Blessed by Composting - 2 Spicy Thai Chili Pepper Trees with 2 Chillies

As I wrote in previous blog entries about composting and cutting back on your weekly trash.  I keep a plastic bag in the kitchen sink and fill it with vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells) until it is full then I bury it in the backyard or front yard for the soil to decompose it.  At night, I tie the bag so the scent and no critters can get inside the bag.

If EVERYONE who has the ability to garden, I strongly recommend to start composting in order to have less trash then our landfills will not be overfilled! Please let's do our part on this Earth!

Other Green Blogs with Useful Tips to Eliminate/Decrease Trash: 

1. Green Garbage Project: http://greengarbageproject.adammathiasdesign.com/
2. 365 Days of Trash: 365daysoftrash.blogspot.com
3. Wedding Cans: www.weddingcans.com

Healthy and Inexpensive Homemade Dog Food

After reading many articles on homemade dog food, I have formulated my own healthy & inexpensive homemade dog food recipes.  My 2 rescued Shih Tzu dogs are living proof that they've grown into healthy adult dogs.  The younger one (gray color) was adopted when he was 2 months old and has been on this homemade dog food diet since 2007.  However, the older one who was adopted when he was 6 months old which made a difference in their current size.  The younger one is bigger in size than the older one because he got nutritious food at an early age.
At 2 Months:

Current:

Older One - Puppy - at 6 Months:

Older One - Current:

Dogs have nutritional needs just like humans.  I came across this interesting article, "Your Dog's Nutritional Needs, A Science-Based Guide for Pet Owners" by National Research Council of the National Academies: http://dels-old.nas.edu/banr/briefs/dog_nutrition_final.pdf 

In general, this article states, dogs need Proteins, Amino Acids, Fats and Fatty Acids, Vitamins, Minerals and Water.

Then I researched for foods that dogs are not allowed to eat and found on Doctors Fosters and Smith Pet Education site: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2&aid=1030 

I formulated a list of foods that was nutritious and tasty by trial and error:

Fruits:

1. Bananas = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love eating as a snack.  Must be cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
2. Pears = Has sweet taste and crunchy texture which they love eating as a snack.  Must be cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
3. Watermelon = Has sweet taste and crunchy texture which they love eating as a snack.  Must be cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
4. Blueberry = Has sweet/tart taste and soft texture which they are okay with eating as a snack as long as it is peeled.  Must be peeled and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
5. Apples = Has sweet taste and crunchy texture which they love eating as a snack.  Must be cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.

Vegetables (Must be boiled/steamed):

1. Carrots = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Must be peeled and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily. 
2. Potatoes = Has starchy taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Must be peeled and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
3. Broccoli/Cabbage/Cauliflower = Doesn't have much of a taste which is the reason, they didn't like eating it in their meal.
4. Yams = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Must be peeled and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily. But the color of cooked yams changed too quickly therefore, it looked gross.
5. Butternut Squash = Has sweet taste and soft texture which I have not given them this vegetable yet.
6. Cucumbers = Has watery juice taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Must be peeled, de-seeded and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
7. Corn = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love to eat.

Meat (Must be boiled/steamed):

1. Chicken Breast = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Must be cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
2. Boiled Eggs = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Must be peeled and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.
3. Fried Eggs = Has sweet taste and soft texture which they love to eat.  Should be fried with Canola/Olive Oil and cut into tiny pieces for them to chew and swallow easily.  I only feed this dish as a treat once in a while because the fried oil is fattening.

Their Daily Meal (Boiled Chicken Breast & Potatoes in a Ikea Bowl & Step Stool):

1. Boiled Chicken Breast: I usually buy fresh chicken breast from Jons International Marketplace.  Then chop it into sizable pieces and store in small freezer bags for their daily meals.
2. Potatoes:  I usually buy potatoes from Jons International Marketplace when it is on sale.  Then store in brown paper bags and keep it in refrigerator.
3. Ikea Bowl: tan shallow dish bowl (can't find Ikea online link).  It is still available at Ikea in their Cooking section.
4. Ikea Stool:  http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60101063  I have their kibble dispensers and water bowl sitting on these stools so their neck is not strained when eating food or drinking water.

Snacks (Store Bought):

1. Pup-Peroni Lean Beef Flavor Dog Treats: is their favorite daily treat.  Link for Pup-Peroni Coupon: http://www.pupperoni.com/Coupons.aspx  Amazon sells this product in bulk.
   
