After Christmas Bargains

If you're not at some stores first thing in the morning after Christmas, you miss all the good stuff at 50% off! But, you're still able to get some good buys at 50 and even 75% off as the days go by. I'm never looking for anything in particular after Christmas, but I'm always on the look out for some things I could use. And, if it's marked down, that's a bonus. I occasionally shop at Walgreen's throughout the year, but make a point of stopping by after Christmas. I few days ago, I browsed through their leftover Christmas merchandise and purchased two cans each of Glabber Girl baking powder and corn starch at 50% off for only $0.49 cent each! I was completely out of corn starch and low in baking powder, so the timing was great. There were several other items at 50% off, too, but this was all I needed.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone! Thanks again to everyone who purchased my cookbook this year, "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends." I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. One friend of mine purchased a copy yesterday and said she can't wait to try some of the recipes. Another person who purchased a copy used my apple pie recipe for Thanksgiving. "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends" is available at IUniverse.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and Amazon.com for $8.95.

Problems with blog postings!

Hopefully, there won't be any more blog problems for a while. I just downloaded a photo to my last entry. I'll be posting more photos of recipes and good buys I find soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you enjoy all the dishes you, your family, and friends have prepared. I baked an apple pie from scratch that turned out wonderful. The recipe's in my cookbook, "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends." It's available at IUniverse.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and Amazon.com for $8.95.

Beringer White Zinfandel, or Merlot?

I purchased a bottle of Beringer White Merlot yesterday at Smart & Final on sale for $3.99. I also had a $1.00 off coupon (something rarely seen in the coupon section of the Sunday news paper). I've always been a fan of Beringer White Zinfandel and have had White Merlot a few times in the past. Now, I remember why I love it! It's not as sweet as White Zinfandel, but has all the fruity flavor and berry taste as a Merlot. And, it goes well with fish and just about any meat dish. I enjoyed a glass with some spaghetti I made for dinner. I'll try Beringer Chenin Blanc next.

Sale at Macy's

It's Veteran Day, and the malls are open. And, they were crowded when I was there. I browsed in the clearance section at Macy's and found a lovely, colorful skirt for a steal - $10.32, plus an additional 20% off! Yes, I was all smiles over this purchase. I have a tan and a cream-colored blouse I can wear with it, along with two solid black sweaters. With sales throughout the year, Macy's makes it easy to shop, buy, and dress for less.

Comfort Food for dinner

Today, I fixed one of my favorite comfort foods, Red Beans with Smoked Turkey, Sausage, and Rice. Yes, corn bread goes great with this dish, but I decided I wanted a baked sweet potato today. Instead of baking the sweet potatoes, slices them, and baking them again with a syrup mixture, I just baked them and added a little margarine on top. And, they were delicious. You can find both of these recipes in my cookbook, "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends." It's available for $8.95 at IUniverse.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Amazon.com. They make great gifts for the holidays!

Wine and Caramel tasting at J. Lohr Winery

I'm on "the Juice for San Jose" email list that features several wine tasting events throughout the south bay. I haven't been to an event for a while, but as soon as I saw "Wine and Caramel tasting", I knew I had to go. With your $15 ticket purchase, you'll get to taste various wines and caramel and take home a jar of your favorite caramel. I'll be there! The event is from 3 to 5pm, Saturday, November 19, 2011 at J. Lohr Winery, 1000 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, (408) 288-5057. Get your ticket today!

More cookbook sales!

These past few months have been busy and fun for me as a first-time author. I'm doing my own advertising and have contacted several book stores in the San Jose area for book sales and book signings. Everyone who's purchased my cookbook seems to have a favorite recipe. One person bought a copy just for my macaroni and cheese and fried chicken recipe. And, another person who said, "Oh, is peach cobbler in there? I love peach cobbler," bought my cookbook for my peach cobber recipe. I've sold seven copies so far this month (one person bought four). The holidays are just around the corner, and my cookbook would make a great gift for anyone who enjoys cooking and trying new recipes like I do. My cookbook, "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends," is available for $8.95 at IUniverse.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Amazon.com.

Love the foot scrub at Bath & Body Works

I received a coupon for a "free item" at Bath & Body Works (up to $6.00) so I got a True Blue Spa foot scrub. I absolutely love it! It's makes your feet feel soft, smooth, and clean. Use it in the shower and rub it on and rinse off. In just minutes, your feet feel clean and revived. Rub some of the True Blue Spa foot cream to your feet afterwards ($15.00 for a 4 oz tube), and they'll feel soft and smooth all day! Go ahead - pamper yourself!

