Here is my final run of the year!!!

CVS

Spent: $22.86

Saved: $72.93

Started with $13 ECB

Left with $6 ECB

Best Deal: Submit for $20 Mail in Rebate – Net OOP = $2.86!!! Yea!!!  

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS.

You can find her list on how to get the $20 rebate in one purchase! (look under the CVS tab for 12.26)

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

As usual, I like to start with something I have on hand.

In this case, I have multiple box cake mixes from couponing.

I figured I needed to make this into something more than a “simple box cake”

So I found this recipe! (From allrecipes.com – of course)

The only thing “box” about this is the cake itself.

As it turns out – everything else is from scratch!

Chocolate Cream Torte

Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix

1 1/2 cups whipping cream

1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

FROSTING:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners' sugar

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

Directions:

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions,

using two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

When cool, split each cake in half horizontally.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form;

fold in confectioners' sugar; spread between layers.

In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla.

Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and cocoa.

Frost top of torte.

Store in the refrigerator.

Kathy’s Version:

Since this was my first time through, I didn’t change any of the ingredients.

I did add chopped walnuts to the top.

It was fabulous!

&

Went well with coffee!!

Open


Detail - Right Side


Detail - Left Side

Option 2 - Front Storage


Closed - will stay closed with a velcro dot


Open


Detail


Detail

Please leave a comment!
We welcome any thoughts, ideas, critiques - anything!
We are still in the development stage - so the time is now!

It is an easy way to make a “fancy” breakfast.

This recipe was found on allrecipes.com

I have made it so many times, it is known & unmeasured!

Amish Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound sliced bacon, diced

1 medium sweet onion, chopped

6 eggs, lightly beaten

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese

1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp; drain.

In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir in bacon mixture.

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until set and bubbly.

Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Kathy’s Version:

This one is very easy to deviate from…

I have made it with chunk potatoes, sausage, spinach and even broccoli before.

This time I had hash brown potatoes that had peppers & onions in them.

I also added ½ a bag (frozen) of additional peppers & onions (sautéed in the bacon)

I used 8 eggs & ¾ of the container of cottage cheese.

I used mozzarella & Colby/Jack cheese (it is what I had on hand)

The tricky part for me is the time it takes to bake – this one took almost an hour.

It’s breakfast – of course it goes with coffee!

Walgreens Trip (Thanksgiving Week)

Spent: $17.26

Saved: $132.02

Started with $0 Register Rewards (Jingle Cash)

Left with $13 RR

Best Deal: This was done in 7 transactions. I also got a rebate for free planters nuts ($3.49) So my total net OOP is $0.77!!!

Walgreens Trip (This week)

Spent: $5.34

Saved: $54.23

Started with $13 Register Rewards (Jingle Cash)

Left with $5 RR

Best Deal: I used my left over RR to get some free toilet paper!!! Yea!

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for Walgreens.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

Nothing can be faster (or easier) than a Dump Cake!

Not sure where I got the recipe originally – I think a friend.

Dump Cake

Ingredients:

1 can cherry pie filling

1 can crushed pineapple

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick butter (cubed)

Directions:

Dump can of cherry pie filling into 9x13 pan

Drain and then Dump can of pineapple into pan

Dump cake mix on top.

Place cubed butter all around.

Bake @ 350 for 40-50 minutes

Kathy’s Version:

This one is hard to deviate from – but I managed to.

I used a lemon cake mix instead of yellow.

It was a nice twist!

(you can also add nuts to the dump)

Yup!!! Goes well with coffee!

Maybe they are gearing up for the holidays now!

CVS Trip

Spent: $17.31

Saved: $81.96

Started with $5 Extra Bucks

Left with $16 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: Had 3 transactions & the final one was $0 – yea!

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

Pie pumpkins make the list – along with other types of squash

This year I had 2 pumpkins.

(That should last through the season)

Original recipe curtsy of allrecipies.com

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups white sugar

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup water

4 eggs

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease & flour three 9x5 inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs.

Beat until smooth.

Blend in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Fill pans 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Bake for 1 hour, or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Cool on wire racks before removing from cans or pans.

Kathy’s Version:

I didn’t deviate too far on this one.

To start with – I used fresh oven roasted pumpkin

(I like to roast it instead of boiling it to make the puree)

(the remaining puree is packed into 1 cup portions
& frozen for the rest of the season)

I used 2 cups of the pumpkin puree

I added ½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice

I used a whole bag of semisweet chocolate chips – then again, I like chocolate

(Didn’t use nuts, although I thought about it)

Goes very well with coffee!

So I added a Target run to my list.

CVS Trip

Spent: $7.14

Saved: $22.98

Started with $5 Extra Bucks

Left with $5 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: Had 3 transactions & 2 of them were $0 – yea!

Target Trip

Spent: $15.00

Saved: $12.52

I would have less but I needed the size light bulbs that are pictured.

I actually got home and installed 5 of the 6 of them.

I haven’t done a target deal in awhile & learned that the new target coupons have per/transaction limits on them. Beware – you may have more “transactions” than planned and you won’t be able to stack 2 target coupons with a $ off the purchase of 2 mfgr. Coupon.

