Link Love: JC Penney Toy Sale

Check out Mama Cheap's post on the great sale for JC Penney toys good through 12/3! Great time to shop for Christmas!

For the Locals: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster

Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster
November 11, 2011 — January 15, 2012

Currently on view at the Tennessee State Museum is a special exhibition featuring the work of the late folk artist Howard Finster. The exhibition, Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster, is free and on exhibit in the museum’s Changing Galleries. A self-proclaimed "Man of Visions," Finster was one of America’s most widely known and prolific self-taught artists, producing more than 46,000 pieces of art before his death in 2001.

Go HERE to learn more about the artist and display. The entrance of the museum is the same entrance as TPAC.

For the Locals: Tuba Christmas!

I went to Tuba Christmas for the first time several years ago. I was not sure I would enjoy listening to a hundred or so Tubas (that's what it seemed like but was probably less) playing Christmas music at one time. It was actually quite amazing and a lot of fun. Everyone is so happy to be there and the music is great. It is also free and a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. Here is the information for this year's Tuba Christmas. If you have never been, I recommend it! Also, kids love it. Get there early because it is always packed.

NASHVILLE - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

TIMES: 11:00 am - First Baptist Church, corner of Broadway & 7th Avenue South
12:30 pm - First Baptist Church

REGISTRATION: 8:30 am, Fellowship Hall

REHEARSAL: 9:30 am, Sanctuary

PARKING: Free parking for performers and audience in Church lots.

NOTE: Directions: I-40, I-65 or I-24 to downtown Nashville, Broadway exit. Head toward downtown to just past 7th Ave. South. Turn off Broadway into driveway that goes under building. Unload at Fellowship Hall entrance.

CONDUCTOR: G.R. Davis

COORDINATORS: G.R. Davis 615-714-0247, Nancy Holland 615-419-2837

Cub Scout Cake Decorating Contest!

I am a big believer in Cub Scouts for boys because it's fun, inexpensive and teaches them important skills. Last night was our cake decorating contest, and I thought you might enjoy seeing the cakes! This is what we spent our Sunday doing. They both placed first within their dens but did not place within their pack. They had a ball and came home stuffed with cake. I am giving you the links as well if you should like to get directions to make these yourself. There were some pretty amazing cakes. I really liked the Star Wars, Lego and Angry Birds cakes.

This is my 10 year old's cake:


The fries are browned slices of pound cake. The "ketchup" is white icing mixed with red and a little brown food coloring. The hot dog is a pound cake and twinkies and directions are found HERE and HERE.

This is my 8 year old's cake:

My younger son wanted a dog. HERE are the best directions that I could find. The results were not perfect but certainly fun and pretty easy to make! I suggest before you begin the process, you make a trip to the dollar store for supplies. It is far cheaper than Michael's or the grocery store. This cake was pretty cheap as it only requires one box cake and two cans of frosting. The expensive part was having to buy the frosting tip for the "hair". Michael's had a 50% off printable coupon so it was not too pricey (about $5). Don't forget the pan for display at the dollar store. Buy two for each cake for extra support in transportation.

Menu Plan Monday: 11/28/11

Monday: Crockpot Chili

Tuesday: Chicken Corn Chowder

Wednesday: Florentine Meatballs and Pasta

Thursday: Crockpot Cranberry Chicken & Steamed Vegetables

Friday: Cheeseburger Bread & Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday: Chicken Pot Pie

Sunday: Kitchen Sink Quiche

For the Locals: Flea Market Weekend!

The “Holiday Preview” November Flea Market is this weekend through Sunday, November 27th at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Hours are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.

It may be a great alternative to the super busy mall!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Menu Plan Monday: 11/21/11

Monday: Creamy Southwest Taco Soup
Tuesday: Beef & Cabbage Bake
Wednesday: Chicken Curry in a Hurry with Rice
Thursday: Thanksgiving!
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Turkey Shepherd's Pie
Sunday: Quiche & Cranberry Orange Muffins

$5 off of $25 Coupon for Family Dollar

Go HERE to get your $5 off of $25 coupon good from today through Tuesday, November 22!

Link Love: Black Friday Deals

Dealigg.com has a page set up just for Black Friday Deals. Check it out if you are looking for some great sales!

For the Locals: Half Off Learning Express of Cool Springs Gift Certificate

This is a fantastic local toy store! I just happened to be on Channel 4's Better Deals website when I noticed that they are selling gift certificates to Learning Express for $12 worth $25. They have a great birthday registry that we used for other kids' parties in the past, and this gift certificate would make a nice present become totally awesome. At first I was unsure if I liked this concept of birthday gift registries, but it made shopping so much easier and would now recommend it. The certificate is also great for holiday shopping! The store has baby things as well.

I don't know how long this will last so you may want to take advantage of it quickly.

