Balsamic Glazed Pork (or Chicken, or Beef)

This is an easy recipe that always seems to be a nice fall meal.  The sauce is flavorful and unique, and although it is intended for for pork, I've made this recipe several times with chicken before and it is excellent.  It would be nice with beef, also.

For the balsamic-honey glaze: 

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp. dried)
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tsp. cornstarch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4-6 Pork cutlets, boneless chicken breasts, or beef tenderloin medallions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Make the glaze:  Add all sauce ingredients to small bowl, stir until honey is dissolved.  Set aside.
3. Cover the bottom of a medium skillet with a light film of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the pork slices in 1 layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 1 minute. Turn and sear for 1 more minute, until lightly browned. Transfer the slices in 1 layer to a shallow baking dish.
4. Pour the glaze over the meat slices and turn them to coat.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and keep warm, loosely covered until ready to serve.

The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.  This makes the actual preparation a cinch, and perfect  for when you have guests and don't want to be laboring in the kitchen.

*The sauce also goes well drizzled over noodles, pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or green beans

Cheap Popcorn at Target

Pop Secret 3 ct. popcorn is apparently on sale this week at Target for $2.29, Buy One Get One Free.  If you use this $1 off 2 printable coupon, you'll get two boxes of microwave popcorn for only $1.29!

Target prices do vary by region, so your actual total may be a little higher or lower.

Check out a few other Target deals this week here.

(thanks, Erin) 

Great Deal, Good Cause

The Big Bundle is almost $800 worth of products and certificates for only $29.99, and 100% of the net proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Here's what you'll get:

• Papa John’s: $10 Gift Card (first 2500 bundles only!)
• Restaurant.com: $25 Gift Certificate
• Skype: 1 Month Unlimited* US & Canada Subscription
• Trend Micro: AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010
• PopCap Games: Bejeweled 2
• Shoebuy: $10 Gift Certificate
• TripIt: 6 Months of TripIt Pro
• Zagat: 3 Month Subscription to ZAGAT.com
• Corel: Photo Album 7
• CyberLink: MediaShow 5
• 1-800-Flowers.com: $20 Savings Pass
• Snapfish: 16×20 Poster
• Evernote: $25 off Evernote Premium
• WinZip: Winzip 12.1 Standard
• Threadless Tees: $5 Coupon
• Hotels.com: $50 Off a 3 Night Stay
• Collectorz: Movie Collector – Standard Edition
• Nordstrom: $20 Rebate with a $100 Purchase
• RoboForm Pro
• Mozy: 50% Off One Year of MozyHome Unlimited
• Playfirst: Diner Dash
• ImTOO/Xilisoft: 3GP Video Converter
• Foxit: PDF Creator
• Dropbox: 3 Months of Dropbox Pro (50GB)
• Picnik: 6 Months of Picnik Premium
• 23andMe: $50 Off the Full Edition
• Lancôme: Free Shipping on ANY Order Plus Four Deluxe Samples
• SmugMug: $25 Off a SmugMug Account
• CircuitCity.com: $10 off $100 purchase
• Gap: $20 off $100 purchase at Gap.com
• PETCO.com: $25 Coupon off $100 Purchase
• GoDaddy: 1 Domain

Try using one of these promo codes to save 40% off your purchase:

956C4AC5945FH7C9

93864AC5945FH8C9
67DD4AC5945FH9C9

A5854AC5945FH7AD

9FHE4AC5945FH8AD

B4BC4AC5945FH9AD


(thanks, Tara)

New Tool Bar

You may have noticed the new toolbar at the bottom of the page--what do you think?  Love it?  Hate it?  Let me know!

I'm going to try it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes.  There are a few nice things about it:

• You can see a summary list of recent posts with one click, so you can quickly and easily scroll through and see what you missed.

• You can choose to read a random post.  Although some of these might be expired deals from weeks past, you never know--you might find something useful you missed the first time it was posted, or you might find a random recipe to try.  :)

• You can subscribe to the RSS feed, follow on Twitter or join the brand spanking new Facebook  Fan Page with just one click--super easy!

Free Catholic Catechism and Formation Courses

The Catholic Information Service/Knights of Columbus has free study courses to learn the teachings, practices, and beliefs of the Catholic Church.  If you are not Catholic, this is your chance to learn what we Catholics REALLY believe, or if you are already Catholic, this might be a good refresher or further faith instruction.