2. Dentastix: is their favorite weekly treat since it cleans their teeth.   Link for Dentastix Coupon: http://www.pedigree.com/oralcare/save-now.aspx  Amazon sells this product in bulk.
3. Milkbone Flavor Snacks Dog Biscuit: is their favorite daily treat since it cleans their teeth. http://www.milkbone.com/products/flavorsnacksdogbiscuits
4. Chicken Drumstix Special Recipe Dog Snacks: is their favorite daily treat. http://www.milkbone.com/products/chickendrumstixspecialrecipedogsnacks 
5. Filet Mignon Flavor Chewy Treats: is their favorite daily treat. http://www.milkbone.com/products/filetmignonflavorchewytreats  

They also free feed on the following Science Diet for snacks when they're hungry throughout the day, usually it is after their morning and night walk:

1. Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed Light: http://www.hillspet.com/products/sd-canine-adult-small-and-toy-breed-light-dry.html  $5 Off Coupon Link: http://www.feedingisbelieving.com/believe/3-Bag-Challenge-Form.html
2. Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed: http://www.hillspet.com/products/sd-canine-adult-small-and-toy-breed-dry.html 
3. Science Diet Mature Adult Small & Toy Breed: http://www.hillspet.com/products/sd-canine-mature-adult-small-and-toy-breed-canine-dry.html   

My boys are well disciplined about their food and don't overeat their kibble food.  They know their main meal is the homemade dog food (boiled potatoes & chicken breast/eggs).  Their free food dry kibble is snacks for them when they get hungry after their walks. 

Aside from their healthy diet, exercise is also a key ingredient in a healthy dog's life.  If my boys didn't get their daily walks, I truly think they both would be overweight dogs.  As a responsible dog owner, I want my boys to be healthy and live a long life without illnesses.  We want to avoid paying hefty vet bills (each visit is around $52/dog).

So for anyone who doesn't own a dog yet or is thinking about getting a dog, please do your research on the responsibilities of owning a dog.  Dogs have feelings just like humans and don't deserve to be mistreated.  If you do not have the time or financials then do not get a dog or pet.

Received FREE Aveeno Nourish+Shine Shampoo and Conditioner Sample with $1 Coupon

I received the FREE Aveeno Nourish+Shine Shampoo and Conditioner Sample with $1 coupon:

The FREE sample link still works: http://www.aveeno.com/hair-care/free-samples

CVS Pharmacy Weekly Ad 08/29-09/04/2010

CVS Pharmacy:  www.cvs.com
Bring your CVS Extra Care Rewards Card! Print In Store Coupons.  

Below are my picks from their ad.

1. Dawn 9.5-10.3 oz = 97 cents
2. Lay's Chips 10.5-13 oz = $1.88 (Limit 4)
3. 2 HP Inkjet Print Cartridges = $10 Off
4. Paper Mate WriteBros Pens 10 pk = 99 cents
5. Philips In-Ear Headphones = $6.99 - $6.99 Extra Bucks Reward = FREE (Limit 1 offer per household)
6. Campbell's Chicken Noodle, Tomato Soup 10.75 = 2 for $1 (50 cents each)
7. Heinz Ketchup 32 oz, Kraft Miracle Whip 22-30 oz, Mayo 30 oz = 2 for $3
8. Stouffer's, Panini, Hot Pockets 6-11.5 oz = 2 for $6 - $1 Extra Buck Reward = 2 for $5 ($2.50 each) (Limit 2 offer per household)
9. Gold Emblem Spices 0.49-8 oz = 88 cents
10. Gold Emblem Soda 2 ltr = 77 cents + crv
11. Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew 2 ltr = 4 for $5 ($1.25 each) + crv
12. L'Oreal Advanced Revitalift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair/Age Perfect Pro-Calcium = $15 (Get $5 Extra Bucks = Spend $20 L'Oreal Products)
13. L'Oreal Collagen, Advanced RevitaLife, Age Perfect Moisturizer, Skin Genesis = $12 (Get $5 Extra Bucks = Spend $20 L'Oreal Products)
14. L'Oreal Collagen Filler (excludes Collagen Moisture Filler) = $18 (Get $5 Extra Bucks = Spend $20 L'Oreal Products)
15. L'Oreal True Match Foundation, Powder, Blush/Concealer (Excludes Compact & Roller) = $7
16. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Color/Liner (excludes Anti-Age, Collagen) = $6
17. Clairol Nice'n Easy, Root Touch-up, Gray Solution = $5.99
18. L'Oreal Preference, Root Rescue = $6.99
19. Burt's Bees = Prices Starting at $2.99
20. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Expert Wear Eye Shadow Trio = $5 (Get $3 Extra Buck when you buy Maybelline Eye/Lip = Spend $10)

10 for $10 Selected Grocery/Snack Items:

Buy 1 Get 1 Free:

