Kroger Deals

Kroger deals 9/29-10/05. Here are the weeks deals at Kroger. These come from Marcy over at Stretching a Buck. Be sure to visit here awesome blog!

Williams Sonoma Free Demonstrations

If you have a Williams Sonoma store near you or in your local mall, you are in luck! They have FREE 15 minute demonstrations almost daily. I have the schedule attached here.
Stop by and get some tips on everything fall; Pumpkins, soups, Halloween, cookies and even some previews of Thanksgiving!
Take the family and send your kids and hubby to the food place for some ice-cream while you observe a 15 minute cooking lesson!
They are all at 11am. Did I mention they were FREE!

Mums and fall gardening!

Well, fall is here officially and starting to feel a bit like it, so what's next? Gardening! It is time to get flower beds ready for next year and plant some of those favorite fall plants! Well, I belong to the Home Depot Garden Club. Signing up gets you exclusive offers and tips through e-mail. I just received one today, click here to view it. It helps save a little bit of money. Also, if you are like me, it gives me tips about what I need to be doing next, I happen to be a novice gardener!
Go here to sign up and start saving!

Authentic Italian!

So we had the pleasure of having a true authentic Italian meal last night! How was it authentic you ask? Well, one of the Saving Sisters had an awesome co-worker, who visited Italy, and was kind enough to bring her back seasoning, pasta and olive oil from there! This is from the real Italy! (as if there was a fake Italy, right?) Well, we cooked it last night and wow, it was delicious! Definitely different flavors! But so tangy, a little spicy, but overall, just so delicious!
We paired it with homemade garlic bread and our favorite brushcetta! Here's how we did it!

• Homemade pasta sauce:
• 3 small cans of tomato sauce
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 lb. ground beef
  
• 2 tbsp. REAL Italian seasoning (did I mention this was from Italy?)
• Simmer

• Pasta
• 1 lb. pasta (from Italy, of course!=)
• bring to a boil 8-10 minutes

• Homemade garlic bread
• 1 loaf of bread (italian, french, whatever you like)
• 3 cloves of fresh garlic chopped
• olive oil
• Pre-heat oven 350 degrees. Cut loaf of bread in half. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle fresh garlic on top. Bake for about 10 minutes.

• Our Favorite Bruschetta
• Use homemade garlic bread recipe above
• 1 8 oz bar of cream cheese
• Handful of grated parmesan cheese
• small can of chopped black olives
• 2 roma tomatoes chopped
• 6 basil leaves sliced julienne
• Put cream cheese in microwave about 45 seconds (until soft enough to stir). Add parmesan cheese and sliced black olives. Spread cream cheese mixture over both halves of bread. sprinkle with tomatoes and basil.

Thats it! that was our "real Italian" feast. This truly was delicious! How do you make this at home? Well, we think the seasoning from Italy really was the star of the show, so we tried to figure what was in it. We decided it was:

• Dried sliced garlic cloves (you could see them, they were quite large!)
• Dried tomatoes and possibly sun dried tomatoes (this gave it the tang)
• Dried basil
• Some red pepper flakes (this gave it a small amount of heat)
• Dried parmesan cheese
• The rest is speculation. We are guessing the usual oregano, black pepper, parsley, etc.

I am going to try to make this seasoning homemade. If I succeed, I will post it. Real fresh ingredients I think is key and will be well worth the time and money spent!

Giant Eagle Deals for the week

Here are the Giant Eagle deals for the week of 9/25-10/01.
Click here to see them!
Courtesy of Stretching a Buck! Thanks so much, be sure to check out her blog! It is awesome! It is on the side bar listed under "my blogs"!

Old Navy Sale

There is a huge sale at Old Navy in stores only this weekend.

• 20% off $50
• 30% off $75
• 40% off $100

This is running 9/26-9/28.
Definitely worth the look!
Click here to link to the page.

Design (Decorating) Tip

As of this past Monday, fall is officially here!! As many of you start to pull out the fall decor'..here are a few suggestions to bring that warm, welcoming, cozy fall essence into your home.

• Vase Fillers: These can do wonders! You can get vases just about anywhere ( I love what Pottery Barn has to offer, but do what works for you)! Add some fall fillers such as; acorns, pine cones, apples, pears, and various others. You could use several vases of various sizes as a centerpiece on the table, or they can stand alone as accents! You can even incorporate candles into these (with certain vases)...
• Make Your Own Wreath: You can purchase the "bones" of the wreath at places such as; Micheal's or Hobby Lobby. Start with a wreath made of twigs and add your own arrangements by using artificial leaves, small plastic fruits and pumpkins, etc. All you need is a hot glue gun and you are on your way. It can be a fun project with the kids..and a way to express your own creativity!! It will also be one of a kind which is a major bonus.
• Paint: If you are up to taking on the task of painting, Sherwin Williams offers some fabulous fall paint tones. There is a link of the side bar which will take you directly to their website where you can browse around for some color ideas!! You may even want to just do an accent wall.

