Restaurant.com 90% off Today 9/30/2010 through 10/01/2010

The current promotion at Restaurant.com is 90% off using PROMO CODE WOW.

This is the time to stock up on gift certificates you have been wanting to buy. The promo is good from September, 30th through October, 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Hurry because they go fast!

Menu Plan Monday 9/27~ Will I ever finish packing?

I am starting to think I may never finish packing. I just know the time to load the truck will be here before I know it. It would be awesome if we could get everything packed, start cleaning and have a day to just veg before packing the moving truck. A girl can dream cant she?? I realize it is totally possible for the average Jane, but for me, Mrs Distraction, it is a huge undertaking. Even now as I type, I know I should not be on the computer. Im telling myself, "Self, get off the computer. Quit wasting time," but I never listen. Maybe I will reason with my thoughts..."I'm taking a break". Think this will work? Back to packing. The majority of the house is all packed up in boxes now - except for the kitchen, which is only about 1/16th done. Anyways...my gerbils are telling me its time to pack some more, so I need to wrap this up. This week we're continuing on with Operation Empty the Freezer, and it's going pretty well. I have a few packages of cooked chicken meat, burgers and hotdogs in the freezer, so I will base the menu off what's left. For more great menu ideas, check out orgjunkie.com

(Premade/Frozen Grilled Pizza Dough about to go back onto the grill)



  • Bacon Swiss Burgers
  • Hot Dogs with mixed veggies
  • Chicken Quesadillas and spanish rice (using boiled/shredded/frozen chicken
  • Chicken Salad  (mayo, mustard, apples, grapes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sweet relish) Pita's with blanched asparagus (using boiled/shredded/frozen chicken)
  • Gourmet Canned Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
  • Premade Grilled Pizza Dough
  • Shrimp Scampi with "Insalata Caprese (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt)

Restaurant.com 80% off code, expires September 26, 2010

Restaurant.com's current promo code is AUTUMN. Enter code into promo code box during checkout to receive an extra 80% off the already reduced prices they offer. It makes dining out much cheaper. A $10 GC will be .80 after the code.

Weis 9/18 - 9/24 Tidy Cats, Sparkle, and Bisquick

Yesterday I stopped by Weis to pick up a few things on sale and wanted to share my finds....

Tidy Cats Cat Litter 20 lb bag - BOGO @ $4.39
~use 2 * $1/1 coupon from 9-12 Red Plum Insert
Final Cost; $2.39 or $1.20 each

Sparkle 3 pack Paper Towels - BOGO @ $4.15
~ use 2 * $1/1 coupon from 9-19 Red Plum Insert
Final Cost; $2.15 or $1.08 each

Apples - (Macintosh, Golden Delicious, Gala) $.99 lb

Bisquick Shake and Pour Pancakes $1
~use $.50/1 coupon from 8-08 General Mills Insert
Final Cost; FREE

Restaurant.com 80% OFF Code 09/2010

Restaurant.com is offering gift certificates for 80% off their already reduced prices. This means you can pick up a $10 gift certificate (they charge $4 - use the code SHARE to get 80% off)  for only $.80 cents!

I just purchased one this morning for .80 and had a nice lunch with a friend for only $13 including the tip. Thats A DEAL!

Menu Plan Monday 9/20 and Move Update

The excitement continues in our home as we patiently - some of us not-so-patiently - wait to hear back about weither the bank will pay to replace the a/c unit or not. Everything is sortof in limbo with our house contract until we receive an answer from them. The kids are excited to leave and have a pool to play in and a new school to check out. I am thrilled to finally have enough space between my home and my neighbors to not smell their trash, hear their dogs, and hear well, just about everything expecially when the windows are open. We have now decided to do a DITY move - or Do It Yourself Move - where the goverment will reimburse us for our expenses and then some. We are interested in the "then some" part. Momma needs some new furnature...lol...I realize this is going to be stressful, but I will survive. Sometimes I think when the movers come, I stress more because I cant really do anything but watch them and that drives me batty. I just have this NEED to help when someone else is working. Weird I know. So, now we are scavengering our military neighbors for boxes - There are a ton of boxes because so many of us move in the military...all the time...
As for the menu plan this week, Operation Empty the Freezer continues, but I am still not seeing enough empty freezer space for my liking. Maybe this week will be better. For more recipe ideas, check out orgjunkie.com.



