Update: Else Having Problems Commenting?

Update: Holly left me a comment saying to uncheck the "Keep Me Logged In" button and it worked.  Woohoo!

I am just wondering if any of you are having a problem commenting on Blogger? 

If you have the verification turned on on your profile (you know, the thing where you have to type in a certain word and have to pick what method you are going to sign your comment), I have been trying to use my Google account and it sends me out to the Blogger login page where I enter in my username/password and then it sends me back to the post and makes me type in the word again and then back out to the Blogger login.  It just keeps cycling until I give up and just leave the page.

Anyone else having this problem?

A Recipe: Mom's Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrot Salad

If you are looking for a fantastic bbq recipe, check out my Mom's Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrot Salad. 

This recipe is one of my mom's best and one of our most favorite.  It is perfect for Memorial Day or any backyard bbq!

Mom's Broccoli, Cauliflower and Carrot Salad
1 head of broccoli 1 head of cauliflower
10-15 baby sliced carrots
1/2 diced red onion
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup mayo

Directions:  Wash vegetables.  Cut up broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and red onion.  Combine sugar, mayo and apple cider vinegar.  Pour the dressing over the vegetables, mix and refrigerate.

Here's what you'll need:

Wash and cut off stems from broccoli.  Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Wash and cut off stems from cauliflower.  Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Slice up carrots.  I used about 15 baby carrots.

Measure out 3/4 cup mayo, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar.  Mix until the mayor is absorbed.

Dice 1/2 of a red onion and then pour the dressing over the veggies.

Here's what you'll end up with:

Coupons, Deals, and Freebies

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What I'm Loving Wednesday

 

{1} I'm loving . . . the 4 day weekend ahead.  I see lots of grilling out, baseball games, and water sliding in our future.

{2} I'm loving . . . that there is only 1 week left of school.  I can't wait for Kanin so that we can get on with the business of having fun!

{3} I'm loving . . . that I am going to have to by some new summer clothes!  My baby-belly hiding clothes from last year are too big and look a bit ridiculous-yay!

{4} I'm loving . . . all of the support that has been given to Joplin and the rest of the Midwest with all of the tornadoes, severe storms, and floods.  Please consider texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to storm relief.

Link up with Jamie to tell what you are loving today.



Coupons.com

There are some great deals this week on Coupons.com.  Go HERE to view and print your coupons.

Food and Beverage:
$1.00 OFF any 1 IHOP at Home frozen breakfast product
$1.00 OFF any 1 Hellmann's Mayonnaise (Redeem only at Shop-Rite)
$1.00 OFF one (1) 1.75 Qt of Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream
$1.00 OFF 1 Lightlife Product
$1.00 OFF 1 one (1) 46 oz. variety of V8 V-Fusion + Tea beverage
$1.00 OFF TWO 8 oz. 6-packs or 46 oz. bottle varieties of V8 V-Fusion Juice
$1.00 OFF TWO V8® 100% vegetable juice 46 oz or larger varieties
$1.00 OFF 1 package of MorningStar Farms Breakfast Biscuits
$1.00 OFF 1 RED BARON Pizza Singles
$1.00 OFF 1 Reser's Sensational Sides item
$1.00 OFF 1 Magnum Ice Cream
$1.00 OFF 1 McCann's Irish Oatmeal product
$1.00 OFF 1 CARNATION BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS product
$0.55 OFF 1 Bagel-fuls (4ct) $0.50 OFF 1 Hanover Frozen Soft Pretzels
$0.50 OFF 1 One (1) 59oz. Trop50 Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade or any other flavor (excluding Orange)
$0.50 OFF 1 RelaxZen Product $
0.35 OFF 1 BOB EVANS REFRIGERATED SIDE DISH

Personal Care:
$5.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Simple Spa Wax Warmer Kit. Redeemable ONLY at Walmart
$4.00 OFF any 1 Alaway - Get up to 12 hours of allergy eye-itch relief!
$3.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Simple Spa Wax Warmer Kit
$3.00 OFF 1 Elizabeth Arden Select young women's fragrances at Walmart! Curve Crush For Women, fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS
$3.00 OFF 1 Elizabeth ArdenSelect women's fragrances at Walmart! White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor, Elizabeth Arden Red Door
$3.00 OFF 1 Elizabeth Arden Select men's fragrances at Walmart! Curve Crush For Men, Usher for Men $3.00 OFF 1 Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation Product Redeemable ONLY at CVS/Pharmacy
$2.00 OFF 1 Rimmel Product. Redeemable ONLY at Rite Aid
$2.00 OFF 1 L'Oreal Healthy Look Crème Gloss Hair Color
$2.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Hair Remover, Wax or Bleach Product. Redeemable ONLY at Walmart
$2.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Beauty Tool ($4.00 or more)
$2.00 OFF any 1 Sally Hansen Brush On In-Shower Product.
$2.00 OFF any 1 OFF! clip-on MOSQUITO REPELLENT starter
$1.00 OFF any 1 OFF! Botanicals product
$0.75 OFF any 1OFF! Personal Insect Repellent
$1.00 OFF any 1 Coppertone Suncare Product (excluding lip balm or trial size)
$2.00 OFF 1 ICAPS Product
$2.00 OFF 1 Renu fresh or Renu sensitive multi-purpose solution (8 oz or larger)
$1.00 OFF any 1 Listerine Mouthwash
$1.00 OFF any 1 LISTERINE WHITENING Rinse
$1.00 OFF 1 WILKINSON SWORD TWIN OR TRIPLE BLADE RAZOR AT WALMART
$1.00 OFF 1 Dr. Scholl's Corn, Callus, Bunion, Padding, Fungal Nail or Ingrown Toe Nail Product
$1.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Product
$1.00 OFF 1 Mitchum or Mitchum for Women product (Available at Walmart)
$1.00 OFF 1 Triple Paste
$1.00 OFF 1 New York Color Lip OR Nail Product ($1.72 or more)
$0.55 OFF 1 one 50ct Canister of Sani-Hands Sanitizing Wipes (Available at Walmart)

Pet Care:
$3.00 OFF any 1 Bio Spot® product for Dogs or Cats

Health Care:
$4.00 OFF 1 Non-Drowsy Claritin Allergy Product (24 count or larger)
$3.00 OFF 1 Flex-a-min product
$3.00 OFF 1 Miconazole 1 (Redeem at Walgreens)
$3.00 OFF 1 Osteo Bi-Flex Caplet, Softgel or Powder (Excluded Liquid)
$3.00 OFF 1 Senokot Tablets or Senokot-S Tablets
$3.00 OFF 1 Non-Drowsy Claritin-D Allergy Product
$3.00 OFF 1 Prevacid 24hr Product
$2.00 OFF 1 Slo-Niacin
$2.00 OFF any 1 NASALCROM allergy product
$1.50 OFF any 1 Bayer Advanced Aspirin product
$1.00 OFF 1 Ester-C The Better Vitamin C Product
$1.00 OFF 1 StaphAseptic tube, 1oz. or 2oz.
$1.00 OFF any 1 Little Tummys Yummy Fiber Gummies product
$1.00 OFF 1 Campho-Phenique Product
$1.00 OFF 1 NEO-SYNEPHRINE PRODUCT

Household:
$3.00 OFF 1 Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Lasting Impressions holder
$3.00 OFF 1 Windex Outdoor All-In-One Glass Cleaning Tool Starter Kit
$1.00 OFF FOUR (4) rolls or more of SCOTT Naturals Bath Tissue
$1.00 OFF SIX (6) or more rolls of SCOTT Naturals Paper Towels
$1.00 OFF 1 Spic and Span Product (Good only on Liquids, Sprays and Powders)
$0.50 OFF 1 or more tub or refill of SCOTT Naturals Flushable Moist Wipes

Home Entertainment:
$20.00 OFF HOME IMPROVEMENT: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD

Toys and Games:
$5.00 OFF Tag Junior book pal

Please Help Joplin, MO

I just read on the internet that 1,500 people are still missing in Joplin, MO.  Tonight the Governor has decided that the mission will change from search and rescue to recovery.

A Columbia, MO business, All Star Automotive, will donate $1 to Heart of Missouri United Way for every new "LIKE" they receive on Facebook.

I beg you to please take a minute and "LIKE" this business.

Coupons, Deals, and Freebies

If you are still trying to plan a summer vacation with your family, you can get your FREE Travel Alaska book just by clicking HERE.  If you are like me, I got it just for the pictures. 

Join Survey Spot and take surveys that match your interests.  Be entered into drawings or prizes and cash.  Enter HERE.

Womanfreebies.com is a site that has specially picked coupons, freebies, and samples especially for women.  Check it out HERE.

Vistaprint is offering 1 FREE, customized t-shirt.  You just pay the shipping and handling.  Click HERE to get started.  What a fantastic Father's Day gift.

God's Lesson to Me

Do you remember this mug?  It was part of my 2010 Favorite Things post.  I bought this coffee mug in the Spring of 2001 at the Seattle Space Needle gift shop and it has been my absolute favorite coffee mug ever since.  The handle is big enough to fit my whole hand so that I dont have to just hold it with my thumb and forefinger, the lip of the cup is thick enough so that it actually fits my mouth rather than having to purse my lips together, it is deep enough so that I dont have to go fill it up within 5 minutes of pouring the first cup.  I could go on and on about the reasons why I love this cup.

Sunday afternoon I was putting dishes away and I opened up a cabinet and CRASH!

You have no idea how upset I was.  I got a little choked up as I saw all of the little ceramic pieces laying everywhere.  Kanin was there with me and he kept apologizing.  He saw little tears forming in my eyes and he knew how sad I was.  I told him that that it wasn't his fault and that it was OK but he knew that it was my favorite cup and it was sweet that he was upset for me.  Scott walked downstairs and saw it and even he told me that he was sorry and that he'd try to find me another one just like it.

Later on, storms rolled across Southwest Missouri and this happened to the people of Joplin, MO:

Source

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When I went to bed last night I knew that a tornado had hit Joplin, MO, but I had no idea the devastation that had occurred.  I woke this morning around 6:00am and checked my phone.  I saw an update on Facebook from KSDK (a local news station) saying that 89 people were confirmed dead.  I was in shock.  I woke Scott up to tell him and he was in disbelief, as well.  I went downstairs and turned on the news and I was blown away at the devastation of this town. 

All day I was glued to the internet and TV trying to find out more information.  A first person account video/audio was taken during the storm and I saw it posted on Facebook today.  Let me just warn you that it is terrifying, horrifying, and actually made me a little nauseas to listen to.  A nightmare come true.  I am NOT being overly dramatic.  It is disturbing.  You can see it here if you want.

As the day progressed, we decided to go do a bit of shopping before even more storms came through St. Louis.  While driving down the road, God taught me a little lesson.  On the same day that I was devastated about my silly little coffee mug later that same day people lost everything.  Here I was feeling sorry for myself and making a big deal about stupid cup when in only a few shorts hours many of my fellow Missourians would lose their homes, their cars, their jobs, their lives.  I was so upset that my coffee mug was shattered into little pieces while people's houses and lives were shattered and splintered and ripped away.  How petty of me to make such a big deal about such a minute thing.  Of course, I didn't know at the time of the impending devastation but it just showed me that I can get so wrapped up about the littlest of things.

I am not a believer in that popular saying "All Things Happen For a Reason."  I don't believe that.  I don't believe that there is a reason that 116 people have lost their lives, people have no place to go, a whole city has been devastated, a region has lost a hospital, and people's lives will never be the same.  I don't think that God made this horrible event happen.  Sometimes bad things just happen and there is no explanation.

The region is in dire need of help.  Anything and I mean anything you can send would be so appreciated.

If you would like to help the people of Joplin, MO, please text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

You can also make a direction donation to:

Southwest Missouri Bank

Red Cross Joplin Tornado Fund

110 Neosho Blvd

Neosho, MO  64850

RIP Macho Man Randy Savage

I told you here that growing up I loved the WWF.  My sister, cousin Matthew, and I were huge fans and used to "play" wrestling all of the time.  We would lay a blanket in the floor and that would be our ring.  Then, we would fling each other down onto the floor or "out of the ring" onto the couch.  We would pin each other down while the third one was the referee.  It is a wander that we never broke an arm or our necks!

For a few years we ate, drank, and slept wrestling.  We had a family friend, Howard, who took us to our first wrestling event at the Show-Me Center in Cape Girardeau and we were all mesmerized.  The pageantry, the music, the high flying.  I can still remember all of it.

My guy was Macho Man Randy Savage. 

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I think he became my #1 favorite wrestler at Wrestlemania IV when he won the WWF title.  As a girl and full of romantic ideas, I fell in love when he lifted his valet (and real-life wife at the time), Miss Elizabeth, up on his shoulders and walked around the ring while Hulk Hogan congratulated him. 

You can watch it here.  I just watched it and, honestly, got a little teary-eyed.

I know that sound ridiculous but this was a big part of my childhood, my innocence.  I would dream about being Miss Elizabeth and walking Macho Man down the aisle and up onto the ring, sitting on that second rope and letting him climb in to defend his WWF title.

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When I saw the update that Macho Man Randy Savage had died in a car crash earlier today in Florida I was really sad.  It was almost like a piece of my childhood was taken away.  That may sound dramatic to some but that is how much I loved the WWF as a child. 

I thought it was kind of funny, if that is the right word, that several people either texted me or sent me the news article today to let me know about his death.  Everyone knew that he was my guy.

He was dramatic, over-the-top, high-flying, strong, charismatic, good smack-talker, and larger than life.  All of the things that a champion in wrestling should be.

Even though he hasn't wrestled in years, he is still my favorite; always will be. 

I, Robot

With only a couple weeks left of school, Kanin's class is studying robots and had the assignment to build their own robot but it could not be made of Legos or Imaginext.  Since Gaga is the creative one, it was his turn to help out with homework.

First they took a Girl Scout Cookie box and covered it with tin foil.

They pulled all of the toilet paper out of 2 rolls of toilet paper.  They covered them with tin foil and then cut and glued the rolls to the bottom of the box.

Next the curled some pipe cleaners and glued them into the box for arms.

They added some googly eyes and used a butterscotch candy for a nose.

Finally, Kanin glued Skittles and Fruit Loops to the box to decorate the body of the robot.

Here's his final project:

We left it laying down on the table so that the glue can really dry.  Kanin is so excited to see the robots that his classmates bring to school tomorrow.

Kanin Meets Randy Orton

The last few months Kanin has really gotten into WWE wrestling.  It makes me laugh and smile at how much he is in to it because my sister, cousin, and I used to love WWF just as much.  We would watch it on Saturday mornings, go to the Show-Me Center when it came to town and rent Wrestlemania and the Royal Rumble on VCR tapes.  We would make make-shift rings in our living room and I always pretended like I was Miss Elizabeth with Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

One of Kanin's "guys" is Randy Orton. 

Source

(Interestingly enough, Randy Orton is from St. Louis and actually grew up down the road from Scott's family in the same subdivision.  My nephew graduated high school with him and several people I know, know him.)

Over the weekend Scott and I heard that Randy Orton was going to be signing autographs at local Wal-Mart and we both looked at each other knowing that we would be taking a trip to Wal-Mart.

We decided not to tell Kanin about getting to meet Orton.  I called the Wal-Mart to make sure that we had heard the commercial right and I was told to ensure an autograph you had to have a wristband.  To get a wristband you had to buy the DVD That's What I Am (looks like a really good kid-type movie about acceptance and tolerance).  Only the first 300 people to buy the DVD were guaranteed a ticket and a spot in line so I raced up to the store and bought my DVD.  I was told that he would start autographing at 6:00pm and they would let people start lining up at 4:00pm. 

When Kanin got home I had him change into his RKO shirt and told him we had to go to Wal-Mart.  He was very curious why he had changed, why we were going to Wal-Mart, what we were going to do but we wouldn't tell him.  When we started walking in the store, there were a lot of other people there with wrestling shirts on and I asked Kanin if he knew what was going on?  He said he thought we were going to buy some wrestling toys.  LOL 

We turned the corner and saw a huge line had already formed (it was about 4:45).  Finally, it hit him as to what we were doing there.  He was so excited.

I guess I was just oblivious to how many people would actually show up to meet Orton.  We took Caleb and Gracie, too, (BIG MISTAKE!) because I figured we would go early and be one of the first ones in line so that we could get our autograph/picture and then head out to eat. 

Boy, was I wrong!  There were so many people there.  Honestly, if I had to estimate I would think at least 1,000 people showed up.  We were one of the "lucky" ones to have gotten a ticket ensuring us a picture but there were so many people who didn't realize you had to have a ticket and just showed up anyway.  It was insane.

Fast Forward almost 3 1/2 hours and we finally got up to meet him.  He was friendly and nice to Kanin but it was fast and furious.  He was only supposed to sign autographs from 6-8pm so even with only signing 300 that is less than 30 seconds with each person.  They were shuffling them through the line for sure. 

 

When it was finally Kanin's turn he was so excited.  Scott and I were in meltdown mode by this time and just wanted to get it over with, hit McDonald's, take baths and go to bed but this smile says it all.  (It was 8:20pm and we didn't get home until 9:00!!)

When we were walking out to the car Kanin told us that he would remember this day for the rest of his life so I guess that it was worth it. 

Then . . .he said that he hopes Christian (another wrestler) comes next.  I told him that unless he was old enough to drive himself and stand by himself for another 4 hours that he would not be meeting anymore wrestler anytime soon!!

Store Brand Formulas Win Battle

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of storebrandformula.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

All 3 of my babies were formula fed.  If you have ever bought formula then you know how expensive that can get.  Of course, with my first I thought that it HAD to be the same kind of formula that the hospital gave me . . . until I went to buy my first can and realized that it was almost $20 a can!  After that, I checked the label of the Enfamil Lipil (the one he used in the hospital) compared to the store-bought brand and they were EXACTLY the same.  Well, momma didn't raise no fool so there was no way that I was going to pay $20 a can as opposed to the $14 store brand one.

Apparently, though, Enfamil maker Mead Johnson caught on that people were buying storebrandformula.com as opposed to their more expensive brand and they started advertising about their superiority and scared consumers into buying their name-brand, more expensive product over storebrandformula.com by playing on the parents' concern for their children.

Well, this week PBM products, Perrigo's store bought brand formula business, successfully argued in court that they offered the same nutrients and same levels as Enfamil.  You can check out this link for more information.  In this monumental $13.5 million false advertising claim against Enfamil, it was proven that storebrandformula.com was just as nutritious to newborns and babies as Enfamil.

As a mother of 2 children who used exclusively store brand formula (the 3rd was on special formula), I encourage you to check the labels for more information and prove to yourself that there is no difference in the nutritious value but there is a BIG difference in your pocket. 

Coupons.Com

Check out this week's deals at Coupons.com.  Just go to Coupons.com and print off the coupons you need!

Food and Beverage:
FREE JELL-O Flag Mold (with $2.50 P&H) Get yours by mail while quantities last!
$2.00 OFF 1 Celebration Foods Ice Cream Cake or Dessert (incl. Carvel, OREO, M&M'S, SNICKERS)
$1.00 OFF 1 Delimex Frozen Mexican Snacks
$1.00 OFF any ONE (1) I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! product
$1.00 OFF Two (2) 5 oz or Larger Bags of Boulder Canyon Potato Chips
$1.00 OFF 2 packages of any OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh or One Pound Shaved Lunchmeats
$1.00 OFF 2 packages of any OSCAR MAYER Hot Dogs
$1.00 OFF 1 package of any OSCAR MAYER Sandwich Combos
$1.00 OFF 1 OSCAR MAYER LUNCHABLES with Fruit, no drink
$1.00 OFF 1 Magnum Ice Cream
$1.00 OFF 1 Smart Chicken Product. Redeem at The Fresh Grocer.
$1.00 OFF 1 McCann's Irish Oatmeal product
$0.75 OFF 2 packages of ATHENOS Greek Yogurt
$0.55 OFF 1 Bagel-fuls (4ct)
$0.55 OFF 1 HORMEL Fully Cooked Bacon
$0.35 OFF 1 BOB EVANS SAUSAGE LINKS OR PATTIES
$0.35 OFF 1 BOB EVANS REFRIGERATED SIDE DISH
$1.50 OFF 1 multipack or canister of BOOST Nutritional Drink or Powder
$1.00 OFF 1 HALF GALLON OF SILK
$1.00 OFF 12 oz. bag of Seattle's Best Coffee (REDEEM AT SAFEWAY)
$1.00 OFF 1 SO DELICIOUS COCONUT MILK BEVERAGE (64oz. or 32oz. )
$0.55 OFF 1 Pint Of International Delight Coffee Creamer
$0.50 OFF 1 package of any Tetley Tea
$0.50 OFF One (1) 59oz. Trop50 Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade or any other flavor (excluding Orange )
$0.50 OFF 1 RelaxZen Product

Personal Care:
$5.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Simple Spa Wax Warmer Kit. Redeemable ONLY at Walmart
$3.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Simple Spa Wax Warmer Kit
$3.00 OFF 1 Elizabeth Arden Select young women's fragrances at Walmart! Curve Crush For Women, fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS
$3.00 OFF 1 Elizabeth ArdenSelect women's fragrances at Walmart! White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor, Elizabeth Arden Red Door
$3.00 OFF 1 Elizabeth Arden Select men's fragrances at Walmart! Curve Crush For Men, Usher for Men $3.00 OFF 1 Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation Product Redeemable ONLY at CVS/Pharmacy
$2.00 OFF 1 Rimmel Product. Redeemable ONLY at Rite Aid
$2.00 OFF 1 L'Oreal Healthy Look Crème Gloss Hair Color
$2.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Hair Remover, Wax or Bleach Product. Redeemable ONLY at Walmart
$2.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Beauty Tool ($4.00 or more)
$2.00 OFF 1 ICAPS Product
$2.00 OFF 1 AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion (7.9 oz/225 g bottle)
$2.00 OFF 1 Renu fresh or Renu sensitive multi-purpose solution (8 oz or larger)
$1.00 OFF 1 WILKINSON SWORD TWIN OR TRIPLE BLADE RAZOR AT WALMART
$1.00 OFF 1 Dr. Scholl's Corn, Callus, Bunion, Padding, Fungal Nail or Ingrown Toe Nail Product
$1.00 OFF 1 Compound W product
$1.00 OFF 1 CeraVe product
$1.00 OFF 1 Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Product
$1.00 OFF 1 Mitchum or Mitchum for Women product (Available at Walmart)
$1.00 OFF 1 Triple Paste
 $1.00 OFF 1 New York Color Lip OR Nail Product ($1.72 or more)
$0.75 OFF 1 Efferdent Denture Cleanser or Effergrip Denture Adhesive product

Pet Care: $3.00 OFF 1 Adams Flea & Tick Product (excluding collars)

Health Care:
$4.00 OFF 1 Non-Drowsy Claritin Allergy Product (24 count or larger)
$3.00 OFF 1 Flex-a-min product $3.00 OFF 1 Miconazole 1 (Redeem at Walgreens)
$3.00 OFF 1 Osteo Bi-Flex Caplet, Softgel or Powder (Excluded Liquid) $3.00 OFF 1 Senokot Tablets or Senokot-S Tablets
$3.00 OFF 1 Non-Drowsy Claritin-D Allergy Product
$3.00 OFF 1 Prevacid 24hr Product
$2.00 OFF 1 Slo-Niacin
$2.00 OFF any 1 NASALCROM allergy product
$1.00 OFF 1 Ester-C The Better Vitamin C Product
 $1.00 OFF 1 PediaCare product $1.00 OFF 1 Phillips' Laxative Product
$1.00 OFF 1 Campho-Phenique Product
$1.00 OFF 1 NEO-SYNEPHRINE PRODUCT

Household:
$4.00 OFF 1 Glade Automatic Spray starter kit
$3.00 OFF 1 Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Lasting Impressions holder
$3.00 OFF 1 Windex Outdoor All-In-One Glass Cleaning Tool Starter Kit
$1.00 OFF 1 Glade PlugIns Scented Oil twin refill or two single refills
$1.00 OFF 1 Spic and Span Product (Good only on Liquids, Sprays and Powders)
$1.00 OFF 2 Comet Bathroom Spray or Comet Cream products
$1.00 OFF 1 Seventh Generation Product
$0.50 OFF 1 Glade Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator

Home Entertainment:
$20.00 OFF HOME IMPROVEMENT: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD
$5.00 OFF Drop Dead Diva Season 2 DVD!

Toys and Games: $5.00 OFF Tag Junior book pal

Miscellany Monday

Last week the kids were doing this:

Today it was a high of 65 and a low of 38 tonight with a frost warning.  Are you kidding me?  Crazy Missouri weather.

I am so bummed.  I have developed a neuroma in my left foot and it looks like my running will come to an end.  This is a decision I have made several times before but I always go back.  I am sick of fighting the injuries, though, and I am afraid I will have to have surgery again.  Guess the Virtual Independence 5K is out for me.  Right now I am scheduled to run a 5K this Saturday but I don't think that I will be able to do it.  I am so bummed.

Scott and I spent all weekend painting our condo and getting it ready to be rented again.  I love to paint but I have never painted an entire house (or condo) at one time.  It was just so overwhelming.  We only have a few things left to do and the painting will be complete.  Yay!

We had a good date night out Saturday night with my sister, brother-in-law and friend.  We should do it more often.

A Recipe: Baked Potato Soup

It is dreary and rainy here in St. Louis today so I thought I'd post this delicious recipe.  Perfect for a rainy day.



Baked Potato Soup Recipe: from Paula Deen
8 slices Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
5 potatoes, baked, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 cups half & half
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup sour cream
 Salt & pepper to taste (optional)

Directions: In a Dutch oven cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble, reserve drippings. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender; stir in flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add chicken broth; cook, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly. Put in the diced potatoes, parsley, bacon and half & half; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in cheese and sour cream. Garnish with cheese, bacon and sour cream.

Modifications:
-I used turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Because turkey bacon doesn't have as much fat, I put some olive oil in so that the bacon would get crisp.
-I added some artificial bacon bits.
-I added some minced garlic.

Here's What You'll Need:

Peel, wash, and cut up about 6 potatoes (sorry for the shadowy picture).

Put bacon in a dutch oven along with some olive oil.

Peel and dice up an onion.

While the bacon is cooking, pour 2 cups of half and half.

Once the bacon iscrispy, pull it off and throw the onions in the same pot to cook for about 1 minute.

Measure out 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and pour it in with the onions.  Add more olive oil if you use turkey bacon because there won't be a lot of remnants.

After the onions and flour cook for about 1 minute, slowly stir in 2 cans of chicken broth. The recipe called for 3 cans but 2 worked just fine.

Don't be nervous by the look of the soup.  Just let it get hot and thicken up.

While the stock thickens, chopup the bacon.

After it thickens, put in the potatoes, parsley, bacon, and half & half.

I added additional artificial bacon.

The recipe said to let all of the above cook for 10 minutes but I didn't think that it was enough time because the potatoes were still hard. I let it go for about 15-17 minutes and then I added 1/2 cup of light sour cream and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.

Here's what you'll end up with:

Our Thoughts:
I only have one word to describe this soup--DELICIOUS! This soup only took about 40 minutes with prep and cooking time. It had great flavor and I love the fact that cheese was actually added to the soup and not just an after-thought as a topping.

I don't know if you can tell or not in the pics but I left pretty big pieces of bacon and it added great texture. I wish that I would have cooked up a couple of more pieces and then saved some to put on top, too.

Of course, Kanin and Gracie didn't eat it BUT don't go by them because they are in the "I don't like this" phase about everything. If you like potato soup, this is for you!!
Hope you enjoy!
April
5*****Fantastic