Cooking With Coupons! Dinner for 7 -Grand Total $2.58

Dinner Tonight: Barilla Piccolini w/ sauce

To begin let me break down what I used and how much I paid.
(All of the prices are after sales and coupons)

• 1 box Barila Piccolini   .33 (on sale for $1ea bought w/ $2off 3 boxes coupon)
• 1 jar Ragu  (I used tomato & garlic, but you could use any flavor) $1.00 ($1ea when you buy 6)
• 1/2 of a sausage $1.00 (I paid $2.00 but only used half.) (on sale 2 for $4.00)
• 1/4 of a bag of Kraft shredded Monterey Jack .25 (cost .98 but used 1/4) (on sale 1.98 used coupon $5 off when you buy 5)

This is so easy a child could make it, well almost, we don't want any children near boiling water!
Total time: 20 mins, if that!

• Make pasta according to directions = 7 mins cooking time
• While pasta is cooking:
• Cut 1/2 of the sausgae into bite size pieces (freeze the rest)cook for 1-2 mins in the microwave 
• In a large glass bowl pour in Ragu (or any sauce) add cooked sausage and put in microwave for 1 to 3 mins
• Add in half of the pasta and the cheese then the rest of the pasta and stir. 
• Serve with a little Cheese on top (just enough to look pretty)

Tastes even better than it looks...

Nutrition Facts
7 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories		434.3
Total Fat		15.6 g
	Saturated Fat	6.0 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		22.9 mg
Sodium		788.6 mg
Potassium		0.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate		60.3 g
	Dietary Fiber	4.9 g
	Sugars	10.0 g
Protein		15.4 g

Vitamin A	10.3 %
Vitamin B-12	0.0 %
Vitamin B-6	0.0 %
Vitamin C	5.1 %
Vitamin D	0.0 %
Vitamin E	0.0 %
Calcium	9.1 %
Copper	0.0 %
Folate	34.3 %
Iron	16.6 %
Magnesium	0.0 %
Manganese	0.0 %
Niacin	17.1 %
Pantothenic Acid	0.0 %
Phosphorus	0.0 %
Riboflavin	17.1 %
Selenium	0.0 %
Thiamin	40.0 %
Zinc	0.0 %

Recipe Calculator *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutrition Facts

  7 Servings

Amount Per Serving

  Calories

434.3

  Total Fat

15.6 g

   

  Saturated Fat

6.0 g

   

  Polyunsaturated Fat

0.0 g

   

  Monounsaturated Fat

0.0 g

  Cholesterol

22.9 mg

  Sodium

788.6 mg

  Potassium

0.0 mg

  Total Carbohydrate

60.3 g

   

  Dietary Fiber

4.9 g

   

  Sugars

10.0 g

  Protein

15.4 g

  Vitamin A

10.3 %

  Vitamin B-12

0.0 %

  Vitamin B-6

0.0 %

  Vitamin C

5.1 %

  Vitamin D

0.0 %

  Vitamin E

0.0 %

  Calcium

9.1 %

  Copper

0.0 %

  Folate

34.3 %

  Iron

16.6 %

  Magnesium

0.0 %

  Manganese

0.0 %

  Niacin

17.1 %

  Pantothenic Acid    

0.0 %

  Phosphorus    

0.0 %

  Riboflavin

17.1 %

  Selenium

0.0 %

  Thiamin

40.0 %

  Zinc

0.0 %

Recipe Calculator

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Rolling with Safeway

$5.80+.39 in tax

I was able to purchase everything in the picture above for only, 5.80+.39 in tax. 

This is how it all went down... I was shopping for some other deals in Safeway and the shopper in front of me purchased about 150.00 dollars in groceries and a bunch of Catalinas printed out. (Catalina's are the coupons that print out with your receipt.) Well, she just left them on the counter, so of course, I picked them up and looked through them. 

