Peanut, peanut butter. . and . . .

Way cheaper, and way healthier, we usually make our own peanut butter. After many discussions over price, sugar, salt, and texture, this was the best decision to come to.  We eat a lot of peanut butter, so we needed to find a happy peanut butter place :).
Our recipe has evolved over time, adjust as needed to taste, texture, and based on needed amount.





Ingredients
About 15 oz. Peanuts (of course!)
2 1/2 tbsp. Peanut oil
1 tsp. Sea salt
1 tsp. honey

Peanuts first, pulse for a minute until peanuts are fine pieces

Then add salt, and honey and blend more.  Slowly drizzle oil and continue blending for about 2 minutes- depending on desired texture

taste. . .add honey, salt, oil until taste and consistency is as desired

Refrigerate and enjoy! 

First try at no 'poo

 First, make a paste with baking soda and vinegar.  I started with 1 tablespoon of Baking soda, and added to make a paste after pouring in vinegar.  Don't worry when it fizzes. . .nothing will explode :).

Massage and work into hair, especially on scalp.  Remember things are a bit different without the suds.

Rinse with equal parts vinegar and water.  I used apple cider vinegar, but I suppose white vinegar is fine too.  The smell may not be what you want though.  I did not add conditioner to my routine, but I did use a keratin styler afterwards.  I am hoping this will lead to me not using anything other than the rinse at some point.  Just wasn't brave enough this morning.

Afterwards, I jumped in the shower to finish getting the rest out.  Hardest part is not having the lather from the shampoo.

Homemade face toner

I made some great facial toner the other night and wanted to share it. It is a super simple recipe, and you can busy with the million other projects you have going on while you are doing this. Not only does it save you money, but you also know all the ingredients that are in it.


Chamomile Lemon Face toner

Boil 1 cup water and steep bag of chamomile tea. *You can add honey to the recipe at this point if you wish. Honey is a really good antiseptic and natural anti-bacterial. I did not have any organic honey at home at the time, so I left it out.
Add 1/4 tablespoon of lemon juice. Using fresh squeezed lemon juice is of course always best. Citrus should be easy to find right now.
Add 1/4 cup of witch hazel


I like mine stored in the fridge. Keeps longer, and I like it cool when I use it.


Benefits of chamomile tea on your skin-

Lightening Skin

Using ChamomileChamomile has been found to be advantageous for lightening your skin tone. A bath in water mixed with chamomile tea works too.

Reducing Dark Circles Around Eyes

Chamomile tea has been found to help relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. A simple remedy is to dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.

Itchy Skin
Chamomile has been found to calm itchy or reddened skin.

Antibacterial properties
Chamomile has natural antibacterial properties. This is why it is used so often during colds. It also is a good wound healer. Another benefit for it on your face.

Note- If you are allergic to ragweed, you may find yourself to chamomile. Use with caution.


Benefits of lemon on your skin-

Exfoliating
Lemon fruit acids are ideal for gentle exfoliation

Brightening
It’s not a secret anymore that one of the best natural whitening products is lemon.

Pore cleansing
If your skin is oily, and clogged pores or blackheads are often a problem, lemon can help. Because of its exfoliating and astringent properties

Fighting wrinkles
Vitamin C stimulates collagen formation, using lemon juice in your wrinkle treatments can improve your results. A home made, hydrating wrinkle treatment is a solution made of milk and a bit of lemon juice. Apply it on your face for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Neutralizing environmental damage
Sun, pollution and stress take their toll on your skin. Vitamin C is known to be a potent anti-oxidant that combats the effects of free radicals on your body.


Benefits of Witch Hazel on your skin-

An amazing anti-inflammatory and astringent.
Being a strong astringent, witch hazel health benefits include treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Witch Hazel benefits also include a natural remedy for insect bites, sunburn, puffy eyes, and itchy skin.

Charlotte, Everywhere and NYC deals!

