Cheap Ways To ...

Mo Smells the Holidays
$17.95

–This is part of a "Gifts that Give Back" series, highlighting gift ideas under $100 that support good causes or are environmentally friendly.

Posted by Cara Davis at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lowes.com is offering a sneak peek at their Black Friday and post-Thanksgiving weekend deals. I'm personally eyeing the $38 6.5 ft. 400-Light Clear Pre-lit Christmas Tree (normally $98) and the 5x7' rugs on sale for $24.98 (normally $68). There's lots of other great deals. I'll be interested to see if they offer free shipping along with these deals.

ShopVac 14-Gallon, 4.5HP Wet/Dry Vac with Bonus Micro-cleaning Kit

* Item# 314974

* was: $79.97
* $29.00

Stanley 26-LED Bar-Flex

* Item# 310030

* was: $29.96
* $14.97

Rival 3.5-Qt. Slow Cooker

* Item# 184214

* was: $19.99
* $9.99

2D or 3D LED Maglite

* Item# 217110, 244299, 125548, 217175, 218125, 135193

* was: $29.94
* $14.97

Skil 18-Volt 4-Tool Combo Kit

* Item# 552

* was: $129.00
* $59.00

DeWalt 18-Volt 1/2" Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit

* Item# 185475

* was: $159.00
* $99.00

DeWalt 100-Piece Drilling/Screwdriving Set

* Item# 195205

* was: $49.97
* $19.97

Multi-Purpose Cabinet

* Item# 90990, 271705

* was: $88.88
* $44.98

Eureka Surfacemax 200 Bagless Upright Vacuum

* Item# 30749

* was: $79.84
* $49.84

6.5 ft. 400-Light Clear Pre-lit Christmas Tree

* Item# 175098

* was: $98.00
* $38.00

Campbell Hausfeld 2-Gallon Portable Air Compressor Combo with 17 Piece Accessory Kit

* Item# 103500

* was: $109.00
* $59.00

Step 2 Children's Real Projects Workshop

* Item# 18161

* was: $69.99
* $49.98

Skil 100-Piece Drill Bit Set

* Item# 176028

* was: $19.97
* $9.97

Char-Griller Super Pro Charcoal Grill/Smoker

* Item# 44754

* was: $139.00
* $99.00

Chamberlain 1/2-HP Chain-Drive Garage Door Opener

* Item# 248730

* was: $138.00
* $98.00

5'x7'2" Rugs - Available in Other Styles

* Item# 276042, 276054, 276063, 276065, 276149

* was: $68.00
* $24.98

Task Force 51-Piece Tool and Socket Set

* Item# 314799

* was: $29.98
* $9.98

Cuisinart 12-Cup Stainless Steel On-Demand Coffeemaker

* Item# 119479

* was: $99.84
* $49.84

Euro-Pro 1.5-Quart Compact Stainless Steel Deep Fryer

* Item# 216471

* was: $29.84
* $19.84

Honeywell Waterproof Fire Safe

* Item# 163082

* was: $39.97
* $19.97

Dremel 1.15-Amp Keyed Rotary Tool

* Item# 225167

* was: $54.97
* $27.97

TaskForce 20-Piece 1/4" Drive Socket Rachet Set

* Item# 96603

* was: $14.96
* $7.48

Char-Broil Quickset Gas Grill

* Item# 140390

* was: $99.00
* $79.00

Black & Decker Bullseye Auto Laser Level with Stud Finder

* Item# 228597

* was: $49.98
* $24.98

7-Piece LED Flashlight Gift Set

* Item# 316952

* was: $14.97
* $7.97

The ad says they'll be advertising more deals on 11/5.

Posted by Cara Davis at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Halloween treats have always been a favorite of mine, and I finally have a little one who can enjoy them! We're getting together with cousins for Trick-or-Treating tonight and I'm baking some festive snacks. Here's what's on the menu:

CHICKEN TACO QUICHE
From Simple & Delicious

2 unbaked pastry shells (9 inches)
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 envelopes taco seasoning, divided
2/3 cup salsa
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
8 eggs
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives (I USED A CAN OF BLACK BEANS INSTEAD)

DIRECTIONS

Line unpricked pastry shells with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 400° for 4 minutes. Remove foil; bake 4 minutes longer.
In a small bowl, combine chicken and one envelope taco seasoning; spoon into pastry shells. Top with salsa and cheese. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, butter and remaining taco seasoning. Stir in chilies and olives. Pour over cheese.
Cover and freeze one quiche for up to 3 months. Cover edges of remaining quiche loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 33-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
To use frozen quiche: Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw). Cover edges of crust loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 70-75 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 2 quiches (6 servings each).

