Friday, August 9, 2013
Food Allergy Friday
As a lot of you know, two of my monkeys have food allergies. Today is "Kids with food allergies Friday" on Peanut Free Planet. 5% of all sales from today go to the Kids With Food Allergies Network. This is a great resource for families with food allergies. Please consider placing an order on PeanutFree Planet today. This is where I order all my son's safe foods. https://www.peanutfreeplanet.com/
Thursday, August 8, 2013
My favorite way to use up leftovers
I'm really not good at eating leftovers. As a kid it was a way of life, but now as a parent, I'm not into it. So I try to find clever ways to use up the food so it doesn't go to waste. I'm getting pretty clever at coming up with new meals. My family's favorite way to use leftovers is to make calzones.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Click Protein giveaway!
By now, you all know about my love for Click coffee flavored protein powder. It is my absolute favorite protein, and honestly, the only one I will drink. This past weekend I went away for a mini vacation. I forgot my protein at home and went crazy trying to find a local store that sold it. I had no luck and tried a random off the shelf grocery store protein in my morning shake. Needless to say, I got my protein elsewhere over the weekend because I just couldn't choke that other protein down. Click is my protein powder of choice, and there just isnt a substitution for it. Next time, my beloved Click protein will be right in my suitcase when I travel. Lesson learned!!
I use Click protein for a lot of different things. I order it directly from the Click website. Obviously I use it in my daily protein shake, but I also use it to make protein ice cream, which I will post the recipe for soon. I use it in pancakes, too! I cut the boxed pancake mix in half in the recipe and use Click protein powder to make up the difference. It makes for a protein loaded, yummy mocha pancake! I also add Click to plain yogurt when I just need an extra protein boost. I add dark chocolate chips sometimes when Im having it as a dessert. In fact, Im not the only one who uses Click protein in my recipes. Their website has a whole recipe page using Click protein as an ingredient! Check out their recipe page HERE
If you've never tried Click protein and want to try it, THIS is a great way to start. Three sample packets, one of each flavor, Mocha, Vanilla Latte, and decaf Mocha, at a great price. I think I may stock up on sample packets so I can pack them when I travel!! That way, I know I wont ever forget my Click again.
If you have tried Click before, or you order the sample pack and decide that you love it, let the Click team know! Check them out on Twitter and on Facebook and let them know what you think! They love hearing that they have loyal customers! Tell them I sent you, they are a fantastic company!
Recently I was told by the Click protein company that I could post a Click giveaway on my blog! How awesome is that??? They sent me a tub of Click protein powder in Vanilla latte flavor, two packets of their decaf mocha protein and a shaker cup to make my protein shakes on the go. This cup has a wire whisk ball inside that makes mixing drinks super easy and it mixes everything thoroughly. It is awesome! The Click company told me that my winner of my Click giveaway would receive a tub of protein and a wire whisk shaker bottle directly from them!
All you have to do is share my page. Monkeysandmoustaches.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/MonkeysAndMoustaches Use Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with the hashtag #monkeysandmoustachesLOVESClick and post a comment here that you shared. I will choose a winner at random! GOOD LUCK!
I use Click protein for a lot of different things. I order it directly from the Click website. Obviously I use it in my daily protein shake, but I also use it to make protein ice cream, which I will post the recipe for soon. I use it in pancakes, too! I cut the boxed pancake mix in half in the recipe and use Click protein powder to make up the difference. It makes for a protein loaded, yummy mocha pancake! I also add Click to plain yogurt when I just need an extra protein boost. I add dark chocolate chips sometimes when Im having it as a dessert. In fact, Im not the only one who uses Click protein in my recipes. Their website has a whole recipe page using Click protein as an ingredient! Check out their recipe page HERE
If you've never tried Click protein and want to try it, THIS is a great way to start. Three sample packets, one of each flavor, Mocha, Vanilla Latte, and decaf Mocha, at a great price. I think I may stock up on sample packets so I can pack them when I travel!! That way, I know I wont ever forget my Click again.
