FREE Sample of Truvia Natural Sweetener

You can get a FREE sample of Truvia natural sweetener here and it comes with a $2 coupon too!


*Just as a side note, I've just recently started following Trim Healthy Mama's way of eating, and have been loving it so far!  For a while now our family had already been been working on increasing whole foods and eliminating refined sugar from our diet.  I really like their balanced and biblical approach, the emphasis on real food, and people have been having incredible results!

One of the things they recommend is eliminating sugar from your diet, and using healthy natural alternatives when necessary.  Truvia is one of the natural sweeteners they suggest.  I was nervous about trying a sweetener, since even something completely natural like Stevia can have a bitter aftertaste.  But I don't feel good after eating high-glycemic sugars, and sometimes I do need just a bit of sweetness.  So I thought it was worth a try.  I've been really happy with Truvia!  So there you go...there's my random review, haha!

Cookie Cupcakes -- Quick, Easy, and SO Yummy!

You guys, I am so excited to share these treats....crispy, chewy, coconut sugar cookies, topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with pretty coconut and sugar....and devoured!  Two words: "dangerously delicious"!  They are a great bite-size for the kiddos....and for you to have more than one and still enjoy yourself.  ;)

We had a last-minute get together for the 4th of July, and at first I was going to make our 4th of July fruit kabobs (....big hit with the kids, and a favorite on the blog!)....but then I realized we were out of blueberries and I couldn't find our wooden skewers, lol. 

I wanted a fun treat for the kids though, so with strawberries in hand, off to Pinterest I went!  I found this recipe for "Red, White, and Blue Sugar Cookie Cups" and it was perfect -- it's an easy one to make and easy to have all the ingredients on hand!

After baking the sugar cookie cups, I frosted them with cream cheese frosting - just put it in a Ziploc bag, snip off the corner and do a swirly-whirly on top for a pretty look.

I had red sugar that was clearanced after Christmas, and I dyed some coconut blue for the topping.  To make the blue coconut, I just tossed some shredded coconut and a couple drops of blue food coloring (I'd like to try a natural food coloring like this) in a Tupperware container - the kids liked helping with this!  Then we added some fresh strawberries...

The red, white and blue was perfect for a 4th of July or Memorial Day treat, but my mind was racing with other color possibilities -- birthday parties, sports teams, other holidays, pink and blue for baby showers or gender reveal parties...

I did leave some plain for those who don't love coconut - just as yummy to keep it really simple with just the colored sugar....

They were super delicious!!  Seriously, how can you go wrong with sugar cookies, cream cheese, fresh fruit, and anything in a mini muffin tin?? It was very similar in taste to a fruit pizza, but in a cute bite size.  (My mouth is watering just typing this up!)

Directions

For the Cookie Cupcakes:

• 1 (17.5 oz.) package Sugar Cookie Cookie Mix (I used Betty Crocker)
• ½ c. coconut oil
• 1 egg

1. Mix cookies according to package instructions, substituting coconut oil for butter.
2. Grease mini muffin tin (24 muffins) and divide dough evenly among tins.

3. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
4. Cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ c. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 c. powdered sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, & vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth & blended.
2. Add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, then beat on medium speed for 1 minute to lighten the frosting.
3. Top cooled cookie cups with cream cheese frosting, using a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe frosting (a smaller hole gives you more control). Top with blue coconut, red sugar, and strawberry piece (or whatever you'd like).

Optional Toppings:

• ½ c. sweetened, shredded coconut (dyed with a couple drops of food coloring)
• colored sugar
• fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries (if using large strawberries, divide into smaller segments)
• candies (nerds, gummies, etc)

Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker - $43 (reg. $110) + FREE shipping!

In the middle of this ice storm, I'm dreaming of hot summer days and delicious ice cream, lol!  Now is a great time to get ready for the warm weather ahead - or grab this as a great Christmas gift!  Amazon dropped the price on this Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker to just $38.99 (reg. $110)!

• New mixing paddle makes frozen desserts in 20 minutes or less
• Large capacity makes up to 1-1/2-quarts
• Double insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice
• Easy lock transparent lid with large spout makes adding ingredients simple and mess free
• Fully automatic

This ships for free, but keep in mind there are other things on Amazon that have FREE 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime (get a free 30 day trial here) or when you spend $35 or more with Super Saver shipping! Especially good to know since it's Christmas time!  Prices can change at any time on Amazon.


(thank you Queen Bee Coupons!)

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

We had some leftover rice from dinner the other night, and since then, all I could think of was how good rice pudding would be!  For some reason I always thought it was difficult to make, but I'm not sure why...this could not have been easier!  It was so good - exactly what I was hoping for!!

It's a great way to not let leftover rice go to waste, but rice pudding has to be one of the cheapest desserts too! Deliciously frugal and easy peasy!  ;)

I found this recipe online, but tweaked it just a little.....

