EASY Dinner Idea That Helps you with a Future Dinner! Crock Pot Chicken Stock & BBQ Chicken

Do you need an easy dinner idea? Well, here you go!
BBQ Pulled Chicken with Bonus Chicken Stock

Ingredients:
3-6 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3-6 Carrots, peeled, and cut in 4-5 pieces
3-4 Stalks of celery, cut in 4-5 pieces.
1 Onion, peeled and rough cut
salt & pepper to taste
water
any other seasonings you like
Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce. (I like Sweet Baby Ray's.)

What can be easier than throwing some boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot with  water and seasonings, (salt & pepper, or whatever your like,) even some carrots, onions, and celery?

If you'll be gone all day and are comfortable leaving your crock pot on while you're away from home, then set your slow cooker to low. Season the chicken breasts, and add to the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, onion, whatever you like to flavor your chicken stock. Add water to cover. If you're at home and want need to meal to be ready sooner, then set the slow cooker on high and follow those same steps above for adding the ingredients. For low, 6-8 hrs. For high, check the meat at 4 hrs.

When the chicken will pull apart with two forks, then separate the chicken from the broth and vegetables. Make sure to put the lid back on the crock pot to keep it warm, BUT DON'T FORGET THAT IT'S TURNED ON! Shred the chicken and return it to the crock pot FIRST, since it's still warm and you don't want to put something cold into a hot slow cooker! Add a bottle of BBQ sauce, or whatever amount you prefer, and mix with the chicken till heated through. If the BBQ sauce is cold, I would recommend warming it a little in a glass container in the microwave. Don't put the bottle of BBQ sauce in the microwave (for our not-so-well-versed in the kitchen fans!).

Next, strain the vegetables from the broth. If you want the broth to look its best, strain it through a cheesecloth. Then freeze the broth in ice cube trays. After frozen, remove the cubes and place in a Ziploc bag, then you'll have easy-to-use increments of chicken broth. This way, you can add as much or as little broth to whatever dish you're making the next night or some evening in the future. And, your ice tray will be back in service for the next item you want to freeze, whether it be water or more broth.

When the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce is heated through, serve as is, or on buns. Fast, easy dinner! I really appreciate this kind of meal. Though I love, love, love to cook and try new recipes, there seems to be no end to housework, yardwork, errands, etc. There are MANY days when dinner seems to be more of a chore than a pleasure to cook. So, meals like this slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken make life simpler on those busy days. And, it's nice to get a batch of chicken broth as a bonus. For you chicken broth afficionados, I know this broth has no bones or skin to help flavor it. However, I still really like this broth! When going to use the broth later in another dish, you have the choice of kicking up the flavor with the addition of herbs, seasonings, etc., and sometimes, I even use it to cook more chicken. It's as if I'm starting out with my own frozen buillion cubes. So, give it a try and tell me what you think.  As long as you have your chicken breasts the night before or in the morning, you'll be set for a quick dinner that evening. 

Enjoy!

Diana

FREE Lipton K-Cup Iced Tea Sampler!

Do you have a home brewer that uses K-Cups? Then this offer is for you!

Watch a short video, then fill out your name, address, and email address to receive a FREE Lipton Tea Iced Tea Sampler of K-Cups!

http://see.walmart.com/lipton/

Please return and let me know how long it took for you to receive your sample.

Thanks!

(P.S. At the same link, there is another link to a 75cent coupon, but I tried it and that offer is no longer valid.)

Email Subscription Clean-Up

I don't know about you, but I have entered my fair share of contests, made requests for coupons, etc., and my inboxes have been overflowing with advertising offers, updates, and the like from too many companies. This issue is compounded by the fact that I access email on both my iPhone and my desktop, and deleting an email in one place does not delete it from the other. So, I spend double the time deleting emails that I just am not reading.

