In The Kitchen - Zucchini Nut Bread Cookie Sandwiches

That has to be the longest name ever for cookie. But, oh man, are they good!

I found the recipe in an issue of Martha Stewart Living a few months back, and proceeded to add it to my growing pile of "recipes to try" - and when I say pile, I mean a 3 inch three ringer binder (that is full). While looking for a few holiday cookie recipes for a friend, I found this; and decided since I had some leftover zucchini, I should give it a try. 

You have to check this recipe out on MarthaStewart.com. You will love it! 

I pretty much followed the recipe exactly. The only differences in mine is that I used 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (instead of 1 cup all-purpose), and I only used 1/4 cup walnuts (I also forgot to toast them).

Refrigerated for 1 hour.

I think I made mine a bit too big because I only ended up getting 8 sandwiches out of this batch (according to the recipe I should have gotten 14).

MMMMMMMM...So yummy!

I'm not normally a fan of cream cheese frosting; but sandwiched between the zucchini bread cookies it is delicious! If you're not a fan either, no worries, these babies taste just as good without it. I would also like to point out that the consistency of the cookies is more bread like - as the name insinuates. Just thought I would point that out, in case you were wanting a more crunchy cookie.

This little guy LOVED them! I was quite surprised that he didn't just take it apart and eat the frosting. Makes me happy that I snuck in some veggies. He didn't eat the whole thing though - we shared =). 

Thank you, Martha Stewart, for another amazing recipe to add to my collection.

Make them yourself:

Zucchini Nut Bread Cookie Sandwiches

Happy Baking!

$50 to AbesMarket.com for $15

One of Plum District's national deals is $50 worth of eco-friendly products from Abe's Market for $25.

Plus, today only, use promo code sunday40 and score this deal for just $15!

Abe's has everything natural you can think of, from bedding and pet care, to clothes, cosmetics, and snacks.

Add this great deal to the Green Friday sale that is going on right now at Abe's, and you can score some great stuff! 

Plus shipping is free right now!

So what are you waiting for? Go get it!

Homemade Christmas

Thanksgiving is over, which means it's time for Christmas decorating!

I really don't like buying Christmas decorations until after Christmas. So weird. I know. But I don't want to pay full price. Call me cheap. It's true. 

Anyway, I pick up decorations here and there, after Christmas has passed, to add to our collection. 

Last year, I didn't have anything to decorate our mantel, and somehow it slipped my mind to find things for it this year. 

So while flipping through the newest issue of Disney's Family Fun Magazine, I came across this adorable mantel display

and was inspired to recreate it myself (minus the garland).

The Recycled Forest

The cone "trees" were super simple. 

Simply roll paper into cone shapes. Secure with tape (or I used a glue stick), and trim the end.

A-Bottle-Able Snowman

Find the instructions to create these little guys here.

This is my first attempt at decoupage. And I made my own "mod podge" (in the mason jar). The instructions from the Disney website pretty much tell you how to make it, they just don't call it mod podge. You can also find a quick and easy tutorial on the Do It Yourself Divas blog.

Advent Calendar 

This is where the muslin bags I posted about last week come in. 

I bought my off of Amazon. You don't have to use muslin. I also considered burlap, and cotton bags; but found the best price for the muslin. 

As you may remember, I got this idea from Pinterest. The blog that it came from (House and Home), doesn't give to many instructions...so here is a quick tutorial.

Once you have your bags, all you need is stencils and paint (and probably a paint brush would be useful).

Be sure to place a thick piece of paper or card stock inside the bag. The paint will seep through, and you don't want it getting on the back.

Center the stencil on the bag, and paint on the numbers. I alternated between red (odd numbers) and green (even numbers). 

I didn't want the wet paint on the front to get on the back, so I placed them upside down to dry. It took less than 10 minutes to completely dry. 

Fill with your desired gift for advent. I'm putting an ornament in each bag, so Little Man can decorate his own little tree. 

Hang from your mantel with string or cord.

Here is how it all turned out:

The snowball in the center was made out of plastic bags. 

And up close of the snowmen:

I will add that I didn't use orange tissue paper for the noses. I didn't want to have to buy it, so I just cut out little triangles from orange construction paper. 

Happy Decorating!

Small Business Saturday

Today is Small Business Saturday!

I hope everyone gets out and shops with at least ONE local store.

I can't even stress enough how important it is for everyone to shop locally and support our communities. 