One of the was a $2.00 of 3 boxes of Barilla Piccolini , knowing that it was on sale for $1.00 a box I went and picked up 3 boxes and got back line, where I then paid $1.00 for 3 boxes, then what do you think happened, the same coupon printed out! 

 

I had to leave but decided to go back before the sale was over. Back at home I read over the rest of the coupons and one offer was buy 4 Hallmark Cards and you will receive a 3.00 Catalina good on your next purchase and one was 1.00 off 3 jars of baby food.(Chrissy's cats like to eat these. I know. )

I went back today and that is where the rolling comes in at I bought 4 of the Hallmark cards for .99 ea (4.35) and the Catalina did not print out, so I showed the cashier the coupon and she handed me the 3.00 in cash!

Then I put the 3 boxes of Barilla and 3 jars of Baby food (.59 ea) on the counter along with the $2/3 boxes coupon and $1/3 baby food coupon, and paid $1.77 (from the 3 she just handed me). Well another $2/3 coupon printed out , I had planned for this so , I took 3 more boxes out of my basket and along with the coupon and paid $1.00, you know what happend next, another coupon ....LOL so I put 3 more boxes up and paid $1.00. 

Well that was the end of that, no more coupons printed out, so I am guessing 4 is the limit.

If you are going to try this be sure to start out by purchasing 3 boxes of "Barilla piccolini " and dont forget to use your Safeway card. The sale on the pasta ends today.

Sweet Potato Pies

I am making my family's sweet potato pies, growing up my Dad would make them from his Dads recipe and as I got older, he would have me call my Grandfather in Philly and get the recipe, each year. We could have written it down, but that was part of the tradition. I just have to make them each year. Today I made 4! I am including the recipe below:

2 cups mash sweet potatoes
4oz melted butter
5 oz evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
3 eggs beaten
11/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp nutmeg

mix in a bowl and transfer to a blender to make smoooth. (Back in the day, they didn't have blenders and when I grew up we used a hand-held mixer, which gives it a more authentic texture)

pour into 2 9 in pie shells

bake at 350 for 1 hour (cover the edges with foil so that they do not become too dark)

I will add a picture tomorrow!! Yum Yum , I will be dreaming about pies!!!

time flys + delicious smoothie

Time flys once you have kids, Chrissy turned 19 on Halloween, (but I am still 26) We took her to the Zoo as she loves the Zoo, We = Andrea, Zachy, Emily, Caitlyn and myself. We all had so much fun, the TIGERS were awake, Chrissy's favorite part. We had a wonderful lunch of Hummus, veggies, crackers, cheese,nuts, dried fruits and fresh fruits. It is so funny Andrea and I think so much alike that we brought the same foods and bought some of the same things for Chrissy for her Bday, Luckily she didn't mind as one of her repeat items was a large Toblerone bar!! score!!  Andrea even painted her car. You can see the pics on  face book. If I ever find the cord to my camera, I will upload lots of pics!!!

Caitlyn is doing great in school, she got her 1st report card and she did very well I am sure this is the 1st of many.

I cant remember what else I have been doing except looking for a job/career. Which ever comes 1st. In the meantime I been doing some of the SAHM things Like cooking from scratch and crafting, we had a all day craft day at church and I was lucky enough to be on the committee and teach a simple class. 

ok now for what you have been waiting for the smoothie...

1/2 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup greek yougurt
1 bannana
1 cup milk
1 cup rice milk
4 splendas
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup ice or less

blend and drink talk about yummy and healthy!!!!!

Taco Night Wins, Just Because!

We have not had taco night in forever, it was worth the wait!!! I used ground turkey, fat free sour cream and FF cheese, no one could tell the diff. We also had FF re-fried beans and brown rice. The brown rice was taking 4ever so we did not eat it , we will have to have it tomorrow.

I found this internet station where you can choose your genre, so I picked 80's Urban, It brings back memories, then we listened to 90's urban, and Chrissy remembers the songs from back then I use to let Chrissy listen to whatever I listened to (Hmmm, Mother of the year award)

Time out : Caitlyn is break-dancing to GrandMasterFlash .. LOL. See picture above.

