Link Love: Ms. Cheaps Summer Fun Guide

Ms. Cheap has put together an amazing list of free things to do this summer in Nashville and surrounding areas. We are very fortunate to have so many opportunities to do fun cheap or free things. I used to live in South Florida and the only thing you could do there for free was visit the beach or the library. While the beach is very nice to visit, it got old as the sole source of entertainment. So if you are local, go HERE for all the details!

Link Love: 11 Foods for Faster, Easier Weight Loss

I like to keep current on the latest nutrition news. For a great article, "11 Foods for Faster, Easier Weight Loss" go here!

Menu Plan Monday 5/30/11

Monday: Dinner with Family
Tuesday: Baked Chicken & Stuffed Mushrooms
Wednesday: Out with Football Team
Thursday: Spicy & Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Friday: Russian Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
Saturday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Sunday: Chili & Cornbread

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you are enjoying your day, and remember to keep the servicemen and women, that have given the ultimate sacrifice, in your thoughts.

For the Locals: New Civil War Exhibit at the Bicentennial Mall

A new Civil War exhibit, Tennessee - Struggle for the Heartland 1861-1865, is now open to the public at Bicentennial Mall’s Visitor Center as part of Tennessee’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal Visitor Center operating hours.

For more information on Tennessee’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, please visit www.tnvacation.com/civil-war/events.

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located in the shadow of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. The 19-acre park is designed to complement the Tennessee Capitol Building, give visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders, and to serve as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial celebration.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
600 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-3081
Office: 615-741-5280

Great Deals at GFS this Week!

Great deals if you have a cookout planned!

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, 5 lbs, 14 servings, 8.99

Ground Beef Sirloin Steakburgers, 5 lbs, 15 patties, 10.99

Premium St. Louis Ribs, 2.99 per lb

Beef Franks, 5 lbs, 9.99

Red, White and Blue Pops, 24 ct, 2.99

Mixed Fruit, 5 lbs, 7.99

Menu Plan Monday 5/23/11

Monday: End of Season Dinner with Soccer Team
Tuesday: End of Season Dinner with Football Team
Wednesday: Cornbeef & Steamed Vegetables
Thursday: Chinese Roasted Chicken
Friday: Spaghetti
Saturday: Cajun Black Bean Soup
Sunday: Reuben Casserole

Reuben Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb sliced deli corned beef
• 4 -6 ounces swiss cheese
• 16 ounces sauerkraut
• 4 tablespoons low-carb thousand island dressing ( I buy low-carb brands)
• 4 tablespoons sugar-free mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dill relish ( or 1 tablespoon splenda sweetened relish)

Directions

1. In a large casserole dish sprayed with PAM, layer slices of corned beef (the thin sliced - not chipped - works best). Kind of scrunch them up with an "uneven approach" so it's not a slab of corned beef.
2. Drain sauerkraut of 1/2 its juice and lay atop corned beef (if you like the sweeter variety of kraut, thoroughly rinse off canned/jarred juice and replace with a bit of cool water -- toss 1/2 tsp Brown Sugar Twin or Splenda into it before adding to the casserole dish.) Top with Swiss cheese layer and bake at 350F for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted but not liquid.
3. While dish is baking, in separate bowl mix Thousand Island Dressing, Mayonnaise, and Relish.
4. Remove casserole dish from oven, slice in 4 serving-size squares and top with dollops of dressing mixture.

Link Love: Best Cereals

If you want to know what cereals are the best for you in today's market, check out this article!

Which brands in traditional categories are best? Real Simple testers ate their way through 42 boxes to find out. (Note: All cereals tested in this story were free of high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils.)

For the Locals: Nashville Art March This Sunday

Walk the Art March Downtown this Sunday!

Join the Mayor and Myles Maillie
and get healthy and fit while touring primary downtown arts venues.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean’s community-wide walking effort, “Walk 100 Miles With the Mayor,” ventures into downtown at 2 p.m. Sunday to join the Downtown Art March, a walking tour of downtown’s notable arts and cultural facilities in support of the arts. The walk begins at Church Street Park, across the street from the main Nashville Public Library, 615 Church Street.

