A little birdie let me know a pretty special day is coming up this weekend! It's that time of year again, when celebrate our Dads and our amazing husbands for being such great dads. It's tough every year trying to figure out what to get my husband because a.) he has everything- no really! or b.) if he doesn't have it, he just buys it for himself ergo we are back to a.) he has everything.
Aidan and I try to do something special for him every year and this year is no difference. I can't spill the beans on what Aidan, Vivienne and I are getting the Bobby yet but here are some ideas for your dad!
A free magazine subscription:
Rewards Gold is offering a subscription to AFAR, MAXIM, FORBES, NEWSWEEK, BARRON'S, or Cigar AFFICIANDO
Mercury Magazines is giving away Popular Science
Free Biz Mag is offering 4 Wheel & Off Road to those who qualify
How about sending Dad a online card from Denny's and then you will both get a coupon for free pancake puppies sundae.
My hubby's favorite is always the free yogurt from TCBY just for him!
We tend to go a more traditional route of homemade gifts and treats! Share your ideas on our facebook page for your dad!
Some do Spring cleaning, we are doing a Fall cleaning the blog! Look for changes coming soon to content, topics and more.
Free Photo Collage at Walgreens: There's probably nothing Dad would love more then a new set of smiling faces to display on his desk at work. And you can create one for free on Saturday if you drive on over to Walgreens. You'll need a coupon code (GOBIG8X10) and to call your local store ahead of time to verify participation.
Free Craft Project at Michael's: Kids ages three and up are invited to the national craft store on the Saturday before Father's Day to make use of fun craft materials to create a meaningful, one-of-a-kind card for Poppa. Materials from Sulyn, Bazzill and Glue Dots will be on-hand. While Michael's says the free project events will be held at all of their US and Canada stores on Saturday, June 19 from 10am to 2pm, we still think a call-ahead can't hurt.
Free Project at JoAnn Fabrics: Another possibility for a fabulous, crafty free card is JoAnn's, where every store will welcome kids on Saturday, June 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 to make free cards for Dads and Grandpa. It's another one of their Make It-Take It Events.
TCBY Frozen Yogurt
Head to TCBY this Father's Day for a FREE Cone or Small cup of frozen yogurt for Dad! Plus, it is a pretty good excuse for me to get one, too! :)
Free DVD Rental From RedBox: Finally, give Dad his choice of new releases to watch at home with the family. All you have to do is "Like" RedBox on Facebook to get a coupon code just for you. Enter it at the RedBox console, and a free rental is yours.
People often ask us if weactually eat the stuff we buy. Well, yeah, of course we do! Recently, we bought 10# bags of frozen leg quarters from Food World ($.39/1#), and this Sunday we decided to break out a bag for the week!
Obviously, 10 pounds is a LOT of chicken, but with 5 of us to feed, this makes for several meals and lunches, too!
Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Used:
5 Chicken Leg Quarters
4 Large Idaho Potatoes (10# bag bought at Burris Market for $1.99)
1 Bottle of Kraft Italian Dressing or Italian Pesto Dressing
1 Salt & Pepper
1 Italian Seasoning
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (more is okay, if not better!!)
We took 5 of the leg quarters, washed and cleaned them. Lay them in a casserole dish and use about half of the bottle of dressing on the chicken. Coat well! Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, as well as a few shakes of Italian Seasoning.
We washed and cut the potatoes up into quarters. We put them into a bowl and poured the rest of the dressing over the potatoes. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Put the lid on the bowl and shake it up! I let the chicken and the potatoes marinate over night, but at least two hours is plenty if you are short on time.
I lay foil down on a large cookie sheet, lay the ckicken and potatoes on the sheet. Cover with foil and cook at 405 for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook for another 30 minutes. Sprinkle your Parmesan Cheese over the chicken and potatoes and cook until it melts.
This is so yummy!
The rest of the chicken was seasoned with Montreal Chicken seasoning (bought on sale at Publix) and grilled. Everyone was excited to take some for lunch and have again tonight for dinner. ENjoy!
Kids Days in Bienville this Thursday, Jun 03, 2010!
