Meal Planning with #MyMixx Acme Markets

September 1, 2014 by Melissa

If you haven’t already checked out Acme Market’s MyMixx app you are missing out. Right from your phone you can create a shopping list, clip coupons and check out the weekly circular.

I’ve been using MyMixx to work on weekly meal plans because I can see exactly what’s on sale and know what I’m cooking for dinner. Doing this has helped me not only save time but also save money. Who doesn’t like to save money?

This week’s meal plan is:

Monday – Fried Chicken and Homemade Mac & Cheese and Grilled Corn

Tuesday – Kung Pao Shrimp Tacos and Salad

Wednesday – Italian Sausage with Pasta and Organic Grape Tomatoes

Thursday – Grilled Chicken Breast over Wilted Spinach

Friday – Turkey and Bacon Club Sandwiches with Chips and Veggies

MyMixx is simple to use. Download the Acme Markets app and sign up for MyMixx using your phone number and start clipping paperless coupons and building your weekly shopping list. Your MyMixx savings will appear right on your smart phone as well as your e-receipt and clipped coupons.

As a special offer for the launch of MyMixx you’ll be able to add a $5 off $20 purchase as one of your clipless coupon. It will be available as soon as you sign up.

Check it all out for today and watch the savings roll right into your fingertips.

chicken image courtesy AllThingsChill via Flickr

Use #TexasPete to Spice up your Meals #FeedingAmerica

August 29, 2014 by Melissa

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Texas Pete for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Something happened with Rob’s palette 2years ago. He started craving super spicy foods and adding hot sauce to everything. Now when it’s time to set the table for any meal the kids are required to grab hot sauce along with any other condiments needed. Texas Pete Hot Sauce is one we’re going to try because I found this chicken wing recipe that sounds amazing.

CHA! HOISIN-GLAZED ROASTED CHICKEN WINGS

These lip-smacking, delicious, party-style chicken wings are marinated in CHA! by Texas Pete® and roasted in the oven until golden brown and delicious, then finished with an explosive CHA! hoisin glaze.

YIELD: 48 party wings

PORTION (Serving Size): 1 party wing

INGREDIENTS:

Wings

Chicken wings, fresh: 4 lbs. or 48 party wings

CHA! by Texas Pete®: 1 cup

Butter, salted: 1 stick

Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

CHA! by Texas Pete®: 1⁄2 cup • Hoisin sauce: 3⁄4 cup

Scallions, sliced thin for garnish: 1 bunch

PREPARATION:

Marinate the chicken wings in the CHA! by Texas Pete® for 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After 24 hours, place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Melt the stick of butter and pour over the chicken wings. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Place the chicken wings on as many baking trays as needed, keeping space between each chicken wing and not over-crowding the pans. Roast the chicken wings in the oven for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown, crispy, fork tender and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Flip them once halfway through the cooking process so they crisp evenly on both sides. Depending upon the size of the wings, you may need to cook them for over an hour. While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze and slice the scallions.

Mix the 1⁄4 cup of CHA! by Texas Pete® with the 3⁄4 cup of hoisin sauce and mix well. When the chicken wings are finished cooking, carefully place them into a large mixing bowl and toss them with the spicy CHA! hoisin glaze. Arrange the chicken wings on a serving platter, garnish with the sliced scallions and serve.

With football season just starting I could make these easily for a crowd and adjust the heat for mild taste buds or make them more fiery for my husband who wants heat on everything. Texas Pete is more than just hot sauce too. You can find Texas Pete Hot Sauce and condiments and ingredients to fit your own meal plan. You can also find Texas Pete Hot Sauce recipes online to try for yourself.

Choose Texas Pete to kick up so many other dishes like macaroni and cheese, tacos, ribs and even baked potatoes topped with cheese. Best of all Texas Pete will be donating $1 to Feeding America (up to a $5,000 total donation!) for every social share of THIS post.

Help get them to their goal with a little social clicky above or below. Let me know where to find your share.

How do you like to use hot sauce in recipes?

Shopping #MyMixx app from Acme Markets

August 27, 2014 by Melissa

When you look through your grocery store ads each week how many MUST HAVE items do you see? This past week during my weekly shopping trip and I found Eggo Waffles (box of ten) on sale for $1. There are always lots of things for $1 at Acme Markets but this is by far one of the best finds ever when scrolling through the MyMixx App.

Waffles are a staple in our house much like bread and milk are in other homes. Waffles are eaten everyday by someone and are used for breakfast lunch and dinner.

The sale ad at Acme Market is a like a treasure hunt. I love sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and my list to put together everything we need. The new MyMixx app makes things even easier these days too. I don’t always have the time for a leisurely scan of the sale ad but now I have it at my finger tips when I’m not at home.