The last of my baked turkey

Last weekend, I made chicken enchiladas and cooked some homemade Pinto beans. They were delicious, but after four days in a row, I decided to freeze the rest for later. Then, I decided to use the last of my cooked turkey meat in a soup. And, was it delicious! It's so similar to homemade chicken noodle soup, but has turkey instead of chicken. It's a one-pot meal, which is always great because it cuts down on the cleanup afterwards. I cooked the slightly frozen turkey meat in about a quart and a half of water for 15 minutes with some onions, garlic, and celery. Then, I added some sliced mushrooms and seasonings (salt, pepper, seasoning salt, parsley, lemon pepper, and cayenne pepper) and let the broth continue to cook for about 15 minutes longer. I added a little over a cup of uncooked macaroni noodles and let it simmer for about 15 minutes more. The result was a delicious pot of homemade turkey soup. The soup can be served with crackers, corn bread muffins, garlic bread, or French bread.

Get your free sample at Bath & Body Works

I received a free 2 ounce body lotion at Bath & Body Works today with a coupon (a Facebook Fan Exclusive). It's one of their new scents - Be Enchanted, and it smells wonderful. Be sure to pick one up for yourself. It's available now til tomorrow, October 16th.

Another great buy at Macy's!

It pays to shop at Macy's - all year long! And, if you have time and remember, it pays to check prices on items you've purchased for price adjustments. A few days ago, I was browsing through the womens clearance section at Macy's Oakridge when I had a clerk check the price of a lovely, black dress I purchased a week ago. To my surprise (and the clerk's), the dress went down a few dollars (four to be exact), so I got a price adjustment. "You are great!", the clerk said. Since the item was over $30 dollars, I used one of my "$10 dollar off" coupons, bringing the total down to $25! I ended up saving a little over $15.00! Every bit of savings helps.

Get ready for Oprah's Life Class

I, like millions of people, will probably tune into the OWN Network on Monday, October 10th at 8pm (7pm central) for the return of Oprah Winfrey's new show, Oprah's Life Class. I watched "Behind the Scenes" on OWN earlier today and agreed with something Oprah said on the set of her new show: "When I get something, or when I learn something, or when I know something, or when I find something, I always want to share it. Because, life is better when you share it." This is the reason I started a blog! I like to share things with people - good buys on food, clothes, recipes, and other information I discover. I hope my blog is informative for everyone who follows it.

Update on Cookbook

I had a wonderful time over the weekend with my family. We celebrated my mother and father's 50th wedding anniversary and my mother's birthday. I sold a few cookbooks, too, and was featured in last Friday's Vallejo Times Herald newspaper (Sept. 23, 2011) about my cookbook. Everyone who's purchased a copy told me they love the recipes, and everyone has a favorite. It's been a learning process as a first-time author, but I've enjoyed every minute. My cookbook is available at IUniverse.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com. You may choose either of these sites to purchase my cookbook. Thanks to everyone who's purchased a copy already. I hope you enjoy making the recipes as much as I do.

Going to distribute cookbooks!

Hello to anyone and everyone who's reading my blog. I'll be distributing cookbooks to people who've requested copies over the weekend. It's fun and exciting to sign my name on a book I wrote. It'll be warm this weekend, so I plan to spend some time outdoors, too. It's been a fun experience so far getting feed back from my cookbook from people who've purchased it. I hope to have my cookbook reviewed in newspapers and magazines and will update my blog when that happpens.

My cookbook's available!

I'm pleased that my cookbook, "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends", was published in July and is available at IUniverse.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Amazon.com for $8.95! You may also purchase a copy from me directly. The cookbook is filled with a variety of popular American and Soul Food recipes, as well as a few Italian, Mexican, and Asian dishes. You'll be entertained as you use the cookbook that features poems and stories that enhance the recipes. Enjoy the cookbook! Here's a few photos of recipes included in "Everyday Comfort Foods with Family and Friends". Pictured are Peach Cobbler, Jambalaya, and Chicken Alfredo.

It pays to scan Your CVS Card

This morning, I went to my neighborhood CVS store to get a sales ad, since they're not included in the Sunday paper. Whether I make a purchase or not, I always scan my CVS card to get the coupons. To my surprise, the coupon that printed was for a free package of Wheat Thins Crackers with cheese, or a package of Newtons Fruit Thins, a new product by Nabisco. I chose the blueberry brown sugar flavor. They go great with coffee or tea and are only 140 calories for three cookies. Scan your CVS card every time you go to a CVS store. You never know what goodies you'll receive.

Hazelnut is Seattle's Best Coffee!

I recently purchased a bag of the hazelnut Seattle's Best Coffee. It's my favorite flavor so far. I've yet to try any of the other "levels" Seattle's Best offers, but I'm considering trying Level 3 or 5 next! I purchased the hazelnut flavor for $6.19 at a local Target store in San Jose, minus an additional $1.50 Off with a manufacturers coupon. What a bargain!