A few deals at a couple of my faves:

Jem's Natural Living 

All Toys Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

All Gift Baskets 30% off

All Bamboo Sheet Sets 30% off

All Clothing are Buy 1 (at regular price) Get the 2nd for $1.00

These deals run through Sunday 11/27

KT Janes

15% off all merchandise

Plus new additions to the 75% off rack

Kooky Kids
15% off all merchandise

LetsGoGreen.biz
25% off every order
Use promo code FRIEND
Free shipping on orders over $49.

Amy's Fresh Delivery

$5 off your November order
Use promo code NOV11
(Last week to use this code)

Amy's Fresh Delivery - SBS Feature

I've been using Amy's Fresh Delivery  for about a year now.

Amy's was chosen Best of the Bay 2011: Best Way To Buy Local! 

I LOVE the ease and convenience of having fresh local produce delivered straight to my doorstep. 

Hubby thought I was crazy the first time we got a delivery. His words exactly, "Do you think we're rich or something?"

But it was totally worth it (plus I payed half the price, thanks to a voucher from a daily deal website)!

And, seriously, what's better than getting quality local produce delivered and supporting the community at the same time? 

Basket options include:

small - choose 5 fruits/veggies

mixed - receive 4 staple items + 6 fruits/veggies of your choice 

large mixed - receive 4 staple items + 11 fruits/veggies of your choice

fruit - choose 7 fruits

organic - choose 7 fruits/veggies

Use promo code Nov11, and receive $5 off of your order. 

Like them out on Facebook.

The Best Way To Spend Black Friday

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving; and really took time to enjoy the time you spent with family and friends. 

While many people were out shopping today, we were home enjoying the beautiful weather. 

We spent our Black Friday.....

Punkin Rolling

Going for walks

And playing in the fallen leaves

We also did some Christmas decorating. 

This year, I'm doing homemade decorations for our mantel. It is almost complete; and I will be posting about it soon. 

Online Black Friday Deals

Just wanted to share a few online deals:

Fabric.com

20% off $0-$74.99, promo code Pie20

25% off $75-$149.99, promo code Pie25

30% off $150 & up, promo code Pie30

Codes expire at Midnight on 11/28

Free shipping on orders $35 or more

Also, check back for exclusive Cyber Monday Deals on 11/28.

Groupon

$10 for $20 voucher to Old Navy

Totsy

Up to 90% off home decor, women's/men's/kids shoes and clothing, accessories, toys & games, books, and so much more! 

You seriously have to check out the site! It's free to sign up. 

Primitives by Kathy Holly

Run Run Run Handbags

Elf Cosmetics

Free Shipping with promo code TGIVING

Now through Sunday 11/17 at 9 PM.

Coupons Coupons Coupons

Rudi's Organic
$1/1 Any Rudi's Organic Bread 

Ecover 
$1/1 Any Ecover Dishwashing product

TruWhip
$.55/1 TruWhip Natural Whipped Topping, 10 oz bowl

Betty Crocker Printables
$.85/1 Any variety Muir Glen product
$.85/1 Box Bisquick Gluten Free Baking Mix, 16 oz or larger

All You Printables
$1.50/1 Any Seattle's Best Coffee, 12 oz bag
$.75/1 Bag or Boz Crunchmaster Crackers 
$.55/1 Seneca Farms Oatmeal 2-pack
$1/1 Any Oregon Chai product
$1/1 Any ZarBee's product
$1/1 Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free products

KT Janes - SBS Feature

I was first introduced to KT Janes 4 years ago by my best friend JJ (someone who appreciates shopping and small South Tampa businesses just as much - or probably more - than I do). 

KT Janes offers unique, affordable, and personalized gifts.

You can create and order custom invitations and stationary, as well.

I ordered Little Man's 1st birthday invitations from Katie:

So cute! Love it! But I'm biased.

The store has great little gifts that make good stocking stuffers too.

I'm telling you, you'll want to buy everything in the store when you go. I consider myself lucky if I make it out of the there spending less than $50. Oh, and I also have to add that there is a clearance rack right when you walk in the door! She sure knows how to make a girl on a budget happy.

I hope you get a chance to stop by on Small Business Saturday (or any other day)! 

Oh, and KT Janes is located right down the street from Seedlings; so stop by by shops if you are in the area. 

Like KT Janes on Facebook.

I Heart Mail

I really love getting mail (other than bills)!

I just received the muslin bags I ordered for Little Man's advent calendar!

So excited to start working on this:

Found on Pinterest, via this blog.

Fingers crossed, I will have this complete (and ready to post) after Thanksgiving.

Pear Tree Greetings - Black Friday Deal

Pear Tree Greetings is having a Black Friday sale of their own.

(I guess they just couldn't wait until Cyber Monday). 

I love their products, so they could have a sale everyday of the week and I'd be happy. 

We ordered our Christmas cards from Pear Tree last year; and they were super cute, if I do say so myself. 

