Super Butter

I love the ease of spreads, but hate to feed them to my family when you try to read the ingredients and can't figure out WHAT they all are.
Butter, on the other hand, tastes so good, but is loaded with fat. Some say it is good for you, other sources say it's not. Who to believe?
I've found that this compromise makes us happy. Taste is great, ease of spreading is incredible and health wise, it uses some butter, but also canola oil with rates higher on the healthy side, and plain yogurt, which lowers both fat and calories. Hope you and yours will find it a winner.

I'll start with my version of it and put the 'real' recipe at the bottom of the page.

Super Butter
1# butter-softened
1 cup canola oil
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup dry milk

Place butter in mixing bowl
Mix until soft and smooth. Add the 1 cup of yogurt.



Blend until smooth Add the 1/4 cup dry milk, beating well.
Add the 1 cup of oil, and blend. ( turn mixer on slowly, this is so wet it can splash out of the bowl until it begins to blend.

Once it is blended a bit, beat on high speed for about 5 mintues.

Store in covered containers in refrigerator. Makes about 4 cups and lasts for at least 3 weeks. (in some houses :) )

The original recipe is:

1 tsp. salt
1# unsalted butter
2 T. water
2 cups oil
1/4 cup dry milk
1 T. soy lecithin

Mix the butter and yogurt till well blended. Slowly add the oil - again beating till blended. Add dry milk and lecithin, beat well; about 5 minutes. Spoon into plastic containers and store if refrigerator.

Safeway

Just a quick post...
In case you didn't find this special.. wanted to point it out to you.
For anyone else who has carnivores in the family, the Brown n Serve sausages are usually up to 1.29 per pack, with a really good price being .79. Well, This week, they are .99 at Safeway, and then when you buy 10 you get $5.00 off. Which makes them .49 per pack! Plus, if you add them to your 10/50 you get them even less. Not sure what the dates are on the 10/50.. but i think its good for a couple more days.

Samaritan Ministries

Are you aware of Samaritan Ministries Health Care Newsletter?

We've been members of it for over 5 years now, have had a number of substantial bills that needed to be covered and have been very blessed with the results.
Here is a brief explanation of who they are from their website:

'Christians are helping Christians with medical expenses through a unique ministry that doesn't involve insurance. You can be a part of this growing network of believers faithfully applying Biblical principles.

When we all work together, the burden on each of us is very light. As a result, since 1994 the monthly share has not exceeded $285.00 and is even lower for singles and couples.'

With the rising costs of private insurance, and many having lost jobs or having less work, you may be interested in this ministry.

When our daughter was born, we received many cards with the checks in them to cover the bills. It was such a blessing as almost all of them had not only a check, but a note of congratulations and encouragement. One lady, who wasn't on the list to send a check, sent the neatest prayer for us and our daughter. It's so personal compared to an insurance company.

Go here for more information, and if you have any other questions about our experience with it or you do plan to sign up, I'd appreciate if you would contact us first and let us refer you.

National Donut Day

Today ( Friday, June 5) is National Donut Day

In honor of that, Krispy Kreme is giving away one free donut to every one who comes in today, no purchase necessary.

Dunkin' Donuts is giving away a free donut with the purchase of a beverage at participating stores.

Free All You Magazine

If you've couponed for any amount of time, you've seen that this or that coupon is found in 'All You'. If you haven't bought one yet, or subscribed, it looks like the perfect time to try it out. They have a trial issue for us to try- free of charge. Go here to sign up.

Creative Ice Cream Flavors

Need a quick and easy dessert for the weekend?
These are so simple and yet so good. They're concoctions that we made up, being as many of us like to have a mixture of sweet and salty.

When it comes to ice cream, most of us aren't the Bubble Gum, Blue Moon, or Cotton Candy type. Rather, we'd be picking the Snickers, Mocha Almond Fudge or some other flavor with nuts to get some salt in there.

Three of our new 'mix-ins' are:

PBJ
1 scoop Vanilla ice cream
1 Tbls. Peanut Butter
1-2 tsp. Strawberry Jam (homemade freezer jam preferred)

Pretzel Chip - This is easier to make in a little larger batch...
1/2 gallon Vanilla ice cream
1 cup pretzels, broken into bite size pieces
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup frozen raspberries

Soften the ice cream slightly. Stir in the other ingredients. Place back in the freezer for a short time to harden up. Serve. ( this one doesn't stay long because of the pretzels. Over the course of a couple days they will get soggy.