Anyway this is the link to the site.

On sweet note: Yesterday, my girls played "go fish" in the car. It was nice to see them playing together.

Another reason I love Costco: We went to Smart and Final, Petco and WalMart, to buy cat food but no one could come close to their price. So you know where I need to go!

BTW, We have a cat in heat and she is getting on my last nerve!!!

Cheers!

As requested ...

Here is the recipe for Overnight Oats, I did not invent this, I saw on blog Called Kath Eats Real Food.

If you click on her blog it will take you right to the recipe.

It is equal parts oats (not quick oats) yogurt and milk. You can add any thing you like, Today I had mine with diced dried apricots, Yummy! I heated mine for a min and they where perfect.

Here you go!

Long Monday...

Caitlyn had to go tot the dentist yesterday, she is so afraid of the dds and the Dr., that I did not tell her until we where on the freeway. (we go to the dentist at Children's Hospital) it took us an hour to get there. She got one filing and they did some sealants.

Afterwords we went to Grocery Outlet in Oakland, the one out there is waaay better than the one in Fremont. I got some Brie and some bear naked granola, some hummus, nuts, dried fruit and a ton of other groceries. All healthy. I have to say their fruit and veggie selection is awesome!

While I was putting all the food in the car, a window washer guy came and asked me if he could do my windows, so I said Yes. He then told me all about his daughters one who is premed and his little one who gets straight A's. That was interesting.

We went and picked up Caitlyns homework up and then picked Chrissy up from school. We stopped at Trader Joes for a Special few things, like fresh meat, Parmesan cheese, and No pudge fudge, definitely try this! Chrissys Bday is Friday and we love to get our cakes there, she picked out a New York Cheesecake only 6.99. I love TJs, they have the best stuff and I don't care what anyone says they are not expensive!

When we finally got home, we had dinner, Creamy corn and roasted bell pepper soup from TJs, I added about 1/2 a cup of diced chicken and a cup of frozen corn. Yum!

Caitlyn played Barbies and dolls , Chrissy played on the internet did homework, I was sad because Big Bang Theory was a rerun.

We went to bed too late,  we have to do better.


Sorry, I don't have any recent pictures, I can't find the wire for my camera.  (That's why I inserted the bonus cute kitty picture)
Tonight is Biggest Loser!
CHEERS

It's been along time... (borrowed from Eric B. and Rakim)

I have not posted in so long that I to reset everything! Today I taught at church, so I have another month before I have to teach again, I spent like all day messing around and not really getting anything done. I did make a delish dinner.I will post the recipe below, if you are interested. Speaking of recipes there is this site call $5 Dinners, she shows a different $5 dinner each Day and they are not all crap like a lot cheap eats tend to be, at our house we are eating whole foods so it is very important to use fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains and little or no meat.

Ragu

• 1 stalk of celery diced
• 1/2 a head of califlower
• 1 cup of mushrooms halved

saute veggies

•   1/3 of a pound of ground turkey (add into veggies after a couple of mins.)
  

• dried basil, red pepper flakes, garlic (all to taste)
  
• 2 cups red sauce (any kind)
• 1 sm can tomato paste + 1/2 cup pasta water + 1/2 cup chicken broth (this is all optional, we just like ours with extra sauce )
  
• 1/3 a bag of Trader Joes whole wheat pasta (make this separately, add in at the end)
•  top with grated parmasen

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers

merry christmas

Hi guys i have not been here forever, I am working all the time and have no internet at work or home... I wish I could blog more! This will be the first christmas w/o my Dad. kinda sad.. my kids are doing good. I hope to blog some more before christmas... if not Merry Christmas!!!

new stuff

I have been at my new job for about a month now it is cool, the ladies there are cool there are 4 "sisters" there that keep the day entertaining! the only bad part is not enough hours! I got my car fixed cost about 8 hun... but a girl (with kids) has got to have a ride I also got a new purse D& B it is pink.