CANDY CORN MINI CUPCAKES

I used a coconut cake mix baked in mini cupcake holders, topped with cream cheese icing and candy corns.

HALLOWEEN CHEX MIX
I adapted this recipe from BettyCrocker.com and doubled the ingredients listed.

4 oz white chocolate baking bars, coarsely chopped
1 cup Corn Chex® or Rice Chex® cereal
1 cup Cheerios
1/4 cup mixed nuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup candy corn
2 tablespoons Betty Crocker® orange and black candy decors (I didn't use these ... didn't want to spend the money!)

1. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave chopped baking bars uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.
2. Gently stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
3. Spread on waxed paper or foil until cool and chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store loosely covered.

BUTTERSCOTCH BARS
From Simple & Delicious

INGREDIENTS

1 package (17-1/2 ounces) sugar cookie mix
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant butterscotch pudding mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 cups mixed nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, pudding mix, butter and egg. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until set.
In a large saucepan, combine caramels and milk. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with butterscotch chips. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 3 dozen.

MUMMY DOGS
from picky-palate.com

1 roll/pkg Pillsbury Breadstick dough (12 count)
12 hot dogs

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Unroll all 12 breadsticks from package. Cut each into 3 equal strips. Take 3 strips, one at a time and wrap around 1 hot dog starting from the top of the hot dog. (Each hot dog has 3 thin breadstick strips around it). Leave a small space towards the top of the hotdog to make mustard eyes. Continue wrapping all dogs then place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

2. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes. Use mustard or ketchup for the eyes.

Posted by Cara Davis at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Southern Living magazine is on sale this week on Amazon.com for just $5 for an entire year. Folks, this is a great deal. It's one of my favorites!

Posted by Cara Davis at 07:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Host a summer party for less with these ideas from iVillage.com.

• Serve frozen drinks in brightly colored plastic hurricane glasses purchased from the dollar store.
• Take advantage of free activities in your local park.
• Play host to an at-home game night.
• Throw an outdoor garden party and give seed packets as party favors.
• Invite friends to join you at your local state park or nature conservancy for leisurely afternoon.

Posted by Cara Davis at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've compiled a MASSIVE list of Memorial Day sales at the Go Frugal Blog. Here are a few addt'l ones to add to the list:

Old Navy:
• $1 flip-flops (solid colors) *Saturday only*

Expressionery.com:
Sale through Wednesday
• 40% off with code: MEMORIAL40

Joann Fabric and Craft Store:
Sale through Monday
• 5 for $10 T-shirts
• 50% off fine art canvas
• 50% of everyday plastic storage

Posted by Cara Davis at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend turned me on to e-Mealz.com -- a subscription site that combines meal-planning with the current deals at store of your choice.

For $1.25 per week you login to your account for ...

1. a family-friendly, concise 7-day dinner meal plan for 4 to 6 people, or a 5-day dinner plan for 2 people (with concise and easy to follow recipes and directions)
2. a complete, corresponding grocery list - just print and go shopping!

Looks like a great time-saver, and if you're following a special diet, they include those options as well (low carb, points, vegetarian, couples-only). They also have holiday menus.

I'm a big believer in menu-planning as a way to save money. Has anyone tried this service? Let me know what you think!

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here are some fun Easter finds on the Internet. And one creepy one. I'll just start with that one:

Easter Bunny Photo
Upload a picture of your house and the wizard behind this website will photoshop in a picture of a costume Easter bunny hiding eggs in your house, or just snooping around. Nothing will give your child a better sense of safety and security on Easter morning than a creepy picture like this. A sure winner!

Now, onto the fun stuff:

Silk-Dyed Eggs
Use silk ties from the thrift store to create gorgeous prints on your easter eggs. These are anything but your ordinary Easter fare.

Max and Ruby Printables
Nickjr.com has some cute free printables and coloring pages for Easter here.

Magic Boxes
Okay, these aren't exactly Eastery but they're a great idea for any holiday or special gift.

Posted by Cara Davis at 08:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm hoping to make these sweet little treats for Easter this year. The baskets are made of marshmallows, butter and chow mein noodles. The recipe is at landolakes.com.

I've also seen some adorable "cake pops" on Bakerella. They're beautiful and look delicious.

What treats are you making this Spring/Easter season?

Here are some other ideas from the Internet, thanks to Make and Takes by Marie and her Marshmallow Bunny Treats post:

* Carrot Napkin Holders by Busy Bee (via Flip Flops)
* Bite Sized Easter Brownies by Designer Girl 007
* Easter Basket Cookies by Bake at 350

Posted by Cara Davis at 08:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)