Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

These Chocolate Strawberry Brownies are the best and are super easy to make. My kids just love these brownies. I made them for Valentines day. However, I think these Chocolate Strawberry Brownies are great for any occasion.  They really taste like Chocolate Covered Strawberries. These have to be healthy they contain a fruit, RIGHT?

I use the box brownies, since I got these for FREE I really couldn't beat the price.

Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

 1. Open the box of brownies and dump the contents into a large mixing bowl.

2. The box usually calls for water, instead use the same measurement of strawberry puree . 

 3. Add oil and egg. Just like the box calls for. 

4. For extra Chocolaty brownies unwrap 24 Hershey's kisses.

5. I use the small muffin tins and put a Hershey's kiss in the center of each brownie.

~   ~   ~

As always I forgot to take a picture of the final product. These Chocolate Strawberry Brownies were all gone by the time I thought of it. Since the brownie mix was FREE, the egg was around $0.10 and so was the oil. If I didn't add the kisses these cost me around $0.20. I can't remember what I paid for the kisses, but they are under 1/2 a bag.


I normally make strawberry puree when strawberries are in season. I wash and put all the strawberries in the blender and freeze them in 1/4 cup baggies. Then I have them all the time for smoothies or whatever we want to add strawberries to.

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Why I Never Buy Sour Cream

Today is the STARR writing test here in Texas. Little miss is off to school and ready to go. This year she will get the help she needs, since she has been diagnosed with dyslexia. However, this is the hardest test for her since she she will be graded on writing along with spelling. Spelling is the most difficult for children with dyslexia, since they may know all the letters that make up a work but are unsure what order they go in. We were able to write her a letter letting her know we believe in her and her abilities and not to worry about this silly test. If you can say a little prayer she does well today.

~ ~ ~

Healthy Couponing

 

There is a ton of junk food out there you can get with coupons or great deals on junk food. I am not going to say I never buy junk food. I do buy some things because I think it is OK for a small treat every once in awhile. Everything in moderation. I want them to understand you can eat certain food like cookies and ice cream, but only on occasions. Just like cake I don’t have it everyday, so that when it is served I can have a piece and not feel guilty about it. These are treats and should be considered as such.

I started to research how can I provide similar tastes of products that aren't as healthy, but with more nutrition for my growing kids. I am always looking for way to add calcium, protein and additional vitamins to their diets. Protein tends to stick with you and make you feel full longer than empty sugar calories.  If I am providing a high carb meal I see if there is a way I can sneak in more protein and not change the overall quality or taste of the food.

One switch I have made is using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or regular yogurt. Greek yogurt has 8grams of protein per one cup serving compared to sour cream only 6grams. I add this to a lot of breakfast items we eat. This gives more protein in a carb packed breakfast such as pancakes or muffins. We also use this instead of sour cream to top tacos, taco soup and anything else delicious you would normally add sour cream to. Where ever you can use sour cream you can use plain Greek yogurt. It is very similar in taste and texture. Whenever there are coupons for Greek yogurt I always make sure I print these healthy coupons.

I cannot always find coupons for plain Greek yogurt. There is a store here in the Dallas area called Sprouts that run sales all the time on Greek Yogurt. I make sure I buy enough to make it last until the next sale. I will make sour cream recipes like stroganoff or tacos when these are available. If I don’t have the greek yogurt we normally don’t have these dishes. That way we still get to enjoy these family favorites, we just do this around sales. That is the secret to reducing your grocery budget. Reviewing what sales are going on to see what items you can purchase on sale and make your meals around those items. By do this, you will greatly reduce your grocery budget every week and still buy healthy items.

Have you tried Greek yogurt before? How do you cook with Greek Yogurt?

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Super Saving Saturday

Wow there are a lot of coupons to print. Great savings on Cleaning and Air Freshners. Stock up on your Spring Cleaning supplies now!