My litttle is adjusted to child care I just do not get the "woman" in charge-- but really that is a whole blog for another day. The other ladies are great and my daughter loves them, she knows everyones name she is such a little star, when we are leaving she has to say bye to everyone and they all know her even in the other class. ok I will stop bragging.

My older ones band is off to another winning year - yeah! They have won their 1st competition and have one saturday I will up date "when" they win!

oh yea... I bought a crockpot so we can have some hot home cook meals this winter, I had an old one but I did not like to leave the house with that one plugged in.

I must say I really do miss blogland and I am going to try keep up a little more I think it really is a positive activity -- thanks for reading I have to go catch up on my reading....

I missed you guys... I have been doing so much, lately. I started a new new job. I left the job at the school it was a really hard decision, I loved the kids, even the little bad ones. and the staff they are just the nicest group of people. I told them I could sub for them on my days off.

But I had to look out for my own children and this new position seemed, like a good opportunity, I am doing fraud prevention. It is pretty cool.

Between the two jobs in the past month I have been finger printed, TB tested and security tested, sheesh! I am good to go!

My car is still broken, I will have to wait on that for a minute, It is going to be between $700.00-$1100.00 to get the repairs done. If anyone knows how much a clutch in a Camry should cost let me know so I do not get ripped off.

The bus.... the bus... the bus... do not get me started! It sucks. I can barely get 15 mins away in one hour. ridiculous!

If any one has the link for Mwabi or Krafty Koolbreeze hook me up, I lost 'em and I dont want to have to do a search! Thanks in advance.

Ps baby is enjoyng school and her big sis is on time everyday so far (Knock on wood) must be a cute boy in 1st period LOL

Of all the days to go...

The day before my first day at my new job, my car's clutch gave out. Not only did it go out but it went out on the other side of the bay. So I had to get towed across the bridge, luckily it was only $90.00, trust me I called around and the was the cheapest.

Good thing is my friend and her husband where in the car behind me, took my kids and myself home. Even let me borrow their 2nd car for the 1st day of work. Work was cool, I work at an elementry school and the little kids are very interesting and so cute.

My exhusband watched my little one(he works eveings), he acts like he is doing so much. I "watch" her everyday. When will men understand. He knows I don't have anyone to watch her tommorrow - think he volunteered- NO. Oh well I shall figure it out.

First day of school - 2006 -

Today is the first day of 11th grade for my oldest. She is excited, isn't the first day of school always exciting?! I had to get a pic. the boy next door was waiting for her, so they could walk together. She is in the band agian this year (so is he) and she is playing the french horn. I guess I will get all the scoop, after school.

I have to go to a meeting today so that baby can start preschool tommorrow. Her dad wants to come to her first day (yippe - said with scarcasm) It is wonderful for her, but sometimes he gets on my nerves.

I hope everybody has a great holiday weekend!!! I might take a day trip to Pacifica.

I know its been along time... I have been so busy looking for a job. It is so stressful, seeing as I have been home for 3 yrs. Employers don't really value being the caregiver to an ill parent.

Today I was gone all day and my 2 girls stayed with a friend. I have to say I missed them, I missed baby and watching noggin. on the other hand I think my daughter is going to like being around other children her age, she is so into dramatic play her dolls are "real" to her it is so cute to watch.

My friend is so sweet she came and picked up my girls so I would not have to worry about it before my interview, then she had my daughter bring the luandry with her and wash it at her house, now this may sound weird, we have have a washer and dryer but she wanted to help her get ready for the 1st day of school.

I watched the emmys last night, my Dad always watched them so I did, they were pretty good. I really do miss my dad. We still have his room, I dont think we will use it. It is to sad. Sometimes it is funny, I think I should call him or then I am like "oh yeah I can't" After someone dies you realize how important that person was to holding the family together and what a big role they played.

