budgetsmartgirl

Posts Tagged ‘brownies’

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Getting Ready for Black Friday and The Holidays

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on November 15, 2012 at 4:31 pm

My apologies that this year the gift guides will be in various posts along with other holiday related ideas but it’s a busy time for me with all my book projects and I’m working on tight deadlines.

Hope you’re ready for next week’s big shopping day. One tip I’ve learned is to do as much research as you can before you buy anything. Check out prices because sometimes you can get to a store, see the sign saying sale, or 50% off, think it’s a bargain…stores wouldn’t lie to you, right?  Only to later find out that bargain wasn’t such a good one after all. If you know what things actually sell for you’re a better informed shopper.

The flyer from my local IKEA store landed in my mailbox yesterday. I haven’t been there for a long time but it is one of my favorite places to browse and buy kitchen gadgets at prices I like. What caught my eye was the 50% off soft toys. From November 23-25th, all soft toys are half priced and for every one you buy the IKEA Foundation donates $1 to education programs. Looks like they have some very cute ones, elephants, bears, tigers etc. And idea for those stockings. They have a Web site to check out

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/

And speaking of stocking stuffers Softsoap has two limited edition body washes. Wintermint Wonderland and Enchanting Sugar Plum.

And just yesterday while I was grocery shopping I stumbled across one of my favorite teas of the season Bigelow’s Eggnogg’n. 20 tea bags for $3.98. You can either give the whole box as a gift or divide the tea bags up with other goodies. They have a fun Web site and also items on sale too-

http://www.bigelowtea.com/sale.aspx

Which leads me to my first homemade gift idea of the season. I save the containers that the cherry tomatoes are packed in. Rinse them out, let them dry and then fill them with goodies like packets of tea and brownies. You can secure them with ribbon and they’re perfect for handing out to people like the garbarge collectors, mailman, or even a last minute item for the stocking.

As an avid reader, giving me a book is looked upon with much appreciation. Check out the discount sections of bookstores like Barnes and Noble or Edward R Hamilton online.  They have remainder books in every category you can think of and sometimes you can get free postage.

http://www.hamiltonbook.com/

And if in 2013 you have plans to take a trip and want something to keep you entertained, check out this under $10 gift, the Deluxe 6 in 1 Game set available from Carol Wright Gifts.http://www.carolwrightgifts.com/Leisure-Travel/Toys-Games/Deluxe-6-in-1-Game-Set/16832.cfm?clickSource=JUMP_SEARCH

Okay, that’s if for now, more later…

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Ramblings From A Budget Smart Girl and a newsletter…sort of

In Budget Smart Girl's Newsletter on February 16, 2012 at 4:00 pm

My apologies for falling behind on the postings on the site and for the lack of newsletters for the year but it’s been a busy time. I’ve been teaching writing workshops, doing edits for some upcoming books, and recently was lucky enough to get two non-fiction book contracts. (Yep, I’ll be having some book giveaways on the site for you when they’re released) So today I thought I’d spend  time catching up and sharing with you all the good stuff that’s been landing in my e-mail inbox and to tell you what’s coming up next week.

First of all here’s a late Valentine’s Day recipe for you from Pringles….the weekend will be a great time to enjoy this one. www.pringles.com

 

 

Pringles Brownies

INGREDIENTS

6 ounces baking chocolate, unsweetened

3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup flour

1-6.41 ounce can of Original PRINGLES, regular or reduced fat

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting  (optional)

 DIRECTIONS

1.  Preheat oven to 350°F

2.  Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, and spray foil with cooking spray.

3.   In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes.  Stir until chocolate melts. 

4.   In a stainless steel bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed. 

5.  Pour in butter chocolate mixture and mix well.

6.   Empty PRINGLES and flour into a food processor, and puree until very fine. 

7.  Empty flour mixture into chocolate mixture and mix well; add nuts to distribute.   

8.   Bake for 30 minutes, and cool.

Souper Contest

And the folks at Progresso Soup sent this to pass along

 This year, the Souper You® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season´s live finale of NBC´s The Biggest Loser

Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd

Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th

Some articles of interest-

Thinking about joining a warehouse club?

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-113846-11781-1-8-ways-to-save-at-bulk-stores?ywaad=ad0035&nc

Chef recommended ingredients-

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/chefs-8217-secret-ingredients-every-kitchen-needs-161100998.html

Ways to Use the Microwave-

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/7-unexpected-uses-microwave-164800328.html

Next Week-

On Monday I’m hoping to have a book giveway for you along with another veggie recipe. And I’m starting a new feature about ways to make extra money. Just about everything is costing more money these days so I thought it would be a great idea to find places where you can make a little extra cash.  The first feature will highlight the company and then the second  part will feature  interviews with people who are actually making money on the site.

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Ramblings from a Budget Smart Girl

In The Blog on October 25, 2011 at 4:42 pm

 

 

I’m always looking for different things to make and this recipe hit my e-mail at just the right time. Pringles Ghoulish Brownies

INGREDIENTS:

·         6 ounces baking chocolate, unsweetened

·         3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine

·         2 cups sugar

·         3 eggs

·         1 tsp. vanilla

·         3/4 cup flour

·         1-6.41 ounce can of Pringles Original or 1-5.71 ounce can of Reduced Fat Pringles Original

·         1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

·         Orange and black frosting (optional)

·         Edible decorations, such as sprinkles and candy corn (optional)

 

DIRECTIONS:

1.       Preheat oven to 350 F

2.       Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, and spray foil with cooking spray.