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS & pennypinchinmom.com for my target list.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

I finally got around to using it.

& of course, thought I would try something new.

Butternut Squash Bread

Photo curtsey of allrecipe.com

Ingredients:

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F)

1 1/4 cups mashed, cooked butternut squash

1 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)

2 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

7 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Dissolve yeast in water; let stand for 5 minutes.

Add squash, milk, eggs, butter, sugar and salt; mix well.

Gradually add 3-1/2 cups flour; beat until smooth.

Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down.

Shape into three loaves; place in greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans.

Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until tops are golden.

Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

Kathy’s Version:

By now you may be thinking that I am some version of Martha

Well… this entry is to prove otherwise.

Here is my bread – nothing like the image above.

This is what I did differently.

I made 1.5x the recipe – because that is how much my squash yielded & I have one larger loaf pan.

I used 7C wheat flour & 2C regular white flour.

I roasted my squash in the oven for 55m (instead of boiling it)

I used butter Crisco instead of butter or margarine.

Otherwise – since it was a new try, I stuck to the list.

I think I should have stuck with the white flour – since mine turned out really dense.

It tastes good – just looks bad.

I will have to try this recipe again.

Maybe I can make this into “French butternut toast”

– then it will go well with coffee.

It was also a “start over” week for me with EBC’s.

(Last week I spent the ones I had on vitamins in prep for cold/flu season)

CVS Trip

Spent: $8.33

Saved: $13.07

Started with $0 Extra Bucks

Left with $5 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: The Mentos gum was free! Even without EBC’s

On your CVS receipts, it tells you your year-to-date savings.

Just thought I would share mine with you.

Y-T-D: $2499.65

This is from January 1, 2010.

Perhaps next year I will start keeping track of the percentage compared to how much I spent.

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

I am not sure where I came across it

(the index card it is written on is well splattered)

I can only assume it is a Bisquick recipe

(since it calls for it by name)

French Apple Dessert

Ingredients:

6 cups sliced and peeled apples

(aprox. 4-6 medium apples)

2 tbsp butter (soft)

¼ tsp nutmeg

1 cup sugar

¾ cup bisquick

¾ cup milk

1 ¼ cup cinnamon

2 eggs

Topping:

1 cup bisquick

½ cup chopped nuts

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

3 tbsp firm butter

Directions:

Set oven to 350 degrees

Grease baking dish

Spread apples in dish

Mix ingredients & pour over apples

Mix topping & sprinkle over apples

Bake for 55 minutes

Kathy’s Version:

I like to use granny smith apples – I like the tartness!
(I also leave the skins on - it's easier)

I usually don’t measure the cinnamon & nutmeg

I like to use pecans for the chopped nuts (although the image has walnuts)

I baked it for 65 minutes.

When this happens, we end up “drinking” our lunch.

For us – that takes the form of a smoothie.

It is a very easy & fast way to get something healthy.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 med. banana

5 frozen strawberries

4 ice cubes

6-8 oz container of yogurt

(your choice on flavors)

½ C liquid

(this can be some sort of juice, milk or even water)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Drink through a straw!!

We have made this in a variety of ways – with frozen mangos or mixed berries.

We have used fresh juiced – juice and Odwalla juice.

The key is – it’s fast & can travel!

We have yet to try this with coffee – but I’m sure you can make one that does!

It was a good week for TP & paper towels. 

CVS Trip

Spent: $12.71

Saved: $75.75

Started with $15 Extra Bucks

Left with $15 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: I scored $5 of a Halloween purchase of $5 or more & free Breathe-right strips from the “magic coupon machine”

Total OOP Spent: $12.71

Total Saved: $75.75

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

Usually it is a casual affair – a “pot luck” of appetizers

Good or bad, I tend to use people as guinea pigs at such events.

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com (as usual – especially in a hurry)

I thought I would give it a try on my “subjects”

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Easy Hummus

Ingredients:

1 15oz can of garbanzo beans, drained, liquid reserved

2oz fresh jalapeno pepper, sliced

½ TSP ground cumin

2 TBSP lemon juice

3 cloves garlic

Directions:

In a blender or food processor combine

Garbanzo beans, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, garlic & cumin

Add 1 TBSP of the liquid from the beans

Combine until smooth

Kathy’s Version:

I used 1 can of garbanzo beans, drained (ditched the liquid)

1 jalapeno pepper (that’s 2oz right?)

Beyond that, I can’t tell you the measurements.

I did use minced garlic

I did add olive oil to make it smoother. (instead of the liquid)

It turned out pretty well

(especially with pita bread from the city market)

CVS Trip

Spent: $1.06

Saved: $48.57

Started with $15 Extra Bucks

Left with $15 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: Olay Regenerist Eye Roller – SS 09.12 - Buy 2 cleansers get the eye roller free! (saved $18.99 with one coupon alone! I can’t wait to try it out!

Total OOP Spent: $1.06

Total Saved: $48.57

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

(yet again! – why do I do that?)

What to do?

Banana Muffins.

This week I turned to good ol’ Betty!