Back to the deal:

November 24 - 28, 2011

Save 20% on all orders, $75 or more, with promo code BLACK20.

I know that seems like a lot to spend on cards, however, to put it in perspective - for $78.40 (before the discount) you can get 112 cards (that's $.70 a piece). 

Pear Tree creates beautiful products. If you don't need holiday cards, check out their save-the-dates, baby announcements, party invitations, and more!

Organic Printable Coupons

 

Thanks to The Greenbacks Gal, I have been introduced to the best coupon printing website (ever!) called Mambo Sprouts. 

I have never seen so many organic and all natural product coupons in one place. 

I think I am in heaven!  

Among the pages you will find:

$1/1 Woodstock Frozen Vegetables

$1/1 Frontier Natural Product Bottled Spice or Baking Extract

$1/1 ECOVER  Hard Surface Cleaner

$.75/1 Organic Valley Flavored Half & Half

Aaaannnnndddd, many more!

Oh man, I wish I had known about this site sooner!

On another note, here is coupon for a Skinny Cow product:

$1/1 Skinny Cow low-fat ice cream multi-pack

Not organic, but oh so yummy.

Thanks again to The Greenbacks Gal for making my day!

Udder Covers Nursing Cover - $11.95 Shipped

Another great deal from Planning Family!

For all of you nursing or soon to be nursing mothers. With this deal, you can score one nursing cover, or 3 piece set (includes nursing cover, breast pads, and milk band) from the Udder Covers website. Use promo code Family2011.

All you have to pay is shipping.

Even if you are not nursing, don't plan to nurse, not pregnant, or don't plan to have kids (just making sure all of my bases are covered), this is still a great baby shower gift. So go ahead and order one; especially if you know someone having a baby soon (and is planning on breastfeeding) - they will thank you. 

Shopping Bag

Item Code        Color       Quantity         Each      Price

928462285      Jones                1             $32.00      $32.00

Merchandise Subtotal:      $32.00

Discount: $32.00 - $32.00 (code: family2011)

Subtotal:      $0.00

USPS First Class Shipping:      $11.95        (2-8 days processing)  

Total:      $11.95

A little added bonus, after your order is complete, you will be given another promo code for 100% off the Car Seat Canopy of your choice, AND 100% off the Seven brand baby carrier of your choice (while supplies last). 

Disney Books Deal

This is a special offer from Planning Family.

Get the books Winnie the Pooh and Toy Story 3, for just $.99 each.

Then choose 2 more books (for $.99 each) from the following titles:

Cars
Beauty and The Beast
Peter Pan
Tangled


And receive a free 2012 Disney Wall Calendar!

No obligation to continue receiving books after the 4.

Also, you will get FREE SHIPPING!

Eversave National Deal

If you haven't ordered your Hoilday cards yet, then check out Eversave's national deal. 

For $20 you will get $60 worth of photo greeting cards from Photo Card Creations - plus FREE SHIPPING!

I was browsing their selection, and found some really cute cards. If I hadn't already ordered ours, I would totally get this. 

You don't have to use this deal for Holiday cards either. Photo Card Creations has birth announcements, wedding invites and announcements, birthday party invitations, thank you cards, and much MUCH more. 

Also, not sure if you would be able to use this with the voucher, but if you order by Nov. 23, 2011, you can get 10% off your Holiday card order with the promo code early10. Try it out, and let me know if it works. 

*NOTE: this deal expires on November 29, 2011


While you are visiting Eversave, check out another deal:

$25 for $55 worth of personalized sterling silver jewelry from i declare.

In The Kitchen - Tart & Tangy FroYo

Has your neighborhood experienced a recent explosion of Frozen Yogurt shops? Mine definitely has! Not that I am complaining.

My love for this delicious dessert began about 5 years ago with Caliyogurt in South Tampa. 

Since my first bite, I've been a die hard fan of the original tart & tangy (thanks to my girl Lindsey for the introduction). I could seriously eat a tub of this plain...no need for toppings. 

This recipe is super simple and easy to make.

There are only 2 ingredients:

1 tub of Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup sugar

Mix the sugar and yogurt together.

You can add (or remove) as much sugar as you'd like. The amount of sugar will change the tartness though. I found a 1/2 cup to be perfect.

Pour into your ice cream maker, and let it do it's magic for about 20 minutes (or until desired consistency is reached).

This homemade version is a bit creamier than I really like, but I totally don't mind because it tastes soooo good. 

I think that the creaminess has a lot to do with the brand of yogurt. I'm going to try it with a different brand next time (after the 2 tubs I made are gone).