  • Crock-Pot Black Beans (using ham hock and beans), rice and mango salsa
  • Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada's, Rice (using precooked chicken, leftover black beans)
  • Spicy white bean burgers (garbanzo beans, garlic, salt, pepper, celery, bread crumbs, hot pepper flakes - use food processor to combine well and shape patties; grill) and baked potatos in the microwave
  • Crock-Pot Ham, Rice, Oven Baked Parmesan Asparagus
  •  Leftover Ham, Lentil Rice Pilaf 
  • Pesto Pasta, Salad, Refrigerated Biscuits (using premade/frozen pesto)
  • Ham Fried Rice (using leftover ham, peas, mixed veggies)
  • Optional : Tuna Salad Pita's
  • Optional : Minestrone Soup (using carrots, celery, onion, chicken broth, cannelini beans, green beans, corn)
  • Optional : Miso Soup (dashi, miso, green onions, chopped ham)

Giant Eagle 9/16 - 9/22 A Few Higlights

If your mouth needs some TLC, Giant Eagle is the place to go - unless you live in my town, in which case someone has already cleaned out both of our stores before NOON. Thanks whoever you are :)...I picked up rain checks, so I guess I will live. Check out these deals on dental items....

Reach Toothbrush $1
~use BOGO coupon from 1-03 Red Plum Insert
~use $1/1 coupon from 3-07 Red Plum
Final Cost; FREE

Reach Floss $1
~ use $1/1 coupon from 01-03 Red Plum Insert
Final Cost; FREE

Lysterine Pocket Spray $1
~use $1/1 or .50/1 3-07 Red Plum or 4-11 Red Plum
Final Cost; FREE

AND

Betty Crocker Cookie Pouches $0.80
~use .40/1 from coupons.com or print from mypoints to get points and save $$$


Menu Plan Monday 9/13 and Home Update



Let the countdown begin...our offer on the home has been accepted and we are closing on October 11th. Now I realize there are a million things to do and my sub conscience is flipping out. We are waiting on the response from the bank to see if they will pay for a new a/c unit, since the current one needs to be replaced. I am very hopeful. Prayers are greatly appreciated. The week has been a nightmare so far. I feel like I am being pulled in every direction trying to get things done. The house seems to be a complete mess - like the more I try the worse it gets. Operation Empty the Freezer is still in play and it is going well. I can finally start to see some definite changes in the amount of food in my freezers. This weeks meals will be focused on using up items from the freezer and pantry before we move. Head over to Orgjunkie to see more great menu plans and links.



Tuesday - Tortilla Soup


Thursday - Lighter Fettuccine Alfredo with Peas and Butter lettuce, Gorgonzola, tomato, and raspberry vinaigrette salad

Friday - Ground Beef Stroganoff with pasta noodles, mixed veggies

Saturday - Wings, Baked Sweet Potato Fries


Minestrone Soup Using Fresh or Dried Herbs

Minestrone Soup
The soup is great with fresh herbs or with dried herbs. I have made it both ways many times. Serve with a little fresh parmesan cheese on top. Delish!

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 Carrots, diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks, diced 
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 - 2 tsp Salt (depends on salt content of chicken stock)
  • dash of black pepper
  • 1 – 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp sage
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8-10 cups chicken stock (not broth) or vegetable stock
  • 1 - 1lb package frozen green beans
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup red wine (not cooking wine, use something like cabernet or merlot - this is optional but it gives it a depth of flavor)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried (chop all the herbs)
  • 2 sprigs fresh marjoram, or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano, or 1 tsp dried
  • Handfull of fresh parsley, or 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 - 2/3 Cup Small Whole Wheat Pasta Noodles (ditalini or small shells), uncooked**
  • 1-2 medium zucchini, diced into larger bite size pieces
  • 4 basil leaves, sliced thin, or 1 tsp dried basil added with dry ingredients
  • Pkg frozen spinach or kale (approx. 8 oz)
  1. In a large soup pot (coated cast iron if possible), drizzle a few tablespoons of olive oil. Sautee onions, celery and carrots on medium high heat. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and sautee for at least 10 minutes; stirring occasionally.
  2. Continue cooking onions, celery and carrots until brown crud forms on the bottom; stirring occasionally(Brown crud is a GOOD thing, but don't burn it). Add garlic to pot and sauté 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, cannelloni beans, green beans, chicken stock, herbs and spices, and spinach or kale. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Add in zucchini and *pasta noodles; Simmer about 6 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. 
*The noodles will continue cooking after you turn off the burner, so it may be better to cook the zucchini for about 5 minutes and then add the pasta for about 5 minutes - this way it will finish cooking as it cools. Either way is fine, it just depends on how you like your noodles. The noodles also absorb a lot of liquid.

