Saturday, December 18, 2010

Gone-All-Day Healthy Stew

I have long been a loyal follower of "A Taste of Home" and frequently buy their little cookbooks at the checkout lines of my grocery store.  My family loves the recipes and we have been enjoying this easy and healthy crock-pot stew recipe for many years.  I always use fresh mushrooms, and I toss low-sodium bouillon cubes right into the roaster...no dissolving first in liquid. No additional salt is necessary.

Now that it's (finally) raining here in San Diego, we decided to make a big pot of this before heading out to see a Christmas play this afternoon.  We can't wait to return home to the smell of this in our home and eat it for dinner!

Gone-All Day Stew Recipe

Gone-All Day Stew Recipe
Photo by: Taste of Home
Rating 4.36
100% would make again


This recipe is:
Contest Winning

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
  • 1 cup water or red wine
  • 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 6 medium onions, quartered
  • 4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-1/2-inch chunks
  • 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch slices
  • 12 large fresh mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup celery, cut into 1-inch slices
  • Hot cooked egg noodles, optional

Directions

  • Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add beef, a few pieces at a time and shake to coat.
  • In a large skillet, brown meat in oil in batches; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the tomato soup, water, bouillon and seasonings; pour over beef. Add the onions, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and celery.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meat is tender. Discard bay leaf. Serve with egg noodles if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

Diabetic Exchanges: One serving equals 3 protein, 1 bread, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat; also 311 calories, 660 mg sodium, 103 mg cholesterol, 26 gm carbohydrate, 29 gm protein, 10 gm fat.
Gone-All Day Stew published in Country Woman March/April 1988, p29

~Bridget

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Restaurant.com 80% Off Alert!

 Another fabulous deal at Restaurant.com is on!  Enter the code "GIVE" at checkout then "Apply" to save 80% off certificates. What a wonderful way to dine out for far less!  These make great gifts too, think teachers and mailmen ;-)

 http://www.restaurant.com/consumer-promotion/lp_3.asp?prti=4252&raid=1150&s_kwcid=TC|7304|restaurant.com%20coupon%20code||S||5865471887

~Bridget

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Restaurant.com SALE TODAY!!!!!

GET $25 GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ONLY $2!
Enter Discount Code: TREAT
Restaurant.com: Eat. Drink. Save Money.

 Today only get an 80% savings on these great dining certificates!  They've added lots of new restaurants, so be sure to check for your favorites!
Bon Apetit!
~Bridget

Monday, October 11, 2010

FREE Birthday Treats!

 Okay a new discovery, I found it locally here in North County San Diego, but there's always places in your hometown that do this too.....

Your favorite snack shop or fast-food restaurant may have an annual freebie day!
Here are a few chain offers worth noting:
Mark your calendar for free IHOP pancakes in February; free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Rita's Italian ice, and a Starbucks pastry in March; free Pretzel Time pretzels and a Cinnabon treat in April; free Haagen Daas ice cream in May; a free Krispy Kreme doughnut, Sonic root-beer float and TCBY frozen yogurt in June; and a free Chick-Fil-A meal in July -- to name a few.
You can also sign up to score free food on your birthday from Famous Dave’s BBQ, Cold Stone Creamery, Denny’s and other eateries. Search the Web for "birthday freebies," or call your local restaurants to ask whether they offer such a deal. Here in good old San Diego, you can get a free entree at Sage Grill in Encinitas, Boston's in Encinitas,  and when you dine at West Steakhouse (in Carlsbad) on your b-day, they give you a card with a $20 gift card inside for next time!
What else can you find?  Please share with the rest of us when you do!  And Happy Birthday!


~Bridget

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Free Business Advice - Fantastic Site For Small Business

 
Free Business Advice
Free Business Advice

Free Business Advice

Run your own business and you're bound to have questions. Go to SCORE.org to get free, confidential small-business advice. The nonprofit has 12,400 volunteer counselors, who are working and retired executives and business owners. Drop in to one of SCORE's 364 offices nationwide for a face-to-face consultation, or chat with an expert online.
Another great resource is the Small Business Administration. It often hosts free local workshops, and its Web site (SBA.gov) has an extensive list of tools and resources for entrepreneurs.