Chateau Ste. Michelle Rielsing

Nothing goes better with a great meal than a great bottle of wine (and good company). I like Sauvignon Blanc for cooking and drinking. But, I like Rielsing, too! Consider popping a cold Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling for your next meal. It's slightly sweet, flavorful, and perfect with chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed by itself, too. And, it's reasonably-priced! I purchased a few bottles at Target for $6.49 each (regular $9.99). The sale runs through Saturday, September 3rd. If you miss the sale, Trader Joe's carries Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling for $5.99 a bottle! And, that's their everyday price. You'll want to drink this when it's nice and cold. Enjoy!

Turkey Soup

I love turkey and not just for Thanksgiving. You can make so many dishes with it: turkey salad, turkey sandwiches, and turkey casserole (just to name a few). I baked a turkey over the weekend, cut it into slices, and used the carcass for soup. There's no rules to what vegetables to use, but I just used what I had on hand: red bell pepper, onions, okra, and canned whole kernel corn. It's a delicious, filling one-pot meal your family will love.

Turkey Soup

turkey meat, 2 to 3 cups, deboned
or use turkey carcass to equal 3 cups
of turkey meat
water
vegetables:
celery, okra, corn, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 to 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 to 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 1/2 cups Macaroni noodles

Directions

In a large pot, combine turkey carcass and about two quarts (8 cups) of water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cover with lid. Simmer about 45 minutes to one hour until meat comes off the bones easily. Remove bones from pot.
Add vegetables, seasonings, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in noodles and mix together. Simmer until vegetables are tender and noodles are cooked about 10 more minutes. Ready to serve.

Note: If using deboned turkey meat, combine turkey and vegetables in a large pot and fill with just enough water to cover. Add seasonings, mix together, and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover with lid and cook about 10 to 15 minutes. Add noodles and cook about 10 longer. Ready to serve.

Natural Bliss Carmel and Sweet Cream tastes good!

At checkout, I received a coupon for $1.50 off two Carnation Natural Bliss creamers at Target. I bought the vanilla flavor a few days ago, which wasn't as flavorful as I predicted. But, the sweet cream and carmel flavor are great! You can really taste the fresh flavor of real cream in both flavors. It's a nice alternative to other flavored Carnation creamers, which I love in my coffee. You definitely want to give these flavors a try!

Coffee-mate creamer or natural bliss?

I tried Coffee-mate natural bliss for the first time, since I had a $0.55 cent off coupon. I chose the vanilla flavor because I love Coffee-mate French vanilla. It fell short of my expectations. The natural bliss creamer is light, fresh-tasting, and resembles a texture of fresh cream, but didn't have much flavor. But, at 35 calories per tablespoon, natural bliss has fewer calories than the other Coffee-mate flavored creamers. I bought the 16-ounce bottle at Target for $2.39. So far, natural bliss comes in vanilla, carmel, and sweet cream. Hopefully, the other flavors will taste better.

Great sale at Macy's

I love browsing at Macy's and make a habit of looking through the sale and clearance section every time I go. It's fun to look, but I do like to buy sometimes. I was hoping to find a few pairs of Capri pants on clearance, since summer is almost over. It was a "use you Macy's card day," so you got to save an additional 15% off sale and clearance items. This is a great savings, especially on items that are 50 and 70% off. This offer will come again, so if you know Macy's like I do, just check back in a week or so.

Great $2 meal deals at Taco Bell!

I very seldom go to fast food restaurants, but they're great when you want a quick meal without breaking your wallet. I knew I wanted a burrito from Taco Bell to go with some leftover white rice and re fried beans. When I ordered the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, the drive-through person said "Would you like the meal deal for $2 with chips and a drink?" I thought about it for one second, and said, "sure." I had no idea this offer existed until she mentioned it. The Beefy 5-Layer Burrito is very filling, and at $0.99, is a great deal. But, with a bag of Doritos chips and a medium fountain drink for only $2 is even better! Other $2 Meal Deals are available, too. It's a great value for the price.

Miss the Lane Bryant at Eastridge Mall!

Now that Lane Bryant at East ridge Mall in San Jose is gone, it seems all the good bargains are, too. There's still sale and clearance merchandise at Lane Bryant at Oak ridge and Valley fair Mall, but they don't compare to the bargains I've found over the years at the former east San Jose store. Before the store closed, I purchased two Cacique bras for just over $17.00 and two casual sweaters for under $10.00. Several weeks after my purchases, one woman told me she bought two bras for $7.00! It was fun getting bargains while it lasted.

Love the Clinique eye liner

I bought a Clinique "quickliner for eyes" for the first time and love it. I've always liked wearing eye liner but haven't wore any in years. I wanted a color that would go well with some of my colorful eye shadows: pink, fuschia, and purple. I tried on grape and liked it immediately. It goes on smooth and easy, and I get a straight line every time! And, it lasts all day without smudging! The sponge on the other end of the pencil is nice, too. I've tried liquid eye liners and others that require brushes. The ease of eye liners like Clinique's "quickliner for eyes" works best for me. For $15 dollars, it's a great buy.

