We Have Snow, But This Is HOT!! #BigGreenGiveaway #organic #greenliving

As I sit here looking out my window snow and sleet are falling and the news is reporting a night full of more wet, cold nasty stuff. I pray that where ever you are it is warm and safe tonight. Here in NC we get snow and ice only a few times a year and people literally freak out, running to the grocery store to stock up on their bread ,milk...........and toilet paper. Across the country it is bitter cold, but I have a HOT Giveaway to tell you about!!

This giveaway is awesome $6000 worth of natural, eco-friendly, green living love! Starting today 2/16 and running until 2/23 you have the chance to win some sweet prizes!

So enter now!! It will warm your heart for sure! Be sure to tell your friends and family.

 

 Living green, healthy and organic is more than the products you buy or the lingo you use. It's about the day to day choices we make. Buying from a company that has our family's health at the core of their being or choosing to recycle. Simply taking a moment to pick trash off the ground or buying used are small steps that make a huge difference. The #BigGreenGiveaway is one more step. Each of the companies listed here are all living green, healthy and organic and they want to help you as you make those green or greener choices.

50 HOUSEHOLD TIPS! SAVE MONEY AND MAKE ENDS MEET #frugal #householdtips

50 HOUSEHOLD TIPS! SAVE MONEY AND MAKE ENDS MEET: Here are easy uses for common household items to make your life TOXIC-free AND SAVE YOU MONEY!

I found this great list on Facebook and wanted to share some of the money saving tips that you can use in your house to help clean and make your mommy journey better. I have used many of these and they work so well. There is no reason to buy expensive toxic supplies when some of these items you probably already have at home in your cabinets. 

1) Toothpaste: Buff a CD/DVD
Apply toothpaste to a cotton ball and wipe the disc. Wash with water afterwards and you’ve got a brand new disc!

2) Cornstarch: Untangle Knots
Sprinkling cornstarch into tough knots, such as shoe laces helps loosen them.

3) Walnut: Buff Dings out of Wood Furniture
Get rid of unsightly scratches and dings on wood furniture by rubbing a walnut on the areas. The blemishes will vanish quickly and your furniture and pocket book will be saved.

4) Club Soda: Make Your Breads Fluffier
When baking, where recipes call for water, add club soda instead to make pancakes, waffles and any other breads fluffier.

5) Salt: Keep Windows Frost Free
Pour a cup of salt into a liter of water. Sponge the liquid onto the inside of window to prevent frost from forming during the winter months.

6) Rubbing Alcohol: Remove Permanent Marker
Dab the surface that has the permanent marker on it with a cloth or cotton ball covered in rubbing alcohol to make it disappear quickly.

7) Chap stick: Stops Bleeding When Nicked Shaving
Cut yourself shaving? Just swipe some chap stick over the cut to stop that constant bleeding. No more tissue squares!
Apple Juice: Removes Dandruff
Don’t ask how it works, but it does! Instead of buying a special shampoo, just wash your hair in apple juice to rid your scalp of pesky dandruff.

9) Aspirin: Get Rid of Armpit Stains on T-Shirts
Grind up an aspirin tablet or two, then make a paste out of it using water, lemon or vinegar. Spread the paste on the stained area and let sit for an hour before washing.

10) Olive Oil: Make Pets’ Coat Shinier
Add a bit of olive oil to your pet’s food to give them a healthier, shinier coat of fur.

11) Newspapers: Clean Windows and Mirrors
Instead of using a spray and a streaky cloth, use only newspaper to clean off your mirrors and windows for a streak-free finish.

12) Baking Soda: Remove Bugs from Windshield
Mix baking soda with warm water to make a paste. Spread the paste over your windshield for fifteen minutes. Then wipe or spray off with a hose.

13) Bleach: Extend Life of Flowers in Vase
Add a few drops of bleach to vase water to prevent the build-up of the slime caused by bacteria. It works just like chlorine in a swimming pool.

14) Kitchen Dish Soap: Flea-Killing Dog Shampoo
Kitchen dish soap (not dish detergent) can double as dog shampoo for its flea killing abilities.

15) Coke: Remove Blood Stains from Clothing
Soak the stain in coke until the stain is dissolved, then wash the clothing as usual. Wash before the coke dries, though.

16) Honey: Remove Blemish Overnight
Have a blemish you need to get rid of by tomorrow? Put a dab of honey on the blemish and cover it up (it’s best to use a Band-Aid) and the honey’s natural antibacterial properties will clean out the bacteria by the morning.

17) Wax Paper: Clean Can Opener Gears
Run a few small strips of wax paper through the can opener to clean out of the bits and pieces that have built up in the gears throughout the year. The wax will also rub off on the gears to protect for future use as well.

18) WD-40: Remove Crayons from Walls
Use the lubricant and a cloth to remove stubborn crayon marks from the walls just by spraying the wall and wiping with a cloth.

19) Chalk: Keep Ants and Slugs Out of the House
Ants and Slugs Won’t Touch Chalk. So, simply draw a line in front of your doorway where you are having problems with these pesky critters and they won’t cross it, meaning they won’t be able to get into your house.

20) Vinegar: Kills Weeds and Helps Flowers Grow
Vinegar is a magic wonder when it comes to gardening. It not only kills weeds but they help flowers grow as well. Douse vinegar all around your garden to prevent weeds from popping up and to help your flowers to grow healthy and strong.