Check it We are in the paper!

This is an article about myself and my younger daughter. Thought you guys might get a kick out of It!!!! The hard copy of the paper had a picture of myself and the baby, which she (and I) thought where pretty cool.

The fight against formula
Latch-On promotes breast-feeding
By Matthew Artz, STAFF WRITERInside Bay Area
UNION CITY — As the Tri-City area celebrated National Breast-Feeding Week Thursday, Caitlyn might as well have been named Little Miss Union City.
At age 21/2, she uses the toilet, twirls a hula hoop and never passes up an opportunity to drink her mommy's milk.
"She just wouldn't take to a bottle," said her mother, Colleen, a participant in Union City's second annual Latch-On.
About 15 mothers breast-fed their babies Thursday outside the Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center to promote breast-feeding as a healthier alternative to baby formula.
"In some places, women do it for five years. We're fighting for just one," said Esther Najarro, breast-feeding coordinator for the Women Infant Children Program.
The federally funded program provides healthy food vouchers, breast-feeding instruction and nutritional advice for 5,425 women in southern Alameda County. The vouchers, which can be for as much as $166 per child a month, ensure that low-income children receive key nutrients from the womb to age 5.
Since its inception more than 20 years ago,the program has been in the trenches of a battle with formula companies concerning the bellies of infants across the country — a fight that breast-feeding advocates say they are starting to win.
Far more women are breast-feeding today than did 20 years ago, said Janet Watson, a lactation nurse at Kaiser hospital in Hayward.
She said drinking breast milk facilitates brain development and immunity in infants, and also helps prevent juvenile diabetes and obesity. For mothers, breast-feeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, she added.
That is the message the WIC Program gives to expecting mothers, but they say it isn't always successful.
"The formula companies try to make women think that they are not enough to feed their infants and that formula is the greatest thing," Najarro said.
Angie Ollendorf of Union City said formula samples started arriving in the mail after she subscribed to Parenting Magazine. She ultimately chose to nurse her infant daughter, a decision that was sometimes difficult for her mother, who had opted for formula.
"When I was still learning how to do it, she would just look at me, like, 'I don't know what to do for you.'"
After 21/2 years, Colleen, who probably could teach her own class on breast-feeding, is preparing for retirement.
"(My daughter) is getting a little too heavy to lie on me," she said. "I think three years will be long enough."
Staff writer Matthew Artz

New New New

Well I have been making alot of changes since my Dad passed away, I like some, some I do not like.

I think it is hard for people when you change, I guess they don't know what to do because they are used to the same old you and then all of a sudden you are doing different things. I don't know and I don't want to point out anyone imparticular. Lets just say people are changing.

So I have two interviews this week. They both sound cool and they both are a little more then what I was looking to make so that is cool! We shall see, wish me luck. I want to make the right choice and not just go with the money cuz later you can really regret that.

I also have to go look at preschools, My daughter is getting excited, every day she tells me I wanna go to school. She is already so smart and talking like she is 4 years old. We went to her doctor on friday and the doctor said she is very advanced and will likely be ahead in school.
Every mother likes to hear that. The funny part is she hates going to nursery at church, well let explain she loves going as long as I go also. Her Dr recommend I stay home with her for at least 3 mos, as she just lost her granpa. but I told her the longest I could most likely stay home is until, the end of Aug.

So My FEH* is going to mississppi, to look into some job opportunites working with the Katrina reconstrution, I hope he gets something good. I am all for higher pay cuz it equals higher child support. LOL (in the evil tone)

My best friend said he is planing on moving back to the bay area in the next year (yea) he said is tired of arizona.
(although it has been hot as ---- this week us folks in the bay area are not used to 100+ weather for days on end. including an awful 107!!! on saturday!!!