There were emails from clothing retailers my daughter likes. I signed up to receive a coupon or updates ahead of Black Friday, yet I am not doing any clothes shopping that warrents receiving A DAILY EMAIL anytime soon! Those were the first to go. I was getting email from specific products, and I don't even recall signing up to receive those. There are many emails I did request, but I find that I'm too busy to read. Since I do not have limitless time to peruse all these emails, I decided to take a few minutes each day this week to start unsubscribing, instead of just deleting those messages.

As for those messages I still wanted to receive, I have been updating my email address to one that won't send all of my "advertising / newsletter" email to my junk mail.  I was unable to find how to update my email for one company that I really like. Sadly, their policy is that once your email is associated to your account, it can never be changed. The representative told me I'd have to sign up for a new account! I had just updated my public profile with that company, and was not going to take the time to recreate the wheel. Remember, I'm trying to save TIME and also, not miss emails that go to junk mail here with this activity. I let her know that I just may not catch all their emails. Oh well!

I know that it seems like it takes loads of time to clean up your email subscriptions. However, if you just take a few minutes each day (set a timer!) for one week, I promise that your inbox will start looking better and better, and you won't feel so weighed down by all those unread messages. Good luck!

Who Is Your Organizing Guru?

I am following a few too many organizing gurus this week. We moved a few months ago, and I find myself needing to bring order to the chaos. Do I follow The Fly Lady who has never led me astray? Should I go with Money Saving Mom, who has a four-week program to a cleaner, more organized home and who also employs a number of Fly Lady techniques? Or should I go with a current favorite of a few of my friends, 40 Bags in 40 Days? It may seems nuts, but I think I'm going to try to do two of the three. Money Saving Mom and #40Bags40Days here I come!

Cleaning Up the Refrigerator

Is it time to clean out the refrigerator? I know you know to toss out the science experiments first, and remove items to keep to a different shelf or the countertop, so I'll skip that part. Starting from the top, down, I begin with a dry cloth or paper towel, to remove any crumbs. After shaking out that cloth over the trash can, I run water over the cloth, and go over the same areas of the fridge shelves. If there are any areas of dried, thick residue, I lay a wet cloth on it, leave it for a few hours, and move on to the next task. That way, I avoid wasting energy on a task that moisture and time can solve for me. Then, I return in an hour or two to easily wipe up the mess. In the event of a stubborn area, repeat, leaving the rinsed out damp cloth in contact with the area in question. I do the same for my glass stove-top and interior of the oven. If raw meat juices have spilled, I'll use some Windex with Vinegar or some Clorox wipes, whatever I have on hand. I try to avoid the really nasty chemicals and find it best to start with water or sudsy water first.

Good luck!
Diana

Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes Recipe from Brigette Chevy

CHEESY HASHBROWN POTATOES!

OK, I did it again. I meant to make something for dinner, but decided I'd rely on leftovers to sustain us this evening. There's nothing wrong with that! However, since Mother Nature has decided not to cooperate AGAIN and my daughter's lacrosse team won't be playing tonight, I decided to make use of the bag of potatoes my husband asked me for last week, but then forgot to use.

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Money Saving Mom, when I came across a guest post by Brigette Shevy. She wants to enjoy potato dishes, but likes to skip using cream soups and / or sour cream, which are frequently used with potatoes. Luckily, her mother-in-law had a great family recipe for Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes that she shared with Money Saving Mom, Crystal. And, now I'm sharing that recipe with you.

I'll be making this recipe this evening, and I'll let you know how we all like it. But, from looking at the recipe, and reading through comments on Bridgette's guest post, I already know a few things that I appreciate. First, NO ONIONS! I love onions, they just don't love me. So, it's nice to see a recipe without this seemingly ever-present ingredient. However, I feel the recipe is flexible enough to allow for onions if you so desire, I'd just sautee them a little first. Second, though the recipe calls for milk, and many would read that as "whole milk," what's the harm in using skim? It's what we have on hand, and though the dish might not be quite as thick without whole milk, I like the benefits of skim to help balance the ensuing carb and cheese fest! And, third, I appreciate the flexibliity of being able to use up those fresh potoates you have on hand, or the efficiency of using frozen shredded potatoes.