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Banana Muffins

Ingredients:

1/3 Cup Milk

¼ Cup Vegetable oil

1 large egg

2 Cups all-purpose flour

½ Cup packed brown sugar

2 TSP Baking powder

½ TSP Salt

1 Cup mashed (ripe bananas) – about 2 med. size

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees

Grease bottoms of muffin tins or use liners

In a bowl, beat milk, egg, oil & bananas

Add in dry ingredients – don’t over mix.

Batter will be lumpy

Divide into tins & bake for 20-25 minutes

(makes 12 muffins)

Kathy’s Version:
"Banana Walnut Wheat Muffins"
I had 4 bananas so I doubled the recipe

The first thing I changed was the flour – I used wheat flour.

I ran out of milk (only had ¼ cup left)

So - I improvised with half & half & water. (crazy I’m sure)

I also added 1 Cup of walnuts – you know for the omega-3’s!

They turned out great – tasting that is.

I need to work on how full to fill them – as they turn out short.

Secret – baked bread/muffins/etc. freeze well!

(I froze about half of them)

As you can see… We enjoyed them with coffee! (of course)

CVS Trip

Spent: $15.89

Saved: $68.89

Started with $17 Extra Bucks

Left with $15 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: Shopping in Missouri!! Since I was in KS and had a little time to kill, I thought I would stop into a CVS and make my run. I had 3 transactions. According to the math I did before hand, the first 2 should have been free. Instead, I had to pay an additional $4.05 in tax. Sorry KS peeps!

Total OOP Spent: $15.98

Total Saved: $68.89

(BTW: I actually did need a wrist guard this week – yea!)

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

And this week… One last ode to Summer!

Every once and awhile Jason will make requests for food.

In July he found a recipe from Martha with Dave Ramsey’s team

‘Mile High Ice Cream Pie’

I made it & it was awesome!

Well – come August he found this one.

http://www.daveramsey.com/article/marthas-recipe-orange-creamsicle-ice-cream-pie/lifeandmoney_other/

So we had to try it out.

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Pie

Ingredients:

26 Ginger Snap Cookies

1/3 cup pecan pieces

5 tbsp + 1 tsp melted butter (1/3 cup)

2 pints orange sorbet or sherbet

1 pint vanilla ice cream

1 cup (1/2 pint) heavy whipping cream

¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Optional garnish: orange slices

Directions:

Coat a 9-10 inch pie plate with nonstick spray

Pulse gingersnaps & nuts until fine

Add butter & blend

Press over the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate

Freeze for 30 minutes until firm

Soften the sorbet & ice cream until spreadable – but not melting.

Layer the pints – orange/vanilla/orange

Freeze at least 4 hours

15 minutes before serving remove pie from freezer

In a chilled bowl, beat cream & sugar until soft peaks form

Spread decoratively on pie & garnish with orange slices

Tip:

Dip the bottom of the pie pan in hot water to loosen the crust

Run hot water over a knife to slice into wedges

Kathy’s Version:

If you noticed – I said Jason found this in August.

It took me until now to make it – why?

Well, I found out I kinda like gingersnaps!

I would pick up a box & then they would be gone before I got to make the recipe.

Sadly, this happened 3 times!

But – I finally got it made.

I did modify (or cheat on) this recipe

I made the crust per above.

I found a half gallon of dreamsicle ice cream (orange & vanilla already together) & use that instead of the 3 pints.

I used cool whip for the topping & drizzled caramel on top.

It was good – however – when I make it again, I will add more ginger snaps (perhaps in the middle and on top)

Enjoy with Coffee!!! (of course)

CVS Trip

Spent: $8.66

Saved: $52.81

Started with $7.50 Extra Bucks

Left with $17 Extra Bucks

Best Deal: Air Wick was a net $2 money maker this week.

Walgreens Trip

Spent: $21.31

Saved: $37.71

Started with $0 Register Rewards

Left with $0 Register Rewards

Not the best Wags week for me, but I needed some hair color.

Total OOP Spent: $29.97

Total Saved: $90.52

This week I thought I would share with you a more “normal” grocery run.

I typically shop at Price Chopper since it is the closest to our house.

When you coupon & stock pile, you can expect to save between 40% - 60%

(not quite the deals you can get at the drug stores – but still better than most)

Price Chopper

Spent: $38.36

Saved: $24.38

Chili Season is coming – time to stock up on beans!

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for CVS & Walgreens.

I used www.pennypinchinmom.com for Price Chopper.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

I love the cooler weather & the beautiful colors.

It also brings about a whole new season of recipes!

Molasses seems to fit the bill this week.

If that’s not enough - Guess what?

This one was found in a good ol’ fashioned cook book!

Thanks Betty Crocker!

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Soft Molasses Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

¾ cup sour cream

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

½ cup shortening

½ cup molasses

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

½ tsp salt

Directions:

Heat oven to 375.

In a large bowl, beat sugar, sour cream, butter, shortening, molasses & egg.

Stir in remaining ingredients.

On an ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by rounded tbsp about 2” apart

Bake 9-11 minutes.

Cool 1-2 minutes on a wire rack.

Sprinkle with additional sugar while warm.

Kathy’s Version:

I followed the ingredients listed – but added more cinnamon.

The batter was “stickier” than normal cookies – so “dropping” them was difficult.

