2 for 1 ski passes SNOWBASIN

I have 2 ticket vouchers that are buy 1 get 1 free.  They expire 12/18/2011 and I am not going to be able to use them.  If you would like one or both of them be the first to email me at m_snow61@hotmail.com and they are yours.  Please place in the subject line "Snowbasin Ticket Vouchers"

Soup

For dinner I was going to use the last of the Thanksgiving turkey meat I had in the freezer.  Adam, my 16 year old son, saw the turkey meat and said, "ENOUGH TURKEY! I'm making dinner."  And did he ever.  It was a simple yet delicous soup that he served with bacci rolls. 

Adam's Soup
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 zucchini squash, sliced
2/3 cup cubed butternut squash, pre cooked
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish
3 slices red cabbage, chopped

Direction-
Adam just threw all of the ingredients in a pot and cooked until the celery and yellow squash were tender.  Just before serving he garnished with the red cabbage.

Cold Weather Scarf

I am putting on my scarf and a woman walks up to me and asks, "How'd you do that?"  I say, "Do what?"  "Put your scarf on that way."  "What?"  "I wrap mine around my neck and you made a knot thing.  How'd you do that?"  I was stunned that she had never put her scarf around her neck the way I do. So here is a post on placing a scarf around your neck, just in case anyone out there doesn't know how to do it my way either.

Step 1- Fold your scarf in half long ways.

Step 2- Drape the scarf around your neck.
Step 3- Take the end without the loop and put it through the looped end.

Step 4 - Tighten and arrange so it is to your liking.

Caption Winner, JANELLEN P.!

Mom! If you have to wear shoes when you dive then maybe you should wear something more practical like pumps instead of sandals…. That way you can look good and do some spearfishing too!!!

A big thank you to all who participated!  The Queen of Common Cents should be released the first of January.  Janellen, I'll send out your copy as soon as it arrives :)

Amazing Alaskan Air

Check out Alaska Air for some amazing $40.00 fares through out the U.S. 
Hurry because the flight must be booked by December 5th!

Unbelievable service

I don't eat a lot of fast food; but when I do I want my fries to be hot, crispy, with just the right amount of salt.  Today Rachel and I went to McDonald's, I was dying for a Big Mac, fries and a coke.  After I ordered I told the cashier that I had a strange request.  She leaned forward and I whispered, " I rarely eat fast food and I really need my fries to be the best ever made."  Now here comes the unbelievable part, another worker actually brought some fries for me to sample to see if they were to my liking before handing me my order.  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!   I was stunned.  By the way, my fast food tasted like manna from heaven!

Games for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Every other year we host Thanksgiving at our home.  We eat, play games and laughing until our cheeks hurt.  Some of the games we play are active and others are more sedentary. Some involve skill and others just luck.

I try to mix it up so everyone has a great time regardless of their skills or age.  I also make sure that everyone leaves with a prize.  This may seem difficult but what I do is play the left right game.  Rachel makes up the story and I buy lots of inexpensive prizes and wrap them up.  It's fun to watch our extended family check out the prizes before the game and then try and figure out where to sit so they can keep their selected prize after all of the passing happens.

Here are a few other games we play:

#1. Turkey shoot.  I dress up in a turkey costume and strut across the cul de sac as everyone gets a chance to shoot me with a dollar store bow and arrow.  The deer hunters in our family really get excited over this one.  Surprisingly, the hunters don't always win.  Not surprisingly they ask if they can bring their cross bow next year.  If you do this one make sure you provide the bow and arrow ;) and wear protective eye glasses; you don't want to shoot out an eye!

#2. Another fun game is turkey bowling.  I set up children's bowling pins and we bowl with a frozen chicken down our drive way.  I started using a chicken because Great Grandma couldn't handle a 12 pound turkey.  Great fun.

#3.  We also hang donuts from strings and race to eat them without hands.  The grand children really get a kick out of seeing Grandma and Great Grandma with glaze all over their faces.

#4.  Then there is the drop the candy corn into a narrow necked bottle.  Each participant gets a try at dropping 25 candy corn into a narrow necked bottle while kneeling on the seat of a chair.  They must rest their arm on the top of the chair so that all have an equal distance from the bottle.  Whomever gets the most corn in the bottle wins the prize.  When my children and nieces were small we used a wide mouth mason jar for them.

#4. This year for our sedentary game we are going to have people write a caption for some of the funny family photos I have.  This is a great game because our extended family reminisces over the photos, people like to be creative, and let's face it, who doesn't like laughing at themselves?  Everyone submits their caption for each photo and I quickly type them up.  Next we vote on the captions. The person with the most votes for their caption wins.  Here's an example of a funny family photo we will be using.  This is our son Tyler.

Email me your caption for this photo and if selected you will win a copy of my latest book, The Queen of Common Cents: 1001 ways to Save Money and Time.  Email entries to m_snow61@hotmail.com  Entries must be received by November 30, 2011.  Winner will be announced on December 1, 2011

A true story and a yummy recipe can be yours if you check out my latest Deseret Newspaper article

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394723/What-to-serve-when-Daddy-comes-to-town-Pound-cake-of-course.html

You never think it is going to happen to you...and then it does.

This morning I checked my bank account like I do every Monday morning and much to my surprise there were charges which were not ours!  So how am I spending my day?  Signing affidavits, making many phone calls, visiting the credit union to getting new cards.  Not only has someone tried to rob me of my finances but they also have robbed me of my day of skiing!

I once saw a bumper sticker that read, "Evil people suck!"  Today I think it should read, "Credit card thieves suck time, resources, tax payers money, and perfectly good skiing days!"

Post Thanksgiving Meal

I cook a turkey about 2-3 times a year.  Part of the left-overs always turns into turkey pillows.  And one of the ingredients for the turkey pillows entree is crescent roll dough.  This weeks add for Associated Food Stores includes a coupon for crescent roll dough, 2 for $3.00.  Here's an extra savings hint, look on the end of some of the rolls of dough, here and there, you will find a 0.55 cent off coupon if you buy 3 or more packages.