Easy Rice Pudding

2 cups cooked white rice (I used jasmine rice)
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins (you could omit if you don't like raisins)


Directions:

1. Mix all of the above in a heavy sauce pan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium low heat. Stir often to make sure it doesn't burn.
3. Cook for 15-20 min., or until thickened.
4. Let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot or cold, and enjoy!

I love this hot, warm, cold...room temperature - you just can't go wrong!

FREE ebook on Amazon.com: "Cake Pop Creations: 25 Fun & Delicious Recipes"

Amazon is offering the "Cake Pop Creations: 25 Fun & Delicious Recipes" e-book for Kindle for FREE! 

I love making cake balls, but haven't yet tried cake pops.  I'm looking forward to trying some of these fun ideas!

• If you don’t have a Kindle, you can just download a free reading app from Amazon which will allow you to read this on your PC, iPad, iPhone, blackberry, android, Mac and more!
• Prices change often.....if it's still FREE the price will be listed as $0.00

"Cake pops are popping up everywhere. You will see these tasty morsels at weddings, showers, parties, or just as a fun filled dessert at home. With a little creativity, your cake balls and cake pops can run the gambit of fun and frivolous to truly elegant.

Popular with moms & dads as well as artistic foodies, cake pop cooking is made for the creative cook. In her book Cake Pop Creations, author Melanie Trenton presents 25 recipes that can be prepared for all types of occasions. From her Sinfully Decadent Chocolate Cake Pops to Blueberry Ribbon Cake Pops, she presents a wide variety of recipes and designs to please every foodie at heart. And it’s not just for the artisans- be sure to check out her Kid-Approved Fun Pops chapter with favorites such as Piggy Pops, Tea Time, and Pretty Kitty pops."

FREE Jr. Frosty's at Wendy's throughout 2013 for $1!

Ok, for any Frosty lovers (like myself) this seriously sounds too good to be true.....but it's not!  =)  You can actually get FREE Frosty's for the entire year of 2013!

You buy a Frosty key tag for $1 (at participating Wendy's - you may want to call first), hang it on your key ring, then present it throughout the year to get FREE Jr. size Frosty's with any purchase! 

It's perfect for treating the kids when we're out and about (that's a lot of treats throughout the year!)......and maybe even a perfect smackerel for me while I'm trying to eat well.  ;)

And, all the proceeds from the key tags benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.....delicious and a good cause!

{this was the tag for 2012}

*One Free Jr. Frosty per transaction, per visit, per key tag with any purchase. Expires at the end of December 2013.

Rite-Aid: 2 FREE Bags of Holiday Hershey's Kisses!

This week at Rite Aid you can score two free full size bags of Hershey’s holiday candy!

     {{Deal Scenario ~ Rite-Aid through December 1st}}
Hershey’s Holiday Kisses – $2.50
- $1/2 Hershey’s Kisses coupon (RA November Video Values)
- $2/2 printable coupon (for any Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Hershey’s Nuggets, Hershey’s Miniatures, ROLO, York or Hershey’s Bliss bags, 7.8oz or larger)
- $2 +Up Reward when you buy 2 (limit 4 offers)
Final Price = 2 FREE Bags!

FREE Nestle Crunch Bars + Moneymaker at Rite-Aid!

Get FREE Nestle Crunch bars at Rite-Aid during their Black Friday sale (11/22-11/24)! 
(free candy is great for stocking stuffers...the kids love it!)

     {{Deal Scenario ~ Rite-Aid ~ starting 11/22/12}}
Buy 6 Nestle Crunch Bars - 3/$2 ($4 total)
- three (3) 75¢/2 Nestle Crunch Bars printable coupons (zip 77477)
= FREE + .25¢ money maker!

(thanks Mojo Savings!)

FREE Lindt Lindor Truffles!! (Facebook offer)

Before they're gone, HURRY over to Lindt Chocolate on Facebook and like them to be able to print a coupon for a FREE bag of Lindor Truffles!!  What a sweet freebie!

*Note: you can unlike the page and like it again to print 2!

Caramel Apple Cake recipe - so yummy!

As the weather's gotten cooler and the leaves are starting to change color, I have begun to crave yummy fall treats - especially anything apple or pumpkin! 

I was on Pinterest the other day and came across this incredible looking recipe for Caramel Apple Cake and oh.my.yum......it did not disappoint!  It's originally a Paula Deen recipe and I haven't tried anything of hers yet that wasn't delicious!  She is such a genius/monster!!  ;)

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (I used coconut oil instead)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts (I used 1/2 c. pecan bits)
2 1/2 cups diced apples, canned or fresh (I used fresh, and next time would add more)

Preheat oven 350 degrees.  Cream together sugar, eggs, and oil.  Add flour; mix together until well blended.  Add vanilla, nuts, and diced apples.  Spread into a lightly greased and floured 13 x 9-inch baking dish; bake for 45 to 60 minutes.  Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  When cake is done, punch holes in it with a knife and pour topping over.

