Coupon Giveaway Week 1

This is the start of a series of coupon giveaways. I believe the best way to start a good stockpile is to have many of the same coupon and combining them with a good sale. So I have a bunch to give away to help one of you start a good stockpile. The first giveaway is for:

17 $1.00 off any Contac Cold and Flu or Decongestant exp 3-31-09
16 $1.00 off any 2 Quaker Life Cereals exp 2-28-09
20 $2.00 off any Garnier Nutrisse Shade or Multi Lights Kit exp 3-31-09
20 $1.00 off any one Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser or Moisturizer exp 3-31-09
8 $5.00 off K-Y Brand Yours+Mine or Intrigue exp 6-30-09
8 $2.00 off any K-Y product exp 6-30-09
10 $.75 off any Gum toothbrush exp 2-28-09
10 $.55 off any Gum floss or dental accessory exp 2-28-09

Here is how to enter:
Just leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway is open to United States residents only.

This contest will be open until 11:59 PM, February 4th. A winner will be chosen on February 5th via Random.org and notified.

Email address will be used only to notify winner. If, for some reason, the winner does not respond after 4 days, a new winner will be chosen.

Crockpot Scalloped Chicken

This was a very good meal. My husband even commented on how good this one was. :)

Crockpot Scalloped Chicken

1 5oz box of scalloped potatoes with seasoning packet
2-3 cups cooked, diced chicken
10-12 oz frozen peas
2 1/2 cups water

Put all ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir and cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours or high for 4 hours.

Crockpot Meal

I can never get a good picture of my meals, so I will spare you the sight. :)

Last night I made Italian Chicken in the crockpot and served it over rice. It was very good. Here is what I did:

2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 cups diced potatoes
1 can tomato soup
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp parsley
1/2 cup water

Put it all in the crockpot . Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Organizing the Stockpile

My stockpile has been growing quite large these past few months that I have been coupon shopping. It was threatening to take over the entire house. So, my husband and I decided to make a small room upstairs into the pantry room. If you haven't decided to start using coupons, these pictures might help you. Keep in mind that I have cut my grocery budget from $400 a month to $200 while building my stockpile. I did not take a picture of my stock of diapers or toilet paper as those are under beds. We have been eating healthier meals as well, I choose not to purchase the food on sale that is bad for us. Always remember, just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you have to use it. (unless it's free of course. Then you can give it to someone who likes it. ) :)

Crockpot Recipes

I am determined to use my crockpot more often. I find the evenings less stressful when I use it. It is also a great way to create delicious, healthy meals that wont bust the family budget.
Here is what we are having tonight:

Crockpot Barley Casserole


1 cup uncooked pearl barley
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1 green pepper -- chopped
1 onion -- chopped
2 cloves garlic -- minced
2 cups broth

Combine in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until barley and vegetables are tender.

Serve with wheat rolls.

Oatmeal Bread

I have come up with a recipe for oatmeal bread that my family loves. It is sturdy enough to cut thin and still use for sandwiches.

3 cups water
3 cups oats
1 Tbsp sea salt
2/3 C molasses
5 Tbsp flax
2 Tbsp wheat germ
2 Tbsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup warm water
6 1/2 c white flour

In a large saucepan, heat the water, oats and salt until it bubbles. Add molasses, flax and wheat germ. Let cool til lukewarm.

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture, oats mixture and 2 cups flour. Stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl. place dough in bowl and turn once to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.

Deflate the dough, divide into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 loaf pans. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until loaf tops are golden brown and the bottom of a loaf sound hollow when tapped.