I stored the FroYo in the original container, and put it it the freezer. 

Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

(P.S. It is really really good with crumbled Pepperidge Farm Cookies. Your welcome.)

Seedlings - SBS Feature

Seedlings is an innovative baby boutique shop located in South Tampa.

On top of all the baby gear, toys, and clothing that they sell, Seedlings is known for making and selling their very own homemade baby food.

Seedlings also hosts an annual Baby Shower in their store. They give out goodie bags filled with amazing must-have baby items (valued at over $200). This year it is on Saturday, December 3, 2011, 10 AM to 3 PM. Remember to shop before the event as well, because every $25 you spend earns you a raffle ticket to win prizes on the day of the Shower. 

Shop in store or online; and create your baby registry with them.

Find them on Facebook. Become a fan, and receive 30% off of a single item (in store; some exclusions apply).

I hope you get a chance to visit the store on Small Business Saturday (or any other day)!

Greenwise Publix Deals

Here is a list of the BOGOs and a few other deals from Greenwise Publix this week (11/16-11/23). 

Greenwise Publix also carries all of the regular stores BOGOs. Visit Southern Savers or True Couponing for the whole ad and match-ups.

Buy One Get One

Organic Celery - $2.29

Apple & Eve Organics 100% Juice, 48 oz. bot. - $4.79 

$1/2 Apple & Eve Products printable - NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Buy (2), Use (1) $1/2 MQ, Pay as low as $1.90 each

Imagine Cooking Stock, 32 oz. pkg. - $4.99 

$1/2 Imagine Products printable

Buy (2), Use (1) $1/2 MQ, Pay as low as $1.99 each

Spectrum Naturals Organic Canola Oil, 16 oz. bot. - $7.85 

Sun Chips Multi-grain Snacks, 10.5 oz. bag - $3.99 

Woodstock Farms Organic Butter, Salted or Unsalted, 16 oz. box - $6.39

$1/1 Woodstock Product (Facebook) printable

Buy (2), Use (2) $1/1 MQ, Pay as low as $2.20 each

Green Truck Petite Sirah Wine, 750 ml bot. - $11.99

Or White Truck Sauvignon Blanc

Sterling Vintner's Collection Wine Pinot Grigio, 750 ml bot. - $11.99

Dairy and Produce

Organic Sweet Potatoes - $.49/lb.

Horizon Organic, Organic Sour Cream, 16 oz. tub - $2.29

$.55/1 Horizon Organic Product printable

Buy (1), Use (1) $.55/1 MQ, Pay as low as $1.74

Beverages

Honest Tea, Assorted Varieties, 16 oz. bot. - 10/$10.00

Frozen

Wholly Wholesome Organic Pie Shells, 2 ct. - 2/$7.00

Alexia All Natural Frozen Potatoes (or snacks), Assorted Varieties, 7.7 - 24 oz. pkg. - 2/$6.00

$1/1 Alexia Naturals Product (Facebook) printable

$1/1 Alexia Naturals Product printable

$.55/1 Alexia Oven Fry or Alexia Red Product Whole Foods printable (if part of sale)

Buy (2), Stack (2) $1/1 MQ with (2) $.55/1 WFQ, Pay as low as $2.90 for both!

Body Care

Barlean's Forti-Flax, Ground Flax Seed, 16 oz. jar - $5.99

Pro Bar The Whole Food Meal Bar, Assorted Varieties, 3 oz. bar - 2/$5.00

EO Liquid Hand Soap, Assorted Varieties, 12 oz. bot. - $5.99

View the Greenwise Publix Weekly Ad for more deals. 

Jem's Natural Living - SBS Feature

Jem's Natural Living is an all organic store, located in the Westchase area. 

At Jem's, you will be able to find everything from food, vitamins, and personal care items; to clothing, make-up, and mattresses. Plus much, much more!

You can also shop from the comfort of your own home, on their website. An added bonus, for all of your holiday shopping, receive FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders from Nov. 15 until Dec. 31, 2011. (see website for exclusions)

The folks at Jem's are wonderful, and can help you with any questions you may have regarding organic products. 

Like Jem's on Facebook!

I hope you get a chance to stop by on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26th (or any other day)!

Disney Junior Birthday Call

Does your little one LOVE Disney Junior as much as mine? Would they be more than thrilled to hear from Mickey or Minnie on their birthday? Head over to Disney Junior and sign up for a free account. 

5 weeks before their birthday, you will receive a reminder email with instructions on how to schedule a personal greeting for your little one. You will be able to have Mickey, Minnie, or Jack send their personal message in an animated video, phone call, or BOTH!

Big Lots Deals

I really like to buy organic and all natural products whenever possible. But these products can often be very expensive. 