The Art March is coordinated by Nashville artist Myles Maillie, who encourages walkers to wear colorful costumes – turning the walk itself into a moving piece of art – in celebration of the arts in the community. The first 250 people who check in at the information desk will receive a voucher for free admission to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

“Walk 100 Miles” is a free healthy lifestyle program, created by Mayor Karl Dean that challenges Nashvillians to get out and walk 100 miles before July 9. To date, more than 3,600 people are participating in the walks with more than 60,000 miles logged. More information is available about the effort at www.walk100miles.com.

For the Locals: Predators Free Kids Hockey Clinic

My kids did this several years ago and loved it! The Nashville Predators, in association with Centennial Sportsplex, announce the next session of Get Out And Learn! (G.O.A.L!), a FREE beginner hockey program designed for boys and girls ages 4 to 8 with no prior skating experience. This free 4-week program includes all equipment making the program ideal for any child to get started!

Registration for the Monday night sessions - June 6-27 - at Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville begins May 24 at 9:00 a.m. SPACE IS LIMITED! Click here for more information.

Coke Printable!

This doesn't come along very often and will probably be gone quickly. Go here to print $1/2 - 20 oz Coke product!

Regal Theaters $1 Movies

Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am. Check here to find your local Regal Theater.

Here is my local Nashville theater and a list of dates and movies:

GREEN HILLS STADIUM 16

3815 Greenhills Village Drive
Nashville TN 615-269-5910

Dates and Movies:

6/7-6/8 (10am)

RAMONA & BEEZUS

YOGI BEAR

6/14-6/15 (10am)

CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

TALE OF DESPEREAUX

6/21-6/22 (10am)

CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE

MEGAMIND

6/28-6/29 (10am)

ALPHA AND OMEGA

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

7/5-7/6 (10am)

CHARLOTTE'S WEB

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS

7/12-7/13 (10am)

FURRY VENGEANCE

SHREK FOREVER AFTER

7/19-7/20 (10am)

DESPICABLE ME

KIT KITTREDGE

7/26-7/27 (10am)

GULLIVERS TRAVEL

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

8/2-8/3 (10am)

MARMADUKE

PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING

For the Locals: Nashville Symphony's Regions Free Day of Music

SUNDAY, MAY 22, NOON - 9 PM
LOCATION: SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER

FREE!

The perfect way to celebrate a warm spring day! Previously held in the fall, this popular event invites the entire community to Schermerhorn Symphony Center to enjoy free musical performances all day long and into the night. The free day of music will feature over 30 local ensembles performing in various spaces throughout the building. The music will range from classical to jazz to pop, with an evening concert by the Nashville Symphony in Laura Turner Concert Hall.

Link Love: Princeton Study on High Fructose Corn Syrup

Contrary to the commercials you may see, there is a difference between sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Check out this great study from Princeton!

Harris Teeter Triples Links

Triples at Harris Teeter starts tomorrow! Here are some links that may help you:

Faithful Provisions

Mrs. Moneysaver

My Coupon Teacher

Madame Deals

Clipper Girl

Coupon Keri

Hot Coupon World

Menu Plan Monday 5/16/2011

Monday: Sausage & Squash Casserole
Tuesday: Caribbean Chicken & Rice
Wednesday: Hamburger Soup
Thursday: Chicken & Spinach Casserole
Friday: Turkey Swedish Meatballs & Whole Wheat Noodles
Saturday: Quiche
Sunday: Meatloaf & Cauliflower Dijon

Chicken & Spinach Casserole

2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
10 oz. box of frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup l/f mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350. Combine the chicken and spinach in a greased 8"X8" baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients together. Mix about a 1/4 of the sauce mixture with the chicken and spinach mixture and spread out across the bottom of the dish. Spread the rest of the sauce mixture over the chicken and spinach. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until top is nicely browned. The browner the top is (not burnt though) the better this dish is.