Groceries

• $2.00 off HORMEL CURE 81 Boneless Ham 
• $0.50 off HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE Deli Meat 
• $1.00 off one box of South Beach Diet Meal Bars 
• $0.30 off 4 oz. or larger HARIBO product 
• SAVE 75¢ ON TWO when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• SAVE 40¢ ON THREE when you buy any THREE Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls
• SAVE 40¢ ON TWO when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Sweet Rolls OR Grands!® Sweet Rolls
• SAVE 50¢ ON TWO when you buy TWO PACKAGES of Pillsbury® Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts
• SAVE 55¢ On any package of Bridgford Frozen Rolls or Bread Dough or Monkey Bread
• SAVE 75¢ on any ONE (1) package of Truvia® Natural Sweetener or Truvia® Baking Blend with sugar
• SAVE $1.00 on any one package of HILLSHIRE FARM GOURMET CREATIONS®
• SAVE $1.00 off TWO (2) Rachael Ray Nutrish® Naturally Delish™
• $1.00 OFF any (1) Silk® Fruit&Protein quart or larger
• $0.55 OFF any (1) Silk® Soymilk or Almondmilk 8 oz. single or multi-pack
• $1.00 OFF any (1) Silk® Pure Coconut Coconutmilk (Half Gallon)
• $0.75 OFF Any (2) Silk® Half Gallons or Larger
• SAVE $1.00 ON THREE when you buy any THREE BOXES General Mills cereals: Basic 4® • Cheerios® (any) • Chex® (any) Cinamon Toast Crunch®
• SAVE 40¢ ON SIX when you buy SIX CUPS any variety Yoplait® Yogurt (Includes Original, Light, Thick & Creamy, OR Whips!®)
• Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) Emerald® Breakfast on the go!™ Product 7.5 oz or larger
• SAVE $0.75 On any TWO (2) Bagel-fuls® (4ct)
• SAVE $1.00 off any TWO (2) Pebbles Treats- 8 Pack

Glade Coupons

• SAVE $3.00 on any Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil Lasting Impressions® starter
• SAVE $1.00 on any Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil warmer
• SAVE $3.00 on any Glade® Sense & Spray® starter kit
• SAVE $1.00 on any TWO Glade® Sense & Spray® refills
• SAVE $1.00 on any Glade® Expressions™ Fragrance Mist starter kit
• SAVE $2.50 on any Glade® Expressions™ Oil Diffuser starter kit
• SAVE 55¢ on any Glade® Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator
• SAVE $1.00 on any TWO Glade® 4-oz. Jar Candles
• SAVE $1.00 on any TWO Glade® Scented Oil Candle products
• SAVE $1.00 on any Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil twin refill or two single refills

CLEANING PRODUCTS! 

• SAVE $1.00 on any two (2) Windex® Multi-Surface products
• SAVE 75¢ on any two (2) Windex® Glass cleaning products
• SAVE 75¢ on any two (2) Shout® Laundry products (excluding Trial & Travel size)
• SAVE 75¢ on any two (2) Shout® Color Catcher
• SAVE $1.00 on any two (2) Scrubbing Bubbles® Bathroom Cleaners
• Save 75¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® Fresh Brush® product
• SAVE 50¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner
• SAVE 50¢ on any Pledge® Multi Surface product
• SAVE $1.00 on any Pledge® or Armstrong Floor Cleaner
• SAVE $1.50 on any two (2) Pledge® Furniture Care products
• SAVE 50¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® Mega Shower Foamer
• SAVE 75¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® Active Scrub Cream Cleanser
• SAVE 75¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel
• SAVE 55¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® Vanish® Continuous Clean Drop-ins™

Wow here are a lot of coupons you can print now. Some are limited print only. If the link doesn't work then the print limit has been reached.