Recipe for turkey pillows:
1 package crescent roll dough
1-8 oz. package cream cheese
and then any mix-ins of your choice.  We really like chopped left over turkey, chopped water chestnuts, celery, and green onion.
Once the mix-ins are mixed into the cream cheese, place a dollop of the mixture on the wide end of the individual crescent roll dough triangle and roll up. When you are finished making your turkey pillows place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees until dough is golden brown, about 20 minutes.  I typically serve turkey rolls with a green salad and green beans sauteed in balsamic vinegar and garlic.  Yum!

So now you know what we will be eating a day or two after Thanksgiving; oh, and if Trent has his way a slice or two of pumpkin pie ;)

Free concert tonight!

Tonight Weber State's School of Music will present two honors string quartets featuring pieces from Beethoven, Mozart, Myagi and Morandi.
Time- 7:30 p.m.
 Place: Dumke Recital Hall,  1375 E. President's Circle, Salt Lake City

See you there!

A clean and easy way to dice an avocado

The other day I was dicing an avocado in front of some guests and the women marveled at my technique.  They said it was clean, fast and easy.  Some even said that they don't eat avocados because of the hassel factor.  I was stunned. I thought everyone diced an avocado the way I do it; but, apparently these ladies do not.

Step 1- Slice the avocado in half.  Twist the two halves a quarter of a turn and lift.  The pit will be in one half and the other half will look like the picture below.

Step 2- Stick the pit with a knife and pluck it out.  Be careful, I have flung a stubborn avocado pit across my kitchen a time or two.  It's kind of fun when this happens because the family livens up a bit when the pit smacks against the pantry doors.



Step 3- Slice the avocado flesh vertically and horizontally.

Step 4- Take a soup spoon and slide the edge between the flesh and the avocado skin.



Step 5- Scoop the flesh following the contour of the skin.

Step 6- When done properly you will have little or no flesh adhered to the skin of the avocado.

A Thanksgiving Tradition for Kids!

For years while the adults were busy making Thanksgiving dinner the children were busy making cute little turkey favors.  This has been a tradition for years.  One year I thought the kids, who were now teenagers, had had enough of making their annual turkey favors.  I WAS WRONG!  My nieces threw a fit and wanted to know where the turkey making fixings were.  I explained I thought they had out grown that activity.  They said okay; but, I felt their disappointment.

This Thanksgiving all of our family will be able to make it to our home, even our adult children, nieces, and a fiance will be here!  So as I thought about all of the fun things we did over the years I knew we had to make the famous turkey favors!  These are simple little favors that even toddlers can make.

Here's how you make one turkey.
Ingredients-
2 Oreo cookies
5 candy corn
1 malt ball
Chocolate frosting

Step 1:  Place a glob of frosting on the back section of a cookie.  Carefully place the other cookie in the glob of frosting so that the cookie is perpendicular to the bottom cookie.

Step 2- Spread frosting on one of the cookies and arrange candy corn on the frosting.  This will be the turkey's tail feathers.

Step 3- Right the cookie and place a glob of frosting to towards the front of the undecorated cookie.  Place the malt ball in the frosting.

Step 4- Break off the white portion of the remaining candy corn.  Dip the broken off edge of the candy corn in some frosting and place it on the malt ball.  This is the turkey's beak.

    

This newspaper article features some of my childhood memories as well as some delicious homemade ice cream recipes.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394096/Eating-homemade-ice-cream-with-wildebeests-on-Sunday-nights.html

Every where I go there are help wanted signs

Last night I ran to Fedex printing, it use to be the kinko's store in Layton, HELP WANTED.  Then
I ran to JC Penney's, HELP WANTED.  Then off to Macey's Department Store, HELP WANTED.
On the way to my car I walk by Belle Pierre make up and you guessed it, HELP WANTED.
And the list goes on and on.  I am even seeing signs in grocery stores, convenience stores and even home building stores.  So if your high school or college aged children are in need of a job, they should certainly be able to find one.  Seeing all of these help wanted signs actually gives me hope in our economy.

News on the chicken front,  my hen has started abusing the chicks.  Had to separate her.  I am now using a  coop lined with bales of straw with a 250 watt heat lamp.  I hope they are old enough for this to work through the harsh weather that lies ahead.  I'll keep you posted.

Coming soon, The Queen of Common Cents E-Store!

As a profesional courtesy I have only had my books available through major book stores; however, enough time as passed and I have decided to sell my books and a few other things that catch my eye on my website.  My books will still be available through major book store as well as on-line distributors such as Amazon.

More details will be forth coming.

Jobs

Ogden readers the Newgate Malll is loaded with help wanted signs as is Honey Baked Hams.

Free Dates

I went and got my hair cut a few days ago and a newly wed asked me if I knew of any free dates she could go on with her sweetheart.
Here's a list of free Friday concerts at the Kaysville Tabernacle.  All concerts begin at 7:30 and are open to the public.
Nov. 11th
Dec. 9th
Jan. 20th
March 9th
April 6th
May 11th

Here's something else that sounds fun.  Layton High School will be hosting a nativity candle walk starting at their auditorium and heading over to a live nativity.  The program begins at 6 p.m.  And of course it is free!

Interesting tire facts from Jeep

UNDER INFLATED TIRES

1. Increase the risk of a blow out.
2. Decrease your handling and traction.
3. Decrease the life of your tires.
4. Decrease your gas mileage:

Here's some other interesting facts-

1. Underinflated tires decrease gas mileage by 1-2 mpg
2. A dirty air filter decrease gas mileage by 2 mpg
3. Worn spark plugs decrease gas mileage by 2 mpg
4. Worn oxygen sensor decreases gas mileage by 3 mpg
5. Dirty oil reduces gas mileage by 0.4 mpg (I thought this one would be higher)
6. Loose gas cap reduces gas mileage by 2.0 mpg (Hum, I never thought about that one.)