It took several tries…

First I ended up with blobby looking cookies

I added icing to try to cover them up.

Didn’t work so well.

Then I dropped the cookies & tried forming them a little on the pan.

We are getting better.

Finally (and I mean finally!) I figured it out.

I dropped the cookies then formed them into balls.

I then took a glass – dipped it in sugar and flattened the balls.

Finally – I had perfect looking Molasses Cookies!

 
(I know Martha would be proud!)

Definitely Enjoy with Coffee!!!

I had made this recipe before – back in June

It turned out well, so I thought I would try it again.

Of course it was found online at www.all-recipies.com (where else?)

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Blueberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons white sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

3/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 eggs

2 cups frozen blueberries, dry pack

1/3 cup blueberry jelly

Directions:

Combine crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter.

Pat mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.

Mash cream cheese until soft and creamy.

Gradually beat in sour cream, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla and flour.

Beat in eggs one at a time.

Pour mixture into crumb-lined pan.

The best part - Lick the spoon!

Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1 hour or until firm to the touch.

Cool and then remove cake from pan by loosening edges with a knife.

Place frozen blueberries on top of cake.

Melt jelly and spoon over blueberries to glaze.

Chill until ready to serve.

Kathy’s Version:

I followed the ingredients listed – but I never measure the vanilla so I'm sure I added more.

I added blueberries to the batter – about 1 cup.

It seemed to take forever to bake – at least 1.5 hours!

The first time I made it, I topped the cheese cake with blueberries & added the jelly.

This time, I boiled blueberries down & added sugar to make my own jelly.

The jelly portion was much better the second time!

Next time I make it, I will omit the blueberries in the batter and use homemade jelly.

Definitely Enjoy with Coffee!!!

I was glad to find this recipe – probably because I had all the ingredients on hand.

Of course it was found online at www.all-recipies.com (yup – a definite pattern)

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Ooey Goey Cake

Ingredients:

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

½ C Melted Butter

1 Eggs

8 oz Cream Cheese

2 Eggs

3 ¾ C Confectioners’ Sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees – grease & flour 9x13 pan & set aside

Mix cake mix, butter and 1 egg.

Press into the prepared pan.

Mix remaining ingredients

Pour over first layer – make sure to lick the spoon!

And the bowl for that matter!

Bake for 40 minutes

Kathy’s Version:

I used the Pam spray with flour (makes it easier).

Pressing it into the pan wasn’t quite as easy – its more like smearing it into the pan

Since blue berries were on sale this week – I added some of them between the 2 layers

I also added vanilla to the topping layer and only used 2 C confectioners’ sugar

Mine baked for 50 minutes.

It probably could have come out @ the 40-45 minute mark.

Note: the center will still wiggle like it is not done – this is ok – it sets up a bit after it cools.

It turns out more like a cobbler consistency than a “cake” – but yummie none the less.

Definitely Enjoy with Coffee!!! [Perhaps decaf if having this for dessert]

HyVee Trip

Spent: $2.69

Saved: $74.82

Started with $0 in Catalina Coupons

Left with $6 in Catalina Coupons + $8 in Mfgr. Coupons

(Net Hyvee Trip – I MADE $3.31!!!)

CVS Trip

Spent: $2.92

Saved: $28.13

Started with $8 Extra Bucks

Left with $7.50 Extra Bucks

Not such a hot week @ CVS – but worth the trip anyway.

Walgreens Trip

Spent: $15.59

Saved: $38.18

Started with $0 Register Rewards

Left with $0 Register Rewards

It was an ok week @ Wags.

Total OOP Spent: $21.20

Total Saved: $141.13

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for the trips & a friend of mine tipped me off about the HyVee deal!!

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

Welcome to Coffee Dates!  Jason and I and love the time we spend together over coffee. We love the coffee, the conversations about our dreams our fears and yes sometimes our desire for super hero super powers. The simple goal of this new series is to encourage you to set aside time during your busy week where you do not talk/think about money or work!  We know that going through stressful times can be draining, that is why we encourage our clients to purposfully carve out time to connect with each other (if married) or focus on themselves (if single).
 
FOR US:  We are coffee fans.  Coffee is a simple drink - that goes well with a variety of foods & topics.  It can be as easy as opening a new bag of beans or finding a new way to brew coffee from a far off place.  Either way, the purpose of our "coffee dates" is to enjoy some good brew, connect with each other, check in "how'ya doin" & laugh together.
 
FOR YOU: Find something you like to do as a couple - it doesn't have to cost money. Siting outside in the park, taking a walk, etc.  And do it - together!

With the onset of increasing seizures and the lost of additional motor skills her doctors discovered that the condition at the base of her brain stem was one (1) sudden impact away from possible paralysis.  What they found was the first vertebrae at the convergence of the brain stem and spinal cord was misshapen and resulted in the brainstem/spinal cord to be severely compressed into an "S" curve profile.  Any sudden impact and the "S" could snap the brainstem/spinal cord.