1. CVS Pharmacy Vitamins, Minerals/Herbals (Limit 6)
2. School Supplies (Fashion Notebooks, Portfolios, Pilot EasyTouch 2-5 pk, FriXion Erasable 2 pk, Precise V5, V7 Pen 2-3 pk, Maxell CD-R music 30 pk
3. Mars, Nestle, Hershey's Fun Size 9.34-12.5 oz, Strawberry Twizzlers 22 oz
4. Arm & Hammer Total 2-in-1 Dryer Cloths 40 ct

Buy 2 Get 1 Free:

1. Five Star Notebook 2, 3 or 5 Subjects, Avery Binders
2. Schick Manual Razor 1 ct, Refill Cartridges 3-4 ct

Buy 1 Get 2nd 50% OFF:

1. CoverGirl Cosmetics
2. 3M (Post-It Notes, Tabs, Flags, Page Markers 1-5 pk), Elmer's, Krazy Glue
3. Revlon Cosmetics, Beauty Tools, Fragrance
4. Rimmel Cosmetics
5. Almay Cosmetics 
6. Clean & Clear
7. Gillette Disposable Razors 2-12 ct

Rite Aid Weekly Ad 08/27-09/02/2010

Rite Aid:  www.riteaid.com
Bring your Rite Aid Wellness + Card to Accrue Reward Points! Checkout their Ad: Lots of Coupons.

*** Get $10 in +UP Rewards = Buy $30 Back to School Items *** (Excludes HP Ink Cartridges. Limit 1 offer per household.)

*** Get $10 Rite Aid Gift Card when you use Wellness+ Card = Spend $25 on Select Oral Health Products ***

*** Get $5 Rite Aid Gift Card when you use Wellness+ Card = Spend $15 on Select Oral Health Products ***


Below are my picks from their ad.

1. Arrowhead Spring Water 24 pk 0.5 ltr = Reward = $3.99 - $1 +UP$2.99 (Limit 1 offer per household)
2. Harvard Square No. 2 Pencil 10 ct, Crayons 24 ct, Mead Notebook 1 Subject Wide/College Rule 70 ct = 3 for 99 cents
3. Fashion/Licensed Assorted Portfolios = 2 for $1 (50 cents each)
4. Fashion Notebooks, Journals, Theme Books/Memo Pads = 2 for $2 ($1 each)
5. HP Ink Cartridge = Get 2nd $10 off
6. 12" Ruler/Paper/Poly Portfolios, School Accessories, Elmer's School Glue 4 oz, Glue Stick 2 pk, Harvard Square 2 Pink Erasers, Eraser Caps 15 ct = 3 for $1.98 (66 cents each)
7. Harvard Square #2 Pencils 20 ct, Stick Pens 8 ct, Colored Pencils 12 ct, Mesh Binder Pouch, A&W School Box, Rite Aid Hand Sanitizer 2 oz = 99 cents
8. Nivea Lip Care 0.17-0.35 oz = $2.99 - $1.99 Single Check Rebate - $1 +UP Reward = FREE (Limit 1 offer per household.)
9. Maybelline Color Sensation Lipcolor, Lip Gloss, Lip Liner = 3 for $15 - $5 +UP Reward = 3 for $10 ($3.33 each)
10. OralB Cross Action Power Toothbrush Single pack/Refill 2 pk, Indicator/Advantage Toothbrush 4 pk, Glide Floss Twin Pack = $5.99 - $2 +UP Reward = $3.99
11. Listerine Mouthwash 500 ml = $3.99 - $1 Video Values Online Coupon - $1 +UP Reward = $1.99
12. Almay Eye Cosmetics = $5.99 - $1 Single Check Rebate = $4.99 (Limit 1 Rebate)
13. Fleece Throw 50" x 60" = $1.99
14. Gail Dish Liquid 10.3-11 oz = 89 cents - $1 Manufacturer's Coupon in Most Sunday's Newspaper = FREE
15. Gatorade 24-32 oz, Rite Aid Green Tea 1.5 ltr, Jolt 16 oz, SoBe Lifewater 20 oz = 99 cents + crv
16. Haagen Dazs Ice Cream 14 oz, Pirouline Wafers 6.5 oz = $2.50 - $1 +UP Reward = $1.50

Buy 1 Get 2 Free:

1. Mead Composition 100 ct

Buy 1 Get 1 Free:

1. Rite Aid Vitamins and Supplements
2. Rite Aid Tape and Glue, Poly Notebooks, Binders & Portfolios, Office Expert Writing Tablets, Boxed Envelopes & Index Cards
3. Wet n Wild Cosmetics
4. Purex Laundry Detergent 50 oz, 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets 20 ct = $1 Single Check Rebate Available on Purchase of 2

Buy 1 Get 2nd 50% Off:

1. CoverGirl Cosmetics = $1 + UP Reward when you buy CoverGirl Outlast Lip (Limit 1 offer per household)
2. Crayola products
3. 3M/Duck Brand Assorted Mailing Supplies, Tape & Kraft Paper
4. Mead Five Star
5. Avery, Office Expert/Harvard Square Binders
6. Reflection Locker Accessories/Master Lock Combination/Key Locks
7. Bic Products = $2 Single Check Rebate Available on $10 in Purchase
8. File Organizers & Accessories
9. Dry Erase Boards & Expo Markers
10. Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, Petites, Chameleon, CQ, Color Fever Nail Polish
11. Physicians Formula Mineral, Organic/Bamboo Wear Cosmetics

50% Off:

1. Backpacks and Lunch Kits

Bought My Own House at Age of 26

I want to share with you all that EVERYONE is able to accomplish this dream on their own.  It has been 10 years since I bought my first house on my own without a significant other.  You are wondering, how I was able to buy this big purchase all on my own.

Growing up, I always dreamed of one day living the American Dream:  Having a family with a white picket fence house!  However, by the age of 26, I wasn’t married yet.  My goal was to get married by 25 but it didn’t happen when I turned 26.

I am very grateful to my parents who taught me how to live a frugal life early on since they were my example as I was growing up.  I was able to save up a lot of money while living at home and attending college.  Then almost finishing college, I was hired on as an Entry-Level Programmer/Analyst which became my first full-time job at the age of 23.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to continue taking a lot of classes because of the full-time job which I don’t regret at all.  It took me 2 years longer to finish my undergraduate degree.  During college, I didn’t go out a lot with friends and didn’t take any vacations at all which helped me save a lot of money.  After getting several months into the new job, I bought my first new car and within 2.5 years it was paid off.

Then 3 years later, at the age of 26, after many MLS listing search via my realtor who I probably drove crazy everyday asking for a new list for me to research if the property was in a good location.  I had certain criteria for my first house:
1.    Single Family House with 1 Level: because 2 story houses are a nuisance after a while (Lesson learned from a college classmate who hated their 2 story house since bedroom was upstairs and it was too much work going upstairs carrying the baby.)  Opportunity for gardens.  More privacy.  Quieter.  Upside of owning a single family house is easy wheelchair access, some medical conditions such as bad knees make it hard for certain individuals to climb stairs, and easier to clean.  Downside of owning a single family house are can be noisier if stereos or televisions are located on the same floor as bedrooms, some people feel safety is compromised if bedrooms are located at ground level, more of the lot is absorbed by living quarters.
 
2.    No Townhouse/Condominium:  Downside of owning a condo is less privacy, noisier, common walls and/or floors and ceilings.  Sometimes no private yard or balcony.  Upside of owning a condo is less expensive than comparable single-family homes, generally newer so fewer repairs, lock-n-go lifestyle and no yard or exterior maintenance.
 
3.    No Cul De Sac House:  you will have less parking space in front of house and lot is smaller.  Less privacy, neighbors know about you.
 
4.    Corner House:  Upside of corner house are often larger lots, fewer neighbors, more visibility.  Downside of corner house are more traffic noise more vulnerable to vehicles jumping the curb, kids might trespass at the corner, more sidewalk to shovel in winter.
 
5.    Not in Front of Park/School/Train Station/Railroad Tracks/Shopping Center/Alley Parking:  too much traffic and people and less privacy.
 
6.    House with an Underground Foundation, not Concrete Slab as its Foundation:  this means, the house is sitting on higher ground level and less likely to flood during rain season.  Also it is easier to make any renovations underneath the house if there is an underground foundation.
 
7.    Interior Specifications:
       a.    No Chimney – very costly to fix if there is Earthquake damage.  Maintenance fee to clean it.
 
       b.    2 Bathrooms – growing up living in an apartment with 2 bathroom was so nice.  Then moving into a house with 1 bathroom was not easy.  Therefore, I wanted to make sure there was at least 2 bathrooms.
 
       c.    3 Bedrooms – wanted to have a bedroom, a guest  room/kid’s room later on, and my own home office.
 
       d.   Laundry Room inside the house so it’s easier to do laundry at any time.
 
8.    Higher Elevation:  less likely to flood during rain season.
 
9.    Not Near Mountains/Hillside:  Easier for house to catch on fire during fire season and dangerous when there is an earthquake.  Beside these homes are more expensive and out of my budget.

Luckily, I didn’t require my realtor to provide me a list of those specific property listing since I was able to do the research on on my own.  The realtor only provided a daily MLS listing of single family house for sale in the targeted areas (Suburbs of Los Angeles).  With only 9 criteria to find my first house didn’t sound difficult, right.  I looked at many house via on the internet and drove by the houses that had its potentials.  I only asked the realtor to go the MAYBE houses.  Then I thought that I found “My House” and put in the offer but it was not meant for me since I was outbid.  A week later, another house became available on the next street over and I researched everything about the house and no one else showed up for the Open House except for me.  It was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t end up with the outbid house because I ended up with a nicer house in a nicer neighborhood with nice neighbors.  Looking back, God definitely had a plan for me to buy this house.  It was perfect for me!  I wasn’t sure if I was able to afford it since their asking price was higher than my budget.  But the seller was able to give me a little discount.