Take 5
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1 cup pretzels, broken into bite size pieces
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 - 1/2 bottle caramel topping
Soften the ice cream slightly. Stir in the other ingredients. Place back in the freezer for a short time to harden up. Serve. ( this one doesn't stay long because of the pretzels. Over the course of a couple days they will get soggy.

Whats the favorites at your house? Just to show how much we like the sweet and salty.. when we get ice cream at McDonalds, we always think it tastes so much better to get one order of fries and share it between us... just dip them in the ice cream! Mmmm!

Old Navy Weekly

Old Navy is still wanting our business... and they're giving away more in hopes we'll stop in. Here's the note we received from them today:

Alright, it’s time to let your friends in on the f... Alright, it’s time to let your friends in on the fabulous secret that is OldNavyWeekly.com. So this week, in addition to hiding that beloved $75 off $100 coupon again, we’re adding the ability to share a coupon with a friend through Facebook each week. You’ll be able to keep one coupon for yourself and give a coupon of a different value to a friend. Generosity is the new fabulous...but can you bring yourself to give that stellar $75 coupon to a pal instead of stashing it for yourself? Guess we’ll find out Sunday…so choose wisely and give generously!
Nicole D.Brand Advocate working on behalf of Old Navy

Cooking Contest

Are you a healthy cook? Do you love to feed your family nutritious meals? Here's a chance to do some creative cooking and have a chance to win $500 besides! Here's what it says:

Are you a creative chef?

Calling all cooks! Carlson is inviting all creative cooks to send us their favorite recipe using Carlson Liquid Norwegian fish oil products. Carlson Norwegian Fish Oils are a great way to receive omega-3’s needed for overall good health.

Go here to read the details and sign up.

TGIF

This came in an email and doesn't look like it has a bar code that would prevent anyone from using it. Go here and get a coupon for TGIF's Social Scene: BYGO entree. Call a friend and enjoy a lunch! There's nothing like it! ( well.. lunch with a friend, that is!) More on this soon!

Yooper Deals.com

We'll not advertise every new blog in the world here, but being as I lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for 22 years, there is something a little special about the place. They have no big chain stores, not a lot of give aways, and even Craigslist has a hard time getting going in some of the places. ( a year or so ago I checked for something on there, and there had been about 5 listings in the past week!)

I've got a friend in Marquette area who is starting a savings blog.. and not only savings, but done in the true 'Yooper' spirit. If you're interested in UP culture..follow along. I can almost guarantee you a few smile!

Join her here, at yopperdeals.com

Safeway Deals

These are the eye catcher sales for Safeway this week .

• $10. off $50 and check out the fine print...."Manufacturers coupons may be used in conjunction with store coupons, but face value cannot exceed the price of the item. "
• Safeway Thick Sliced Bacon, 6.5 lb, is $9.99 with in-ad coupon, limit 1
• Fresh Express Garden Salad, 3 lb zip bag is $1.99, with in-ad coupon, limit 1
• Shanghai Dinner for 2 is $8.99 with in-ad coupon, limit 1.
• Safeway Raisin Bread is $1.19, with in-ad coupon, limit 1.
• Lucerne Large dozen Eggs, .69 cents with in-ad-coupon, limit 1.

Here is the link to Frugal Living, where she has more super deals using the mix and match promotion. Happy shopping! If you find any other great scenarios, share them with us in the comments section!

Albertsons Deals 6/3 - 6/10

There is a NW Albertsons Price Book that has been started on Hot Coupon World HERE. The goal of this is to give readers a general idea of pricing on items at their non-sale, non-clearance price. Prices may vary by location. Readers are encouraged to contribute to the list to complete it. When you click on the link you will see a general list that has been started. Feel free to add to it as you can, thanks!

Current Catalina Deals:
Tropicana Buy 4 Get 1 Free, Exp 6-14-09
Country Time Canisters, Exp. 6-11-09 Use this $1/1 Coupon, Use this $1.50/2 coupon
Crystal Light, Exp. 6-11-09,

There are three Twice the Value Coupons on the front page!-Remember the policy with these. You can double a coupon up to $1.00 and you may only use 3 per family/per visit. Please make sure you are following the rules with these. It will help all of us in the long run if these get used in the right way.