Katie's Alignment (as we understand it)

An expert team of surgeons & specialists was assembled to perform the 10 hour surgery.  The surgeons enter through the base of her neck for the first half of the surgery.  The second half required them to enter through her mouth to remove the front of the misshapen vertebra.  The surgeon described the moment that he remove the front portion of the vertebra - the brainstem/spinal cord "snapped" back into perfect shape.  At this point you might have difficultly comprehending the complexity of it all, just like the rest of us.  I suspect the surgeon had a front row seat, a private viewing of God's hand at work.

The surgery was completed once a portion of Katie's Skull was removed, shaped, and placed in the vacancy.  I have trouble forming/saying the last sentence, let alone understanding how that procedure was done.  We stand in wonderment!

Katie's Alignment - Post Op

Later that evening, Katie struggled to setup and in her own way sign "Go".  By her own assessment she had enough and it was time for her to go.

Katie's long road of recovery includes 3 more weeks of being confined to bed -  a tall order for a little girl on the move.  Then she has 6 more months of being confined to a neck-brace.  She is has only just begun.

"Now, this is not the end.

It is not even the beginning of the end.

But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

Winston Churchill

We got to try a variety of “zucchini” creations.

I found this recipe online at www.all-recipies.com (see a pattern)

This is a hearty bread recipe!

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

6 Eggs, Beaten

1 C Honey

1 C Packed Brown Sugar

½ C Canola Oil

1 TSP Vanilla Extract

2 C Whole Wheat Flour

4 C All-Purpose Flour

2 TBSP Cinnamon

2 TSP Baking Powder

2 TSP Baking Soda

2 TSP Salt

4 C Grated Zucchini

1 C Chopped Walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees – grease 3 8x4 loaf pans & set aside

Mix eggs, honey, brown sugar, oil & vanilla.

Combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda & salt.

Stir into wet ingredients until moistened.

Gently stir in zucchini & walnuts.

Make sure to taste test!!

Divide batter evenly between the 3 loaf pans.

Bake for 50-60 minutes – or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

Kathy’s Version:

I was generous with the cinnamon & vanilla.

I also used 1 ½ heaping cups of walnuts.

My loaf pans were larger so I ended up with 2 large loafs & 2 small (give away) loafs.

As usual with bread – mine took 70-80 minutes.

Definitely Enjoy with Coffee and Butter!!!

I will make a Price Chopper run when the new ad comes out on Wednesday.

CVS Trip

Spent: $16.41

Saved: $73.67

Started with $14.49 Extra Bucks

Left with $8 Extra Bucks

Best Deal:         Not sure – it was a good week at CVS.

                        Free stuff is always good!

                        I probably liked getting 4 bags of M&M’s for $0.50!

                        (Thanks magic coupon machine)

Walgreens Trip

Spent: $9.36

Saved: $24.21

Started with $0 Register Rewards

Left with $0 Register Rewards

Best Deal:         Starbucks Ice Cream

                        Sale Price - $4.79 B1G1

                        Use $1.50 off 1 (RP 8/08)

                        Use $1.00 off 1 (RP 8/08)

                        Net OOP - $2.29 (or $1.15 each for yummie ice cream!)

Total Spent: $25.77

Total Saved: $97.89

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for the trips.

Feel free to email me if you have questions!

Kathy

Ingredients:

1 C Shortening

1 C Packed Brown Sugar

½ C Sugar

2 Eggs, lightly beaten

2 TBSP Honey

2 TSP Vanilla Extract

2-1/4 C All-Purpose Flour

½ TSP Baking Soda

¼ TSP Salt

3 C Raisin Bran Cereal

¾ C Raisins

½ C Chopped Walnuts

Directions:

Mix together shortening & sugars. Add eggs, honey & vanilla; mix well.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda & salt.

Stir in cereal – Fold in raisins & walnuts.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Make sure you try a small teaspoon yourself – call it quality insurance!

Bake @ 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes – until done.

Again – Try one when they are still warm – yummmm…

Kathy’s Version:

I used 1 ¼ C all-purpose flour & 1 ¼ C wheat flour.

I was generous with the vanilla & the walnuts.

I didn’t spray the cookie sheets.

I baked them for 13 minutes.

Enjoy with Coffee!!!

Most interviews are decided within first moments of walking in and greeting the interviewer. Your choice in dress is one of the many signals of respect you will send to the interviewer during this first 20 seconds. It says, "I respect your time enough to think carefully about my wardrobe."

Avoid the rationale of "This is not what I would wear everyday for the job." That is not the point.  Now is not the time to champion your right to "Express Yourself" or to flaunt what your mother gave you.

You are meeting with the individual who holds your financial future in their hands. You may know the culture of the company is informal, or the vice president of the company always wears shorts and sandals to work. The difference between you and the interviewer is you don't have an office with your name on the door (yet).

Best advice - before you get the job, take the time to be more formal and more conservative than you would normally be.

Don't Stress, it is not the price of your clothes or how well they match the latest fashion. What makes the difference is you give the distinct appearance of having taken some time to put yourself together. Remember to keep it simple.  Your dress will not get you the job but it could keep you from it. Here are a few guidelines from Careerealism.com to help you navigate.

MEN: 

Shoes - Hard-soled, hard-toed. The best colors are black or brown.
 