~Bridget

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi
                Free Wi-Fi
Rejoice!
 
About 6,800 Starbucks and 11,500 McDonald's nationwide recently began offering free Wi-Fi.
You can also go to WiFiFreeSpot.com to find places to surf free when you're away from home. The database includes airports, restaurants, hotels and more.  It's a great site to bookmark & use when you're on the go.

~Bridget

Free Car Repair Help

Free Car Repair Help....GREAT for us ladies!!!!

It won't fix your car free (darn), but RepairPal.com will help you find out whether your mechanic is quoting a fair price.
Here's How It Works:
Enter your car's make, model and year, plus your zip code. Then choose among dozens of fixes to get a price range for the job at dealerships and independent shops in your area. 
 
~Bridget

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

HUGE Restaurant Discounts

I don't know why I haven't written about this find yet, we use this almost every single time we go out to eat...in case you haven't heard of it yet...it's RESTAURANT.COM and it's wonderful!!!

The idea behind this is to drive customers into restaurants who wouldn't normally go out as often and to encourage people to try new places while saving tons of money.   Most of the certificates we use are purchased during specials for a few dollars (regular price is $10 for a $25 savings certificate) and our total bill is generally under $20 with tip for a family of 4.  You just can't beat that....Plus, it's so easy:

(1) Log into their site and find restaurants near you to purchase certificates you can print out from your computer. 
(2) Bring it into the restaurant and be sure to let them know BEFORE you order in case there are special instructions like no use at Happy Hour, etc. 
(3) They add tip on usually, so be aware and don't double-tip unless you want to....
(4) Most certificates state your total bill needs to meet a minimum $35 food order in order to save $25 and then a tip is added on and presented to you at the end of your meal. 


Click on the link below to be directed to their website and enter your zip code in to find restaurants in your area and start saving!  Right now if you follow this link you will be directed to a page with even deeper savings, all certificates for $25 off are now only $3 instead of $10 when you enter the code "SPORK" at checkout and hit "apply."
   http://www.restaurant.com/consumer-promotion/lp_4.asp?prti=4252&raid=1150&s_kwcid=TC|7304|restaurant%20.com%20code||S||5554188287

Bon Appetit!

~Bridget

Monday, August 23, 2010

Yes, the Magic Jack REALLY Works....!

30-Day Free Trial for Local & Long Distance Calls w/ Magicjack Magicjack In case anyone's wondered if this "Magic Jack" thing really really delivers what it promises---Free call waiting, long distance, voice mail....etc....Let me assure you it REALLY is that cheap, and it really DOES deliver all of the promises it makes.   It's a must-have to the family who calls relatives in other states.  Save tons on your phone bill, check it out!


30-Day Free Trial for Local & Long Distance Calls w/ Magicjack
Want to cut your local phone bill in half? Magicjack is a device that allows you to get free local and long distance calls, free caller ID, free directory assistance and free voicemail through your internet connection at home. Simply plug your phone into the MagicJack and plug the other side into your computer's USB port. It's as simple as that. Try it for 30 days for free to see how it works for you. After the 30 days, you will be charged a ...

FREE

Hot Deals Today! They will go fast though!

Michael Antonio Galian Wedge 48% Off at Endless Endless.com
Michael Antonio Galian Wedge 48% Off at Endless




When you want to finish off an outfit with flair and style, this pair of Galian Wedges by Michael Antonio at Endless are the shoes you've been looking for. They feature a comfortable wedge style and sexy, criss-cross straps. You'll also love the unusual colors they're available in of Green, Blue and Orange. Give your feet a pop of gorgeous color. Originally priced at $54.95, they're now as low as $28.69. Available in sizes 6-10. ...
Carlos Falchi Satchel 65% Off at Target Target
Carlos Falchi Satchel 65% Off at Target
A great deal on a bag from famous designer Carlos Falchi, this Brown Satchel is a mere $17.48 at Target! This faux snake skin bag, with a great floral lining, will hold all you need it to and more. Made from PVC, which provides for easy cleanup in the case of an accidental coffee spill, this bag is a must-have for the budding fashionista. ...

