I have a contest to tell you about from the folks at Mom’s Best Natural Cereals so get out those video cameras, here’s what they sent me to pass along to you-

We’re hosting a Pantry Makeover Contest to help families clean up their act—literally! All your readers need to do is submit a video explaining why their pantry is in need of a makeover for the chance to win $1,000 worth of groceries, a visit from registered dietitian Elizabeth Ward, and a year’s supply of Mom’s Best Naturals cereal. Two runners-up will get a sampling of Mom’s Best Naturals and $200 towards groceries. You can check it out at http://www.momsbestnaturals.com/pantry-makeover.

And if you followed me on Twitter, you’ll know that I bought myself a holiday gift last week. Yes, I’ve been good all year, done my best to stick to a budget so I figured I deserved a splurge. And okay, yes, it was no sale, I got free shipping…yes, it will hopefully save me money down the road. Remember an AeroGarden was on my wish list? I’m on their e-mail mailing list and they had the twelve days of Christmas promotion. Each day they sent you a different offer. One day it was the SpaceSaver 6, normally $149.99 that day just $79.99 and the order has a pack of herbs to get you started. I just couldn’t resist buying one. I’ll keep you up to date and post photos here when I get the garden up and running. I’m looking forward to growing things like lettuce, beans, tomatoes etc. especially in the dead of winter.

And here’s a photo, I know it’s not budget related but thought I’d show you anyway. This fine looking deer paid a visit to the backyard last week. I was lucky enough to get him to look toward the patio door while I snapped a photo of him.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…some budget smart meal planning for the holidays and beyond. Some sites and info I didn’t have space for in the newsletter.

Have a good week.