: Purchase a one-year subscription for just $7.95 and receive your choice of any TOS digital Planner for free!

$7.95 subscription special


Option B: Purchase a one-year subscription for just $19.95 and receive a Cranberries & Cream Homeschooling with Heart tote bag, and E-Book: Cranberry Christmas for FREE.

Enjoy great savings on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine with the holiday Cranberries & Cream subscription sale

Option C: Purchase a two-year subscription for just $37 and receive a Cranberries & Cream Homeschooling with Heart tote bag, any TOS digital Planner, and E-Book: Cranberry Christmas for free.
$7.95 subscription special


This post is linked to Frugal Fridays


Disclosure:  There are affiliate links in this post. Pin It

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Prize Pack Giveaway

A few weeks ago Pillsbury sent me some free products, through My Blog Spark, to try with my family.  They also offered for me to host a giveaway, if I wanted to do so.

How fun!

My boys were thrilled to have some Toaster Strudels!  That was a special treat for them, as I usually don't by treats like that very often!
They loved them and would have eaten the whole box in one sitting, had I let them!  LOL!!

The nice thing about them, is the boys can fix them for themselves!  That is always a bonus for me!  :)

We even did a few "smiles" on our Toaster Strudels....

Pillsbury has some fun contests going on right now too.  You can read about them below:

Now you have the chance to show us what kind of icing artist you are with the "Doodle on A Strudel" Facebook

application. Visit Pillsbury on Facebook

and click on the Toaster Strudel tab to use your cursor to draw your favorite icing designs on the virtual Toaster Strudel pastry. You can save your Strudel Doodles and share them on Facebook

or send a doodle to your friends by clicking "Share Your Strudel Art."

Need even more to smile about? Pillsbury is also giving you the chance to win Toaster Strudel pastries for a month through the "A Million Morning Smiles" sweepstakes. With over 2,000 winners per week, simply visit http://strudelsmiles.pillsbury.com/

and enter to win four boxes of Toaster Strudel from now through February 7, 2011. 

Pillsbury has also given me a Toaster Strudel prize pack to give away to one lucky reader!

The "Million Morning Smiles" prize pack includes a Pillsbury Doughboy Giggle Doll, along with a smiley face-themed mug, placemat and stress ball. (Our dog is afraid of the Giggle Doll!)  :)

If you want to be entered to win, this is what you need to do.  You will receive a separate entry for each of the following (up to 4 entries):

1.  Leave a comment below telling me why you would like to win.

2.  Subscribe to my blog by e-mail or in a reader.  Leave a separate comment below telling me you do.

3.  Follow me on Facebook, and leave a separate comment that you are following below.

4.  Follow me on Twitter, and leave a separate comment that you are following below.

I will leave the contest open until Monday, December 13 at 3 p.m. (CST).  The winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail.  The winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

***This contest is now closed.  I will announce the winner soon!***
This post is linked to:  5 minutes around the Blogosphere 
Frugal and Fabulous 
Faithful Provisions Pin It

Chex Muddy Buddies....easy Christmas treat or gift!

This is such a yummy and fun snack to make!  Whether you call it Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies....yum!!

This was part of our homeschool day today....you know, a little reading, a little math....

Here is the recipe from the Chex website

This is a great and easy gift to give also.  Just put portions in cute little cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, put on a gift tag and there you have a great gift for a neighbor, a teacher, anyone!

Get $1 off 2 boxes of any Chex cereals
(Coupon on 2nd or 3rd page)

Enjoy!!!

Linked to:  Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays Pin It

New Byerlys/Lunds You Save Today for Dec. 9 - 15 and Printable Coupons

Here are some of the highlights from this week's Byerlys and Lunds ad:

First of all, get a 5 lb. bag of Clementines for $2.99 (w/ a $10 purchase)

***Welch's Sparkling Red Grape Juice $2.99
printable coupon for $2 off any 2 Welch's sparkling juices

***5/$2.00 Green Giant Canned Vegetables 11-15 oz.

***2/$4.00 Tropicana Orange Juice 59 oz. save $3.58 on 2

***$4.99 Folger’s Coffee 22.6-33.9 oz. - limit one save up to $6.80

***$9.99/lb. Dry-Aged Choice Porterhouse and T-Bone Steaks save $8.00/lb.

***$1.99/lb. Holiday Red Seedless Grapes save $1.00/lb.

***$9.99 Lunds and Byerly’s Brie 2 lb. wheel save $10

***Campbell's Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken soups $.79

***Crystal Sugar, brown and powdered varieties 3/$5 (2 lb.)

***Old Dutch Holiday Pretzels (24 oz.) 2/$5

***Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows $.99

***Geisha Mandarin Oranges (15 oz.)  $.99

Natural and Organic Deals:

***Garden of Eatin’ Chips 9 oz. $3.49

***Muir Glen Soups (14.4-14.9 oz.) $3.49

***Dancing Deer Gingerbread House (3.5 lbs.) $14.99

***Cascadian Farm Organic Frozen Fruit (8-10 oz.) $3.99

***So Delicious Coconut Milk (64 oz.) $4.49

***Liberté Méditerranée Yogourt (6 oz. - excludes 0% fat) 4/$5.00

And some more....
***Green Giant Idaho Russet Potatoes $1.99 (5 lb. bag)

***Lunds/Byerlys Lefse $5.99

***Texas Rio Star Grapefruit (5 lb.) $3.99



Click here to view the complete ad. Pin It

FREE Personalized Labels...just pay shipping!

FREE Personalized Holiday Labels! Choose from gift tags, return address labels, stickers, envelope seals, to-from stickers, caricature labels & more. 

So many designs to choose from! Caricature labels are so fun to design. Pet icons available too! 

S&P starts at just $2.95! 

Pin It

Easy Spritz Cookies for Christmas

This content uses referral links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! Read my disclosure policy here.
 
I LOVE Spritz cookies for Christmas!!!  (Especially when my mom makes them!)  LOL!  :)

I LOVE using my Pampered Chef cookie press (affiliate link) too.


I have had it for many years now, and I see they have a different version now.  I still like mine.  My boys can even use it, once they get the hang of it.

Anyway, a favorite Christmas cookie from my childhood are Spritz cookies.  As far as I know, they are Swedish cookies because I am mostly Swedish, with a little Norwegian thrown in more good measure!  :)

Here is the recipe that I have been using.  There are several varieties I'm sure, but this is from a little Swedish grandma that went to my childhood church.

Spritz Cookies by Annie Abramson
*3/4 cup sugar
*1 cup butter
*1 egg
*2 1/2 cups flour
*1/2 tsp. baking powder
*1 tsp. almond extract
Cream together the sugar and butter.  Mix in the remaining ingredients.  Using your cookie press, press onto a cookie sheet.  Bake at 375* for 8 - 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cookie.  10 minutes works well when using the Pampered Chef cookie press(affiliate link).
You can also make a small ball of dough and roll it in cinnamon sugar.  Then press with a cookie stamp.

This is what Works for Me!
This post is linked to:
Works for Me Wednesday 



If you you haven't done so already, you may subscribe to daily updates from 2 Make Ends Meet, if you are interested.  Thank you!  You can also find extra updates from me on Facebook and Twitter. Pin It

FREE 25 Days of Christmas Music MP3s

Have you been taking advantage of the 25 Days of FREE Christmas Music downloads at Amazon?
Today's song is from Mannheim Steamroller.  Check back daily, through Christmas, for another selection to add to your Christmas music collection!

Enjoy! Pin It

Menu Plan Monday....December 6

I am exhausted after this weekend!!!!  How can it be so tiring, watching basketball???  Between all 3 of our boys, they played in 8 games this weekend!!!  Whew!

I feel like I need a weekend to catch up from our weekend!!!  :)  (I wonder how they feel??!!!)

I definitely need an easy meal for tonight...here is what I am planning for tonight, and the rest of the week:

MONDAY:  Crock Pot White Turkey Chili

TUESDAY:  Baked Potatoes and Toppings

WEDNESDAY:  Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

THURSDAY:  Tortilla Casserole or Beefy Taco Bake

FRIDAY:  Calzones

For more ideas for menus, check out Menu Plan Mondays.

If you you haven't done so already, you may subscribe to daily updates from 2 Make Ends Meet, if you are interested.  Thank you!  You can also find extra updates from me on Facebook and Twitter. Pin It

Feed It Forward through Restaurant.com

Have you seen this????!!!!!
Wow!  Restaurant.com is giving you the opportunity to give away $10 Restaurant.com gift certificates up to 40 people per day!

