Permanent Marker Mugs

Right before turning the oven on

Since adding homeschooling Mr. R. and Miss E. to my list of jobs, I have struggled with including more of the extracurricular activities (art, music, etc.) into their school week. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day for me to get everything done, so when I do fit some such activity into the day I want it to be a little big and definitely memorable. This was one week where I really wanted to do a fun art (well, more craft than art) project with the kids.

Condensed Cream of [blank] Soup

While browsing different pins on Pinterest a few weeks ago I came across one for "Cream of [...] Soup". It was the simple recipe for a homemade version of canned condensed cream of [fill in the blank] soup. I thought to myself, "That might be a handy recipe to have on hand for several reasons." So, I repinned it. I didn't think that I'd use it as soon as I did or that it would turn out as well as it did.

Cream of Chicken for my Enchilada Sauce

As my sisters and I were prepping Thanksgiving dinner at my parents, my youngest sister sadly informed us that she had grabbed the wrong cream soup for her green bean casserole, which is her hubby's favorite Thanksgiving dish. My sis' had all the other ingredients but sadly my mom had no cream of mushroom soup on hand. Just then I remembered the pin! I exclaimed, "We can make our own. I just saw a recipe on Pinterest for it so we can at least try it." It turned out fabulously, as you can see from my Green Bean Casserole post, so I figured that I'd attempt it in place of condensed cream of chicken for my enchilada sauce tonight. Again, it worked beautifully and it's really quite simple.

Meatballs in a Sweet and Spicy Brown Mustard Sauce

I am a sucker for meatball appetizers. You know, the ones that you serve in some sort of sauce with pretzel sticks on the side? When my sister gave me the Thanksgiving menu and appetizers were on the list, I knew that I had to do a meatball appetizer. Most of the time, the sauce is barbecue or tomato based, but I didn't want either of those. I wanted a mustard based sauce, and not just any mustard. I wanted a spicy brown mustard because it goes so well with pretzels. It turned out to be quite delicious!

3 Small Kitchen Appliances for $6 shipped *EXPIRED*

Ok everyone, I have got THE best "Black Friday" deal for you today. Kohl's has started their "Black Friday" deals online today (through Friday) and right now you can get 3 (yes, I said 3) small kitchen appliances for less than $6 TOTAL. (This deal is valid 11/21/12 through 11/23/12 and rebate forms must be postmarked by 12/23/12)

1 - Start by shopping through ebates, which offers 6% cash back on Kohl's purchases.
2 - Add any 3 of these items to your cart (no dublicates):

Crock Pot 4 Quart Slowcooker for $19.99 (reg. $39.99)

Presto Cool Touch 20-in. Electric Griddle for $19.99 (reg. $39.99)

Black & Decker 10-Speed Blender for $19.99 (reg. $39.99)

Bella Rotating Waffle Maker for $19.99 (reg. $39.99)

3 - Use coupon code BLACKFRI to get 15% off and shipping is free on orders of $50 or more

4 - Place your order.
5 - Watch your email for the $15 Kohl's Cash.
6 - Complete and mail your $10 rebate forms (remember limit one rebate per model purchased, 6-8 weeks for processing). :o)

I bought a 4qt. crockpot, 20" griddle, and 10-speed blender since all three make great housewarming, wedding, etc. gifts!

This is how my total looked:

59.97 (for 3 items) - 9.00 (15% coupon code) + 2.80 (tax) = 53.77

This is how much I should get back:

30.00 (for 3 - $10 rebates) + 15.00 (Kohl's Cash) + 3.06 (ebates cash back) = 48.06 

$53.77 (order total) minus $48.06 (cash back) equals a grand total of $5.71 for all 3!

Your Turn: What did you get?

Thanks, Raining *Hot* Coupons!

Menu: November 5-December 2, 2012

We all got nasty head colds last week due to the weather change so I am behind on many things including this month's menus and a few recipes. We have lots going on during the month of November - Jared's birthday, deer hunting, Thanksgiving, and preparations for Christmas (cards, letters, and gifts). I will be back to a regular meal routine for the most part this month (comfort, Tex-Mex, soup or sandwich, grilled or crockpot, Italian)

Week of November 5-11

• Soup - Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
• Comfort - Venison Stew and honey oat bread
• Italian - Ravioli in roasted garlic cream sauce, steamed broccoli, salad, and breadsticks
• Tex-Mex - Tacos and rice
• Crockpot - Rotisserie chicken, green beans, stuffing, and mashed potatoes

Week of November 12-18

Happy 34th Birthday to my wonderful hubby, Jared! Also, happy hunting to all on opening day.

• Comfort - Steak, roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, salad, and dinner rolls
• Tex-Mex - Mexican Gumbo (rice, steak, black beans, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and guacamole)
• Italian - Homemade Pizza and side salad
• Crockpot - Chili and Cornbread
• Soup - California medley soup

Week of November 19-25

Happy Thanksgiving! We spend every other Thanksgiving with my family (the off year we all get together for Christmas). One of my sisters is in charge of organizing the menu for our time at my parents' and we each pick foods to bring based on her lists. I am in charge of the Turkey again the Thanksgiving, which I enjoy, but we don't have the rest of the menus together so I will post those as soon as I hear from her. :o)

• Italian - "Spinach dip" stuffed shells, mixed veggies, and French bread
• Crockpot - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and rolls
• Tex-Mex - Quesadillas (black bean and rice, chicken, and cheese)
• Comfort - Thanksgiving Dinner
• Turkey... 
• Soup or sandwich...I am sure one of these two or both will be on my sister's menu as there are MANY turkey something-or-other recipes for these dishes. One of my favorites is Turkey and wild rice soup.

Week of November 26-December 2

• Comfort - Jambalaya
• Tex-Mex - Chicken enchiladas, rice, and bean dip
• Soup - Stuffed pepper soup and cornbread
• Crockpot - Balsamic and onion pot roast, roasted potatoes, and glazed baby carrots
• Italian - Spaghetti, mixed veggies, side salad, and French bread