Happy decorating!!

Flu Season

Flu season is approaching. I know, seems to early to say that (and too hot, for us anyways). But, it is officially fall, so it is time to start thinking about these things! Well, if you have a Meijer by you, you are in luck, they offer flu shots! I am not sure how much they are, I think it goes through your insurance, so I would call your insurance company and see.
Anyways, if you are interested, click here to see the full schedule of when they will be administering them at your local Meijer!

That brings me to my next question. Do you get flu shots for your kids? I have some seasons and have not others. I really do not know if I saw a difference? So, I am a little confused as to whether this is one more chemical thing to put into my kids or just to pass....
Let me know your thoughts, I am all ears!

It's Finally Here!

Ok, I have been waiting a long time for this! It is the season premiere of Greys Anatomy! Yeah, I need to see how this all pans out.. Anyways, let me cover them all to be fair!

• 8:00 p.m.
• Ugly Betty (ABC) A bright but out of the ordinary looking woman is like a fish out of the water working at a glitzy high end fashion magazine. This is funny. I watched for 2 seasons, then, for some reason, I didn't have time, but I wish I did and will try to make time this season!
• Survivor:Gabon (CBS) This is for you dad! This is the 17th season! I remember Richard Hatch! Wow, well they are stranded in Gabon, Africa, competing for a cool million!
• My Name is Earl (NBC) Also a father's fave! A petty crook sets out to make amends in his life. He thinks karma is everywhere and is trying to fix his wrong doings!
• 9:00 p.m.
  
• Grey's Anatomy (ABC) I love it!! Fifth season opener..will Meredith and Derek fall back in love? What will happen with the rest of the interns turned residents? Stay tuned...
• The Office (NBC) This is also the fifth season opener which has Harry Crane punching in with Micheal Scott and co. at Dunder Mifflin.
• 10:00 p.m.
• ER (NBC) The beginning of the end. The final season of ER will have some surprise visits from old cast members...I am sure this season will be worth watching! I used to watch so long ago, but then life happened and I had to pick and choose. But, I really think this will be a good one!

There it is, the Thursday line-up....stay tuned for Sundays line-up...It's gonna be good!

Things We Love Thursday!!

Ok, the thing that I love is...my unlimited text messaging package on my cell phone! That probably sounds funny, but it is absolutely something I could not live without! Text messaging is great. I feel like many people are scared..they are not sure how to send a text, etc. It's a technological fear...I had it once too. But once I got over it, I had to switch to the plan. Here are the reasons you should try texting:

1. It is only around $5 to add the unlimited feature on your phone. Check with your service provider.
2. My nieces and nephews are beginning to get cell phones (they are rounding the teenage years) and it is a great way to communicate with them! They do not want to talk (they are a little "busy" these days) but they will answer a text in a second! They look cool, you get to find out how they are, etc. and everyone is happy
3. My husband can reply to my normal questions (when will you be home, when should I have dinner ready, what do you want for dinner, can you get some milk on your way home, etc.) while he is at work. I used to try to call, missing him most of the time for various reasons. Now he almost always replies!
4. I cannot talk on the phone! As soon as the phone hits my ear, the kids think it suddenly means "NO RULES HOUR>>>GO CRAZY!!!". So, when I need some important info., even just a "hi, everything ok?", I can get it.....shoot a text, one comes back and the kids did not even know I conversed with someone other than them!

So, there it is...all the reasons I love texting! It really is a great feature! You should try it out if you have not yet!

Freebie

Always Infinity is a new brand of a maxi pad coming out by Proctor and Gamble. They are not even available in stores until mid October, but if you click here, you can sign up to receive yours free and first!
Thanks heyitsfree!

More from the book of Titus

Last Sunday we continued more on the book of Titus. You see, our pastor is currently preaching a series called "The Church God Always Wanted". Each Sunday is a part of the series and we are currently focusing on Titus; as this is one of the book's that focuses on setting up the church. (Still applies to every church, as they are constantly changing and growing).

This book reminds us that by living God honoring lives, we are teaching new Christians (whether we realize it or not). Leading by example....

Titus 2: 7-8

7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

The pastor made a comment that I think that I will always remember. He said, "sometimes people live lives that are a mile wide an only an inch deep". Wow, what a true statement!! People can become so concerned with filling up their lives...and making them a "mile wide". But without substance....

He also reminded us that the way in which we live our lives today, is the way that we will be remembered. Truly something to think about.....

Mark Your Calender

Ok, for those in the Cincy region....mark your calenders. On Sunday, Oct. 5, The Extreme Makeover Home Edition that was filmed here is airing! If you live in the area, I am sure you remember when the Extreme Team was here in West Chester. Well, the show is airing on Oct. 5! So, set your DVR's....you won't want to miss this one!