Ties - Conservative: black, brown, navy, or red. A solid color or a simple pattern is best. Avoid ties that are too wide or too narrow. No potentially distracting artsy or modern patterns. No pastels or flashy colors. No bow ties.

Suits - Matching business suits are best. If you do not have a tailored, well-fitting business suit in gray, black, navy blue, or brown, you may, as a second choice, wear pants (other than jeans) with a shirt, tie, and complementary jacket.

Shirts - The best type of shirt for men at a job interview is a button-down shirt with a collar. White or light blue or a shirt with very narrow and light pinstripe is best. T-shirts and turtlenecks come off as too casual.

Jewelry - Married men, unless you have won the Super Bowl, World Serries, or NBA finals...keep jewelry to a minimum. Unless you are a "Senior" I don't much care about your school ring(s).

Scents - Other than the soap from your shower and (preferably) unscented deodorant, do not wear any colognes or aftershaves. It's surprising what a strong reaction people have to scents!

Hair - Keep it real! Real conservative. You can spike it later. Simply do not wear a hat. If you have long hair, tie it back neatly, or consider, for now, having it cut.  Interviewers seem to prefer less rather than more hair on both your head and your face.

WOMEN: 

Shoes - Wear shoes with a medium-sized heel. Do not wear high, excessively spiky heels or boots. Black, brown, taupe, or navy is fine. Avoid flashy shoes with bright colors like red or glittery gold. No tennis shoes, open toes, or sandals. Flats may be OK for an extremely casual workplace, but low pumps are preferred.
 
Dresses or Suits - Either one is fine. Just Keep them conservative.

Hair and Makeup - Keep it simple! Don't allow long or wavy hair to hide your face. Wear lighter or less makeup than usual. Light on scents as any sort of perfume-like smell from hair spray, body lotions, cologne, or perfume can be disturbing to some interviewers.

When you can look in the mirror and say, "Okay, I'm ready!" you'll know you've found a good combination of businesslike attire.

Keep it simple and timeless and you will position yourself to be remember for your personality, skills and talents and not for your choice of clothing.

Now suit up  - Go Out There and Go Get'em!!!

I got online to search for a way to use them – that wasn’t bread or muffins.

I found this recipe online at www.all-recipies.com

This recipe was for a simple banana pie

I added the [Plus] – go figure!

What goes better with bananas than peanut butter + chocolate!

Below the original recipe are the modifications that I made for mine.

Banana Pie [Plus]

Ingredients:

1 ½ C graham cracker crumbs

¼ C sugar

1/3 C melted butter

1 – 3oz pkg of cream cheese, softened

2 – 3.5oz pkgs instant banana pudding mix

3 ½ C milk

1 – 8oz container frozen whip topping, thawed

5 bananas, sliced

1 TBSP lemon juice (for bananas used as garnish)

Directions:

Mix together graham cracker crumbs & sugar

Stir in melted butter

Press mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 pan

Cut bananas into ¼” slices

Place bananas on crust – making a single layer – set aside

Whip cream cheese until fluffy – add pudding mix until smooth

Whip in milk until mixture is thoroughly combined – pour over banana layer

Be sure to lick the spoon & bowl!

Place another layer of bananas on top of pudding mixture

Cover bananas with whipped topping

If using bananas for garnish – mix with lemon juice to prevent browning

Eat any leftover banana slices

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours prior to serving

Kathy’s [Plus] Version:

Crust:

I used 1/3 box (1 pkg) of graham crackers & ¼ C honey roasted peanuts – crushed/chopped fine

I did not add the sugar & I used a full stick of butter

I melted ½ C peanut butter and spread it on top of the crust (before I layered the bananas)

Filling:

2 boxes of Chocolate Pudding, 1 - 8oz pkg of cream cheese, ¼ C peanut butter & 3 cups of milk

I mixed caramel ice cream topping & peanut butter (50/50 split) for the drizzle.

Yummie!!!

Definitely Enjoy with Coffee!!!

I might make a Target run (if time allows)

I will make a Price Chopper run when the new ad comes out on Wednesday.

CVS Trip

Spent: $2.61

Saved: $31.20

Started with $8 Extra Bucks

Left with $14 Extra Bucks

Best Deal:         Schick Hydro Razor

Sale Price - $8.97

Use $5 from SS 08.08

Receive $4 Extra bucks (makes it free)

Submit for REBATE for one free razor (www.schickhydro.com)

Net OOP – Made $9!!! (after rebate comes of course)

Walgreens Trip

Spent: $1.04

Saved: $61.00

Started with $8 Register Rewards

Left with $3 Register Rewards

Best Deal:         Nivea Body Wash

                        Sale Price - $5.99 B1G1

                        Use $4 off 2 (print HERE)

                        Use Free Nivea Men’s Body Wash w/purchase of 2 Women’s Body Wash from RP 07.25

                        Net OOP - $1.99 (or $0.66 each)

Total Spent: $3.65

I used www.southernsavers.com to make my lists for the trips.

With the passing of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 by congress you might think that you are now more protected...Think again.  The companies are aggressively rushing to "adjust" their practices before the act becomes law in February 2010.