Not only did I stock up on our go-to breakfast food I also snagged 12-count case of snapple for $5.99. Rob and I love their Diet Raspberry and Diet Lemon tea and this price is too good to pass up.

Back to School happened for us this week too. I hit up the deli department and got lunchmeat for the next couple of weeks for just $3.99/lb. I freeze lunchmeat and cheese so we always have it on hand and I’m not running to the store on Sunday night.

Find these and so many more great prices on the products you eat and use each day at Acme Markets.

Come over and enter to win a Acme Markets $100 GC here on the blog.

Kid Friendly Cruising on Carnival #cruisingcarnival

August 21, 2014 by Melissa

Being miles and miles off shore on a cruise ship is one of the most exciting things to happen for my kids. They absolutely love cruising and have been lucky enough to have experienced it twice now. I get asked a lot if cruising is truly a kid friendly vacation. My answer is an emphatic YES when it comes to Carnival Cruise Lines. Your kids will never be bored when it comes to #CruisingCarnival.

Camp Carnival

We were able to register them online so their information was on hand and name tags were ready. When we first boarded we had to hunt done the locations of camp so that when they were ready to go they knew where to go. Shaun was able to come and go as he pleased due to his age. That isn’t the rule but something we allowed him to do. Shae had to be checked in and out by an adult or Sabreena. This is a level of security that I appreciated. Even on the last day the camp counselors were checking out Sign and Sail cards as ID. You can never be too sure!

Camp Carnival is specially designed with crafts, activities and games for different age groups: 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years. The daily schedules are available each night before we were able to check off all the things the kids wanted to participate in the next day. This let the whole family plan their day around lounging, activities, spa treatments or even exploring the ports. Shae spent lots of her time working on crafts, playing board games and and painting. Shaun of course spent lots of time playing video game and EPIC rounds of dodge ball. I was never worried about them having a good time while at camp. Carnival also offers a Night Owls segment. From 10-12pm they had special activities and movies for the kids so the adults could plan time at the casino, clubs or just alone on the Serenity Lounge.

Games and Chess

This was one of the first things we noticed when coming aboard. Rob and Shaun like to play chess and little did we know Shae knew how to play too. The spent lots of time challenging each other and other kids with a game or two. Regular chess in the Library was a great way for Rob and Shae to spend a little quality time together too.

Video Arcade

We tried to stay as unplugged as possible while cruising but the flashing lights and high tech graphics drew the kids in for one night only.

Mini Golf

With 360 degree views of gorgeous blue ocean there was no wonder mini golf is a popular activity for the kids. The wind can make it a little tricky sometimes but it also made it super fun when trying to race against it.

Circle C and Club O2

Hangout spots for the older kids too are needed when they need some downtime away from the family. Carnival organizes movies, club nights and activities for the big kids too.

Punchliner Comedy Club

The comedy club makes cruising truly family friendly by offering swear word free sets. Shae joined us for one show before heading off to her nightly activities.

Waterworks

This waterpark overlooking the ocean is a site to be seen. Kids can splash and slide while parents lounge on the sidelines.
Pool & Deck Parties

The Lido Deck is the party hub especially when there are Hairy Chest contests to watch and pools to jump in. The cruise director and their staff along with a DJ keep the people moving, laughing and entertained with goofy games and lively music.

Stage Shows

Shae was called up on stage during the magic show but was so shy she couldn’t participate. During the next show and Hasbro, The Game Show she insisted on sitting farther away from the stage just so she could watch.

The list goes on and on with activities the kids and families can participate in each day. Don’t forget about the excursions available when you arrive at each Port of Call too. Those adventure are once in a lifetime. Know one thing, your kids will never be bored on a Carnival Cruise.

Advice for Starting the College Search #JourneytoCollege

August 18, 2014 by Melissa

For Sabreena’s entire high school career we were on her about making the right steps towards a positive and productive college choice. Unfortunately most of our advice fell on deaf ears. This fall instead of attending the college of her choice she’ll be starting off at community college.

Our biggest hurdle through the college selection process was tuition costs. Sabreena was adamant about the 4 schools on her list and didn’t want to waver no matter how much we advised her that tutition costs should be a huge influence. When the acceptance letters came in her boutique school choice was just within reach. We went through enrollment, orientation, even picking a roommate but when the scholarships and grants didn’t come in as we had hoped her school of choice was no longer an option.

There was no back up either. We were left with a heartbroken girl that thought there was nowhere to go from here.

We urged Sabreena for 4 years to do as much research on scholarships and grants as possible. We urged her to take a look at the state university as a backup. Everything was very overwhelming and time goes by quicker than you think.

