Portobello Pizzas

So the portobello pizzas were a success!  I told my son that it was "pizza" and he scarfed his down.


I basically a combined a few different techniques and this one seemed to work best:





1. Take off the caps and scrape out gills of mushrooms (I used a spoon)
2. Clean the mushrooms- use a damp towel and wipe them. Do NOT place them under water.
3. Bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees.  (Flip them over after 15 minutes)
4. Pull them out of the oven.  Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and other toppings you prefer.  I like spinach, tomatoes, and peppers.
5. Place back in the oven and BROIL until the cheese is bubbling. 
6. Eat with a fork and knife- they get quite messy.


Enjoy!

$10 for $20 Worth of books/goodies from Blue Manatee

If you have never been to Blue Manatee- you have to check it out!  It is the cutest little book store in Cincinnati! They've been named the best non-chain bookstore by the Cincinnati CityBeat every year since 2006, and were also named the best kid-friendly coffee shop by Cincinnati Magazine in 2008. 


Check out this Deal Chicken deal: Score 50% off from Blue Manatee and treat yourself to $20 worth of books, delectables, and gifts for just $10. 

Groupon: Picture People (Save 89%)

Looking to get pictures taken of the kids?  Head on over to Groupon and snatch this $16.00 certificate which includes Eight Color Portrait Sheets ($144 Value) Plus Photo Shoot.



Fine Print:

• Expires May 9, 2012
• Limit 2 per person. Limit 1 per session. Limit 1 per day. Not valid until 2/3/12. By appointment only. In-studio only. Valid only at listed locations. Not valid for existing orders, reprints, enhancements, or special orders. Cannot be used in combination with this or any other offer and must be presented at time of session/purchase. Portrait sheets include one pose only. Coupon Code: MJUZB.

Cuisinart 12 Piece Advantage Steak Knife Set for $24.00

Check out this deal at Housewares Deals: Get this Cuisinart 12 Piece Advantage Steak Knife Set for $24.00 (normally $58.00).  Deal ends tonight!

American Greetings: $0.99 Valentine's Day Cards + FREE Shipping!

Head on over to American Greetings for $0.99 Valentine's Day paper cards AND FREE shipping with code AGVAL99.

       

Chocolate Nutella Hearts

Simple, delicious, cute, and so easy to make!  


1 12oz. package of good quality dark chocolate
1/2 cup Nutella
Heart ice cube mold (as seen below)

Empty bag of chips into a micro wave safe bowl and melt as directed.
Place 1 teaspoon {or more} of the melted chocolate in to each of the hearts and using a clean paint brush cover the entire inside with a good coating of chocolate.

Once the mold is filled place in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
After chocolate has set, place 1/2 t. of Nutella {more or less to your liking}, into the chocolate shell.

Place 1 teaspoon {or more}of the remaining chocolate over the Nutella and cover the surface completely. Place in freezer 15-20 minutes to set up.

To remove, firmly, but gently press out the chocolate hearts onto a tray or plate.
Store in air tight container in refrigerator.




Thanks to homespunwithlove.blogspot.com for the recipe!

More Deals on Magazines (Under $5)

Go to Cheap Magazine Subscriptions where there are over 70 different magazines under $5 using the 15% off coupon code below. 



When you use the coupon code PXCJ0205,  you can get the your subscriptions for $3.99 to $5.08.

This offer Expires February 5, 2012.

 

Here are just some of the many magazine subscriptions you can pick up:

 

• Bridal Guide Magazine
• Car & Driver Magazine
• Elle Magazine
• Entrepreneur Magazine
• Family Circle Magazine
• Fitness Magazine
• Harpers Bazaar Magazine
• Golf Tips Magazine
• House Beautiful Magazine
• Nylon Magazine
• Parents Magazine
• Seventeen Magazine
• Shape Magazine
• Whole Living Magazine
• Arts & Crafts Homes Magazine
• Elle Decor Magazine
• Instructor Magazine
• Home Business Magazine
• Midwest Home Magazine

Marie Claire for $3.60 a year!

Head on over to Discount Mags and get 1 year of Marie Claire for $3.60. You need to use coupon code KouponK.  Offer expires tonight!

Donate Expired Coupons

Did you know you can donate your expired coupons?  I had no clue.  I always clip and organize my coupons, but then end up pitching the ones that expire. You can actually help our military families with these expired coupons.  I came across the Overseas Coupon Program where they give you detailed directions on how to help. Apparently  they can use the coupons up to 6 months after they expire but you will want to try and mail them within a few weeks of their expiration.


So the next time you are going to pitch your expired or un-used coupons- consider mailing them to our military families!

What's for Dinner This Week?

Monday
Easy Crock Pot Chili





Tuesday
Portobello Pizzas
This week from Green Bean Delivery I am getting portobello mushrooms. I am trying out a new recipe and will post it if it is successful!