North and South Charlotte Deals-
$25 for $50 children's clothing and more at Shower Me with Love 


This deal ends on 11/13!  Have you joined Juice in the City yet?  Check it out.  USA Today said "Juice in the City does Groupon for Moms".
If you are looking for a way to make some extra cash you may be interested in signing up to be one of their business consultants.  See if they are looking for one in your area!


The Everywhere deal- $15 for $30 at DecorativeWords.com.  This has become a very popular way to decorate or personalize your home.  These eco-friendly scripted words are made from recycled materials and come in a variety of rich colors, font styles and burnished edges.  This deal is only for today, so don't wait!


New York City Deal- $30 admission ticket to Berenstain Bears (a $45 value).  The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musicalbrings everyone's favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that kids as well as their parents will treasure for many years to come.

  

Veteran's Day Deals

To celebrate Veteran’s Day and all the people that have and are currently serving our country, below is a list of all the deals to score on your day!  We thank you and generations to come thank you!


Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans and active duty their choice of one of 6 meals. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. You must show proof of military service.  Don’t forget that you can also take this coupon for a FREE Chips and Queso.

Applebee’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11:Applebee’s is offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty milityar on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.  Military ID or proof of service required.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day.  Check your nearest location to make sure they are participating

Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID.  Be sure to call ahead to make sure your location is participating.

Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.  ID or proof of service required. More info here.

Anheuser-Busch Parks.  As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents, and dependent ages 10 and over must present valid dependent I.D.  For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission.From Friday through Sunday of Veterans Day weekend, Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependants.Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.

Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day).  Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

Fee Free Day at National Parks.Get FREE Entry to all National Parks in honor of Veterans Day – November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

Other Veteran’s Day Discounts

• Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.
• Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Sport Clips – FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation.
• Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).

Thanks, Saving Cents with Sense

Photo deals

Check out this great photo calendar deal from Mixbooks!  This would make an awesome Christmas gift or birthday gift before the new year.  It's a B1G1 deal!  This could be two sets of grandparents, or maybe a gift and one for your homestead!  Just use Mixbook promo code BUY1GET1CAL at checkout.  Thank you Mama Cheaps for passing on this great deal!  There is a great selection of calendars and with this deal you could grab your calendars for less than $15 including the shipping for both calendars!  What a great personalized gift!  This deal ends Wed. 11/9 so grab yours quick!

Today is the last day for the two for one photobook deal at Snapfish.  Use coupon code MYFALLBKS for this great deal.  You can order 3 different photo books, as long as they are all either classic cover or custom cover (not a mix of both) and you place all 3 in your cart before you order. Use this coupon code once per account. Contact Snapfish customer service for help.  Thanks Freebies 4 Mom!  


Holiday photo contest on Shutterfly!  Submit a holiday photo and between now and Dec. 10th share your photo to grab some votes.  Most votes wins.  Winner gets a year's worth of free cards!  Win or lose- just for entering you score 5 free cards!  That is worth the entry.  I like to use cards like this for thank you cards- especially with the holidays coming up.  Is a nice touch, especially for family and friends far away for the holidays.  
Shutterfly also has a great give 75 and get 75 deal going on.  If you share Shutterfly with five folks you get 75 free prints.  

Canvas People also has great deals to show off those perfect photos!  These also make great gifts (for you or others)!  You can grab a free 8 x 10 for get free shipping and 40% your order.  The free print with shipping comes to 14.95!  What a deal!  I made a canvas using the picture to the left (taken by Capture Life Photography) and have it displayed on the mantel.  Love it!  Didn't even worry about framing as the image is wrapped on the sides.  



Happy shopping!

Shoes for your little ones

If clicked through this link you can earn $10 plum dollars to spend on any of the great plum district deals.  Right now they have a great sale with pedoodles shoes for those little feet you love so much.  Right now you can grab a $16 for $32 online through pedoodles.  Grab this with your $10 plum dollars through the referral link and these precious heart shoes for your crawler would be $6!  All shoes are FREE priority shipping.  Did I mention these shoes are also eco-friendly.

