Menu Plan Monday: Big Hit Avocados

About four years ago, I decided to try my hand at a low carb diet...Atkins...whatever you want to call it. A close friend of mine lost 60 lbs. with this eating lifestyle, so I thought, "What the heck? Why not?" So I did. On top of the 20 lbs. I so painfully lost the year before, I lost another 30 lbs. within the next four months. Wow! A total of fifty pounds! I could not believe it. Well, with a back injury last summer and an almost broken ankle this summer, I managed to gain 20 of those pounds back. I hate it. It feels horrible...mentally and physically. Since low carb was the only eating lifestyle that I actually found great success on, I'm going to try and get back on the wagon. (like any "diet", it takes some real mental work up, ya know?) Pictures, like this one, tends help with a bit of inspiration. Wish me luck.

(January 2008)

With a low carbohydrate mindset, obviously when a "Big Hit Avocado Party" came across on Houseparty.com, I was there to apply. Guess what? They chose me to host! Soon after, I received a box of goodies: a cutting board, recipes/coupons/chip clips for all of the guests and a gift card in which to buy cooking supplies. We tried all sorts of new recipes, such as Turkey Bacon Avocado roll ups, Shredded Chicken Avocado pizza, Avocado Blue Cheese dip/dressing and, of course, guacamole. Luv.

Me & Michelle and our friend, el toro Pinata

Charlie & Lisa with their avocado love

Friends, Food and Fun

Out of all of the new foods we tested, the biggest hit was the Avocado Blue Cheese dip. We used this with fresh veggies and also as a sauce on the turkey wraps! Here's the recipe in case you would like to try it too.

1 Hass Avocado, small, diced
1 c. sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 lemon, juiced
1 T. white vinegar
1/4 c. chopped parsley leaves
1 t. minced shallots
1/2 t. minced garlic
1/4 lb. blue cheese, crumbled

In a mixing bowl and using a wire whisk, combine everything except the blue cheese and avocado, blending until smooth. Gently stir in the blue cheese and diced avocado with a fork until blended and creamy. Would make a good salad dressing as well! Enjoy!

As a start to my "perfect" low carb week, here is my menu dinner plan. (please note that the rest of my family will have an altered plan)

• Mon - Broccoli Bisque topped w/bacon & cheese, salad
• Tues - Taco Salad w/guacamole
• Wed - Baked Pork Chops, cottage cheese & salad
  
• Thurs- My birthday.big.whoop. - not sure yet
  
• Fri - party at mom & dad's - Italian Beef & veggie salad (Lord help me skip the pie!)
• Sat - Chicken Broccoli Divan
  
• Sun - Pizza pot pie & salad with the girls in Chicago. I'm telling you right now that I will not be able to pass up the Mediterranean Bread at Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinders.
  

Here's to a great, "on plan" week!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Zing Zang Zoom

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls of all ages!
Welcome to the Greatest Show on EARTH!"

...and I truly believe...it just.might.be.

I can't remember when any of us were more entertained and more excited than attending the Ringling Bros. Circus at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL this past Thursday. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of giving away a family set of tickets to one of my lucky blog readers. I can't WAIT to hear how Cassondra (@purplepassion12) and her family enjoyed their show. I just KNOW they will find it equally amazing as we did.

During the few days leading up to our circus date, I found myself feeling that childhood anxiousness about the show. Probably more than my son, I just could not wait! The last time I (or my husband) saw a circus...maybe 25 to 28 years ago? Whoa. Has it really been THAT long? It was definitely time.

Despite the fact that our IPass wouldn't register in time for our trip, we got stuck in Chicago rush hour traffic (for you locals, you KNOW how that is), we parked on the wrong side of the arena AND came in about 15 minutes late - we still had some of the best seats in the house - row A, seats 1,2,3 & 4. The kids were IMMEDIATELY enthralled with the artists hanging from ribbons; wildly spinning over their heads. They wouldn't even take time to remove their jackets. So, there they sat, wide eyed, zipped up to their eyeballs through the entire first act.


Not long after the first fliers ended, a young lady from the show came up and asked us if we wanted to help out with a magic trick! Of course, if you know me, I'm never one to turn down an opportunity. And Maria, she is a natural performer (whom has now informed her mother that she wants to join the circus when she gets older.) We really didn't know what to expect though were totally on board for whatever came our way. They took Maria and dressed her in a magical wizard outfit (she even got to keep the hat!) A clown asked the three adults, "which one of you wants to be shot out of a cannon?" Guess who raised her hand! Yup! Well, he led me away. All the while, I started thinking, "He never said I WASN'T going to be shot out of a cannon!" At that point, I started second guessing myself. Well, of course, I didn't become a hot, flying mess - but I WAS going to be levitated...and Maria was going to be the one to do it! And...she DID! I bet you are wondering how it was done? Right?