About two weeks ago we picked our green tomatoes. Here's what they look like now,

 

My experiences with green tomatoes:

1. Pick your green tomatoes before the first frost or snow storm, which ever comes first.
2. Pick all tomatoes that are at least medium sized. 
3. Small underdeveloped tomatoes will not be juicy enough and typically shrivel up.
4. Green tomatoes with a blush of color ripen the best.
5. Green tomatoes that ripen have less flavor and are not as juicy vine ripened.
6. I have never had good luck with green cherry tomatoes.
7. Any tomatoes with soft spots or blemishes will develop mold.  I know it is difficult; but, throw them in your compost pile!
8. Store your green tomaotes in a cool place.
9. Place green tomatoes on sheets of newspaper or in a cardboard box covered with newspapers.  I usually cover with at least 3-4 sheets.
10. You want to use newspaper because I have been told that the ink has antibacteria/fungal/yeast etc. properties which reduce spoilage. (I haven't researched the ink properties but it is what I do anyway, because my grandma said too.)
11. Check tomatoes every couple of weeks for ripe, moldy, or shriveled ones.
12. After removing tomatoes be sure to cover them up with the newspapers so the ripening gases will not escape and they can do their job!
13. The longest I have had shelf ripened green tomatoes was the second week of December.
14. Here's a simple recipe for fried green tomatoes- Whisk eggs and milk together. On a plate mix corn meal and flour together; about a handful of each works well.  Salt and pepper to taste. Dip thickly sliced green tomatoes in egg mixture then dredge in flour mixture and fry in butter.  Sweet chili sauce and ranch dressing make nice condiments!

For some odd reason...

I can't respond to comments on my blog!

 A follower, named Bell, sent me a very good link which lists many places to get free items. 

Bell said...

This seems up your alley. Check this website out!

  http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-places-find-free-clothes-online-naked/

If I were you I would do what Bell said, and check it out!

A simple yet brillant idea!

I was sent this link from my good friend, Christy!

http://arlinghaus.typepad.com/blog/2011/10/keeping-track-of-the-freezer.html

Red Tinged Cheese Frustrates Reader!

Have you ever made a lasagna the night before or a frozen lasagna and had your cheese pick up the color of the spaghetti saucee?

If so, you are not alone.  Here's what I do do prevent this not so appetizing phenomenon from happening.

*A lasagna made the night before-  Top with cheese just before placing in oven to bake.

*Frozen lasagna- I put my cheese on after the lasagna is frozen and put it back in the freezer again.

It also helps if you use coarser grated cheese rather than ultra fine or "fancy".

Check out my latest news article it has two quick and delicious recipes!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705393650/Ravioli-a-blackberry-pie-and-sweet-rewards.html

Challenge for the Bag Lady, create a teenage party bag meal

Recently, I was asked to come up with a bag meal recipe for a teenage party. I asked if it had to be nutritious or if it could just be a typical American teenage diet of high sugar, high fat, high preservatives and of course who can forget, high salt.  They said, "Skip nutrition! This is something my teenager wants."  Okay...here's what I came up with.  I even taste tested it on my teenager and he liked it. 

Place the following in your bag:
1 pint home canned ground beef
1-14.5 oz. can chili beans in western style sauce
1- jar of Frito brand nacho cheese dip
1- bag tortilla chips
1- bag of Sour patch kids, mini candy bars etc.
4- Sodas
Place as many cans of your teenager's favorite soda into the bag as will fit, I could fit four.  The problem was the chips.  I couldn't get everything in the bag including the chips so I just sat the bag of chips on top of the bag.  So I guess it becomes a two handed bag meal!?!

All I did for the nachos was heat the ground beef, chili beans including sauce and nacho cheese dip in a pot.  Once the mixture was hot I spooned the nacho sauce over the tortilla chips. 

Top the nachos with chopped tomatoes, black olives, lettuce, sour cream and avocado if you happen to have some in your fridge.

4 Easy Steps for Pasteurizing Milk

1. Slowly heat milk to 145 degrees.
2. Stirring frequently so it will not scorch.
3. Hold temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Rapidly cool milk in an ice water bath.

Odds and Ends

• L.L. Bean is offering free shipping and a $10.00 gift card on orders of $50.00 or more.
• Halmark in the Layton Hills mall is hiring.
• Jo-ann's Fabric free shipping code for orders $40.00 or more. Expires today! Promo code:BCT350
• Also, I have one "Friend" Coupon for Jo-ann's Fabric for 25% off any in store purchase; Nov. 4-6.  Let me know if you need it by messaging me on Facebook.

Never buy spinach seed again

When my spinach bolts I don't pull it out.  It's not because I am lazy or too busy; it's because I want my spinach to re-seed itself.  I haven't bought spinach seed for several years. 

Here's what I do and don't do.
Do's:  Leave your spinach alone after it bolts. 
Don'ts:  Don't water it.  Don't pull it up. Don't fertilize it. Just leave it alone.  Pretty easy.

The spinach plants will turn brown, dry and brittle.

In the fall you will happen to walk by you spinach patch and see this!

And now you know why I have spinach as soon as the snow melts in the spring.

You may be wondering if the cold weather kills or damages the spinach.  It doesn't.  The spiniach just peacefully grows under the snow.  Pretty easy and amazing, if you ask me.

Do you use Epionce, Skinceuticals, or Skinmedica products?

With the price of their products you really need a promo code.

So here you go! 

 20% off promo codes that can be used at Apothica.com

SKINMEDICA202011

EPIONCE202011

SKINCEUT202011

Attn-Kaysville friends,
Walgreens has marked down their entire selection of Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Make-up from $13.99 to $3.29 a tube.  There were several dark tubes, a fair selection of medium and very few light shades.

Time to pick Concord Grapes!

I pick my concord grapes after the first frost.  You may be like me, swamped with projects.  This translates to not time for grape jelly from my juice. 
Here's what I do during time crunches, I just juice my grapes and immediately process in a water bath.  Hopfully things will slow down and I will be able to find time to make grape jelly in the months to come...we'll see.  If not, the family will enjoy a lot of grape juice for breakfast.

Need Something Free and Fun to Do with Your Little Ones?