	Constructed from "Eco-Friendly" premium leather remnants which are safety tested for children (Free of Lead, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Mercury, Selenium and harmful Amines.)
	Exclusive PedFlex™ flat rubber soles provide durability and traction both indoors and out
	Comfortable, flat footbeds for proper foot development
	Simple Velcro closure keeps shoes securely on feet, no laces to tie or come undone
	No constrictive elastic marks on their ankles
	Flexible, breathable design with wide toe box promotes healthy conditions around developing feet
	Soles are made with recycled materials to help reduce global waste. They're also safety tested!

My eyes are on these cute little kicks for my little man.

This deal expires on Sunday!

Photobooks

I love scrapbooking, but sometimes with a busy schedule, I find making a professional looking is the next best thing.  I have made photobooks for vacations, the birth of my son, Christmas gifts for friends and family far away, etc.  Plus, it cuts down on the storage of all those spare photos laying around. 

Today's Nationwide Juice in The City Deal is $15 for a hardcover custom photobook for PhotoBin.  You can choose between a window on the cover to serve as a nice reminder of what's inside, or choose your favorite photo to sweep the cover of your 8.75 x 11 photobook. Each customizable book comes with 20 pages and you can add more if you wish for only $1 each. How cool will it be to have a professionally-bound custom hardcover photobook of your family sitting on your coffee table? What better gift to give grandparents?

This deal ends today.  Click here to check it out!

Thred Up

Have some extra baby clothes to get rid of or need some extra jeans 18 month old jeans to get you through the winter?  Check out ThredUp.  This is like bartering for moms.  You need extra space in your wee one's closet then you list a box, sell it and get a credit.  If you need some clothes for the cute little wee one, then you browse the boxes, pay for one, and tadah!  one arrives straight to your doorstep.  If you know other people who might be interested you can send them a unique referral code and earn even more credits.

Saves money, not to mention how much 'greener' it is to be passing these cute onesies around!

Click this link to sign up now!

Anywhere Juice in the City deal

There are several Juice in the City deals today.  In Charlotte you can grab a $20 for $40 worth of clothes at Trendy Tots.  This is a consignment store, so be prepared to score big!  This deal is good until November 2nd.

The nationwide deal of the day is:

$32 for a 1 Year Subscription to Reading Eggs Online Interactive Children's Reading Program

This would make a great Christmas gift!  If you use the referral program on Juice in the City you could be eligible for a $10 credit.  That would bring this year long gift down to $22!  This deal is just for today, so act fast!

Make sure to click the links in order to get the deals.

Halloween party for the kids

Gumball eyeballs purchased from Oriental Trading Company on sale

Last night we held a Halloween party for some of the favorite kiddos in our life.  We had such a great time, and the kids had a blast with the games we had ready for them.

 We called it a Halloweenie Roast, so as you can imagine we had hot dogs for roasting, along with marshmallows, witch hats, swamp water (I think called sewer water a couple of times by one of the kiddos), rotten sweets, and eyeballs. Thank you Love Manor for the great labels!  The kids loved it.

Witch hat cookies made from chocolate striped cookies, orange food gel, and kisses

Swamp Water aka Lemon Lime kool-aid, Sprite, and Ginger Ale

The kids had a time pumpkin bowling, throwing bean bags in the bean bag toss, and the hit if the night- ghost hunting!  The kids learned how to track the ghost using fine tracking and scat a.k.a poop ID skills.

Some of the rotten sweets were candy corns.  Here they are atop a flower pot turned ghost

Ghost poop aka mini marshmallows.  We handed out small bags of ghost poop for party favors

Sticks from the yard and spooky spider web decor.  Tombstone bought at dollar store

Bean bag toss.  We cut a large pumpkin from foam core, and painted.  Bean bags were scraps from Resource Warehouse and filled with rice.  Of course I had a coupon for the rice making it super cheap!