Choose from either one of two free online courses:

• The Luke E. Hart Series Course

• CIS Faith Formation Course (Based on the Veritas Series)

or a mail-study course:

• The Correspondence Course is informal in the sense that it is built around 10 booklets that were written precisely as booklets rather than as course lessons. These booklets are arranged in logical sequence so that they provide a series of readings in the basic beliefs of Catholics.

Snow White Coupons

The coupon link for Snow White (several posts below) is working again.  If you want the great coupon for $10 off, print it now!  There is a certain amount of times it is allowed to be printed worldwide, and once that threshold is reached,  you'll get a message that reads "There are no prints left in this campaign".

I have 2 copies of the coupon that I am not going to use. I'll be happy to mail them to the first 2 people to email me and request them.

Free Cross Stitch Patterns

There are several Precious Moments patterns, as well as some cute Christmas ones here.

Star in a Movie!

OK--not really, but this is the next best thing. Upload a photo of yourself (or your spouse, child, friend, etc.) to Netflix here, and you can star in The Wizard of Oz as the Scarecrow--sing, dance, talk...  The clip is short--only about 30 seconds, but it is SO cute!

Kids will have a ball with this!

Hurry--Free Gift pack for First 10,000

*UPDATE: This link is now broken.  The 10,000 have all been requested.  They will have a new gift pack available in early November.

Right at home is giving out their monthly gift packs to the first 10,000 to request it here.  This month's winners will receive a full sized can of Oust Air Sanitizer-II!

Giveaway--"Take Out: Family Faith On the Go" Subscriptions

Our Sunday Visitor is generously offering you another chance to win a 10-issue subscription to Take Out: Family Faith on the Go, a mini magazine for busy families filled with inspiring articles, ideas, discussion topics, and more.

There will be TWO winners randomly chosen on October 15th, 2009. To enter to win,  just fill out the form below.


Enter to win for yourself or give the subscription as a gift.  Good Luck!

Target Weekly Deals 10/4 - 10/10

Mott’s Juice or Applesauce--$1.75 each
*Buy 5 and get a $5 Target Gift Card

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars 10 ct.--$2

Use $1 off 2 printable coupon or $1 off 2 coupon from 8/30 RP insert
AND
$.50 Target Printable Coupon (Use 2)
TOTAL = $1 each

Quaker True Delight Bars--$2.50 
Use $1 from 8/23 RP insert
AND
$.50 Target Printable coupon 
TOTAL= $1

Lysol Disinfecting Spray (22 or 32 oz.)--$1.99 
Use $1 coupon from 10/4 SS insert or printable coupon
TOTAL = $.99

Snuggle Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets --$3.99
Use $3 coupon from 10/4 Red Plum insert
TOTAL = $0.99

Chex Mix (8 oz bag)--$1.75
Use $0.50 coupon here 
AND
Use $1 Target Coupon here 
TOTAL = $.25

Walgreens Deals 10/4 - 10/10

*Buy 4 Dove Products, get $2 RR

*Dove Hair Care--$3.00

Use $1.50 off 1 Dove Conditioner from 10/4 Insert

Or use $1 off 1 Dove Hair care printable coupon

TOTAL = $1.50-$2 each plus $2 RR when you buy 4 Dove products

*Dove Deodorant--$3.38

Use this $1 printable coupon

TOTAL=$2.38 plus $2 RR when you buy 4 Dove products

Chapstick Fresh Effects--$2.99
Receive $2.99 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE

Emergen-C Booster--$3.49
Receive $3.49 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE

Gillette Fusion Razor--$8.99
Use $4 coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
Receive $6 Register Rewards
TOTAL = FREE plus possible overage!

Halls Refresh Sugar Free Cough Drops (20 ct)--$1
Use $.35/1 coupon from 9/27 Smart Source insert
Receive $1 Register Reward
Final Price = FREE plus possible overage

Halloween Pencils  or  bags—8/$1

Purell Hand Sanitizer--$2.99
Use $.50  coupon from 8/2 Smart Source insert
Receive $2 Register Rewards
TOTAL = $.49

Trident Layers Gum--Buy 2 for $2
Use 2 $.75  printable coupons
Receive $1 Register Reward
TOTAL = FREE plus possible overage!