Now it has been 10 years since buying this house and I am glad that I made the decision to buy it on my own back then.  You might be wondering how I live frugally and living a green life (will update the below section as I remember more things):
1.    Live within My Means – It has been easy for me to live by this rule since I was raised by my parents with this phrase.

2.    Buy Needed Things Not Want Things – It has been easy for me to live by this rule since I was raised by my parents with this phrase.
 
3.    Buy Want Things Only after Researching for Best Bargain Price – to treat myself once in a while for saving all that money.
 
4.    Make a Weekly Grocery List – I had a tendency to buy lots of stuff when I went to the market and saw things on sale.  So by having a grocery list, I refrained from buying the whole market which I didn’t need all that food.
 
5.    Keep a Monthly Budget – It helped me keep track of my expenses and income.  I also kept track of current bills and upcoming bills in order to see how much money I needed to save for the upcoming bills.
 
6.    Keep a Notebook of Bills – It lists all of the credit card bills with current balance, current interest rate, closing date, bill statement amount and bill due date and new balance after bill is paid.  I was able to establish good credit history at an early age in college and had self-control by only spending what I was able to pay when bill is due.  I only use credit card on most of my purchases: pay most of the bills, groceries, insurance, shopping (clothes, shoes, household items), and restaurants.  I only have credit cards that have no annual fee.  Don’t waste your money on getting credit cards that charge an annual fee.  I have earned many reward points over the years and gotten many gift certificates which I treated myself to things offered from these rewards programs.
 
7.    Rarely Went on Vacations – I have saved a lot of money by not travelling to see other states/countries/areas.  Luckily, most of my jobs required me to travel to around.
 
8.    Rarely Went to Restaurants – I loved eating out at restaurants, but luckily most of my dates paid for our outings therefore it really helped me save money.  I used to eat out at various restaurants/fast food places for lunch at work, but I have been trying to save more money by packing lunch to work which has allowed me to eat healthier and save money.
 
9.    Buy Things on Sale – I will only buy things when it is on sale and after researching for the best bargain price available.
 
10.    Use Coupons when Available – On a weekly basis, I look at the weekly grocery ads to see which market has the products on sale that I need and find the coupons online.
 
11.    No Need for Luxury Car, Designer Clothes/Furniture – I love the luxurious things in life too but I don’t need these luxury items.  Besides, I don’t want total strangers to think I am rich which I am not when I am driving to work and running errands.  I am still driving my first car that I bought 13 years ago which of course, people think I am poor when they see me drive in my old car, but it is reliable and saves on fuel expense.  Frankly, I don’t care what total strangers think of me in my old car.  I don’t feel the need to wear fashion designer clothes since the thought of paying full price or a lot of money makes me cringe on the inside.  Because I just contributed to the fashion designer’s bank account in becoming more affluent and able to buy more villas/mansions while I am living frugal.  I don’t think so!  I furnished the whole house with Ikea Furniture which is still looking very good after 10 years.
 
12.    Buy Clothes/Shoes when Needed – It is not easy to stop buying more clothes and shoes, but I have stopped since I ran out of closet space in the house.  Gals/Guys, I know everyone has this problem.  But next time, you have the urge to buy that outfit/shoe think there are other people in this world who don’t even have a pair of shoes or clean clothes to wear while on the other hand, you have a house full of clothes/shoes that hasn’t been worn for ages.
 
13.    Trying to Live a Green Life by Recycling, Reuse, and Reduce (RRR) – There are many ways to recycle almost everything.  At home, I recycle by reprinting on the other side of the paper if it is to be utilized for myself.  I recycle the water bottles, laundry detergent plastic bottles, dishwasher detergent plastic bottles, and paper containers.  I don’t have much trash because, all compostable items are set aside for the compost pile such as egg shells, fruit peels, and vegetable peels.  For example, I have not bought any trash can liners in the house because I reuse the plastic bags from the grocery stores for the kitchen trash, bathroom trash cans bedroom trash cans.  I also have another reuse for the plastic bags from market which is picking up after my dogs’ poops during the dog walk.  I reduce using water by taking shorter showers, turn off water while brushing teeth, use cold water in washing machine, use less utility (electricity/gas/water), drive vehicle to destinations when necessary and combine errands together.
 
14.    Use All of the Toothpaste in its Tube – My Mom taught me a trick on how to use up all of the toothpaste in the tube by taking a ruler to squeeze all of its toothpaste content to the top of tube.  Then cut the tube with scissors to scrape the toothpaste that is still stuck on inside of tube.
 