Menu Plan Monday 11/14/2011

Monday: Chili & Twice Baked Cauliflower

Tuesday: Spicy & Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Wednesday: Spaghetti & Salad

Thursday: Spinach Turkey Meatloaf & Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
Friday: Evening Out - Pizza for the Kids!
Saturday: Pigs in the Blanket & Fruit
Sunday: Curried Coconut Chicken & Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake, Pumpkin Pie Smoothies


Spicy & Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
by Aimee Fortney

INGREDIENTS:

2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies, liquid drained
12 ounces cream cheese
4 cups shredded chicken (Ground meat or seafood could be used)
9 (six inch) flour tortillas
1/2 cup to 1 cup Queso Fresco (Mexican Cheese)
Heavy whipping cream (approximately 1 Tablespoon)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x 13 inch dish and set aside.
2. Pour tomato mixture through a colander to drain liquid.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat tomato mixture and cream cheese until cream cheese is melted. Stir in shredded chicken and remove from heat.
4. Spoon mixture down the center of flour tortillas, roll up and place seam side down in greased dish. Repeat with remaining mixture.
5. Crumble queso fresco over tortillas, then drizzle heavy whipping cream over top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
6. Serve with pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.

This is a great base recipe, and you could easily add other seasonings or ingredients.

Link Love: Educated and Jobless

I used to teach High School Business and Technology. I would definitely make my students listen to this if I were still teaching!

Up to 75% off Melissa & Doug Toys: Deals from $5 + free shipping

Bloomingdale's cuts up to 75% off several Melissa & Doug toys. Plus, coupon code "HOLIDAY11" cuts 20% off. With free shipping via coupon code "FREESHIP11", and prices starting at $5.40, many items are at price lows. Sales tax is added where applicable.

A best bet: Search for "497829" to find the Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box (pictured) for $5.40 with free shipping via the above codes. It features a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks, and triangle.

Thanks to dealnews.com for this great tip!

For the Locals: Battle of Franklin Illumination

This is one to put on your calendar!

Date: November 30, 2011
Times: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Address: Fourth Avenue and N. Margin Street, Franklin TN 37064
Location: Rest Haven Cemetery
Phone: (615) 794-0903
Admission: free
Description: 1,000 luminaries will be lit to commemorate the casualties of the Battle of Franklin held November 30, 1864. Held at Carnton Plantation near the McGavock Cemetery, but hosted by the City of Franklin.

Link Love: Best Day of the Week to Buy Everything

If you have ever wondered what day of the week is the best day to buy items online, check out this interesting article!

For the Locals: History Festival at the Bicentennial Mall

NASHVILLE –Tennessee’s History Festival will be held Nov. 11-12 at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville. With a focus on Civil War history, the event blends education and entertainment, allowing school groups and families to experience day-to-day soldier life during this important time in history. In year’s past, the festival has drawn more than 6,000 visitors to the park.

"Tennessee’s History Festival offers something for the entire family and all age groups,” said Park Manager Mike Cole. “As we continue to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Tennessee’s involvement in the Civil War, I encourage everyone to join us for an up-close look into what military life was like during the 1860s.”

With its “Struggle for the Heartland” theme, the two-day festival will feature multiple displays and demonstrations by re-enactors and living history interpreters. A highlight of this year’s festival will be a re-enactment of a Civil War skirmish between Northern and Southern troops, demonstrating black-powder weaponry. Visitors will get an opportunity to observe how cannons were loaded and fired by Porter’s Battery of Clarksville, Tenn.

Civil War stories will come alive as participants see and hear from Generals Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and George H. Thomas, along with special appearances by the 13th United States Colored Troops and the 19th Alabama civilian encampment. Infantry and artillery demonstrations will include how to march in formation, inspections and drills.

The festival is free and open to the public. Activities will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. School groups are encouraged to plan their visits for Friday, Nov. 11, and must register in advance. Educators may arrange for bus parking and special informational packets for their visits. School group reservations may be made by contacting Park Manager Mike Cole at (615) 741-5800.

Tennessee’s History Festival is made possible by the generous support of Tennessee State Parks and Bridgestone Americas.

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located at the foot of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. The 19-acre park was designed to complement the Capitol and give visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders, while serving as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial celebration. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park recently celebrated recognition as one of the American Planning Association’s Top 10 Great Public Spaces for 2011.

Additional details about the park can be found at www.tnstateparks.com/Bicentennial. For more information about Tennessee’s History Festival, please call the park office at (615) 741-5280.

For the Locals: Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Lecture

Literary Award Public Lecture

Location: Nashville Public Library, Auditorium, Conference Room 1

When: November 12 at 10:00 am
Price: Free
Event Website

John McPhee, recipient of the 2011 Nashville Public Library Literary Award, is often considered the greatest living non-fiction writer and a legend in literary journalism. His narrative approach to a multitude of common and uncommon topics has earned him a Pulitzer Prize and legions of fans who accompany him on his carefully constructed literary journeys. Visit the Nashville Public Library for a rare public lecture by John McPhee.

