Publix Savings

Spent: $121.51

Saved: $69.92

Not a bad week but I wish I spent a little less. I am making Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Biscotti right now with the BOGO craisins I bought today. I will post the recipe tomorrow.

Picture Sunday

The New Hair-Do

Weekly Menu

Sunday: Meatball subs

Monday: Chicken Parmigiana with Pasta

Tuesday: Cider Ginger Beef over rice

Wednesday: Blue Cheese Burger with chips and dip

Thursday: Shrimp Penne Pasta

Friday: Tacoritos

Saturday: Tomato and Basil Pizza

Dessert: Almond Rice Pudding

I plan to buy shrimp, ground sirloin and flank steak for next weeks dinner menu.  I also plan to buy an extra pound of flank steak for the following week. I still have ground chuck and chicken in the freezer from prior sales.

Wordless Wednesday

Roman's first bath

Ezra wrestling with a diaper

Headphones

While Ezra and I were playing in his room, Abe came in and said he thought he may have gotten the ear bud from his headphones lodged in his ear. Sure enough, he did. He asked me to remove it and I was scared to do it. All I could think of was me making the situation worse and us sitting at the ER to get it removed. I was able to remove it with tweezers....thank goodness!  Below is the pic of the ear bud and tweezers used:

Publix Sneak Peek 1/28 -2/3

I Heart Publix has the sneak peek ad up for the new week with coupon match-ups that starts January 28th in Florida. Make sure to check out the site! Here are the BOGO's:

Lay’s Potato Chips, assorted Varieties, 10.5 to 12.25 oz bag (Excluding Baked!, Light & Natural Chips) BOGO $3.99


Tyson Beef Pot Roast in Gravy or Steak Tips in Burgundy Sauce, Pork Loin in Sweet & tangy BBQ Sauce or Maple & Brown Sugar Ham, 17 oz pkg, BOGO $6.99

Oscar Mayer Beef Franks: Regular, Light, Bun Length, XXL Deli Style, or Jumbo, 16 oz pkg, BOGO $3.99

Makoto Dressing: honey Ginger, Ginger or Orange Ginger, 8 oz bot, BOGO $3.99

Eight O’ Clock Coffee, Assorted Varieties, 11.5 or 12 oz bag (Excluding Decaf) BOGO $4.99

Pace Salsa or Picante Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 16 oz jar, BOGO $2.79

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing or Farmhouse Originals, Assorted Varieties, 16 oz bot (Excluding Organic Ranch) BOGO $3.45

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna In Water, 4 pk, 5 oz can, BOGO $3.95

A.1. Steak Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 10 oz bot, BOGO $4.24

Juicy Juice 100% Juice, Assorted Varieties, 46 oz bot, BOGO Surprisingly Low Price

Kraft Barbecue Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 16.25 or 18 oz bot., BOGO $1.54

Ocean Spray Craisins, Assorted Varieties, Sweetened Dried Cranberries or Trail Mix, 6 oz bag, BOGO $2.29

General Mills Fiber One Cereal, Assorted Varieties, 14.25 to 17.25 oz box, BOGO $4.29

Ronzoni Pasta, Selected Varieties, 12 or 16 oz box (Excluding Lasagna, Manicotti, and Jumbo Shells) BOGO $1.29

Prego Italian Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 24 oz jar, BOGO $2.07

Knorr Sides, Assorted Varieties, 4 to 6.4 oz pouch, BOGO $1.49
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Bread, 15 Grain, Soft Honey Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat Double Fiber, or Oatmeal, 24 oz loaf, BOGO $3.69

General Mills Chex Mix, Assorted Varieties, 8.75 oz bag or Gardetto’s or Bugles, 7.5 or 8.6 oz bag, BOGO $2.49

Keebler Club Crackers, Assorted Varieties, 12 to 16 oz box, BOGO $3.99

Nabisco Honey Maid Grahams or Original Grahams, Assorted Varieties, 14.1 or 14.4 oz box, BOGO $3.99

Emerald Deluxe Mixed Nuts or Almonds or Cashews, Assorted Varieties, 10 or 11 oz cnstr., BOGO $5.79

Pop Secret Premium Popcorn, Assorted Varieties, 6 or 10 ct, 11.2 to 21 oz box, BOGO $4.69

Entemann’s Little Bites, Assorted Varieties, 6.6 to 11 oz box, BOGO $3.99

Mars Chocolate Bars or M&M’s Chocolate Candies, Variety Pack, 25 ct, 40.34 or 50.31 oz pkg, BOGO $14.99

Thomas’ bagels, Assorted Varieties, 20 oz bag (Excluding Thins, Minis and 100 Calories) BOGO $3.99

Farm Rich Mozzarella Cheese Sticks or Bites, Quesadilla Slices, Panini, or Original Meatballs, Assorted Varieties, BOGO $7.69

Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza, Assorted Varieties, 2-ct, 10.37 to 12.5 oz box, BOGO $2.99

Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt, Assorted Varieties, 4 pk, 4 oz cup, BOGO $2.50

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries, Assorted Varieties, 6 ct, 11.5 oz box, BOGO $2.49

Hungry Man Dinners, Assorted Varieties, 16 or 17 oz box, BOGO $3.59

Immaculate Baking Cookie Dough: Better Bakes: Chocolate Chunk, Triple Chocolate Chunk, or Vanilla Sugar, 14 oz bag, BOGO $3.09

Contessa Meals, Assorted Varieties, Assorted Varieties, 20 to 24 oz bag, BOGO $6.99

Fleischmann’s Margarine, Assorted Varieties, 2 pk, 8 or 12.4 oz tub or 16 oz ctn, BOGO $1.69

Complete Multi Purpose Solution, Easy Rub Formula, 12 oz box, BOGO $8.99
Glade Candle, 4 oz jar or Candle Refills, 4 ct pkg, Assorted Varieties, BOGO $3.49
Plastic SoloGrips Plastic Cups or Plates, 18 oz cups, 50 ct pkg or 9 inch plates or 10 inch compartment plates, 30 or 40 ct pkg, BOGO $4.99

Steel Cut Oatmeal

This is a great tasting and healthy breakfast. Steel cut oatmeal takes longer to cook than instant oatmeal but it reheats well so it can be made in advance. I like to make a large batch once a week, then divide it between individual plastic containers.  Ezra eats it every morning for breakfast. I also make two separate plastic containers for my husband to have for breakfast. I just reheat for 30 seconds and breakfast is made. It makes our mornings easier.  I do make it with 100% apple juice to give it a sweet taste.

Ingredients:
4 cups of apple juice
1 cup of steel cut oats

Directions:
Bring the apple juice to a boil. Then add the oats and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Sunday Picture

He is so sweet.

Free Desk Calendar From Walgreens

Go HERE to get a personalized FREE desk calendar from Walgreens when you use the code FREE4U. This is not eligible for in store pick up so you will have to pay for shipping. It expires January 23rd. This would make a great Valentine's Day gift!

I Am A Big Brother Now

Ezra is now a big brother. It is so cute watching him interact with Roman. He continues to call him baby and give him kisses.  Every time Roman cries, he gets a concerned look on his face.  It is adorable. I am so glad he is adjusting well to the new addition.

The first time Ezra meets Roman

Giving Roman his first kiss

Ezra saying "baby"

Giving Roman a kiss

Roman's Delivery

On January 17th, I was having contractions 10 minutes apart.  I knew it was time to head to the hospital because it was a bit of a drive for us.  When I arrived at the hospital, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart but my water had not broken yet and the contractions were not strong enough. I was 4 cm dialated and 90% effaced. The nurse told me my water was about to break and to walk around the hospital to make it happen.

In the waiting room

Delivery Suite

Getting ready to walk

After two hours of walking, my water still had not broken. I had a feeling that was going to happen. So I got hooked up to the IV to start Pitocin which I was happy about.  I was ready to have this baby. Within an hour of Pitocin, I was 5-6 cm dialated and 100% effaced.  And yes....MY WATER STILL NOT BROKEN.  My contractions were stronger and 2 minutes apart. I got the most beautiful gift after that....the Epidural. Love that stuff! A couple of hours later, my doctor arrives and tells me I am 8 cm dialated.  She decides it time to break my water. I was happy and nervous. I felt with delivering the second, I was a lot more nervous about delivering.  I guess it is because I knew what to expect and with the first I was going in blindly. After some pushing, doctor told me I was too numb and not pushing correctly. She was right. I could not feel a darn thing. Roman's heart-rate was dropping. So the worst thing that could possibly happen...happened.  She took me off the epidural.   I was beyond scared. Needless to say,  45 minutes later of pushing and the doctor using a vacuum, I gave birth to Roman without an epidural and felt everything. It was VERY painful.  To my shock, Roman weighed a whopping 7lbs and 14.9oz.  He was also 21.5 inches long. 

Roman Ebraheem Atiyeh

Born: January 17, 2010 at 9:16 PM

7lbs, 14.9oz

21.5 inches

Baby Update

Ok....well it is 1:36 AM and I am having contractions.  WOOHOO!  They are 30 minutes apart.  I know I need to rest but the excitement is killing me.  I am so looking forward to meeting Roman. I am sitting here thinking of how much I am going to miss certain things about being pregnant even though I am ready to have this baby. I know it's crazy. It truly is remarkable how we carry our children for nine months. Don't get me wrong, it has its moments but it is such a bonding experience. I would never change it. Well off to bed I go! 