If you have tried Click before, or you order the sample pack and decide that you love it, let the Click team know! Check them out on Twitter and on Facebook and let them know what you think! They love hearing that they have loyal customers! Tell them I sent you, they are a fantastic company!
Recently I was told by the Click protein company that I could post a Click giveaway on my blog! How awesome is that??? They sent me a tub of Click protein powder in Vanilla latte flavor, two packets of their decaf mocha protein and a shaker cup to make my protein shakes on the go. This cup has a wire whisk ball inside that makes mixing drinks super easy and it mixes everything thoroughly. It is awesome! The Click company told me that my winner of my Click giveaway would receive a tub of protein and a wire whisk shaker bottle directly from them!
All you have to do is share my page. Monkeysandmoustaches.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/MonkeysAndMoustaches Use Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with the hashtag #monkeysandmoustachesLOVESClick and post a comment here that you shared. I will choose a winner at random! GOOD LUCK!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
August's exercise challenge
I started an August exercise challenge. It is two to four different exercises each day and I'm posting it each morning over on my Facebook page, which you can find HERE Every day is different! Join us over there, say hello, and try a quick workout each day. Thanks for following me!
A new game for your little readers
BINGO!!!!
Who doesn't love to play Bingo? I remember going to kids Bingo as a kid, in my church basement with my Grandmother. Everyone trying to win the little Troll dolls or My Pretty Pony or Game of Life that was up for grabs when you finally filled your row and yelled out that beloved word. BINGO!!! I remember my Grandmother leaving every Wednesday night with her little bingo bag, her dobbers (That I thought were the most fun are project item ever!) and her little Saint that she just knew would help her win the big money prize.
Now times have changed, but I still love playing the game. I took my kids to a Jr Bingo game over school break last April and they loved it. They won things like bags of playdoh and keychains that lit up and a little toy piggie that poops (ugh). The magic of the game was still there, that twinkle in their eye when they had an almost full row or only one or two numbers left for a full card. I saw the excitement when they were able to finally yell out that word...... BINGO!!!! It was as much fun for me to watch them play as it was for them to win.
This summer my family is playing Bingo. But a different kind of Bingo. My son is in a heated competition with his classmates. The school is trying to break their record of minutes read over the summer. They have over 60,000 minutes so far, and they shattered last years record! The top three readers win gift certificates to the school book fair in the fall...... an important prize to win!! My son started out strong, reaching 5th place, but now is sort of losing steam with his reading. So I grabbed a bingo game that his third grade reading teacher used in her class. Its a reading Bingo. Each square, just like a regular bingo, has something to cover, but in this case it is a specific book or type of book, instead of a number. And in the center is a free choice.... a book of your choosing. You can fill the other squares however you want, using your child's reading level. 5 squares across, 5 squares down. Our squares are filled with things such as "Read a book about science" or "Read a Geronimo Stilton book" or "Read a book receommended by a friend". You can use some of our ideas, or come up with your own.
Who doesn't love to play Bingo? I remember going to kids Bingo as a kid, in my church basement with my Grandmother. Everyone trying to win the little Troll dolls or My Pretty Pony or Game of Life that was up for grabs when you finally filled your row and yelled out that beloved word. BINGO!!! I remember my Grandmother leaving every Wednesday night with her little bingo bag, her dobbers (That I thought were the most fun are project item ever!) and her little Saint that she just knew would help her win the big money prize.
Now times have changed, but I still love playing the game. I took my kids to a Jr Bingo game over school break last April and they loved it. They won things like bags of playdoh and keychains that lit up and a little toy piggie that poops (ugh). The magic of the game was still there, that twinkle in their eye when they had an almost full row or only one or two numbers left for a full card. I saw the excitement when they were able to finally yell out that word...... BINGO!!!! It was as much fun for me to watch them play as it was for them to win.