Produce:
In-Ad coupon for $1 off produce wyb $10 worth of produce-This is a new type of coupon and I think it's great! Who says you can only buy junk with coupons? I'm lovin' this one since I always buy at least $10 in produce!

Seedless Grapes 99 cents a pound
24 oz Fresh Express Salad $1.99
Fresh Mini Watermelon $3.99
Cucumber 69 cents each

Meat:
BOGO meat sale: Beef Sirloin Tip steak or roast, bone-in pork shoulder country style ribs, beef cross rib steak or roast, boneless pork sirloin chops, stockman and dakota chuck steaks or roast, boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, artic shores cooked or raw shrimp.

(Carrie's note: I see the boneless bottom round roast on the Sunday ad for 1.88#.. get it ground for 1.88# ground round!)

Bone-in Split Chicken Breast 99 cents a pound

Dairy:
Darigold Sour Cream, 16 oz $1.50

Wild Harvest Soy Milk, 2/$4 Use this $1 off any Wild Harvest Product. If you add a twice the value coupon it will be FREE!

Frigo String Cheese 10-12 oz $2.99, Use $1.00/1 or $0.50/1 from 5/31 insert=$1.99-$2.49 each

Other:
Purex Laundry Detergent $2.49

Quaker Selected Products, $1.49

Stouffer's and Lean Cuisine Selected products, $1.88 each

20% off Beer and Wine

SoBe Life Water $1 each

Check out the deal I posted about Seattle's Best coffee. They will be $1 each after sale and doubled coupon. You can also submit for this rebate, thanks for the heads up from Crystal at Frugal Chic Living! Crystal also has some other deal scenarios at the link above for her blog.

There are many great deals to be had on the back page when you use the promotion Save $3 wyb $10 in participating items. The Seattle's Best coffee is part of this deal. I won't take the time to list all the participating products, but many of them have matching printable coupons that will sweeten this deal on Coupons.com including Kraft Products, Maxwell house coffee, Crystal Light, Ritz, DiGiorno Pizzas , Wheat Thins, International Delight, Hidden Valley Ranch and more. Go HERE to print these coupons.

Here I have listed some other printable coupons that will help sweeten these deals.
Angel Soft TP-Use $1/2 from recent insert

International Delight Coffee Creamer, Use $1/1 from recent inserts or this printable =$0.75 each wyb $10 of participating products.

McCormick Seasonings, use $1/2 from 5/3 insert

Thank you, Jane!
Alltogetherbeautiful

Organic Foods

The question was asked last night: "where do you find coupons and deals for healthy and organic foods." I knew there was an answer, but as far as giving out the sites, I couldn't think of what they were. As you coupon, you'll see a lot of organic, more natural, foods available, but the big thing is you have to be on line and sign up for them. That seems to be the trick. Once you start looking, they ARE available.

As I pointed out last night, more and more chain stores are carrying organic items. Fred Meyer has a large selection and now both Safeway and Albertsons have their own brand of
organic. Watch for coupons in their fliers and on their websites.


Safeway has the 'Organics' brand. Go here to read more about what they carry.







Albertson's brand is Wild Harvest. Go here for more information. I see there are coupons on this link for $1.00 of any Wild Harvest product and another for 1.00 off waffles, orange juice and yogurt.







Remember, once you do the leg work for finding the sites that
offer coupons, and you get in touch with them, they will have your contact information and will WANTING to be in contact with you! Always include your mailing address, even if you are just emailing them a question... once they have it, you'll most likely see coupons in your mail box!

Also, if you think of using coupons just for your cleaning supplies, ( and there are lots of coupons out for the 'green' cleaning supplies) paper goods and toiletries, the money you save in those areas can be used to buy organic.

If you haven't done so yet, check into buying clubs. In the Pacific NW, Azure Standard (azurestandard.com) is an excellent place to buy natural foods at very reasonable prices. If you can buy the item by the case, it's cheaper yet. Maybe you can split larger quantities with a friend, so you can get the better deal. In one instance, Azure has a fruit sweetener that I like to use, it's concentrated peach, pear and pineapple juice, and they sell it for 6.85 for 1 quart or 23.50 for 1 gallon, making each quart only 5.87. To me, that's a substansial savings. I've found a friend who will split that with me and we both save.

Heres a link to a list of companies that offer organic food and often have coupons on their web site, as well as several coupons sites that have organic food coupons.

If any of you know of more places to get organic food less expensively, please leave your message in the comments.