Cauliflower Dijon

Ingredients:
1 C Real Mayonnaise
1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
3 Strips Cooked Bacon (chopped)
1 1/2 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Head Fresh Cauliflower
(I use a 16oz bag of frozen cauliflowerettes. Either will do)
Ground Pepper to taste

Directions:
Place cauliflower in a casserole dish with the butter. Microwave covered for approximately 8 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Stir cauliflower. In separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and dijon mustard together. Spread mixture over cauliflower and top with bacon pieces and shredded cheese. Microwave for another 4 minutes, or until cheese is well melted. Top with ground pepper. Enjoy!

Possible Triples at Harris Teeter 5/18 - 5/24

Rumors abound all over the net that Harris Teeter will be having triple coupons starting Wednesday. It has been over a year since they last had triples. Many locations have already confirmed that it will happen. If so, HT will triple coupons up to $.98. Max 20 coupons per day per household! Please be sure to look at sizes of products on coupons as it is very important to use the correct coupon on the correct product.

HCW has a list of good deals already in progress.

Harris Teeter - Coupon Policy

For the Locals: Franklin's Free Movies in the Park

The Movies in the Park at Pinkerton Park are scheduled for Friday nights beginning at dark (8pm) for June 10, July 15, and August 12. Families are advised to bring lawn chairs and blankets. You also might want to pack some bug spray just in case.

FURRY VENGEANCE (PG) is the first movie scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2011, 8pm, Pinkerton Park.

Publix Saved 74%

$37.34 (saving 74%)

It seems like forever since I've had a big shopping trip! That's the great thing about having a reasonable stockpile, you can take a break from shopping when life gets too busy. With summer quickly approaching and many daily lunches to pack, I am going in to supply mode for all the pieces and parts. Summer camp begins in three weeks!

6 Welch's, 3.91 BOGO
-(6) $1/1 MF Qs
Final Price: .96 ea

2 Breakstones Zesty Blends Sour Cream, 16 oz, $2.39 BOGO
-$1 off Breakstone’s Zesty Blends sour cream (Facebook) printable
Final Price: .19 ea

2 Smart Balance Milk, 64 oz, $3.69
-$1 off Smart Balance milk (Publix coupon), Spring Family Gatherings booklet ( EXP 05/15)
-$1 off Smart Balance milk product printable
Final Price: 1.69 ea

2 Hillshire Farm Sausage, $2.50
-$1/2 Hillshire Farm Smoked sausage links (Publix coupon), 14-16 oz, Yellow Advantage flyer
-$1/2 MF Q from Kroger homemailer
Final Price: 1.50 ea

2 Heinz White or Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz, $1.49
-(2) .50/1 Heinz Distilled White or Apple Cider vinegar printable
-(2) .55/1 Heinz vinegar, Spring Family Gatherings booklet ( EXP 05/15)
Final Price: Free+

10 Mahatma Rice Mixes, 89¢
-(10) .50/1 Mahatma or WaterMaid rice, RP 5/01, doubled
Final Price: Free+

Bandaid 8 ct, 79¢
-.50/1 Neosporin or Band-Aid product, SS 4/17, doubled
Final Price: Free+

2 Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup 100% Natural, 35 oz, 1.85 BOGO
-(2) .25/1 Hunt’s Ketchup, (zip 07039) printable
Final Price: .42 ea

2 Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese, 12.6 oz, $2.59 BOGO
-$1 off Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese dinner, SS 4/17 ( EXP 05/17)
-.55/1 MF Q from Kroger homemailer
Final Price: .52 ea

Canada Dry, 1.45 BOGO
-.60/1 MF Q from Kroger homemailer
Final Price: .12

4 Keebler Club or Town House Crackers, 7.7-16 oz, $3.89 BOGO
-(2) $1/2 Keebler Town House crackers printable
Final Price: 1.44 ea