My potato salad was a hit!

Well, we had another successful pot luck at my job yesterday. Some of the delicious food was tri-tip, chicken and apple sausages, Pansit, lumpia, garlic french bread, and my delicious potato salad. It's a favorite dish for many of my co-workers and is often requested. The recipe is featured in my soon-to-be-released cookbook.

The cookbook's on its way!

After a year of working on my cookbook, it's finally going to the printers! I gave the "go-ahead" to the publisher this afternoon. I'm very excited and hope many people will enjoy it. I put several hours of putting it together and enjoyed every minute of it. The cookbook is filled with recipes, stories, and poems. You'll love the simplicity of the recipes and the ease of preparing a meal with ingredients you have on hand. The recipes are comfort foods that are suitable to enjoy everyday for any occasion. There's a variety of main dishes and desserts. I'll let you know where it's available online and in stores. Stay tuned for more information soon.

Los Altos Art & Wine Festival

Now that summer's in full swing, I look forward to going to many of the art and wine festivals in the San Jose area. I went to the Los Altos Art & Wine Festival yesterday and enjoyed it. The music was good, and there were plenty of vendors on hand. But, you could tell the economy has hurt some businesses. The give-aways were minimal, and they weren't anything special. I got a few pens, chap stick, and reusable grocery bags. The weather was nice, not to warm with a slight breeze. I guess I've been spoiled over the years by some of the vendors and would like to be spoiled again by others.

Bath & Body Works sale continues!

An employee at a Bath & Body Works in my area informed me the current sale will continue until tomorrow. So, you have a few more days to take advantage of sale and clearance items. After the clearance sale, other items will be on sale, as they usually are throughout the year.

Happy Fourth of July!

It's the Fourth of July! For many people, this means getting up early to watch a parade in person or on TV. And for others, it means getting the grill cleaned and ready to barbecue. The weather's been warm all weekend and will continue to be warm through the week. So, if you want to stay cool, you could go to the movies, or browse at the mall. I've cut back a lot but still treat myself occasionally to a few personal items here and there. Of course, I always buy them on sale and/or clearance to get the most of my money. Have a good week everyone!

Bath/Body Works Sale

The Bath & Body Works clearance sale is in its second week. There's still plenty of items at 50 and 75% off! I'm cutting back and only buying items I need. That said, I couldn't resist the Lemon Pomegranate body scrub at 50% off, regular $15.00. Now, I have a matching set of the scrub and body cream. It smells good, too. You have until July 3rd to take advantage of the sale.

Problems with blog site

Well, it seems I'm not the only one with problems downloading photos and saving changes to my blog. Other people are frustrated, too. These problems have been occuring for over a week, and I hope they're fixed soon. A blog's no fun without photos, so this needs to be resolved. Please continue to check my blog for updates.

Sutter Home Muscato

If you like sweet wine, consider buying Sutter Home Muscato. It's a wine I enjoy occasionally that goes well with Asian or most chicken dishes. It's reasonably- priced, too. I usually buy it on sale when they're 2/$7.00 (and, if I'm lucky, 2/$6.00)! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

The Cookbook is done!

After several months of cooking, taking photos, writing recipes, and editing, I turned in my manuscript to the publisher yesterday. The next step, communicating in the early morning hours with my coordinator back east. I'm in California, so this means getting up extra early to finalize details before I head to work. I'm sure I'll feel all this work was worth it once I see the final product. I've worked on it for almost a year and was ready to have it published. I hope many people will enjoy it. Stayed tuned for where you can purchase my cookbook! It's filled with delicious, everyday recipes that you and your family and friends will enjoy.

Big sale at Lane Bryant

I stopped by Lane Bryant at Eastridge Mall in San Jose last week and caught a good sale. Bras were on sale and clearance at great prices! Clearance prices were $14.99 and up, and other bras were Buy One/Get One Half Off, plus 60% off! I purchased two Cacique bras at $26.00 each and paid just over $17.00. It pays to stop by your favorite stores and brouse. You never know what sales or clearance items you may find. The sale should still be going on, so stop by if you're in the area.

A trip to Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet is a store you definitely want to visit at least twice a month. The items and brands vary, so when you find something you like at a low price, stock up! Yesterday, I purchased a few items, three La Creme creamers at $.99 each, and a bunch of bananas for $1.99 (eight bananas total)! If you haven't tried La Creme yet, at this low price you should. It's an excellent alternative to other creamers and has a fresh cream taste. They'll probably go fast!