15.    Use Cold Water in Washing Machine and Wash Full Load – I use less energy for using cold water in washing machine and less electricity for running a full load in washing machine.
 
16.    Take Shorter Shower – I use less water when I don’t need the water running when lathering soap/shampoo/conditioner.
 
17.    Schedule Sprinklers to Turn on at Night around 10 or 11 pm – Water absorbed more into the soil if you water your yard late at night because it will not evaporate into the air.

The above list is not easy for everyone to live by, but the end result will be so great that it is worth sacrificing your splurges in order to own your own house also.

Target - Fresh Grocery Section - Has Excellent Beef

In my household, I don't cook much red meat (beef) on a daily basis.  In July, Target just opened its Fresh Grocery Section in some Target locations.  I live near one of the new remodeled Target with Fresh Grocery.  

Find the nearest Target with Fresh Grocery (mark box under "Only search for stores with") on link: http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=store_locator_new&ref=nav_storelocator

When it first opened, they mailed $2 coupon for their Sutton & Dodge Steakhouse Angus Beef.  I tried their beef steak 3 times already, today is the 3rd time that I bought a small tray of Chuck Tender Steak for $4.27 (4 pieces):

The previous time, I bought the Beef Skirt Steak and Tender Loin Tip Steak.  When buying beef, you want to look for the red color in its meat.  This beef tray definitely looks very fresh and lean with barely any fat.  I am not sure what dish to make this beef steak yet.  

On the package, it has a website: www.sdezcook.com which helps you find recipe to make with their meat.  For the Chuck Tender Steak, it suggested this recipe, Steak Sandwiches with Homemade BBQ Sauce with customized Serving Size.

This website is very helpful since it also provides additional tabs of it provides tabs with Cooking Instructions, Recipe Information, Shopping List, Nutritional Information, Additional Recipes.

Overall, not everything at Target's Fresh Grocery is cheap.  You need to know your sale prices for items sold at other supermarkets.  Their fruit and vegetable selections are limited and prices are expensive.  Before going to Target, I check their weekly online printable coupons and Target Mobile Coupons.

Received FREE John Frieda Collection Sheer Blonde Sample with $1 Coupon

I received the John Frieda Collection Sheer Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner Sample with $1 Coupon:

This Sheer Blonde FREE Sample promotion has ended:  http://www.johnfrieda.com/promotions/promoOptin.asp?promo=jf_sblonde10
But checkout other John Frieda Special Offers: http://www.johnfrieda.com/news_and_offers/special_offers.asp

Saved Money with Homemade Red Velvet-Pecan-Banana Bundt Cake and 8 Cupcakes

I love to bake dessert especially Bundt Cake since they are easy and quick to make.  I never buy the easy baked goods because I can make them cheaper, fresh and tastier.  Below I will have step by instructions with images for you to make this exact Red Velvet-Pecan-Banana Bundt Cake & 8 Cupcakes in your kitchen.

Red Velvet-Pecan-Banana Bundt Cake:

8 Red Velvet-Pecan-Banana Cupcakes:

Okay, let's get started.  In order to make the above baked goodies, you will need ingredients and tools to mix it.  The tools needed are as follows:
Measuring Cup (This 1 cup has levels of smaller cup measurements inside: 1 cup, 3/4, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4.  If you don't have measuring cups, check out Progressive GT-3520 International 19-Piece Measuring Cup and Spoon Set from Amazon)

Electric Hand Mixer (I bought this Toastmaster Electric Hand Mixer for $9.99 at Rite Aid a few years ago, but it is available on Amazon)

Oxo Cake Tester (I ordered this Oxo Good Grips Cake Tester from Amazon)

Spatula (I bought this Spatula from Ikea)

Unbleached Parchment Paper (I bought this at Bed Bath & Beyond many years ago, not sure if they still carry the Unbleach Parchment Paper (environmentally safe).  Amazon is selling this same brand: Beyond Gourmet Unbleached Parchment Paper, 71-Square Foot Roll)

Bundt Cake Pan (The below item is the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Bakeware 9-1/2-Inch Fluted Cake Pan but Nordic Ware 2 Piece Non-stick Formed Bundt Pan Set 6 Cup & 12 Cup Capacity is a bargain buy from Amazon. I have all of these 3 pieces.)

12 Muffin Pan (I don't remember where I bought this muffin pan.  But Amazon has Baker's Secret Basics Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Pan.)

