Saving and Free Stuff

Recently, I've had a few people ask how I'm always getting free samples, free stuff, special coupons, etc. There are a few sites I use regularly. I'm listing them bellow for your enjoyment.



Coupons.com is one of the best for simply clipping coupons. I also use Redplum and Smartsource. Also, The Krazy Coupon Lady and a great directory of where to find printable coupons around the net. For Michiganders, A Mitten Full of Savings pairs coupons with sale items at Target, Meijer, and Walmart. She also posts contests from time to time for gift cards and what not! Like A Mitten Full of Savings on Facebook for easier access.


Check for Apps! Mperks and Target Cartwheel are amazing! With Target Cartwheel you can use your Red Card to save 5% on top of the Cartwheel savings. You can also use one manufacture paper coupon and one Target paper coupon. Can you say holy savings!? Both of these are                                                            available online and via smartphone app.


My favorite all time app is Ibotta. You simply go to the store and shop as normal, use coupons if you wish. Ibotta posts offers for specific items. It's great! You scan your receipt and scan the bar code on the specific product and walla! Savings! You then have the option of transfering the money you earned to a paypal account or onto a gift card for specific retailers.

For freebies and samples I use FreebieShark. It's a new website I recently found, but holy crap! They have a database of where you can find free samples and sweepstakes where you can win free products! If you like them on Facebook you can stay up to date easier. Recently I was able to sign up for 2 full size Mary Kay lip gloss, free Wheat Thins, and free Oreos! It might require a little effort, like Tweeting something - but it's totally worth it!



Finally, INFLUENSTER! Sign up, review products, earn badges, and hopefully you will qualify for a Voxbox! These boxes contain full size products for you to test and review. Complete the VoxBox tasks on their site after you receive the box to possibly win more free stuff! Recently I won a years supply of toothbrushes and two full size toothpaste!


Don't forget to check out the websites of your favorite brands! They will often post coupons and special offers! Use their contact us links to send feedback, sometimes they will send coupons!

Broccoli Cheese Bites

These were an experiment that turn out FABULOUS! It makes about 8 patties. I will say the patties are hard to make and it can be frustrating. Just take your time, they bake really well and end up delicious! You can also add other veggies, such as diced carrots. Chicken or turkey would be delicious too! I haven't tried it, but substituting cooked rice for part of the bread crumbs might be a delicious addition . If you try the rice, let me know how it turns out!

This would make a great meal for toddlers and kids. Adults, too! To make it more adult friendly, spice it up by adding Tobasco or cayenne pepper! Top with a little siracha aioli.

Here's the recipe, enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

Delicious!

16 oz. Package of frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained of liquid
1 cup Grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
3 eggs
1 cup of seasoned Italian bread crumbs
salt & pepper




DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients in bowl

Preheat oven to 375. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or spray pan with nonstick spray. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. In 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions, make into balls/patties. They will not be 100% flat.

Ball into 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions

Bake for 15 minutes. Turn over and bake an additional 10 minutes. 

Dutch Oven Rosemary Herb Bread

Hands down, this is one of the most delicious breads I have ever made. I found a recipe and tweaked it, as the recipe I found didn't quite work. Tomorrow, I plan on using this bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, but it's wonderful on it's own with a shmear of butter!

Delicious with a shmear of butter or for a sandwich!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Warm Water
1pkg Active Dry Yeast (about 1 & 1/4tsp)
1/4 cup Scalded Milk
1/2 cup Butter, Melted
1Tbs Minced Fresh Rosemary
1/4 Cup Minced Onion
2 Cloves Minced Garlic
1/2tsp Thyme
2tsp Salt
1tsp Sugar
4 Cups Flour
Olive Oil

Knead until dough passes "window pane" test

DIRECTIONS:
Saute onion and garlic in a little oil, add rosemary and thyme. Continue to saute until onion is translucent. Add to melted butter and cool completely.

In bowl, pour warm water, sprinkle yeast on top. Gently stir until dissolved. Add remaining ingredients except olive oil.

If using a Kitchenaid or similar mixer with dough hook attachments - continue to mix and knead until dough reaches and passes the "window pane" test. If mixing by hand, once all ingredients are combined remove from bowl and knead by hand until the dough reaches and passes the "window pane" test.

Lightly oil a bowl, cover and  allow dough to rise until double in a warm area. About 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Once double, punch down and knead to redistribute yeast.

Cut an "X" in the top of the dough

Using olive oil, lightly oil a Dutch Oven. Place dough in center and oil the top of the dough. Cut and "X" in the top of the dough to allow the bread to 'bloom' while cooking. Cover and bake at 450 for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes uncover and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until done.

Allow to cool and enjoy!

Bake at 450 cover for 30min and uncovered 15-20min

Enjoy!