A report by the Pew Health Group's Safe Credit Cards Project also found that credit card interest rates went up by an average of 20 percent in the first six months of 2009, even as banks' cost of lending declined

"Some of the most harmful practices have actually grown more widespread," said Shelley Hearne, who helped oversee the research project. "Not one of the bank cards reviewed would meet the legal requirements outlined in the Credit CARD Act."

The Pew report examined some 400 consumer credit cards. Some key findings:

99.7 percent of bank card terms allowed issuers to increase interest rates on outstanding balances -- a jump from 93 percent in December.

95 percent of bank card terms permitted issuers to apply payments in a way (allocating payments toward the lowest interest balances and not the highest) the Federal Reserve found likely to cause substantial financial injury to consumers.

“There’s definitely a potential for abuse, no doubt about it,” said Jeff Lanza, a retired FBI agent in Kansas City who conducts seminars on identity theft and Internet safety.
 
Spoofing makes use of services that allow callers to disguise the number they are calling from.
 
It works like this: Users register with a spoofing service. When they call the service, they enter the caller ID number they want displayed on the recipient’s phone, followed by the number they want to call.
 
Users can choose a male or female voice so that even when they speak normally, their voice is altered. The calls also can be recorded by the caller.
 
Some have used the technology to harass and terrorize others. Scam artists have used it to masquerade as someone in an official capacity, then persuade unsuspecting victims to give them personal or financial information.
 
The service is legal, and spoofing companies point out that even law enforcement agencies use it as an investigative tool.
 
But it also can be dangerous, security experts say. Indeed, some states, including Missouri, have attempted to address the dangers.
 
For now, Lanza says, the message for the public is simple and perhaps surprising:
 
“Don’t believe caller ID.”
 
It’s easy to conceal caller IDs and almost impossible to detect when it happens, but police and others often are able to trace abuses.
 
In late 2007, a person posing as a police officer called people in Ohio and asked for their credit card information. The caller told the victims that they had outstanding tickets and could pay them over the phone by credit card. The caller, who was not caught, used a spoofing service to show that the call was coming from Columbus police headquarters.
 
The problem, Lanza said, is that caller ID has given people a false sense of security.
 
Scam artists can make it appear as though the call was coming from a bank, a doctor’s office, or any organization that requires personal information, Lanza said.
 
Numerous companies specialize in spoofing and market it over the Internet. The biggest is SpoofCard, a subsidiary of TelTech Systems, which sells the service for $9.95 for 60 minutes of phone time. The company says it has more than 3 million customers and in July announced it was going international.
 
Prankplace.com, which sells SpoofCard, bills it as “the ultimate prank call!”
 
Meir Cohen, president of TelTech Systems in Toms River, N.J., said SpoofCard has been in business for 5 1/2 years.
 
“It’s not a secret that it can be a controversial product,” he said. “But we have millions and millions of customers and the vast, vast majority are using our product for totally legal purposes.”
 
Many customers use it to protect their privacy, he said.
 
“Doctors love our product, because if they’re on call and they get a page at home and have to call the patient back, they don’t want to call from their house phone or cell phone because they don’t want to give that number out,” he said.
 
Law enforcement agencies also use it for undercover operations, he said.
 
Cohen said people may expect caller ID to be 100 percent reliable, but it shouldn’t be used to verify the caller.
 
“A lot of people, their first reaction when they see this service, is, ‘Oh, this is terrible,’” he said. “It’s because with caller ID, we’ve gotten used to something that was really a false level of security that people felt.”
 
Attempts have been made in Congress to restrict spoofing, but they have not been successful.
 
In June 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a “Truth in Caller ID Act,” making it illegal to transmit false caller ID information with the intent to “defraud or harm.” The measure did not pass the Senate. Similar bills have been introduced as well but have gone nowhere.
 
But some states are cracking down on spoofing. This year, Louisiana passed a law banning the use of spoofing services to “mislead, defraud or deceive” the recipients of the calls, and a similar law has passed the state Senate in New York.
 
In Missouri, Rep. Paul LeVota, an Independence Democrat, co-sponsored a similar bill this year, but it never got a hearing.
 
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said spoofing is a major concern.
 
“We are seeing increased levels of spoofing across the board, and we deal with it increasingly in our efforts to try and enforce Missouri’s no-call list,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine any productive uses. There are far more opportunities for illicit uses than for productive ones.”
 
The lesson from this article is to always remember to put the interest of you and your household first before all other outside influences.  Collection agencies have been know to use this technology to elicit  payments on the debts that they are attempting to collect on by posing as a local law enforcement agency or child custody, etc. If in doubt hang-up the phone before being scammed or bullied.

Adapted from :
‘Spoofing’ scams make caller ID untrustworthy
By JUDY L. THOMAS
The Kansas City Star

"Watching where your money goes is more than just having a budget. “One of my families said, ‘If you’re worried about spending, then you’re not wealthy,’ ” Mr. Bickel said. “But across the board, there is greater discernment with use of discretionary income.”

1. Dumpster Diving:

2. Skimming:

3.  Phishing:

4. Change of Address:

5. Plain O' Stealing of your Purse or Wallet:

Leibovitz, who has photographed everyone from the Rolling Stones to Queen Elizabeth II, put her art, intellectual property and even real estate assets up for collateral last year when she consolidated her massive debts.