Publix Savings

Spent: $80.42
Saved: $77.48

I did really good this week.  I LOVE when that happens! Publix is having a great sale this week. Some good BOGO deals.  Last week, I bought a good amount of meat. As planned, I did not have to buy meat this week.  YAY!!! Since I am scheduled to have the baby this week, I bought quite a bit of stockpiling items. I probably won't be making another grocery trip this month.  I plan to start posting my savings again in February. By the way, I was under budget this month.  GOTTA LOVE THAT!!

Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

Ingredients:
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
15-20 large marshmallows
 
Directions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Do not overheat or chocolate will scorch.
2. Dip the marshmallows in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper or aluminum foil and freeze.  If desired, sprinkle with sprinkles before freezing. Let marshmallows sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

WARNING

IF YOU DO THIS WITH YOUR KIDS, LIKE I DID, YOU WILL HAVE QUITE A MESS TO CLEAN UP!

Ezra is not use to eating this much chocolate. He was wired after making these. He ran up an down the hallways till after midnight. It was hilarious!!!! Abe and I are still laughing about it.

Toasted Ravioli

This recipe can be used as an appetizer or dinner.  I served it with salad, mozzarella cheese, and garlic bread for dinner. 

Ingredients:
2 eggs
A splash of milk or half and half
Salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups of Italian-style bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan-Romano cheese
1/4 cup of parsley
1 package of large cheese or spinach and cheese ravioli (freezer section)
3 tablespoons of  extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Cook the ravioli as directed in package.
2. Beat the eggs and splash of milk in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Combine the bread crumbs, cheese and parsley in a second dish. Dip the cooked ravioli in the eggs, then coat with the bread crumbs.
3. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then toast the ravioli until deep golden.
4. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce to dip.

Note: You can use 2 packages of ravioli if you need to stretch it a little further.

(adapted from Rachael Ray)

Swagbucks... You Gotta Try It!!!

I joined Swagbucks on Saturday and I am really liking it. I do searches through Swagbucks and earn points. You can redeem the points for items they have available. I plan to use it for gift cards.  I am hoping to earn enough points to use for gift cards to purchase Christmas gifts.  During the holidays, I purchase a lot of gifts through Amazon and that is a gift card that is offered. I am really looking forward to it. I suggest you try it. It is so easy to use and it's FREE! Just click the picture above and start searching!!!

Baby Update

I had another doctor appointment today and things are moving along.  I am now 4 cm and still 80% effaced.  Roman does not want to come out.  He is loving mom's belly, just like Ezra did.  I am scheduled to have him Tuesday, January 19th.  I am very excited!  I can't wait to see his beautiful face and hold him in my arms. We are looking forward to the new addition to the family.

Crispy Potato Poppers

These are delicious! Diner's Choice Mashed Potatoes are B1G1 at Publix right now.  Today is the last day to buy them. Here is a great recipe to use for them:

Ingredients:
Oil
1 container of mashed potatoes (21 ounces)
1 tablespoon of butter
1 eff
1/2 cup of shredded Romano or Mozzarella cheese
1 cup of all-purpose flour


Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 inch of oil to 350 degrees F.

2. Place potatoes and butter in microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer potato mixer to a large bowl; add egg, cheese, and flour. Stir to combine. Shape into 1-inch balls. Working in batches, fry potato balls 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Note: You can use bread crumbs in the potato mixture too.

(adapted from Sandra Lee Cookbook)

Publix Savings

Spent: $119.51

Saved: $73.22

Publix has a lot of meat on sale this week.  I picked up some beef stew, ground meat and chicken for next week.  I shouldn't have to buy any meat for our meals on my next shopping trip, which is always great. I love when that happens!

Publix Sneak Peek 1/14 -1/20

I Heart Publix  has the Sneak Peek ad up for the new week with coupon match-ups that starts January 14th in Florida.  Be sure to check it out and print your coupons. Remember to write out your list and stick to it!  Here are the BOGO's:

BOGOs:


Del Monte Fresh Cut Vegetables, 11 to 15.25 oz can (excluding Specialty Varieties and Asparagus), save up to 1.29

Progresso Soup, 18 to 19 oz can, save up to 2.29

Sabrett Beef Franks, Regular or Bun Size, 16 oz pkg, save up to 3.99

Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Original or Fun Shaped, 29 oz pkg, save up to 6.59

Thomas' Bagel Thins Plain or 100% Whole Wheat, 8 ct, 13 oz pkg, save up to 2.99

Publix Deli Potato Salad, 16 oz cont., BOOG $3.19

Publix Deli Salsa, Mild or Medium, 16 oz pkg, save up to 3.29

Hellmann's Mayonnaise, 30 oz jar, save up to 4.89

Chicken of the Sea Solid White Tuna, 4 pk, 5 oz can, save up to 5.69

Pompeian Olive Oil, Extra Light or Classic Mediterranean, 16 oz bottle, save up to 5.99