Two words: Circus. Magic. *wink*

Ta-Da!
(thanks to Michelle for two of these pictures: above and the one to the left)

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Zing Zang Zoom show not only combined upbeat music, costumes and technology, it also displayed the traditional aspects of a circus that I really appreciated. A live band with more clowns than you can shake a stick at, meshed with: High-wire acts,

Illusions,

Human Cannonballs,

and Rings of Fire - all made this a treat for our souls!

Oh...and you are wondering about the beautiful, amazing animals? Can you say zebras, horses and dogs (did you know that the performing dogs have all been rescued from pounds and homes that couldn't keep them?)

And Elephants!

And we can't forget about the trained, but not tame, tigers!

What a difficult time I had trying to decide which pictures to post...and they don't even do the performance justice. The entire show was so fast paced, spreading your focus all across the arena, consistently grabbing your attention with the next amazing feat.
Out of all of the different acts, I think the kids were most thrilled with the Fernandez Brothers and their Dueling Wheels. I even found myself on the edge of the seat several times, stomach in nervous knots. Clapping, jumping and squealing, the kids could not contain their excitement.

Even more than the tiger's snarl, more than the smoke and mirrors and bigger than the biggest of elephants - were the memories and smiles this show provided for not only these children, but young (and old) ones all over the world.

Thank you Feld Entertainment and Mom Central for providing affordable, quality entertainment for families like mine!

So, now that you are so very jealous of our circus experience...you can get tickets of your own!

Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows by logging onto Ticketmaster and entering the coupon code: MOM * - this code is good for any show near you (not just Chicago.)

*Use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter code in the "MC Promotions Box" on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required. Not valid on Circus Celebrity, Frong Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.

The Chicago event has two venues:
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
November 5-15, 2009
Wed. Nov. 11 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 12 - 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 13 - 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 14 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 15 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm

United Center in Chicago, IL
November 17 - 29, 2009
Tues. Nov. 17 - Community Night
Wed. Nov. 18 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 19 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 20 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 21 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 22 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Tues. Nov. 24 - 7:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 25 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving
Fri. Nov. 27 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 28 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 29 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm

Grab your popcorn and peanuts...and enjoy the show!

Savin' at CVS

As a norm, I don't like to go to CVS after the sale has been going for a few days. Each time, before I shop, I make a list of all my deals almost down to the penny. If an item is not available, it really messes up my mojo. With today being Wednesday, I was worried a little that all of the things I wanted wouldn't be there.

Guess what?

They were! And...this is what I bought.


The deal: Buy $10 worth of Glade items, get $3.00 ECB

• Glade Holder: $2.50
• Glade Holder: $2.50
• Glade Oil refill: $2.50 - $2.50 (Sunday Q - buy a holder get refill free!)
• Glade Oil refill: $2.50 - $2.50 (Sunday Q - buy a holder get a refill free!)

• Sugar Free Tums: $3.99 - $2.00 CVS coupon book Q = $1.99 with $1.00 ECB
• Gilette Custom 3 razors: $5.99 - $2.00 Sunday Q = $3.99 with $2.00 ECB

The deal: Buy $20 worth of health items, get $10.00 ECB

• Nyquil Sinus: $5.00 - $1.50 Sunday Q - $.50 CVS coupon book Q = $3.00
• Dayquil Sinus: $5.00 - $1.50 = $3.50
• Robitussin: $5.00 = $1.00 Sunday Q = $4.00
• Robitussin: $5.00 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $4.00

Subtotal: $39.98
Minus coupons: 14.50
Minus prior ECB's:$16.99
Minus $5/$30 CVS Quiz Q: $5.00
Total:$3.49
Tax: $2.80
MY CASH TOTAL: $6.29 w/$16.00 ECB back!

Also, have you picked up your CVS Green bag tag? If not, you MUST. You can find them hanging by the registers. You hook this little plastic leaf to your REUSABLE bag. Every 4th visit that you scan the tag, along with your Extra Care Card, you will receive $1.00 ECB! That's FREE money (after your fourth trip) AND you are lessening the waste created by plastic shopping bags!

You know what is awful? (Obviously, the cashiers at my CVS know who I am...no, that's not the bad part) When I checked out today, the cashier said, "I was wondering if you were going to get one of these tags. You are one of the ONLY customers that actually brings in your own bags." Me, wide eyed in disbelief, "REALLLLLY?? What a waste!" She sadly said, "I know...I totally agree."

People - please. Let's start with the little things.

Want to take the CVS $5.00 Challenge at Kingdom First Mom?