My advice to families just starting the college search:

Research every program your school, district or state offers to help with applications, career assessments, PSATs and of course grants and scholarships.
Join clubs and extracurriculars. If not for the experience of the activity or cause then use the time to establish connections that will be useful down the road when it comes time for recommendations and needing advice on college selections.
The cost of college tuition is at an all time. Paying for college is a huge undertaking and can cause a burden on family. Know how and where to look for scholarships to help offset that expense.
Be aware of your social media footprint. Studies show 71% of college admission officers are spending time checking out an applicant’s Facebook & Twitter page before making final decisions.

To ensure that students are receiving accurate and up-to-date information on trends in the college admissions process, Kaplan Test Prep annually surveys admissions officers from the top national, regional and liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S.*

The survey data collected helps Kaplan provide informed guidance to tens of thousands of college applicants and their parents each year. The #JourneyToCollege should be paved in information and knowledge not obstacles.

Get your free 2014 KapMap College Planner and stay ahead of the curve.

Stay connected with Kaplan on Facebook or Twitter to stay on top of trends, changes to the SAT & ACT exams and learn more about what the admissions office is looking for in new or transferring students.

the image is adapted from College Path via Charles Clegg

Bark Week on @HubTVNetwork

August 12, 2014 by Melissa

We’re all heard of Shark Week, that terrifying but too cool to look away programming special happening on Discovery Channel this week. How about something a little tamer, something a little furry. How about Bark Week from our friends at Hub Network.

Bark Week is a weeklong schedule of family favorite programming featuring our hairy and furry friends, the dogs. As a dog loving home this is something we can get on board with. Hub Network will be showcasing 4 popular series from Animal Planet; America’s Cutest, It’s Me or the Dog, Bad Dog and Too Cute.

If you’ve never seen Too Cute you’re missing out.

Bark Week is all about having a great line up of family friendly programming that actually brings the family together. My kids and I can often be found huddled around my phone watching cat and dog videos. There is something about them that is addicting.

Bark Week kicks off Sunday August 17th and runs till August 22nd with presentations such as 101 Dalmatians, Scooby Doo & Snow Buddies just a name a few. Check your local listing for complete times and schedules.

Back to School Shopping with Schoola 20% off

August 11, 2014 by Melissa

School has started in some school districts already. We still have a couple weeks but that doesn’t mean I haven’t started stressing about the shopping and planning that has to be done. Schoola.com is an easy way to help your child’s school or other schools in need to raise money for programs, supplies or even equipment.

Shop Schoola.com for the clothes and accessories kids need every day. You’ll find a selection of gently used (inspected by the schoola team) clothing in a huge variety of sizes and styles to be reloved with your family. I personally love saving money on kids clothes this way. Those kids I have, they grow, fast, sometimes too fast to really enjoy a favorite dress or pricey jeans. In fact when I bought my son 5 new pairs of jeans last year at the beginning of the school year he outgrew them by January.

Save today by using BacktoSchoola20 for 20% off your shopping trip. Doing this not only puts money back in your pocket but it helps Yick Wo Elementary School, California bring back their art programs.

Many schools face tough decisions when it’s time to balance the budget. Many of these schools call music and art extras and they are the first to get cut. Doing this robs children of necessary building blocks when developing social skills, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Yick Wo Elementary students come from a multitude of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Providing a creative space where everyone can work and learn equally brings them together with no boundaries or expectations.

Doing a little back to school shopping today can help these students. It’s very simple. Shop on Schoola.com today a you’ll be giving back directly to Yick Wo Elementary. For every transaction made from this post $1 will sent to support their art program.

The 20% discount code BacktoSchoola20 expires 8/20/14 and is limited to one user per customer.

Pizza Night #familyfavorites

August 8, 2014 by Melissa

Each Friday is Pizza night in our home. It’s a way to make #familyfavorites into a lovely family gathering putting tasty ingredients together into a meal we can all enjoy.

Homemade Pizza starts with homemade dough. This is one of my least favorite things to do (such a mess) but it’s so worth it. I’ve been teaching my eldest daughter how to make the dough so she can one day start this tradition with her own family. I like to have the kids in the kitchen with me when I cook so they learn how to make these same dishes.

Dinnertime is often about tradition and family time. I try my best to prepare meals that my family loves but also like to try new dishes so that my kids learn to enjoy a wide variety of food. Even though each Friday is Pizza night the rest of the week is filled with other Family Favorites like Baked Cheesy Pasta, Lime Chicken Tacos and from scratch Macaroni and Cheese.

It feels great when were done a meal and the kids rave about how good it was. And when the kids request a certain dish that they really enjoyed at some point, that definitely means I’m doing something right.