Since these kinds of products don't go on sale or have coupons available as often, I've had to find other ways to save on them. 

In an effort to save some money, I stopped by Big Lots the other day, and was surprised to find a wide variety of name brand organic and all natural products available.

Some of the products I found included:

Muir Glen Organic Soups
Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal
Kashi TLC Bars
Cascadian Farms Granola
Cascadian Farms Kids Clifford Crunchies
Plum Organics Super Puffs

Although, Big Lots doesn't accept coupons, most of the products were $2 and under; so I could handle not using coupons there. The most I spent was $7 on the 24 pack of TLC bars (~$.29/bar)...a good buy in my opinion. 

Tate & Tilly - SBS Feature

The Shoppes of Tate & Tilly (formerly the Pink Cabana) is an adorable boutique, located in the Carrollwood area. 

The store is made up of individual shops, which offer unique gifts, clothing, and accessories. 

Not only do I love all of the delightful products, but I am amazed by all of the charity events they host.

The most recent one was a Shopping Event to support For the Girls International, Inc. 

The Shoppes of Tate & Tilly include:

The Baby Boutique: One of a kind gifts for infants and toddlers.

Tate and Tilly: Unique gifts, accessories, jewelry, clothing, collegiate, custom frames.

Thing-a-ma-jigs: Unique gifts, accessories, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and monogramming.

                                                                                           (information provided by the Tate & Tilly Facebook page)

And Many More!

Check them out on Facebook.

I hope you get a chance to stop by on Small Business Saturday (or any other day!).

Small Business Saturday

American Express has started a movement known as Small Business Saturday. On November 26, 2011, pledge to shop small, and make an impact in your community. 

There are many local businesses, in my city, that I shop at regularly. So I've decided to feature a few of my favorites over the next couple weeks. 

Keep an eye out for my favorites. And please feel free to share your favorites as well! 

Turkey Trot

The Turkey Trot, is my Moms Group's annual Thanksgiving celebration. These activities are easy to do at home with your kids as well. Most of the materials I had around my house anyway, and you may too!

Pumpkin Rolling

This was to funny. This year, we had mainly 2 and 3 year olds, as all of the older kids were in school. We lined the little ones up, 4 at a time, and they rolled their pumpkins racing each other to the finish. Of course, everyone was a winner. Older kids can use a stick or a broom to push their pumpkins. And you can, obviously make the finish line as near or far as you'd like. 

  

This little guy was my favorite. He thought that kicking the pumpkin was the best way to get it to the finish line. 

Head Pieces

These two kids, pictured above, are also sporting the head pieces we made. I was horrible with taking pictures yesterday, luckily a couple other moms were snapping photos. Here is what they look like up close. 

They are super simple to make. All you need is 2 strips of construction paper, a feather, and glue (I used hot glue). Staple two ends of construction paper together, and glue a feather in the center of the strip. Measure the paper around your child's head, then staple the other ends together. 

Thankful Four

I cut these fours out of thick sheets of scrapbook paper. Then we all wrote the things we are thankful "four" on them. A new and easy way to express the things we are thankful for. Some of the very humorous things the kids came up with included - crayons, macaroni and cheese, and blue (like the color).  Again, I was horrible about taking pictures of the kids doing this; so these are the ones that Hubby, C, Nonna, and I did at home. 

Other games:

 Find the Turkey - we hid a paper turkey and the kids ran around the playground looking for it.

Pin the Hat on the Turkey 

Shake Your Tail Feather - we attached a long feather to each child, and they chased each other around trying to snag each other's feather. 

The Happiest Place On Earth

I know I have been such a slacker on posting...but it's only because we have been at the happiest place on earth. Or in other words.....DISNEY WORLD! 

Nonna (my mom), Little Man, Hubby, and I took a little stay-cation last week to the Disney parks; and we had a blast! 

His favorite part was getting the all of the characters autographs. Too funny!

And of course, we couldn't leave without meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse. 

We had a magical time! Hope everyone else had a wonderful Veteran's Day (and 11/11/11) weekend!

Greenwise Publix Deal

Snikiddy Snacks Grilled Cheese Puffs - BOGO, $2.33
$1/1 Any Variety Snikiddy Snacks printable
Use (2) $1/1 Printable Coupons and pay $.33 for both!

This deal ends today. Sorry for posting this on such short notice. I just discovered these amazing snacks; and I just had to share this awesome deal!

As you can tell, there is only one bag pictured. That is because this little guy has already started digging into the other one....

Only the Grilled Cheese Puffs are on sale, but we can't wait to try the other varieties.

Hope you get a chance to grab this deal!