Nordstrom fragrance event

I love perfume, so it was only natural that I attend Nordstrom Valley fair's fragrance event last Sunday. I've been several times before and enjoy going because each one is different, some good, some not so good. This time, it was not so good. For starters, they increased the ticket price from $10 to $25. Although this is deducted from your fragrance purchase, I think it may have kept some people from coming. There's usually red and white wine, but this time there were a variety of martini's. They lacked flavor and had very little alcohol, but they were pretty to look at. I'm not sure who decided to serve bite-sized cookies, but they didn't go with the martini's. One lady asked for coffee, which wasn't served this time as it was at past events. The vendors did offer some enticing free gifts with purchase, and with a much smaller crowd, they didn't seem to run out as quickly, which they did at previous events. There wasn't a fragrance I really wanted, so I purchased an "oldie but goodie": Hanah Mori, and received a free body lotion. It's perfect for spring and summer.

Bragg Organic Sprinkle

I needed a quick meal but didn't feel like making a marinade for the chicken wings I planned to bake. I remembered I had a sample packet of Bragg Organic Sprinkle Salt-free Seasoning and decided to give it a try. I was surprised how much flavor it had, considering it's salt-free, but it was delicious. I think I'll buy a bottle the next time I'm at the grocery store. If you're on a low-sodium diet, you'll definitely want this in your cupboard.

Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter!

I haven't been shopping much lately because I've been busy finalizing the details for my cookbook. After months of researching and asking around, I found a publisher I hope I'll enjoy working with. I love to cook and write, so hopefully, this book will reflect that. It should be out in a few months, or less. I'll enjoy Easter Sunday this weekend with my family. I hope all of you will, too. Take care!

New spring scent at Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works has another new scent, Into the Wild, that's perfect for spring. It's a light, fresh scent that's easy to wear. Get your free 2 oz lotion with a coupon (a facebook exclusive). They're currently a dollar each in-store.

Love the scented candles at Bath & Body Works

I love candles and burn them year-round to scent my home. If you haven't been to Bath & Body Works lately, you should stop by and smell the variety of scented candles. I liked so many of them, it was hard to decide. But, I purchased two for $20, Juicy Nectarine and Pink Lemonade. Um, do they smell good!

MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 is a must have!

I love MAC makeup and purchase products throughout the year. My most recent purchase, Viva Glam Gaga 2, is a "must-have" for anyone looking for a pretty nude color lipstick or gloss. It's a beautiful nude color that compliments many skin tones. I loved the lipstick and gloss immediately once I tried it on. At $14.50 each, it's a great buy, too. Go to your nearest MAC Store, or the MAC counter at Nordstrom or Macy's, to see for yourself.

Zesty Italian Sausage Pasta

I love pasta and the variety of ways you can prepare it. Some recipes are better than others, and this one fell short of my expectations. It's a colorful, healthy pasta dish but lacked flavor.

Zesty Italian Sausage Pasta

1 pkg (19.76 oz.) Italian Mild Sausage Links
1 pkg. (16 oz.) of linguine
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 can (14.5) diced Italian tomatoes
1 can (10.5 oz.) chicken broth
2 cups broccoli florets

Prepare sausage according to directions. Cool slightly; cut into 1/4-in. slices.
Prepare pasta according to package directions.

In a large saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Stir in tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Add the broccoli and cooked pasta. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 5 mintues. Add sausage; toss to combine. 5 servings.

Note: I used fresh chicken stock and added 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Pinto Beans Surprise!

I love hot foods when it's cold or raining outside. This morning, I decided to cook some Pinto beans with ground turkey and vegetables. I got the idea from a recipe I saw on a can of "zesty chili style" diced tomatoes. It sounded good, so I wanted to make it with a few changes and addition's. I used fresh, cooked Pinto beans instead of canned kidney beans and added extra seasonings to the beans while they were cooking. Fresh is always better than canned, and with this recipe, I couldn't agree more. The result was a pot of flavorful beans out of this world, a "Pinto Beans Surprise." You'll definitely want to try this recipe! It's quick, easy, and doesn't require many ingredients.


Pinto Beans Surprise

1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
(1) (15 oz.) can of Pinto, or Kidney beans, drained
Or
(1) 16 oz. bag of Pinto beans,
soaked for 6 to 8 hours or overnight
1/2 cup onions
1 clove garlic
1 bay leaf
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 tsp Paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp parsley

(1) can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes,
zesty chili style
(1) can (15 oz.) Whole Kernel Corn
(1) can (4 oz.) diced green chiles

Cover beans with water and cook about 1 and 1/2 hours on medium high heat with seasonings, onions and garlic (covered with lid). While the beans are cooking, brown meat in large sauce pan; drain.
Once the beans are cooked, stir in remaining ingredients and simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes. Top with sliced green onions, cilantro and shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired.

Note: This dish can also be served with white rice.

Free body lotion at Bath & Body Works!

Love free stuff? I know I do. Then head to your nearest Bath & Body Works and pick up a free 2 oz body lotion in the newest scent, Country Chic (Facebook Fan Exclusive). I got one today and love it. It's a nice, fresh scent for spring. But hurry to get yours. It's only available today and tomorrow.