21) Mayonnaise: Remove Bumper Sticker
Spread mayonnaise on the bumper sticker and let sit for at least thirty minutes. Then, rub the sticker off with a towel, leaving a clean bumper!

22) Tin Foil Ball: Replace Dryer Sheets Permanently
Instead of using a dryer sheet ball up one or a few sheets of tin foil and toss it in the dryer. It removes the static electricity from your clothes and one can last up to a year.

23) Banana Peel: Polish Leather Shoes
Use the inside of a banana peel to give shoes a professional and natural shine that will last for quite some time.

24) Mouthwash: Cure Athlete’s Foot
Pour mouthwash on cotton balls and then swab your feet. The alcohol will disinfect the bacteria completely if you continue this for a week or so.

25) Baking Soda: Clean BBQ Grill
Mix a cup of baking soda with half a cup water to make a paste. Dip your brush into the paste and scrub the grill. The caked on pieces and black residue will come off much quicker and using baking soda is much safer and cheaper than using cleaning chemicals.

26) Coffee Grounds: Fertilizer
Coffee is full of nutrients and vitamins that are very beneficial to soil. That’s why some people include it in compost piles. If you want to get the most out of your coffee, pour the grounds on areas where you want more grass or flowers.

27) Olive Oil: Shaving Cream
The smoothness of the oil can replace the need for shaving cream, and it also provides great moisture.

28) Dryer Sheets: Gets Rid of Static Electricity
Use dryer sheets to remove static electricity from things such as clothing, TV screens or your own hair. Tame fly away strands by running a dryer sheet over them.

29) Freezer: Freeze Candles to Make Them Last Longer
Put candles in the freezer for at least 2 hours before using. Once you burn them, the wax will melt at a much slower pace, making them last much longer!

30) Two glasses of water: Cure Headache
Water is the cure to most common headaches. To make the headache go away quickly, drink two cups of water very quickly.

31) Lemons: Deodorize Garbage Disposal
Toss whole slices of lemon into the garbage disposal then run it. The acidity of the lemon will rid your sink of all odors and leave a fresh scent that usually lasts for a few months.

32) Alka Seltzer: Remove Burnt-On Grease and Food Stains
When letting your pots and pans soak, throw in one or two Alka Seltzer tablets and the caked on residue from cooking will come off easily when you scrub/wash.

33) Apple Cider Vinegar: Relieve Diarrhea
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into eight ounces of water to soothe your stomach. The taste may not be the greatest, but the antibacterial properties of the vinegar will end the unpleasantness of the bowel problems.

34) Toothpaste: Remove Scratches from Glass
Apply toothpaste to scratch, then rub with a cloth until the scratch is gone. Make sure the glass is clean beforehand.

35) Cheerios: Relieve Pain from Poison Ivy, Chickenpox and Sunburns
Pound one to four cups of Cheerios into a powder and add to your bath to soothe your skin while you soak. You may not feel relief while in the tub, but you will soon after.

36) Buttons: Sort Earrings
Organize your earrings and prevent them from becoming entangled by using spare buttons as holders for each pair.

37) Corn Oil: Prevent Hairballs for Pets
Add a few drops of corn oil to your pets’ food to prevent hairballs from forming. The thick oil helps the fur pass through the animal’s system much quicker and easily.

38) Whipped Cream: Remove Gum from Hair
There are many remedies for removing gum from hair, but this is a lesser known one. Give it a try rather than peanut butter the next time you’re in need.

39) Coke: Remove Oil Stains from the Driveway
Oil stains are very difficult to remove pavement, but one method guaranteed to work is Coke. The highly acidic drink will eat away at the oil until clean.

40) Brown Sugar: Facial Scrub
A scrub is good to do about once a month to remove dead skin and bacteria built up in pores and remove excess oil from the skin. Brown sugar does just as well as expensive products and will definitely result in a clearer and smoother complexion.

41) Dryer Sheet: Lint Brush
You already know that dryer sheets remove lint in the dryer. Well, it can do the same thing out of the dryer, too. When you’re in a fix, use a dryer sheet. It works just as well as a lint brush, and if you like the scent, it’s an added bonus.

42) Newspaper: Deodorize food containers and Food Drawers in the Refrigerator
For that stinky Tupperware or smelly refrigerator drawer that is too much to deal with, toss in a sheet of newspaper overnight before you deal with it. The paper will absorb the smell greatly reducing it or eliminating it completely.

43) Olive Oil: Unstick a Zipper
The oil will help the zipper slide more easily, fixing the problem!

44) Salt: Cool Something Quickly
You know that feeling when you’re having a BBQ and someone asks for a drink and you realize that no one has put them in the cooler? There’s nothing worse than a warm drink on a hot day. Chill a drink quickly, by adding salt and water to your ice. The drinks will be cold in a matter of minutes; saving your party and making you look smart all at once.

45) Scotch Tape: Prevent Wall from Chipping When Nailing
The wall can leave unsightly chips when hammering in a nail. Prevent this by simply placing a piece of scotch tape over the area you’re going to nail. The wall will be held tighter, preventing chips from occurring.