Oh, and those pototoes that I was going to use? I scrubbed the potoatoes, started boiling a large pot of water, then decided, it's going to takey WAY too long given that it was already 5:00 pm. So, those potatoes will wait till another day and frozen shredded potatoes, here we go!

Enjoy this recipe by clicking on the link at the top of the page!

Quick Tip: Carry Store's Coupon Policy in Coupon Caddy

I've heard and experienced that many cashiers aren't familiar with their own store's coupon policies.
This can be frustrating when you have your stack of coupons ready to go and it all comes to a screeching halt. You've got other folks behind you in line giving you the evil eye and you just want to give up and go home. Well, don't! Keep a copy of the store's coupon policy (generally found on their website) in the back of your coupon caddy, envelope, etc. The cashier will either become more knowledgable about policy, or will be so intimidated by the fact that you know their coupon policy, chapter and verse, that he will just put your coupons through out of sheer embarrassment! If that, too, fails, then ask to have the store manager ring you up at customer service.

Here are links to some stores' policies.

Walgreens
CVS
Rite-Aid
Kroger (Digital Coupon Policy)
Target
Fred Meyer
Publix
Marsh

Quick Tip: Simplify Washing to Get Better Looking Towels

Unless you don't mind a bunch of lint balls covering your towels, or if you use your towels until they've gasped their last breath, then you'll like this.

Have you ever noticed that when you wash different colored towels together, even the older ones will transfer little lint balls to towels of other colors? I hate that. I cannot stand seeing all those little lint balls on the towels! The next time you get new towels, buy all the same color. You'll no longer have to wait till there are enough dirty from the same color to make up a load, and no more lint ball transfer!

Also, remember to limit the use of dryer softener sheets when washing towels (or fleece). The softener sheets prevent towels from absorbing as much water as they normally would. (The softener sheets just flat out ruin the appearance of anything fleece, over time, so I wash fleece separately and use no dryer sheets at all.)

If you are asking for towels for Christmas, a house-warming party, or whatever the occassion, make sure to ask for towels that are all the same color to make wash day a little easier.

Diana

Put Some Pep in Your Housecleaning Step!

Put some pep in your housecleaning step!

I know that I always get more done around the house when I have to music to bop along to and I've found a new site to help with that. My friend Christine brought walk by jog fm to my attention, and I thought it would be a great way to put some pep in your housecleaning step. You can always use your MP3 player, or even stream music from your favorite radio station or Pandora.

Whatever you do to get a little motivation, choose something fun and you'll be sure to be more productive when you are doing your daily chores!

Enjoy!
Diana

Contest Corner - The Best Giveaways on the Net!

I'm a big fan of Money Saving Mom. Each week, she gives a forum for other blogs to list any contests or giveaways they have posted. I've seen these in the past, but rarely entered any of the contests. This week, I decided to give these other hardworking bloggers some love and enter their contests.

One blog that I tried was Contest Corner. They have "The Best Giveaways on the Net!". This week, they are giving away a D-Link Day/Night Security Camera. Contest Corner provided the following information about the camera.

The D-Link DCS-932L Day/Night Security Camera retails for $129.99 

and is available at Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot and Amazon – 

click here to visit Dlink.com for more information and to purchase.

Contest Corner, like other blogs running contests that I've come across, are using "Rafflecopter" for entries. By performing various tasks, most of which are to help advertise the blog or the company providing the prizes, you gain entries. For example, on Contest Corner, you can earn entries for liking their Facebook page, Tweeting about the contest on Twitter and posting the link to your Tweet back in the Rafflecopter, subscribing to a an e-mail or RSS feed, etc. In fact, I'm earning an entry right now just for telling you about their contest on my blog!