Wednesday
Enchilada Bake





Thursday 
Breakfast for Dinner...I know, sorry- it doesn't help you out much with meal planning as it was on my menu line up last week, but we ended up not eating it last week, so it is back in our line up!


Pancakes
Bacon
Fruit

Enchilada Bake

I got this recipe from a co-worker (shout out to Mamma T!) and I love that it is so quick and easy by using store bought taquitos as a short cut.  If you are in a time crunch but still want the yummy goodness of enchiladas- check this one out!




1 - 22.5 oz box Steak and Cheese Taquitos, partially thawed
1 - 20oz can enchilada sauce
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
1 - 16 oz can refried beans, heated
⅓ cup EACH - sliced green onions and diced red onion (combined)
1 - 2.25 ox can sliced black olives, drained
Sour cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Pour ⅓ of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking pan.  Arrange ½ of the taquitos over the enchilada sauce.  Evenly spread the heated refried beans over the taquitos.  Layer ⅓ more sauce, ½ the cheese, ½ the onion mix.  Top with the remaining taquitos and enchilada sauce.  Bake, covered for 25 minutes or until heated through.  The last 5 minutes of baking, top with remaining cheese.  Garnish with the onions and olives.

Awesome Deal: 10 Hardcover Books for $14.99!

I LOVE this deal!  I plan to give these books out as gifts. You can get 10 hardcover children's books for $14.99! 



It includes the following titles:

• Mike Mulligan & the Steam Shovel
• Lyle Lyle Crocodile
• Curious George Gets a Medal
• Bread and Jam for Frances
• Goodnight Moon
• A Little Prairie House
• Paddington Bear at the Circus
• The Berenstain Bears in the Dark
• Richard Scarry's Bedtime Stories
• Katy No-Pocket

$10 off a $10 Purchase at Shutterfly

Head on over to Shutterfly and get $10 off a $10 purchase with the code HAIR10.  You will have to pay shipping, though.  Offer is good until 2/1.

Dyson Deal on Woot!

Get this Dyson DC23 Turbinehead Canister Vacuum for $199 today on Woot! They retail for around $399.

One Day Only: Barnes and Noble Paperback Sale

For today only -buy one paperback get one at 50% off at the Barnes and Noble Winter Paperback Sale..  They have a pretty good list to chose from.   Here are just a few....

       

      

Macys.com Sale!

Head on over to Macy's and check out their 20-75% off clearance items.  Free shipping with a $99 purchase.

Here are a few deals I found...


Normally $48 now $14.99



Normally $58 now $9.99


Martha Stewart Enameled Steel Stock Pit normally $69.99 now $23.99.

Groupon: $5 for $10 Worth of Little Caesars

Check out this Groupon Deal !  Spend $5 and get a $10 voucher for Little Caesar's.

For $10, you get a pizza meal (a $23.46 total value). The meal, which can feed between four and six people, includes the following:

• Two Hot-N-Ready one-topping pizzas (a $5.99 value each)
• One order of wings (a $5.99 value)
• One order of Crazy bread (a $3.49 value)
• One 2-liter bottle of soda (a $2 value)

Vera Wang Sunglasses: 65% Off

Check out this sale at Zulily!  You get 65% off Vera Wang sunglasses.  There are 13 styles to choose from.  Each are around $38 (normally about $110).  You need a FREE Zulily account to get the deal.

Check Out This Chair!

I am in love with this chair. So cool and unique.  It is called a CMC Cut-Out Dining Chair.  It is today's deal of the day on Haute Look!   It runs for normally $200 and is on sale for $69.  They come in red (seen below), white, and black.  You can find it at this price until Monday (1/23) at 8AM.  Again- you need a FREE Haute Look account to score the deal.

Great Deal: Haurex Vivace Ladies Watch for $59

This ladies watch normally retails for $475(I will note that I found them on Amazon on sale for about $120.00) and is on sale at No More Rack for just $59.00. It's a Haurex Vivace.  They have them in various colors.  You have to sign up for a FREE www.nomorerack.com account to score the deal.  The deal ends tomorrow.

What's for Dinner This Week?!

What's for dinner this week?!


Monday
Stuffed Peppers
(I will prep the filling on Sunday so that I just fill the peppers and bake them on Monday.  Also- I am thinking of adding corn to the recipe posted)



Tuesday
Spaghetti
Peas
(I try to go for one meatless meal a week)




Wednesday
Chicken Pot Pie
(I will get this one ready after the kids go to bed on Tuesday so that I just have to bake it when I get home from work on Wednesday)



Thursday
Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?!  We haven't done this in awhile.
Pancakes
Bacon
Fresh fruit

White Chocolate Valentine Popcorn

What a cute and yummy treat.  You can change the color of M&Ms depending on the season.  You could bag it up and give it out as gifts or just enjoy it with others.