46) Alka Seltzer: Soothe Insect Bites
Dissolve two tablets into a glass of water. Then use a cloth or cotton ball to apply it to the affected area. The red will go down and most importantly, the itchiness will vanish usually in fifteen minutes.

47) Lemon: Whitens Whites
Add about half a cup of lemon juice to your load of whites to makes them extra white. You can use lemon juice with bleach or detergent, so don’t worry about mixing chemicals with the acidic lemon.

48) Banana Peel: Whiten Teeth
This may sound a little odd, but rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth twice a day for two weeks and you will receive the same effect from a teeth-whitening kit. Plus, you’ll save yourself money and the hassle of using chemicals.

49) Hair Dryer: Free Photos Stuck on Pages
If you have a photo stuck on a page that you can’t get free, try using a blow dryer on the back of the page. It will loosen the photo from the page and the adhesive holding it there.

50) Banana Peel: Heal Most Skin Problems
Bananas are the magical fruit, because they heal many common problems on the skin. By rubbing the peel on your skin, you can heal bruises and cuts and eliminate rashes, itching and warts. Basically if you have a common skin problem, it can be cured by this fruit.

I hope you can put some or all of these to good use to save money and make your home a safer environment. make sure to share the info with your friends!

Credit for this great list found here: http://www.facebook.com/learningpetals

Coconut Oil : 100 ways to use it in your household

This has to be the most versatile oil in my kitchen and bathroom cabinet now, I love it!

I found this awesome list on the web with a list of over one hundred ways you can use coconut oil.

You will be amazed at what it can do for your skin, hair, scalp, lips.....any sore noses. My hubby has a chronic skin condition that we have tried all sorts of creams and prescriptions to help ease the discomforts and itch. I tried using coconut oil on it instead and he says it works much better than anything he has ever tried before. 

It even makes grilled cheese sandwiches taste much better than using butter, and I am a (or was a) butter-holic before I discovered coconut oil. 

Trying it on the dogs now also, one has a sore spot on her paw and the other one has a rash on her little belly that is red, we will see how it works. 

The Awesome 100 ways to use Coconut Oil in your Household List

Credit to : Megan at

http://blogs.cincysavers.com/the-many-amazing-uses-for-coconut-oil/

Please consult with your doctor first if you are planning to use Coconut Oil to treat a medical condition and use at your own discretion.

Health:

• Eat a teaspoonful for an energy boost or take a spoonful with your vitamins to help increase absorption.
• Use Coconut oil to help soothe chicken pox, shingles and other skin irritations and rashes.
• Another health use- apply it to athlete’s foot, ringworm or other fungal infections
• Dab a little on a baby’s diaper rash
• You can also use the oil to help with cradle cap.
• Spread a thin layer on a burn to quicken the healing time
• Ingesting Coconut Oil is said to help thyroid conditions.
• Use in replace of massage oil
• Consuming Coconut Oil while nursing is said to increase your milk flow
• Apply to bug bites to sooth itch and sting
• If you happen to get nose bleeds in the winter, coat the inside of your nose with a small amount.
• It is said that taking a spoonful will help reduce and eliminate migraines
• Massage into tired, achy or sore muscles to help relieve the pain
• Mix a small amount with oregano and apply to the first signs of a cold sore
• Dab on a canker sore to speed up heeling and help soothe the pain
• Ingest a small amount and let it dissolve in your mouth and run down the back of your throat to ease the discomfort of a sore throat

Beauty:

• Use as a super conditioner for your hair. Apply to dry hair, then shampoo as normal.
• You can also use it as a styling agent for dry hair. Rub a small amount into your palms and apply to hair.
• Put some in a small container to use as lip balm.
• Dab a small amount under your arms to use as a natural deodorant.
• Use it in place of shaving cream
• Add a small amount to your bath water to create a moisturizing soak
• Use as a make-up remover
• Use around your eyes to help prevent wrinkles
• Use to reduce the visibility of stretch marks
• Apply to stomach when pregnant to aid in preventing stretch marks
• Use as a mascara brush cleaner
• Brush on eyelashes to help strengthen them
• Use on pimple and acne to help heal it
• Apply on cracked or rough heels
• Massage into your nails and cuticles to help strengthen them
• Mix with the spice nutmeg and apply to blemishes for 15 minutes. Wash off and notice a difference in your skin
• If you wax at home, Use on your skin after waxing to help with the redness and to remove any access wax.

DIY:

• Use it as a base for a homemade body scrub, toothpaste or lotion.
• In addition, you can also use Coconut Oil as a base for a vapor rub.
• Try mixing it with lemon balm, tea tree oil or rosemary for creating an insect repellent
• Use instead of WD-40
• Mix with baking soda to create a non-toxic form of Goo-Gone
• Use as a metal polish, however, test a small area first.
• Also use it to season cast iron pans
• Use to remove chewing gum from the bottom of your shoes

Home:

• Use to condition your wooden cutting boards
• Use as a leather moisturizer. However, test a small area first!
• If you have gum stuck in your hair and before grabbing the scissors, try using a small amount of coconut oil. the gum should come right out.
• Use as a guitar string lubricant
• Use a little on a damp cloth to clean a slimy shower. Wipe the surface again with more oil followed by spraying with vinegar and wipe dry
• I’ve read Coconut Oil works as a non-toxic flea treatment for cats and dogs
• Use on artificial or real plants to shine leaves in replace of the chemical-filled spray that can be purchased.
• Add a small amount to a cloth to detail the inside of your car
• Use to clean brushes and hands after painting with an oil-based paint