Baking Cups (Amazon has great deals on baking cups: Wilton White Standard Baking Cups)

2 Stackable Cookie Racks (I bought this Wilton 2105-459 Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack from Amazon)

Glass Cutting Board (I love using this glass cutting board for chopping/cutting foods.  I bought it from Amazon, Pyrex 11-Inch by 14-Inch Glass Cutting Board)

Kroger Bake Ease Baking Spray (This baking spray with flour saves me so much time from buttering and flouring the pans.  Yes, I am aware it is not environmentally safe.  I bought this Kroger Bake Ease Baking Spray with Flour from Ralphs.)

Ingredients:

1 box of Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Red Velvet Mix (bought at Target when it was on sale)

2 chopped Bananas (bought at Costco - 1 bag is $1ish - Pick smaller bananas so you'll get more in a bag)

2 cups of Unroasted Pecan Nuts (bought at Costco in bulk size - Good Brain Snack Food if you eat a handful daily)

1/3 cup of Canola/Vegetable Oil (bought at Costco - I use Canola Oil for frying/baking)

3 Eggs (bought at Costco - 18 Xtra Large Norco Ranch Eggs for $1ish)

1 1/4 cup of Half & Half or Water(if you're on a diet) (bought at Ralphs, I like it with a bit of rich taste in my cakes)

Okay, now that we have all of the tools and ingredients needed.  Let's mix these ingredients together and put it into the oven.

3 Easy Steps:
1 - Prep

• PREHEAT Oven to 350 F for metal/glass pans.  325 F for dark or coated pans.

2 - Mix

• CHOP 2 bananas finely.
• BLEND dry mix, half & half/water, oil, and eggs in large bowl at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds).
• BEAT at medium speed for 2 minutes or until batter is finely mixed together.
• ADD Pecan Nuts and chopped bananas into batter and continue mixing until these 2 ingredients are mixed together with batter.
• GREASE Spray the Bundt Cake Pan and Line the Muffin Pan with baking cups.
  
• POUR batter in pans and bake immediately.  Fill Bundt Cake Pan and cupcake cups 2/3 full.

3 - Bake

• BAKE Muffin Pan for 21-24 minutes and Bundt Cake for 45 minutes.
• CAKE is done when toothpick or cake test comes out clean.
• COOL in pan for a few minutes.  Then cut a piece of parchment paper that covers the Bundt Cake Pan and put it over the Bundt Cake Pan and put cooling rack on top of parchment paper.  Then hold the Bundt Cake Pan and Cooling Rack tightly together and turn Bundt Cake Pan upside down.  Bundt Cake will come out beautifully.  Also put a paper towel on top of the second cooling rack for the Cupcakes to absorb oil and cool down.

Bon Apetit!

Vons Weekly Ad 08/25-08/31/2010

Vons:  www.vons.com
Bring your Vons Club Card! Below are my picks from their ad.

1. Cantaloupe = 99 cents
2. Safeway SELECT Variety Breads 24 oz = $1.99
3. Lucerne Yogurt 6 oz = 10 for $4 (40 cents each) 
4. General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios 12.25, Lucky Charms 11.5 oz = $1.99
5. Pepsi, 7-Up 2 ltr = 88 cents + crv
6. Safeway Select Artison French Bread 16 oz = $1.29
7. Safeway English Muffins 6 ct = 99 cents
8. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7-Up 12 pk 12 oz can = Buy 2 Get 2 Free + crv
9. Vitaminwater 20 oz = 88 cents + crv
10. Safeway Popcorn 3 ct = 99 cents
11. Campbell's Condensed Kids Soup 10.5-11.5 oz = 5 for $5 ($1 each)

99 Cents or Less Event Sale:

1. Chef Boyardee Pasta 4 pk 7.5-15 oz, Hansen's Jr Juice 4 pk 4.23 oz = 99 cents
2. Rice-A-Roni 5 oz, Bumble Bee Tuna 3.8-7.2 oz = 99 cents
3. Green Giant Canned Vegetables 11-15.25 oz = 79 cents
4. Safeway Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz = 99 cents
5. Cloverhill Honey Buns/Danish = 99 cents
6. Minute Maid Drinks 64 oz = 99 cents
7. Dial Liquid Hand Soap 7.5 oz = 88 cents
8. Lucerne Cream Cheese Brick/Soft 8 oz = 99 cents
9. Aquafresh Toothpaste 6-6.4 oz, Suave Hair Care Shampoo/Conditioner 15 oz = 99 cents
10. Safeway Canned Fruit 15-15.25 oz = 88 cents
11. Safeway Pasta 12-16 oz = 99 cents
12. Gatorade 32 oz = 88 cents + crv
13. Budding Deli Thin Sliced Lunchmeat 2 oz = 59 cents
14. Betty Crocker Cake Mix 18-19.5 oz = 99 cents
15. Nestle Pure Life Splash 6 pk 16.9 oz = 99 cents
    

$1.99 Each Mix & Match When You Buy 5 Participating Frozen Items in 1 Transaction to Get Sale Price:

1. Participating brands include Breyers Ice Cream 1.5qts, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Pints, Klondike Novelties 4-6 ct, Popsicle 6-24 ct, Tai Pei Entrées 9-14.2 oz, Totino's Pizza Rolls 19.8 oz, Hot Pockets 7.5-9oz, Lean Pockets 6.5-9 oz, Stouffer's 6-21 oz, Lean Cuisine Dinners & Entrées 5-12-oz, Pepperidge Farm Frozen Bread & Texas Toast 10-11.75 oz

Minimum Purchase of $10 Qualifies Sale Price with Coupon Ad:

1. Lucerne Large Eggs Grade AA 18 ct = $1.79 (Limit 2)
2. Filippo Berio Olive Oil 17 oz = $3.99 (Limit 3)
3. Nabisco Snak-Saks 8 oz = 99 cents (Limit 10)

This Weekend Only - Saturday 8/28 & Sunday 8/29:

1. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese5 pk = $2.99 (Limit 2)
2. Safeway Select/Minute Maid Orange Juice 69-64 oz = $1.99
3. Safeway Select Artisan Angel Food Cakes = $1.49

Buy 1 Get 1 Free:

1. Tyson Fully Cooked Entrees 17 oz
2. Edge/Skintimate 7 oz

Buy 3 Juices in Single Transaction = Get 2 Snacks FREE:

1. Juices include: V8 Red or V-Fusion 46 oz, Treetop or Mott's Apple 64 oz, Izze Sparkling Fruit Drinks 4 pk 8.4 oz, Langers Cranberry 64 oz, Capri Sun 10 pk 6 oz, Hansen's Apple Juice 64 oz, and more. (Limit 12) 
2. Snack items include: Quaker Chewy Granola Bars 8-10 ct, Kellogg's Pop Tarts 8 ct, Rice Krispies Treats 8 ct. (Limit 8 Free)

Vallarta Supermarkets Weekly Ad 08/25-08/31/2010

Vallarta Supermarkets: www.vallartasupermarket.com
Located only in these Counties:  Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, San Diego, Oxnard, Victorville, Porterville.  Shop at their store & they'll take you home free!  (Hmmm...not sure if they'll pick you up @ home too for FREE?) Below are my picks from their ad.

1. Cantaloupe = 7 lb for $1
2. Chicken Leg Quarters 10 lb bag = 1 lb for 49 cents
3. Pinto Beans = 3 lb for $1
4. General Mills Cereal: Cheerios 8.9 oz, Golden Graham 12 oz, Cinnamon Toast Crunch 12.8 oz, Kix 8.7 oz = $1.68
5. California Gala Apples = 2 lb for $1
6. Minute Maid Coolers Juice 10 pk = $1.68
7. Minute Maid Premium Punches/Ades 64 oz = 99 cents
8. Trafficanda Extra Large Eggs Grade AA 20 ct = 2 trays for $4 ($2 each tray)
9. C&F Long Grain Rice 5 lb = 2 for $3 ($1.50 each)
10. Breyers Ice Cream 1.5 qt = 2 for $5 ($2.50 each)
11. Farmer John Meat Wieners 16 oz = 99 cents
12. Langers Fruit Juice Tropical Blends/Apple 101 oz = 2 for $5 ($2.50 each) + crv (must buy 2 with coupon in ad to get sale price)
13. Shasta Soda 3 ltr = 98 cents + crv
14. Powerade/Powerade Zero 32 oz = 79 cents + crv
15. SunnyD Tangy Citrus Punch 48 oz = 99 cents + crv
16. Rice-A-Roni/Pasta Roni 4.7-7.2 oz = 5 for $5 ($1 each)
17. Betty Crocker Brownie Mix 18.3 oz = 99 cents
18. Campbell's Chicken Noodle/Tomato Soup 10.75 oz = 79 cents
19. Special Value Tomato Sauce 8 oz = 4 for $1 (25 cents each)
20. Penafiel/Sunkist 2 ltr = 89 cents + crv
21. Coca-Cola 12 oz glass btl = 5 for $5 ($1 each) + crv
22. Yellow Nectarines = 1 lb for 79 cents
23. Fresh Express Garden Salad 12 oz = 89 cents
24. White Onions = 1 lb for 39 cents
25. Chayote Squash = 3 for $1 (33 cents each)

1 Day Sale - Thursday 8/26:

1. Golden Creme/Producers Sour Cream 16 oz = 99 cents
2. Crystal Geyser 1 gal = 69 cents + crv

1 Day Sale - Friday 8/27: 

1. Pasilla Peppers = 2 lb for $1
2. Brown Onions = 5 lb for $1
3. Green Tomatillos = 3 lb for $1
4. Cello Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag = 99 cents
5. Special Value Bleach 96 oz = 79 cents