I almost forgot I recieved 3 cds this past week
India arie - luv it!
and
Mariah (no explaination needed)

FEH = Future Ex-Husband

p.s. married guy got the point and has not called!

ok I gotta go read some blogs

Randomness at its finest!!!!!

well on tuesday I went to lunch with my (husband) we went to chilis. Then we went to the movies he wanted to see superman and I didnt care what we saw well 10 mins into the movie I had to leave cuz baby was commenting on everything. so we (me and baby) went and watched Cars, it was very cute. (husband) stayed and watched superman. I guess he liked it. it is hot as ... so baby and I went to walmart I think everybody and their mother was there. My older daughter is at summer camp so it is just me and the baby. she is a handful for one person!! I went and picked up my dads cremated remains on monday that was odd. i got so lost it was funny I had to ask some guy what city I was in (It was albany) any who I met this guy (yadayadayada) gave him my # 1st time I have done that since me and hubby split, he called me on wedensday and guess what turns out hes married -bye bye to him, what is up with mens these days! I went to Frys Electronics on wed that place is so cool me and my mom where there for 3 hours! I got 2 Mariah carey cds , I have to replace my scrached ones. yes I love mariah that much, to rebuy her cds!!!! I am playing her rianbow cd right now. I tried to put this post up last night but baby threw up 2 times. she feels better now. My older one snuck and called from camp she was 7000 ft up on the top of a mountain they had hiked up the night before and slept and where hiking back down today (must be her white side cuz u know us folks don't hike or sleep in mountians) LOL Happy friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would say dont do any thing I wouldn't do but then you would have nothing to do, so instead live it up!!!!!!!!!!

My Birthday

My Birthday was on Saturday.

It was a fun day. My friend Andrea, had to go to a wedding so she brought my gifts over on friday and I was able to open them a little early. She gave me a purse vase, I have started a collection, a box of sees' truffles, a set of bath and shower gels, a poofy (thats what I call it but it's really called a mesh sponge) and some cute scrapbooking embellishments, as well as a gift card to walmart, the girl is setting the bar high, but at least I have until november to get her gift together.

Now my freind Joanna, took my girls and I, out to lunch at my fav. resturaunt which is a big deal be cause she cannot stand this place, she does not like fish and it is a sushi place. Her husband and kids also came. It is called Todai. She also gave me a purse with matching coin purse and make up bag and a really cutepowder brush it is like pretty big and has shimmer body powder in it,as well as some bath and body works cucumber melon shaving gel, with razors, I used it this morning!Lunch was fun I ate so much sushi and laughed it was good.

I think my friends spoiled me because, they know my dad always would, I got some calls and a couple more offers of lunch this week, so uknow I will be enjoying that. Tonight my friend Vince brought me over a cake.

I am never going to lose any pounds! oh well! I put some new pics up on the flicker, including bday pics. check em out.

The 2 pics are my gifts and my cute shoes.

Remember when I wrote about our friend Ron?

Two men to be charged !

I could not believe it when I read it.

I am still going through my Dads belongings and such, I really miss him I guess that will just have to become a given, my little one told the librarian"my bapa passed away" and you should have seen how the librarian looked at me. very confused. I just said Yes he did on the 7th and she said the expected. My daughter is 2yrs and 4 mos, she is just so smart that people often look at me and ask me how old is she? well I guess I will start putting some stuff on ebay.

Thursday
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Originally, A note to Mwabi.

Sorry I havent been blogging lately,
I think I have too much write! My Dads funeral was very nice, very inspirational.
We believe in enternal life and that evryone will meet agian. I do miss him very much.
My dad was a collector of everything thing so I have major work to do. I do not even know how I will get it done.
Plus I have to move and get a job before the end of the summer, so needless to say I will be busy.
I think just writing this has helped I will post it. I am such a blog cheater.
Thanks for being a (blog) friend. I always look forward to reading your posts.
Ps I am going to get that new India Arie. My husband told me, She is giving a free concert in Oakland. I am not going, I have lost all my cool. LOL