Target Shopping Trip...Take 2

So this last week, I printed a Target coupon for money off the Tag Reading Pen. We had already decided we probably would not put the extra expense out for it since B got the Tag Jr. for Thanksgiving break, but after this week's ads and the coupon; we could not resist.

Leapfrog Tag Learning System Pen:

Target originally had it on sale for $34.89 (usually $35.99+)

Toys R Us was running a sale on it for $24.99

*Did you know Target price matches with a current competitor flyer (well I did not until last night when I saw  TRU's price and researched it)

Plus, Target had their coupon for $7 off the price....

So after Tax, I walked away with a brand-new Leapfrog Tag Pen for $19.07!!!


I consider that a success...

Today's Savings/Shopping Adventure

All About Kids Consignment Sale

• MegaBlocks Take n Play Car Set....$10 (a bit high since we realized it was missing the 2 cars, but it kept B occupied and we couldn't resist

Once Upon A Child

• Denim Levi Shorts $4.50
• Carter's Khaki Shorts $3.50
• All-in-One Swim Trunks $4.50
• Leapfrog Draw & Learn Tablet $5.50 (looks brand new)

Goodwill

• Monday: we picked up over 60 pieces of various wooden train sets (that connect in with his Thomas sets) $14.99
• Today: Cozy Coupe $3.99 (now I will say it has seen better days, but we will probably scrub it down, take off most of the decals/stickers and give it some TLC (cleaning & loving), but who could wrong

Winn Dixie

• 12 chicken legs $5.19
• Kraft's new seasoning pack $1.50 (after $1.00 off coupon just for purchasing chicken...mmkay? sure no problem)
• 6x 2pc hamburger patties (93% lean)...each pack was anywhere from $1.98 to $2.12 (we are super picky on our meat and only want the ultra lean meats so typically have to get the butcher cut but then can rarely score any deals....between these and the chicken we have the major part of our meat need for the next few weeks...will need to pick up more ground turkey but between tonight's stash and our bi-monthly chicken breast run at BJ's we are set for 2-3 months

Target Shopping Trip...

3.22.12 Shopping Trip

Huggies Slip-on Diapers- 92 ct.  *CLEARANCE* @ $23.78

                                                  Manufacturer Coupon -$2.00

Huggies Wipes Pack- 80ct. $1.97 

                                                 Manufacturer Coupon -$0.50

                                                 TARGET coupon -$2.50 

 Total Cost: $20.75 (2 months of diapers & wipes..plus great for Potty Training & quick changes)

Boogie Wipes Travel Pack $3.59

                                                  TARGET coupon -$1.00     

Total Cost: $2.59 (1 allergy heavy month of wipes)

My First Crayola Markers $4.99

                                                 Manufacturer Coupon -$1.00

                                                 TARGET coupon -$1.00

Total Cost: $2.99 (addition to Easter Basket)

Beneful Baked Delights Dog Treats 2x $3.89

                                                  Manufacturer Coupon (BOGO) -$3.89

                                                 TARGET coupon -$1.00

Total Cost: $2.89 (2 boxes of dog treats...lasts about 4 months+ between the trio...Easter Bucket stuffer)

Easter M&M's   2x $2.89          

                                                 Manufacturer Coupon -$1.00

                                                 TARGET coupon -$1.50       

Total Cost: $3.28 (2 bags of M&M's for Easter Treats & Cookies)

Christmas for Brantley

Given everything going on and such, we at first decided to make Brantley's Christmas small. However, Husby and I have been scouring the ads and couponing and price-matching and checking out the local Consignment Shop for things.

For 2011 Christmas:

• More 12-18 month clothes, PJs
• Snowsuit & boots
• Let's Rock Elmo
• Toy Chest
• Table & Chairs
• Leapfrog Tag Jr.
• Books for Tag Jr.
• Megablocks Tool Bench
• Megablocks Recycle Plant
• Megablocks Construction Set
• Cars Megablocks Set
• Playskool writing tablet ABC's & 123's
• Leapfrog PDA

Christmas in Myrtle:

• Leapfrog Zoo Magnets
• Fisher Price Phone
• Leapfrog Fix & Learn Speedy
• Leapfrog Jr. Big Bird Letters book
• Leapfrog Jr. Cookie Monster Numbers book
• Portable DVD player (Set of 2 for the truck)

*Wonderpets playset from the R,B, M, V M.

*Spring Reindeer ornament from T&J

*Birthday Gift from the C's: 2 Pooh wood puzzles, Children's Place khaki pants & thermal shirt

Christmas in Pcola

• Lettersaurus
• Good Night Scout book
• Clothes, Paul Frank undies & hat 

*Cake Pop pan & Bakerella Book

*Pirate Tub crayons, Cars Puzzle, Winnie doll

It was a great Christmas....

