After Christmas bargins!

While browsing in the women's lingerie section at JCPenney, I found a pair of pajama bottoms and a top on Clearance for $8.80 each! I saved an additional 15% with a coupon I received from an online survey, which saved me an additional $2.64. If you're familiar with Jack Daniel's Coffee, you know you can usually find it at Target during the holidays. I purchased the one can I found this evening at Target at 75% off for only $2.49! This is a great buy I look forward to making every year after Christmas. So, I got a good buy on a pair of pajamas and some of my favorite coffee. These two purchases made my day.

After Christmas Shopping

Is it me, or does it feel like "the day after Christmas blues?" I did some after Christmas shopping in Vallejo, and to my surprise, some of the stores I browsed in weren't busy. It's as if Christmas was a distant memory that happened weeks ago. I noticed a few workers restocking shelves with Christmas merchandise at CVS that was 50% off. But, the hustle and bustle and long lines seem to be a thing of the past. Target was fairly crowded (as they often are), and Bed Bath & Beyond had a number of shoppers in the mid afternoon. Costco was busy, too, as it often is on Sundays. I stopped by The Avenue, too, this afternoon and was given a friendly greeting as usual. For a few minutes, I was the only customer in the store! There were several items at 50% off. I browsed in the clearance section for a few minutes, then left. If you've been following my blog for the past month, you know I've bought several items at The Avenue on sale and clearance that have pleased me a great deal. I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. I look forward to bringing you more "good buys & good eats" in 2011.

Use your $10 savings at Kohl's!

If you have a Kohl's coupon for $10 off a purchase of $20 or more, you have until this Friday to redeem it! I used mine this evening and purchased a microfleece blanket at 60% off for $15.99! I also bought a ginger apple dissfuser reed and refill set at 50% off for $7.49 that I opened as soon as I got home. And, with an additional 20% off coupon, my total was under $12.00! I left Kohl's a happy customer.

Chicken Hawaiian

If you like bell peppers, pineapples, and chicken, you'll love this dish. It's tangy, slightly sweet, and simple to make.

Chicken Hawaiian

2 tbsp vegetable oil
6 to 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and thighs)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 10 3/4 oz can cream of chicken soup
1 20 oz can pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
Or 2 Cups fresh pineapple
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp soy sauce

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and brown on both sides for 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside. Add garlic, onions, and bell pepper. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add soup, pineapples, juice, and brown sugar. Mix together. Add chicken and heat to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer about 20 to 30 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Note: For a more colorful dish, use green, red, and yellow bell peppers. Drumettes, or pork or beef spareribs may be substituted for chicken.

Safeway's low-price item of the day

Today at Safeway, Dole fresh pineapples are $0.97 cents (limit 1). Since I was near a Safeway while en route to do some Christmas shopping, I bought one. You can't beat the price. I'm sure it'll be sweet and delicious.

Lucerne Eggs $0.49 Cents!

Today, only at Safeway, One Dozen Lucerne Large Eggs are $0.49 cents (limit 1). I saw this in the Safeway ad in today's Sunday newspaper. There's more good buys on other days this week, too. Too bad you can't get all the good deals at once.

Fresh Dole Pineapples on Sale at Luckys

If you love fresh pineapple like I do, then head over to Luckys. Dole Pineapples are two for $3.00. I bought one this evening and cut it right after I ate my dinner. It was delicious, fresh, and juicy. I usually let my pineapples sit on the counter for a few days, but I couldn't wait. I'll be back to Luckys for one (or two) more before the sale ends.

The Avenue's 40% Off Sale!

I went to The Avenue last Thursday evening after work to use my "30% off One Item" coupon. There were several items on sale, many at 40% off. I smiled when I saw the table of Zip It Tunic's on sale for $9.99! I love these sweaters because they're warm and cozy like a thermal blanket. At that price; I bought another one. I bought a gray Zip It Tunic at 40% off about three weeks ago, so I chose the green one this time. Wouldn't you know it? I went back to The Avenue this evening on the last day of the "40% Off Everything" sale and noticed three black Zip It Tunic's, one in my size! So, I purchased a black one at 40% off for a little over $16.00 with tax (regularly $24.90). Oh, I could have bought more, but I was happy with this purchase alone.