Happy Haunting!

For the love of books

Way before our son even entered the world he had bookshelves (yes plural) full of books.  I have always loved to read, and as an environmental educator I can't pass down a good children's book with a great environmental or social message.  Who doesn't love Eric Carle's "The Very Busy Spider" or Rhinehart's "Eliza and the Dragonfly"?  So when I saw this online deal with Slimy Bookworm, I of course got excited!  The Animal Boogie Gift Set looks like a great Christmas gift for my little man, especially at a total cost $15.99!  Plus, with any order over $25 you get free shipping.  Can't beat that!

Of course as a mom on a budget, I realize there are other great ways to keep my kiddo loving books the same way I do.  So for FREE we love heading to the library, or heading to toddler story-time at our local Barnes and Noble.  We also are privileged to be in an area that is affiliated with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.   For Free we have books sent to our house thanks to this great program!

Every night we read to G, and we feel that this has made our bedtime routine very successful.  He really enjoys that time with us, and we feel the same way!  I love that he is starting to show interest in his favorites and that he loves to grab a book and come sit in our laps for us to read to him.  No doubt this will help his verbal skills and it is great bonding time!

Click here if you are interested in the online deal with Slimy Bookworm- $10 for $20 worth of books (remember free shipping on orders of $25 or more).  You can purchase one for you and one as a gift.

Juicy Charlotte Deals

Have you joined Juice in the City yet?  It's kind of like Groupon, but they hire local moms to pick the deals.  Check out their website here- Juice in the City.  Just like Groupon you can choose your local deals.  I like to check deals in cities I have friends and family- makes for great Christmas and birthday gifts, or check deals in cities you know you will traveling to.  You can score some deals for your next vacation!
Here is just one of the deals for today.  If you sign up, please go through the below url to help a girl out!  Thanks!

Who doesn't love shopping for new sweaters when the temps start to drop?  Check out Trendy Styles by Stacy.  This is a North Charlotte deal, but anyone can buy since they have an online store. You can score this great knit top for less than $20- all orders include free shipping! 

Click here for the $15 for $30 deal!

Fresh Pumpkin

Fall is my favorite time of year, for a million reasons.  Leaves changing, cooler temperatures, apple festivals, and pumpkins!  I love pumpkin bread, pie, muffins, you name it.  So when my best friend invited us to grab some pumpkins out of her field we jumped at the chance.  Of course one will become a jack-o-lantern for Halloween, but all the others are quickly turning into pumpkin puree.  From one large pumpkin you can get about 5-6 cups of puree. For most bread or muffin recipes you will use 1-2 cups of puree.  This means lots of yummy pumpkin recipes! Fresh pumpkin is of course much healthier and tastier than canned pumpkin.  Not to mention much more sustainable to the local economy and environment.  There are several great pick your own farms in western NC or you can visit your local farmers market.

Conover Farmer's Market

Hickory Farmer's Market

Morganton Farmer's Market

Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market

Oh, and I would have grabbed a picture of the yummy muffins we made, but this morning I went to grab some to pack for my lunch (along with the veggie chili made last night). . .and all I found was an empty bowl!  Thank goodness we have lots of pumpkin puree to make more!

So tell me what is your favorite pumpkin recipe?

Halloween wreath from reused materials

One of my favorite places in the world is Resource Warehouse in Hickory.  If I had all the time in the world, this place would supply just about all of my creative needs.  Not only is it the coolest, most creative place, but the proceeds actually benefit a great local organization too.  Proceeds help benefit the Safe Harbor Rescue Mission.

 

On my last craft finding mission, I rescued an old bike tire and this cute pumpkin pick.  A whole dollar and a half spent!  Came home, and used some scrap orange felt that I had from Halloween years back, and bought some orange ribbon at the dollar store and black tulle.  The tulle was the most expensive at 3.49, but I had a half off coupon at A.C. Moore bringing it to less than 2 bucks!  A grand total of about 4.75!  Can't beat that, cheap, looks good, and made from reused materials!