Not everyone will want to do all activities, but the more activities you complete, the more chances you have at winning the prize. This particular contest, at present, has received over 2,000 entries. As nationwide contests go, that's not a huge amount, so your chances are pretty good, though I'm not going to mathematize (our own family word) for you. Some entry methods are able to be done on a daily basis during the life of the contest. For example, you can Tweet about the contest once / day to earn an additional entry. I have seen some contests / giveaways that have fewer than 100 entries.

Yes, contests and giveaways are fun, but they serve other purposes and anyone who spends even a small amount of time purusing blogs will recognize that bloggers have contests to boost readership. Some bloggers will also get free product to try and write about, and the manufacturer often gives an extra item for the blogger to give away. Also, the contests often require that the reader likes a Facebook page, Tweets about the contest, or writes about it in the reader's blog, all promoting the blog with the giveaway, the company who provides the prize, or the manufacturer of the product. Some readers seems to get a bit bent out of shape about this, but I don't see why. If a company is giving away an item, and a blogger is willing to try out that item to promote it for the company, then if I'm going to try to win the item, the least that I can do is help promote them a little in the process. Many will help, few will win, but c'est la vie, right?

So, now that you know a little more about contests and giveaways on blogs, go forth and win!

Enjoy!
Diana

*STILL ACTIVE* Sierra Trading Post $10 Off Coupon!

There are lots of nice things that one can find at Sierra Trading Post.

Use the link below to get a $10 coupon, and I'll get one, too! And, if you are a Upromise member, you can find further Sierra Trading Post savings through the Upromise site.

Enjoy!

Sierra Trading Post

*EXPIRED* FREE Redbox Video Game Code!

I didn't even know that Redbox rented video games!

You can text JUSTDANCE to 727272 on your cell phone for a FREE 1-day Redbox Video Game Rental Code!  Your code expires 12/31 at 11:59pm. HOWEVER, I don't know how long the offer to GET the free code will last. So, text to get your free code soon! (Remember, Message and data rates my apply!)

I really need to start using Redbox again. I have been overlooking them ever since we got Netflix, but there are times when I'd really like to see a movie when it comes out on DVD, and not all Netflix movies are available on instant view. Redbox will be my economical source for seeing those "must see" movies a lot sooner!

I just did sent my text, and got my code for a free video game rental within seconds. 
Also, what I liked is that Redbox sent a second text telling me I could reply with a "Y" if I want to join the Redbox Games Text Club. That means, just because I texted them for the free video game code, they aren't going to automatically sign me up for future texts. Very nice! I really do appreciate being asked first!

A BIG thank you to DEALSEEKINGMOM.com for posting the link to this free Redbox video game rental code! DealSeekingMom has tons of great info on Coupons, Deals, Freebies, Living on Less, Money-Making Ideas, Store Deals, etc. Please visit her site and tell her SAHMonomics sent you!

Enjoy!
Diana

Have You Heard of TopFloor? Take a Look!

Just found out about TopFloor and am looking to learn more. Have you visited their site? What do you think?  They seem to have an interesting spin on the deals they offer. Each deal is offered for a limited time, and they offer items in a group, though it looks like you can purchase just one of the items, the items will have some sort of common theme. Also, they provide a sneak preview of what items they'll have up for sale and a countdown to when those items will be available. They say they have the following: Exclusive Sales. Top Brands. Stylist Videos. I took a look at their site and they have some items that seem to be very reasonably priced, and other items that, though it may be a good price for that item, I'm just not going to spend THAT MUCH for an item, no matter who the manufacturer is or how well the product is made.

That being said, TopFloor is offering you 2 months Free Shipping when you use this link*:  http://www.topfloor.com/?ref=63841-d8aafb

Take a look at their site and let me know what you think!

*Disclosure: FYI, I will receive a $1.00 credit to TopFloor for each person who signs up for their site via this link.

Thanks and enjoy!
Diana

Food Waste: How to Avoid It

I have had little daydreams of tabulating all that my family spends on food, just to know what our monthly food spend is. Has that happened yet? Heck no! But, I think about it. A lot.
One way to help save on food spend is to not waste food. Seems simple enough, right?