Anonymous

A loyal reader of our newsletter called me and said "What are you thinking? How could you send out an article about the cost of watching TV at the start of College & NFL seasons?"

With a good laugh I told them that they had the other 5 days of the week to make up (pay) for it.

If the cost of watching TV is not enough to give you pause, how about this headline?

"In the past six years, the family hour has become even more hostile to children and families"

1.   Be Content but Desire to Grow

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances,

but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. - Hugh Downs

2.   Become Focused on your Priorities

The immature mind hops from one thing to another;

the mature mind seeks to follow through.-Harry A. Overstreet

3.   Be Disciplined in Pursuits

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. - Jim Rohn

4.   Do it all as if you were doing it for the Lord

So whether you eat or drink

or whatever you do,

Do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 

forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day; 

you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit

 to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

People rarely consider the cost of watching TV, and when they do, they usually focus on the cost of their monthly cable bill. The truth is that there are a wide variety of costs associated directly and indirectly with having a TV.

To put it into perspective, if you watch the average amount of TV each week (the average person in the US watches 31.5 hours of TV) and if you value your time at minimum wage - $6.50/hour here in Missouri - then you are spending nearly $819 a month to watch TV. That comes to almost $10,000 a year. That's at minimum wage and doesn't include other expenses - like the cable bill & TV equipment. What if I am half wrong? I want my $ 5,000 dollars back!!

With these numbers in mind I can't recall an episode, program, or sporting event that I would pay that kind of money for.  This is not to say you should smash your TV upon reading this.  However I would encourage you to give careful consideration as to how you CHOOSEto use your "free time."

What do you stand for?  What is You Inc. all about?  By what values do you operate?  What is the purpose of your activity?

Having a personal mission statement can amplify your effectiveness by making you get focused on what is important to you.  In marketing circles we often hear of the term "Brand Identity" or identity that we as consumers perceive a company to be.  Can you clearly identify what your "Brand Identity" is?

What is a Personal Mission Statement?

A personal mission statement is an individual statement that outlines your character, what you want to contribute, and the values or principles upon which you base your actions & decisions.

Writing a Personal Mission Statement:

Begin by setting aside some quite time to review and consider the follow 4 points:

• Who do I want to be?
• What do I want to do?
• What do I value?
• What do I want to leave behind? I.e. your Legacy.  (I know this is a biggie, no worries, it will grow and develop over time as you get focused on your purpose.)

Start with a free flow writing session to help you get started and document the first thoughts that come to mind.  Resist the urge to self edit. Editing is the result of doubt & resistance. You will want to return to your Personal Mission Statement from time to time to refine & refocus it.  In time you will find that your "Core Mission" will come to light.

If you fill you may need a tutor to get started, check out the Mission Statement Builder on Stephen Covey's site.

Click here to read the article.

Now Look Out! The new school year is upon us.

Jason

"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better."

"The greatest lesson we can learn from the past. . . is thatFreedom is at the core of every successful nation in the world."

 

As I was preparing to whip up a patriotic fervor, I discovered the above quotes not only speak to our patriotic pride but speaks volumes to how we choose to handle our personal spending. The very "Freedom" that we fight and stand proud for as a nation, we so willing give up when we it comes to our personal finances and our indebtedness.  Why? 

 

Is 18%+, free air miles, and a card named after a precious metal that is made of plastic an even exchange? 

 

This 4th of July be sure to watch some fireworks, grill some burgers, and remember to appreciate the service men and women who have gave up their FREEDOM to give us ours.

Live Free,

Jason

Mother's Day is almost here.  Be sure to let mom know that she is loved and appreciated. Even if it is only with a phone call.

Respectfully,

Jason

Wise Christmas Gift Giving

·  Spend with Vision.

It's better to know what you are after before you start shopping, instead of shopping blindly per person then attempting damage control afterwards.

·  Don't forget the non-gift expenses. 
Holiday expenses don't stop at gifts. They include travel expenses, gift-wrap, tape, food, household decorations, etc. Account for these things in your budget so there are no surprises.

·  Best Option: Use cash. 
It's harder to let go of money when it's real cash. Handing over twenty-five $20 bills for that Play Station for your little brother might make you think twice.

·  Check the length of your list.  
Does everyone on your list need a gift? 

·  It is the thought that counts, Right? Then be Creative.  
Write a poem, sing a song, bake cookies, make arts and crafts, spend time with each other, or make a coupon book for free chores. You will be surprised at how these thoughtful & creative gestures will be received.

·  Get the best price.
Use comparison-shopping sites like nextag.com, pricegrabber.com, and bizrate.com to find the cheapest price. Search Google for coupon codes to get free shipping or a percentage off your total.  The key is to Plan Ahead.

·  Keep detailed records. Know what you bought, for whom, and for how much. Keep a tally of what you've spent and what's left. This will ensure you don't exceed your limits this year, and will help you plan a budget for next year.  Be Proactive.

·  Put money away. 
Starting in January, put money away every month, in your non-monthly expense account. Then, by next December, you'll have what you need for your Christmas shopping.