Go to the Salt Lake City Main Library on Friday from 7- 8 pm  for

Haunted Library: Night of the Living Books

Celebrate Halloween at The City Library with a spooktacular after-hours event. Hosted by the Phantom of the Library, this family-friendly event is sure to tickle your funny bone and send tingles down your spine. Full of bone-chilling activities, crafts, and other not-too-spooky fun, this program will feature special appearances by the Ghost of Granny (of Grandma’s Attic fame) and other favorite book characters, living and dead. Come dressed in costume for trick-or-treating and ghostly good times! Enter the Children’s Library from the cement stairs in the Library Square Amphitheater.

 

Where I stay when I travel...

Kimpton Hotels!  (No, I am not paid by Kimpton.  In fact, none of my blog postings are sponsored.) Anyway, if you like Kimptons or if you want to try out a Kimpton Hotel near you here's a great deal.  This is their once a year sale; every hotel room is drastically reduced starting price is $99.00, that's about 66% off the normal best rate.

• Starting price $99.00 a night
• Must book before October 30th
• Good for hotel weekend bookings through January 31, 2012

Want another secret tip?  If you decide to dine at a Kimpton Restaurant say, "nutmeg" and you will receive a complimentary appetizer.  Trent and I like Kimpton Restaurant food and you may too!

Assorted Deals

• PBS- 20% off entire site.  Use promo code:FF20.  www.pbs.org
• JC PEnney's catalog get 15% off any order or 20% off an order or $100.00 or more and free shipping if order is $69.00 or more with promo code:BIGSHOUT  (Sale hours are 11-4pm)
• Need a domain?  Go Daddy is offering 30% off with promo code: gdz179bx   www: godaddy.com
• The Board House is offering a fun deal for your snowboarders, any purchase of Rome products automatically enters you for free equipment!  Contest ends 12/25/11

Any size comforter cleaned for $19.99

East Gate Dry Cleaning in Kaysville.

An Important Reminder!

The Strengthening the Family Symposium will be held this weekend, October 28-29, at the Provo Marriott Hotel. See http://www.studentsforthefamily.org/ for full details on the speakers, schedule, and tickets.
This years event includes over 20 student presenters. Professional presenters include
-Lloyd D. Newell, P.h.D-the voice of music and the spoken word
-Dr. Donald Hilton, M.D.-Neurosurgeon
-Marcia Barlow, MPA-Vice President of International Programs, United Families International

Topics of discussion will include but are not limited to dating, parenting, same-sex marriage, and the effect of pornography on the brain.

Preregistration and tickets are available online through Wednesday, October 26. There is a discount available for students, if you enter "student" in the promo code box, you can get a ticket for $8 instead of $12. Otherwise tickets are available at the door.

Frozen Lemonaide

Last night Adam asked if I knew how to make Thelma's Frozen Lemonaide; I told him I had never tried but I would give it a whirl.
Here's what I did-

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup white sugar
4 1/2 -5 cups water (Depending on how strong of a flavor you would like)
And enough ice to make the mixture slushy, about 2 large handfuls
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix until slushy.  The reason why I don't know exactly how much water is I started with 4 cups and everyone thought it was too concentrated so I added some water and forgot to measure how much I added.

Everyone enjoyed Michelle's Frozen Lemonaide.  Give it a try and make Lora's Frozen Lemonaide or Chirsty's Frozen Lemonaide, or Nancy's Frozen Lemonaide... you get the picture!

More Jobs!

• Honey Baked Ham
• McDonald's

Both hiring at the University Parkway location in Orem, Utah

•  Domo is hiring (Utah County)
• Zumiez (A snowboard and skate shop) has many positions available throughout the US.  Check out their website- www.zumiez.com

•  Macy's department stores are hiring for seasonal help.

• Many stores in the mall are now hiring for the Christmas holidays!

• I couldn't believe the number of schools I hear of that are in need of teachers and substitute teachers and bus drivers as well as cafeteria help.  If you need a little pocket money I would certainly check out your school district's website and apply!   That's what my daughter did while working her way through college.  She really liked being a substitute teacher and you may too!

Free Activity

Want to learn how Hale Center Theatre creates their theater in the round magic?

Participate in a free backstage tour!

Free backstage tours are offered the first Wednesday of every month from noon-1 p.m. 

Call 801-984-9000 to reserve your seat.

Today is a day for deals!

1. Buy Costumes- Everything is 20% off.  Website: www.buycostumes.com
2. Woolrich- 25% off sale with promo code: F11SS25.  Website: www.woolrich.com
3. L.L.Bean is offering 20% off goose down outerwear for men and women.  Website: www.llbean.com And as always free shipping.
4. Shoes.com is offering store wide discount promocode: TAKE15.  Website: Shoes.com And as always free shipping.
5. Bath & Body Works is offering antibacterial soaps 4 for $15 and 6 for $20 and for $1.00 shipping on all orders of $25.00 or more use promocode: HOLIDAY25.  Website: bathandbodyworks.com
6. PBS is offering 2 for $25.00 on select NOVA DVDs.  www.pbs.org
7. For more daily deals be sure to check out my Queen of Common Cents Facebook page!

Ever need delicious store bought muffins?

Yesterday I needed store bought muffins for a meeting.  I happened to meet Trent for lunch at Cafe Rio and in the same strip mall was a Mimi's restaurant.  To save time I popped in to see if they could beat grocery store  and Sam's Club prices.  Mimi's has extremely large and tasty muffins.  The price for a single muffin is $1.99; unless you buy a dozen then the price drops in half to $12.95.  So next time you need some yummy store bought muffins at a good price, think Mimi's!

Four things this picture represents...

3 year old shampoo containers

The first thing this picture represents is... hygiene needs!
Back in 2009, I decided I wanted to try and build a year supply of toiletries. Well, in order to do that I needed to know how many bottles of shampoo my family uses in a year.  So I whipped out my felt tip marker and when I opened a new bottle of something, shampoo, dish washing detergent, washing machine detergent etc, I would write the date on the container.  After the container was empty I took note of the opening date and the date the container was empty and calculated how many I would need for a year's supply. 