Cooking:

• Replace the less healthy oils in your kitchen with Coconut oil
• Add a teaspoonful to smoothies to help add flavor and added nutrition.
• Use to oil your pans and baking dishes instead of pan spray
• Put a small amount on toast and add cinnamon for a healthy cinnamon toast
• Use as a base for homemade candy, such as chocolates.
• Mix with garlic and use it to make food extra flavorful
• Add a teaspoonful to soup for added nutrition
• Add flavor to baked goods
• Make your own peanut butter with the base being Coconut Oil
• Use to lubricate scissors when cutting up sticky things such as marshmallows for recipes
• Use instead of shortening when making pie crusts or biscuits

The Krispy Kreme Panini

The Krispy Kreme Panini

Bacon Krispy Kreme Panini, anyone? Today’s the 75th birthday of the South's favorite doughnut, and we came up with lots of fun ways to serve it.  shared from my favorite magazine Southern Living

This article is via the website here by Donna Florio of Southern Living 

What’s, sweet, pillow-y, vanilla-scented, and nearly impossible to resist? (Hint: It’s not a hug from your Grandma.) It’s Winston-Salem’s most renowned confection, the Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut, which turns 75 today. It may well be the South’s hottest 75-year old, and is not afraid to proclaim it on neon signs.

Nestled shoulder-to-shoulder in the distinctive green and white box, glaze so smooth you can almost see yourself in it, Krispy Kreme glazed rounds are the pinnacle of doughnut perfection. The aroma is so seductive that one whiff, and you'll likely be a goner. No wonder Roy Blount, Jr. wrote, “When Krispy Kremes are hot, they are to other doughnuts what angels are to people." 

The thought of doing anything to mar that perfection may seem like sacrilege, but in honor of the big occasion, we felt obliged to put our spin on the classic. Once you taste a Krispy Kreme flattened on a panini press, the sugar glaze all bubbly and caramelized, you may agree that more can indeed be better. 

Watch the Video here , you can almost smell it thru your screen.......ahhhhhh!!!

Our test kitchen started with just a single plain doughnut on the press, cooking it for about 30 seconds. (see the video for a how-to.) It looked like a manhole cover, tasted like heaven. Then we upped the ante to sandwiches of 2 doughnuts with a filling in the middle.

Consider the sky the limit when creating your own. After all, hamburgers with bacon served on Krispy Kreme “buns” are all the rage at football stadiums and state fairs, so who knows what amazing creation you might dream up?

What would you like to see on a Krispy Kreme Panini?

Video and Photos: Gary Clark and Ralph Anderson

Even though my husband love his Dunkin Doughnuts, I am still a Krispy Creme girl and will always be! Thank you Southern Living for a great idea! Going to buy a press now and a box of wonderfulness!

Amish Friendship Bread Starter to the Pan~~

Starter Recipe:
1 package active dry yeast
2 - cups warm water (110 degrees)
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar

For Amish Friendship Bread Starter: Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water in a deep glass container. Stir in remaining warm water, milk, flour and sugar. Beat until smooth. Cover a large glass jar or bowl with a tight fitting lid works best for this. DO NOT REFRIGERATE! The starter requires 10 days for fermentation as follows: DAYS 1, 2, 3 and 4:... Stir batter
DAY 5:................ Add 1 cup each milk, flour, sugar and stir
DAYS 6, 7, and 8,9..... Stir batter each day
DAY 10: ............. Add 1 cup each flour, sugar, milk; stir.
Put 1 cup of starter in each of three containers or larger zip lock bags. Give away to friends and keep one. This will begin their Day 1.

Directions after you have your Starter:
Do not use any type of Metal Spoon or Bowl Mixing. Do Not Refrigerate.
It is normal for the batter to rise and ferment. Do not taste raw batter and Date Bag.

Day 1: Do Nothing.
Day 2: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 3: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 4: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 5: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 6: Add to the bag 1 Cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Mush the bag and let the air out.
Day 7: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 8: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 9: Mush the bag and let the air out
Day 10: Mix and divide starter as follows. Pour the entire contents of the bag into a non metal bowl. Add 1 1/2 Cups Flour, 1 1/2 Cups Sugar, and 1 1/2 Cups Milk. Next measure 1 Cup Batter into 4 gallon size zip lock bags. Keep one for yourself and give the other 3 to friends along with a copy of the recipe. You will end up with 5 batches of bread (4 bags and 1 in the bowl)

I make a double batch yielding in (6 loaves) then i only have 2 starters left, one to give out and one to keep for myself and start all over again in 10 days.

Amish Friendship Bread(to bake the bread)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees 
 To the remaining batter in the bowl (about 2 cups) add:

3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 large box instant pudding (or 2 small boxes)
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup oil
2 cups flour

If using Self - Rising Flour omit soda, salt and baking powder.

Grease two large loaf pans or one 9x13 inch pan. I use the disposable loaf pans, you get 3 loaf pans for $1.29. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Dust the greased pans with half the mixture. Pour batter into the pans and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture on top. Bake for about 1 hour cool until bread loosens from the pan.