Smucker's Preserves or Marmalade or Spread, Jelly or Jam, 12.75 to 18 oz jar (excluding Apple, Grape, Low Sugar Grape, Red Raspberry or Black Raspberry), save up to 3.19

Lawry's 30 Minute Marinade, 12 oz bottle, save up to 2.93

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix, 8 or 10 ct box (excluding No Sugar Added, Pick-Me-Up, Great Start and Sensible Sweets), save up to 1.99

Kellogg's Cereal Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Smacks, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks or Rice Krispies, 11.2 to 16.5 oz box, save up to 3.99

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix, 16.76 to 18 oz box, save up to 2.59

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars or Oat Granola or True Delights Squares, 5.9 to 8.7 oz box, save up to 2.99

Near East Rice Pilaf or Couscous or Taboule or Whole Grain Blends, 5.25 to 10 oz box, save up to 2.19

Crystal Light Drink Mix or Iced Tea or Green Tea Mix, 10 or 12 qt canister (excluding On The Go Stick items), save up to 4.69

V8 Splash Beverage or Diet V8 Splash, Antioxidant Plus, 64 oz bottle, save up to 3.11

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks or Sunkist, 4.5 to 9 oz box, save up to 2.73

Pop-Secret Premium Popcorn, 6 or 10 ct, 11.2 to 21 oz box, save up to 4.69

Thomas' English Muffins, the Original Plain, 12 oz pkg, save up to 2.99

Keebler Vienna Fingers Cookies, Creme Filled or Reduced Fat, or Country Style Oatmeal with Raisins, 16 oz bag, save up to 3.89

Planters Mixed Nuts or Cashew Halves and Pieces, 16 or 17 oz can, save up to 6.29

Nestle Fun Size Bars or Miniatures, 11 to 12.5 oz bag, save up to 3.13

Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers or Party Mix, 11.5 to 14 oz box, save up to 3.49

Lender's Bagels, 6 ct bag (dairy section), save up to 1.79

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Spread: 15 oz or 2 pk, 7.5 oz tub, 16 oz pkg, or 10 oz bottle or Spray, 8 oz bottle, save up to 2.29

Breyers Ice Cream, 48 oz carton, save up to 4.99

Whole Fruit Sorbet, 1 pint carton, save up to 2.89

Mrs Paul's Fish, 8 to 11.4 oz pkg, or Clams, 8 oz pkg, save up to 4.49

Birds Eye Voila! Meal, 21 to 23 oz bag, save up to 4.99

Pillsbury Pancakes, 14.5 or 16.4 oz box, save up to 2.19

GE Extra Soft White Light Bulbs 40, 60, 75, 100 Watt, 4 ct pkg, save up to 1.59

Pedigree Dentastix Snack Food for Small Dogs: Regular or Mini, 6 oz pkg, or Daily Oral Care, 7 sticks, 6.2 oz pkg, save up to 3.79

Fantastik Cleaner, 26 or 32 oz bottle, save up to 2.99

Lysol Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner Removes Soap Scum: Island Breeze; or Mildew Remover with Bleach, 32 oz bottle, save up to 3.69

Hefty Cinch Sak Trash Bags or Tall Kitchen Bags or Ultra Flex Tall Kitchen Bags: Drawstring or Trash Refuse Liner, 13 to 45 gallon, 25 to 45 ct pkg, save up to 6.49

Halls Cough Drops, 30 ct bag, (excluding Halls Defense) save up to 1.65
 

Weekly Menu

Here is our menu for the week. Lets hope I am delivering the baby this week and won't be cooking.

Sunday: Chili dogs with chips and dip - Per hubby request

Monday: Italian Baked Tilapia with Chard Leaves

Tuesday: Cheesy Tortellini Bake

Wednesday: Chicken Caesar Burger with Crispy Potato Poppers

Thursday: Toasted Ravioli

Friday: Pot Roast

Saturday: Leftovers

Dessert: Chocolate Covered Marshmallows....I know Ezra is going to love this!!!

Batman Shaving Set

At Target there are Groom N' Go Bath Sets on sale.  They are 50% off. We got a Batman set for $2.48 for Ezra.  It comes with a foam soap, play shave razor, and shave brush. We are planning to give it to him as a Valentine's Day gift.  He is always starring at his daddy shave and now he will have his own little set.  I can't wait to watch him shave with Abe. We also picked up some Valentine's Day wrapping paper at the dollar spot at Target.

Baby Update

I had my 37 week check up and things are looking good.  I am 3 cm and 80% effaced.  Last week, I was 2 cm and 50% effaced.  I am progressing and Roman is getting ready to meet his mommy, daddy and big brother. I can't believe I am going to be a mom of two soon.  I am so excited!!!  I have been carrying him for 9 months and it is starting to feel so real.  I am happy beyond words could say.  I am truly blessed!