Friday, November 30, 2012

Blurb: 25% off sale Extended through 12/3!

Blurb 15% Off  




Great news! The Blurb 25% off sale has been extended!

 


Today through Monday, 12/3 create the perfect personalized gift and get 25% Off with Blurb when you use promo code HOLIDAYTHANKS. 



Blurb books are a great way to make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Also, don't forget, with Blurb you can now create a photo book in just 1 night by uploading your Instagram and Facebook images. 



To receive your Blurb Book by Christmas, using ground shipping, the deadline is 12/10! 




Don't miss out on these great savings and create your Blurb book today!

Craftsy Class Review: Beginner Serging





Online Sewing Class

So, it's confession time. I've had a serger machine for a couple of years and never learned how to use it. I love making things and when I found a great deal on my serger, I thought I'd be making all kinds of neat things right out of the box. The truth is, I got overwhelmed and didn't know where to start so I put it back in the sewing cabinet and there it waited. I never had the courage and never set aside the extra time to devote to deciphering the manual and the printed material because I am one who learns from seeing it happen.



When Craftsy offered me the opportunity to take a free Craftsy class, and write a blog post about it I was really excited. I went on to the Craftsy website to see what classes might interest me, and there it was: Beginner Serging: Machine Basics & Techniques with Amy Alan.

Beginner Serging: Machine Basics & Techniques

I was really anxious to get going, and I found that almost immediately, I became more relaxed about the whole process because the class instruction videos are well organized and it was like being in a classroom. I was able to learn about my machine step-by-step. My very favorite thing about the videos is that you can do a quick 30 second repeat, make video notes as you go along, and watch the instructional videos as much as you want because access to your course never expires.

The video lesson walk-through on the parts and function of my serger was so helpful. Amy shows in detail the parts and function of three brands of sergers: the Bernina, Janome, and the Brother. If you have a different kind, you can post a question relative to your machine and she will respond to you and help you along. During this course, you will create a serger stitch book where you will keep a record of all the stitches you learn and the specific settings you used for that stitch on your machine. There are a total of nine lessons and three projects to complete.

I do still need a lot of practice, but I love the fact that I can come back to my course at any time and review the information as I work with my machine and take on new projects.

Most Craftsy classes range from $9.99-$39.99, and your access to the class never expires. If you want to get your feet wet and try out a Craftsy class, there are some mini-classes available free of charge. I am already signed up for the free mini-class Bag Making Basics: Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch.

From a frugal standpoint, it is important to me that when I invest in Craftsy classes I am able to learn new skills that will save me money over time. Many of the projects I make with using my newly gleaned serger skills will be given as gifts.




By the way, Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects is the next class on my list. I love the idea of using sewing techniques and yard sale finds to create something new.
Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects - $19.99
Retail Price: $29.99
You Save: $10.00


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Crockpot Chuck Steak with Root Vegetables

One way I save money on groceries is to use what I have on hand and create new recipes from those ingredients. It may all seem like odd combinations at first, but I find a way to make it work. I am not afraid to stray from the traditional, make substitutions or experiment with something new.

This week, I found a bone-in chuck steak for just under $2. I had to find a way to turn this into a family meal.

Typically, as it gets closer to shopping day, my supply of produce will dwindle. I might only have a couple of stalks of celery, a quarter of a head of cabbage or just one carrot left from the bunch. Instead of letting this produce go to waste, or to compost, I will find a way to use it. This has resulted in many a delicious recipe in my household.

 



This time, when I took stock of my lagniappe produce and realized I had some parsnips, sweet potatoes, onions and celery, I thought that I could put all of that together with the chuck steak to make a kind of "stew".








The end result was a recipe for "Crockpot Chuck Steak with Root Vegetables" and I estimate the entire meal only cost me about $4 to make.


Crockpot Chuck Steak with Root Vegetables 




One Chuck Steak
2 parsnips (peeled and cubed)
2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
2 small onions (cut in half and sliced)
4 stalks of celery (sliced)
1 or 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme 
(I have these herbs in my garden, but you can add whatever herbs you have on hand)

Brown chuck steak in a skillet and render off some of the fat. Move the steak to a cutting board, and reserve browned bits and juices in the skillet. Add the vegetables (except the garlic) to the skillet and saute on low until the onions start to become translucent.

While the vegetables are cooking, cut away the bones from the steak and trim away the extra fat. Cube the steak and place in crockpot. Once the vegetables are ready, add the vegetables to the crockpot and add salt and pepper. Now add just enough liquid (water or broth) to cover. 

Cook on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, stir in the garlic, herbs, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Serve over rice or with a side of potatoes.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cyber Monday deals at PetCareRX



PetCareRx Cyber Monday Deals! Huge Savings on Top Picks for your Pet! (Valid 11/26 12:01am - 11/28 11:59pm EST)

Melissa & Doug: Save 40% on selected items

Melissa & Doug-Leading Designer of Education Toys
Hot Deals


Save 40% On Selected Items Now At MelissaAndDoug.com! No Code Needed! Click Here! 