Poke holes in the cake before drizzling with caramel topping

Caramel Topping:

(this is half the original topping recipe, but I thought it was plenty!)

1 1/2 stick of butter

1 cup of brown sugar

1/8 cup of milk

Pour topping over warm cake (this picture doesn't even do it justice!)

Heat all ingredients together over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Let boil for about 2 minutes.  Pour over warm cake.

Serves 15-20

It was easy and the most delicious dessert I've had in a long time! We (um...I) ate the last piece today and it was a bittersweet bite.  I really want to make another pan, but I better wait....at least until tomorrow - it's dangerously good!  This is going on my go-to recipe list for sure!!

 

Jell-O Mix-ins as low as FREE with this High-Value Printable Coupon!

Check your Kraft First Taste account to see if you have a coupon for Jell-O Mix-ins!  Mine was good for $1.25 off 1, but I've heard that they are anywhere from $1/1 to $1.50/1.  The coupons are only available while supplies last, so print it quick if you want one!

You can get these for FREE depending on which store you use it at!  Here's a deal at Target this week:

     {{Deal Scenario ~ Target 9/9/12 - 9/15/12}}
Jell-O Mix-ins - $1.49 (some stores even have them at $1.29!)
- $1 - $1.50/1 Kraft First Taste coupon
- $1/1 Target Jell-O coupon
= FREE!

For those of you who don’t yet belong to Kraft First Taste - I highly recommend you sign up! They have some great member-exclusive offers that can sometimes be some pretty great coupons like these! Just go HERE to sign up and create your FREE account!



(thanks Mojo Savings!)

FREE Hershey's Simple Pleasures Chocolate at Target!

Ooh, chocolate has to be one of my favorite freebies!  ;)  You can get FREE Hersheys Simple Pleasures at Target, after a coupon stack!

     {{Deal Scenario ~ Target}}
Buy 1 Hershey’s Simple Pleasures $2.99
- $1/1 Hersheys Simple Pleasures Target printable coupon
- $2/1 Hershey’s Simple Pleasures (SS 8-19-12)
= FREE!


(thanks Raining Hot Coupons and Totally Target for photo!)

Strawberry "Lazy Cake Cookies" recipe - and 5-year old birthday fun!

I was looking on Pinterest for an easy and yummy recipe to whip up for my daughter's birthday last week, and discovered this fun website, I'm a Lazy Mom, where she shares all kinds of "lazy" tips and tricks - and she's funny too!  She says "lazy", I say "simplify"!  ;)

Emma's birthday was on Thursday, and I was leaving that evening for 4 days, so it had to be easy because I had so many things left to do (like pack!), but I wanted it to be special too!  This Lazy Cake Cookie recipe worked perfectly!

Here's the original recipe:

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix
• 2 eggs beaten
• 5 T melted butter
• 2 C M&M's or mini chocolate chips

Mix together, put in a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 20 min!

Once I put it in the 9x13 pan it didn't look like enough batter, so I almost switched to an 8x8 pan, but it was just fine.  It really helped to wet my hands before spreading it out, so it didn't stick to my hands at all.

Lucas was so happy to be part of the birthday fun!

It was just that simple!  It's so easy to change up however you like too!  My daughter wanted to use a strawberry cake mix with chocolate chips - it turned out yummy!

I'm excited about trying the other combination possibilities too - I'm thinking about a chocolate cake mix with Reese's pieces/peanut butter cups, spice cake mix with cinnamon chips....mmm! 
(They're similar to brownies in that if you want them to be a little "fudgy" make sure not to overcook them! I would cook ours a little less next time, but they were still great just like they were!)

Here's the birthday girl in her "My Little Pony" dress-up outfit and accessories I found clearanced at Target. They were originally priced at $34, but I found it for only $10!  Score!  ;)

While she was sleeping the night before her birthday, I taped pink and purple streamers to her doorway, so she'd start the day with fun when she woke up.  We had fans blowing to cool the house, so they danced around too.  =)  (I couldn't get a better picture since I was trying to be sneaky and not turn any more lights on, lol)

1,000 Fan Giveaway Prize #3: 2 Dozen Cookies from Signature Sweets!

Prize #3 is 2 Dozen Cookies from Signature Sweets!  Janna makes such tasty treats!  Here's the darling cookie bouquet they made for us when our last little one was born - so cute, and so yummy!

They're located in Michigan, and she'll ship the winners cookies to anywhere in the US!  They offer gourmet cookies, brownies, cupcakes...all things sweet and delicious! Cookie bouquets and platters. They also cater any event....large or small. She also offers a cookie of the month club!