The second thing this picture represents is...recycling!
What I did next was find a salon that offered refills.  Not only do I save a little money per ounce but I also save a little space at the local land fill.

The third thing this picture represents is...guilt!
After three years the plastic in this bottle is as flexible as it was when I first bought it.  It has not oxidized, it has not become brittle, and by no means has is become noticeably more decomposed.  Hum, plastic really is a problem for the environment.

The fourth thing this picture represents is...a need!
I wish Tide or Cheer or Cascade dish detergent came in refillable biodegradable containers.  Or perhaps a grocery store should offer a refilling service of our cleaning product containers like the salon does my shampoo bottles.  Or maybe manufacturers should begin manufacturing our hygiene and cleaning products in old fashioned cardboard wax lined containers that our milk use to come in.  One mulit-use plastic pumping spout sure beats an entire 120 ounce plastic container of washing machine detergent.

So this is what I am going to do later on, I am going to call corporate headquarters of my favorite products, and make a few suggestions!  I'll let you know what they say in a future post.

FREE BASKIN ROBBINS ICE CREAM FOR A YEAR!

It's time for Baskin Robbins annual flavor contest!  Gather the family and create the next Baskin Robbins favorite flavor! 
The prizes include, ice cream for a year, a trip to Boston, and the opportunity to actually create your flavor at Baskin Robbins headquarters.  Below is  the web address:

http://baskinrobbins.com/flavorcontest/flavorcreator.aspx?cmpid=flavorcontest_panel_homepage

Peanut Problems

Home-made wheat bread, peanut butter and home-made raspberry freezer jam!

I heard yesterday that the U.S. peanut crop has been hit hard, by the weather and with disease, resulting in a poor harvest. I translate this news to mean higher peanut butter prices and higher prices for anything that contains peanuts.  You might want to consider adding a few extra jars of peanut butter to your grocery cart over the next few weeks before the price increases.  Remember to check your expiration dates so you have time to eat the peanut butter before the jars expire.

And as always, "Eat what you store and store what you eat!"

Free ski/snowboard rental passes

Adam doing a trick on the slopes of Mt. Hood this summer

I received 2 free ski/snowboard equipment rental passes from a local business, here in Utah.  There are restrictions as to the days of the week they can be used.  I don't see a "Non-transferable " clause so I am assuming they are transferable.  If you would like to try and use them the first person to message me on Facebook can have them.

Chick Talk

Rachel, Adam and Grandma V. loving the Gold Sex Linked hen chicks

Did you know you can make a chicken go broody?  I didn't until I was faced with a difficult situation.  As many of you know, a few days ago I received my order of 1 day old chicks.  I was very excited; however, this is the wrong time of the year to raise chicks.  My chick order was 8 weeks back ordered.  What to do?  Well, I thought I would attempt to make one of our 4 hens go broody (Broody is a slang term for a hen that is setting on eggs, fertile or not.)

I bought a dozen eggs and placed them in the nesting box.  I then waited, said prayers, and in 4 days one of my hens took on the responsibility of hatching those eggs.  Yes, she went broody!  Two days later the chicks arrived in the mail.

Here's what I did next, I separated the other hens from the broody one (Chickens are highly territorial and often times kill other hen's chicks)  Next, in the middle of the night I slipped the eggs out from under her and replaced them with chicks.  Viola!  I should mention that I also have a heat lamp in the coop and of course a chick feeder and waterer. 

P.S. Once the chicks are with the hen you must leave them alone or the hen may reject the chicks.

Rachel and Grandma V. getting some chickie love before being tucked under the hen.

Employment Opportunities

• JC Penney
• Macy's
• Tuesday Morning

NOW is the time to buy winter squash

Winter squash stored on wood boards in a cool place will last for 5-6 months!

Every fall, after we harvest our winter squash, I calculate how many more I will need to get us through the winter.  This year I need 20. As you have probably guessed, I eat squash several times a week. To store winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, carnival, spaghetti, hubbard, turbin, buttercup, banana etc., all you need to do is place wood boards in on the cement in your cold storage room, for us this is a 16 x 4 foot space in our basement under our front porch, and put the squash on top of the boards.  Do not cover the squash. 

Our squash last through the winter until March or April.  Any squash that is beginning to change in texture I cook up and freeze so that we don't waste.  Remember, store what you eat and eat what you store and you will save money, time, and effort!

Winter squash is on sale this week for 0.69 cents a pound at most associated food grocery stores. In 2010, the lowest price for winter squash was 0.69 cents a pound.  I am speculating that this will be the lowest price of the season.  Yesterday I bought 20 squash and they were beautiful and locally grown.

For my Kaysville followers, in the above picture you will see a 25 pound bag of onions next to the squash.  Bowman's has 25 pounds of yellow onions for $3.99!  $3.99 is the price I recently paid for 3 pounds of onions.  These are locally grown onions, they are small but regardless of their size, they are worth it for the price and flavor!  I buy them every year and they hold up well in my cold storage room.

Also, yesterday at the Harmons in Farmington they had the most beautiful, plump, and fully dressed roaster chickens for 0.99 cents a pound.  It was a managers special and they looked like mini turkeys!  I have enough chickens in my freezer so I didn't buy any; however, it was tempting to say the least.

Thinking outside the box for discount coupons

Just the other day we went to the doctor and he prescribed some medications, one of which was Advair, which is on the pricier side. Guess what I did? I asked my physician if the drug representatives had left him any discount coupons.


Why did I do that? Because in the past drug representatives would leave discount coupons with pharmacists; but, unfortunately that practice is dwindling; therefore, I speculated that the discount coupons must now reside with physicians. Sure enough, that's what's going on!


My physician gave me a fabulous discount coupon that reduced the price of the Advair by $50.00 and to top it off it was a revolving discount that would reduce all refills through December 31st by $50.00!


We have very good insurance coverage, but even with good insurance my medications were going to cost over $72.00. After using the discount coupon I walked out paying only $22.58 for both an antibiotic and the inhaler!