More juicy Charlotte deals

 Charlotte: North Charlotte
$7 for $15 at Nona's Sweets 

About This Deal

Sugar, spice and everything nice: that's what Nona's Sweets are made of! And talk about sweet success. As seen on WeTV Platinum Weddings, Nona's Sweets has a reputation that precedes itself. Get in on all the goodness with today's deal: $7 for $15 worth of cupcakes and much, much more at either Nona's Sweets OR Papa's Eats (a super cute cafe inside of Nona's Sweets).
Folks have been enjoying Nona's Sweets for generations. Here, special recipes have been handed down through the family by generations of "Nonas", or grandmothers. Owner Nona Jo-Ann and her daughter Dominica carry on the tradition of creating old world taste with new world flair in this premier Italian bakery. Voted Best Bakery in University City Magazine, recipient of the 2010 Talk of the Town Award in the Top Bakeries category, and Critics' Picks Best Desserts in Creative Loafing newspaper, this place is not to be missed. Call ahead to hear the varieties of delicious fresh bread baked daily, or order a delicious boxed lunch to go. Don't forget to grab one of their scrumptious, decadent cupcakes for dessert - they feature a new flavor every week! If you choose to eat at Nona's, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi, but they can also package everything to-go for your convenience. The kind, friendly staff at Nona's will exceed your expectations and bring you an exceptional experience you'll want to come back for again and again.

Charlotte: South Charlotte
$50 for 1 Month Unlimited Dance Pass at Championz Cheer and Dance

About This Deal

Like choosing your favorite candy bar, sometimes it's hard to tell which genre of dance suits you best. This is why today's deal is so great, for you can try your hand at jazz, ballet, hip hop, clogging, baton, cheer and more for one full month - all at a seriously low price.
Championz Cheer and Dance is a wonderful studio in Matthews that offers a variety of classes for you and your child to enjoy. Sometimes it's smart to try out a bunch of different styles in order to find your favorite, and we love that this energetic studio realizes this and encourages dancers to give as many styles as they like a decent try. Stephanie, the owner, and her professional and friendly staff work wonders with all of the students, and they strive to develop each dancer's talent to the fullest potential while also enhancing self-esteem, safety awareness, teamwork, and strength.  The focus is mainly on fun, the joy of movement, and becoming good people.

Newbie

Why not me?  I follow several coupon clipping sites: Smart Couponing, The Krazy Coupon Lady, Frugal Coupon Living.  I follow crafty, crunchy, money saving sites: WNC On The Cheap, SortaCrunchy , Crunchy Betty.  I would do anything to pinch a penny here, so I can spend a penny or extra time with my family, and I've been gracious enough to learn a few tricks of the family trade along the way.  So why not me???
::Deep Breath:: So I am going public!  Here is my blog. . .my very own blog. . .about saving some money so that you can do all those cool things with your kiddos that you have been wanting to do.  I have some pretty crafty friends that I am sure will join me along the way (groovy as my best friend says), so keep an eye out for them, and well enjoy the ride!  Thanks for stopping in. . .make sure to add me to your news feed and drop me a line anytime!

So for my first Trick of the Family Trade:

50% off admission to Aw Shucks® Farm in Monroe, NC.  As a kid growing up in Florida, we had a farm similar that we went to once the calendar marked Autumn (otherwise how would you know in Florida).  We had so much fun, so I was excited to see that there is something similar around here!  My boy would love this!  To find out more about the deal you can click the link- but it's $4 for admission vs. the normal $8. 

http://www.juiceinthecity.com/markets/south-charlotte/deals/50-off-admission-at-aw-shucks-farms

On the to do list. . .

- Logo
- FB page
- Spreading the word :)