Adventures in a Shop

I decided to open a separate blog for our business stuff. Please feel free to visit: http://greenemade.blogspot.com/

Menu Suggestion for Myrtle

+Dessert+


Apple Streusel Pizza




Ingredients:
Aluminum foil
2 medium apples
2 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
1 can of cinnamon rolls with icing (flaky recommended)
1 cup vanilla almond granola


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil.
2. Cut apples into small pieces and toss with 1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon sugar.
3. Open rolls and roll the entire dough onto baking sheet to form crust about 9 x 13.
4. Sprinkle apples over crust and bake 6-7 minutes until edges are golden.
5. Top with granola and bake 6-7 minutes until center is cooked.
6. Cool 3 minutes.
7. Place icing in microwave-safe dish and microwave for 15-20 seconds until thin and pourable.
8. Drizzle pizza with icing and sprinkle remaining 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon sugar.

+Salads & Sides+


Cheesy Zucchini Boats




Ingredients:
2 large zucchini
3 Tbsp Italian bread crumbs, divided
1 cup shredded Italian-blend cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp pepper


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and pulp, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shell.
3. Place zucchini in baking dish.
4. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of bread crumbs down center of zucchini halves. Combine all 3 cheeses with Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.
5. Divide mixture evenly into zucchini; sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until zucchini is tender when pierced with fork and top is golden.

Corn Risotto



Ingredients:
1 (8oz.) pkg. Steamfresh sweet corn
1 (32oz.) reduced sodium vegetable broth
1 cup rice
1 cup diced onion
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp basil
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook corn as directed.
2. Place all ingredients (except the cheese) in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.
3. Stir once and microwave 10-15 more minutes until rice and vegetables are tender,
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese; rice will thicken as it stands.

Diced Caprese Salad


Ingredients:
1 (8oz.) pkg. fresh mozzarella chese, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp basil
1Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil


Directions:

1. Toss cheese, tomatoes and basil in serving bowl.
2. Drizzle with oil and stir to mix well. 
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Parsley Potatoes


Ingredients:
6 red potato wedges, divided
1/4 cup parsley
2 Tbsp garlic butter

Directions:

1. Boil potatoes so they are warmed
2. Stir garlic butter and parsley into potatoes and Serve.
   

+Dinner Ideas+


Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaves



Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups pasta sauce, divided
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup diced onion
1 1/4 lb lean ground beef
4 sticks mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. Combine 3/4 cup pasta sauce & remaining ingredients (except the cheese) until blended.
4. Divide into 4 portions; shape around string cheese so it is covered completely.
5. Seal tightly so hot cheese will stay inside
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until 160 degrees inside.
7. Before serving, microwave remaining 3/4 cup pasta sauce on HIGH 1 minute or until hot.
8. Boil pasta to serve with.

Homestyle Chicken Tender Bake


Ingredients:
6-8 chicken tenders
4 potatoes (mashed)
1 jar chicken gravy
1 (11-12 oz) sweet corn
Aluminum foil
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
2. Spread potatoes evenly in 2-quart baking dish.
3. Top with chicken, gravy, and corn.
4. Cover with foil and Bake 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Remove foil and top with cheese; bake 3-4 minutes more or until cheese melts.

+Breakfast+

French Toast Bake



Ingredients:
1 pkg. Johnsonville  Brown Sugar & Honey Breakfast Links
12 eggs
1 can (30oz.) pumpkin pie filling
1 can (12oz.) evaporated milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
15 slices of bread, cubed
Confectioner's sugar
Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Cook sausage as directed. Cool & cut into 1/2 in slices.
2. In large bowl, whisk eggs, pie filling, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
3. In separate bowl, combine sausage and bread cubes.
4. Add pumpkin mixture and stir to coat.
5. Transfer to greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
6. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes; until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Dust with confectioner's sugar and syrup before serving.

+Christmas Day Dinner+


Italian Lasagna with a Garden Salad




Ingredients:
1 lb Italian Sausage; casings removed
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 can (~14.5 oz) tomatoes, diced
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. salt
2 can tomato paste (12 oz. total)
10 lasagna noodles
3 cups ricotta cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. Parsley flake
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. pepper
16 oz. mozzarella cheese; shredded


Directions:

1. Brown sausage; draining fat. Add garlic, tomatoes, basil, oregano, 1 tsp salt, and tomato paste.
2. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes-add water if too thick.
3. Cook noddles as directed.
4. In bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, 1 tsp salt and pepper.
5. Layer noddles in 13 x 9 x 2 dish.
6. Layer with ricotta mixture, then meat sauce mixture, followed by layer of Mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat layering.
8. Bake 30-40 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
9. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

Thank You Pinterest...

After perusing Pinterest, someone's Etsy creation gave me an idea to try at our home. Every time someone touches B's door (or dare attempts to go in there), the creak of the door and the clink of the handle makes enough noise to wake him up. Enter: Door Muffler

 Door Muffler in place

Close-up of it

This was a 5 minute project; hence the messy stitching, but so far it seems to be a solution.

All I needed was 2 fabrics (1 preferably felt or fleece), 2 pieces of ribbon cut in half and the sewing machine.


I also made these shirts after seeing something like them on Pinterest....

Crazy Reindeer

Snowman


Update on my stitching projects:

1st Monkey Bib finished
(notice the sleepy doghead in the corner)