Here's another suggestion-
Talk to your doctor and tell him your situation in life. For example, my daughter is without insurance and came down with a horrible sinus infection. The medicine was going to cost several hundred dollars. Being a poor college student she doesn't have extra hundreds of dollars lying around. We told her physician that she did not have medical insurance and he went into the back room and came out with enough free samples for her needed course of treatment.
Last suggestion-
If you are on any along term medications ask your physician if there are any new medications that will treat your condition and that are offering promotions or discount coupons. Why do drug companies do this? To boost sales! This is a common practice when new drugs come on the market, or when older drugs are losing sales.

Fabulous part time job opportunity with BENEFITS!

Rarely do part-time jobs come with benefits.  Here's one you won't want to pass up

Become and Nutritonal Education Assistant with USDA EFNEP

• 20 hours a week
• $9.65 per hour
• Benefited position

http://utahefnep.org/htm/job-opportunities/

Mostly Employment Opportunities

Restaurant Discounts-
GoDealGo is offering Pepperbellies restaurant vouchers for 50% off today.

Employment Opportunities-
Fresh Market in Kaysville is hiring courtesy clerks, high school students are welcome to apply.
Fresh Market in Kaysville is hiring bakery help 20-30 hours per week.
Zumiez in Layton Hills Mall is hiring.
United States Post Office is still accepting applications for data entry.
The Home Depot in Layton is hiring bi-lingual Spanish speaking employees.

Bath & Body Works On-line Sale

1. Buy 3, get 3 free signature collection body care
2. 4 for $15 or 6 for $20 antibacterial soap
3. Up to 50% off select items
4. Shipping $1.00 on purchases $25 or more with promo code: EVENT25

Great time to stock up on Christmas stocking stuffers or teachers gifts!

Need a good window cleaner? Check out my first newspaper article!

House cleaning- the never ending job!

http://desne.ws/nUdyDK

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn

You can obtain your free tickets to this fabulous concert by registering for random ticket selection beginning Saturday, Oct. 8, at 12:01 a.m. at lds.org and continue through Monday, October 17, 11:59 p.m. Those without Internet access can register by phone at 801-570-0080 or 1-866-LDS-TIKS Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click here for more details.

Home Canning Sale at Cal Ranch Stores

• 21 quart water bath canner $19.99
• 33 quart water bath canner $29.99
• 25% off all canning supplies

Today's Deals!

1. Fresh Market- Chicken thighs 0.79/pound!
2. 25% off sale shoes at www.shoes.com- Promo code: 25SALE
3. Go-Travel:Get a flight and 3 nights each in Venice, Florence, and Rome, breakfast, and train travel -- all from $999*. Valid select dates, November 1, 2011-March 31, 2012.    Must book by October 18th.  Promo code: TTIT6
4. LLBean: 10% off October 6th-10th on orders and as usual free shipping!

Buy 2 bottles get the 3rd bottle free

My children use DaVinci Gourmet syrups all year long, snow cones in the summer, hot chocolate in the winter and smoothies, frappes and unknown concoctions any time of the year.

Discount code: HP1011

www.davincigourmet.com

1,000,000 seats from 19'99€. with Vueling!

This deal is offered about once a year by Vueling.  I especially look forward to it if I am planning on a trip to Europe.  The price can't be beat if you are planning on country hopping,  When I am not planning a trip to Europe, all it does is make me Wish I were going to Europe.

www.vueling.com

Black peaches are the pits!

Over ripe and bruised fruit turns black when dried

I received a question regarding peaches turning black after drying.  The woman said she soaked her peaches in sweetened lemon juice; however. they turned black while drying them.  Why?  Because she either had fruit that was overly ripe or bruised.  The blackening is caused by natural enzymes.  Even soaking fruit in lemon juice will not halt over ripe fruit from turning black.  Also, if you are going to try to dry bruised fruit, for best results, cut away the bruised areas or they will turn black as well.

PBS program Prohibition

A Non-alcoholic cherry rickie

PBS is airing a new program titled Prohibition tonight.  PBS typically does a very nice job.  The time is 8/7 central.  Check your local listing for your time zone.

Single serving sizes taste better?

My son Adam had oral surgery yesterday and as such requires soft foods, gelatin, pudding, scrambles eggs, applesauce etc. When my children were little I had one child that insisted on home lunches.  About that time single serving Jell-O and pudding cups we on the grocery shelves.  I was not going to pay $3.99 for single serving Jell-O to go in her lunch when I could make up a box of Jello-O for $0.57.  So I made pudding and gelatin and poured it into my re-usable single serving plastic ware and all was good.

After all these years of putting gelatin in singles serving containers I should have known better, but I didn't and made up Adam's post surgery gelatin and pudding in large bowls.  You would have thought I committed blasphemy.  Everyone threw a fit when they saw what their horrible mother was attempting to do!  I actually had to re-pour the hot pudding and gelatin into single serving containers to prevent mutiny.  Crazy but true!

Why pay $3.99 when you can make your own single serving gelatin for $0.57?

Jobs!

Lately, I have had numerous people ask me to post when I see or hear of jobs in the community. 
This seems to be a beneficial endeavor and so, below are some job openings I came across while running my errands.

• Office Depot in Bountiful is hiring
• Macey's Department Store is hiring for seasonal help
• The post office is hiring data entry personnel
• The Home Depot is hiring bi-lingual employees

If you love deals and you love to cruise this website is for you

Vacations To Go!  They specialize in cruising. www.vacationstogo.com

Be sure to take a look at their unbelievably priced "Fast deals." 

Life should be lived!

Fishing in the Uintas with my Izzie Belle

Our family is always going and doing and one of my best resources for finding out what is going on in Utah is to check out www.utah.com  You will find maps, events, and even deals!  If you are not from Utah be sure to check out your home state website; I know you will be glad you did!

Grains

Probably the number one question I get asked at demonstrations is where do you buy your grains?  I am not loyal to any one store.  I price shop; however two stores which typically have the lowest prices on bulk grains are Leland Milling 801-318-5052 and Bountiful Nutrition 801-298-7076.  But whatever you do ALWAYS price check!