Stir-fried Rice

This was another meal I threw together quickly, and it tastes delicious! A Stir-fry dish is a great way to use vegetables you have in the refrigerator or freezer. I never know when I'll want Stir-fried Rice, so I keep shrimp and chicken on hand to add to the vegetables.

Stir-fried Rice

3 tsp sesame oil
1 medium boneless/skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
or 1/2 cup cooked chicken
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp Chinese 5 Spice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup onions
1/2 cup celery
1 tbsp Hoisin sauce
Raw medium shrimp

white rice (about 3/4 cup to 1 cup cooked in 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock)
1 beaten egg

Heat oil in skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add seasonings, garlic, onions, and celery and cook two to three minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in Hoisin sauce, shrimp, and cooked rice with beaten egg and cook a few mintues more. Add soy sauce to taste and serve.

Great Clearance at Lane Bryant!

I went into Lane Bryant yesterday at East ridge Mall and immediately went to the Clearance section. My eyes lit up when I noticed the sign "Take an additional "70% off." This was music to my ears. I smiled when I saw some of the sweaters I had contemplated buying last year. So, now was my chance, and at $4.50 each, it was a steal. Ross isn't the only store where you can "dress for less."

Chicken with Broccoli & Onions

I had onions, broccoli and chicken thawed out, so I made a chicken casserole. Just about any vegetables will do, but I used what I had onhand. I always use cream of chicken or mushroom soup, but this time I used cream of mushroom with roasted garlic soup. It was delicious. I use garlic in just about everything I cook, so I knew I'd like the garlic and mushroom flavor together. The white wine and seasonings on the chicken really brought out all the wonderful flavors.

6 to 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and/or thighs)
Salt and pepper
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp chicken seasoning
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup of chopped onions
2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli
1 (10 3/4 oz) can of cream of mushroom with roasted garlic soup

Directions:
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in a casserole dish, then sprinkle remaining seasonings on top. Place bay leaf in the middle of the dish under chicken. Pour wine over chicken, cover and marinate 30 minutes or overnight. Place onions and broccoli on top of chicken, then spread soup on top. Bake at 375 degrees for one hour. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Clinique facial soap: cleans well, priced low!

When it comes to skin care, a good moisturizer and foundation are a must for me. And so is a good cleanser! I used my sister's Clinique facial soap once and was amazed how well it removed all my makeup. In fact, it took everything off, and my skin felt smooth and clean. And when she told me it was only $15 for a 6.7 ounce bottle, I knew I was buying it. It's less than half the price of Bobbi Brown's cleansing oil ($39 for 6.7 ounces), which I like but don't purchase regularly. Hopefully, it's good for all skin types.

A meal with Top Ramen Noodles

Practically everyone likes (or even loves) Top Ramen Noodles. They're a quick, delicious snack you can fix up many ways. They're very filling when you add vegetables and meat, such as chicken and/or shrimp, and fresh or frozen vegetables. I usually keep a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables and raw shrimp in the freezer that I use for Top Ramen Noodles and other dishes. Just add your vegetables with the noodles in the boiling water and let them cook about three to five minutes. They're your noodles, so add anything you want and enjoy!

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Sauce

While browsing on the Internet yesterday, I came across a spaghetti meat sauce recipe at Walmart.com. I decided to try it, since I had all the ingredients. It was delicious! I couldn't resist adding a few more ingredients to give it my special touch: a splash of red wine, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a bay leaf. And, I used ground turkey and some sliced turkey sausage instead of ground beef. I'll definitely use this recipe again.

Classic Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cans (15 oz. each) Hunt's Tomato Sauce
1 can (14 1/2 oz each) Hunt's Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano, undrained
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
Hot cooked spaghetti pasta, optional

Directions
1. Brown ground beef with onion in large skillet; drain.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes, oil and brown sugar; blend well.
3. Simmer, covered, over medium-low heat 15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with pasta, if desired.

Good buys for Lucky's 3 Day Sale

I've become a regular shopper at Lucky. Not just because it's a stones throw from my house, but they have great buys every week on items I could use. And the 3 Day Sales are fantastic! This week, Raw, Medium Prawns are $2.99/lb.! I think I'll be making jambalaya or chicken fettuccine with prawns. There's so many dishes made with cheese, and Sunnyside Farms Shredded Cheese is also on sale for $1.79 each (8 oz.). Be sure to look through this week's entire ad for more good buys. And, don't forget to check the "Snip & Save" coupons on the back page! The savings are spectacular.

AT&T at your service!

I can't tell you how grateful I am to AT&T, my Internet, phone, and cable provider. I've had problems for over two weeks with my blog and wasn't able to download photos. A customer service representative suggested using Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer to access my blog. Great suggestion! I clicked on the "add image" icon and was able to download my image without any problems. Now, I can get back to sharing wonderful photos of food and other products I purchase at great prices. Have a great President's Day weekend!