4 Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid, 25 oz, at $2.99 BOGO
-(4) $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: .49 ea

Gas X, 10 ct, $2.49
-$5/2 Ex-lax, Benefiber, Maalox, Gas-X or Prevacid products (Publix Coupon) Green Adv. Flyer
-(2) $2/1 MF Q Gas-X product, from pharmacy booklet
Final Price: Free+

2 Sundown Naturals B6, 150 ct., $3.59
-(2) $3 off Sundown Naturals Vitamins or Osteo Bi-Flex 120 ct+ (Publix Coupon) Green Adv. Flyer
-(2) $1 off Sundown Naturals printable
Final Price: Free+

2 Duncan Hines Cake Mix, 1.66
2 Duncan Hines Frosting, 1.91
2 Duncan Hines Glaze, 1.85
-(2) Buy 2 Frostings Get Cake Free IP Qs
-(2) Buy Duncan Hines Cake Get .75/1 Glaze
-(6) .55/1 Publix Qs, Spring Family Gatherings booklet ( EXP 05/15)
Final Price: .45 ea

6 Birdseye Steamfresh, 1.79
-(3) $1/2 Birds Eye or Birds Eye Steamfresh, any (Publix Coupon) - Spring Family Gatherings
-(2) $1/3 MF Q
Final Price: .95

2 Swanson Broth, 32-49.5 oz, $2.59
-(2) $1 off Swanson broth or stock (Publix coupon), 26-48 oz, in-ad coupon
-.50/2 Swanson Broth or Stock SS 4/10
Final Price: 1.09 ea

-$5/$50 HG Hill Coupon from Saver's Card purchased at Goodwill

Total before sales/coupons: 142.60
Sales: 32.61
Coupons: 72.65
OOP: 37.34 (saving 74%)

Great Kellogg's Printable Coupons!

It's a good time to print the coupons at the Kellogg's website!

Currently the coupons are:

.70/1 Kellogg's Raisin Bran

$1/3 Kellogg's Cereal

$1/2 Kellogg's® All-Bran®, Crispix® and/or Kellogg's Corn Flakes® Cereals

$1/2 Rice Krispies® and/or Cocoa Krispies® Cereals

$1/2 Kellogg’s® Special K® Cereals

$2/2 Kellogg’s™ Special K™ Protein Products

$1/2 Kellogg’s FiberPlus™ Cereals

$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes® Cereals

$1/1 Kellogg’s® Smart Start® Cereal

$1/1 Sunshine® Cheez-It® Baby Swiss Baked Snack Crackers

For the Locals: Free Genealogy Workshop!

I must admit, I love studying genealogy. It doesn't matter if it is mine or someone else's, and the more scandalous the better. It's like a treasure hunt for clues. One of the most interesting lines that I worked on for someone else traced this lady's genealogy all the way back to the boy who almost sank the Mayflower before it even left port in England. The child shot off his father's musket in the Mayflower's cabin, showering sparks around open barrels of gunpowder, nearly causing a catastrophe. Now that is interesting!

If you have an interest in learning about genealogy, you should take advantage of this free seminar.

Our Ancestors Were Churchgoers – Genealogy Workshop

Saturday, May 21, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. Franklin Main Library. Learn to research church records—a source for early birth, marriage, and death dates. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Call 615-595-1246, ext. 1, beginning May 10 to register.

Menu Plan Monday 5/9/11

Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Burritos
Wednesday: Spinach Turkey Meatloaf & Rice
Thursday: Quiche
Friday: Chinese Roasted Crockpot Chicken & Steamed Vegetables
Saturday: Turkey Kielbasa Cannellini
Sunday: Cheeseburger Bread

For the Locals: Franklin's Touch a Truck Event Friday 5/13

I have taken my children to this event in the past. The kids get to climb on top of and check out numerous trucks and vehicles which was very exciting. Even I enjoyed checking some of these out!