More Paris Deals

For those of you that took advantage of the Virgin Travel $979.00 deal this week you might want to check out Viator's Eiffel Tower tours.  They are 50% off!

When we went to Cancun we took many tours through Viator.  Here's an example of what we paid.  $58.00 for an all inclusive day at Xel Ha; others we spoke to paid $138.00!

  Check out www.viator.com  I always do!

Curing Squash

This weekend I was approached by a neighbor who politely asked why I had all of my squash lined up.  I told him I was curing my squash so they would last through the winter.  It was then that I discovered that this common knowledge might not be so common.  Here are some squash tips:

• Leave some of the stem on the squash and it will last longer
• Once squash has been cut place outside in moderate temperatures and free from moisture for two weeks.
• When storing squash in your basement place in mesh bags or on boards, never on cement.

Spaying micro-chipping at a fraction of the cost

Pickle Lilly a King Charles Cavalier

We decided it was time to spay and micro-chip our sweet little Pickle Lilly. I called around and prices for spaying, micro-chipping and vaccinations were close to $1200.00 at the high end and $600.00 at the lower end.  I couldn't believe it!  On my way to the grocery store I saw a store front sign that read, "Heartsong Spay and Neuter Clinic".  When I arrived home with my groceries I did a background check on the clinic and found out that there are Heartsong clinics throughout the country.

Being satisfied with what I had learned I called for a price check.  $25.00 for a micro-chip, $65.00 for the spaying and $10.00 for the vaccination.  I immediately made the appointment.  Much to my surprise there were no hidden fees.  The staff was friendly and professional.  Everything went smoothly!

If you are in the need of vet services consider Heartsong Spay and Neuter Clinics.

www.heartsongspayneuter.com

Paris is for lovers! Why not treat your valentine sweetheart to Paris?

Virgin Vacations has a trip to charming Paris that includes a flight, 6-night stay, and breakfast from $979. Travel select dates, November 3, 2011-March 22, 2012.

This is a deal and a half! 

Sometimes even a die hard Ute fan needs to acknowledge that Cougars are doing great things for the family!

My daughter is attending law school at BYU.  My husband graduated from BYU many years ago.  Our oldest son is studying computer science and linguistics at BYU; sometimes I feel a little picked on being the only Ute in our household.  I tell Trent that our intramarriage conflict has damaged some of our children.  Take the twins for example.  My favorite color is Ute red and my husband's favorite color is Cougar blue.  Where do our twins go to school?  Weber State.  What is Weber's color?  Purple, a color when red meets blue.  I rest my case!

Speaking of resting cases, BYU law students are hosting their annual Students for the Family Symposium, October 28th and 29th.  For more information and/or to register OR volunteer for the event, visit www.studentsforthefamily.org or email questions to sftfvolunteers@gmail.com

Please show your support for this wonderful event!

Be insurance wise when dealing with wisdom teeth

Fortunately for my biological children, I have pass along fairly straight teeth that develop few cavities.  Unfortunately, I have also passed along jaws that are too small to accomodate wisdom teeth.  About three weeks ago, Adam said he thought his wisdom teeth were coming in.  I told him to chew on cold vegetables to ease the pain.  Adam's announcement triggered the Queen of Common Cents into thinking about dental coverage.

I wondered if there was a difference in coverage for teeth that were impacted vs. teeth that had erupted through the gum line.  I called our dental insurance and what an eye opener that was!

Come to find out, if a tooth erupts through the gum line our insurance will only pay $19-$24 per tooth; however, if the tooth is impacted they will pay 100%.  Not even a co-pay!  At hearing this I immediately made an appointment with a reputable oral surgeon.  I explained that I needed a consultation ASAP because it was a matter of paying $2300.00 out of my pocket vs. paying nothing for the surgery.

The recpetionist said, "I know you live in Kaysville, but we can squeeze you in tomorrow if you are willing to drive to our Bountiful office.  Are you okay with that?" At hearing she was concerned about a 20 minute drive I almost laughed out loud and said, "Honey, you don't know who you're dealing with!  I would drive down to Aba Dhabi to save $2300.00."  In reality I thanked her and immediately told Adam not to chew on cold vegetables because we were racing against the clock and I didn't want the tissue to be compressed and his wisdom teeth peeking through the gums.  He started to complain and I firmly said, "MONEY AND OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES EQUAL CODING!  And I needed an IMPACTION CODE!"  Adam just muttered, "Whatever" and grabbed a cheese stick out of the refrgerator.

The next day our appointment went well.  The surgeon said that all four of Adam's wisdom teeth were impacted and would not come to the surface for many months.  Just to be on the safe side, I took the next available surgical appointment because this is our child that grew 4 inches in one summer!

Big savings on Tires at Pep Boys!

This week we needed to buy tires for our truck.  Trent called many tire stores.  To my surprise an aggressive tire, even on sale, was going to cost around $225.00 for each tire.  Spending $900.00 on tires seems like a lot of money; everyone I talked to said it was actually a good deal.

Enter the King of Common "Cents", A.K.A. Trent Snow!

The King of Common "Cents".
Ladies you can't imagine what I had to do to get him to wear his kingly apparel for the blog!

Trent thought to call a store called Pep Boys.  They were offering between the dates of September 12th - October 16th the following special:

• Buy four tires get one free (mail-in rebate)
• $40.00 in-store gift card
• Free alignment check
• Free road hazard warranty
• Free life-time rotation, balances and repairs

The King saved us $365.00!!!

Green River Watermelons Four Pounds for a Dollar

Macey's in Orem has Green River Watermelons on sale four pounds for a dollar!

Family of Four Ski for $655.00 at Wolf Mountain

Adam at Wolf Mountain when he was in elementary school

NO BLACKOUT DATES & INCLUDES DAY/NIGHT SKIING
Family of four only $655 (each add child $75)
Student only $175 (K-College)
Individual only $270

20% discount for military, fire & police w/ID

Passes can be purchased online or can be purchased at Pineview Lodge M-Fri (during normal business hours) at 3923 N. Wolf Creek Drive in Eden (next to the golf course).