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

Talk has already begun about taking the train to Chicago. Time is nearing to walk Michigan Avenue, enjoying the hustle and bustle under a canopy of twinkling holiday lights.

I guess we'll be back on this bench soon, anxiously waiting to hear that South Shore whistle.

Except...

We won't be wearing shorts.

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

52 Weeks of Cheap Winners

I'm so sorry - if you had last week's winning blue ticket, you are plum out of luck. It is time for a new winner! If you have number 862692, please step forward!


Is it yours? If so, you have won a Scotch Brite Greener Clean package!
Included: Natural fiber scour pads, biodegradable sponges, natural bamboo cleaning cloth, biodegradable bamboo wipes and biodegradable expanding soft sponges.

How much more earth friendly can you get?

You have until Monday, November 9th at 9:00 pm CST to claim your prize.

Hurry, Hurry! Who shall be this week's "Cheap Winner?"

cheapo[dot]mcfrugalpants[at]gmail[dot]com

Quick Rules:
1.) All Rules are Cheapo's Rules and she has the rights to those rules.
2.) One number will be announced every Monday evening. You will have ONE week to email or twitpic me a picture of your ticket...otherwise, whah-whaah - you're out of luck.
(unless of course, I just GAVE you a number, in that case just recognize that it's yours. I'll know if it's you.)
3.) Email your address to me so I can send your prize. Also, leave your website so I can congratulate and link you up.
(your email address will ONLY be used for this purpose - rest assured)
4.) If a weekly prize goes unclaimed, it may go to another winner for another week.
5.) Some prizes may be sponsored. If so, they will state themselves as so.
6.) Um...I think that's it. If another rule comes up, I will post it - because I have all rights, remember? *wink*

Witch Fingers and Nutter Butter Ghosts

This is an Oct. 31, 2008 re-post from my old Blog, "Hoosier Roots." It's just too fun not to mention again.

"Oh, the rats and bats and witches
keep the skeletons in stitches
as they sip their spider cider
in the haunt-ed house!"

About seven or eight years ago, right around Halloween, my husband brought home a recipe clipped from a newspaper at his work. He thought it was really cool and wondered if I would make it. So, I took a look. Who would've thought these cookies would become a Halloween tradition in our little family? We just HAVE to make them every year! Everyone is thrilled with them; kids adore them. I now think they have come to be EXPECTED. I'll share the recipe with you and maybe, just maybe you'll have a Halloween tradition on your "hands" as well.

Witch Finger Cookies
(if you are wondering, they are like almond shortbread)

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
1 egg
1 t. almond extract (I used coconut extract and think it's even BETTER)
1 t. vanilla
2 3/4 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
a few drops green food coloring
slivered almonds (you can use whole or pistachios too, but I like the "claw" look)
1 tube red decorator gel (or you can color a little corn syrup colored red - cheaper if you have it on hand already)

In bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract, vanilla and green food coloring. Beat in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover (or wrap) and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Roll heaping teaspoons of dough one at a time into finger shape for each cookie. Press almond firmly into one end for nail. Squeeze fingers in center to create knuckle shape (I find that when you roll these between your hands, the knuckle sort of creates itself.)
Using a paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet in 325 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale or lightly golden. (you don't want to brown these so watch carefully)
Let cool for 3 minutes, lift up almond; squeeze red gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place so gel oozes out from underneath. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Makes a few dozen, depending oh now big you make them.

BOO!! Adding a few of these Nutter Butter Ghosts to your cookie tray really gets everyone in the "spirit." Simple, quick, even the kids can do them!

Nutter Butter Ghosts
(these are not so cheap because Nutter Butters are a bit on the pricey side - fun regardless)

Nutter Butter Cookies
Almond Bark, melted
Chocolate chips/mini chocolate chips/sprinkles/mini M&M's
(whatever you have on hand to make a face)

Melt the bark, dip the cookie 3/4 of the way in, place on wax paper. Add face design while bark is still wet. Let dry and eat!

"When the night is dark and scary
when the moon is full
and the creatures are a flying
and the wind goes WOOOOOO,
you better mind your parents and your teachers fond and dear,
and cherish them that loves ya and dry the orphans tears
and help the poor and needy ones that cluster all about
or the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!"
- James Whitcomb Riley

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

FREE Fall Fun at the Pumpkin Farm. Be sure to check out your local pumpkin sales area - each year, this farm offers free hayrides, hay maze and corn bin play. Pumpkins are optional. It's a good time to let the kids run wild and enjoy the autumn weather!


I found this comical. Come.ON. Do people REALLY need to be reminded? Or, is that sign for the kids who are sneaking off inside to burn one? Ugh.

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.