TOUCH A TRUCK
Friday May 13, 2011
5:00 -7:30pm Pinkerton Park

The City of Franklin Parks and Public Works Departments will host ‘TOUCH A TRUCK’ on Friday May 13, from 5:00 –7:30pm. Bring your little ones down to Pinkerton Park to actually “Touch a Truck” or even climb up on or in a tractor or street truck. Free! For more information, go to www.franklintn.gov or call the event hotline at 615 550-6947.

Great Deals at GFS this Week!

If you are planning a party soon, this is the time to visit GFS and take advantage of their sales! Here are some of the best items:

Mixed Fruit, frozen, 5 lb bag, 7.99

Precooked Meatballs, 5 lbs, 6.99

Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork or Chicken Barbecue, 5 lbs, 13.99

Deli Spirals (little sandwiches), 60 count, Frozen, 9.99

Beef Fajita Strips, 3 lbs, 14.99

Grilled Chicken Breast Fajita Filling, 5 lbs, 11.99

Super Sweet Cob Corn, 18 ct, 3.99

Wrapped Cocktail Franks, 100 ct, 23.99

White or Chocolate Graduation Cake, 12X16, 22.99

Great Arby's Printable Coupon!

Go HERE for a great Arby's coupon good through May 11th. It's good for a free 22oz Pepsi beverage and small curly fries with the purchase of a market fresh sandwich.

For the Locals: Dulcimer Day at Two Rivers Mansion

For a day of free music and beautiful environment, check out the Thirteenth Annual Grand Old Dulcimer Day 2011! There will be performances and opportunities to try out the instruments.

A Celebration of the Mountain Dulcimer
Family Fun - Free Admission
Sunday, May 15
Noon Until Six
Two Rivers Mansion
3130 McGavock Pike,
Nashville, TN 37214

Main Stage Performers
Performers and times are subject to change
12-1 - Wanda O’Guin & Priscilla Rushing, Ray Hunley, Tradition Continues with Drew Benward
1-2 - Stephen Seifert, Lobar Band, Twangtown Dulcimers
2-3 - White House Dulcimer Players, Monday Night Players, G-Strings
3-4 - Adie Grey, Joni Bishop, Rob Pearcy & Donovan Carpenter
4-5 - VSA/Blair Dulcimer Choir, Linda Sack, Lee Rowe
5-6 - Grand Old Dulcimer Club

Menu Plan Monday 5/2/11

Monday: Baked Chicken & Vegetables
Tuesday: Turkey Curry & Brown Rice
Wednesday: Spinach Lasagna
Thursday: Crockpot Chicken with Garlic, Peppers & Artichokes
Friday: Pizza (Kid Sleepover)
Saturday: Ham & Cauliflower Casserole
Sunday: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Crockpot Chicken with Garlic, Peppers & Artichokes

Ingredients

12 garlic cloves (minced)
1 onion (chopped)
1 tbsp olive oil
8-9 oz artichoke hearts (frozen)
1 red pepper (sweet red pepper cut into strips)
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp quick-cooking tapioca
2 tsp rosemary (dried, crushed)
1 tsp lemon peel (finely shredded)
1/2 tsp black pepper (ground)
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (thighs)

Directions:

In small skillet cook garlic and onion in hot oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes, or until tender. In 4 quart slow cooker combine the frozen artichoke hearts, sweet pepper, chicken broth, tapioca, rosemary, lemon peel, and black pepper. Add chicken; spoon garlic mixture over chicken. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or on high setting for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

most of a package of Dole cole slaw blend
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup onion (cut up)
1 green pepper (chopped)
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons uncooked rice
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed Healthy Request tomato soup
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 cup water

Directions:

Brown beef in oil with onion, pepper, salt and rice.

Spread slaw on the bottom of a casserole dish. Top with beef mixture.

Combine tomato soup and water then add tomato sauce. Pour over top of casserole.

Bake for 60 to 90 minutes at 350.

Number of Servings: 8, Total Carbs: 12.7 g