6 cups popped pop corn
2 cups Honey Nut Chex or Rice Chex
1 12 oz package of white chocolate chips
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups valentines colored M&Ms
(and I vote for adding pretzels too!)


1. Mix the popcorn and cereal (and pretzels if you add them) in a large bowl


2. In a microwave safe bowl melt together 1 bag of white chocolate chips and 2-2 1/2 
Tablespoons of vegetable oil on 50% for 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds until it is smooth.


3. Poor the melted chocolate over the popcorn and cereal. Stir to coat. Then sprinkle in the M&Ms and stir


4. Allow popcorn to cool and set. Serve!


Thanks to A Few Shortcuts for the recipe!

No Bake Energy Bites

I whipped these up really quick today and my son LOVES them!  It is very similar to the homemade granola bar recipe I had posted earlier, but this one requires no baking/cooking at all.  I didn't have flaxseed so just used what germ.  I guess you could use neither?!

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy!  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Thanks to Smashed Peas and Carrots for the recipe!

$50 off a $100 Purchase at LOFT- Today Only!

Great deal...but be careful because the fine print says "your full price purchase".  This means no sale items.  Their sale items are what I normally buy.  But still... use code ONEMILLION for the deal at Loft.

Chicken Pot Pie

• I usually make this the day before and then when I get home from work- all I have to do it throw it in the oven.  I also add potatoes to this recipe and decrease the amount of other veggies.  I sort of just eyeball it.  I know there are some other short cuts to making this quicker and easier (for example-using a bag of frozen mixed veggies), but I LOVE how this one tastes.
• 
  
• 
• 
  
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
•  
• 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This is another one from All Recipes

• 
  

Stuffed Peppers

• In the past I have tried a stuffed pepper recipe in the crock pot, but I always seem to burn the peppers.  I am going to try this recipe out this week instead.  I will probably make the "filling" ahead of time and then just have to fill and bake the peppers the day of.  I also cut this recipe in half and only make 3.  I will include those measurements as well in case you are interested!
• 
  
• 
• Ingredients for 6 peppers:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 cup water
• 6 green bell peppers
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Ingredients for only 3 peppers:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 green bell peppers
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until evenly browned.
3. Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers. Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward. (Slice the bottoms of the peppers if necessary so that they will stand upright.)
4. In a bowl, mix the browned beef, cooked rice, 1 can tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper. Mix the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed peppers.
5. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, basting with sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

Thanks to All Recipes for the recipe!

Tips for Checking out Grocery Deals BEFORE Shopping

I like to plan my grocery trips out ahead of time.  I don't like to carry ALL of my coupons with me to the store and search for deals.  I have my coupons with me in a pile - in order based on "my route" through the store.  Let's face it... I try to get in and out as quickly as possible!

There are websites that match the coupons that have come in your Sunday papers to the deals in the store that week.  For around $10 every 3 months you can pay for a site called The Grocery Game.  There you can also find "banks" of printable coupons.  There are a lot of resources and she does all the work for you.   The only downside...she usually doesn't post deals for that week until Monday of the week.  Which does me no good since I shop on Sunday. However- I like to use the bank of online coupons on this site.



Or you can check out Savings Lifestyle.  Scroll down to "Everyday Shopping" and she has lists of grocery stores and also matches coupons with store deals/prices.  This one is FREE!  She also has links to some online coupons.  For example, this week at Meijer pizza rolls are $1.00, but if you print off the coupon on the site, you can get two of them for $1.00 (net price $0.50 each).  In case you cared, there are a lot of items for $1.00 this week at Meijer.  Check them out here!

Now you could also do this on your own in looking at the ads and your coupons...but these are just two of the MANY sites out there that do the work for you.

Elephant Toothpaste: Science Experiment for Kids

I found this idea at Preschool Powol Packets.

1.  Set a soda pop bottle in the middle of a pan to catch the toothpaste.

2. Mix 2 Tablespoons warm water and 1 teaspoon yeast  in a separate container and swirl together for a minute.  The yeast will catalyze (or speed up) the reaction.  

3.  Mix these in your soda pop bottle:

• 1/2 cup 6% hydrogen peroxide.  It is important to use at least 6%.  You can use 8% or more (available on Amazon), or you can Salon Care Professional Stabilized Formula. 
• 4-5 drops food coloring
• squirt of dish soap

4.  Pour the yeast mixture into the soda pop bottle...and be amazed!

Check out Mudpie Tabletop Items!

If you love monogrammed items....go over to Totsy and check out the Mud Pie Tabletop items.  AND-this weekend only Totsy has FREE shipping on orders over $50 with code FREEWKND.

*Note: You have to sign up for a FREE Totsy account to see the deals.

They have this bread board set normally $25 for $12.50




Other items you may be interested in....

$6.00 wine stopper:


$15 marble cheese board set: