Buyer Beware

Last we our grocery store had strawberries on sale for 98 cents a pint.  I was about to pick up two when I read the sign and it said "Limit 1.  All other purchases 2/$3."   As I finished my shopping I kept looking at other shoppers to see that many had two pints of strawberries in their cart.  Yes, $1.50 each is a little cheaper than normal but I wonder how many people thought they were getting each for 98 cents.  Remember to read the limits on really good deals.

Flour Recommendation -Gold Medal Better for Bread

I don't have a recipe to post this week, but I did want to share a new product that I tried.

I've been struggling with bread and roll recipes lately.  They seem to be too dense.  I concluded that it was the flour I was using.  So, I tried Gold Medal Better for Bread Flour and the results were outstanding.  They flour has more gluten making the bread and rolls better.  It's a little more expensive than regular flour, but not much.  And you can use it exclusively for bread and rolls while using your regular flour for all other uses.

Highly recommend!


**The views here are my opinion and I did not receive any compensation for them.  I just wanted to share my opinion**

Sticker Fun

I've posted in the past about how I believe that coloring sheets are useful for children.  I think the same about using stickers as "creative art."  Lately, to pass the time our daughter has been requesting stickers and paper to stick them on.  She will spend 20 minutes peeling the stickers off and creating stories about what she is sticking.  I have overheard her talking about the animal stickers and how they were going to the "Lamb Look Class."  I asked her what they do in the class and she told me they go swimming and go poopy (we are almost completely potty trained).  So, I argue that yes maybe she isn't creating something from scratch, but she is definitely using her imagination (and fine motor skills).

Cheap ways to get stickers

• Dollar Store
• Junk Mail 
• Garage Sales (often people will sell partial sheets for next to nothing)
• Dollar Spot at Target
• Walmart
• After the holidays (wait until they go 75% off and use for next year)
• Teacher stores
• Michaels (they have a lot of dollar bins)
• Oriental Trading

Name Your Link

A cleaning tip

Here's a tip I read a while back that can be really useful for cleaning.  I buy scrubbing pads at the Dollar Store and cut them in half. Often when I use my scrubbing pads for doing dishes with sticky food, such as cheese I end up having to toss after cleaning.   You can get 5 large pads for $1 at the dollar store. By cutting them in half, I actually get 10 scrubbing pads for $1.

Product Review and Coupon Giveaway-- Closed Winners E-Mailed

I am a Bzz Agent and recently was given a sample of Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-a-Clean Power Sprayer to try.  I also was given some coupons to give away for five winners.

Here are some highlights of the Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer

• The spray trigger is battery operated and allows for one touch spray to be continuous.
• The solution foams up and is easy to clean off with a cloth.
• Great for the bathtub or sink.
• Active cleaners work for up to four days
• For additional information, go here

There will be five winners.  Each winner will receive these coupons:

•  $5/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-a-Clean Power Sprayer, exp. 7-31-10
•  $1/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-a-Clean Power Sprayer Refill, exp. 7-31-10

Simply leave a comment below or e-mail why you want to win.  The five winners will be chosen by random.org on May 27 and will  e-mailed, so be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.  Good luck!

By the way, these sell for $7 to $9, but are going on sale in many stores.  Also, you can use it with the SC Johnson Mail-in-Rebate that is buy 3 SC Johnson products and get $5 back.

What's cookin' - Balsamic Shrimp Spinach Salad

This was a super delicious salad.  Maybe it was extra good because I have been trouble eating salads since my daughter was born.  My oral allergy syndrome symptoms make it hard for me to eat raw fruits and vegetables without some discomfort.  I recently realized that raw spinach doesn't bother me that much, so I am eating salads with limited toppings again!

Balsamic Shrimp Spinach Salad
This is a small serving -- easily double or triple for larger serving.

2 cups spinach
1 cup cooled cooked shrimp, cut into small pieces
Grated Parmesan cheese, or crumbled feta cheese or both

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix salad ingredients together.
2. Mix all vinaigrette ingredients together. Whisk or shake in bottle.
3. Pour vinaigrette over salad.

Hint: Top with bacon or homemade croutons!

For more great recipes, go to the Grocery Cart Challenge!

Paint Like Van Gogh

Our daughter really enjoys watching Blue's Room.  It's a take off of Blue's Clues, but we like it a little better.  She loves learning from the show and they do things a little more in depth with purpose.  Our favorites right now are Little Blue Riding Hood and Masterpiece Museum.  After we watched Masterpiece Museum we painted like Van Gogh.  Pretty good for a 2 1/2-year-old!