Healthcare and Beauty

• $2.00 off on any (1) New Schick Xtreme3 Eco 4ct 
• $2.00 off any Revlon PhotoReady™ Face Product
• $0.75 off any (1) o.b. product
• $1.00 off (1) STAYFREE product
• $0.50 off any CAREFREE product
• $1.50 off any Maybelline New York Eye Studio
• $5.00 off The Doctor's NightGuard Advanced Comfort
• $1.00 off RevitaLens OcuTec Solution
• $1.00 off Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR 
• $1.00 off one GARNIER STYLE CURLS product 
• $0.75 off Any Sokenbicha product
• $3 off With purchase of two Revlon nail color items
• SAVE $1.00 on Neutrogena® Hand Cream
• SAVE $2.00 on any one e.p.t® pregnancy test
• $2.00 OFF any Sally Hansen Wax Kit
• $1.00 OFF Sally Hansen Hand Cremes
• $2.00 OFF any Sally Hansen Lip Product (Available at ONLY CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens)
• SAVE $1.00 off 3 PURELL® portable size Hand Sanitizers. Choose from 1.0 oz w JELLY WRAP™ Carriers or 2 oz Size
• SAVE $2.00 on Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush™ Mousse Makeup (Available at Walmart)
• SAVE $2.00 on any one (1) Clearasil® PerfectaWash™ Automatic Face Wash Dispenser & Refills (starter kit only; excludes individual refills)
• SAVE $1.00 off Kiss® & Broadway Nails® Artificial Nail Products, offer excludes glue & nail files

Toys

• $5.00 off Barbie Dolls of the World Doll
• $5.00 off MAD MEN Seasons 1-4 on DVD & Blu-Ray­™
• $1.00 off on any My First Crayola™ product
• $1.00 off on any Crayola Color Wonder Product

Affiliate links are used in the above post. I may be compensated for clicking on links or printing of coupons from those links.

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Friday Finals - Kroger Mega Event, Tom Thumb, Sprouts, Walgreens

Wow I can't believe it is Friday already. This week has flown by. I have all kinds of news today I am excited to share. First I am glad the week after vacation is over. This has been a tough week, since we had to adjust to the time change this week and getting back in the groove of everything. I also have been working on several giveaways that will be coming up in the next few weeks. I am very excited about a product review and giveaway with a green products company. Come back in a few weeks when this is up. 


I have another announcement of my LINKY Party List page. Do you have a linky you post every week? Share you link with others under the categories I have provided. One for recipes and crafts Link Parties by day and lower on the same page Shopping link Parties by day. 


Sorry no post last week. I was on Vacation. You click vacation to see pictures. 

Walgreens - 03/20/12

4 Blue Diamond Almonds B1G1 $3.79 - 4 $1/1 Blue Diamond Almonds
1 Reach Floss $1.99 - Walgreens Q $1/1, $1/1 Reach Dental Floss
1 Candy $0.20


Used:
$3.00 RR these were expiring 03/20/12. I had to use them


I spent $0.77 and saved $17.38 on $18.15 worth of food and healthcare items at Walgreens this week. These almonds are so delicious!

Sprouts

2 Voskos Greek Yogurts $2.00 each

            -Final $2.00 each

2 Spices $1.39 each

            -Final $1.39 each

Used my own bag $0.05 credit

I spent $6.73 and saved $0.05 on $6.78 on Yogurt and spices this week.

Tom Thumb

4 Welchs Juice $4.49 – Card savings $1.50, Store Q $0.50, $1/1 Welchs Juice

            -Final $0.99 each

1 Mission Flour Tortillas $1.79 – Card Savings $0.80, $0.55 Kroger Coupon Mailed

            -Final $0.44

6 Yoplait Yogurt Clearence $0.35 - $0.40/6 doubled Yoplait Yogurt

            -Final $0.22 each

2 Mrs. Baird Bread B1G1 $3.19 - $0.55/1 Mrs. Bairds Bread

            -Final $1.32 each

1 Land O Frost lunch meat Clearance $2.24 - $0.55/1 Land O Frost 1lb Lunch Meat

            -Final $1.69

1 Odwalla Bar $1.49 – Card savings $1, $0.15/1 tripled Odwalla Bar

            -Final $.55

I spent $15.97 and saved $25.87 on $41.84 worth of groceries at Tom Thumb this week.