Hope this is helpful to you!

Clark Co. Deals

We're working on getting posts on Clark Co. Deals... We've got a new one there. We won't be posting them all here, but in order to get people used to checking it, I wanted to point out that there is a great post there! Check it out! And please! if you take advantage of this feature, please let the merchant know you found it here. Also.. if you find a merchant who has something that you would like to see on Clark County Deals.. direct them here! Thanks!

Coupon Class

Thank you to all who attended our coupon class tonight! Hope you can start saving right away! ( It's a great week to, with Albertson's doubles and Safeways coupon in tonights paper of $10/$50 purchase... (( which reads $10 off for a $50 purchase)) )

Safeway $10 & Albertsons double coupons

The Safeway $10 off $50 is in the Columbian too.(back of the front section)The weekly Albertson's flyer has double coupons in it.

Safeway

I haven't bought one yet, but it looks like today's Oregonian has a Safeway $10/$50 coupon... and manufacturer coupons can be used with it!!! ( It says it in the fine print!!) I'm sure it's good for at least a week... so we'll see what good deals they have when their ad comes out today! stay in tune....

More Free Samples

Free Samples of:

Carefree pads and carrier here.
Beyond Bodi heat here.
Chance to win 1 of 50 carmex, each week, here.

Remember: Wednesday is free day at Arby's. This week it's a free Fruit Tea with any sandwich purchase.

Blair Shipping Sale

If anyone shops on line at Blair, the email notice came in today for .99 shipping on all orders through June 8th.

Go here to begin shopping. They have some good clearance and some decent prices to begin with. Probably not too much for the youngest set here, but ... check it out. :)

For example; this 2 pc capri set is on clearance for 4.49 - + .99 shipping. Total 5.49 for both pieces. Not bad!

Coupon Class

There is still some room in our Coupon Class if you've not attended one yet!
It will be held at Firm Foundation School in Battle Ground, at 7pm tonight ( Tuesday, June 2nd)
Cost is $10.00 which we just about guarantee you'll save in your first shopping trip!
Come join the fun as we encourage each other to save in these challenging times!
For a full description, click on the classes link at the top of the page.

Things, Things, Things

My dear 'friend' Elisabeth Elliot read this poem a number of times on her radio program in years past. I'm putting it on here in case it will inspire anyone else who may need inspiration (as I do) in the area of 'things'. Somehow 'things' seem to collect and distract of us from the important things in life... praying that we can get our hearts and priorities straight! Enjoy!

THINGS, THINGS, THINGS

Things, things, things. On the tables, on the floor, tucked away behind the door. On the shelves and on the chairs, dangerously on the stairs. Bureaus crammed and closets filled, boxes packed and boxes spilled. Bundles everywhere you go, heaps and piles and overflow of things, things, things.

"Things of value, worthless trash. Things preserved or gone to smash. Ancient things or things just bought. Common things and things far sought. Things you mean to throw away. Things you hope to use some day. Cellar, attic, all between, one exasperating scene of things, things, things.

"Things that take our precious time, hold us from the life sublime. Things that only gather dust, things that rot and things that rust. Things that mold and things that freeze, things that harbor foul disease. Things that mock us and defy, till at last we grimly die of things, things, things.

"Let me cease to be their fool. Let me fly their crafty rule. Let me with unsparing knife cut their canker from my life. Broad and clear and all serene, let me make my mansion clean. Now and evermore to be, calm, unfettered, gladly free from things, things, things.

More on Albertsons

I see on the bottom of the flier from Sunday's paper that they have Bottom Round Roast on sale for 1.88#.

This is the one that I love to stock up on. Call ahead (PLEASE!!! it's a lot of extra stress on the butcher to have to stop and grind something in the middle of the day.... ) and ask if they will grind as many pounds as you want. Some shops may even package it up in whatever size packages you want... ready for your freezer. Summer is coming... grill time!

Target

Here's a couple of interesting things from Target.


One.. they have a birthday club for kids. You can sign up to 6 children under the age of 13, here.

Also, Target has a schedule for their mark downs.
By department, it is:
Monday -- Infants department, Kids clothing and Electronics (maybe food also)
Tuesday -- Women's clothing, Domestics
Wednesday -- Men's clothing, Garden, Toys, Health and Beauty
Thursday -- Lingerie, Shoes, Housewares, Sporting Goods, Luggage
Friday -- Cosmetics, Hardware, Auto, Home Improvement and Jewelry
And most holidays follow the 3-2-2 rule.
50% off for the first 3 days, then 75% for the next 2 days and 90% off for 2 days before it goes to the salvage yard.