Pizza Night is a completely interactive process with the whole family. Even though I make the dough putting together part is done by the whole family. Toppings are set out so each person can make their own pizza the way they like. This is a great way to introduce new ingredients I want the kids to taste.This is the fun part of the night, except for eating of course. You can see how Shae and Sabreena are adding Classico Family Favorites Traditional Sauce. This sauce has a great sweetness to it that balances great with the spicy pepperoni, roasted garlic and red onions. That was what I chose for my pizza on this night.

Classico Family Favorites come in 3 flavors, Meat Sauce, Traditional and Parmesan & Romano. For pizza night we went with the simplest because we also add additional ingredients or herbs to suit our taste. Right out of the jar I like the flavor of the Traditional. It brought to mind of an amazing spaghetti and homemade meatball dinner on a cool fall night. In fact with the weird cooler weather we’re already getting this August we probably are too far away from indulging in that family favorite. Unfortunately our Walmart was out of Parmesan & Romano. I wanted to try this along with some roasted veggies over grilled chicken. I will be headed back to the store soon to see if they restocked.

Family favorites can be elaborate meals that take hours to prepare or a simple soup and sandwich meal gathered around the kitchen island. It’s about more than just the food it’s really about the connection you’re making with your family enjoying conversation and laughs and creating memories.

Save money with this Heinz Classico coupon when you buy two jars of Classico Family Favorites!

What is one of your Family Favorite meals? #CollectiveBias & Classico would love to hear your ideas too.

How Often Do You Clean Your Rugs?

August 6, 2014 by Melissa

I think my main problem in why I haven’t cleaned our rugs is because it’s so hard to decide on the best steam cleaner to buy.

For us we don’t clean our rugs as often as we probably should. As a matter of fact we have never cleaned our rugs and we have lived in our current house for 4 years and that’s probably because we don’t own a steam cleaner. I know it’s a little gross so don’t judge but believe it or not our rugs don’t look that bad.

I have looked at steam cleaners online many times but there are so many to choose from that it starts making my head spin. They all have different features and options at all different price points some with steam some without and the list goes on and on.

I know that some grocery stores rent steam cleaners so I may have to do that until I can decide on a steam cleaner but my next excuse will be time and how I don’t have any, LOL. The last thing that I want to do after getting home from work at night is steam clean the rugs. I have thought about hiring a company to clean the rugs but I am afraid that I will pick a company that will not do a great job and then I will just have to clean the rugs myself anyway.

This is a battle in my head that I have been having for four years so that is probably why our rugs have never been cleaned. I need to get over my problems ASAP because with 3 dogs I know that our rugs need a very good cleaning. So I need to decide on a steam cleaner, find some time on the weekend and just get it done.

If you have any suggestions on a steam cleaner let me know as any help would be greatly appreciated.

Meal Planning with Acme Markets #HUGESALE

August 6, 2014 by Melissa

There is still plenty of time to take advantage of Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Acme Markets, Shaws, Star Market and United sale going on celebrating their anniversary. In my own neighborhood store, Acme Markets I’m able to meal plan directly from the #HUGESALE weekly ad.

I can include each meal and even snacks and dessert. This definitely doesn’t mean I prepare each meal of the day but sometimes I like to be a good mom and make the kids breakfast instead of leaving them to fend for themselves with cereal & fruit.

Next Weeks Meal Plan looks a little like this

Breakfast

Frozen Fruit Smoothies using Wild Harvest products

Bagels with Cream Cheese

Life Cereal

Assorted Fruits

Lunch

Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwiches on Rolls

Tuna Salad on Mixed Greens

Pepperoni and Cheese Quesadillas

Dinner

Shrimp Tacos with Rice and Black Beans

Ricotta Ravioli with prepared Pesto and Italian Bread

Burgers and Hot Dogs on Grill with Baked Beans and Corn on the Cob

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Homemade Mac & Cheese

Homemade Pizza with sausage and veggies

Dessert & Snacks

ICE CREAM

S’mores

Popcorn with Real Butter

Fruit Snack

Assorted Fruits & Veggies

Peanut Butter Crackers

Granola Bars

What does your meal plan / shopping list look like?

Don’t forget about the FREE SALAD FOR A YEAR sweepstakes going on too. Enter to win Earthbound Salad every week for 1 year.

Good luck to you! Hurry this sweepstakes end 8/15.

Get your free 2014 KapMap College Planner and stay ahead of the curve.

Save today by using BacktoSchoola20 for 20% off your shopping trip. Doing this not only puts money back in your pocket but it helps Yick Wo Elementary School, California bring back their art programs.

What is one of your Family Favorite meals? #CollectiveBias & Classico would love to hear your ideas too.

Don’t forget about the FREE SALAD FOR A YEAR sweepstakes going on too. Enter to win Earthbound Salad every week for 1 year.

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