Kroger 03/20/12

2 Gallons Milk $2.58 each

1 Package Cheese 16oz $2.99

2 18 count eggs $1.77 each

Kroger eCoupon $1.09 – for them not having the Cracker Jack for a prize I won.

I spent $10.60 and saved $5.11 on $15.71 worth of groceries this trip. I needed to make a quick trip, since we had just gotten back from vacation. I didn’t have time to put together a mega event shopping trip.

Kroger Mega Event 03/22/12

MEI = Mega Event Item - $0.50 off price

1 Whole Wheat Artisan Bread Clearance $1.00

            -Final $1.00

12 lbs Chicken Breast @ $0.99lb $11.92

            -Final $11.92

4 Smart Balance Milk $2.99 – MEI, 4 $1.50/1 carton Smart Balance Milk

            -Final $0.99 each

1 Thermacare Heat Wrap $1.99 – MEI, My Kroger ecoupon did not work for this, should be  FREE

            -Final $1.49

2 Country Crock Margerine $1.49 – MEI,2 $1/1 Country Crock Printable

            -Final FREE

2 Planters Peanut Butter $3.39 – MEI, 2 $1/1 Planters Peanut butter

            -Final $1.89

4 Got2B Gels $3.00 – 4 $3/1 Got2B products

            -Final FREE

2 Pace Picante Sauce $1.99 – MEI, $1/2 Pace Picante

            -Final $0.99 each

2 International Delight Creamer $2.50 - $1/2 International Delight Creamer Blinkie

            -Final $2.00 each – Coupon in this Sundays Paper!

2 Packages Whole Wheat Tortillas Clearance $0.75 each

I spent $30.35 and saved $64.41 on $94.76 worth of groceries and healthcare items at Kroger this week.

Altogether I spent $64.42 and saved $112.82 on $177.24 worth of food and other items. Can I get a whoot whoot?

It's MEGA Swagbucks day! I am swagging for a $5.00 gift card. Sign up TODAY! What are you swaggin' for? 

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How did your shopping go this week? I can't wait to see your savings. Looking at how others shop shows you how to coupon and where to find more deals. Click on a few sites to visit below.

Our Family Spring Break

I didn’t post much last week, since we were on vacation. We had a great time in Destin, Florida. I don’t like to announce I am on vacation. It just doesn’t seem safe that everyone knows my house is sitting alone empty. Together with my husband we agree to not post on Facebook when we are gone either.

I tried to put up a post using my husbands iPad for my Friday Finals, and I just couldn’t get it to work the way I wanted to. So I just didn’t do anything. Now I feel bad I didn’t explain why there was no post on Friday. Oh well that is in the past.

All five of us trekked from Texas to Florida in the Tahoe. It was packed to the top with all our stuff. We have a small shelf in the back for a cooler filled with groceries for the week and a couple of suitcases. I did a menu plan for the week. We brought all of our own food, since we normally get a place with a full kitchen. This saves so much money while on vacation. We pulled an allnighter on Friday and drove to Florida.

I really unplugged last week, and it felt great. I was able to read an entire book. I don’t know when the last time I was able to do that. I rarely checked Facebook or my blog. My numbers on my blog plummeted greatly I might add. I only had one post scheduled for Wednesday the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast. Next time I will schedule the Friday Finals post early and have it ready to go for when I am out. Just in case. Stop by tomorrow to link up your shopping trips for the week.

We played on the beach with all three kids. We would quickly try to build sand cities, while Little Face would be Godzilla and destroy them all. He was way more interested in destruction than building. The sand is so white and the water was clear bluegreen. It was my first time there and I fell in love with it. This is on my list to go back. My husband used to go here all the time when he was younger.