Wrap your breads in a decorative wrap with ribbon, add the recipe above and
you have the perfect pick me up gift for a friend, neighbor or coworker.
Enjoy!

Frugal Ideas ~ Vinegar ~ Unleash the Power!

Or if they are worn, she is a mom and a homemaker most likely. Frugal is where its at lately at this house, anything to save a dime and I am all over it! I recently bought a big gallon jug of white vinegar to use for cleaning and then I read this fantastic post by one of my friends via our Centralfoothillsmommies.com domestic goddess forum. I was happy to see so many uses for white vinegar!

~~Unleash the power of white vinegar―an all-purpose cleaner, brightener, herbicide and more. Just a bit of this multitasker, straight up or mixed with water, can replace many pricier products huddled under your sink. Try these tips to see how vinegar can make your life cheaper and easier.

1. Freshen up the fridge. Clean the shelves and walls with a solution of half water and half vinegar.

2. Brighten coffee cups and teacups. Gently scrub stains with equal parts vinegar and salt (or baking soda).

3. Eliminate odors. Swab plastic containers with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

4. Kill bathroom germs. Spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

5. Save a garment. To remove light scorch marks on fabrics, rub gently with vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth. This technique also works on antiperspirant stains.

6. Tidy up a toilet. Pour a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with a toilet brush and flush.

7. Lose the carpet stain. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the stain and let dry. Vacuum the residue the next day. (Always test an out-of-sight part of the carpet first.)

8. Renew paint brushes. To remove old paint, place brushes in a pot with vinegar. Soak for an hour, then turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

9. Wipe off a dirty faucet. To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

10. Stop static cling. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash cycle. The acid reduces static and keeps dryer lint from sticking to your clothes.

11. Make old socks look new. Get the stains out of old socks and sweaty gym clothes by soaking them in a vinegar solution. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and drop in the stained clothes. Let them soak overnight, and in the morning stained clothes are fresh and bright.

12. Restore handbags and shoes. Wipe white distilled vinegar on scuffed leather bags and shoes. It will restore their shine and help hide the marks.

13. Banish weeds. Pour white distilled vinegar on the weeds growing in the cracks of your walkway and driveway. Saturate the plant so the vinegar reaches the roots.

14. Liven droopy flowers. Don’t throw out cut flowers once they start to wilt. Instead, add two tablespoons of white vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water. Pour the solution into your vase, and the flowers will perk up.

15. Put an end to itching. Dab a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar on mosquito bites and insect stings. It will stop them from itching and help disinfect the area so they heal faster.

16. Whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth once a week with white distilled vinegar. Dip your toothbrush into the vinegar and brush thoroughly. It will help prevent bad breath, too.

17. Make nail polish last longer. Before you apply your favorite polish, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in white distilled vinegar. The clean surface will help your manicure last.

18. Keep car windows frost-free. Prevent windows from frosting over in a storm by coating them with a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar to one part water. The acidity hinders ice, so you won’t have to wake up early to scrape off your car.

19. Let your dog shine. Spray your dog with one cup white distilled vinegar mixed with one quart water. The solution is a cheap alternative to expensive pet-care products, plus the vinegar will help repel pests like fleas and ticks.

20. Battle litter-box odor. Cat litter can leave behind an unwelcome smell. Eliminate it by pouring a half-inch of white distilled vinegar into the empty litter box. Let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

21. Kill bacteria in meat. Marinating in vinegar knocks out bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Create a marinade by adding ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for every 2 pounds of meat to your own blend of herbs and spices. Let the meat sit anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor, then cook it in the morning without rinsing.

22. Prevent cracked eggs. Prevent eggs from cracking as they hard-boil by adding two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. The eggs will stay intact, and the shells will peel off more easily when you’re ready to eat them.

23. Steam away a microwave mess. Fill a small bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar, and place it in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. As the steam fills the microwave, it loosens the mess, making clean up a breeze.

24. Repair DVDs. If you have a worn DVD that skips or freezes, wipe it down with white distilled vinegar applied to a soft cloth. Make sure the DVD is completely dry before reinserting it into the player.

25. Get those last drops. If you can’t get that final bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, dribble in a few drops of vinegar. Put the cap on tightly and shake. The remaining condiments will slide out.

26. Rinse fruits and vegetables. Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to one pint water. Use the mixture to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. The solution kills more pesticide residue than does pure water.

27. Brighter Easter eggs. Before your kids dye Easter eggs, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with ½ cup of hot water, then add food coloring. The vinegar keeps the dye bright and prevents the color from streaking.

28. Loosen a rusted screw. Pour vinegar onto the screw, and it will easily unstick.

29. Remove gum. To remove gum from fabric or hair, heat a small bowl of vinegar in the microwave. Pour the warm vinegar over the gum, saturating the area. The gum will dissolve.

30. Keep cheese from molding. Wrap cheese in a vinegar-soaked cloth, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

31. Renew a loofah. Soak your loofah in equal parts vinegar and water for 24 hours to dissolve soap residue, then rinse in cold water.

32. Remove wax. If you get melted candle wax on your wood furniture or floors, gently wipe it away with a cloth soaked in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

33. Take a relaxing bath. Add ½ cup of vinegar to warm bath water for a cheap spa session at home. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

34. Brighten your hair. Remove hair product buildup by rinsing a tablespoon of vinegar through your hair once a month.

35. Freshen fabrics. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz your home to neutralize odors in fabrics, carpets, shoes or any sprayable surface.