This summer my family is playing Bingo. But a different kind of Bingo. My son is in a heated competition with his classmates. The school is trying to break their record of minutes read over the summer. They have over 60,000 minutes so far, and they shattered last years record! The top three readers win gift certificates to the school book fair in the fall...... an important prize to win!! My son started out strong, reaching 5th place, but now is sort of losing steam with his reading. So I grabbed a bingo game that his third grade reading teacher used in her class. Its a reading Bingo. Each square, just like a regular bingo, has something to cover, but in this case it is a specific book or type of book, instead of a number. And in the center is a free choice.... a book of your choosing. You can fill the other squares however you want, using your child's reading level. 5 squares across, 5 squares down. Our squares are filled with things such as "Read a book about science" or "Read a Geronimo Stilton book" or "Read a book receommended by a friend". You can use some of our ideas, or come up with your own.
Some other good ones would be "Read a book about your state", "Read a book that was your parents favorite when they were your age" or "read a book suggested by the librarian". We are using prizes. For each row they fill, my kids win a trip to the library. When they fill the whole Bingo card, they get a trip to the bookstore to buy a book of their choice.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Shopping for back to school deals
Having to shop for all new clothes before school starts can kill the budget. Let's face it, clothes are expensive and kids grow way too fast. As kids get older, they want brand names, expensive sneakers, the most expensive things that a lot of parents don't have the money for. I have found ways to get around spending a fortune on my kids clothing for back to school (and year round!).
1. Consignment shops. Many places have kids consignment shops that go from newborn to size 14/16. Here you can find lots of deals. The clothes may or may not be brand new, but most places are really choosy when it comes to taking clothing in, so chances are, you'll find some clothes in great condition for a cheap deal. If you shop in the off season, you'll find even better deals. For instance, I shopped at a local kids consignment at the beginning of the summer. I was able to find a ton of winter clearance marked at 75% off the tagged price, which was already super low. I got 7 items, including two Gap dresses, 1 boutique sweater, a pair of heavy cords, 2 jean skirts from Old Navy and a Patriots Jersey for my son for $7 total!!
2. Yard Sales. There are a ton of people looking to get rid of their old stuff for super cheap. One summer I found a house that was selling all of their son's clothes that he grew out of for $1 each. I was able to dress my kid that year in all almost brand new Gap pants and jeans for $10. I didn't have to buy him any more pants that fall! Scour the yardsale ads in the newspaper, look for ads on Craigslist, and ask around. And if the yardsales you find dont have your kiddos size, pass the info on to someone who has a child that size/age. Your friends will love you for passing on a good bargain!
3. Have a kids clothing swap! Invite your friends with kids over. Have them bring whatever outgrown kids' clothes they have. Make sure you have friends with kids who are a variety of ages and sizes so everyone can leave there with something. The less worn, the better, so kids can have what look like brand new items. This works with your outgrown clothes, too! Set up your livingroom or backyard as a clothing store. Arrange items by size, and let everyone shop!
4. Buy in advance. When you are at your favorite stores, hit the clearance bins and racks. Don't see a winter coat or a pair of shoes in your kiddo's size but they have one two sizes bigger? If it is at a HUGE discount and you know you can't buy it for cheaper later on, buy it now! I was once at Walmart and saw puffy winter coats for $1. Yes, seriously, $1. They had none in my kids sizes, just 0-3 mos and size 14/16. My kids were in size 3 and 8 at the time. But you know what? They'll grow into them and when else am I going to find another winter coat for $1? So I grabbed 2. Now, when my son is going to play in the snow, I have backups incase he gets his good coat wet. Plus, at that price, if it gets ripped while he's playing, I really don't care.