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion--$6.99
Use $1.50 printable coupon
Receive $6.99 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE plus possible overage 

Visine Eye Care (.5 oz)--$3.99
Use $2  in-ad coupon
Use $2  printable coupon
TOTAL = FREE

Wheat Thins--$1
Use $1  printable coupon
TOTAL = FREE

Monday Funnies

Just for fun on a Monday.... Enjoy!  

Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:

"Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
**************************
In a Podiatrist's office:

"Time wounds all heels."
**************************
On a Septic Tank Truck:

Yesterday's Meals on Wheels
**************************
At a Proctologist's door:

"To expedite your visit, please back in."
**************************
On a Plumber's truck:

"We repair what your husband fixed."
**************************
On another Plumber's truck:

"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
**************************
On a Church's Bill board:

"7 days without God makes one weak."
**************************
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :

"Invite us to your next blowout."
**************************
At a Towing company:

"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
**************************
In a Nonsmoking Area:

"If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
**************************
On a Maternity Room door:

"Push. Push. Push."
**************************
At an Optometrist's Office:

"If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
**************************
On a Taxidermist's window:

"We really know our stuff."
**************************
At a Car Dealership:

"The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."
*************************
Outside a Muffler Shop:

"No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
**************************
In a Veterinarian's waiting room:

"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
**************************
At the Electric Company

"We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be."
*************************
In a Restaurant window:

"Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up."
**************************
In the front yard of a Funeral Home :

"Drive carefully. We'll wait."
**************************
At a Propane Filling Station:

"Thank heaven for little grills."
**************************
And don't forget the sign at a Chicago Radiator Shop:

"Best place in town to take a leak."
**********************
Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck: 

"Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises"

A woman was asked by a coworker,

'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The coworker replied,

 'It is like being a pumpkin.' 

God picks you from the patch, 

brings you in,

and washes all the dirt off of you. 

Then He cuts off the top and 

scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. 

 Then He carves you a new smiling face and

puts His light inside of you to 

shine for all the world to see.'

This was passed on to me by another pumpkin. 

Now it's your turn to pass it to other pumpkins.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition

Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Limited Edition will be released on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009. I had the opportunity to preview the film courtesy of the One2One Network, and I was so excited because this is one of my favorite films, EVER!

With the beautiful, sweet princess, evil queen, seven little dwarfs with unique personalities, cute forest animals, memorable songs, and the happily-ever-after with prince charming, this is the quintessential Disney family film.  As our family watched it Friday night, I couldn't help but notice all four kids were engrossed in the movie from beginning to end.  That rarely happens around here (usually one of them wanders off bored...) !  They were all mesmerized.  At one point in the movie, Snow White kneels by her bed to pray and I remarked to my husband that you don't see that in family movies anymore (though I wish we did...).  The movie is still as engaging today as it was over 70 years ago.  My kids' jaws dropped when I told them this movie was made in 1937 way before Grandma was born!   :)

Disney painstakingly digitally restored this film, and the difference is notable.  The colors are vibrant, the sound is clear and the picture is spotless.  Although we don't have a Blu-ray player, this set comes with BOTH a DVD and Blu-ray disc, making it a great value.  Watch the Blu-ray disk on the family TV, and use the DVD copy for car trips or for the playroom.  

If you are new to Blu-ray, the Blu-ray discs offer some fantastic benefits that far surpass DVDs:

Up to 6x better quality than DVD

7.1 Surround Sound

Immersive activity with games and special features

Kid proof--more scratch resistant (whoohoo!!!!!!!!)

Plays both Blu-ray and DVD discs

Blu-ray disks play on Sony Playstation 3 players

When viewed on a high-def TV and Blu-ray player--WOW!  It must be incredible!

There is a bonus Blu-ray disc in the set, also, that has some great entertaining features:

• What Do You See? - You have to decipher the scambled image
• All new music video
• Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Which princess are you most like? 
• Jewel Jumble – test your matching skills
• Snow White Returns – Newly discovered storyboards. Was Walt planning a sequel? 
• Hyperion Studios – Explore Walt’s original studio 
• The One That Started It All – See how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs forever changed the world of movies
• Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride Game 
• “Heigh-Ho” Karaoke Sing-along 
• Disney through the decades 
• And More! 

This is one of those classic films that is timeless and deserves a place in your family film collection.  Because it is a limited release,  it will not be available for long!

Applesauce Muffins

I love fall! I love the crisp air and crunchy leaves, and the oodles of great recipes that use fall flavors.  Here is a recipe for Applesauce Muffins  adapted from Family Fun magazine.  They are quick, easy, yummy, and perfect for a fall morning.