36. Erase crayon. If your kids get crayon marks on the walls or floor, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and gently scrub. The vinegar breaks down the wax, making for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to clean up after children.

37. Sticky stickers. Don’t scratch at the residue left by stickers or price tags. Instead, apply vinegar to the gunk, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the glue away.

38. Clean the dishwasher and coffee pot. Reduce soap buildup and food residue by pouring a cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher or coffee pot once a month and letting it run a full cycle.

39. Sanitize pet accidents. You can remove the stain―and smell―of your pet’s accident by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with a quart of water and blotting the mixture onto the mess with a washcloth. Continue dabbing until the spot is gone.

40. Prep for summer grilling. To remove charcoal buildup from your grill, spray white distilled vinegar on balled up aluminum foil and scrub the grate thoroughly.

41. Restore shower head pressure. If your showerhead gets clogged with mineral deposits, soak it for 15 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 quart water.

42. Clean your scissors. When your scissor blades get sticky, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar. Unlike soap and water, vinegar won’t ruin the blades or rust the metal.

43. Unclog drains. For a natural, nontoxic way to clean clogged pipes, pour one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let the products bubble and foam, then flush the pipes with a pot of boiling water.

44. Eliminate dandruff. If your scalp is feeling dry or flaky, vinegar can be a simple at-home remedy. Once a week, pour one cup of apple cider vinegar over your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

45. Soften your feet. Summer sandals leaving you with cracked heals and calluses? Soak your feet for 20 minutes a day in one part vinegar to two parts warm water. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving your feet soft and smooth.

http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/organizing-cleaning/uses-for-vinegar-00411000074974/


Now I am off the clean up the dog vomit present that somebody left me while I was busy blogging away......ughhh!!
Stupid dang dogs!!

Oh My Goodness~ 6 of them

Get out your scissors and coupon books, this week is a great one!! 
Sunday Coupon Preview
from the webpage http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/
My favorite weekly spot for coupon news.


6 Huge Inserts This Week To Get You Back To Couponing In 2012

• 1-8  RedPlum Coupon Preview
• 1-8 Smarsource Coupon Preview Insert 1 & 2
• 1-8 General Mills Coupon Preview
• 1-8 Target Johnson & Johnson Coupon Preview
• 1-8 Walmart Coupon Preview

Starting the new year off with a bunch of coupons is great!

Smartsource coupon insert #1
Afrin Save $2/1 nasal spray (2/5)
Airborne Save $2/1 product (4/1)
Barilla Save $.55/1 whole grain pasta (3/4)
Bausch+Lomb Save $5/1 Ocuvite product (3/31)
Benefiber Save $1/1 product (2/25)
Benefiber Save $5/2 products (2/25)
Benefiber/Gas-X/Prevacid 24HR/Maalox Advanced Save $3/2 products (2/29)
BIC B1G1 free disposable razor up to Save $6.99 (2/5)
Biotrue Save $1/1 multi-purpose solution (2/8)
Biotrue Save $3/1 twin pack multi-purpose solution (2/8)
Bob Harper’s Save $5/1 Smart Weight Loss 72ct (3/8)
Boca Save $1/2 packages of meatless product (3/4)
Cepacol Save $1/1 product (2/19)
Cream of Wheat Save $1/2 packages 11oz+ (3/31)
Delsym Save $1/1 children’s or adult product (2/29)
Dole Save $.75/1 All Natural Fruit in 100% Juice (3/31)
Dole Save $.75/2 Fruit Bowls Fruit in 100% Juice (3/31)
Dole Save $1/2 frozen fruit single-serve cups (4/1)
Eatsmart Save $1/1 4oz+ naturals snack (2/29)
Excedrin Save $1.50/1 80ct+ product (2/25)
Excedrin Save $1/1 20ct+ product (2/25)
Foster Farms Save $1/1 boneless & skinless fresh chicken breast item dnd (3/31)
Gas-X Save $1/1 Prevention product (4/14)
Gas-X Save $1/1 product (4/14)
Glucerna Save $2.50/2 products (2/29)
Glucerna Save $3/1 Hunger Smart product (2/29)
Hershey’s Save $1/2 Kisses 9.4oz+ (2/8)
Hershey’s Free Air Delight aerated milk chocolate bar wyb any milk chocolate bar up to Save $1.19 (2/8)
Hormel Save $.50/1 Natural Choice deli sandwich meat (3/2)
Hunt’s/Sara Lee Save $1/both Manwich 15.5oz can AND Soft & Smooth whole grain white or wheat buns (2/28)
International Delight Save $.75/1 pint or quart (2/28)
International Delight Save $1/1 coffee creamer singles (2/28)
Jamba Save $1/2 8oz frozen smoothies (3/31)
JELL-O Save $.60/1 refrigerated snacks (2/28)
Ken’s Save $1/1 16oz dressing (2/28)
La Victoria Save $1.50/3 products 12pz+ (3/4)
Maalox Advanced Save $1/1 product (4/7)
Maalox Advanced Save $2.50/2 products (4/7)
Mariani Save $.50/1 dried fruit snack dnd (2/29)
Method Save $1/1 dish product (3/31)
Method Save $2/1 laundry product (3/31)
Mitchum Save $.75/1 men or women ets (2/12)    