More Deals

Here's some of the specials this week.

Walgreens
Hip2save has more Walgreens deals here

Weekly Register Reward Deals

Ecotrin $2=$2RR
Use the $2 coupon from the 5/17SS
Or the $2 coupon from here or here (sign up to access the $2 coupon)
Final cost FREE + a $2 moneymaker!

Bayer Contour or Breeze 2 $10=$10RR
Use the $30 coupon from the 3/22SS or the 2/1 or 10/26RP
(will have to be adjusted down)
Final cost FREE + a $10 moneymaker!

Tresemme hair care products 3/$12=$5RR (on 3)
Use 3 $1 coupons from here
Final cost $1.33 each!

Bic Soleil Disposable Razor $4.99=$1RR
Use the $3 coupon from the 5/17SS
Final cost .99!

Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispie Treats, Special K Bars, Keebler Cookies or Crackers, Cheez-Its 2.50 each=$3RR (on 4)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 packages of Keebler Sandies $10
Use 4 .55 coupons from the 4/5RP (exp. 5/31)
Pay $7.80
Get back a $3RR
Final cost $1.20 per package!

Safeway 5/31-6/7

Savewithlouise here has a more Safeway and Fred Meyers

Albertsons Doublers Confirmed!

There are Twice the Value Coupons in today's paper! They will be good through Tuesday.

Do you have any ideas for great ways to use them? I'd love it if you left a link to your post regarding the Albertsons doublers or your ideas in the comment section.

UPDATE: The double coupons were found in my paper in the Seattle times. They were in the middle of that section on the bottom of the page. I also had a one page Albertsons insert with the other ads, but they were not on that page like they have been in recent weeks. Hope that everyone gets them! :

Thanks, Jane!
Alltogetherbeautiful.blogspot.com

The Simple Woman's Daybook June 1

FOR TODAY June 1, 2009...
Outside my window... A clear sky, sunshine, a beautiful valley

I am thinking... of ways to encourage others to save during lean times - cheerfully!

I am thankful for...older woman.

From the learning rooms...oh! the list is too long! Little bites here and there all day long!

From the kitchen... Fresh Pineapple and Cantaloupe, causing big smiles.

I am wearing... Black cotton capris and an orange t-shirt. Comfy, not beautiful.

I am creating... hopefully, some pajamas for a 5 year old

I am praying.... for 8 y..o. Luke - heading in for radiation and chemo.

I am going... NOWHERE today!

I am reading... Psalms.. " Hope thou in God!"

I am hoping... for a week of accomplishing.

I am hearing...more music from our piano . . with a little accompaniment from a 2 y.o. on a trumpet. :) beautiful!

Around the house... things to clean and paint, but 8 dear people who make it all worth it!

One of my favorite things... people. Thank you God, for human relationships.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Time of sharing in a class, lunch with a friend, walks with my husband.


Here is picture thought I am sharing... After being a mom for 19 years I hope I've finally learned to just enjoy the moment. This would have set me off years ago... thinking 'more laundry, a mess, etc... My 17 year old son took his brother out to 'learn to play in the mud' with this as 1/2 the result. Who could be disgusted with THAT smile? Some day this house will be quiet, the laundry done and... I will look back on these days as the wonderful years. I want to enjoy those wonderful years today!


If you want to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook, visit Peggy here.

Things to do this Summer

Summer comes, the school days rigid schedule is relaxed, and there is some time for those extra projects. We all love to feel like we have some 'down' time, but on the other hand, what mom doesn't think that about still having time with our children during the summer months? It's not all about 'me'.

Jessica has given us an opportunity to have some fun with our kids and not have to spend hours and hours planning it! Each Monday she posts Camp Wanna-Laffalotta, which is a theme based idea for the week of activities to do with our children. Go here to read todays camp post on 'Life on the Farm'. Maybe you'll find some ideas for this weeks fun.

Coupons Restocked

Coupons. com has restocked their on line coupons.
Philadelphia cream cheese $1.00/1
Kraft BBQ Sauce $1.00/1
32 oz Yoplait Yogurt .55/1
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix .75/2
More Big G cereals...
You can use our side bar coupon printer to see whats new.