Call for more info: 801-745-3737

101 on Meat Grading

Just the other day I was visiting with my Fresh Market butcher, Kelly, about meat grading.  This is what he had to say.  There are three grades of meat available in US grocery stores; they are "Prime" cuts, "Choice" cuts, and "Select" cuts. 

Prime cuts of meat are the very best.  They are also the most expensive cuts of meat and are typically sold to restaurants.  Kelly said a few specialty grocery stores carry Prime cuts; however most do not due to the high price and small consumer demand.  I asked Kelly what he meant by the "very best".  He said Prime cuts of meat have more fat marbling and as a result are juicier and more tender than other cuts of meat.

Choice cuts of meat are what most of us purchase in grocery stores.  These cuts of meat have less marbling than Prime cuts but are still juicy and tender.

Select cuts contain the least amount of marbling and as a result may be tougher and less juicy requiring stewing or braising cooking methods.  On a more positive side, Select cuts of meat are nutritious, leaner, and less expensive than other cuts of meat.

Helpful hint: Talk to your butcher about any meat question you may have such as special orders, nutrition, cooking methods, and recipes, to name a few.  Butchers have a wealth of knowledge and are very happy to share that knowledge with their customers!

Newspaper end rolls the options are limitless

DYK you can purchase newspaper end rolls at most newspaper offices for $8.00 or less?  You may be thinking, "Who would want to buy end rolls of paper?"  I do! Because I use them for all sorts of purposes.  For instance, covering picnic tables.

Cover picnic table with newspaper end roll and secure with masking tape.

$2.99 for Tillamook Ice Cream- TODAY only at Fresh Market

I love Tillamook ice cream!  Fresh Market has Tillamook ice cream on special for $2.99 a half gallon today only!  Be sure to ask the cashier for your discount coupon.

Planetarium Memberships are an Incredible Value...Even for Old Duffers!

Last week Trent was in charge of planning our date night and he took me to the Clark Planetarium at the Gateway to see the movie Born to be Wild. 
Excellent choice you would say if you knew that every Sunday when I was a little girl, way before the three hour block was instituted, my parents would gather us for ice cream and to watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom with none other than Marlin Perkins and his amazing side-kick Jim.  Marlin's role was more of "educator" and Jim was the handsome barefoot hunk who wrestled alligators and the like.  IT WAS WONDERFUL!
Well, my parents have often wondered if we watched a little to much Wild Kingdom because my brother and I love animals.  I bought for my children cats, dogs, rabbits, ducks, horses, snakes, crabs, hamsters, fish, birds and hedge hogs, to name a few. Why so many?  My parent's speculate that it was because the Wild Kingdom was taken off of the air and I was desperately trying to give my children a "Wild Kingdom" experience...in our home! Their suspicions were confirmed when I took the children to the zoo and aviary once a week starting at 6 weeks after birth and they weren't given shoes until they were two years of age!
Anyway, back to our date.  When we arrived Trent and I commented that there were many other movies we wanted to see.  Trent suggested that we also watch Sea Rex.  We bought our tickets at $8.00 a piece, $32.00 for both movies.  As we were turning to leave the ticket desk I noticed a annual membership flyer. 
At the Clark Planetarium they offer Duo $49.00, Family $99.00 for 5 people and Super Family $149.00 for 8 Memberships. We were interested in the Duo membership, especially when we saw all of the benefits for only $49.00.  We asked if we could purchase an annual membership and apply the $32.00 worth of movie tickets we just purchased to the cost of the annual membership.  The answer was yes.
Here's what the basic package includes:

• Free admission to all Hansen Dome Theater shows and most IMAX documentaries
• 15% science store discount (excluding telescopes)
• 15% concessions discount
• Free medium popcorn with each movie
• Invitations to exclusive member events
• Clark Planetarium monthly e-newsletter
• Blocks of 10 tickets for $50.00 to either IMAX documentary films or Dome Theater Shows
• 10% discount on Discovery Gateway memberships
• Free or discounted admission to more than 290 ASTC museums worldwide.

www.clarkplanetarium.org  801-456-7827

The movies and popcorn were great and Trent was relieved because for a year he has a fall back plan for date night.
Helpful hint: Parking validation reduced our parking fee to $1.00

Two Free Annual Memberships to the Living Planet Aquarium!

Now you can get two annual memberships to The Living Planet Aquarium for free. Simply visit any Mountain America branch and open a new account (checking, youth, savings, Visa Credit Card or a loan), and the passes are yours.

If you already have an account open a second.  It is free, takes very little time and is a great way to manage your money for special events or just general savings!

What to do When Daddy is a Master Baker and Comes to Town

Mike (Brother), Michelle, and Mick (Father)

Last night my Dad stopped by on his way to Arizona.  I rarely see my father and so when he stops by I always want to have a nice dinner for him; but, even more important than dinner is dessert!  Why?  Because my father is a master baker.  Not only is he a master baker, but he is also well known in the baking industry.  Case in point, I am traveling in Pennsylvania and while visiting with some strangers the topic meanders to my maiden name and that my father was a baker.  All of a sudden the fellow's eyes light up and he says, "You aren't Mick Garbett's daughter are you?"  I say yes and he wildly begins shaking my hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you.  You know your father is a legend in the baking industry!"  Come to find out, this fellow works for some national bakery supplier.

Now you know the cause of my dessert anxiety.  Here is what I made for dessert last night.  I baked a pound cake, topped it with fresh picked peaches and raspberries and a generous serving of sweetened whipped cream.
I always get butterflies in my stomach when Dad begins the evaluation process.  My father does not  give out compliments freely; in fact, he can be harsh and brutally honest at times.  Finally after what seems like hours but is only minutes he announces, "Good job Sweetie!"  Dad then says that the flavors are balanced, the texture is moist etc.  I try to restrain myself from jumping up and down and letting out a victory cry.  I felt great!  However, the true compliment came when I found my dad in the kitchen quietly eating a second slice before going to bed.

Pound cake with fresh peaches and raspberries. 
Pound Cake recipe is in my latest book due to be released August 2012.