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Wegmans + Plus Competitors’ Coupons

May 14, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Wegmans Food Markets

Do you shop at or live near a Wegmans? I stopped at the one in Malvern today and noticed a sign that says they accept competitors’ double and triple coupons. Check with the store for details.

Right now they also have 2# containers of strawberries for $3.00. I am loving that deal since our whole family likes fresh strawberries. Plus Wegmans has some of the best tasting and freshest strawberries around.

Do you shop at Wegmans? What are some of your favorite tips for shopping there?

It’s so bright and everything is so shiny and pretty. I know it is way too easy for me to go over budget, especially if I hit up the bulk candy and food aisle. I also love their bulk tea section. Their chocolate chai is so good.

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Kennett Square: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

May 10, 2012 by · 1 Comment

Our family stopped into the new ReStore over by (the new) Ollies in Kennett.

They have a huge open area and sell everything from books and clothes to used appliances (stoves and dishwashers were the big items), lighting, tiles and cabinetry. Many of the things are used, along the lines of Goodwill type things but the tiles and some odd and end tools, and hardware things were “new in package”.

The prices seemed very reasonable from what I saw. Just make sure that you check everything thoroughly before you buy. They do have a 30 day return policy (with your receipt) on the electrical items.

Check them out sometime.

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some exciting news for some homeowners

May 8, 2012 by · 2 Comments

Today, one of the nation’s largest banks announced that it has started sending letters to thousands of homeowners in the United States, offering to forgive a portion of the principal balance on their mortgages by an average of $150,000 each. The reduction for qualifying homeowners could amount to monthly savings of up to 35 percent on mortgage payments. The article I read said that they expect that over 200k households in this could qualify for their terms. Their terms are that you have to be underwater in your home. (If you don’t know what that means, it’s when you owe more to the mortgage company than what it’s currently worth.) This happened to thousands upon thousands of homeowners in recent years as the housing industry saw inflated values then came crashing down. People are stuck! I hope that this brings some relief to some. You also had to have been behind in your payments as of this January. I guess that’s to prevent anyone from getting any big ideas of stopping their mortgage payments even if they were squeaking by.

It seems unfair to me, that if you are just squeaking by but still making your payments, that you wouldn’t get this big break. I guess that will be one of the hot topics debated about this decision. Those that didn’t make payments are sort of being rewarded for not doing so. Then again, I would have to assume that most people don’t make mortgage payments because they truly cannot afford to–it’s not just about skipping out.

There is a fairly new program called the MHA program. Making Home Affordable (MHA) is the Obama Administration’s initiative that helps struggling homeowners get mortgage relief through a variety of programs that aid in mortgage modifications, interest rate reductions, refinancing, deferred payment or transitioning out of your home while avoiding foreclosure.  On that site they have many tips about asking for a mortgage modification. There is also a toll-free phone number to call for help or advice. If you choose to use a private lender, you can also learn about Aurora loans.

The MHA site also has a great glossary of terms if you’re having trouble navigating the system, as well as some tools to help you understand the net present value of your home. The news reports aren’t as bright and cheery as I’d hope they’d be…all these years later. But I think, slowly but surely, we are starting to dig our way out of this mess. I hope those of you that were/are struggling are starting to find some relief. Good luck!

 

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Review AND Giveaway: T-Fal ActiFry ($289)

May 7, 2012 by · 63 Comments

I received a FREE T-Fal ActiFry Low-fat Multi Cooker to check out, review, and even better……..

ONE TO GIVE AWAY!

Okay, yeah, I’m a little excited. This sweet machine retails at $299.99 but sells at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $249.99 and Amazon’s current price is $210.55.  Personally I would ask for it for Mother’s Day. I can say it made THIS mother’s day!

Are you a  working part-time mom, working full-time mom, career woman,  or one of THOSE moms – you know, the mom every one assumes sits and eats bon-bons all day? ( I don’t know if the woman who seriously thought my life was like the bon-bon mom ever forgot me laughing in her face.)

If you fit into ANY of those categories, the T-Fal Actifry is for YOU. Yes, you.  So usually when I review a product I try it once then write the review, and then we proceed to add it into our life. Not the Actifry.  Maybe, just maybe I have been too busy trying it in different ways so I could tell you all the awesome things it does and doesn’t do. The Actifry has patented technology with pulsed hot air and a paddle that constantly stirs the food as it cooks. The result is food that requires less oil and cooks quicker. This gives you a great way to make quick, easy, and healthier meals, meaning more time to spend with your family.  I love it so much I am giving you 2 recipes and 3 ways I have already used my machine.  Oh, and before I forget, my least favorite chore is DISHES! The 3 major parts of the Actifry are dish washer safe which makes for very easy clean up. However, if you, like me have no dishwasher, don’t be discouraged. No matter what I have cooked in it I have had all the parts washed in 1 minute or less.

Within 30 minutes of opening the box I was using it to make vegetable stir fry. It was the best stir fry I have ever had.  The best thing was that it didn’t have way too much oil as a normal stir fry tends to get on the stove to keep it from sticking.  I threw in 2 cups julienned carrots, 2 cups diced eggplant (YES! My family actually ate it!!!!), 1/2 cup broccoli, 1 chopped onion, small, diced garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a dash of ginger and Chinese 5 spice. I served it over Easy Rice for a quick and easy dinner. You can use any veggies you want or have on hand. Snow peas would be a perfect addition.

Saturday I made granola. Instead of  it taking 1.5 hours to make my double batch, it takes 40 minutes to make.  That is the biggest lifesaver ever since we don’t usually buy cereal. Granola has been scarce in our family since I have so little time lately.

Tonight I made taco burger – 10 minutes to thaw, 15 minutes to “fry” and we have dinner. While it was cooking I was on my laptop starting this post because the beauty of the Actifry is that you don’t need to hover over it stirring every 2 minutes.

Taco Meat

1 lb. of meat
1 small chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
pinch of salt

Really, I should have been warming the tortillas and pulling out the sides while it cooked so dinner would have been ready to eat as soon as the meat was done. It doesn’t get too much easier than pulling out a bag of shredded cheese, salsa and dicing a few tomatoes and some lettuce.  Dinner in 15 minutes!!

Next foods I am trying? French fries and garlic lemon chicken.

Check out these websites for more information on the Actifry –
T-Fal Actifry
T-Fal USA

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway via rafflecopter at the bottom of  this post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This Review and Giveaway is being sponsored by T-Fal Actifry.  However,
all experiences and opinions are my own.

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