Bring the kids out for some summertime fun to Bienville Square each Thursday and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire Departments and much more! Free. Thursdays through July 8th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Tell me that hanging out here doesn't look more appealing than another day stuck in the house! Get out and have FUN this Summer!
(image from al.com)
Looking for some free fun on a Saturday?
Also join us on Saturdays on July 17th and July 24th for kids' days in Langan Park. Bring out the children so they can enjoy face painters, clowns, hands on art activities, petting zoos, live entertainment and much more.
From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Let's face it, no matter how many groceries we have, how big a stockpile of food, or even if we have leftovers ready and waiting, going out to eat still happens. Heck, it is always a welcome treat! We always get asked don't we get tired of eating at home? Well, yes, occasionally. Everyone loves to eat out at some point, and let's face it, it makes date night just a bit more special!!
So how, do you save money and still get to at out? Coupons of course! (Girl, I can find a coupon for almost anything I want if I truly set out to do so.) So, were do you find these elusive restaurant coupons?
Get 80% Off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Cert. Use code ENJOY and pay $2 thru 5/13/10.
*Please remember to tip your server based on the total before your gift certificate.*
Have you ever heard of House Party? It always surprises me how few people have. House Party is a site I’ve been a member of since 2007, so trust me when I say, this is a site you want to join. The first upside to the site is that it is free. Interested?
House Party lets people who really love something host a special event featuring a fun, free, exclusive experience sponsored by the world's leading brands.
Cool people sharing cool stuff. A House Party is thousands of parties happening across the country on a single day, hosted by people just like you. Each event is sponsored by a leading brand and focuses on something cool–like a new product, hit TV show, or great cause–that the sponsor wants its best fans to experience firsthand and share with their friends. (Check out some of our recent events.)
You host. Everyone wins. House Party lets you share the stuff you like with the people you like, through a fantastic, free party experience. What's the catch? There is none: Our partners understand that if they share something good with the right people in a fun way, we'll all help spread the word.
What's inside the party packs?
Each event has a unique Party Pack filled with all kinds of free stuff to make your party a success. We've thrown all kinds of events: TV Viewing, Wine & Chocolate Pairing, Kid-centric, you name it.
I’ve hosted parties for new Nickolodeon movies, one raising awareness of Breast Cancer, Hershey's Chocolate Bliss (YUMMY!), Avon, Scholastic and lots more! They are always free, lots of fun and provide a GREAT excuse to have people over. Nobody ever calls or tries to sell you anything either. This is a total win situation!
Besides, in this economy, couldn't we all use a free party?
Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these fun activities along the Gulf Coast!
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS: THE CELEBRATION TOUR 2010
25-minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine; a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt; storytelling; live music; building with Mega Bloks; and more. Sat & Sun, Apr 24& 25, May 1 & 2, 8 & 9) Wales West Light Railway (13670 Smiley St, Silverhill) $18 (ages 2 and up) Contact: 866-468-7630 www.waleswest.com
CATHEDRAL SQUARE GALLERY 15TH ANNIVERSARY
Works by more than 60 local artists, including several members of The CSG Photography Salon, hosted by Michael Mastro. Cathedral Square Gallery (612 Dauphin St) Through Sun, May 30. Tue – Sat, 11 AM – 5 PM; Sun, 11 – 3 PM.
Contact: 251-694-0278 www.cathedralsquaregallery.com
MARKET ON THE SQUARE - WITH ART & CRAFT MARKET
Locally grown produce, seafood, beef, honeys, breads, pastas, cheeses, plants, handcrafted goods for kitchen and home; arts and crafts; live music; games and other activities. City of Mobile’s Neighborhood & Community Services. Sat, May 1, 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; 7:30 - 11 AM. Cathedral Square (downtown Mobile, bounded by Dauphin, Jackson, Conti and Claiborne Sts)
Contact: 251-208-7443 www.ncsmobile.org
KEEP MOBILE BEAUTIFUL’S 22ND ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUPHelp pick up litter (on your own or with a team) and keep Mobile beautiful. KMB will supply a special clean up kit with GLAD Trash Bags, gloves, safety vests and litter grabbers. Select a location and time for your cleanup; call KMB (251-208-6029) to reserve your kit; pick up your kit and complete a registration form (or request one from csmoke@mobilearts.org) at KMB. (1451 Government St) Through May 31.