A Quick delicious meal

Though I stay busy working, blogging, and enjoying other hobbies, I always find time to cook something, even when I'm not feeling my best. I've gotten pretty creative with my cooking and love how I create quick, delicious meals in a matter of minutes. Yesterday, I defrosted some chicken wings in the microwave, poured barbecue sauce over them, and baked them in the oven at 375 degrees for about 50 minutes. I remembered I had some turkey fat and drippings in the freezer from a turkey I baked a few weeks ago, so I defrosted this, too. I poured the drippings in a pot and added some water, minced garlic, chopped onions, salt and pepper, and rice, and mixed it together. I brought the mixture to a boil, then lowered to a simmer and topped with a lid and let it cook about eight minutes. To complete my meal, I opened a can of green beans to have some vegetables. Barbecue sauce on baked chicken is a great way to add flavor without using a marinade. And, it's quite tasty, too. I used Kraft barbecue sauce, but most any brand will do.

Lucky Has All You Need for Superbowl!

If you haven't finished your shopping yet for the Superbowl, be sure to check out this week's Lucky ad. It's filled with several good buys on many food items, so you'll have plenty of menu options for the "Big Game." Be sure to check the "3 Day Sale" items, as well as the "snip & save" coupons on the back page of the ad. I've already bought a delicious, sweet Del Monte pineapple for only $1.77 each that I cut up yesterday, and a few bags of Doritos Chips for $1.69 each. Enjoy the game!

Great New Hand Soaps at Bath & Body Works!

I love anti-bacterial soaps, and Bath & Body Works has the best - hands down! Their latest scents are fun and fabulous. I thought I was done buying anti-bacterial soaps for a while, but with a "20% off coupon on any purchase," I thought I'd better get some of newest scents before they're gone. I purchased three Island Margaritas, two Peach Bellini's, one Citrus Crush, and one of my favorite scents - Cucumber Melon. Be sure to go to your nearest Bath & Body Works if want to try them. I'm sure you'll walk away with a few (or more) soaps, too!

More good buys this week at Lucky!

Last week's sale at Lucky featured many good buys, and this week's sale doesn't disappoint either. Chicken of the Sea Cooked Shrimp is $3.88 a pound, and Fuji apples are $0.37 cent a pound! They're just a few items on special during the 3 Day Sale, Fri., Jan. 28th through Sun., Jan. 30th. I'll be back at Lucky for Silk Pure Almond Milk, 2 for $5.00, and a few other good buys. Don't forget to check out the "Snip & Save" coupons on the back page of the sale ad! The Superbowl's just around the corner, so it's a good time to make a grocery list and head to Lucky.

Candied Yams

You don't have to wait for New Year's Day, or Thanksgiving for Candied Yams. They're a delicious treat with most any meal. I love the flavor and texture of Sweet Potatoes, a.k.a. "Candied Yams," and usually treat myself to some when they're on sale. They take a while to make, but the wait is well worth it.

Candied Yams (Sweet Potatoes)

3 to 4 medium Yams
1/3 to 1/2 cup butter
1/3 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 to 1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Bake Sweet Potatoes in oven at 375 degrees for one hour until potatoes are tender. While potatoes are baking, combine remaining ingredients in a medium-size pot and cook on medium high heat until mixture begins to bubble. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until mixture thickens and coats spoon. When potatoes have cooled, peel skin off. Slice potatoes about an inch thick and place in a buttered glass baking dish. Pour sauce mixture over potatoes and bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until light brown. Base potatoes with sauce once during baking.

Roma Tomatoes, 37cent a pound!

I love Roma tomatoes! And this week at Lucky, they're $0.37 cent a pound. They're my must-have tomatoes when ever I make a salad. Other good buys this week at Lucky are Chicken Leg Quarters at $0.59 cent a pound, and 2 liter bottles of Sunny Select Soda for $0.59 cent each (Jan. 21st-23rd). Be sure to check this week's ad for many more great buys.

Big Clearance Sale at The Avenue!

I went to The Avenue today to use my "30% Off One Clearance Item" coupon. It was a beautiful site to see so many yellow and black Clearance signs throughout the store. I knew I wanted a sweater and immediately went to a center table with various styles and colors of sweaters. I purchased three sweaters in pink, black, and light blue, and a pair of neutral Desert Chino pants - all on Clearance. I left spending a little over $36.00 dollars! What a bargain. The great buys never seem to stop at The Avenue.

