SamanthaPosts Written By

Supporting our Troops – Projects in the Works

The last time i got some toothpaste for free at Walgreens and I was putting it away, I realized I am now up to 5 tubes of toothpaste. I know that it will get used eventually, but it got me thinking… What do I do if I keep getting free or close-to-free toothpaste? I don’t want my stockpile to look like the people that were on TLC’s Extreme Couponing that were borderline hoarders (in my opinion). Then, the gears starting turning…

My brother is currently in the Marines and he is in the middle of his second deployment in Afghanistan. What better way to help support him and the troops? I have started a box that I am going to fill with not only my stockpile overflow, but also free samples I get. When it fills, I will send it overseas. I am going to call this project, “Stockpiling for our Military“.

With this in mind, I somehow landed on a website that is dedicated sending expired coupons to military bases overseas for the military families to use.  I plan on “adopting” a base and sending monthly packages of all my expired coupons. I haven’t finished looking into everything yet, so this is still in its very early stage.

Both projects are still in the works, but I am extremely excited about getting them going. I will provide more information as it develops and please let me know if you are interested in contributing!

 

Easy Cheesy Beefy Enchiladas

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1lb ground beef
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 2 cups Mexican Style shredded cheese
  • 1 jar of thick & chucky salsa
  • 8 – 6″ flour tortillas

 

 

Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom of 9″x13″ pan.

Brown ground beef; drain. In a large bowl mix beef, 1/2 the jar of salsa, 1 cup shredded cheese, and taco seasoning.

Spoon in the mixture into the tortillas. Roll them and lay them side-by-side in the pan.

Pour the remaining salsa over the top, then layer the rest of the cheese over the top.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and browning.

NIFTY TIP:

I like to get as much as I can done when my boys are napping. So what I do is prepare the enchiladas in the afternoon, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Then when it is almost dinnertime, all I have to do is put them in the oven. It just takes about 10 more minutes to bake (so 30 minutes).

 

“Make it” – No Slip Socks

My toddler is full of energy and runs around all over the place.  When he gets to the kitchen, he tends to slid around when he is wearing socks. So I decided it would help to have no-slip socks. It is super easy and can be fun to put designs that they like.

NEED:

  • Socks
  • Puffy Paints

Lay out a pair of socks so the toes are on top.  Then simply draw what you want on the bottoms.  Let dry as long as the puffy paint directs (4 hours normally).

 

NIFTY TIP:

If you need an outline to draw with, print a picture or outline of what you want (I.E. I did Blue’s Clues paw prints). Then with a pencil, trace the drawing pushing hard and going over it a bunch of times. Then put it face down on the sock. Use something hard and rub the back of the paper a few times pressing firmly. When you lift it up, some of the lead should transfer to the sock so you have an outline to trace with the puffy paint.

 

 

Coupon Lingo

Here is a list a some terms or abbreviations you might see on this site and other places that will help you understand terms that are often related to coupons.

$1/2 – $1 off two items
B1G1– Buy One, Get One
Catalina – Coupon that prints at the register
ECB – Extra Care Bucks (CVS)
EXP – Expires
GM – General Mills Insert
IVC – Instant Value Coupon (Walgreens store coupons)
IP/IPQ – Internet Printable Coupon
MFR – Manufacturer Coupon
MIR – Mail in Rebate
OOP – Out of Pocket
P&G – Procter & Gamble Insert
Peelie – Coupon that is attached to a product
Q – Coupon
RP – Red Plum Insert
RR – Register Reward (Walgreens)
SC – Store Coupon
SS – Smart Source Insert
WYB – When You Buy