5. Shop the sales!!! Do not impulse buy. Do your research. My favorite sales of all time are the Old Navy stuff and save. Every few months, they have a promotion where you walk in, grab a shopping bag, and everything you can stuff inside is an additional 30% off, or 40% if you use their store credit card. Everything is usually included in this sale. This is a great time to buy things that you normally need, jeans, shirts, coats, socks, pajamas, undies, etc. AND..... if you shop the clearance bins, you get an additional 30-40% off the clearance price! I have gotten things for around 60 cents this way, no lie! The last time I shopped this sale, I ended up getting 21 items for $32 and that included long sleeve tees, pajama sets, shoes, bathing suits, one piece outfits for the baby, and leggings for my girls.
6. Sign up for coupons. My favorite coupon stores are Gap, Old Navy, The Children's Place, Crazy 8, Gymboree, Carters and Osh Kosh. They all send out a ton of coupons! Go to their websites, and sign up with your email address. You can print and use in store, or you can shop with them online. Target has an app on the phone where you get coupons texted to you, which saves me a ton, too!
7. Ask for deals. In a store, find a piece that you love and its at a price that you cant afford? Ask if there is a coupon. Or ask if the person knows when its going on sale. The associates usually know when a sale is going to start, or they may have coupons behind the register for customer appreciation. Most stores dont want to lose a sale, so they will go the extra mile to make the customer happy. Plus, if you are in a store and they dont have a specific size or color that you are looking for, ask if they have a coupon for free shipping online so you can order the correct one. You'd be surprised how often the associate will say yes! (Disney store is great for this!)
8. Google, google, google! When shopping, and I do this for ANY type of shopping.... clothes, housewares, groceries, etc, google the product and "coupon" or "Discount code". You will be shocked at how many times you will find positive results! I almost never pay for shipping on items, and I almost always find a usable coupon for the items I am shopping for. It may be a discount on a specific item (20% off one pair of jeans at your searched store) or it may be a coupon for a total purchase ($5 off your $25 purchase at a certain store) or you may find a free shipping code.
9. Outlet stores! There are a lot of outlets out there. There is some stigma around the thought of outlets, but I have never had a bad experience with them. Most clothing in outlets is leftovers of discontinued colors or styles, or last years items. Most of it is in perfect condition. There are some sections for returns, for example our local LL Bean outlet has a bin for returned monogrammed items. How lucky would you be if you found a backpack at an outlet like this, with your kids initials, at 80% off the retail price?!?! I love shopping the Reebok outlet. I always have good luck buying shoes for the whole family there. They usually have a buy 1, get 1 half price sale, plus they send me coupons. I have plans to go buy both of my big kids new sneakers for school using the buy1 get 1 half off deal. Most of their sneakers are around $30-$90 instead of the original $50-$130. So if both of my kids pick higher end Reebok sneakers in their sizes, I'd be paying maybe $135. Plus, I have a $25 coupon off a $75 purchase. So I am estimating that my total for back to school sneakers (for top of the line Reeboks) will be $110 for two pairs, instead of the $260 that I could be paying if I paid full price at a sports store.
Happy shopping and good luck with the deals!!!!! I hope I have been a big help! Let me know if you know of other good bargains!! And let me know if you try my tips and how much you saved. I love hearing that my followers are using my tips!
UPDATE: Today I took the kiddos sneaker shopping at the Reebok outlet, as promised. And the big news is that I came in WAY UNDER BUDGET! We got two pairs of Reebok sneakers (really nice ones, too) and my total was $84.96! Every regular outlet price shoe was buy one get one half. They also had a large section of shoes that were on sale for 2 pairs for $99.99, and a smaller section of 2 pairs for $60. It included mens, womens, and kids shoes. Plus, the clothes, backpacks and socks were all on sale, too, some were an additional 60% off! I recommend shopping there for your back to school sneaker shopping! Don't forget to sign up for coupons!