Here are a few ways to help cut back on the dreaded Food Waste:

1. Portion out the evening meal's leftovers into individual containers for the next day's lunch. (Instead of storing those leftovers in a single, large container, take a few extra moments to get those bad boys lined up for lunch!)

2. Meal Planning. Oh, again, how I wish... Everyone I know who has started to plan out their week's (or month's!) meals swears by it. Fewer trips to the grocery store and avoiding the dreaded, "What am I going to make for dinner?" are just a few of the reasons to plan out your family's meals. Oh, and a little something called saving money. By planning out your family's meals, and taking into account how much will be eaten for dinner, or saved as leftovers for the following day's lunch, taking advantage of sales on meat, fruits, and vegetables, etc., you not only save time in the long run, but also money and FOOD.

3. Trying a new recipe? Make a half-batch. If you are trying a new recipe, and you're not sure how it turn out, then make only half. That way, if it's a dud, there will be less waste. Is it a main dish? Serve it as a side dish. Who cares?? Your family will appreciate that there isn't a ton of a new recipe to eat if it isn't their favorite. And, if they like it? They'll be clamoring for more, and you'll have a sure-fire winner to add to your dinner repertoire! *NOTE: Make sure to note your recipe so you don't accidentally use the original amount when you meant to use half.

4. Designate a "Spot of Honor" in your refrigerator for leftovers. Sounds silly, but how many times have you full well intended on eating (and enjoying!) leftovers of your one of your favorites, only to find it three weeks later looking like a science experiment? So disappointing. Why does that happen? It happens because our little leftover containers get shoved to the back of the refrigerator.

5. Use Only See-Through Containers. Think "Out of sight, out of mind." It's true. What we don't see, we quickly forget. Me? I'm a stickler for glass only food storage. I switched over to all glass storage containers a few years back, and I've been very happy with that decision. I'm fine with a plastic lid, as long as that lid doesn't come within five feet of the microwave. I don't care if the container's instructions say it's microwave safe. No way. No how. Not ever.

6. Made Too Much? Freeze It! If you know that the food is safe and will still taste great after a stint in the freezer, package it properly and store it away. I like to freeze in individual containers so I can pop out that serving, thaw, and give to my busy middle-schooler for a quick after-school snack.

7. Food Waste: What is it Costing Your Family? OK, we've discussed how to avoid it, but what is Food Waste costing your family? The cost is not measured in dollars and cents alone. Have you someone you love experienced food poisoning? It's just terrible! Sometimes, in the rush of life, a family member won't notice that one section of that leftover casserole has something fuzzy growing on it. A food's smell and spices can mask the beginnings of when the food starts to turn bad. We are all so busy, wouldn't it be awful if you or a member of your family has to sit out from activities, school, or work because of some food that has, so to speak, gone south?

So, this all brings me to my recent discover of Kristen's "The Frugal Girl - cheerfully living on less" blog. Kristen, realizing that she and her family were wasting food, a lot of food, started documenting that waste on Food Waste Friday.

Just look at her logo. I love it! The Frugal Girl figured that if she posted her food waste for others to see, perhaps she'd be better about not wasting food in the first place. Not everyone is willing to shame herself via social media into behavior modification, but I'm game. I plan on following up with a photo or two of my own family's food waste. Thanks, Kristin, for the inspiration! Everyone, please make sure to visit The Frugal Girl for more of her tips. I know I will!

*EXPIRED* FREE Bic Hybrid Advance 4 Razor (Facebook Offer)

Hurry, these will go fast. Click on the link below to get your free Bic Hybrid Advance 4 razor.

Please note: This is a Facebook offer, so you must like the Bic Razor page.
You'll then vote between baseball and football.
This offer is for the first 50,000 respondants.
Limit one per person.

Click Here to link to Bic Razor's Facebook Page and giveaway.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the heads up on this cool offer.

