Thrifty Tuesday Finds

I am always on the hunt 24/7 for bargains, FREEbies and dollar stretching ideas. Here are today’s Thrifty Tuesday Finds to help you save money as a 24/7 MOM.

FREEbies:

Free sample of Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/BettyCrockerPotatoes/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100371&source=

Free REACH Access Flosser : http://www.reachaccess.com/sample_accept_decline.htm

Free Greenies sample for your pet http://www.greenies.com/en_US/Freesample/?Product_ID=

Stretching the Mighty Dollar:

My youngest, Nate-no, is a popcorn addict. So today I did a little research on homemade popcorn recipes to help stretch the mighty dollar on snack foods in my home.

Here are 4 popcorn recipes I came across:

Stove Top Popcorn, from www.recipezaar.com
3 tablespoons oil (NOT butter)
1/2 cup popcorn
3-4 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
salt

Put the oil in a 4 quart heavy pot and let it heat over medium heat for 30 seconds.
Stir in the kernels, turning with a spoon so that they are evenly covered with oil, then spread them in one layer on the bottom of the pot. (I just shake them around a bit).
Cover the pot, leaving a small space at the edge for escaping steam. As soon as the first kernel pops, move the pot gently and continuously back and forth over medium-high heat until the popping stops.

Turn into a warm bowl. Toss with melted butter, if desired, and salt to taste.

Microwave Popcorn Balls, from my friend Sue Beck
10 cups popped corn
10 regular size marshmallows
½ cup butter
½ cup granulated sugar

Put sugar, butter and marshmallows in a large bowl. Microwave on high for five minutes, stirring twice.
Pour over popped corn, tossing with a wooden spoon, with clean buttered hands, form into balls. Place on waxed paper or aluminum foil. Allow to set, then EAT your yummy treat or wrap in colorful saran wrap for gift treats.



Microwave Carmel Corn, from www.cooks.com

3 qts. popped popcorn (2/3 - 1 c. unpopped)
1/2 cup butter1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light Karo syrup
1 tsp. baking soda
Microwave butter, brown sugar and syrup in a 1 3/4 quart bowl on High for 5 minutes. Stir 1/2 way through. After 5 minutes, stir in baking soda. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes more. Put popped popcorn in a large paper bag. Pour mixture over the popcorn. Shake well. Place bag in the microwave on High for 1 minute. Pour caramel corn into a bowl or onto a tray. Allow to cool. Break apart. Enjoy.


Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn, at Rachel Ray web site www.rachelraymag.com
By David Lawrence - MAKES TEN CUPS Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 5 min
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup popcorn kernels
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon coarse salt
In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn. When the oil sizzles, sprinkle the sugar over the kernels. Cover and shake the pan until the popping slows down, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with the salt.

Online Bargains:
Looking from some great bargains on books, gift items, CDs and DVDs? Check out the bargain section at http://www.cbd.com/. I found great stuff for kids, teens and even us moms. There are 100’s of great bargains.
Here is a sample of items I found today:


The Star of Christmas – A Veggie Tales picture book on sale for $2.99, regularly priced at $14.99

Hermie and Friends The 12 Bugs of Christmas by Max Lucado on sale for $2.99, regularly priced at $6.99

Surprise Endings, Christy Miller Series #4 on sale for .99 cents, regularly priced at $6.99

Shopping Bargain:

Payless Shoe Source has their BOGO Buy One, Get One ½ off everything sale going on right now through October 27, 2008. You can even shop online and get FREE shipping, if you're willing to pick them up at your local Payless Shoe Source store. Choose store delivery at check out. http://www.payless.com/