Contact: 251-208-6029
BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS WALK
Help raise awareness of the dangers of Traumatic Brain Injury while helping support local services provided by The Alabama Head Injury Foundation. Donations of any amount are welcome and will be collected at the Walk. Location: Cottage Hill Park-Start/End Time: 9:00am, 12:00pm
Contact: Melissa Slater-251-776-8863 or mslater@usouthal.edu
Pensacola Crawfish Festival
April 30, 2010 - May 2, 2010 www.fiestaoffiveflags.org
Location: Bartram Park Phone: 850-433-6512
Celebrating the Cajun influence in the community with one of the largest crawfish boils in Florida. Bringing a little of the Louisiana bayou to the three-day festival patrons enjoy great music straight from the bayous of Louisiana.
Wet & Wild Festival
May 1, 2010 Times: 9am-4pm
http://www.wetandwildfestival.com
Location: Johnson Beach & Big Lagoon State Park Phone: 850-492-4660
The Johnson Beach Celebration is the kickoff to the county's Celebrate Escambia Waterway Program. A celebration of the anniversary of a day long family friendly Wet & Wild event at Johnson’s Beach. This is the 2 nd year for this event and there will be demonstrations in fun interpretive programs, nature hikes, geochaching, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and more!
The Pirates of Pensacola: the Curse of Tristan de Tuna
April 2, 2010 - June 18, 2010 Times: 6:30pm pirates website
Location: Pensacola Visitor Center Phone: 850-435-0914
Admission: $20 adults, $5 children (10 and under)
Shiver ye timbers this spring Matey, with our crew of scalawags. The Red Trolley set sail on the seas of adventure. Our ancient map will guide us to a pirate's trove of hidden treasure. Along the way we'll face rival pirates, find clues and learn the Secrets to the Seven Seas.
During our voyage, you'll learn how to tie a proper bandana, wear an eye patch and, aye, a hook. The better you blend in with the pirates, the safer you'll be. Bring your favorite pirate gear along and come early to get your tattoo applied by a comely pirate lass. An evening on the high seas would not be complete without traditional pirate fare. Chef Crossbones has prepared a tasty sampler of hard tack, shish kabobs and a rare sea octopus marinated in brine.
Ocean Springs Renaissance Festival
May 1, 2010 (Saturday) to May 2, 2010 (Sunday)
1425 Porter Avenue - Freedom Field
Ocean Springs, MS
Admission $5.00 Donation Accepted for Habitat for Humanity.
High quality, unique family oriented event. Full armour Joust by World reknown "Knights of Valour" from Canada, the famous Faerie Garden, sword fighting, medieval dancing, royal petting zoo, blacksmith, puppet shows, Medieval Village, games,dances, and Celtic musical venues. Period dress welcomed but not required
THE GREAT ALABAMA HOMECOMING
May 1, 2010 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Saturday) 5 Rivers Alabama's Delta Resource Center
30945 Five Rivers Boulevard off Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL
Homecoming Day in the City of Spanish Fort will also be held May 1, 2010, in conjunction with Spanish Fort’s Delta Woods & Waters Expo. At that time, we will unveil a new historical marker which designates Spanish Fort as the "GATEWAY TO THE DELTA". Whether you’re a native Alabamian or have never visited, some 215 towns are rolling out the red carpet during the Great Alabama Homecoming. Practically every weekend from mid-March through mid-December, towns all over Alabama are staging their special Homecoming celebrations. It’s all part of The Year of Small Towns & Downtowns as we celebrate the joy of living among friends and families at a slower pace. Get reacquainted with old friends or make new ones. Come and learn the true meaning of Sweet Home Alabama. It just won't be the same without you!
For more information, please call Donna Dunning at Spanish Fort City Hall, 251-626-4884, or go to our website at city of spanish fort website.