$ 17.48


    

 
 



Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Shoes With a Purpose, a.k.a. "Guilt-Free Shopping"

I have recently discovered TOM'S shoes, and what an amazing discovery it was!  This wonderful company will donate a brand new pair of shoes to a child in need with every single pair you purchase.  Their website has videos showing children in Haiti walking around in their TOM'S shoes, along with 48+ other countries.
Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:
  • A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
  • Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
  • Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

What a great feeling to know your shoe splurge is counting for something greater!  TOMS is now on track to give the One Millionth Pair of new shoes to a child in need this September!!  Regardless of how many shoes you purchase, TOM'S will donate the same amount, one-to-one.  They have men's, women's and children's styles, something for literally everyone. Choose from linens, glitters, wrap boots, wedges, botas, classic styles, wedding styles.....They even have earth-friendly vegan shoes...really.  I love my TOM'S shoes, they are one of the most comfortable pair I own. 
  ~~~~    Check them out at www.TOMS.com ~~~~


~Bridget
~Bridget

Monday, August 9, 2010

Daily Steals ~ Gotta Get These QUICK!

Target Limited Edition Claudia Twill Dress 65% Off at Target Target





 Target Limited Edition Claudia Twill Dress 65% Off at Target
Get the perfect little black dress for 65% off at Target. This knee length Target Limited Edition Claudia Twill Dress in Ebony has a contemporary fit with a flattering open neck line. This IS your go-to black dress. Get it today in sizes 2-18 (sizes available at press time) for only $13.98.

13.98

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


Dollhouse Colored Denim Skinny Jeans 69% Off at Sears Sears
Dollhouse Colored Denim Skinny Jeans 69% Off at Sears
These Dollhouse Colored Denim Skinny Jeans are available for 69% off at Sears! These bright blue skinny jeans are a fun and colorful way to spruce up your wardrobe if you're feeling that things are looking a bit bland lately. You can match these with any of your favorite tops and flats! Available in sizes 3-11 as of this morning....


15.00

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jessica Simpson Women's Jeko Flat 51% Off at Endless Endless.com
Jessica Simpson Women's Jeko Flat 51% Off at Endless
Flat sandals can be worn with just about anything in your summer wardrobe. Have fun in the sun with this Jessica Simpson Women's Jeko Flat, marked down to $33.88 from $68.95 at Endless.com. This pretty flat sandal features a thong style and buckled slingback. Sparkling stud accents give this flat a glamorous edge, while the lightly cushioned footbed and 1/2-inch heel make sure that you will stay comfortable all day long. ...

$ 33.88

 Sometimes, there are those deals that just require you to move fast!  Hope you catch one or two of these, I'm going for the Target dress myself!!! ;)
~Bridget

Friday, August 6, 2010

Coupon Savings and Dollars off!

It is a new month and time to print your coupons from the Coupons.com website. Remember to hit the BACK button on your browser to print your coupons TWICE.  Great idea for families that go through boxes of cereal each week and other consumables.  Stock them up!
Below are some of the coupons you might want to take advantage of NOW…..


* Save $3.00 on 2 TGIFridays Skillet Meals
* Save $1.00 on any 2 Libby’s Fruit Products
* Save $1.00 on any one Wisk Detergent
* Save $3.00 off any 2 Right Guard Total Defense 5
* Save $1.50 on Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entree
* Save $3.00 any one Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers (60 count or larger)
* Save $1.00 off 1 Half Gallon of 8th Continent Soymilk
Here are more….
* $1.00 off General Mills cereals
* $0.40 off Yoplait Yogurt
* $0.75 off MultiGrain Cheerios
* $1.00 off Totino’s Crisp Crust Party Pizza
* $0.55 off Trix
* $1.00 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
* $0.50 off Progresso
* $0.40 off Totino’s Rolls Snacks
* $0.75 off Muir Glen
* $0.50 off Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks
* $0.75 off Restaurant Favorites Dinner Kit
* $1.00 off ONE Cat’s Pride Cat Litter
* $0.50 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
* $0.50 off Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries
* $0.30 off Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits
* $1.00 off Green Giant Create a Meal!
* $0.50 off Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut Granola
* $0.40 off Pillsbury Sweet Rolls OR Grands!
* $0.55 off Cocoa Puffs