That is just crazy!!!  (in a good way, of course!)

It is all a part of their Feed It Forward campaign that is going on now until through December 31.  Their goal is to give away $40 million of certificates away!  Wow!

Have you ever used Restaurant.com?  We have, and love it!  It is a great way to be able to eat out on occasion without breaking your budget!

Why not go ahead and bless your friends and family with a $10 gift card.  No strings attached!



Thank you to Pocket Your Dollars for making me aware of this campaign.




Posted to:
Frugal Fridays, at Life as MOM. Pin It

New Byerlys/Lunds You Save Today for Dec. 2 - 8 and Printable Coupons

So sorry!  I am a day behind in highlighting the new Byerlys and Lunds ad for the week!  I guess I am out of the habit....doesn't take long for me to get out of a routine, I guess!  Heehee!

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, many of you are getting ready for more celebrating.....therefore, more cooking and baking!

Here are some things that might help you out this week:

***First of all, they are giving back to you a $10 gift card for every $100 you spend.  That's like taking 10% off!  :)

***$3.99 for Seedless Clementine Tangerines and Satsuma Mandarin Oranges (3-lb. bags)

***Kendelson’s Home Style Turkey Breast $4.99/lb.  great for sandwiches! 

***4/$10.00 Jack’s Pizza 12 inch (nice to have a few on hand!!!)

***Godiva Gems 12-18 count   Buy One, Get One FREE  (great idea for Christmas gifts!)

***Geisha Solid White Tuna (5 oz.)  3/$4

***Langer's Pomegranate Juice Blends (64 oz.) $2.99

***Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies 2/$4  (perfect for those Rice Krispies Treats!!!)

***Old Home Yogurt (32 oz.) 2/$5

Here is a sampling of Organic & Natural products on sale this week:

***Kettle Chips (5 oz.) Buy One, Get One FREE

***Clif Bars, selected varieties (2.4 oz.) 4/$5.00

***Pacific Soups, selected varieties (14.5-16 oz.) $2.99-$3.69

***Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips (5.5-7 oz.) $2.99

***Blue Diamond Nut-Thins (4.25 oz.) $3.49

***Alexia Appetizers (7.7-8 oz.) $3.99

Check out the complete ad, for many more deals.  

Don't forget to print the web-only coupon for FREE MN Creamery Jumbo Eggs (dozen) w/ a $10 purchase


 Need some more coupons?  Check out these printable coupons.  (A little tip:  the coupon might not be the first one on the page...you may have to scroll down to find it.)

• $1.00 off Muir Glen products
• $0.50 off Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters
• $0.55 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• $1.00 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• $0.35 off Pillsbury Grands! Jr biscuits
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crust
• $0.40 off Pillsbury of Grands! Sweet Rolls
• $0.55 off Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
• $1.00 off Chex cereals
• $1.00 off General Mills cereals
• $0.30 off Refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit
• $0.75 off Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
• $0.40 off Betty Crocker Cookie Mix
• $0.50 off Bisquick Baking Mix
• $0.40 off Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads
• $1.00 off Pillsbury Sweet Moments
• $1.00 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookie
• $0.55 off Pillsbury Simply... cookie dough
• 50% off Olan Mills portraits
• $0.40 off (1) FINISH JET-DRY Rinse Agent
• $0.50 off on ONE FINISH Powerball Tabs or Gelpac

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Upcoming Cash Back Offers...and $5 back for signing up!!!

I just got a sneak peek on some upcoming offers from Shopscotch:

There are two upcoming sidewalk sales:

• Thursday, Dec 2: Walmart is giving 3.5% cash back - Pair a great Walmart deal tomorrow with this offer!
• Sunday, Dec 5: Travelocity is giving 2% cash back 

If you aren't familiar with this program, here is their description,
"Get extra cash back from hundreds of top brands when you buy through Shopscotch. Join free today, and get an automatic $5 credit.  Shopscotch is a social cash back shopping site. Members earn cash back for making online purchases. Members are able to share their earning activity within the community allowing others to see where people are shopping and how they are benefiting from the program. In addition to cash back, members will also earn badges based on their shopping behavior and other interactions at Shopscotch.  Shopscotch has partnered with hundreds of top brands including eBay, GAP, Staples, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Macy's and Apple and continues to add new stores every day."


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