THE BEE HIVE’S GIGANTIC SPRING INDOOR YARD AND BAKE SALE Government Street United Methodist Church 901 Government Street @ Broad, Street Saturday, MAY 1 - 7AM-Noon, Lots of Children’s and Adult Clothes, Toys, Treasures, Plants, Baked Goodies
Dauphin Island United Methodist Women's Annual Fish Fry Saturday May 1, 2010 Fish Dinners served from 11 AM to 2 PM Adults $7.95 ----- Children (12 & under) $ 4.00Bake Sale & Yard Sale 8 AM to 2 PM
Benefit Yard Sale for the Saving Grace Home for Women Saturday May 1st @ 7 a.m. - 12 23790 Highway 90 past the Elsanor School approx 6 miles from 59 call 251-946-3355 for more info or directions!
Have an event you want us to mention? Comment below or email us at centsableandersons @ gmail.com (no spaces of course!)
We often get asked if we can manage to eat a decent, filling meal with the items we stockpile. Here's what we're feating on tonight, all prepared from our pantry.
Assorted Bone In Pork Chops 4.49 for a package of 5
Ken's Marinade .89 after coupon @ Publix
Betty Crocker Au Gratin .30 (.60 a box, used just one package)
Lima Beans $1
Cost to feed the family tonight? 6.68 plus tax. Not bad for an enjoyable meal at home!
Babies R Us is having a month of March events you are going to LOVE!
Breastfeeding 101
Basics of Breastfeeding Workshop
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 6:30pm
Ready, set, PUMP! Get the scoop on breastfeeding and all of the great sure to make it easy to feed naturally. Sponsored by Medela.
SUPER Baby Shower
Saturday, March 13th 12pm-3pm
We're hosting a baby shower for all expectant moms, as well as their family and friends. Come learn about the must-have products for every Mom's baby registry, valuable tips and ideas for planning a baby shower, plus enjoy great savings and giveaways.
Buckle Up and Boogie
Car Seat Workshop
Tuesday, March 23rd 6:30pm
There's no wiggle vroom when it comes to safety! You'll learn how to choose and use a car seat to keep baby safe...with rules of the road provided by Safe Kids Worldwide. Sponsored by Graco
PLUS for those of you too tired to shop (Girls, I remember how bad my swelled up!), you can shop online and get free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
I don't know about you guys, but we love Redbox movie, especially the FREE ones! They make for a great excuse for date night or family movie night! Here is a new code for Redbox but it does expire tonight at midnight central time, so go grab you a movie, quickly!
Happy Birthday, Mom!! We love you!
Okay, I am on a roll this week, and the family is getting spoilt! Last night for dinner we had pan seared pork bites, rice, organic green beans and croissant rolls.
Pork stew meat (on sale for under $3)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Garlic (the powder is fine in a pinch)
Onions (the powder is fine in a pinch)
Butter (it makes life better, trust me)
Wash your meat first, arrange it out on a plate and season well. We wanted to keep it simple and just used salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. There is so much you can add to oomph this up, though, so if you are feeling creative, GO FOR IT! Throw a tablespoon or two of butter in a hot pan. Let this melt well and get super hot. Once it is, toss in your pork stew meat and let it cook until it is a pretty brown. Then turn over and let this side get nice and brown, too. Remove from heat and put on a seperate plate. Because some of the meat is larger than others, it may be pink on the inside still. Just to be safe, once all the meat is browned, I put it in the oven for a minutes.
Again, these were so delicious! My family loved how tender and juicy they were. We served it with steak sauce (ketchup for the little one). Two nights in a row, everyone had seconds.
What made us buy pork stew meat? Well, if you have tried to buy beef lately, then you know why. Beef has gotten so expensive, we look for alternatives, i.e. turkey burgers, pork stew meat, pork steaks, etc. My Dad didn't even realize it was pork and thought it was just really tender steak.
Where did we find affordable, good quality meat? We mainly buy our meat from Food World, and swear by their quality. We check once a week in the meat section for sales. When we find something cheap, we stock up. Rather than buy 2 packages of chicken legs for $2.50 each, we will buy 6-8 packages. That way on the weeks when there aren't meat sales, we still have plenty.