* $0.50 off YoPlus Yogurt
* $0.50 off Gardetto’s Snack Mix
* $1.00 off Yoplait Frozen Smoothie
* $0.50 off Nature Valley Granola Thins
* $0.50 off Fiber One Chewy Bars
* $0.75 off Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie
* $0.50 off Chex Mix OR Golden Grahams Treats
* $1.00 off Pillsbury Sweet Moments™
* $0.75 off Cascadian Farm
* $0.75 off Hamburger Helper
* $0.75 off Yoplait Go-GURT Yogurt
* $0.30 off Yoplait Greek Yogurt
* $1.00 off Good Earth™ Restaurant Favorites
* $0.40 off Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads
* $1.00 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookies
* $1.00 off AVEENO NOURISH+ Shampoo and Conditioner
* $0.50 off Yoplait Kids Yogurt
* $1.50 off AVEENO NOURISH+ STYLE Styling Product
* $0.50 off Bisquick Baking Mix
* $1.50 off Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée
* $0.75 off Wheaties or Wheaties Fuel
* $0.50 off Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt Multipacks
* $0.75 off LÄRABAR, JOCALAT or JamFrakas™ bars
* $1.00 off any CORTAID Product
* $0.75 off Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit


~Bridget

Huge Discount at HOT TOPIC until August 28th

 
Special Offer: Save 25% Off Orders of $60 or More at Hot Topic

SALE  

Special Offer: Save 25% Off Orders of $60 or More at Hot Topic

From now until August 28, save 25% off purchases of $60 or more. Shop now for the best selection on fall must-haves like trendy tops, licensed character apparel, punk-inspired accessories and much more! And don't miss their Back-to-School section where you'll find everything you need to start the new year off on the right foot like backpacks and paper goods. To receive 25% off discount, use coupon code: HTAGET25AUG. Get everything you need at Hot Topic and shop today!  They have cute rock band tee's and back-to-school backpacks like a hooded skunk or a shark that little ones love!!
Get this deal @ Hot Topic
~Bridget

Thursday, July 29, 2010

FREE Movies!

For those of you who live in the San Diego area, there is a great FREE movie promotion going on at the Regal movie theaters on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. ~ all summer long!

Each week, there are two rated G and two rated PG theaters open to parents and children for FREE!
Seating gets pretty filled up so plan on arriving about 9:30 for good seats.
Free Family Film Festival                                 
Check it out at: http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx
You can enter your state to find participating theaters!  See you at the FREE movies!

~Bridget

Delicious Gluten-Free Pancakes

 Try this recipe topped with some sprinkled powdered sugar using the fun gadget below one morning and see the smiles on your kids' faces! :)  This one is with fresh blueberries from our Farmer's Market here in Carlsbad.
 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 3 tablespoons tapioca flour
  • 1/3 cup potato starch
  • 4 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
  • 1 packet sugar substitute or one tsp. Splenda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 2 eggs (You can also use 4 egg whites)
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 cups water

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix or sift together the rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, dry buttermilk powder, sugar substitute, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum. Stir in eggs, water, and oil until well blended and few lumps remain.  Fold in any additional additives like fresh blueberries, raspberries, banana slices or even chocolate chips!
  2. Heat a large, well-oiled skillet or griddle over medium high heat. Spoon batter onto skillet and cook until bubbles begin to form. Flip, and continue cooking until golden brown on bottom. Serve immediately with toppings of your choice.  Mmmm...enjoy!.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 147 | Total Fat: 5.8g | Cholesterol: 37mg


~Bridget

No Frosting? No Problem!

 I have finally discovered the answer to my family's sweet tooth...and it is this powdered sugar sprinkler.  Everyone has different preferences, my husband and oldest son do not like "sugary frosting" while my youngest son and I do like something sweet on top of our cakes...and this satisfies all of us.  The boys love sprinkling this on top of brownies and adding cinnamon to sprinkle on top of waffles and pancakes for a rare weekend treat.  We have used this with stencils for a more polished look as well.  Every kitchen needs one (or two) of these!  I even dropped a link to check it out!


~Bridget

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