1. Consignment shops. Many places have kids consignment shops that go from newborn to size 14/16. Here you can find lots of deals. The clothes may or may not be brand new, but most places are really choosy when it comes to taking clothing in, so chances are, you'll find some clothes in great condition for a cheap deal. If you shop in the off season, you'll find even better deals. For instance, I shopped at a local kids consignment at the beginning of the summer. I was able to find a ton of winter clearance marked at 75% off the tagged price, which was already super low. I got 7 items, including two Gap dresses, 1 boutique sweater, a pair of heavy cords, 2 jean skirts from Old Navy and a Patriots Jersey for my son for $7 total!!
2. Yard Sales. There are a ton of people looking to get rid of their old stuff for super cheap. One summer I found a house that was selling all of their son's clothes that he grew out of for $1 each. I was able to dress my kid that year in all almost brand new Gap pants and jeans for $10. I didn't have to buy him any more pants that fall! Scour the yardsale ads in the newspaper, look for ads on Craigslist, and ask around. And if the yardsales you find dont have your kiddos size, pass the info on to someone who has a child that size/age. Your friends will love you for passing on a good bargain!
3. Have a kids clothing swap! Invite your friends with kids over. Have them bring whatever outgrown kids' clothes they have. Make sure you have friends with kids who are a variety of ages and sizes so everyone can leave there with something. The less worn, the better, so kids can have what look like brand new items. This works with your outgrown clothes, too! Set up your livingroom or backyard as a clothing store. Arrange items by size, and let everyone shop!
4. Buy in advance. When you are at your favorite stores, hit the clearance bins and racks. Don't see a winter coat or a pair of shoes in your kiddo's size but they have one two sizes bigger? If it is at a HUGE discount and you know you can't buy it for cheaper later on, buy it now! I was once at Walmart and saw puffy winter coats for $1. Yes, seriously, $1. They had none in my kids sizes, just 0-3 mos and size 14/16. My kids were in size 3 and 8 at the time. But you know what? They'll grow into them and when else am I going to find another winter coat for $1? So I grabbed 2. Now, when my son is going to play in the snow, I have backups incase he gets his good coat wet. Plus, at that price, if it gets ripped while he's playing, I really don't care.
5. Shop the sales!!! Do not impulse buy. Do your research. My favorite sales of all time are the Old Navy stuff and save. Every few months, they have a promotion where you walk in, grab a shopping bag, and everything you can stuff inside is an additional 30% off, or 40% if you use their store credit card. Everything is usually included in this sale. This is a great time to buy things that you normally need, jeans, shirts, coats, socks, pajamas, undies, etc. AND..... if you shop the clearance bins, you get an additional 30-40% off the clearance price! I have gotten things for around 60 cents this way, no lie! The last time I shopped this sale, I ended up getting 21 items for $32 and that included long sleeve tees, pajama sets, shoes, bathing suits, one piece outfits for the baby, and leggings for my girls.
6. Sign up for coupons. My favorite coupon stores are Gap, Old Navy, The Children's Place, Crazy 8, Gymboree, Carters and Osh Kosh. They all send out a ton of coupons! Go to their websites, and sign up with your email address. You can print and use in store, or you can shop with them online. Target has an app on the phone where you get coupons texted to you, which saves me a ton, too!
7. Ask for deals. In a store, find a piece that you love and its at a price that you cant afford? Ask if there is a coupon. Or ask if the person knows when its going on sale. The associates usually know when a sale is going to start, or they may have coupons behind the register for customer appreciation. Most stores dont want to lose a sale, so they will go the extra mile to make the customer happy. Plus, if you are in a store and they dont have a specific size or color that you are looking for, ask if they have a coupon for free shipping online so you can order the correct one. You'd be surprised how often the associate will say yes! (Disney store is great for this!)
8. Google, google, google! When shopping, and I do this for ANY type of shopping.... clothes, housewares, groceries, etc, google the product and "coupon" or "Discount code". You will be shocked at how many times you will find positive results! I almost never pay for shipping on items, and I almost always find a usable coupon for the items I am shopping for. It may be a discount on a specific item (20% off one pair of jeans at your searched store) or it may be a coupon for a total purchase ($5 off your $25 purchase at a certain store) or you may find a free shipping code.
