Thanksgiving Menu!

I'm excited to be able to cook so much for Thanksgiving this year! Last Year I did the turkey which was fun but boring. The year before that I did some rolls and pies. That was fun.

I'm excited to have a wider range of things to cook this year! Other members of the family will be providing turkey, potatoes, greenbean casserole, and other staples. This year I get to make Glazed Carrots, Scalloped Cauliflower, Banana Bread, Pecan Pie, Cheesecake, Spinach Balls, and Cranberry sauce, and Cranberry garnish! Yum!

I should get back to cleaning so the apartment is ready for this massive food prep! What are you bringing to Thanksgiving this year?

Stay green,
Yasha

The Cheap Date

So my husband and I talked his sister into watching the kids so we could have a little get away for a day. Problem was we had very limited funds to really do any thing extravagant. Luckily some time management, coupons, and luck saved our date.

Usually, when faced with no money and a chance to get away hubby and I just go to the park and stream a movie. Problem was it was too wet and nothing on Netflix really interested us. As luck would have it our family members gave us gift cards last year for Christmas. It was time to put those puppies to use! We used a card at the theater and went to a matinée. No snacks! It's just not worth $7 for a thing of popcorn. Later we had a late lunch with another card and used a coupon. We had planned on getting froyo to top it off but it was getting a bit late. I'll just save that bogo froyo for later.

What would this have coat us normally? Probably about $30-40. Granted that isn't a huge bill but we paid nothing. I much prefer the $0 to $35!

Here is a list of some of the places I visit to get coupons and cards. Cards from family are free but even a discounted card is better than full price at the till.



Livingsocial.com
Groupon.com
http://www.cardpool.com Gift cards to restaurants and stores at 35% off.
www.restaurant.com Gift cards to local restaurants at up to 50% off.

I've also been known to stash away money "for a rainy day" and there are tons of places that we love to visit that are cheap and fun. We have a local retro arcade that has unlimited play time with a $5 cover fee. That and a froyo make a $20 date! Score!
Have fun finding deals!

Stay green,

Yasha

Halloween Treat Tray

My husband asked me to make something for his company dessert contest. With 2 kids and crazy allergies going I really didn't feel like trying to achieve wife of the year by making some ginormous confection but I did feel the need to at least try.

In less than 2 hours this is what I threw together. A tray supporting 2 bags of Caramel Apple pops, with double fudge brownies topped with Hershey's Dark frosting placed on top of a woven Twizzlers mat. It wasn't too hard and it sure was fast. The Twizzlers took the most time because of the weaving; I've never woven candy before so it was... Let's say there is a learning curve!

Hope your Halloween was full of fun!

Stay green,
Yasha