Making Something New...Every Day?

Can you imagine making something new, every day? Well, that's what my online friend Jeanne Haegele has been doing for over 200 days now. I first learned about Jeanne because of her Life Less Plastic blog. Jeanne is a really neat person, and I just wanted to give her and Making Made a little shout out today.

Life, of late, has been zigging when I zag, so I haven't posted in quite a long time. (Moving cross country seems to do that to me.) But, looking at what Jeanne has done inspired me to get back in the saddle. Please take a look at MakingMade.com. Jeanne has cooked, drawn, photographed, doodled, sketched, and crafted some really interesting things. I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy!

**EXPIRED** FREE! Audio Download: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

I just happen to be reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes via the free Kindle app on my iPhone, and here is a free audio download of the unabridged story from Audible.com.

After you put the item in your cart, you'll need to sign in with either your Amazon.com or Audible.com log-in info. If you have neither account, you can set up an Audible.com account. Enjoy!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom and My Frugal Adventures!

Quick Tip: Don't be So Quick to Throw Away that Packaging!

Manufacturers often print coupons on the inside of boxes, or include a paper coupon inside. Be on the lookout for these. This is a great way to get coupons for items you already buy. Note: Sometimes, the coupon is for a different product made by the same manufacturer, but it still may be something you use or can give away to or trade with a friend.

Savings: Are You Talking About It?

Folks, I have friends who have just about paid for all their Christmas shopping with rewards points, coupons, special offers, etc. I managed to score some great savings at CVS' annual December make-up and beauty clearance. It's great to save, but are you passing along your savings secrets to your best buds? No?! What's stopping you?

I'm a stay-at-home-mom, so being a one-income family, I both appreciate and need to find savings when I shop. However, I know folks who live a lot larger than we do who still use coupons and take advantage of sales, offers, and deals. Why? Because just about everyone these days is feeling the pinch. Whether you rent a small apartment or live in a large estate home, pay cuts, rising gas prices, higher food costs, no one is immune. However, as children, many of us learned from our parents that it is not polite to discuss money. Some of your friends may be OK with the topic, but not all friends feel comfortable discussing financial issues. Fortunately, talking to your friends about saving money does not have to be an exchange about what your mortgage, rent, or car payments are. Most people appreciate saving money because there is always something we'd rather be doing with our money than buying the daily necessities. So, when you find a good deal, let your friends know, especially if there's still time for them to take advantage of it, too. Pretty soon, your friends will be telling you about their great deals, too!

**EXPIRED** Walgreen's 25 Free Prints + Free Desktop Calendar thru Sat. 11/05/11

Folks, with Christmas coming up, I know that many of you will appreciate having 25 free photos to include in your holiday cards. Or, print out those choice photos you've been meaning to get in the scrapbook. So, get to Walgreen's RIGHT NOW! Enter FREE4X6 at checkout. Discount does not apply on taxes or shipping charges. My guess is that if you have a photo kiosk / processing department at your local Walgreen's like I've had in the past, then you can skip the shipping and pick them up in store. However, if you don't have a Walgreen's nearby, you may be able to have your prints shipped for a small charge.

AND, while you're at it, get a free Desktop Calendar by using FREEFORU at checkout.

Remember, you'll need to have a Walgreen's photo account, which is quick and easy to create.

Now, I have taken advantage of Walgreen's offers such as these in the past, and found their website gets slammed. That being said, I've had twice when my order would not go through. If that's the case when you try to place your order, understand it is because there are lots of folks like you looking to get in on this deal. Be patient, and try again. If it still doesn't work, then just send them a nice little note via their Contact Us link, or give them a call at 1-866-264-2910, and simply let them know the site would not process your order. I have found that generally, by the next day, I've had a credit posted to my Walgreen's photo account for the item I was supposed to get for free. Just make sure to try your order before the deadline, and send the note before the deadline, if needed.

Now, go get place that order!