Menu Plan Monday 11/7/2011

Monday: Chicken Corn Chowder & Salad
Tuesday: Crockpot Beef Stew
Wednesday: Pork Chops & Mashed Potatoes
Thursday: Spinach & Artichoke Topped Chicken
Friday: Mexican Vegetarian Casserole with Tortillas & Salad
Saturday: Spaghetti
Sunday: Baked Pesto Chicken & Sweet Cream Corn

Link Love: Free Teeth Cleaning in November

Check out Ms. Cheap's article on how to get free teeth cleaning this month! This is an excellent opportunity for self-maintenance especially if you lack insurance or if money is tight!

Harris Teeter Trip 2

Trip 2 was surprisingly fast!

OOP: 16.78 (Saving 79%)

1 Smart Balance Milk, $3
-$1.50/1 printable (zip code 85004), doubled
Final Price: Free

2 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spread, 2.59
-(2) $1.00/1 printables, doubled
Final Cost: .59 ea

Sarah Lee Bread, 2.79 BOGO
-Free Bread WYB 2 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spread printable (deducted $2)
Final Price: Free

10 Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup, .80
-(2) $1/5 printable, doubled
Final Cost: .40 ea

2 Nestle Cocoa, 1.79
-(2) .55/1 printables, doubled
Final Price: .69 ea

Muir Glen Tomato Paste, 1.39
-.75/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: Free

2 Country Crock Spreads, 2.00
(2) .40/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: 1.20 ea

2 H.T. Large Eggs, 1.50 ea
-.55/2 IP Q, doubled (no longer available)
- Free eggs WYB 2 Country Crock Spreads HT e-coupon (subtracted 1.89)
Final Price: .005 ea

4 Swanson Chicken Broth, 2.00 and 1.29 BOGO
(2) $1/2 printable, doubled
Final Cost: .16 ea

2 Gold Peak Teas, 18.5 oz, $1.50 ea
-(2) $1/1 Gold Peak Tea (Facebook), 18.5 oz printable
Final Price: Free

3 Chex Cereal, 2.50 ea
-B2G1 HT promotion
-1.10/2 printable, doubled
-$1/2 Chex Cereals Harris Teeter eCoupon
Final Price: .60 ea

2 Underwood Meat Spread, 2.25
-(2) $1/1 printable, doubled
Final Price: .25 ea

4 Fleischmann’s Strips, $1.49
-(2) $1/2 Fleischmann’s Active Dry or Rapid Rise yeast strips printable, doubled
Final Price: .49 ea

Total before sales/coupons: 80.29
Sales: 24.13
Coupons: 39.38
OOP: 16.78 (Saving 79%)

JC Penney Kids Coats Sale!

Kids Coats and Jackets for 19.99 or 2 for 29.98!

Add 2 to cart and Use $10 off $25 JCPenney Coupon Code KIDSAVE Shipping is $5.99 to home or $4.99 to store. Selected items: * Girl's Puffer Jacket Pink * Girl's Puffer Jacket Wave * Infant Girl's Weather Tamer Bubble Parka * Boys 8-20 Puffer Jacket * Boys Puffer Jacket * More ... Thanks to Dealigg.com for this tip!

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Trip

OOP: $20.55 (saving 75%)

Football season has finally ended so now I have a little more time to shop! Harris Teeter is having their Super Double Coupon sale this week. There are some great deals to be had.

2 M&M large bag of candy, regularly 6.99, on sale $3.50
(2) 1.50/1 IP Q for Mars Candy, doubled
Final Price: .50 ea

6 Jello Pudding, .97
- (2) 1.25/3 printable (zip code 27107), doubled
Final Price: .14 ea

2 Arnold Bread, 4.29 BOGO
-(2) .55/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: 1.05 ea

1 Smart Balance Milk, $3
-$1.50/1 printable (zip code 85004), doubled
Final Price: Free

2 Silk Almond Milk, $3.49
-(2) 1.25/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: .99 ea

2 Carnation Evaporated Milk, $1.00
-.50/2 printable, doubled
-.55/2 HT e-coupon
Final Price: .23 ea

L&P Worcestershire Sauce, 3.39
-$1/1 printable, doubled
Final Price: 1.39

2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste, 1.39
-(2) .75/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: Free

3 Trident Gum, 1.29
-$1/3 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: .62 ea

Celestial Tea, 2.5
-$1/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: .50

Chock Full O' Nuts Coffee, 3.49

3 Hidden Valley Salad kit $2.99
-(3) $1/1 Hidden Valley Salad Kit, exp. 11/30/11 (SS 08/21/11)
Final Price: $.99 ea

2 Blue Dog Doggie Paws Treats, 3.39 BOGO
-(2) $1/1 printable, doubled
Final Price: Free

Total before sales/coupons: 82.16
Sales: 21.44
Coupons: 40.16
OOP: $20.55 (saving 75%)

I Have a New Niece!

Congrats to my sister, Mrs. M., who had a beautiful baby girl this afternoon! She is lovely! You forget how small humans are when they begin life until you hold one less than an hour old.