3.       In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes.  Stir until chocolate melts. 

4.       In a stainless steel bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed. 

5.       Pour in butter chocolate mixture and mix well.

6.       Empty Pringles and flour into a food processor, and puree until very fine. 

7.       Empty flour mixture into chocolate mixture and mix well; add nuts to distribute.   

8.       Bake for 30 minutes, and cool.

OPTIONAL DECORATION DIRECTIONS:

1.       Before pouring Pringles into food processer, reserve 3-5 crisps and set aside.

2.       While brownies cool, gently break Pringles crisps in half and decorate with frosting gel.

3.       Top brownies and frosting and place crisp “gravestones” in brownies along with other edible decorations to create a fun and playful graveyard scene.

One Way to Save Money

One way I’ve found to save money and sometimes get free shipping is to shop around Thanksgiving time, especially on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In fact, I was thinking just the other day if you can hold off on making a purchase until then even if it’s for small items like cosmetics or books, buying at the end of November rather than at the beginning can give your budget a big boost.

Interesting Things on the Web this week-

Beware of sneaky price increases at your local supermarket-

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-113688-11401-3-supermarkets-may-sneak-in-price-increases?hp=true?ywaad=ad0035&nc

Cold weather’s on its way and if you love hot chocolate here are some tips for making your own-

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/the-perfect-hot-chocolate-2590715/#photoViewer=1

I use vinegar for cleaning and here are some other ideas for using this very inexpensive item-

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/20-unusual-uses-for-vinegar-2588664

Later this week some make-up tips from Dale, Pat’s first blog post, and some ideas about getting out of the food doldrums from me…and a recipe too.

Have a good week.

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Valentine’s Day for the Budget Minded

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on February 9, 2011 at 2:53 pm

Doesn’t it seem like it’s one gift buying holiday after another? Stores are filled with reminders that everyone loves to wake up on Valentine’s Day to find a gift that lets them know you care. Here are some ideas for doing just that without spending a fortune.

ELF

You’ve heard me mention this company many times. It’s one of my top picks for wonderful products at Budget Smart Girl prices. It might be too late to place an order for Valentine’s Day but you could always send a card with a note saying a gift is on its way. And why not treat yourself too? They not only sell make-up but body care products too. Two new fragrances I love are the Milk and Honey and Shea Butter body lotion and butter. An added bonus is with your order you get a free year’s subscription to a magazine. Last time I ordered it was Reader’s Digest.

www.eyeslipsface.com

Chocolate without the cost…and calories

One of my editors sent me virtual chocolate to congratulate me on the release of one of my books. I bookmarked the site and think it’s the ideal way to make someone’s day without spending a penny.

www.virtualchocolate.com

PRINGLES Brownies

The folks at Pringles sent this recipe for you to try-

 

PRINGLES Brownies, created by professional Chef Kyle Shadix. The irresistible blend of sweet and savory is not only one of the popular dessert trends of 2011 but will be a great finish to a romantic night in.

 

· 6 ounces baking chocolate, unsweetened

· 3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine

· 2 cups sugar

· 3 eggs

· 1 tsp. vanilla

·  3/4 cup flour

· 1-6.41 ounce can of Original PRINGLES, regular or reduced fat

·  1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

·  Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 F

2.  Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, and spray foil with cooking spray.

3.  In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes.  Stir until chocolate melts. 

4.  In a stainless steel bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed. 

5.  Pour in butter chocolate mixture and mix well.

6.  Empty PRINGLES and flour into a food processor, and puree until very fine. 

7.  Empty flour mixture into chocolate mixture and mix well; add nuts to distribute.   

8.  Bake for 30 minutes, and cool.

For an inexpensive and delicious gift, cut the brownies into heart shapes, place them back in the emptied and cleaned Pringles can, then wrap with Valentine’s paper and tie with a bow.

Chocolate Dipped Potato Chips

The above recipe got me thinking about food gifts you can make yourself. I once tried chocolate covered potato chips. Yes, it sounds strange but the sweet and salty combination really works. Just melt some chocolate, dip the chips and let them set on some waxed paper. You can put them in a container or basket with some red shredded paper or tissue paper. I’ve also used chocolate covered fortune cookies too.

Lifesta

Here’s something of interest if you’re looking for cheap deals like a romantic meal at your favorite restaurant. And you can sell your unused deals too and make some money.

Here’s the information the company sent me-

Lifesta embraces the idea of “dealing it forward.” With an estimated 15 to 20 percent worth of pre-paid coupons from web sites like Groupon going unused, Lifesta offers a better solution for these daily deals to be resold and redeemed. The web site gives consumers the chance to sell deals they won’t use, while also providing the opportunity to buy deals they missed the first time. Purchasing on Lifesta is as simple as any e-commerce transaction. The buyer pays and gets instant access to the voucher, and the seller receives the payment immediately. The Lifesta Deal Guarantee protects consumers by offering a full refund if the voucher is found to be invalid within 60 days of the date of purchase.

Lifesta is easy to use. On the selling side, it only takes a couple of minutes to post a deal. Sellers determine the price and can edit their listings at any time to change the price or remove deals entirely. Consumers can simply visit the site, check out the deals and purchase immediately. Posting a deal is free of charge. When sold, only a $0.99 plus an eight percent fee of the selling price is charged to the seller.

To find and sell daily deal vouchers, visit www.lifesta.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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