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1-8-2012 Target Johnson & Johnson coupon insert
Sunday coupon preview
Regional coupon inserts & value differences are to be expected!
(x) before coupon = multiple of same coupon
ETS = excludes trial sizes
Target Johnson & Johnson Insert Coupons (Expire 1/14/12)
ACUVUE Buy 9 months of OASYS contact lenses, get 3 months free
Aveeno Save $1/1 18oz baby item
Aveeno/Neutrogena Save $1/1 hair care item ETS
Aveeno/Neutrogena Save $2/1 facial moisturizer item ETS
Aveeno/Neutrogena/Clean & Clear Save $1/1 facial cleanser or acne treatment excludes bars and trial sizes
Aveeno/Neutrogena/Lubriderm Save $1/1 hand or body skin care item ETS
Band-Aid Save $.25/1 6ct+ adhesive bandages ETS
Bengay Save $.50/1 3oz Zero Degrees menthol pain relief gel
Carefree Save $1/1 feminine care item ETS
Cortaid Save $.50/1 1.5oz advanced 12 hour anti-itch cream
Desitin Save $.50/1 4oz+ diaper rash treatment
Johnson’s Baby Save $.50/1 8oz+ bath or skin care item excludes shampoo and natural items
K-Y Save $.50/1 intimacy item
Lactaid Save $1/1 60ct ultra caplets
Listerine Save $.75/1 1 liter+ mouthwash
Neosporin Save $.50/1 original antibiotic ointment
Neutrogena Save $2/1 face cosmetic item excludes eye and lip items
o.b. Save $1/1 feminine care item ETS
OneTouch Save $10/1 blood glucose meter
Red Cross First Aid Save $.50/2 10yd 1/2″ waterproof tape
RoC Save $3/2 skin care items
Rogaine Save $3/1 topical solution or foam ETS
Splenda Save $1/1 80 or 100ct sweetener packs
Stayfree Save $1/1 feminine care item ETS
Tylenol Save $1.50/1 Precise pain relief item ETS
Viactiv Save $1/1 100ct calcium milk chocolate soft chews
Visine Save $.25/1 Totality multi-symptom eye drops
Zyrtec Save $2/1 12ct+ adult allergy relief item
Read more on the coupon preview site...  

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Walmart insert (Diapers!! )
Huggies Save $2/1 Snug & Dry Diapers ets dnd (2/4)
PULL-UPS Save $2/1 Training Pants ets dnd (2/4)
Huggies Save $3/1 Little Movers Slip-On Diapers 64ct+ dnd (2/4)
Goodnites Save $2/1 Underwear ets dnd (2/4)
 

Read More....

General Mills Coupon Insert
Betty Crocker Save $.50/2 Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers or Fruit Roll-Ups (3/3)
Cereal Save $1/3 all varieties (2/18)
Chex Save $.50/2 4.5oz+ Mix or 100 Calorie Snack (3/3)
Fiber One Save $.40/1 90 Calorie Chewy Bars or 90 Calorie Brownies (3/3)
Fiber One Save $.40/1 Chewy Bars, 90 Calorie Chewy Bars or 90 Calorie Brownies (3/3)
Green Giant Save $.40/1 Just for One vegetables (3/3)
Green Giant Save $.60/3 frozen boxed vegetables (3/3)
Hamburger Helper Save $1/5 Home Cooked Skillet Meals (3/3)
Nature Valley Save $.75/2 Granola Bars 6ct+, Granola Nut Clusters or Granola Thins (3/3)
Pillsbury Save $.30/1 Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls (3/31)
Pillsbury Save $.30/2 Refrigerated Grands! Biscuits (3/31)
Pillsbury Save $.40/1 Crescent Dinner Rolls when you buy any Pizza crust, Breadsticks, Loaves or Dinner Rolls (3/31)
Pillsbury Save $.40/2 Crescent Dinner Rolls (3/31)
Pillsbury Save $.50/2 Toaster Strudel, Toaster Scrambles Pastries or Pancakes (3/31)
Pillsbury Save $.75/2 Refrigerated Cookie Dough (3/31)
Progresso Save $.50/1 Panko Crispy Bread Crumbs (3/3)
Progresso Save $1/4 soup cans (3/3)
Totino’s Save $.35/1 Rolls snacks (3/31)
Totino’s Save $.75/3 Crisp Crust Party Pizza products (3/31)
Treats Save $.50/1 Lucky Charms Treats, Golden Grahams Treats, Chex Mix Treats or Milk ‘n Cereal Bars (3/3)
Yoplait Save $.40/6 yogurt (3/3)
Yoplait Save $.75/1 Frozen Smoothie (3/3)
Yoplait Save $.75/1 Light Yogurt with Granola (3/3)
Yoplait Save $.75/2 Go-GURT, Kids Cup, Trix multipack or Splitz (3/3)