A day at Gilroy Outlets

It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! The banks are closed, but grocery stores and malls are open. It was foggy til early in the afternoon and chilly, but that didn't seem to stop the many shoppers I encountered at Gilroy Premium Outlets. I browsed at Lane Bryant Outlet, The Cosmetic Company Store, and Easy Spirit Outlet. But, it was Bath & Body Works where I found a few great buys. I go through anti bacterial soap fast, and I like Bath & Body Works the best. There's several scents I like, but when they're 75% off, I'm not that picky. I just purchased four Honeysuckle hand soaps about two weeks ago at 75% off, but this time I bought Calypso Berry and Orange Sapphire for $1.25 each. But, what pleased me most was the variety of body creams at 75% off for $3.75, regular $15.00! Twilight Woods is one of my favorite scents, so I grabbed one of the body creams immediately when I saw them. At that price, it was hard to just buy one, but I've got a supply of other body creams as well. It was a nice drive to Gilroy and back to San Jose. I'm sure it'll be warmer the next time I go.

Pasta Anyone?

Today was one of those "get up and go" kind of days. It was beautiful outside, especially when it warmed up about 10am this morning. After a 50-minute walk in my neighborhood, I came home, had breakfast, and cleaned my house from top to bottom. I had done my shopping at Macy's last Thursday evening, so I didn't need to do any more shopping during the "Super Weekend Sale." I went to Trader Joe's and purchased the rest of my ingredients for a pasta dish. I have lots of leftover turkey meat from a turkey I baked last week. The dish is very simple and takes about 30 minutes to make. I've made it so many times, I didn't bother with the recipe and just eye-balled everything and threw in a few extra ingredients. It's basically fettuccine and broccoli with cream of mushroom soup and a few seasonings.

Fettuccine with Turkey

Boil 8 ounces of fettuccine noodles according to package directions. Add broccoli the last six minutes of cooking time. Drain and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp. of butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil in a saute pan, then saute two cloves of chopped garlic and two cups of cooked turkey. Add one 10 3/4 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper and salt to taste. Stir together and heat thoroughly. Add pasta and broccoli and serve.

Look for many more of my favorite recipes in my upcoming cook book!

Love the Pomeroy Candle from Macy's!

I was going to wait until Saturday to check out the Macy's Super Weekend Sale, but I went this evening after work. I was surprised to find a parking space immediately by the Womens clothing department at Oakridge Mall in San Jose. I quickly browsed through the Womens clothing, then went to the second floor to the Home department. I went straight to the Clearance table. You couldn't miss it with the red table cloth draped on top of it. I had smelled the Pomeroy White Thyme and Ginger candle before and loved it instantly. The fresh, light scent of ginger was pleasing to my senses. I purchased the only large-size votive I saw for only $8.39 with an additional 10% off with the Macy's coupon (down from $13.99). Packaged in a cream-colored glass, this candle will compliment any room in the house. Yes, there's several other items I could have purchased, but this was all I wanted. The sale runs through this Sunday. Have fun finding good buys. I always do!

Macy's Super Weekend Sale starts today!

OMG! Macy's is having another sale, and this one's big. If you shop at Macy's as much as I do, you know Macy's has sales consistently throughout the year. But, some are better than others. And, starting today, is Macy's Super Weekend SALE, January 13-17th! I'll brouse through Womens clothing as I always do and in the Home department. I love candles and reed diffusers, so I'll see what nice scents I can find at a bargain price. You have four days to take advantage of the sale, so have fun shopping.

Luckys 3 Day Sale

Luckys 3 Day Sale is coming to an end today, and there's a few great buys you should take advantage of. I love Navel oranges, and they're only $0.27 cent a pound! I filled up two plastic bags of them, so I'll enjoy Navel oranges (while getting Vitamin C) for a few weeks. At that low price, I had to stock up! Ground beef is $1.58 a pound, something you can use in several dishes. Hurry before the sale ends!

Holiday Clearance at Bath & Body Works

One of the things I love about Bath & Body Works is their clearance sales, and I look forward to them every year. You never know what goodies you'll find in the blue bins at 50 and 75% off. I contemplated buying the True Blue Spa foot cream a few days ago that was 75% off, only because I have about four smaller tubes in stock. Then I thought, "why not at that price"? An eight ounce tube was only $5.00, regularly $20.00. Although packaged in holiday decorations, it's a large tube of foot cream that should last a while. I use foot cream every day, so I know I'll enjoy it. As fate would have it, I bought the last two that were in the same bin yesterday. I also bought the last two C.O. Bigelow Mentha Foot Tingling Foot Cream at 75% off, too, regularly $14.00 each! If you want to take advantage of the clearance sale, go to your local Bath & Body Works store before the sale ends on the 16th! I guarantee, you'll find something you can use at a bargain price.

Start the New year with Good Buys!

Happy New Year everyone! My New Year is off to a good start. I went out of town to visit my family but just had to get in a little shopping before my visit. I stopped by the Sun Valley Mall in Concord where I browsed at JC Penney, Macy's, and Lane Bryant. But, it was Bath & Body Works where I found a good buy on some anti bacterial soaps. I purchased five hand soaps at 75% off, regularly $5.00 each! These soaps make great gifts and are a must-have in every household. The clearance sale is still on at many Bath & Body Works, so be sure to stop by.