Combine the above offer with the following promotions:

FREE Shipping No Minimum!
Use Promo Code: FREESHIPAFF

*Excludes AK, HI and other non-contiguous locations. Expires 12/31/12




FREE Chilly Polar Bear with your purchase of $50 or more!

Ebates: Double Cash Back today at over 500 stores!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back  

Ebates offers Double Cash Back today,Cyber Monday, at over 500 stores!

Just go to Ebates.com, select your store-and do your shopping (each store offers a different cash back amount). Ebates will create a tracking ticket that will track your activity and you will receive a cash back credit in your account!

Cyber Monday Deals at I See Me personalized gifts

Personalized Children's Books

I See Me offers personalized children's books, placemats, puzzles and more.

I See Me! Personalized StorybooksMake the holidays special this year with a personalized children's book or other special gift from I See Me!

Save $5 on all orders over $25 with coupon code "5now" at checkout


Save $10 on all orders over $50 with coupon code 10now at checkout!


Save $20 on all orders over $100 - and get free domestic standard shipping with coupon code 20now at checkout!



  • Buy 2 placemats, and save $4 when you use coupon code "save4" at checkout!
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  • Buy 4 placemats, and save $16 when you use coupon code "save16" at checkout!
  • Buy 5 or more placemats, and save 33% when you use coupon code "save33" at checkout! 


  • Buy 3 coloring books, and save $3 when you use coupon code "color3" at checkout!
  • Buy 4 coloring books, and save $5 when you use coupon code "color5" at checkout!
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Extra 15% off at Crowdsavings today!



Receive an extra 15% off today only at Crowdsavings by entering coupon code CYBER2012 at checkout. 

CrowdSavings.com Deal of the Day

 Browse more Crowdsavings Deals

e.l.f. Cosmetics Cyber Monday: $1 makeup and 50% off with minimum $25 purchase



e.l.f. is having a sitewide Cyber Monday sale now through 11/27! Get 50% off with a minimum $25 purchase! Enter coupon code 50WIDE at checkout.


Shop e.l.f. Cosmetics - $1 Makeup

e.l.f. Eyes. All Eye Makeup Just $1

Buy 3 Tees Get 1 Free at Things You Never Knew Existed

ThingsYouNeverKnewExisted.com Do you know someone who is hard to buy for? There are some very unique gifts at Things You Never Knew Existed, and there are some nice discount offers available now.

Griswold Family Christmas Griswold Family Christmas
Festive red T-shirt places you at the scene of the laughs, recalling the wacky misadventures of the Griswold family in the humorous holiday-themed hit from 1989. 100% cotton. Imported.



Cyber Monday Sale! Buy 3 Tees and get 1 FREE from Things You Never Knew Existed! Use Code: JM4330

 Fall Offer! Get 10% off all orders $50 or more from Things You Never Knew Existed! USE CODE: TYSAVE10912D
 
 Save up to 40% on Holidays & Occasions sale items on ThingsYouNeverKnew.com

 Save up to 40% on Things To Collect sale items on ThingsYouNeverKnew.com

Mabel's Labels: 40% Select Labels

Shop and be merry! Beginning today, November 26th through Tuesday, November 27th at 5:00pm, Mabel's Labels is ringing in the holiday season by offering 40% off Skinny Minis, The Basic Kit, Shoe Labels, and Preschool Labels

Mabel's Labels products make perfect stocking stuffers, party favours and personalized add-ons to other gifts. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers, coupons or promotions or with purchases made through fundraisers. 

Hurry - before this offer ends! Happy Shopping! 


FREE Shipping at Burt's Bees all day Cyber Monday and Tuesday!


Burt's Bees

Choose your favorite Burt's Bees products today and enjoy Free Shipping one day only, no minimum order at BurtsBees.com!

Note: Due to website issues, the free shipping deal has been extended through Tuesday, November 27th until 11:59PM!
Burt's Bees Grab Bag

















And if you can't decide, the Holiday Burt's Bees Grab Bag is still available for $25.00, it contains 13 products!





Mattel Shop Cyber Monday Deals! 20% off everything PLUS Free Shipping on $25+

Shop.Mattel.com


Check out the Cyber Monday toy deals at Mattel shop. Big discounts today and FREE SHIPPING on orders of $25 or more!

Cyber Monday at Mattel Shop! Get 20% off EVERYTHING plus free shipping on orders of $25+! Also super steals up to 70% off! Some restrictions. Valid 11/26/12. Shop now!


MattelShop.com

Great Cyber Monday Deals from Little Tikes



Save $25 on the Customer Top Rated Police CycleSounds Rocker Today Only! ( Ends at 11:59pm PST)


 Save $10 on the NEW Cozy Truck with Bonus Construction Helmet and Tool Set Today Only! (Ends at 11:59 pm PST)



Save $10 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the Customer Top Rated Big Car Carrier Today Only! (Ends at 11:59 pm PST)


Save $50 on the Customer Top Rated Hide & Slide Climber Today Only! (Ends at 11:59 pm PST)


Save $15 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the Customer Top Rated Classic Table and Chairs Set Today Only! (Ends at 11:59 pm PST)




 Save $20 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the Customer Top Rated Toddler Tractor & Cart Today Only! (Ends at 11:59 pm PST)