{How cute is this "Nurse Cookie Jar"?? Includes Red Cross cookies, heartbeat cookies and prescription bottle cookies.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1,000 Facebook Fan Giveaway Preview - Prizes #3 and #4!

I am so excited to be getting ready for our first big giveaway!  We're so close to 1,000 fans on Facebook and it's about time to celebrate! 

We have some great prizes you can win and I want to tell you a little about them before we get started....now you guys can get as excited as I am and share the page with friends so we can get this party started!!  In no particular order, here are the next couple.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#3 is 2 Dozen Cookies from Signature Sweets!  They're located in Michigan, and she'll ship the winners cookies to anywhere in the US!  They offer gourmet cookies, brownies, cupcakes...all things sweet and delicious! Cookie bouquets and platters. They also cater any event....large or small.
Here's the darling cookie bouquet they made for us when our last little one was born - so cute, and so yummy!

#4 is a (another) $10 credit to Amazon.com from myself since you guys are just so awesome!  =)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be introducing the other prizes to you over the next few days, and once we hit 1,000 fans we'll kick things off and let you know how to enter! 


Remember that there is still a little time to get in on our 1,000 facebook fan giveaway as a sponsor! If you're a business owner, or have a product/service to offer, consider donating to this giveaway! It is a great way to get facebook fans, get people to visit your website and gain more exposure!

All you have to do is email me at SuperSavingsBlog@gmail.com with the item/service you would like to donate, an image and any social media/website links!

FREE Donuts for National Doughnut Day 2012!

Happy National Doughnut Day!!  What a great holiday!  ;) 
(fun tidbit:  National Doughnut Day was started by the Salvation Army in 1938 to commemorate the volunteers who passed out doughnuts to soldiers on the front lines in World War I.  Entenmann’s will donate $1 per person to the Salvation Army for anyone who “likes” the company’s Facebook page through June 23.  You can also enter for a chance to win free doughnuts for a year.)

Here are a few places you can grab a free donut to clebrate today:

• Krispy Kreme is offering customers a free doughnut of any variety today.   Try one of the new flavors like glazed lemon cake or key lime kreme pie....oh yum!
• Dunkin’ Donuts - purchase any beverage and receive a free doughnut.
• LaMar’s Donuts offers free gourmet doughnuts to each visitor without purchase.
• Shipley Do-Nuts is giving free doughnuts away at these participating locations.
• Tim Horton’s is offering a coupon on its Facebook page for a free doughnut with any purchase at its U.S. locations. Customers have to “like” the page, print the coupon and bring it into a store to claim their treat.

4th of July Fruit Kabobs Recipe! Fun, easy and healthy recipe for kids to help with!

Here's a really yummy way to celebrate the 4th of July (or Memorial Day) with a fun red, white, and blue treat!  Since it's Summer, many fruits are in season and this makes it a perfect frugal recipe/activity to make with the kids!  It's easy and healthy too!

I originally saw this recipe on Frugal Girls a couple years ago and when we had a family reunion over July 4th last year, I thought this would be perfect for both the oodles of little ones and the adults! They were a hit!

I started by assembling my ingredients:

• Skewers
• Star Shaped Marshmallows (I've seen them at Walmart and Meijer.  You could also use regular marshmallows too)
• Red and Blue fruit (I used strawberries, blueberries, and red grapes)

{^ that's almost exactly what my ingredients looked like, but I couldn't take a good picture with the cell phone - thanks Frugal Girls!}

Then I stuck the fruit and marshmallows on the skewers in fun patterns.  Done!
{I apologize for the poor quality pictures, I misplaced the camera - then found it about 30 minutes after these were gobbled up, lol.  So, cell phone pics will have to do}  =)

The skewers are sharp, so be careful!  But kids can help by:

• picking which fruits to buy/use
• washing fruits
• handing you fruits and marshmallows
• assembling the patterns of how they want them on the kabob (ie: 2 blueberries, 1 white marshmallow, 3 blueberries, 1 blue marshmallow....etc.)
• older kiddles could thread the ingredients onto the skewer

Other red, white, and blue ingredients you could use....
Red:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Watermelon chunks/balls
• Red grapefruit
• Red Pears

White:

• Marshmallows (mini, large, stars...)
• Pound cake cut into chunks or shapes with a cookie cutter
• Dragonfruit (white and black inside)
• Banana (tossed with lemon juice to keep from browning)
• White nectarines or peaches
• Pears (peeled - and again, tossed with lemon juice)
• Pineapple (white-ish)  =)
• Angel food cake

Blue:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Raisins

{Here's a great flag version Brianna made that I found on Pinterest!}

I think these would be really fun for other occasions too!  Rainbow colored for a birthday party - or use the colors of a favorite sports team for a game day party.  What do you think?  Any other ideas?

Linking up to.....