Works for Me Wednesday

Clean smelling sponges:
I am posting this for Works for me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer.
Ok, this is gonna sound weird, but I cannot stand kitchen sponges that have even the slightest odor. So, I have a few solutions.

1. Rinse your sponges with Hydrogen Peroxide. (I used to do this, but I have a new system)
2. I have 2 sponges. One is in the sink ( I do the cleaning and disinfecting with this one), and one is in the dishwasher (waiting to be washed). So, when I run the dishwasher, the one that was in there is clean and fresh and comes out and the other one goes in. I run my dishwasher about once a day, so I always have a clean sponge. This is environmentally friendly too. I can keep a sponge for awhile! They never really get the chance to get too dirty!
   

Free Cold Stone Creamery

The world's largest 7th annual ice cream social, which also supports the Make a Wish Foundation, will take place this Thurs. on Sept 25. Cold Stone Creamery will be donating 3oz portions of either "Jack" or "Emily" Creations (creations thought up by two wish children!). Donations will go to the Make a Wish Foundation. Please join in the fun for a good cause on Thurs. Sept. 25 between 5 and 8 pm!
Click here for more details from their website!

Wed. Night Premieres!

Here is the line-up for tonight's premieres!

• 8:00 p.m.
• The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS) A divorced mom tries to move on after her ex finds love with a younger woman with the same name.
• Knight Rider (NBC) Remember this one? Blast from the past. Well, KITT is back in the form of a Mustang this time. He is fighting crime and people who are trying to steal him. If you liked it then, you'll probably like it now!
• 8:30 p.m.
• Gary Unmarried (CBS) A recently divorced man tries to readjust after 15 years of marriage while raising his kids and dealing with a controlling ex. Looks funny to me!
• 9:00 p.m.
• Criminal Minds (CBS) Watch as the fourth season opener answers the question "Whose SUV exploded?".
• 10:00 p.m.
• CSI:NY (CBS) This hit crime drama focuses on New York forensic investigators Stella Bonasera and Mac Taylor.
• Lipstick Jungle (NBC) Three New York women navigate the business world, friendship and romance in this comedy-drama. Great show! I will DVR it! I began watching last season and was hooked! I love this show!

Ok, there it is....good line-up for tonight! I am so so so excited for tomorrow night as my faves are on!
Click here to look at the rest of the line-up!

Free Simple and Delicious Magazine

I receive Simple and Delicious, the magazine and I love it! My mom keeps renewing my subscription and I love her for that! Anyways, go here and you can get a free issue! Worth a look!

Join the Fight Against Childhood Hunger

FREE insulated lunch bag designed by actress Monique Coleman

ConAgra food products are running a promotion right now. ConAgra products included in this are Peter Pan, Manwich, Chef Boyardee, Orville Redenbacher and Snack Pack. Those are all foods I have in my pantry, seeing as I have children.
It goes like this, purchase 6 of these Con Agra food products. Then, go here to download the lunch bag order form and you will receive the free lunch bag (3.oo shipping and handling). Then, ConAgra foods will donate one dollar to help fight against childhood hunger! Sounds great to me!

Scott and Carol Decker

I was reading my normal everyday blogs and I came across another charity challenge. I was reading about it and an hour later I am still reading about it! This is amazing. This weeks charity challenge is about a family, The Decker family, who really needs some donations and some prayers. Wow, they have been through so much! There is a synopsis of what they have been through here.
This is truly an amazing story of a woman and her family, she gave birth and the events that followed after are something you could not ever imagine..even one tenth of what they went through! Please read and, if it is all you can do, consider them in your prayers! They also have a way to donate to the family on their blog, if you are able to do so!
I believe this all started on June 9th and has been documented since. It is updated almost daily! I was a bit confused at first, but it is four months of documentation. This family is truly amazing and strong! I will keep reading and following and praying for this family!
Click here for a silent auction for them also.

Halloween Costumes

I am ahead of the game! I am never ahead of the game when it comes to Halloween. It has it's advantages and disadvantages...

• Advantages; We had a lot of costumes to choose from!
• Disadvantages; We might find something we bought cheaper; the costumes we bought might be worn out by Halloween (my son lives in his!); I have already returned one of my daughters and exchanged it and am thinking about doing it again!

But, this being said, look in your mailbox. I got a flyer for Party City (I feel like they would have the flyer in the store too, near the entrance or something?), and there are coupons...

1. $5 off any single costume purchase of 14.99-24.99
2. $10 off any single costume purchase of 25.00-34.99
3. $15 off any single costume purchase of 35.00 and up

This is a pretty good deal, considering what I paid and where. It says one week only, expires on 10/04/08....