9. Outlet stores! There are a lot of outlets out there. There is some stigma around the thought of outlets, but I have never had a bad experience with them. Most clothing in outlets is leftovers of discontinued colors or styles, or last years items. Most of it is in perfect condition. There are some sections for returns, for example our local LL Bean outlet has a bin for returned monogrammed items. How lucky would you be if you found a backpack at an outlet like this, with your kids initials, at 80% off the retail price?!?! I love shopping the Reebok outlet. I always have good luck buying shoes for the whole family there. They usually have a buy 1, get 1 half price sale, plus they send me coupons. I have plans to go buy both of my big kids new sneakers for school using the buy1 get 1 half off deal. Most of their sneakers are around $30-$90 instead of the original $50-$130. So if both of my kids pick higher end Reebok sneakers in their sizes, I'd be paying maybe $135. Plus, I have a $25 coupon off a $75 purchase. So I am estimating that my total for back to school sneakers (for top of the line Reeboks) will be $110 for two pairs, instead of the $260 that I could be paying if I paid full price at a sports store.
Happy shopping and good luck with the deals!!!!! I hope I have been a big help! Let me know if you know of other good bargains!! And let me know if you try my tips and how much you saved. I love hearing that my followers are using my tips!
UPDATE: Today I took the kiddos sneaker shopping at the Reebok outlet, as promised. And the big news is that I came in WAY UNDER BUDGET! We got two pairs of Reebok sneakers (really nice ones, too) and my total was $84.96! Every regular outlet price shoe was buy one get one half. They also had a large section of shoes that were on sale for 2 pairs for $99.99, and a smaller section of 2 pairs for $60. It included mens, womens, and kids shoes. Plus, the clothes, backpacks and socks were all on sale, too, some were an additional 60% off! I recommend shopping there for your back to school sneaker shopping! Don't forget to sign up for coupons!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
An easy chicken recipe
I'm going to share with you, my all time favorite recipe to make for dinner. It is easy and quick and it makes everyone happy. My family gobbles it up. Everyone who has come over for dinner when I've made it has cleaned their plate, and I bet you'll love it, too!
Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 package of bacon, thawed, cut in half. (I use the maple flavored, but any kind of bacon will work.)
Toothpicks
glaze/marinade
Preheat oven to 375*. Cube up the raw chicken, I like to cut them into nice chunk size pieces, big enough to get two to three bites out of each cooked piece. Cut the bacon in half, vertically. You want each piece to be able to wrap around the chicken pieces completely. Wrap a piece of bacon around each peice of chicken, and secure it with a toothpick pierced through the center. Place them on a tin foil lined baking sheet and bake at 375* for about 15 minutes. Take the pan out and brush your favorite glaze or marinade on each piece. I use a Bourbon sauce or a pomegranate chipotle, but marmalade, bbq sauce, hoison, etc will work. You can flip each over if you want, but it isnt mandatory. The chicken will cook all the way through. Put the pan back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked.
Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 package of bacon, thawed, cut in half. (I use the maple flavored, but any kind of bacon will work.)
Toothpicks
glaze/marinade
Preheat oven to 375*. Cube up the raw chicken, I like to cut them into nice chunk size pieces, big enough to get two to three bites out of each cooked piece. Cut the bacon in half, vertically. You want each piece to be able to wrap around the chicken pieces completely. Wrap a piece of bacon around each peice of chicken, and secure it with a toothpick pierced through the center. Place them on a tin foil lined baking sheet and bake at 375* for about 15 minutes. Take the pan out and brush your favorite glaze or marinade on each piece. I use a Bourbon sauce or a pomegranate chipotle, but marmalade, bbq sauce, hoison, etc will work. You can flip each over if you want, but it isnt mandatory. The chicken will cook all the way through. Put the pan back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked.
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