This morning my son asked for blueberry muffins and after trying many different gluten and wheat-free recipes, we finally found one that tasted like what my son likes to call, "Regular" muffins.  This is worth trying if your family is trying to adhere to a gluten and/or wheat-free diet:




Gluten-free Blueberry Muffins - <i>Stella 
Walsh</i>
Gluten-free Blueberry Muffins - Stella Walsh
Even if you suffer from a gluten allergy, you can still enjoy the yummy taste of blueberries with this nutritious gluten-free blueberry muffin recipe.
Some people with a gluten allergy mistakenly think that they can no longer enjoy foods such as muffins, cookies and bread. This is not the reality.
There are many gluten-free products available, including gluten-free flour that you can use to mix your own combinations. This flour can be stored or frozen to use later. The ready-made baked goods tend to contain a lot of white starch and are generally not as nutritious as something you make yourself.
By making gluten-free foods yourself, you can also reap the value of ingredients such as tasty blueberries, which provide numerous health benefits.
The gluten-free blueberry muffins from this recipe freeze well. You can make a couple of batches and keep them in the freezer as a time-saver. The recipe itself is simple and not time consuming.

Gluten-free Blueberry Muffin Recipe

Grease 12 medium muffin cups.
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Dry Ingredients

Don't let a gluten allergy stop you from baking gluten-free foods. You can prepare your own gluten-free flour, using xanthan gum or guar gum to replace the gluten.
Sift together:
  • 2 cups gluten-free flour (preferably whole-grain gluten-free flour)
  • 1 tsp guar gum or xanthan gum (if not using a pre-packaged mix that includes it)
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
  • 3 and 1/2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (regular or sea salt)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (increase to 1/2 cup for a sweeter dessert muffin)
Wet Ingredients
Beat together:
  • 1 egg
  • 1 and 1/4 cup milk (or rice milk)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (or a preferred lighter tasting oil)
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir only until combined. Batter will be lumpy.
  • Fold in 1 cup of blueberries. (Frozen will work. Let the frozen ones sit on the counter while you are preparing the other ingredients. Fresh are lovely in season.)
Fill muffin cups two thirds full. Slightly more for paper cups. Bake for 20 minutes.
You may need to adjust the temperature and time for your own oven.

Gluten-free for Children

If you have a child with a gluten allergy, it can sometimes be difficult to find healthy gluten-free treats and snacks. These gluten-free blueberry muffins can be baked in mini-muffin cups as well. Just reduce the baking time to about 13-15 minutes. Children like the bite-size portions.
These gluten-free muffins are also a simple baking project to do with the kids. After all, if they have a gluten allergy, they will need to learn to bake and cook some of their food themselves.
For other healthy gluten-free muffin recipes see Gluten-free Banana Muffins and Gluten-free Carrot Muffins.
© 2008 Stella Walsh


Saturday, July 17, 2010

Alphabetized Printable Coupons

 Here is a great site to bookmark and visit often, there are countless coupons listed alphabetically so you can match your shopping list up and print these out!  $tart $aving!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Free Wendy's Frosties for a Year!!!

Free Wendys Frosties for a Year (US)

  • Free Wendys Frosties for a YearReports are coming in that this is available again this year!

    Did you know you can enjoy free Wendy’s Junior Frosties all year long?

    All you have to do is donate $1.00 to the Dave Thomas Foundation or other charities the next time you are at Wendy’s and get a free keychain pass that will get you one (1) free Junior Frosty for each visit (with purchase) you make to Wendy’s for the rest of the year.

    Wendy's has been a long-time supporter of foster care adoption initiatives. Proceeds are benefiting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its signature program, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, through Aid to Adoption of Special Kids.

    This has been confirmed in the following states: MD, PA, VA, IL, AZ, DE, GA, IN, NC, TN, DC, SC, OH. You need to ask at your local Wendy's - this list does not include every state that is participating.

    Can you confirm that your state is offering this as well?
    Anyone seen this in a Canadian Wendy's?

    Click to find a location near you

    Offer valid in: US freebie

    - This freebie posted July 16, 2010 -

    - freebie found by Elissa Lucas, posted to Facebook -