Charles Shaw Nouveau

If you like Charles Shaw Nouveau, then stock up! It'll be gone after the holidays. I recently went to Trader Joe's to get a few bottles. One worker told me, "if you like it, stock up because it'll be gone at the end of the year." And she said I should stock up if I like this year's Nouveau because it tastes different every year. With that said, I bought four bottles of the Charles Shaw Nouveau 2010. It's one of the best red table wines I've had. And, like all Charles Shaw wines, it's only $1.99. Happy Holidays!

Old Orchard Healthy Balance Juice

I tried Old Orchard Healthy Balance Juice for the first time yesterday and was very pleased. For a juice that is "sweetened with Splenda," it tastes good. I bought two 64 ounce bottles yesterday at my neighborhood Luckys for only $0.99 cents each! I like grape and cranberry juice, so I chose these two flavors to try. Today's the last day to get them for $0.99 cents (limit 2) with a coupon in the Luckys ad. It's delicious juice without a lot of calories.

Collard Greens

I love a nice home-cooked meal on Sunday. So, today, I cooked some Collard Greens to go with my baked chicken and Macaroni & Cheese. It takes a few hours for the Collards to cook, but it's worth the wait when they're done. They're simple to cook, too.

Collard Greens

1 Ham Hock
1 pound package Cut N Clean Greens - Collard
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped onions
1 to 2 cloves chopped garlic, optional
Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper to taste

Place Ham Hock in large pot and cover half way with water. Add red pepper flakes and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover with lid and cook about 45 minutes. Add Collard Greens and remaining ingredients and cook 45 minutes longer. Splash a little vingegar on top of greens before serving if desired.

Christmas With Your Favorite Artists

I look forward to Christmas every year for the decorations, food, and quality time with my family and friends. But, I especially love listening to Christmas music from some of my favorite artists. Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit more than being taken in by the beautiful sounds of Luther Vandross' "This is Christmas," Patti LaBelle's "The Christmas Collection," Boney James' "Boney's Funky Christmas," and Yolanda Adams' "Christmas With Yolanda Adams" (just to name a few). You can't help but be moved by these powerful, gifted singers. I enjoy listening to these cd's while driving and relaxing at home with a good book and a cup of tea. You'll definitely get in the Christmas spirit while listening to these artists.

Quilted Northern Toilet Paper

Need toilet paper? Then, head over to CVS this week to get Quilted Northern Soft & Strong, or Ultra Plush toilet paper on sale for $6.99. Today, I bought the last pack of the Soft & Strong 12 double rolls at my local CVS and used a manufacturer's coupon for $0.50 cents off! I got a rain check, too, for two more packages. At this price, I wasn't surprised that CVS ran out of them. But, I'll be back in a few days for more.

JC Penny Rewards Certificate

Store charge cards have their advantages. I love to receive JC Penny $10 dollar rewards certificates throughout the year. Yesterday, I used both of my certificates to purchase a lovely tan colored sweater and a pair of socks for just over $20.00. Store certificates are a great way to buy something you really need.

The Avenue Coupon

Tomorrow's the last day to use your "31% Off Your Purchase" coupon at The Avenue! I went to The Avenue today in San Jose to look at several clothing items. I didn't make a purchase today, but I plan to stop by The Avenue store in Sunnyvale tomorrow, since I'll be in the area.

Lane Bryant Gift Cheques

It pays to be on Lane Bryant's email and mailing list! A few days ago, I received two $15 dollar gift cheques. I used one yesterday at Lane Bryant Oakridge Mall and purchased a long-sleeve cotton shirt. At $19.99, I only added a little over $5.00! I'll be back soon to use the other one.