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RedPlum Coupon Preview
Always/Tampax Save $1/2 items TARGET COUPON (4/1)
Arrowhead Save $1/1 .5-liter 6pk or Save $1/2 1-liter bottles of sparkling mountain spring water (2/19)
Axe Save $1/1 4oz bodyspray, 2.7oz anti-perspirant and deodorant or 3oz deodorant ETS (2/4)
Axe B1G1 free shower gel or detailer up to Save $5.99 (1/22)
Beano Save $1/1 Meltaways (3/31)
Beano Save $1/1 product (3/31)
Clearblue Save $2.50/1 7-20ct ovulation test or 2-5ct pregnancy test TARGET COUPON (4/1)
Diabetic Tussin Save $1/1 8oz product (3/31)
Emerald Save $.75/1 Breakfast on the go! or canister 7.5oz+ (3/4)
Emerald Save $1/2 100 calorie packs (3/4)
FiberChoice Save $2/1 product (2/28)
Garnier Save $2/1 moisturizer (4/8)
Garnier Save $3/1 HerbaShine color creme (2/19)
Jimmy Dean Save $.55/1 product excluding rolls dnd (2/19)
Jimmy Dean Save $.55/2 rolls dnd (2/19)
Kettle Save $1/1 4oz bag Baked Potato Chips (3/17)
Kettle Save $1/1 8oz bag Reduced Fat Potato Chips (3/17)
Kibbles ‘n Bits Save $1/1 dry dog food (2/4)
L’Oreal Save $3/1 shade of Preference (3/4)
Maybelline New York Save $1/1 mascara (3/8)
Maybelline New York Save $2/1 face product (3/8)
MET-Rx Save $1/2 Big 100 or Protein Plus bars (2/29)
Multi-betic Save $2/1 diabetes multi-vitamin/mineral (3/31)
Nature’s Bounty Save $7/1 Co Q-10 Ubiquinol (2/21)
Newman’s Own Save $.75/1 lite salad dressing (2/18)

Read More

 

Happy clipping this week

 

How to save money on your grocery bill

 Do you dress for shopping, no not really, this is my little diva dressed up with things she found on one of our shopping trips for party supplies. I love to save money and use coupons to shop, with a family of 5 we have to try anything to save. My kids even say "we don't have a coupon for that" when we are in the stores.

Many families around us are struggling to find the money to feed their families, this article about how to save money at the grocery store hopefully will help someone in need. I added many great links to many couponing and frugal moms sites that my favorite moms on CFM have shared with me. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Shop In Season
If you buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season, you will spend less money. As an added bonus, your food will taste better too. Foods that are shipped in from faraway places so that we can eat them out of season - think strawberries, oranges, cucumbers in the winter - have the added cost of transportation to get them to the store. Resist buying that hot house tomato in January. It isn't going to taste good anyway! If you have Farmer's Markets in your area, consider shopping there for local produce. Chances are it will be less expensive, taste better and be organically grown.

2. Shop Sales
Pay attention to the sales that your store is advertising. Buy only what is on sale, instead of buying based on cravings. Most stores post weekly and monthly sales. Find out the sales cycle of your favorite grocer because they don't all run Sunday to Saturday.

3. Plan Meals around Sales
Plan your meals for the week around the weekly sales. Chicken and ground beef are on sale this week? Great - plan your menu to include chicken enchiladas, stuffed chicken breasts, tacos and sloppy joes.

4. Sign up for Store Rewards Cards
By signing up for store rewards cards, you will pay the lowest price for the items in that store. You will also be eligible for special deals and promotions and may receive coupons in the mail directly from the store itself. Your receipt will show you how much you have saved just by having that special card.

5. Sign up for Store email Notices
Many grocery stores now have online coupons and unique online specials. If you sign up for their email notices, you will be in the know about these special coupons and deals. Stores also use their email lists to notify customers of events like super doubles and triples.

6. Use Coupons
Shop with coupons. You can find coupons in the Sunday paper, online, in the grocery store fliers, on special bulletin boards throughout the grocery store, on store shelves, on wine bottles and in blinking machines situated inside grocery stores. You may think that buying generic is always cheaper, but that is often not the case. By combining sales with coupons, you can often get items for free.

7. Plant a Garden
Feed a man and he eats for a day. Plant a garden and you can eat all year long. Fresh fruits and vegetables are expensive, even in season. Buy seeds and plant a garden for a fraction of the cost. Even apartment dwellers can plant small window gardens.

8. Eat Before you Shop
Never shop on an empty stomach. Make sure you eat before you head to the grocery store. Studies show that hungry shoppers spend more money.

9. Leave your Kids at Home
Shop by yourself whenever possible. Children often ask for empty calorie foods and have no concept of cost. Many a mom has broken down and handed over as box of cookies just to get some peace and quiet. Leave them home, shop in quiet and stay on budget.

10. Take a List and Stick to it
Get out your sales fliers, your coupons and your email notices ahead of time and make a list of what you need to buy for the week. Be sure to take your list and a pen with you on your shopping trip and determine to buy only what you have on the list. You will avoid impulse buys this way.

A little extra time each week to organize and plan ahead will pay off.

Some of our favorite CFM moms savings sites are:
Southern Savers
The Krazy Coupon Lady
coupondivas.com
hip2save.com
www.budgetsavingmom.com 
www.hotcouponworld.com
www.afullcup.com
www.couponmom.com 
www.weusecoupons.com 
www.coupsfortroops.com
For great mommy support :
www.centralfoothillsmommies.com
www.themommiesnetwork.org