Little Miss and my stepson enjoyed jumping the waves and playing in the surf. Then they all enjoyed playing in the heated pool to wash all the sand off after the beach. We borrowed the Harry Potter movies from a friend and watch a movie every night. The kids really enjoyed this. We are on the fifth movie and plan to watch those next weekend when we have all the kids together again.

 

Here are a few pictures we took while we were there.

Our view of the Beach.

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Homemade Enchiladas & Sauce

I have been couponing for a year and I haven't seen enchilada sauce go on sale nor have I seen a coupon for it. To be honest I haven't been searching too hard for it either. I have been craving some enchiladas lately, since they are so easy to make and freeze great. Instead of buying enchilada sauce for $2.00 a can, I even saw one for $4.00 and it was not organic, my frugalness came out, I researched how to make it. I knew I had a ton of tomatoes that had to be the main ingredient. 

I had some smoked chicken in the freezer I needed to use. Traditionally chicken enchiladas are made with a white sauce, but I decided to be different and wanted red sauce for these. This is also a great Stockpile Recipe.

The original recipe was found on All Recipes app on my phone however I adapted to what I thought would be a better sauce. If you haven't figured out by now. I rarely use a recipe I find exactly. It is modified to what I have on hand.

~   ~   ~

Red Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients:
1 Tbl Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic
1 tsp. Onion - I added a little more
1/2 tsp. Oregano
2 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1/2 tsp. Basil
1/4 tsp. Cumin
1/4 cup Salsa
1 14.5 can Diced Tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste


1. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onions and saute until the onions become translucent. Add Chili powder, Oregano, Basil, Cumin, Salsa, Tomato Sauce and salt and pepper to taste. 


2. Mix together. Bring to a boil. Then with an immersion blender, blend all ingredients in sauce pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 min. 

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:
1/2 Chicken
Enchilada Sauce from above
14 or so corn tortillas
Cheese


1. Make the enchilada sauce above.

2. Pull chicken off bone and shred with two forks. Place in a bowl.

3. Take a skillet and heat on med high heat. Place corn tortilla on skillet for 1 minute and flip for 1 minute. Remove from skillet. This makes the tortillas easier to roll.

4. Place two tablespoons of shredded chicken in the center of tortilla and roll. This should be easier, since the tortilla is warmed. 

5. Spray a 9X13 baking dish. Place enchilada seem side down in dish.

6. Repeat steps 3 -5 until baking dish is full or chicken is all used. 

7. Pour enchilada sauce over the top of all enchiladas.

8. Top off with cheese and bake at 350 for 30 min.

~   ~   ~

This becomes a dance to warm the tortillas in the skillet and keep the assembly line going with chicken. Sometimes I talk to myself to remind me to put the tortilla on the skillet while I am making the other one. It makes the build process easier if you have an assembly line going. 


Let me know if you try this awesome dish. I loved the flavor and freshness of these. I served it with some re-fried beans and Spanish rice. Have you ever made enchiladas?


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How I Save Money by NOT Eating Cereal for Breakfast

I rarely buy cereal any more. There are some great cereal deals out there right now and I just don’t feel the need to buy cereal when I have great items I can make for breakfast ahead of time and freeze.

Here are a few items I like to make pancakes, muffins, french toast and hard boiled eggs and sausage. I make extra on the weekends and freeze these to eat throughout the week. Just simply pop them in the microwave for a minute or two and you have a quick and easy breakfast. 

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast - $1.44 for a family of Five

Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins - Fruits and Veggies in a muffin

Make Your Own Muffin Mix  - Don't buy prepackage muffins, make your own to have on hand at anytime

Healthy Smoothies for Kids - My kids think they are getting Ice Cream for breakfast $0.50 per serving
Then kids were lucky enough I made the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins last week for them to choose for breakfast.

My grocery money for high carb cereal is now going towards wholesome ingredients such as multigrain pancake mix, eggs, fruit and whole wheat flour while trying to stay within my budget of $50.00 a week for a family of five.


Do you have any great breakfast ideas other than cereal for breakfast?


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