**If desired, the noodles can be boiled separately and added to soup bowls when serving. 

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting
(Using White Whipped Frosting from a container)


This might possibly be my favorite frosting now. It tastes just like an expensive cupcake I purchased at a Cupcake Bakery. There are only 3 ingredients and it takes only minutes.

1 container Betty Crocker White Whipped Frosting
1/3 Cup Peanut Butter
1/3 Cup Marshmallow Fluff

In a large bowl, combine frosting, peanut butter and fluff with a spatula. Spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes and place into the refrigerator to chill (it tastes better chilled).

Giant Food 9/10 - 9/16 A Few Highlights

Brocolli Crowns $1 lb
Grapes $1 lb

Barilla Pasta $1
~use $1/2 not sure what insert
Final Cost; $0.50 each

Campbells Chicken Noodle and Tomato Soup $0.50 each
~use $1/2 coupon
Final Cost; Free

Tidy Cats Scoop Cat Liter 14 lb $5
~ use 1/1 from 9/12 Red Plum
Final Cost; $4




TGI Friday's $5 off Coupon: September 2010



Print THIS Coupon to get $5 off 2 entree's at Fridays until September 15th, 2010.

Labor Day 2010 Menu Plan Monday and Praises: Buying our Home

How about this amazing weather? It is absolutely gorgeous! It seems like it goes from 100 degrees to 80 in just a few days. I am dreading the colder days creeping just around the corner. Well, I have fabulous news...we put in another bid on the home we have been drooling over and the bank accepted. I am so glad we decided to call there bluff and walk away, because we got a stellar deal - about 60,000 less than what the home was originally listed at in March. Now thats what I call a DEAL! Now the move is for real and we are realizing how many things need to be done to get ready for the move. Luckily we do not have to worry about packing up our household goods, since the military will do that for us, but we do have to seperate items for what we will need while our stuff is being shipped (clothes, cooking stuff, towels, cleaners, etc). Medical records, school records -- all the paperwork that has to be dealt with to move -- what a bundle of stress. I am so thrilled about the move and it is something I have been waiting for for several years now. I know in my heart, God really answered my prayers with this home. I want to give praises to him for guiding us to this home and helping us to get a great deal. I know we will be able to use this home in a positive way to spread his love and his mission and I am looking forward to the many joyful days ahead of decorating, painting and making it our home.

Now begins the mission to empty the refrigerator and freezers (yes, I said freezers). I think I will call this Operation Empty Freezer -- I know how original...So, for the next 4 weeks, we will be cleaning out the food in the freezer by using all the items from the fridge and freezer to help us prepare for the move. I do not want to have to get rid of anything if I don't have to. Feel free to join me on my quest. I hope to post before pictures soon. If your looking for more menu plans  and meal ideas, check out Orgjunkie.com.



Monday - Burgers, Hot Dogs, German Potato Salad, Mac and Cheese,

Tuesday - Crab Cakes, Green Beans, OR...Sauteed Tequila Lime Shrimp Taco's with Mango Salsa

Wednesday - Tortilla Chip Taco Salad

Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie with frozen veggies

Friday - Hot Wings, Oven Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday - Grilled BBQ Chicken,

Sunday - Chicken Gumbo

$5 Off 5 Kraft Coupon

Head over to For the Mommas to print out a $5 off 5 Kraft Products. This is a HOT coupon AND IT WILL BE GONE SOON.
Thanks, For The Mommas!

Double Coupons @ Bloom During September 2010...and 9/01 Ad Highlights


I noticed via email Bloom will be doubling coupons up to .99 during National Coupon Month (September). This means a .75 coupon will be worth $1.50! Way to go Bloom! Make sure to check participation at your local Bloom.
IT'S ABOUT TIME...

Ad Highlights From 09/01 Sale Flyer

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix $2
~ use .75/2 from 8-08 GM insert
Final Cost; $1.50 or .$0.75 each

New York Texas Toast BOGO (not sure of price, but my guess is around $3)
~use 2 - $0.50/1 from 7-25 SS insert

Corn 12/$1.99 OR .17 each

Peaches $0.99 lb