INGREDIENTS:

6 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce

Optional--For a more decadent muffin, top with streusel crumbs before baking:

1/2 cup flour
4 tablespoons softened butter
4 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon 

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with baking cups and set aside.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high for about 30 seconds; set aside to cool slightly.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a large mixing bowl..
4. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and brown sugar. Stir in the applesauce and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the apple mixture over the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until combined.
6. Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter. If topping with streusel, mix the ingredients in a small bowl until crumbly , then sprinkle a teaspoon or so onto each muffin.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until light brown.

Watch The Wizard of Oz for Free Online

Netflix is offering The Wizard of Oz for free! Stream it instantly online here until Sunday October 4 at 9 AM Eastern time.

(thanks, Briana)

Free Cesar Bistro Entrees for Dogs on Saturdays

Today's free quota has already been met :(  but mark your calendar to visit http://www.cesar.com/bistro/ next Saturday at 9am to get a FREE entree for your little pooch.

Or, stop by a Cesar Share the Love event at select local parks where your dog can try free Cesar Bistro entrees.

Free Package of Sea Cuisine on October 4th

Visit www.seacuisine.com/free on Monday, October 4th to get a free frozen entree from Sea Cuisine.


From their site...

Create the perfect dinner for two with Sea Cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Asian, New American, or maybe even a meal with Caribbean flair, Sea Cuisine has the sophisticated flavors you’ve come to expect in your favorite seafood restaurant. Get your coupon for FREE Sea Cuisine frozen entree (up to $7.99)! Promotion starts on 10/04/2009 at 12:01 a.m.

Big Lots 20% Off Coupon

Go here to sign up for Big Lot's Buzz Club, where you'll get exclusive discounts, then Click here for a printable coupon for 20% off a purchase at Big Lots stores. Coupon is valid Monday, October 5 through Saturday, October 10.

This might make some Halloween costumes even cheaper!  Also a good time to shop for Halloween candy and Christmas gifts.

Free Betty Crocker Birthday Parties cookbook--digital

Visit here  to access the digital edition of Betty Crocker Birthday Parties--This is a great little magazine filled with cute Birthday Cakes and party recipes.  You are able print the ones you like, too.  Nice!

Joshual Bell "At Home With Friends" CD Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity form the One2One Network to preview Joshua Bells new CD "At Home With Friends".  I know "Wow" is such a cliche, but--Wow!


I have always been a huge fan of the violin--if life ever slows down (ha!) I'd love to learn to play it.  Joshua Bell, along with his beautiful Stradovarius partner, creates music that is incomparable in this day and age--simply exquisite!


In At Home With Friends, Joshua joins forces with some other musical heavy-hitters like Sting, Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, and Marvin Hamlisch to create an absolutely astounding album. The brilliant and unique orchestration, harmonies, and forms, all in a variety of styles from classical to Latin, somehow work harmoniously together to form what’s really a musical adventure.


Regardless of your usual musical tastes--this album is well worth a place in your CD collection!  For more information about Joshua Bell or his new album At Home With Friends that just released this week, visit joshuabell.com.


Want to win your own copy?  Fill out the short form below.  I'll choose a winner randomly on October 8, 2009.

Helpful Hints of the Week

It's getting cold!  We had to scrape the windshield this morning.  Brrrr!  Winter is coming, so here's a tip I read to make shoveling a little easier:

• Spray both sides of your shovel with non-stick cooking spray before shoveling, and the snow will slide right off instead of building up on the edge of the shovel.  This might make the job just a little bit easier.

Have you ever tried to lace up a shoe when the ends of the shoelaces are all frayed?  It's hard to fit the frayed edges through the little grommets.  Try this:

• Cut the frayed end off the lace, then trim it so it has a point (like a pencil).  Dip the tip into clear nail polish and allow to dry.  The polish prevents further fraying, and makes a stiff tip that is easier to thread through.  This will at least buy you some time until you can purchase new laces.

Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Lisa E.--You are the winner of Harry Connick, Jr.'s new CD "Your Songs"!

and

Congratulations to Ashley N.--You are the winner of the More-with-Less Cookbook from Herald Press!

Watch for my emails, ladies.

The winners were chosen randomly using random.org from all entries received .

Thanks for entering, everyone!  There will be FOUR new giveaways this week, so stop back to enter those!